Category Uncategorized

With Rasmus Hojlund continuing to struggle, Manchester United are now reportedly positioning themselves to sign an impressive 17-goal striker who would be an instant upgrade.

Hojlund up for sale this summer

Almost two years on from his £72m move from Atalanta, Hojlund is yet to burst into life in a Manchester United shirt. Even after paying such a price, the Red Devils would have been aware that any young striker would need time. By this stage, however, those around Old Trafford had hoped to see more from the Dane, who has struggled more than ever under Ruben Amorim.

26 goals in 94 appearances is a poor record for any striker, but for a £72m striker it’s undeniably disastrous. Now, according to recent reports, Amorim is ready to sanction Hojlund’s sale and find an instant replacement this summer.

This comes just days after the Europa League final, in which the 22-year-old was once again kept quiet as Tottenham Hotspur battled to a 1-0 victory. What will far from help his cause is how much more structured Manchester United looked following the introduction of Joshua Zirkzee.

Whilst Hojlund failed in his hold-up play approach, Zirkzee dropped deeper and instantly handed the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes a connection between midfield and attack. As much as the Dutchman has also struggled in Manchester this season, he has shown glimpses of the traits that Manchester United signed him for last summer.

In desperate need of an upgrade to end their goalscoring woes, the pending arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers may not be the last time that Manchester United go in search of attacking talent this summer. As per recent reports, the Red Devils are also lining up another Premier League star.

Man Utd positioning themselves to sign Mateta

According to L’Equipe, Manchester United are now positioning themselves to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace this summer. The Frenchman is reportedly considering joining Amorim’s side in a bid to break into France’s World Cup squad next summer.

The forward has enjoyed another excellent season at Selhurst Park and will forever have his place in the club’s history after playing his part in their FA Cup win and their first-ever major trophy.

Man Utd ready move for one of the most sought after young talents in Italy

He’s a man in demand.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 22, 2025

The question will naturally be asked as to whether Mateta will be willing to ditch such success for a United side in turmoil, but Cunha’s reported move proves that those at Old Trafford still have the ability to attract top talents.

With 14 goals in the Premier League and 17 in all competitions, Mateta has found the back of the net more times than both Zirkzee and Hojlund combined. Described as “amazing” by Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner earlier this season, the Frenchman is someone that Manchester United should go all out for.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and his son have received death threats from Galatasaray fans instructing them to sanction Victor Osimhen's move to the Turkish club.

• De Laurentiis family pressured by fans
• Osimhen's move to Galatasaray on hold
• Super Lig club negotiating with Napoli

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  De Laurentiis and his son Edoardo were handed death threats by a Galatasaray fan who seemed angry at Osimhen's transfer saga. The Napoli chief's son was sent vulgar messages on WhatsApp, commanding him not to oppose Osimhen's permanent move to the Super Lig side, and a screenshot was shared on X by Turkish journalist Samet Cayir.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After spending four seasons at Napoli since his move from Lille in 2020, Osimhen joined Galatasaray last summer on loan. He shone bright and recorded 45 goal contributions in 41 games, which was made up of 37 goals and eight assists. His impressive form led to the Turkish club urging a permanent transfer. However, his parent club Napoli have laid out certain terms which are deemed unacceptable by Galatasaray. Napoli had requested €40 million plus €35m to be paid by 2026 and a percentage from any future resale, while the Super Lig side wanted to delay the second instalment to 2027 and remove the resale clause. With such rigorous negotiations, Osimhen's future is yet to be sorted out.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Osimhen, who has 26 goals in 41 games for Nigeria, was the Super Lig's top scorer last season with 26 goals, five more than Basaksehir's Krzysztof Piatek.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR OSIMHEN?

  Talks are continuing between Galatasaray and Napoli, with the Italian champions certain that the striker does not have a future at the club.

Ruben Amorim has cut a frustrated figure since replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. The Portugal tactician’s candour has worked against him at times, fingers pointed toward negativity when the club needs the opposite.

