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Wolverhampton Wanderers face the nervy prospect of potentially needing to replace their whole midfield this summer, with the likes of Ruben Neves, Leander Dendoncker and Joao Moutinho all linked with moves away from the Molineux.

On the chalkboard

Losing Moutinho would be a huge blow but fortunately, Lage may already have a replacement for the latter, with 24-year-old Connor Ronan ready to stake his claim.

The midfielder is out of contract in the summer so will need to sign a new deal himself. However, after spending the last six years on loan, he is finally ready for first-team life at Molineux.

His latest spell at Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren has seen the Republic of Ireland youth international elevate his game to new heights, all whilst discovering his goal-scoring touch.

St. Mirren have made use of Ronan’s Transfermarkt.

Ronan’s seven goals and four assists this season in 25 SPFL appearances has seen him scoop three awards for St. Mirren – the player of the year award, social media player of the year and goal of the year.

Moutinho replacement

The 24-year-old, who has been described as a “lovely” by former teammate George Dobson, has earned plaudits from Saints manager Steve Robinson, who has reiterated that he would like to keep Ronan at the club, as per Birmingham Mail.

Though, with the uncertainty of Moutinho amidst Roma links, Lage may want to give Ronan a chance to fill the boots of the Portuguese veteran.

This season, we’ve seen the likes of 23-year-old Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall seize his opportunity at Leicester and immediately adapt to Premier League football, after completing a couple of successful loan spells.

Wolves have the opportunity to test Ronan’s ability in the top flight in the exact same way.

His end product and consistency in Scotland’s top flight would suggest that he has all of the attributes needed to adequately replace the 36-year-old Moutinho, though the Wolves gem will need to improve on his average passes per game average of 39.5 which falls under Moutinho’s Premier League average of 55.5 passes per match average, as per WhoScored.

If he can do that, though, he could well leapfrog the current darling of the academy, Luke Cundle, in the midfield pecking order. However, he will have to earn a new contract first.

In other news: Wolves could be “in the market” to sign £30m “lion”, he’s a huge upgrade on Jimenez 

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch will ‘definitely’ be in the market for a new striker this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Bamford a big miss

The Whites have endured a Premier League season to forget, with possible relegation back to the Championship not yet in the rear view mirror with five matches remaining.

The continued absence of Patrick Bamford has no doubt played a part in Leeds’ struggles, with the 28-year-old only managing seven starts in the league in 2021/22.

Because of it, the Whites have been profligate in front of goal, only finding the net 38 times in 33 league outings.

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The Latest: Striker will ‘definitely’ come in

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed a new striker will arrive this summer, as Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers group aim to furnish Marsch with the necessary reinforcements:

“Definitely a striker I think would be high up there on Jesse Marsch’s list of priorities because they’ve badly missed Patrick Bamford this season due to his injury problems.”

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The Verdict: Makes complete sense

This is clearly an area that needs strengthening ahead of next season, with far too much reliance on Bamford to score the goals. Raphinha (ten) is the only player to have reached double figures in the league this season, and the winger could of course leave the club this summer.

Leeds have recently been linked with a move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi and he could be an ideal man to come in after scoring 14 goals in 26 Super Lig appearances on loan at Besiktas this season.

At 28, he has plenty of experience at the top level – he has scored 23 goals in just 41 caps for Belgium – but is still at an age where he could be in his prime for several years.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Leeds transfer update. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could be given a cruel reminder of what could’ve been this weekend.

The north London outfit head to Anfield to face title-chasing Liverpool in tomorrow’s late kick-off in the Premier League. The home side will be looking to keep the pressure on Manchester City, whilst a place in the top-four is still up for grabs for Antonio Conte’s men.

Liverpool were always competing for the title heading into the season but their fortunes vastly improved following the January transfer window with the notable arrival of Luis Diaz.

And it is because of Spurs that he will be lining up in a red shirt, rather than a white one.

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If the Lilywhites didn’t register an interest in the then-Porto sensation, then it’s unlikely that the Colombian winger would be a Liverpool player today, as suggested by The Athletic’s James Pearce.

Diaz was a target for the summer but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy pushed to sign him in an initial £38m deal, potentially rising to £50m.

These negotiations quickly collapsed as the £40.5m-rated dynamo wanted to move to Merseyside, and by the time Levy came back with a guaranteed £50m offer, the 25-year-old was already on his way to Anfield.

