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Only 3.4 overs possible on blustery, grey day at Eden Park

Andrew Miller23-Oct-2025

Tim Seifert pulls off a reverse-scoop for six during his enterprising innings•AFP/Getty Images

New Zealand 38 for 1 (Seifert 23*) vs England – match abandoned England claimed the spoils in their T20I series against New Zealand, after the third and final match at Auckland went the same way as the series opener in Christchurch – lost to the weather as steady early-season rain swept in to curtail the contest after just 3.4 overs.In the limited time available, Tim Seifert made the running for New Zealand with an enterprising knock of 23 not out from 11 balls. He launched his innings with two fours off Luke Wood in the three balls that were possible prior to the evening’s first hour-and-a-half-long delay. Then – after the match resumed as 14 overs a side – he struck two sixes off the extra pace of Brydon Carse, including an outrageous reverse-scoop over fine leg that was well caught in the crowd.Carse did hit back at the other end, removing Tim Robinson for 2 as Jacob Bethell clung on well to a top-edged pull at deep midwicket. Wood then bowled an effective over to the left-handed Rachin Ravindra, finding sharp late movement in the seam-friendly conditions. Ravindra got going with a pulled six off Carse, but moments after Seifert had landed the second of his sixes off the same bowler, the rain returned once more.Despite a planned resumption at 10pm local time – with the match further reduced to eight overs a side – the grim weather returned just as the players were preparing to take the field, and the match was abandoned soon afterwards.It completed an unsatisfactory early-season foray for New Zealand, whose curtain-raising series against Australia at the start of the month had similarly been affected by the weather. They had made the running in the series opener, limiting England’s hard-hitting line-up to 153 for 6 on a seaming wicket at Hagley Oval, but were blown away in the return fixture two days later, losing by 65 runs after England had smashed the ground record with their total of 236 for 4.England chose to bowl first having named an unchanged XI for this decider. Despite the grey weather and unusually short boundaries at Eden Park, they decided to trust the balance that had impressed in Christchurch, with Liam Dawson retained as a second spinner ahead of an extra seam option.New Zealand, meanwhile, made one change – Zak Foulkes coming in for Kyle Jamieson. But in the end, it was all academic, as attention now turns to the ODIs which get underway in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.”It’s very frustrating,” Brook said at the post-match presentation. “The weather hasn’t been ideal. But great for the boys to get some time out there.”It’s a great place to tour, we’ve had an amazing time so far. We’ve got the ODIs coming up and we’re looking forward to it. We’ve got a few big names coming back and hopefully we can keep that momentum in the next few weeks.”Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s captain, rued his team’s missed opportunities, both with the weather and their own performances: “I guess this time of the year it (rain) is always a potential. It’s always nice to play England, no matter what time of the year you play.”The way we bowled in that first game [was good], especially on a Hagley wicket that did give us a little bit. The second game, we were put under a lot of pressure on a good wicket, so when we come across that again, we’ll have learnings from that.”

Mohammad Haris’ fifty and a bowling performance far too good for an outmatched Oman side helped Pakistan cruise to a 93-run win in their Asia Cup opener. Haris smashed 66 off 43 deliveries in an innings where none of his team-mates were quite able to match his power or timing with the bat as he helped Pakistan get up to 160.Oman received early encouragement when a ball that kept low trapped the dangerous Saim Ayub in front. Sahibzada Farhan’s off-colour form persisted in a scratchy innings as Pakistan stumbled along to 31 in the first five overs, and it was up to Haris to inject impetus into the innings.Related

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Sixteen came off the final powerplay over, and that was the start of the onslaught. Until then, Haris had 16 off 18. His next 25 balls produced 50 as Pakistan raced up close to eight runs per over, but once again, Oman pegged them back. Aamir Kaleem, the left-arm spinner, was the pick of the Oman bowlers as he had Haris drag on, before Salman Agha lapped a full toss off his first delivery to deep midwicket.It produced another barren spell for Pakistan and the boundaries dried up again. Fakhar Zaman struggled for timing and Hasan Nawaz, so often a hammer at the death, couldn’t get himself in and holed out off his 15th ball for nine runs. But a cameo from Mohammad Nawaz, who arrived in the 17th over, ensured Pakistan got past the 150-mark.Mohammad Nawaz contributed with both bat and ball•AFP/Getty Images

But Kaleem’s three wickets, and the overall assistance the Oman spinners got, suggested this might well end up being comfortably above par, especially in the face of Pakistan’s more accomplished spin options.And so it proved. A bright beginning for Oman’s batters was waylaid by a double strike from Saim Ayub in the powerplay. Nawaz and Pakistan’s two wristspinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed dried up the batters’ scoring options, and Oman began to bleed wickets. With the field spreading out and the asking rate rising, panic set in, and the innings began to capitulate. Oman slipped from 41 for 2 to 51 for 9 before being bowled out for 67; flashes of ability drowned under the gulf in quality Pakistan were able to bring to bear upon the contest.

