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

MatériaMais Notícias

da premier bet： O Corinthians foi derrotado pelo Athletico-PR, por 1 a 0, na Arena da Baixada. Único destaque positivo do time na partida, Cássio foi o grande responsável por evitar uma placar ainda maior, salvando o Timão em pelo menos duas chances claras de gol. No fim da partida, o capitão comentou sobre o resultado.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoVitor Roque em alta e titular do Corinthians criticado: web reage à vitória do Athletico-PRFora de Campo24/06/2023CorinthiansMesmo com ‘zaga Tropicália’, Corinthians não segura o Roque, perde para o Athletico e pode ficar no Z4 do BrasileirãoCorinthians24/06/2023CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Defesa vai mal, e Caetano é o pior em derrota do Corinthians pelo BrasileirãoCorinthians24/06/2023

da aviator aposta： – Esse é o meu trabalho, defender. Concordo contigo na avaliação do jogo. Fizemos um primeiro tempo abaixo, Athletico muito forte na sua casa. No segundo tempo equilibramos, tivemos mais volume, mas não conseguimos fazer os gols para empatar o jogo. Viemos de uma vitória, Se pegar os dois jogos depois da parada, situação diferente do que a gente vinha. Hoje pecamos por conta de um primeiro tempo abaixo – disse o camisa 12 ao canal TNT Sports.

+ Veja as escolhas da primeira rodada do Draft da NBA de 2023

A primeira etapa foi marcada pelo domínio do Athletico, que pressionava a saída de bola do Corinthians com marcação alta. Aos 30 minutos, após bela jogada coletiva do CAP, Vitor Roque aproveitou cruzamento na entrada da pequena área e abriu o placar.

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No segundo tempo, o Corinthians voltou com duas alterações, Fábio Santos e Giuliano, nos lugares de Matheus Bidu e Roni, e conseguiu equilibrar a partida, porém, esbarrou na falta de criação ofensiva de seus meias e atacantes, e pouco levou perigo ao gol defendido por Bento. Com o resultado, o Timão pode acabar a décima segunda rodada do Brasileirão no Z4. Após a derrota, Cássio falou sobre o momento delicado da equipe no campeonato.

+ Veja os valores dos lotes arrematados no leilão do Instituto Neymar

– Tem que trabalhar. Situação ruim, não gosto de passar, mas é jogo a jogo. Não dá para pensar quantos jogos. O próximo jogo em casa, tentar mudar essa situação o mais rápido possível para pensar em algo maior – finalizou o goleiro

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O Corinthians volta a campo no próximo domingo (02), contra o Red Bull Bragantino, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. A bola rola às 11h (de Brasília), na Neo Química Arena.

He will call curtains on a legendary career at the ground where it all began for him 21 years ago

Vithushan Ehantharajah11-May-202411:21

James Anderson ‘England’s greatest ever bowler’