But Amorim is at least clear in his vision and clear about where the Red Devils need to improve. He’s been clear about his opinion that beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final will not rectify the wrongs, and he’s been clear that changes are needed in the transfer market this summer.

United are down, but they aren’t out, retaining a deep-rooted appeal for players to make the move to Old Trafford. INEOS will certainly hope the club’s reputation holds sway as they look to close their first deal of the summer.

Man Utd on the verge of signing new forward

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United will complete the signing of Matheus Cunha in the coming days, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward keen on wrapping up discussions and making the move to Manchester.

Cunha has a £62.5m release clause in his Wolves contract after renewing terms in January, and given that negotiations between United and the Old Gold are at an advanced stage, it seems to be the structure of the payment being the only hold-up.

What Matheus Cunha would bring to Old Trafford

Regarded as “one of the best players in the Premier League this season” by Statman Dave, Cunha may well have been the definitive factor in Wolves’ season, firing away each week to lift his team away from the relegation fodder.

He might find he’s swiftly required as a talisman at Old Trafford next season, for his efforts suggest he’s a far cry ahead of some of Amorim’s existing options.

Alejandro Garnacho is one of United’s brightest sparks, but there’s no question that he’s ebbed and flowed this year, with talks of a transfer to Chelsea or Atletico Madrid in January coming to nought.

Such clubs may return for the £65m-rated talent this summer.

Amorim and Garnacho didn’t get off to a good start, the manager dropping his 20-year-old star in December following application problems in training.

He has evident talent, but given that Cunha is expected to join, why not cash in and start afresh? To be sure, United need quite the renovation.

And when looking at the players’ respective seasons, it’s clear that Cunha is head and shoulders above the Man United man.

Cunha is far more clinical, not just outscoring Garnacho (and all the rest) but doing so with style, having missed only two big chances all season. Moreover, he’s more creative and more effective, and active in the duel.

Cunha’s defensive statistics surpass Garnacho’s too, and that’s not because of Wolves’ style of play. United are hemmed in near the bottom of the Premier League table with two games left to go, having averaged 53.2% of possession each game, as per FBref.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The fact is, Amorim needs this kind of player in his mix. The Red Devils need a tenacious and combative forward who will work hard and shoot true, with a flair for the creative, too.

Hailed for his “incredible” performances at Molineux by his former manager Gary O’Neil, signing Cunha, regardless of United’s Europa League fate, would make a firm comment on the club’s ability to withstand adversity and still attract some of the finest players in the Premier League.

Maybe Garnacho and the £90k-per-week Wolves sensation could work in conjunction next year, but if the Argentina prospect needs to be sold to establish room and balance for this new recruit, so be it.

Not just Hojlund: Man Utd must axe one of Ten Hag's best signings in Bilbao

Manchester United fell to yet another defeat last night, losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 17, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

da pinup bet： O centroavante Julio Furch chega ao Santos com a missão de reforçar o ataque da equipe, acrescentando ao elenco de Paulo Turra uma opção para jogos de maior exigência física, especialmente nas disputas aéreas.

RelacionadasSantosPrincipais notícias do Santos hoje: Furch no BID, João Paulo segue como dúvida e zagueiro da Costa Rica chegandoSantos27/07/2023SantosSantos avança pela compra de zagueiro que jogou a Copa do Mundo de 2022Santos27/07/2023Santos!IMPERADOR LIBERADO! Julio Furch aparece no BID e pode estrear pelo Santos contra o FluminenseSantos27/07/2023

da bet7： + Já atualizou sua camisa de 2023? Confira os novos uniformes do Peixe!

No entanto, se quiser atuar com frequência o argentino terá que desbancar o ‘dono’ da posição há três temporadas e artilheiro do time na atual temporada: Marcos Leonardo. Em tese, ambos ocupam a função de ‘camisa 9’. Porém, durante a apresentação na última quarta-feira (26), Furch comentou a possibilidade de atuar em dupla com o Menino da Vila.