Haris takes charge

It is knocks like these that keep Pakistan persisting with Haris through extended poor runs. He had scored just 54 runs in 11 innings before this game, but he was promoted up the order into the powerplay today. That is his strength, and having cut loose in the sixth over, he continued pumping the Oman bowlers, almost single-handedly maintaining Pakistan’s imposing run rate.2:11

Will Pakistan back this XI against India?

Farhan’s struggles at the other end threw Haris’ exploits into sharper relief. Even with the field spread out, Haris, having found his timing, continued to take on the boundary riders. His third six brought up just his second 50-plus score in the format, before a boundary the following ball saw him match his runs tally from the previous 11 innings. The 43 balls he faced for his 66 makes just this three deliveries short of his longest T20I innings in his 29-match career, and one that singlehandedly resurrected an innings that had begun to wobble.

Pakistan spin lays waste to Oman

Specialist fast bowlers have dropped down the pecking order in T20I cricket under Mike Hesson, but playing just the one in Shaheen Shah Afridi still came as a bit of a surprise at the toss. Oman began the chase in a solid manner and were 32 for 2 by the end of the fifth over. But Saim Ayub had taken both those wickets, and Pakistan began to unleash the rest of their spinners on this line-up that may never had played against bowling of this quality.Abrar, Nawaz and Muqeem first asphyxiated them, and then the wickets began to fall. Muqeem took out Mohammad Nadeem to make it 41 for 3, and from thereon it was a procession. Nawaz got into the act before Muqeem doubled up the following over. Afridi and Faheem Ashraf helped themselves as Oman lost seven wickets for ten runs, imparting upon the scoreline a tinge of embarrassment Oman’s bowlers certainly did not deserve.

It was a series to remember for him, and not just with the ball: he had the best batting average on either side, and the fourth-highest runs tally

Danyal Rasool28-Jan-2025If you ask ChatGPT, or its newly ascendant competitor DeepSeek, what the perfect Test series looked like, the responses are lengthy, vague, and non-committal. Perhaps one day, when they learn how to limit them to four words or fewer, “Jomel Warrican in Pakistan” would suffice as the perfectly succinct response.Warrican’s dominance of this series has been uniquely legendary. He’s taken the most wickets, of course, more than every other West Indian bowler combined. The best bowling figures in an innings, and in a match, belong to him. No one with more than two wickets could boast a better bowling average this his single-digit 9, none managed an economy rate as miserly as his 2.38. For good measure, he also has the highest batting average on either side across the series, the highest strike rate for anyone over 25 runs, and the fourth-highest run tally.The smattering of Tests he has played in the subcontinent over the past decade have demonstrated his value on spin tracks. But nothing could quite prepare Warrican for what he found in Multan, where, ahead of the series, his captain Kraigg Brathwaite had said he had never seen cracks appear this early in his 96-match Test career anywhere else. It gave the spinners more opportunities, but also greater responsibility.Related

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It was a responsibility that Warrican and his little band of spinners failed to live up to early on in the first Test. In the first 57 overs of the game, Pakistan had put up 187 runs, with spin managing just one wicket when Gudakesh Motie – who Pakistan believed was a greater threat than Warrican before the series – squeezed Shan Masood down the leg side.By the time the West Indies spinners made their presence felt, Pakistan already had enough runs, and then never fell behind in the game. Warrican kept trying to find extra rip doing the same thing over and over, but ended the innings with just three wickets, two of them of tailenders.The intelligence Warrican deployed over the remainder of the series, though, has been anything but artificial. “Speed’s very important,” he said at the post-match presentation after the second Test, where he was awarded both the Player of the Match and Series. “We worked out that the slower you bowled, the more effective you would be on these wickets. Once I got more information, I used it to my advantage.”From the second innings of the first Test onwards, Warrican was doing things slightly differently. The lines or lengths he was landing the balls at barely changed. But through the air, it was a different story. He fizzed some balls through, held others longer in his hand, and tossed some up. To the right-hander, there was always the danger of the ones that carried on with the arm, making the most instinctively safe shot – the front foot forward defensive – feel uncomfortably perilous. Mohammad Hurraira and Babar Azam were the first two to fall this way in Pakistan’s second innings, and Warrican never looked back.