James Anderson has announced he will retire from international cricket after England’s first Test of the summer at Lord’s, against West Indies, bringing the curtain down on a legendary career where it all began 21 years ago.Anderson, who turns 42 in July, made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2003 against Zimbabwe. He has gone on to take 700 wickets – the most by any pace bowler in Test history. His eventual tally of 188 caps will be the second most in Test history, with just Sachin Tendulkar ahead of him on 200.In a personal statement released on Instagram, Anderson confirmed he would represent England one last time, although speaking later to the BBC’s Tailenders podcast, he did not rule out the possibility of extending his playing career with Lancashire.”Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test,” Anderson wrote on Instagram.”It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid. I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling.””I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world.”I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf.”Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn’t show it.”See you at the Test,”Go well”Jimmy x”Anderson had previously harboured ambitions to play England’s six Tests this summer against West Indies and Sri Lanka and even refused to rule out being around for the 2025-26 Ashes, by which point he would be 43. However, following a face-to-face meeting on the golf course with Test head coach Brendon McCullum in April, and further conversations involving managing director Rob Key, Anderson was informed the team needed to look beyond him this summer with a view to building to that tour of Australia.The news of that meeting, initially reported in on Friday, ultimately brought confirmation from Anderson 24 hours later. He was due to feature as part of the BBC’s live coverage of England Women’s first match of the summer against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Saturday but has subsequently pulled out.James Anderson is set to finish his career with 188 Tests to his name•Getty ImagesSpeaking to Tailenders, Anderson confirmed that his discussions with McCullum had come up as part of his annual appraisal, at the six-month mark of his one-year contract.”I feel like I have talked about it for ten years with every coach I have had, asking ‘how long you going to play for’,” Anderson said. “Looking ahead, could a 43-year-old me make the Ashes in 18 months time? I sort of came to the decision ‘probably not’. From my point of view it feels like a stretch at this point in my career, and from their point of view there are 15 or so Tests before the Ashes so it gives them time to get other guys Tests and experience before that Ashes series.”I feel good about it, I have had an amazing career. Stuff about retirement has been hanging around for years now, ever since I turned 30 and grown even more since I turned 40. I just feel really lucky that I have managed to get to this stage, still playing at this very high level.”Anderson reached the 700 Test-wicket mark earlier this year in the fifth and final Test of England’s tour of India. Though he has long been the lynchpin of the English attack, he bowled just 110 overs in seven innings in that series after a tough Ashes campaign last summer in which he took just five wickets at 85.40 in four Tests. Anderson is currently on a one-year central contract which expires at the end of the summer.Regarding his county career, however, Anderson admitted he was “not 100% set” on hanging up his boots, and could yet feature in the latter half of Lancashire’s Championship campaign.”There are games at the end of the season that I’m not ruling out at this moment,” he said. “That’s a conversation I’ve got to have with Lancashire and see what they want to do.”It is part of the thought process. I’m not 100% set on what I’m going to do next. That will be a conversation further down the line with Lancashire and see what they want to do, see if I’ve actually got the desire and willingness to do that as well. Again, that will be later in the year.”In a statement released by the ECB alongside Anderson’s, chair Richard Thompson said:”I don’t think we’ll ever see a bowler to match Jimmy again. It has been an honour as an England fan to watch him, and to marvel at his skill with the ball.”To still be bowling at the top of his game at 41 is remarkable, and he is a true inspiration and role model for peers and younger generations alike.”His final Test promises to be an emotional one, and having been there for his first Test in 2003, it will be an honour to watch his final one at Lord’s in July.”English cricket owes Jimmy Anderson a send-off like no other.”

Micah Richards has claimed Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer plays dumb for the cameras and is more intelligent than he lets on.

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Palmer has developed care-free reputationOften gives straight answers in interviewsMemeable moments have also gone viralFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Palmer often cuts a relaxed and straightforward character during interviews and other media commitments, while plenty of his comments in post-match meetings with reporters have gone viral on social media. However, Richards has claimed he isn't buying the act, with Gary Lineker agreeing with the former Manchester City defender.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The pundits were speaking about Palmer's interaction with incoming Chelsea arrival Estevao after the Blues beat Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. The England international later admitted the Brazilian probably "didn't understand a single word I said" given the natural language barrier.

Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream nowWHAT RICHARDS SAID

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: "Very clever. He knows what he is doing. He is very witty. He's like [Jack] Grealish. They pretend they are stupid but they are really not. They know exactly what they are doing. Cole Palmer is exactly the same."

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?

Having helped Chelsea win the Conference League, Palmer has the chance to lead his side to more silverware after reaching the Club World Cup final. That game is due to take place on Sunday, with the Blues facing either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.

Questions have been asked about Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during his spell in charge after being appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor last summer.

The Italian led Leicester City back to the Premier League, but jumped ship to take over at Stamford Bridge, with many wondering whether he would be the right man for the job.