– Posso jogar com outro companheiro (no ataque) com as características do Marcos (Leonardo). No México éramos praticamente dois ‘noves’. Marcos não é tanto de estar na área, mas de se mover um pouco mais. Pode ser uma boa complementação se pudermos jogar juntos – disse.

Recentemente, o técnico Paulo Turra modificou o sistema tático da equipe para um 4-4-2, formando uma dupla de ataque entre Marcos Leonardo e Stiven Mendoza, facilitando um possível encaixe do reforço santista no jogo coletivo do time. Com base nisso, tentamos desvendar se Marcos Leonardo e Julio Furch podem atuar juntos.

+ Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

Para início de conversa, o ‘Imperador’ considera Marcos Leonardo um atacante de movimentação, apesar de artilheiro do Peixe no ano com 14 gols marcados em 29 jogos. Ao mesmo tempo, ele se autodescreve com um jogador finalizador, que retém a bola e se aproxima para a execução de paredes.

No que depender de estatísticas, no entanto, a diferença entre os atletas não é grande. Dados da plataforma ‘Sofascore’ indicam que ambos os centroavantes são muito parecidos, tanto como criadores de jogadas como finalizando os ataques (veja mais abaixo). A diferença entre os dois está justamente na jogada aérea, característica citada por Furch como um ponto forte do seu jogo.

Vale destacar que estes números estão fora do contexto das partidas, ou seja, não têm relação alguma com o estilo de cada equipe, adversários enfrentados, nem mesmo indicam em quantos destes jogos os centroavantes atuaram sozinhos ou em dupla.

Um elemento de análise que poderia indicar se há diferença na movimentação dos atacantes seriam seus mapas de calor. No entanto, as figuras indicam que ambos os jogadores ocupam espaços semelhantes no campo. Na imagem abaixo, comparamos o posicionamento de Marcos Leonardo no Brasileirão deste ano (11 jogos) e de Julio Furch no Clausura da Liga MX, disputado no primeiro semestre deste ano (19 jogos).

Ainda que os dois tenham características distintas, os números indicam que ambos cumprem praticamente a mesma função em campo. Marcos Leonardo, apesar de se movimentar bastante, não tem como principal característica a capacidade de criação. Da mesma forma, Furch é tão bom finalizador quanto o jovem santista.

A decisão está nas mãos de Paulo Turra. Mas, se depender dos números, dificilmente o torcedor santista verá essa dupla tendo um bom encaixe em campo.

Arne Slot has confirmed that he will rotate his Liverpool team in the Premier League this season (finally) after last weekend’s title triumph.

A host of players have been reduced to bit-part roles under the new management, but the Dutch coach has said that “a few players will come into the team” across the closing weeks of the campaign.

Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah and Federico Chiesa will be among those looking for starting berths, but at left-back, it’s more of an uncertain situation.

While Andy Robertson remains Liverpool’s first-choice option to partner Virgil van Dijk on the left side of the backline, his influence has waned this season, mistakes creeping in and attacking contributions heading out.

Several Reds stars are going to be playing for their futures over the final four fixtures, and Kostas Tsimikas is sure to be one of them, having only started seven top-flight games all term. However, four of those have come across seven recent outings.

Liverpool are in the market for a new left-back this summer, and one of the experienced duo is sure to be sold to make room for a fresh face. Milos Kerkez is at the top of the list of contenders.

Liverpool's interest in Milos Kerkez

According to The Times, Liverpool have placed Kerkez right at the top of their shortlist as FSG warm to the idea of signing a new left-back. However, Bournemouth want £45m for the 21-year-old and this is steep.

Described as a “machine” by Sky Sports’ Izzy Christensen, the Cherries defender has all the attributes to become one of Europe’s elite players, and so it’s hardly surprising that his outfit are ready to drive a hard bargain.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was the man who brought Kerkez over to England, signing the Hungarian talent from AZ Alkmaar for £15.5m in July 2023 while he was the transfer operator at the Vitality Stadium.