“I just back my game plan. Once the ball is in my zone, I back myself to play it to the boundary. I also trust my defence, and try to rotate the strike.”Jomel Warrican on his batting

“The variation in pace is effective when you’re consistent,” he said. “You vary the pace, and hit the same length over and over. The consistency is the key thing to everything in life.”Those were the first two of seven wickets Warrican took that innings, and started a run where he bagged 16 of the 30 Pakistan wickets that fell in the series since. But it wasn’t just with the ball that he contributed significantly. Before this series, no side in Test history ever had Nos. 9-11 in their line-up contributing the three highest scores of an innings. In little over four days of cricket, West Indies managed it twice. Warrican was the top-scorer on one occasion, and the second-highest another time.It wasn’t exactly technically soundproof, but he ended up preying on any bowler who viewed him like a classic tailender. He smeared Sajid Khan and Noman Ali away when they pitched the ball up and full; no one hit more sixes than him all series. Warrican’s signature shot, though, was the reverse sweep with the back of the bat, one he used like a bludgeon rather than a surgical tool.Sajid ill-advisedly decided to taunt him on the penultimate day when he missed one of these heaves, getting up close and giving him the “you can’t see me” gesture. Warrican appeared unfazed.Jomel Warrican also had the highest batting average on either side across the series•Pakistan Cricket Board”I just back my game plan,” he said. “Once the ball is in my zone, I back myself to play it to the boundary. I also trust my defence, and try to rotate the strike. I had belief. I backed us to win the [second] game. The fightback we showed in the second innings, bowling out Pakistan for a cheap total. We knew once we batted well, we were in with a chance to win the game.”In a final twist of fate, it was Sajid who stood at the batter’s end when Warrican, and West Indies, needed one more wicket to seal victory. Sajid had tentatively tried to push the ball into the on side, but, just like Babar and Hurraira in the first Test, didn’t account for the arm ball. It pierced through the gap between bat and pad, and made a mess of his stumps.Warrican gave him the same gesture, before raising his right leg and thumping his hand to his thigh: Sajid’s own signature celebration. Right to the last moment of the series, it appeared, he had been gaining more information, picking up everything he saw in Multan, and ensuring he left with the last laugh.

During the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur have started to splash the cash in the transfer market to aid them in their quest for success in the Premier League.

In the last four years alone, the hierarchy have dropped over £400m on new additions, but not all the big-money additions have made the desired effect in North London.

Tanguy Ndombele is just one of the players who cost a pretty penny, with the Frenchman costing a reported £63m in 2019 – a deal that was then a club-record.

He was only able to rack up 91 appearances for the Lilywhites over a five-year period, before leaving on a free transfer last summer to move back to his homeland.

With the January window on the horizon, the board and Thomas Frank will need to keep such a deal in mind to prevent themselves from losing a huge chunk of their investment.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this January

In recent weeks, Juventus defender Gleison Bremer has been one of the latest players touted with a move to join Spurs during the upcoming transfer window.

It’s been reported that Frank’s men are willing to fork out £35m for the Brazilian centre-back, as the board aim to add key depth and quality to the backline.

The Lilywhites have shipped 11 goals in their last three competitive outings, which could make the 28-year-old a viable option for the upcoming window.

However, the attacking department could also be subject to improvement, with Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche once again emerging on their radar after previously wanting to sign the forward in the summer.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, the Lilywhites are extremely keen on a deal to land the 23-year-old this winter, but a deal could cost the hierarchy a pretty penny.

The journalist has stated that the Ligue 1 side are currently demanding a fee in the region of €70m (£61m) for his signature, a deal that would be one of the most expensive in their history.

Why Spurs’ £61m target would be Simons 2.0

Spending big on a young attacker hasn’t been alien for Spurs in the last couple of months, with the board splashing a reported £52m on the signature of Xavi Simons last summer.

The Dutchman’s move generated huge excitement, with the hierarchy selecting the 22-year-old as the player to fill the void in the number ten role after James Maddison’s injury.

However, a couple of months on from his mammoth transfer, the youngster has struggled to hit the ground running, as seen by his tally of zero goals and just two assists to date.

Frank has also evidently been frustrated by the Dutchman’s lack of quality, with the manager leaving him on the substitutes bench in each of the last two outings.

A little ounce of leeway must be handed Simons’ way though, especially with the attacking midfielder often having to operate in a somewhat unnatural left-wing role in multiple of his starts.