However, nearly 12 months on from his appointment, he’s exceeded all expectations, showcasing he’s the right man for the job based on his success to date.

The 45-year-old has secured the Blues a place in the Champions League for next season, whilst also claiming Europa Conference League glory against Real Betis on Wednesday night.

It’s been a campaign to remember for Maresca, but if he wants to continue his progress in the role, he will need added funds provided by the hierarchy to help him in his quest.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last couple of hours, Chelsea have made huge strides in a deal to sign Liam Delap, with the 22-year-old agreeing to a move to join the Blues this summer.

It was confirmed that he has rejected offers from multiple other Premier League sides, leaving Maresca’s side to trigger his release clause and complete the formalities before announcing his move to West London.

However, despite the progress made on a deal for the Ipswich Town star, another name in the form of Viktor Gyokeres has once again entered the mix, according to Record Portugal.

The report claims that the Blues have made an enquiry to sign the 26-year-old this summer, after his stupendous record of 54 goals in just 52 matches across all competitions.

It also states that they face stern competition from Juventus for the Swedish international’s signature, with Sporting CP demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with the talisman this window.

Why Chelsea’s £60m target would be a better signing than Delap

With Delap’s move appearing to be moving closer to completion, Maresca could finally be about to land the new striker that he’s been craving in recent months.

Nicolas Jackson has been his main talisman since his arrival, with the Senegalese international scoring 10 times in the Premier League during the Italian’s first year in charge.

Such a record is respectable, but if the side are to reach the next level under his guidance, they will need that proven goalscorer to fire them towards the top end of the table.

Delap has shown he’s capable of doing just that, scoring 12 times in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys, with such a record being an impressive one given their relegation this season.

However, when comparing his stats to those of Gyokeres, the Swede has showcased that his performance levels are night and day – proving that he would be a far better addition than the Englishman.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has massively outscored him in 2024/25, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – showcasing the clinical nature he possesses.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also registering more progressive carries per 90 – having the skillset to hand other players around him the best chance of improving their own tallies.

Games played

33

37

Goals & assists

46

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

43%

Pass accuracy

72%

61%

Progressive carries

4.3

2.1

Take-ons completed

1.9

1.3

Aerials won

51%

42%

Fouls won

2.5

1.7

Gyokeres has also won more of the aerials he’s entered and draws more fouls, offering Maresca that focal point he’s craved, something which Delap may struggle to provide.

Given the progress on the deal for the Ipswich talisman, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to complete a deal for Gyokeres, or they could potentially miss out on his signature.

Nothing suggests that the club may not target both talents in the coming months, handing the Blues an added dimension in forward areas that could bolster their title charge in 2025/26.

As bad as Gusto: Chelsea's 4/10 flop must never play for the club again

Chelsea secured the Europa Conference League last night, but multiple players failed to deliver.

ByEthan Lamb May 29, 2025

يعد أنخيل دي ماريا النجم الأرجنتيني المخضرم واحداً من اللاعبين الذين تركوا بصمة رائعة في ريال مدريد وحقق العديد من البطولات منها دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقد أشاد دي ماريا بمواطنه فرانكو ماستانتونو جناح ريال مدريد والذي يعد أحد الصفقات الأربع التي تعاقد معها النادي الصيف الماضي بعد مشاركته مع ريفر بليت في كأس العالم للأندية.

وأنفق ريال مدريد مبلغاً باهظاً على ضم اللاعب الأرجنتيني والذي اندمج بشكل سريع تحت قيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو حيث أصبح لاعباً أساسياً في مركز الجناح الأيمن.

أقرأ أيضاً.. قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة فياريال في الدوري الإسباني.. عودة مصاب

ولفتت موهبة ماستانتونو وجرأته الجميع في ظهوره الأول مع ريال مدريد ولفت انتباه دي ماريا الذي قال في تصريحات لـ”كادينا سير” الإسبانية: “كنت سعيد جداً برؤية انسجامه السريع مع زملائه، مهارته وروحه المرحة ورغبته الدائمة في تحقيق الفوز، أمر رائع وسيقدرونه تقديراً كبيراً”.