This season, Kerkez has been a revelation in Andoni Iraola’s system, frightening in attack and secure in defence. His completeness and athleticism have seen him emerge as one of the best young full-backs in Europe.

At £45m, Liverpool will be sure to consider their options, especially with Manchester City and Real Madrid also keen. Hughes has already lined up a potential alternative, and he’s an exciting one at that.

Liverpool chasing new left-back

Kerkez seems to be the top target for the Anfield side, but Liverpool aren’t limited in their scope. Indeed, journalist Bence Bocsak has recently reported that the Premier League champions have been extensively scouting an alternative option.

The man in question is Maxim De Cuyper, with the Club Brugge star impressing Liverpool recruiters with his performances in the Champions League this year. Arsenal are also interested.

De Cuyper, 24, is an active defender with a gas tank that refuses to be depleted. With Robertson hoping to stick around for a few more years, this could be the perfect profile to challenge the Scotland captain for a starting berth, especially since he’s got a rumoured price tag of €25m (£21m).

Why Liverpool should De Cuyper

Firstly, these reports suggest that De Cuyper could be available for less than half the price of Kerkez, and when digging into their respective skill sets, it does look as if the Belgium international has the quality to make just as much of a positive impact in Slot’s team – if not more.

A fiercely creative defender, De Cuyper ranks among the top 19% of full-backs across divisions similar to the Belgian Pro League for assists, the top 1% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

FBref have also recorded that De Cuyper’s Champions League performances this season put him alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold from a statistical standpoint, only reinforcing the argument that he would be a perfect fit in Slot’s squad.

When assessing De Cuyper against Kerkez, there’s a case to be made that his playmaking and roundedness make him a better fit than Kerkez, who is a fast-rising defender but a mite expensive at £45m.

The Club Brugge man has hit 11 goal contributions across all competitions this year, notably scoring against Aston Villa in the Champions League. Arsenal want him too, remember, so he’s doing something right.

Of course, the Premier League is objectively of a higher technical calibre than the Belgian Pro League, but the defender’s success in Europe’s elite competition emphasises his chances of hitting the ground running under Slot’s wing in England.

Matches (starts)

34 (31)

34 (34)

Goals

3

2

Assists

5

5

Pass completion

83%

80%

Big chances created

22

7

Key passes*

2.5

1.0

Dribbles (%)*

0.5 (51%)

0.6 (57%)

Ball recoveries*

4.0

4.5

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

2.6

Clearances*

2.0

2.8

Duels (%)*

3.6 (53%)

4.1 (53%)

It’s interesting that the Belgian should produce such scintillating playmaking numbers – furthering the argument that he’s Trent-like – with his underlying metrics across other areas also suggesting that he could be a more complete and effective left-back upgrade than Kerkez.

Harking back to Robertson, the 31-year-old has failed to register a single goal contribution in the Premier League this season, so it’s no wonder Slot and Hughes are determined to improve that area of the pitch. De Cuyper has the traits that suggest he is the perfect successor.

This isn’t to say that Kerkez is ineffective from a playmaking perspective; far from it, the Hungarian has showcased an exciting desire to advance attacking play on England’s south coast this term.

But De Cuyper has that special something that could charge Liverpool’s left lane to another level entirely. Is it any wonder that talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “one of the best left-backs currently playing outside the (Europe’s) top five leagues.”

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Liverpool need to find a way to stay ahead in creative metrics next season, especially if Alexander-Arnold leaves for pastures new in sunny Spain. Bringing in De Cuyper would be the perfect way to enforce this; he might even prove a better signing than Kerkez, and for a portion of the price.