However, the club could be about to land another version of the big-money talent this January, especially if they manage to complete a deal for Akliouche in the near future.

He’s been ranked as a similar player to Simons in the Champions League by FBref, with the pair even facing off against each other in the clash between the two sides in October.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats in such a campaign, the Frenchman has dominated the current Spurs star, which could hand Frank the attacking talent he’s craved in recent months.

Akliouche, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has achieved a higher tally of combined goals and assists in the Champions League at present.

Games played

5

5

Goals & assists

2

1

Pass accuracy

83%

81%

Progressive passes

6.3

4.7

Passes into final third

3.8

2.9

Take-ons completed

2.7

2.1

Carries into final third

2.1

1.3

Crosses completed

2.4

2.1

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, with more of his efforts going into the final third – showcasing his creative nature when in possession.

The aforementioned tallies would undoubtedly hand Frank the big-money talent he’s been craving since taking the reins in North London during the off-season.

The Monaco star has also completed more take-ons per 90 in Europe this season, whilst achieving more carries into the final third per 90 – reaffirming his incredible ability with the ball at his feet.

£61m in today’s market for a player of Akliouche’s quality would be an excellent deal, with the 23-year-old having bags of time to reach the next level in his development.

As for Simons, the Frenchman’s potential move could push him down the pecking order further, but it could also provide him with the

needed kick to ignite his career in North London.

Romero upgrade: Spurs "ready to make" £35m bid for "world-class" defender

Tottenham Hotspur look set to make a huge January move for a new centre-back.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 28, 2025

West Ham are looking at signing Fulham winger Adama Traoré in the January transfer window, but they’ve now been told to avoid a deal by someone who’s worked with the player.

Nuno Espírito Santo knows Traore very well from their time together at Molineux, and it was at Wolves where the 29-year-old made a serious name for himself.

Traore was near-unplayable in the 2019/2020 season especially, finishing the Premier League campaign as their best performer statistically, all whilst completing a truly incredible five successful dribbles on average per game (WhoScored).

By comparison, the best dribblers in the Premier League right now are far short of that number, with both ex-West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus and Man City’s Jeremy Doku averaging 3.4 and 3.1 take ons per 90 respectively.

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West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

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West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Jurgen Klopp famously branded Traore’s speed as being ‘undefendable’ at times, but that being said, the 19/20 campaign was now over half a decade ago.

Since Nuno’s departure from Wolves, Traore hasn’t managed to re-live those heights on a consistent enough basis, even despite flashes of brilliance at Fulham last term. Traore finished 24/25 with two goals and nine assists in all competitions, making 41 appearances in total, but only managed a modest 1.3 successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League.

Despite the forward’s best days appearing behind him, the obvious link to Nuno has prompted multiple reports that West Ham are keen on a winter move for Traore, who could also be available for a cut-price fee given his contract expires in 2026.

Following these claims, ex-Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness has explained exactly why West Ham need to swerve a deal for Traore this January.

West Ham told exactly why they need to swerve Adama Traore deal in January

Speaking to Football Insider, after having sold the player at Villa, Wyness explains that Traore’s lack of end product really doesn’t serve West Ham in the slightest — urging David Sullivan not to do a deal for the ex-Barcelona man out of respect for the fans.

The winger would attract mixed reviews if he did move to the London Stadium in two months, but if anyone can get the best out of him, it is definitely Nuno.

West Ham’s manager is believed to be personally keen on a reunion with Traore, and given how Nuno has finally managed to steady the ship with back-to-back victories, it is imperative that the club show faith by backing him with desired signings mid-season.

As well as Traore, West Ham want a new defender, midfielder and striker, with AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez and Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney rumoured to be on their agenda.

Sheffield United have completed a free deal for Patrick Bamford following his departure from Leeds United earlier this season, with the striker signing a short-term contract until January 2026.

The Blades are desperately attempting to turn their season around following a miserable start which saw Chris Wilder return to replace Ruben Selles just three months after he left the club.

Now as low as 22nd and far from the promotion hopes that they had in mind, those at Bramall Lane suddenly find themselves in an early, unexpected relegation scrap which they’ll be looking to turn on its head after the international break.

Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Queens Park Rangers at least stopped the rot and handed the Blades their first clean sheet in four games, but they must find a way to turn a draw into all three points in a crucial clash against rivals Sheffield Wednesday on 23 November.

Speaking to reporters after the QPR stalemate, Wilder admitted his frustration afrer what he felt was a performance worthy of three points.

Goals were once again the problem for Sheffield United, but the arrival of Bamford could help put an end to their unexpected woes in the Championship.

Sheffield United sign Bamford

As reported by The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Sheffield United opened talks to sign Bamford just this week, and things have moved quickly as the Blades announced an agreement on Thursday morning.

The former Leeds forward has been a free agent since leaving Elland Road in August, but now seemingly has the chance to make a return to the Championship on a prove-it deal lasting just a few months.

If Wilder is looking for goals then getting the best out of Bamford will give him exactly that. The 32-year-old has stolen headlines in the Premier League at his best and has as many as 69 Championship goals to his name throughout his career.

Previously dubbed “fantastic” by Leeds boss Daniel Farke, Bamford has the perfect opportunity to get the latter stages of his career back on track by joining Sheffield United. And he could even get the perfect chance to impress on his debut in the derby if he proves his fitness in time to face Sheffield Wednesday.

Wilder set to make ruthless January decision as three Sheffield Utd players get the axe

Liam Livingstone dismissal derails Lancs chase as Somerset seal another final appearance

Alan Gardner13-Sep-2025Somerset fought their way past a severely depleted Lancashire and into a third consecutive T20 Blast final at Edgbaston. Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 81 off 52 underpinned the batting after his side were put in, and although Lancashire got off to a good start in their chase, led by powerful cameos from Keaton Jennings and Liam Livingstone, Somerset’s greater experience helped claw things back.Lancashire were shorn of six first-choice players, and had two making their first appearances of the season, which included giving a full T20 debut to 21-year-old spinner Arav Shetty. They looked well placed at 102 for 3 in the 12th over, but the controversial dismissal of Livingstone, whose lbw was upheld by the third umpire despite the suggestion of an inside edge, triggered a collapse.Shetty, who in the event did not bowl, was snapped up by a diving Lewis Gregory in the covers – Somerset’s sharp fielding in contrast to a messy Lancashire effort – and although Michael Jones attempted to keep the chase alive with some defiant blows, Migael Pretorius and Ben Green combined for five wickets to close out the game. Somerset were not at full strength either, with Pretorius playing only his second game after Riley Meredith was recalled to Australia ahead of Finals Day, and Tom Banton absent with England.The game ended in slightly farcical scenes, as Lancashire retired out George Balderson, only for his replacement, Tom Hartley, to be dismissed first ball. Rain then began to fall during the final over, with the ground fully covered moments after the players left the field.Jennings fires up”Feels slightly tacky, nice to know what you’re chasing.” So said Jennings at the toss, and Lancashire’s captain was intent on getting his side ahead of the asking rate at the start of their innings. He swung his third ball, from Craig Overton, nonchalantly over fine leg for six, following up with back-to-back fours. Luke Wells was plucked out by a brilliant catch at short fine leg by Pretorius, before Jennings again deposited Overton over the ropes.Overton struck back by pinning Matty Hurst lbw, but there was more punishment to come as Livingstone joined Jennings in the middle. Livingstone pinged Somerset’s premier new-ball bowler over deep square leg, before Jennings flat-batted him down the ground for six more; Overton’s first three overs costing 39. Jack Ball was then welcomed into the attack by Jennings top-edging him all the way over the keeper, and another Livingstone hoick across the line made it six sixes in the powerplay, with Lancashire flying on 73 for 2.Liam Livingstone queries his dismissal•Getty ImagesLivingstone dismissal turns chaseLivingstone had powered Lancashire to Finals Day with an unbeaten 85 against Kent in the quarters, having found his form during the Hundred – during which he calls Edgbaston home with Birmingham Phoenix. He looked to have the measure of the ground once again, crunching Lewis Goldsworthy into the crowd for his third six, as Lancashire continued to make good progress despite the loss of Jennings for 44 off 28.When Gregory won an lbw decision with Livingstone trapped on the crease, the Lancashire man reviewed straight away. But with the aid of UltraEdge, third umpire Sue Redfern determined that there was no bat involved before the ball hit the back pad – although it seemed impossible to be conclusive. Livingstone, however, obviously felt otherwise and made his opinion clear after seeing the decision on the big screen. His long walk off marked the beginning of the end for Lancashire’s hopes of a second Blast title, 10 years on from their first.Depleted Lancashire strike firstLancashire absentees included four on international duty with England – Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Luke Wood and Saqib Mahmood – and both of their overseas being employed elsewhere (Chris Green at the CPL, Ashton Turner with Western Australia). That Salt and Buttler had helped England put on a record 302 against South Africa the previous night hardly helped the Red Rose mood. Somerset, meanwhile, were without New Zealand quick Matt Henry, as well as Banton and Meredith.Winning the toss felt like an advantage on a brisk, mid-September morning – and two tight overs, from James Anderson (who last played at Finals Day in 2014) and Tom Aspinwall, were followed by Balderson, playing his fourth T20 and first of the season, finding the perfect amount of nip back with his first ball to clatter Will Smeed’s off stump. But it didn’t take long for Somerset’s batters to start wresting back the initiative.Kohler-Cadmore had struggled to lay bat on ball and was on 1 off 9 when he collared Balderson for the first six of the day, a rustic heave that just had enough on it to land beyond the rope at deep midwicket. He repeated the shot, but added about 20 yards, in Balderson’s next over, and before Tom Abell audaciously ramped Anderson all the way over fine leg in a sequence of 6-4-dot-4. Anderson struck back to have Abell bowled off an inside edge, as Somerset finished the powerplay on 49 for 2.Kohler-Cadmore pumps the tiresLancashire continued to chip away, James Rew held at midwicket off Aspinwall, as Kohler-Cadmore dropped back down the gears. Somerset were 78 for 3 at halfway, and then 95 for 4 after losing Sean Dickson to a smart stumping in the 13th over. Kohler-Cadmore responded by pumping Livingstone’s legspin straight back down the ground for six, then raising a 38-ball fifty off the next delivery – aided by another misfield at midwicket that enabled them to come back for two.Hartley was boshed down the ground for Kohler-Cadmore’s fourth six, and he found a useful ally in captain, Gregory, who scooped Aspinwall for his first boundary. Jack Blatherwick was then taken for four consecutive fours by Kohler-Cadmore, as 18 runs came off the 17th. By the time the returning Anderson removed Gregory via a slap to deep cover, the partnership had realized 57 off 31 balls. Kohler-Cadmore might have had the first Finals Day century in his sights, but he only added one to his score before holing out off Balderson. Nevertheless, Overton and Pretorius hammered 21 off Aspinwall’s final over to take Somerset to an imposing total.

Manchester United have been warned off a £100 million ($134m) move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with ex-Red Devils defender Paul Parker explaining to GOAL why such a swoop would be “foolhardy”. Transfer plans at Old Trafford are being drawn up heading towards 2026, but they are being advised to steer clear of a highly-rated England international.

Wanted man: Anderson attracting attention

Anderson has been generating plenty of hype since bursting onto the Three Lions scene under Thomas Tuchel. He helped England to secure faultless qualification for the 2026 World Cup and is expected to figure prominently at that tournament.

Said event will provide the classy 23-year-old with a global window in which to showcase his talent. The expectation is that more names will be added to what is an ever-growing list of suitors – with United reportedly forming part of that pack.

AdvertisementGettyEngine room: Man Utd looking for midfield reinforcements

The Red Devils are mulling over additions to their engine room as questions continue to be asked of how long Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will remain at Old Trafford. The former is being linked with teams across Europe and the Saudi Pro League, while the latter is seeing his contract run down towards free agency.

Anderson would be a different kind of ‘No.6’ to Casemiro, with his game more about retaining the ball than winning it back, but would he be a good fit at Old Trafford at the price being mooted?

Price tag: Would Man Utd spend £100m on Anderson?

When that question was put to Parker, the former United full-back – speaking in association with gambling portal British Gambler – told GOAL: “I keep seeing his name bandied about. When it’s Manchester United, everybody wants to throw out someone all the time. Everyone goes with it.

“I’m not used to labelling players with numbers. You just want a midfield player who has got the capability to go up and down, wants to go up and down, and he definitely has that. I’m quite sure a lot of these young players don’t want to be labelled anymore. They did all that when they were kids playing FIFA. When it gets to the real world, you see that they want to get about. In my opinion you want midfield players like a Roy Keane, a Paul Ince, a Bryan Robson – players who can and want to do everything.

“I see where he is [Anderson] and I quite like him. The moment you mention it with Manchester United it’s £100m. That seems to be the going rate. Are United going to go and spend that kind of money on one player? I think it would be foolhardy if they go and do that.

“When you look at Anderson, he is a high-energy player but there are a lot of high-energy players out there. To be in the Premier League now, it is about how athletic your team is. There is a lot better chance of getting results at weekends, gives you an advantage and opportunity, when you have got athletic players. Sunderland are proving that at the moment. One player for me in midfield is not enough. They need a major rebuild.”

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GettyWorld Cup window: Man Utd could explore other options

It remains to be seen whether United formalise their supposed interest in Anderson. Ruben Amorim also needs to determine how he is going to split any transfer funds that are made available to him. As alluded to by Parker, it is unlikely that all of his recruitment eggs will be lumped into one basket.

Forest will not be dropping their demands, though, so anybody wanting to lure Newcastle academy graduate Anderson away from the City Ground will need to dig deep. He is tied to a contract on Trentside that is due to run until the summer of 2029.

The Reds are under no pressure to sell and that may force the likes of United to use next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico as an opportunity to assess alternative options that come with a slightly more budget-friendly price tag.

O’Neill took 5 for 26 while Boland claimed three as Victoria claimed a sizeable lead, but Liam Hatcher continued his fine game

Alex Malcolm16-Oct-2025Fergus O’Neill continued to push his case to be part of an extended Ashes squad with yet another five-wicket haul while Scott Boland bagged three to hand Victoria an important lead in their Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales at the Junction Oval.After the pair had scythed through the NSW top-order on the opening night, including Boland bagging Sam Konstas for a duck, O’Neill continued the carnage on the second day picking up 5 for 26 while Boland claimed 3 for 59 as NSW were bowled out for just 163.Related

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It handed Victoria a first innings lead of 77 which they pushed to 149 for the loss of only one wicket into the evening session but then suffered a late collapse under gloomy skies, losing 4 for 21 before bad light stopped play with 45 minutes left. Liam Hatcher claimed another three wickets to go with his five on day one.At the start of the day Matthew Gilkes and nightwatcher Ryan Hadley provided stubborn resistance in the first hour but when O’Neill replaced Boland from the northern end he showcased why he is the reigning Sheffield Shield player of the year. After a close shout for caught behind he pinned Hadley lbw for 5 off 54 balls with a delivery that jagged sharply in off the seam.O’Neill could have had Ollie Davies out three times after he was dropped twice at cover by Harry Dixon. But he did not survive his third chance in 15 balls when he edged another probing delivery to Peter Handscomb at second slip.Gilkes had fought harder than any other NSW batter to reach 41 off 98 deliveries before becoming O’Neill’s fifth scalp. O’Neill angled in from around the wicket with the keeper up to the stumps to prevent Gilkes from batting outside his crease to negate the impeccable length. Gilkes edged to Will Sutherland at first slip to hand O’Neill his eighth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket and bring his bowling average back under 21.Boland was more expensive than usual when he returned for his second spell of the day with Will Salzmann and Jack Edwards playing positively. After coming together at 96 for 6 they raced to a near run-a-ball 62-run stand. Boland looked visibly frustrated as they drove him on the up without much fear on a surface that had offered plenty of sideways movement.Salzmann finally paid a price on 33 when he didn’t offer a shot, trying to leave a good length delivery from Boland that nipped back sharply to clip the off bail.Edwards then ran out of partners to be left stranded on 33, as the last three batters, including injury substitute Charlie Stobo, fell for ducks with Boland claiming one of them while Mitchell Perry picked up the other two.Victoria were then cruising at 72 for 1, with a lead of 149, as Campbell Kellaway and Marcus Harris took control after the early loss of Dixon despite dark clouds lingering over Junction Oval for most of the afternoon.Kellaway played impressively to reach 47 while Harris rode his luck having been dropped by Gilkes off Nathan Lyon before tea. But his luck ran out on 20 off 80 balls when he cut Hatcher straight to backward point. Kellaway chopped Hatcher on not long after, three shy of a deserved fifty, before Ollie Peake was cleaned bowled through the gate two balls later attempting a loose flat-footed drive on the up.The umpires checked the light but allowed play to continue in the gloom. Handscomb then gloved Hadley to Gilkes attempting a pull shot. Three balls later the umpires sent the players off for bad light with Victoria only 170 in front with just five wickets in hand.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has enjoyed a perfect start to life in the Scottish Premiership, with three wins in his first three matches in charge.

The Light Blues had only won one of their first eight games in the division under Russell Martin and Stevie Smith, which is why the German manager’s fast start is particularly impressive.

Rohl has already showcased his pragmatism and adaptability with formation changes through all three matches, playing variations of a 3-4-2-1, a 3-4-3, and a 4-2-3-1.

The former Sheffield Wednesday head coach will surely have been pleased with his side’s performance in their last game before the international break, as they won 3-0 against Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday.

Rangers head into the international break on a high, possibly for the first time this season, and they will be looking to continue their strong form against Livingston at Ibrox next week.

The German manager’s arrival at Ibrox has been a breath of fresh air in recent weeks, and it is clear to see that several players have benefitted from his appointment.

The Rangers players who have benefitted most from Danny Rohl's appointment

One of the players who has benefitted the most from Rohl joining the club is Brazilian forward, Danilo, who had fallen out of favour under the previous management team.

The Brazilian striker played one game, against Sturm Graz in the Europa League, between August and Martin’s exit last month, yet has featured in all six of the games under Rohl.

Danilo has scored two goals in three Premiership matches under the German head coach, which shows that he is thriving in the new system and is trusted by the manager.

Possibly the most obvious player to benefit from the change in management is Nicolas Raskin, who was dropped from the squad for several games during Martin’s tenure. The midfielder even said that his future at Ibrox depended on the “coach” during the September international break.

The Belgium international has featured in every match under Rohl so far and scored his first goal in the Premiership so far this season with a header against Dundee.

Minutes

90

Goals

1

Key passes

2

Pass accuracy

93%

Dribble success rate

100%

Tackle success rate

100%

Ground duels won

7/12

Interceptions

2

Dribbled past

0x

As you can see in the table above, Raskin put in a brilliant all-round performance at Dens Park, as he showcased his qualities in and out of possession in the middle of the park.

The Belgian star’s quality on the ball was on full display, whilst he was also impressive physically out of possession as a defensive force, which is why he is such a key player for the Gers when at his best.

It is fair to say that Danilo and Raskin are two of the players who have benefitted the most from the change in manager and change in style of play, given their respective situations under Martin and how important they have been to Rohl in his first six matches in the dugout.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, there is still time for the German boss to assess the squad and the upcoming international break will be his first chance to take some time and look deeper into the team and the academy, to see what he has to work with for the rest of the campaign.

With this in mind, the former Sheffield Wednesday tactician should look to reward Clinton Nsiala with a chance to impress after the break, after the central defender did not get a look-in under Martin.

How Danny Rohl can unearth his own Virgil van Dijk for Rangers

Rangers swooped to sign the French centre-back from AC Milan in the summer of 2024 after his contract at the San Siro came to an end, and he was given some opportunities by Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson.

The left-footed star played 13 times in all competitions for the Scottish giants in the 2024/25 campaign, along with four appearances in the Trust Trophy for the B team, per Transfermarkt.

Nsiala also scored the first senior goal of his career against Fraserburgh in the SFA Cup at the start of the year, which was his only goal in those 13 appearances last term.

Unfortunately, though, the central defender has not played a single minute of football in the 2025/26 campaign, as Martin decided to leave him out of the squad for all of his matches in charge, per Transfermarkt.

Nsiala was in first-team training ahead of Rohl’s first game against Brann, though, which suggests that he is still around the group and available to be considered for selection.

Last season, Rangers winger Ross McCausland, who left on loan this summer, described the French colossus as a “a left-footed Van Dijk”, which was considerable praise, as the former Celtic centre-back has won the Premier League and the Champions League with Liverpool, the club he now captains.

In the 2024/25 campaign, Nsiala played 11 times in the Premiership for the Light Blues and helped the team to enjoy a fairly impressive run of form in those matches.

Dundee

1-1 draw

St Johnstone

3-1 win

Aberdeen

3-0 win

Dundee United

3-1 win

Ross County

4-0 win

Hearts

3-1 win

St Mirren

2-0 loss

Kilmarnock

4-2 win

Celtic

3-2 win

Aberdeen

2-2 draw

St Mirren

2-2 draw

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old talent has only lost one of his 11 appearances in the Premiership to date, winning seven, whilst the Gers only won one of the seven league games they played under Martin before his exit last month.

That is not to say that all of those results were down to Nsiala’s performances, of course, but it does show that he can be a key part of a team that wins week-in-week-out in the league, as he started ten of those 11 games.

The French star, who won 52% of his aerial duels in his 11 league outings (Sofascore), is a young player who has shown potential in a Rangers shirt, which is why Rohl should consider unleashing him as his own left-footed van Dijk.

Nsiala could come in as an alternative to Derek Cornelius, who came off on Sunday with a knock, as a natural left-sided centre-back. Nasser Djiga and John Souttar are both right-footed defenders who are better suited on their natural side, which is why it could make sense to bring the ex-Milan ace in if Cornelius misses any matches through injury.

Move over Moore: Rangers star proved why he's their "best player" vs Dundee

Rangers demolished Dundee 3-0 at Dens on Sunday and Danny Röhl’s “sensational” star was as key as Mikey Moore in this Scottish Premiership victory.

Nov 9, 2025

The left-footed brute was forgotten about by Martin, given his complete lack of minutes, but Rohl still has the chance to bring him into the fold after the international break.