وواصل دي ماريا الذي لم يرتدي بعده من اللاعبين الأرجنتينيين قميص ريال مدريد: “أنا سعيد جداً بعودة لاعب أرجنتيني لريال مدريد وبأنه يمثلنا على أكمل وجه، بالنسبة لشاب في الثامنة عشرة من عمره فإنه يتمتع بشخصية قوية”.

ولعب ماستانتونو حتى الآن مع ريال مدريد ثماني مباريات في جميع المسابقات وسجل هدف واحد، ويعد أحد الأسماء الشابة البارزة التي يقوم ليونيل سكالوني مدرب الأرجنتين باستدعائها للمنتخب الأول.

An intrepid visitor to The Oval was among 1000 people helping trial the return of crowds to sporting events in the UK

Tawhid Qureshi27-Jul-2020Choice of game
A tumultuous few months, when the prospect of watching any kind of live sport seemed distant, gave way to hope and optimism as I happily passed through the Oval’s Alec Stewart Gate. I was there to watch perhaps the most significant friendly game of cricket ever played, ironically between traditional rivals, Surrey and Middlesex. I was one of the fortunate 1000 Surrey members who had patiently dialled and then several more times redialled the ticket office, to be rewarded with a ticket for the first spectator-attended sports event in England for four months. The match in essence was a glorified practice session for both sides, but the occasion itself was of far more importance, a government-endorsed test of how cricket could function as a spectator sport, against the backdrop of Covid-19.Although the surroundings of The Oval were comfortingly familiar, Surrey had clearly gone to huge lengths to make sure that the venue fully complied with new Covid-19 guidelines. The detailed four-page spectator guide emailed in advance was a taste of what to expect, including rather comical instructions to avoid hugs and to take care when celebrating. Hand sanitiser was placed at the entrance and throughout the periphery of the ground, arrows clearly directed a one-way walking system and stewards politely asked that face coverings be used in the enclosed parts of the ground. These measures seemed very sensible and a minor inconvenience in order to experience the normality of hearing leather on willow.Key Performers
The lack of genuine intensity in the game was forgivable, particularly as both teams had agreed to bat for exactly one day regardless of the number of wickets lost, indeed Surrey continued to bat after losing 10 wickets and the unlucky Ryan Patel was out twice in the same innings. Pre-season friendlies are usually a good time to give debuts, and Middlesex’s tall 18-year-old Blake Cullen will certainly remember his first ball in senior cricket, as he claimed the wicket of Will Jacks, caught at slip. His second spell after lunch signalled how much of an exciting prospect he is, as he ran in hard from the pavilion end and picked up a second wicket.Jacks began his innings with dazzling strokeplay, fluently driving the ball towards the boundary, and he looked disappointed to be dismissed after reaching his half-century. Surrey have contributed several players to the current England set up, Jacks will be hoping the season ahead means that he’s next in line. Scott Borthwick shared the most significant partnership of the innings with Jacks and eventually top scored with 87, and some late order hitting from Jordan Clark was also eye-catching.Wow Moments
Allrounder Clark’s clean hit for six over midwicket against a tiring Middlesex attack illustrated his ability to score quickly and his importance as a multi-format cricketer. The other memorable moments of the day involved sharp catching from the Middlesex fielders, despite a long gap from playing the game, most of the fielding didn’t show any sign of rustiness. Captain Stephen Eskinazi and Nick Gubbins both made difficult catches look simple.One Thing I’d Change
The overall organisation of the event was superb, but perhaps so much attention had been placed on ensuring the new social distancing guidelines were followed that communicating the quirky playing conditions was almost forgotten. Basic information about the playing XI wasn’t easily obtained but in the grand scheme of things this was a very minor gripe.Back in business: Will Jack and Scott Borthwick got going out in the middle•Getty ImagesThe Crowd
The bulk of the 1000-strong crowd were seated in a few blocks of the newly named 1845 Stand – beneath the famous gas-holder – albeit with many gaps in between, the idea being to test crowd management and social distancing within a relatively confined space. This meant warm applause greeting each Surrey boundary and subsequent landmarks was satisfyingly amplified, even if the vast empty stands opposite made the ground look lop-sided. The crowd itself was always good natured, even a rain delay and darkened clouds were unable to dampen spirits and the sense of appreciation.One of the pleasures of watching first-class county cricket at The Oval is the chance to regularly change seats and take in different views of the middle, unallocated seating being the norm. Understandably on this occasion the PA system regularly reminded people to remain in their allocated seat. Another new experience took place in the morning; a crisply struck cover drive from Jacks sent the ball speeding towards the boundary rope and then deflecting into the stands; as a spectator went to fetch the ball from under his seat, those around him anxiously told him not to. Instead the ball was kicked towards the bottom of the stand and retrieved by a fielder. The issue of touching the ball, perhaps unhelpfully and confusingly highlighted by Boris Johnson, is another part of the new Covid-19 world that we must adjust to.Marks out of 10
A triumphant 10. The hard work that Surrey had put in behind the scenes meant that the day went as smoothly as possible. Once I was safely seated, it was easy to focus on the contest in the middle and engage in sorely missed conversations about who should open the batting – the value of such seemingly mundane chat now priceless. I can only hope the success of the day results in more cricket for spectators at The Oval and beyond, a safe environment for watching cricket is clearly achievable and hugely desired by countless supporters everywhere.
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A Manchester United legend has returned to Old Trafford in a new position after confirming his retirement from playing.