Outscoring Isak: Liverpool scouting £25m "nuisance" who's just like Nunez

Liverpool are ready to go shopping for new forwards this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 3, 2025

Missing from the squad are experienced seamer Dushmantha Chameera, who is out with injury, and batter Shevon Daniel

Andrew Fidel Fernando12-Mar-2024Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara is back in the ODI XI, while batting allrounder Kamindu Mendis also makes the squad, as Sri Lanka aim to continue their rebuild after a disappointing World Cup, against Bangladesh. Missing from the squad are experienced seamer Dushmantha Chameera, who is out with injury, and batter Shevon Daniel, who was part of Sri Lanka’s last two ODI squads, but has only played one game.Kumara has been showing decent form in domestic cricket, having taken nine wickets in his four most-recent List A matches. Kamindu has made it to the ODI squad after impressing in the T20Is.ESPNcricinfo LtdAlso in this squad are opening batter Pathum Nissanka, who has recovered sufficiently from a hamstring complaint, and offspin-bowling allrounder Sahan Arachchige, who has been having a good domestic season with the bat as well. Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva remains omitted from the ODI squad, and Daniel – who had made the last two ODI squads – has been left out in favour of Kamindu.While Kumara is the most experienced quick in the attack, Sri Lanka have plenty of seam options, though they do not have the slingers Matheesha Pathirana, or Nuwan Thushara, despite the latter having been outstanding in the third T20I against Bangladesh. They instead have Pramod Madushan, left-armer Dilshan Madushanka, and all-round options Chamika Karunaratne and Janth Liyanage. There is no Dasun Shanaka.On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to be the bowlers likeliest to play in the XI, but Akila Dananjaya is also in the mix, as is left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage.Related

Silverwood welcomes 'great rivalry' with Bangladesh: 'We need good competition'

Shanto banks on bowlers, stable batting line-up for ODI turnaround

Bangladesh look to remedy home record as rivalry with SL heats up

Najmul Hossain Shanto: 'Sri Lanka haven't moved on from timed-out incident'

Sri Lanka have won both their ODI series this year, at home against Zimbabwe, then Afghanistan. This is their first overseas series in 2024. The first of three ODIs will be played in Chattogram on Wednesday.Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (capt.)(wk), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamindu Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne

Further scans on the opener’s thumb revealed damage from the blow he took in the T20I series

Alex Malcolm27-Feb-2024New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the opening Test against Australia in Wellington due to the thumb injury he sustained in the T20 series. Henry Nicholls has been called into the squad although Will Young will be Conway’s likely replacement at the top of the order.Conway damaged his left thumb while wicketkeeping in the second T20I in Auckland on Friday. Initial scans cleared him of a fracture but he did not keep or bat after the blow and was ruled out of the third match of the series. Further investigation has shown damage to the thumb.”It’s disappointing for Devon to be ruled out on the eve of an important match,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “He’s a class player batting at the top of the order for us and I know he was really looking forward to this series.”Related