The Athletic describe Levy as being ‘fuming’ with the decision at the time, and he may well get a taste of what he’s missed out on come tomorrow night.

Diaz has taken the Premier League by storm, managing three goals and two assists in 10 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

“With a full pre-season under his belt I believe Luis will get better, which is scary; but what he has produced in the here and now is pretty special as well,” claimed Liverpool team-mate and left-back Andrew Robertson.

BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand has even lauded the 25-year-old winger as the ‘Signing of the Season’, as he told his podcast:

“You watch him play, on the ball he’s brilliant. But his reaction when they lose the ball is unreal. He’s like a trigger, bang, go go and get it back. For those reasons, he’s the standout signing of the season for me.”

Also lauded as “unplayable” by Robertson, Diaz is clearly an exceptional talent, and one who could seriously haunt Tottenham once the referee blows that whistle at Anfield tomorrow.

If Levy was already angry enough, just imagine the feeling in the boardroom should the Colombian star put on a show in front of his home crowd once again.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Christian Eriksen update…

Newcastle United are interested in signing AS Roma midfielder Jordan Veretout, according to a report from Italian outlet Area Napoli. 

The lowdown: Career so far

A senior France international, Veretout has spent time in the Premier League previously with Aston Villa, where he made 29 outings before being sold to Fiorentina in 2017.

The 29-year-old cultured midfielder has also had spells at Nantes and Saint Etienne in Ligue 1 before finding a home at Roma and amassing 128 appearances to date, scoring 22 times and providing 16 assists.

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Now, it appears following a fresh claim from Italy that a return to England could be on the horizon…

The latest: Magpies ready to pounce

As per Area Napoli, Newcastle are ‘courting’ the five-cap ace ahead of the summer transfer window.

The St James’ Park hierarchy have an approach ready and could ‘soon present an official offer’ to sign the Frenchman who is definitely ‘leaving Rome’.

Serie A side Napoli are also cited as potential suitors for the man praised for an ‘absolutely superb’ display by journalist Josh Bunting back in August, during which Veretout scored once and provided an assist in a 4-0 victory over Salernitana.

The verdict: Shrewd move

Albeit perhaps not the calibre of the star-studded name many might be expecting Newcastle to target in the upcoming window, Veretout’s vast top-flight experience across Europe would help to take Eddie Howe’s side to the next level.

This season, the versatile star has directly contributed to 14 goals in 48 appearances under Jose Mourinho, earning an impressive 7.13 average match rating in the process whilst making 1.5 key passes, winning 2.6 duels and taking 46.3 touches on average per league game (Sofascore).

Valued at £19.80million and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), Veretout presents an affordable and astute option as Newcastle boss Howe attempts to freshen up the midfield department.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC have now made contact over signing here!

As per Italian source Calciomercato, there has been a big West Ham United transfer update as the club eye a move for Everton striker and Juventus loanee Moise Kean.

The Lowdown: Hammers emerge…

The Hammers and manager David Moyes have emerged as contenders to sign the Italy international in recent days, according to reports.

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Tuttosport (via Sport Witness) recently lifted the lid on West Ham’s interest ahead of the summer window with the Premier League side allegedly making an enquiry over Kean.

This comes as the Irons hierarchy scour the market for a striker who can finally supply Moyes with some much-needed depth up front and an alternative to forward Michail Antonio.

The Latest: Club chief flies to London…

According to Calciomercato, there has been another Kean update, with Juve sporting director Federico Cherubini flying to London for talks with West Ham over the player.

The Serie A giants are certain to sign Paris-Saint Germain’s ex-striker permanently from Everton with the move ‘not in doubt’, but they’re planning to sell him off again when the window opens.

It is believed they will demand ‘at least’ €35 million (£30m) for Kean with Cherubini now holding discussions with West Ham during a ‘London mission’.

The results of these talks aren’t disclosed but it is believed Moyes and co now ‘evaluate’ a move for the 22-year-old.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Kean, branded a ‘sensational talent’ for his head-turning rise in Italy by members of the media (Maxi Angelo), and ‘incredible’ by CBS commentator Matteo Bonetti (Twitter), has only shown flashes of what he’s capable of since first leaving Juve for Goodison Park.

His best spell since departing the club during his first stint came on loan at PSG under Thomas Tuchel, who branded the attacker ‘really tough’ and even likened him to Edinson Cavani (The Athletic).

Over his Ligue 1 spell, Kean notched a brilliant 13 goals in 22 starts under Tuchel – displaying obvious ability when at the very peak of his powers.

The trick for West Ham and Moyes would be getting that out of him again, something which hasn’t yet been managed since Kean departed the Parc des Princes.

If the Irons are sure they can unlock Kean’s potential, £30 million could be a small price to pay, but that is a big if.

In other news: West Ham now believe they can sign ‘beast’ for Moyes as agents plan imminent club talks…find out more here.

Neither team has won an ODI series in the last 18 months, but now have a chance to rediscover some consistency

Firdose Moonda06-Sep-2021

Big picture

The tussle for a (perhaps temporary) spot in the automatic qualifying zone on the World Cup Super League table will be decided in the series finale on Tuesday where 10 crucial points and a trophy, are on the line. Both Sri Lanka and South Africa are flirting too close to the line of having to pass through a qualifying tournament to make it to the 2023 World Cup and victory in this match will put either of them into the top five, and their minds at ease for now.Perhaps more pressingly, given that there is still plenty of time and many series (albeit challenging ones for both sides) before the World Cup participants are decided, is the possibility of winning a series for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic started. Neither of these teams have won an ODI series in the last 18 months – Sri Lanka since beating the West Indies at home in February 2020 and South Africa since whitewashing Australia at home in March last year. In the interim, Sri Lanka have lost to the West Indies, Bangladesh, England and India, while South Africa have lost to England and drawn with Ireland. For both teams, winning on Tuesday will be a small step to re-discovering consistency.South Africa have already shown some of that in their batting and put in two good performances on this tour, despite failing to chase 301 in the first match. Their top five have all contributed, allowing them space to accommodate more bowling options lower down. One of them is Keshav Maharaj, who is now operating as stand-in captain and is becoming as important in shorter formats as he is in Tests for South Africa.After an impressive effort in the first match, Sri Lanka’s top-order blow-out in the second match did not give them a chance and they will hope for better in that department. Of greater concern might be the performance of Akila Dananjaya, who has been expensive in both matches and only taken two wickets. With spin still Sri Lanka’s sharpest weapon and South Africa’s biggest weakness, although there are signs of improvements, expect the series to be decided by how many questions the home spinners ask and how confidently the visitors can answer them.

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka LWWLLSouth Africa WLWLLCharith Asalanka is the leading run-scorer in the series with 149 runs from two matches•Ishara S.Kodikara/AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlight

After career-best scores of 72 and 77 in the series so far, if the trend continues for Charith Asalanka’s, he could end up bettering his numbers yet again in what is already a strong start to his international career. Asalanka has played just seven ODIs since making his debut in June and has all the makings of a middle-order mainstay for Sri Lanka. He has impressed with his power-hitting and ability to build partnerships and has taken on both South African seam and spin with confidence. He currently leads the series run-charts, five ahead of Janneman Malan.Having been preferred over Dwaine Pretorius as the first-choice seam-bowling allrounder, Andile Phehlukwayo will want to do more after two middling performances so far. Phehlukwayo was only required to bat in the 46th and 45th over of the first two matches but did not last long and ended with scores of 5 and 4 and will want to show his finishing skills, and while he was expensive in the first match – his five overs cost 37 – he came back well in the second, bowling five overs for 28 runs. Phehlukwayo will want wickets and big runs to finish the series on a high.

Team news

Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s lack of runs in the opening two matches could see a return for Kamindu Mendis or Dinesh Chandimal. There’s also a chance Pulina Tharanga could replace Akila Dananjaya.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Avishka Fernando, 2 Minod Bhanuka (wk), 3 Bhanuka Rajapaksa/Kamindu Mendis/Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt.), 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Pulina Tharanga/Akila Dananjaya, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Praveen Jayawickrama.Using all three allrounders and all three spinners at their disposal worked well for South Africa in the second match and, even though it leaves the batting a little short, they are likely to keep the same structure. Kagiso Rabada suffered an ankle sprain in the second match but news from the team camp is that he is progressing well. He will undergo a fitness test on Tuesday morning to confirm his availability. Should he require more rest, Anrich Nortje will likely slot back in.South Africa (possible): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Janneman Malan, 3 Reeza Hendricks, 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6 Wiaan Mulder, 7 George Linde, 8 Andile Phehlukwayo, 9 Keshav Maharaj (capt), 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi.

Pitch and conditions

Like in the previous two matches, there will be assistance for slower bowlers but run-scoring should be plentiful. There are morning showers predicted but the rain should subside by the afternoon.

Stats and trivia

• The highest total chased in a day-night ODI in Sri Lanka is 288, which the hosts achieved against Pakistan in 2015. A score of 250-plus has been successfully chased nine times, none by teams from outside the subcontinent.
• Before Tabraiz Shamsi’s 5 for 49 on Saturday, the next best bowling figures by a South African bowler in Sri Lanka was David Terbrugge’s 4 for 20 in July 2000.

Quotes

It’s just a mindset. Even in the first game, they played well although we leaked a bit with the ball. Guys are playing well and contributing to the team. We’d love to play our best game here and come out on top.

Surrey’s quest thwarted as they come up two wickets short despite five for Clark

ECB Reporters' Network08-Sep-2021Northamptonshire’s Rob Keogh hit 99 to lay the foundation for a thrilling two-wicket win against Surrey in this LV= Insurance County Championship clash at Wantage Road. It was the highest ever successful run chase for the hosts against Surrey in first-class cricket.Keogh looked assured and untroubled until he fell agonisingly short of a well-deserved century shortly after lunch. Luke Procter, who hit a gutsy half-century, then combined with skipper Adam Rossington to bring the runs required down below 50.The pair were parted when Surrey took the new ball however, and it was left to all-rounder Tom Taylor and debutant James Sales to hold their nerve and see Northamptonshire to the brink of victory. Taylor fell with two runs required before Sales hit the winning boundary.A hostile Jordan Clark toiled hard on a flat surface taking five wickets to keep Surrey in the hunt but ultimately Northamptonshire were able to earn a famous victory.Northamptonshire had needed another 214 at start of play while Surrey needed to take eight more wickets on a pitch that was becoming more docile.Surrey’s seamers kept things tight early on, although it was a delivery from Clark which pitched outside leg stump which accounted for Emilio Gay who was unfortunate to be adjudged lbw for 50.Related

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Keogh though continued to play confidently both in attack and defence, driving and cutting with exemplary timing.He shared an 83-run stand with Procter who played the junior partner role at first but began to free his arms against the spinners, sweeping Amar Virdi over square leg and dispatching Cameron Steel through midwicket for another boundary.Clark struck soon after lunch when Keogh clipped Clark straight to deep square leg to leave Northamptonshire on 205 for 4 with 115 still required.Scoring started to dry up with Steel creating problems with flight and turn. Rossington though looked to be aggressive, using his feet to drive Steel through mid-on for four before swotting him over midwicket for six.Procter capitalised on the new ball by punching Topley through cover for four before upper cutting him for another boundary to move to a gutsy half-century from 152 balls. After a stand of 66 though, Procter and Rossington both fell to Topley and Clark respectively with the score on 271, with still 48 required with four wickets in hand.Straight after tea Topley had Saif Zaib caught behind but Taylor and Sales absorbed the pressure and started to tick off the runs required. Sales swayed out of the way of a short ball from Clark which flew away for four leg byes before Taylor swotted Topley through midwicket for four and struck Clark for a huge six in the same direction to bring the target down into single figures.David Ripley announced today that he will step down as Northamptonshire’s Head Coach at the end of the season after ten years in the role. He will shift focus into a different coaching role within the club.

Yasir Ali and Jahid Javed were the only centurions in the round

Mohammad Isam20-Oct-2021Dhaka Division started the 2021-22 National Cricket League with a resounding seven-wicket win over Sylhet Division inside three days. Rangpur Division and Khulna Division played out a draw in the other Tier 1 match.In Tier 2, Chattogram Division won by four wickets against Rajshahi Division, while the match between Dhaka Metropolis and Barisal Division was a rain-dominated draw.Best batters
Yasir Ali continued to impress in the domestic first-class circuit by getting his ninth century. He made 129 off 198 balls, with 15 fours and three sixes, in Chattogram’s first innings against Rajshahi. He added 134 runs for the third wicket with Mominul Haque, as Chattogram took a 183-run first-innings lead. Yasir laid the foundation for Chattogram’s eventual win over Rajshahi.Rangpur’s left-hand opener Jahid Javed scored his second first-class century, when he made 101 with ten fours and two sixes. He had earlier scored 40 in the first innings in the drawn encounter with Khulna.File photo: Yasir Ali helped Chattogram romp home•BCB

Best bowlers
Dhaka’s left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam took career-best figures of 10 for 64 in their big win over Sylhet. He took 6 for 23 in the first innings as Sylhet were shot out for 67, their second-lowest total in the competition. It is now the second cheapest ten-for in first-class cricket in Bangladesh.Offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz took a nine-wicket haul, which included 6 for 90 in the first innings, in Khulna’s drawn encounter against Rangpur. Veteran left-arm spinner Sohrawordi Shuvo also had figures of 6 for 87 in the same game.Rajshahi’s left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam took a five-wicket haul against Chattogram. But it was offspinner Nayeem Hasan’s eight wickets in the match that made the biggest impact as it helped Chattogram with the win. Another left-arm spinner, Tanvir Islam, took a five-for against Dhaka Metro, for whom while Sharifullah also took a five-wicket haul.Best match
Chattogram were bossing most of their game against Rajshahi but on the fourth morning, they were reduced to 38 for 6 in their chase of 77. Yasir then struck an unbeaten 38 to guide them to a tense win.Players to watch
Yasir continued to perform in the first-class scene, but he awaits a Test debut for a long time. He has taken several catches as a substitute fielder but the team management hasn’t entrusted him with a Test cap.The good showing by the spinners is also an encouraging sign, as Bangladesh have at times felt that they are light in this department, once considered to be their strength.

Plimmer made 46 not out in New Zealand’s interrupted 14.1 over innings before rain ended the match

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Mar-2025Dunedin rain has washed away hopes of a series result between New Zealand and Sri Lanka after only 14.1 overs were possible in the third T20I on Tuesday.Several lengthy rain delays ended any hopes of a result after New Zealand had made a bright start with the bat, having been sent in by Chamari Athapaththu.Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer shared a 60-run stand in eight overs before the first rain delay halted play. Shortly after returning Bates fell to Athapaththu for 31 off 28 before rain returned again.The match was reduced to 15-overs a side thanks to the second delay. Sri Lanka’s bowlers made the most of break, picking up two wickets on return. Plimmer continued her good form striking three boundaries and two sixes to reach 46 not out before rain ended the match.Athapaththu finished player of the truncated series with scores of 64 not out and 23 and bowling returns of 1-10, 0-19 and 1-19 across the series.

Hosts in strife in limited play at Old Trafford, as former Hants allrounder makes inroads

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Apr-2025Lancashire batsmen might be grateful that only one session of play was possible on the opening day of their Rothesay County Championship match against Leicestershire at Emirates Old Trafford.After being asked to bat first in cloudy conditions, Keaton Jennings’ side had proceeded uncertainly to 61 for three at lunch before the light showers that prevented a resumption coalesced into the steady drizzle that caused play to be abandoned at 4.30pm.In the first hour of play, the former Hampshire all-rounder, Ian Holland, got plenty of help from the pitch and removed both Michael Jones, bowled between bat and pad for ten, and Keaton Jennings, caught at first slip for nine in an eight-over spell that cost only 13 runs.Lancashire were 19 for two when Jennings was out and the third-wicket pair, Josh Bohannon and Marcus Harris, then batted with understandable caution, only six runs being scored in the first seven overs of their 25-run stand.But having made nine in nearly an hour, Bohannon was caught down the leg side by Ben Cox off Ben Mike and the session could have gone even better for Leicestershire had not Cox and third slip, Rehan Ahmed, dropped Matty Hurst twice in his first nine balls.As it was, Lancashire reached lunch on 61 for three after 31 overs and might well have reflected that the session could have gone much worse for them. Harris was 19 not out after facing 54 balls in 88 minutes and Hurst was unbeaten on 13 after his two escapes. It is doubtful whether the home batsmen were sorry that no further play was possible.However, this session maintained Leicestershire’s fine start to the campaign. Handscomb’s team came into this game at the top of the early-season table whereas Lancashire, the pre-season favourites for promotion, are fourth, 16 points behind their current opponents and without a win from their matches against Middlesex and Northamptonshire.