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• Man Utd legend confirms retirement
• Returns to club in new role
• Will develop youngsters

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Defender Jonny Evans officially announced he has hung up his boots, after making 241 appearances for the club across two spells. He has now returned to the club as head of loans and pathways.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Evans' new role will see him working closely with director of football Jason Wilcox to enhance progress of young players' development and help them become ready for the first team. A big part of the role will be establishing the best loan moves for each player.

• WHAT EVANS SAID

  Evans said: "I want to officially announce my retirement from my playing career, not with sadness, but with pride, gratitude and excitement for the next chapter ahead. I’ll be forever indebted to the managers, coaches, staff and, of course, my team-mates, that I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my 20 years in professional football. I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential. Having had experience of loans myself, I know the crucial role that they can play within a player’s development."

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  United are yet to begin their 2025-26 pre-season, with trips to Sweden and USA coming up next month.

da dobrowin： A three-time league champion has now reportedly held talks with Rangers about becoming their next permanent boss this summer.

Rangers manager latest as 49ers eye new Ibrox boss

da betobet： it has been confirmed that Barry Ferguson won’t continue in charge of the Gers, having only come in as interim boss midway through the campaign, taking his side into the Europa League quarter-finals but ultimately not doing enough to get the job on a full-time basis.

Instead, Rangers and prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises now looking for the perfect manager to come in and guide the Scottish Premiership giants to future success, with club CEO Patrick Stewart recently providing an update on the search, saying:

“The review is progressing well. We have got a lot of insights into things that are going well and not well at Auchenhowie. I would really compliment the staff and how open and honest they’ve been. And they provided really valuable feedback to myself and also the consultants we’ve got on supporting with it. And we’re beginning to get some real tangible insights that are flowing into real recommendations that we’re starting to action.”

Steven Gerrard has constantly stood out as a leading choice for Rangers, having won the league title with them back in 2020/21, while Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti has also been linked with the job.

Former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso is another rumoured contender, and now a new name has been thrown into the mix.

3-4-3 manager holds talks with Rangers

According to a significant update from BBC Sport, former Feyenoord manager Brian Priske has held discussions with Rangers about being their next boss.