Sears called up for O'Rourke, Conway to miss start of IPL due to thumb surgery

Wellington rain leaves New Zealand waiting to decide on fourth bowler

Labuschagne confident of finding form by batting more and more

Neil Wagner retires from international cricket

Big Brother makes rare trip across the Tasman for high-stakes contest

Conway will undergo further assessment during the week to ascertain the extent of the injury and the final diagnosis. The second Test starts in Christchurch on March 8.On Tuesday, Stead confirmed that Rachin Ravindra would be fit to play after being left out of the last two T20Is against Australia as a precaution following knee soreness. Daryl Mitchell is also fit to play after missing the second Test against South Africa and the entire T20I series against Australia to manage an ongoing issue with his heel.Neil Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday after being told he would not be selected in the two Tests against Australia. His place in the squad is a ceremonial one for this Wellington Test only.Mitchell Santner is in line to return to the XI•Getty ImagesNew Zealand played four fast bowlers in their last Test in Hamilton but Stead admitted that, despite winning the match, it was probably a selection mistake. Mitchell Santner looks likely to reclaim his spot in Wellington.”I think in hindsight, we probably got that wrong the way that the pitch did behave,” Stead said. “We’ve certainly got Mitch Santner here as that option and we’ll certainly consider him as well.”Skipper Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke look likely to be the trio of quicks with Scott Kuggeleijn the only other fast-bowling option in the squad. The pitch had a typically green look to it two days out from the first Test but those who have been to the middle said it looks very good and firm underneath despite the covering of live green grass.New Zealand have not beaten Australia in a Test at home since 1993 and have not beaten them anywhere since 2011, but Stead said the series represents an opportunity to improve their record against their neighbours.”We don’t play Australia that often, which is strange considering that they’re just across the Tasman there,” Stead said. “But, look, they always set the benchmark and are current world Test champions and they are that for a reason. They’re a very good side. But that’s our opportunity. And that’s for us to go out and I guess show our wares and we’re certainly looking forward to the challenge that is ahead.”

MatériaMais Notícias

da imperador bet： Os bastidores da vitória do Fluminense por 3 a 1 sobre o Sporting Cristal, pela Copa Libertadores, no Estádio Nacional de Lima, mostraram a busca por atenção redobrada entre os tricolores. Divulgada pela FluTV na madrugada de sábado, a rotina da equipe traz detalhes da reestreia de Marcelo e sinais de alerta exigidos pelo técnico Fernando Diniz.

Durante o intervalo do confronto, o comandante fez cobranças diante das chances desperdiçadas na etapa inicial.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFluminenseÀs vésperas da final do Carioca, Diniz tem desafios para ajeitar a defesa do FluminenseFluminense07/04/2023Futebol LatinoImprensa argentina repercute paixão de Felipe Melo pelo Boca JrsFutebol Latino07/04/2023Fora de CampoEx-jogador condena atitudes recentes de Marcelo com torcedores: ‘Mascarado’Fora de Campo07/04/2023

da bet7： -Lá na frente a gente não pode perder tanto gol. Nós perdemos seis gols para fazer um. Então vamos fazer a p… do gol para definir o jogo! – contestou o treinador, quando a partida estava empatada no Estádio Nacional, em Lima.

Após a confirmação da vitória por 3 a 1, o treinador mirou suas atenções na final do Campeonato Carioca, que acontecerá no domingo (9), às 18h. Diniz passou entusiasmo para o elenco.

-Rapaziada, parabéns aí pela vitória. A partir de agora, desse momento, a gente pensa no nosso título. Todo mundo que acredita! Nós já estamos trabalhando para c… nesse jogo. Preparar o melhor Fluminense para jogar domingo, que é o da Páscoa. Agora, só Flamengo e só título (apontando para a cabeça) – garantiu.

A delegação tricolor voltou ao Rio de Janeiro em voo fretado na noite de quinta-feira. Após as atividades na manhã de sexta-feira, o técnico Fernando Diniz fará os últimos ajustes na equipe em treino neste sábado (8).

O Fluminense perdeu por 2 a 0 para o Flamengo no jogo de ida. Com isso, precisa vencer por três ou mais gols a partida deste domingo para se classificar diretamente. Vitória por dois gols leva a decisão para os pênaltis. O Tricolor das Laranjeiras terá de repetir um feito incomum em suas disputas nos mata-matas.

Wild conclusion out of kilter with quiet final day in which Lewis Gregory almost saved the game

Matt Roller15-Apr-2024There are nearly 5,000 miles between The Oval and the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and while one venue was packed out on Monday evening, the other was almost empty. But for eight overs, Surrey kept pace with the record-breaking scoring rates posted by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, giving Somerset a real scare before this match petered out into a draw.After the first hour was wiped out by rain, Somerset’s lower order batted for 55.4 overs on the final day to leave Surrey chasing an unlikely 209 inside 19 overs. They threatened to pull off the unthinkable: Dan Lawrence and Jamie Smith were promoted to open and added 90 off the first eight overs, plundering six fours and three sixes despite Lewis Gregory stationing nine fielders on the boundary.Smith, who played the shot of the day when he swung Craig Overton into the third tier of the Micky Stewart Pavilion, holed out to Matt Renshaw at long-on off Gregory’s first ball but Ollie Pope seemed an ideal partner for Lawrence, slicing Kasey Aldridge over the short point boundary for six even as one hand came off the bat.But after Pope lost his leg stump looking to slash Aldridge away through the off side once more, Surrey lost their bearings: Jamie Overton miscued a return catch to Aldridge, Rory Burns picked out deep square leg and Dom Sibley top-edged an attempted pull back to Gregory. Lawrence reached a 30-ball 50 but couldn’t keep the strike, and the players shook hands with five overs unbowled.The wild conclusion was out of kilter with a quiet final day, in which Gregory had almost single-handedly saved the game with his second half-century of the match, his second as permanent captain. Somerset’s overnight lead was just 61 with four wickets in hand, but stands of 94 and 89 with Aldridge and Overton respectively took time out of the game.It seemed clear that the second new ball would be the missing ingredient for Surrey after the first one had lost its spice. Kemar Roach broke through shortly after lunch, in the fifth over after the changeover, with a beauty that took Aldridge’s outside edge on its way through to Ben Foakes.Surrey used their spinners from one end and their seamers at the other, trying to create chances and breathe some life into the game on a bitterly cold afternoon. They appealed desperately for leg-before wicket and caught-behind chances, constantly creating half-chances without a breakthrough.But Gregory batted on, surviving a chance on 69 when Roach dropped a skier at deep square leg off Gus Atkinson’s bowling. He eventually fell for 80 to Cameron Steel’s legspin, slapping to backward point, and Steel completed his second five-wicket haul of the season when Migael Pretorius skied him to cover and Shoaib Bashir was pinned lbw.Steel is an unlikely man to be leading the wicket-taking charts in Division One after two rounds, with his 14 wickets already more than double the number he managed last year (six). But he has worked hard on his bowling through the winter, training with New South Wales and Sydney Sixers in Australia, and has enjoyed the opportunity to be Surrey’s main spinner with Will Jacks at the IPL.Somerset’s first-day collapse of 7 for 20 left them behind for the rest of the game, but their coach, Jason Kerr, said he was pleased with the “resilience” that his side showed. “Apart from about 40 minutes on day one, we have been outstanding in this game, particularly on days two and three with the ball and then today, the resilience that the guys demonstrated.”You thought we were getting to the point where we were shutting the game down – but then we gave them a sniff. But similarly, the way Lewis and Kasey bowled in particular to shut the game down… I think the draw was a fair result. Lewis has been outstanding. He’s in great form, and leading brilliantly. Long may it continue.”Surrey were disappointed not to get over the line, but will welcome Dan Worrall back into their squad when they face Kent on Friday and their seamers will be pleased to have a Dukes ball back in their hands. “It was a tough slog for us,” Steel said. “All credit to them for the way they played on a good pitch.”

Federico Chiesa reportedly 'loves' Liverpool but his 'priority' is to return to Italy for next season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Chiesa struggles at LiverpoolSaid to 'love' the RedsBut wants Italy returnFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chiesa is eager to return to Serie A this summer, and although he 'loves' Liverpool, his limited game time this season has alerted Italian sides about a possible move.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Chiesa was once one of the best wingers in the world, and after signing for just £12.5 million ($17m) from Juventus last summer, it seemed Liverpool had a bargain on their hands. But the 27-year-old has been a big disappointment, and now a move back to Italy seems likely.

DID YOU KNOW?The winger, who has struggled with injuries this term, played just 104 minutes across the Premier League season(466 across all competitions) and is said to be on wages of £140,000 per week.Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Chiesa, who is said to be keen to get back into Italy's plans for the 2026 World Cup, could be off to Serie A ahead of next season – especially as the Reds may buy attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz this summer.