The 48-year-old departed the Dutch club in February, being sacked after a disappointing run of results, but it looks like he is on the Gers’ list.

Priske is certainly a more proven option than the likes of Gerrard and Ancelotti, considering he has won an impressive three league titles in his managerial career to date.

Two of those came in his time in charge of Czech giants Sparta Prague, while another was during his stint at Danish outfit Midtjylland. He has also won one Czech Cup and Danish Super Cup apiece, so he knows how to deliver trophies.

Priske favours a 3-4-3 formation, getting the most out of his wing-backs, but he is also versatile in his tactics, switching to a 4-3-3 system at times with Feyenoord.

Brian Priske’s managerial career

Matches

Points per game

Feyenoord

33

1.85

Sparta Prague

96

2.19

Royal Antwerp

49

1.53

FC Midtjylland

68

1.88

Stewart and those high up at Rangers have a massive decision to make this summer, and it is vital that they make the right appointment, following the doomed reign of Philippe Clement.

Related Rangers can forget about Gerrard & Ancelotti by hiring "one of the best"

Rangers are considering a few names to be the new manager at Ibrox

Posts ByRoss Kilvington May 23, 2025

The Gers need to hit the ground running next season, not allowing Celtic to pull away in the title race, and in Priske, they may have an experienced option who could back himself to win plenty of silverware at Ibrox.

Babar Azam will lead a Pakistan side for the third successive time at the T20 World Cup when he will fly out with the 15-member squad for the tournament next month. The PCB neither named a vice-captain nor any traveling reserves even though the World Cup will be played in the USA and the Caribbean over almost a month.In an announcement that came hours before the ICC deadline to submit the final squad, there were a few surprises with Pakistan sticking to the touring party they chose for the T20Is in Ireland and England. No one from outside that group was selected. Hasan Ali, who was released back to Warwickshire earlier this week, missed out, alongside Irfan Khan and Agha Salman.Abbas Afridi made the final cut, meaning Pakistan go into the tournament with five specialist fast bowlers. Imad Wasim, who came out of retirement for this tournament, was the left-arm spin option, with Abrar Ahmed the only specialist legspinner.Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“This is an extremely talented and balanced side that has a mixture of youth and experience. These players have been playing together for some time and look well prepared and settled for next month’s event,” a statement attributed to the selection committee in a PCB release said.”Haris Rauf is fully fit and bowling well in the nets. It would have been nice if he had gotten an outing at Headingley [in the first T20I against England which was washed out], but we remain confident that he will continue to maintain an upward trajectory in the upcoming matches, as he will have an important role to play along with other strike bowlers in the T20 World Cup.”ESPNcricinfo learnt that an initial squad was finalised and sent to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on May 23, but a conflict around due process emerged, with certain members of the selection panel feeling they had not been consulted properly. Naqvi asked to see the minutes of the meeting and voting patterns of prior meetings, which had not been recorded.As a result, the squad was rejected and returned to the selection panel, with Naqvi insisting the members achieve consensus on the squad and the meeting minutes be recorded. The PCB rejected any notion of the chairman interfering in specific selection decisions, and that the reason for the initial squad being rejected was the failure to follow due process as set out for the selection committee.Pakistan had opted to not announce a provisional squad at the start of the month, something most other sides did. In the end, they were the last team to officially confirm their final squad, with all 19 other teams having submitted theirs a few days ago.Pakistan are currently in the middle of a T20I series in England, with the second match in Birmingham on Saturday. They fly out to the USA after the series concludes, with all four of Pakistan’s group stage matches in the United States. They don’t play any warm-up games before the big tournament.Pakistan begin their T20 World Cup campaign against USA in Dallas on June 6 before they play India in New York on June 9. Pakistan will stay in New York to face Canada on June 11 and then travel to Lauderhill to play Ireland on June 16 for their final group game.

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Babar Azam (capt), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan (wk), Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed