Meanwhile Swapnil Singh is set to move to Tripura from Uttarakhand

Shashank Kishore16-Jul-2025

Jitesh Sharma played a key role in RCB’s title run in IPL 2025•BCCI

Vidarbha and Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma will represent Baroda in the upcoming season.The 31-year-old did not feature in any matches during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, playing second fiddle to captain and first-choice wicketkeeper Akshay Wadkar. He remained part of Vidarbha’s white-ball squads, led by Karun Nair.The transfer to Baroda has reportedly been in the works for some time, with Jitesh’s close ties to Baroda captain Krunal Pandya, his fellow Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate during their maiden IPL title win earlier this year, believed to have helped facilitate the move.The shift could give Jitesh a renewed opportunity to cement his place as a regular in first-class cricket. Since making his debut in 2015-16, Jitesh has managed to feature in just 18 first-class games over the past ten seasons. He averages a modest 24.48 with four half-centuries. His most recent first-class game came nearly 18 months ago.Despite limited match time in red-ball cricket, Jitesh has made a mark in the shortest formats over the past few years. After breaking through for Punjab Kings in 2023, Jitesh earned an India T20I debut during the Asian Games in October that year. He has featured in nine T20Is.Earlier this year, Jitesh played a key role as finisher for RCB at IPL 2025, including scoring a maiden half-century, an unbeaten 85, in a must-win against Lucknow Super Giants that helped them finish in the top two. He was vice-captain to Rajat Patidar, and also stood-in as captain when Patidar was injured towards the back end of the competition.Meanwhile, Jitesh’s IPL team-mate Swapnil Singh, RCB’s only RTM (right to match) at the mega auction, is set to move to Tripura. Swapnil didn’t feature in a single game for RCB and last played domestic cricket for Uttarakhand in 2024-25, picking up 18 wickets in five matches during the Ranji Trophy. His white-ball numbers were modest.Swapnil, a regular in the club cricket scene in Chennai, was most recently part of Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025, picking up three wickets in eight matches while scoring 85 runs in eight games with the bat.

Raza’s fifty went in vain for Zimbabwe, who lost their sixth successive T20I against SA

Firdose Moonda14-Jul-2025It’s just not getting any easier for Zimbabwe. After suffering two heavy defeats to South Africa in the Tests, they opened their T20I triangular series, which also includes New Zealand, with a loss. It was Zimbabwe’s sixth successive T20I defeat to South Africa, against whom they are yet to register a win after two other games between the sides produced no results.South Africa, playing in their first T20I this year – and first under Shukri Conrad since he was named all-format coach – will be pleased with their early outing. Chasing 142, they wobbled at 38 for 3, but debutant Rubin Hermann top-scored with 45, and shared in a 72-run fourth-wicket stand with Dewald Brevis, who contributed 41 off just 17 balls. Corbin Bosch finished things off with an unbeaten 23 off 15 deliveries.The Hermann-Brevis partnership will make headlines, but South Africa will be equally satisfied with their bowlers – in particular with the return of Lungi Ngidi. After missing their last seven T20I matches, Ngidi came back with impressive accuracy, and finished with 1 for 15 from four overs. Overall, George Linde (3 for 10) was the standout with the lowest economy (3.33) and most wickets.South Africa’s victorious chase, completed inside 16 overs, overshadowed Sikandar Raza’s 15th T20I fifty, and his first against South Africa. Raza also went past Craig Ervine as Zimbabwe’s most capped T20I captain, with 39 matches. His knock lifted Zimbabwe from 39 for 2 to a total over 140, though they needed far more to be competitive.Sikandar Raza hit his 15th T20I fifty•Zimbabwe CricketZimbabwe equal best start against SAIt may hardly sound like much, but Zimbabwe’s 34 runs in the first six overs was their joint-highest in a T20I against South Africa, and better, in wicket terms, than the 34 for 2 they had got in 2018. With only Wessly Madhevere dismissed – and he has only got past 20 once in his last 11 innings – Zimbabwe would have felt they hadd built a solid base, especially with the way Brian Bennett was playing.His first boundary came when he flayed Ngidi through a vacant slip area, his second when he upper cut Burger to deep third, and his third and fourth off glorious drives over and through the covers off Bosch. What Bennett lacked was a partner as industrious as Zimbabwe’s scoring rate of under six an over needed a massive boost.Raza, Burl provide the runsAt 53 for 2 at the halfway stage, Zimbabwe were going nowhere, but Raza and Ryan Burl gave their innings some urgency. The pair ran well between the wickets, with Burl providing the early aggression. He took advantage of the only bad ball Ngidi bowled, down leg, to help its way for four, and then made Nqakaba Peter pay for poor length. The short ball was swung over fine leg, and the full one hit over long-on for the innings’ first six.Raza began the final onslaught when he picked up a slower ball from Andile Simelane, and hit it back over his head for six. He was dropped on 33 by Brevis at deep cover, and then slammed Simelane for six more in an over that cost 19. The partnership between Raza and Burl was worth 66 from 38 balls when Burl holed out to long-off to give Nandre Burger, on comeback after ten months, his first wicket. Zimbabwe scored 88 runs in the last ten overs to stage a decent fightback.File photo: Richard Ngarava is now Zimbabwe’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is•AP Photo/Eranga JayawardenaLeft-arm spinner Linde makes his caseIt is always going to be difficult for Linde to get past Keshav Maharaj in the South Africa side. But if they ever consider twin left-arm spin, Linde has done his bit to be the other half. Against Zimbabwe on Monday, Linde was brought on immediately after the powerplay, and bowled a tight first over. He then had Bennet out in his second over, and was tasked with the last over. where he took two wickets in two balls.Tashinga Musekiwa tried to force Linde over mid-off but was caught, before Tony Muyonga was caught off a low full toss. Linde almost had a hat-trick, before finishing with figures three wickets. However, there will be questions over why he did not bowl his full quota of overs.Ngarava roars backRichard Ngarava hurt his back during Zimbabwe’s Test in England, and missed the Tests against South Africa. But he showed why he is so crucial to Zimbabwe’s side with an explosive opening spell. Ngarava’s first legitimate ball stuck in the turf, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius toe-ended it back to him for a simple return catch.In his next over, a similar delivery took Reeza Hendricks’ inside edge as he drove loosely, and went on to rock middle stump. South Africa were 17 for 2 in the third over, and Ngarava had given Zimbabwe a solid chance. With Hendricks’ wicket, Ngarava went past Raza as Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, with 82 to his name. Ngarava returned to bowl the 15th over, and added to the tally by getting rid of Hermann with a delivery that kept low and skidded on to take out off stump.Hermann’s hat-trick of fours, and Brevis goes bigHermann announced himself by scoring his first international runs with a six when he stepped inside the line to send Ngarava over fine leg. He very nearly didn’t add to his score when he popped Blessing Muzarabani to cover point, but the ball fell safe. Then Hermann took control of the chase when he thumped back-to-back-to-back fours off Wellington Masakadza to bring the required run rate down to under seven an over.Hermann played the sweep, and showed his power-hitting and ability to use his feet in the three fours he struck. Not to be outdone, Brevis, who only had five runs in his previous two T20Is, then went one better. Two overs after Hermann’s blitz, Brevis sent Burl down the ground three times for a hat-trick of sixes. Burl was guilty of going too short, and Brevis was happy to make room and swing away. He took 24 runs off Burl’s opening over, which cost 25, and effectively ended the contest.South Africa were 103 for 3 after 11 overs, and needed 39 runs from the next nine overs to win. Eventually, they got those runs in less than five overs.

South Africa’s regular white-ball captains Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma will return to lead the T20I and ODI squads, respectively, for next month’s tour of Australia. Markram was rested from South Africa’s Test and T20I series in Zimbabwe while Bavuma missed the Zimbabwe Tests with a hamstring injury he sustained at the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. Both skippers will have relatively full-strength squads available to them.Notably, the squad was announced a week before Patrick Moroney, the new convenor of selectors, starts work on August 1, which means this was the last squad that all-format Shukri Conrad picked independently.”It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final,” Conrad said in a statement. “Their experience and quality add real value to the group as we continue to build a strong core in both formats. Every series from here on plays a part in shaping our squads for next year’s T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup at home in 2027.”Of South Africa’s regulars, Marco Jansen and David Miller are the only two not named. Jansen is recovering from surgery to his left thumb from an issue picked up at the WTC final, while Miller will be playing in the Hundred. He is expected to return for South Africa’s white-ball tour of England in September.South Africa’s squads for Australia tour•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The rest of South Africa’s frontline attack, led by Kagiso Rabada in the seam department and Keshav Maharaj in the spin one, are all included. But Maharaj is not part of the T20I squad.Instead, left-arm spinners George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy, who are both currently in Zimbabwe, will play the T20Is alongside legspinner Nqaba Peter as South Africa assess their options for next year’s T20 World Cup. Tabraiz Shamsi, who opted out of a national contract last year, is not included in either squad. Conrad had indicated prior to the Zimbabwe series that he would speak to Shamsi to discuss his future.”Unfortunately, things got away from me, and I was never able to have that chat,” he said. “The spinners who have been selected have the inside track.”South Africa’s T20I playing group sees the return of Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs to the batting line-up, and the retention of Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, who are both in Zimbabwe. Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka make up the seamers, but Gerald Coetzee is not included.Rassie van der Dussen was not included in the ODI squad for Australia•Zimbabwe Cricket

“There are only so many quicks you can put in your team in terms of balance,” Conrad said. “The players who have been selected are ahead of Gerald in the pecking order. In the 50-over squad, I wanted to try and get as many allrounders in the squad. You cannot ignore what Corbin Bosch has done. Gerald sits behind him.”The ODI squad’s batting line-up has the four named above as well Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi. Wiaan Mulder provides an all-round option in Jansen’s absence. While Rassie van der Dussen, who has South Africa’s second-highest ODI average, is not included in the ODI squad, Conrad also conceded that he is “very much in contention for the T20 World Cup”.”He gives you the option of batting at the top and at No. 3, and he is a great in a leadership role. With the 50-over [team], because I’ve got time before 2027, it gives me the opportunity to blood new players and see how they develop.”

T20I squad

Aiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der Dussen

ODI squad

Temba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen

Celtic enjoyed a mostly successful night at Parkhead as they beat Sturm Graz 2-1 to secure their first win of the league phase of the Europa League on Thursday night.

Goals from Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren turned the game around after the Hoops found themselves 1-0 down to a wondergoal in the first half.

There were also some negatives to take away from the game, though, unfortunately, as Kelechi Iheanacho and Alistair Johnston both came off with injuries in the opening 45 minutes.

Speaking after the match, Brendan Rodgers provided an update on both players: “The first two doesn’t look great, it looks like hamstring. But okay, that’s what happens.”

Iheanacho came off with that hamstring injury in the opening four minutes of the game, which is a concern, and it remains to be seen exactly how long the Nigeria international will be out of action for.

Johnny Kenny was brought off the bench to replace the former Manchester City striker for the remainder of the game, but it is now down to Rodgers to decide whether he sticks with him for Sunday’s huge game.

Why Johnny Kenny may not start against Hearts

The Celtic head coach may take a cautious approach with this match because they are away from home against the team that are currently five points ahead of them in the Scottish Premiership table.

This means that Rodgers may not want to put his full trust in the inexperience of Kenny to lead the line for the Hoops in such a crucial match in the league season, despite a promising performance off the bench against Sturm Graz.

Minutes

86

xG

0.98

Shots

6

Goals

0

Dribbles completed

2/4

Pass accuracy

40%

Duels won

9/15

Possession lost

13x

As you can see in the table above, the Irishman got into plenty of positions to have shots at goal, taking six in total, but he gave the ball away a bit too much and failed to take the chances that came his way.

On top of some of those performance-related concerns, there may also be a concern over his lack of experience. Kenny has started one Premiership game for Celtic in 2025, per Sofascore, and scored his first league goal for the club against Aberdeen in May.

The 22-year-old centre-forward has not started a game in the Premiership for the Scottish giants so far this season, coming off the bench four times, but did score a goal in the 3-0 win over Livingston in August.

This means that Kenny may not be viewed as the best option to be given the nod as the starting centre-forward against Hearts, because he is inexperienced and raw as a young striker.

Rodgers may, instead, turn to another player to fill that position to replace the injured Iheanacho, by unleashing one of his players in a new role in his Celtic career.

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Benjamin Nygren has played all of his appearances for the Scottish giants so far this season as either a central midfielder or a right winger, per Transfermarkt, and he played off the right against Sturm Graz.

However, the Sweden international has played 39 times as a centre-forward in his career, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he is capable of operating as a central striker.

Why Celtic should start Benjamin Nygren as a striker

With Iheanacho out injured and Kenny lacking in experience and goals for the Hoops, playing Nygren as a centre-forward could make sense for this clash with Hearts.

The 24-year-old star has already played over 1,000 minutes and contributed with five goals and four assists in 15 appearances for Celtic this season, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he is a dependable squad member for the manager.

Rodgers clearly trusts him to deliver on the pitch, hence his minutes on the pitch, and that is why the head coach may want to unleash him in a new role, in terms of the current campaign, as a striker against Hearts.

Nygren, above all else, is a player who has proven that he can consistently get into goalscoring positions and score goals to win his team matches, which is a valuable trait to have.

The left-footed star missed four ‘big chances’ in the win over Sturm Graz, but his misses did not deter him from going on to score the winning goal with an excellent close-range header from Arne Engels’ corner.

Nygren, who has scored four goals in eight appearances in the Premiership for Celtic, is no stranger to the centre-forward position, or to finding the back of the net. In fact, speaking on TNT’s coverage of the win on Thursday, former Hoops boss Neil Lennon described him as a constant “threat” in front of goal.

Right winger

77

27 + 13

Centre-forward

39

16 + 3

Central midfield

20

5 + 4

Left winger

15

6 + 1

Attacking midfield

8

2 + 0

Right midfield

7

1 + 1

Left midfield

3

0 + 0

As you can see in the table above, centre-forward is his second-most featured position in his club career to date, only bettered by right wing, which shows that he is more than comfortable in that role.

His return of 16 goals in 39 appearances as a striker also suggests that he can carry his goalscoring qualities over to playing in that position, rather than only providing a goal threat from a central midfield or right wing position.

Therefore, it could make a lot of sense to unleash Nygren as a centre-forward against Hearts because the left-footed ace is experienced, has proven he can score goals for Celtic, and has played as a number nine for previous clubs.

Celtic star who Lennon dubbed "world-class" was even better than Nygren

This Nakamura-esque Celtic star was even better than Benjamin Nygren against Sturm Graz.

ByDan Emery Oct 24, 2025

This would allow Rodgers to keep the inexperienced Kenny on the bench as an option to bring on when needed to add some energy, possibly in the second half.

The Los Angeles Dodgers did not need six games to etch their name in the history books as 2024 World Series champions; five would do. But that final game was a serious battle, and an improbable victory for the Dodgers.

At one point, the New York Yankees had a 96% win probability. And around that point, the Los Angeles front office was turning its attention to the rest-of-series strategy. First up? Their starting pitcher in Game 6.

Projected to be Yoshinobu Yamamoto if the Yankees won Game 5 and forced a return to Los Angeles for Game 6, Dodgers president Andrew Friedman reportedly started to sketch out whether it would be logistically feasible to get Yamamoto on a separate plane from the rest of the team in a lay-flat seat, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The advantage would be some extra rest for Yamamoto in a Game 6.

Yamamoto was a Yankee killer in Game 2, where he pitched a one-hit, six-inning start to earn the win.

But as quickly as series and game momentum palpably swung in the Yankees' direction, New York handed it back over like a hot potato. A multi-error fifth inning saw their lead go from five to zero. Taking an eighth-inning lead, Los Angeles got back to aggressively trying to close the game out instead of contingency-planning a return home.

And the rest is history. Instead of a solo cross-country flight, Yamamoto spent his night celebrating with his Dodger teammates.

Carey made 63 and Webster 60, while Alzarri Joseph took 4 for 61 as Australia were bowled out for 286 before bad light prevented the West Indies innings from starting

Andrew McGlashan03-Jul-2025

Alex Carey and Beau Webster turned the tide in the afternoon session•AFP/Getty Images

Stumps Reckon you’ve seen this before? You wouldn’t be wrong. Australia’s top order again failed to inspire on the opening day in Grenada before Beau Webster and Alex Carey performed a familiar rescue act amid another crucial call by the third umpire and further fielding woes for West Indies.Australia were wobbling t 110 for 5 when Travis Head fell, the TV umpire ruling Shai Hope’s brilliant take clean, having earlier been 50 for 3 as a solid base vanished. Webster and Carey then added 112 in 25 overs and the game was threatening to run away from West Indies but they were able to chip away at the lower order and bowl Australia out for 286 inside 67 overs, with Alzarri Joseph claiming four wickets. To the home side’s benefit, light prevented Australia from having a brief bowl with the umpires taking the players off just as they returned to the field.Related

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Although not on the level of Barbados, there was assistance for the quicks – Roston Chase said he would have bowled had the toss gone his way – and suggestions that uneven bounce could play a part later in the game, particularly with the delivery which scuttled to remove Pat Cummins. So the true value of Australia’s first-innings total will only become clearer tomorrow, although it certainly felt competitive.Webster, who brought up an 87-ball fifty, again played superbly to follow up his vital second-innings performance in Barbados, and the runs he scored in the World Test Championship final. He was assured in defence and picked his moments to attack, including a slog-sweep for six off Chase and one of the shots of the innings when he laced Jayden Seales through the off side. But he was left frustrated when he gambled on a second run to deep point in an attempt to keep the strike and was beaten by Keacy Carty’s throw. It meant 300 proved out of reach.Carey lived something of a charmed life. He could have been run out on 10 and 51; was dropped by Shai Hope from an attempted ramp on 46; reached his half-century from 68 deliveries with an edge between the keeper and a wide slip; and edged wide of slip again on 55.Alzarri Joseph picked up four wickets in the innings•Associated Press

But he was also quick onto anything loose, showing the same counter-punching skills that have been so evident in his game over the last 18 months or so. In all, 46 of his 63 runs came in boundaries, including a swivel-pull for six off Justin Greaves only for him to cloth a long hop from the same bowler to midwicket when a significant innings appeared for the taking.Australia’s earlier batting performance had been dominated by unconverted starts. Sam Konstas put away a strong early pull shot and played with more urgency than in Barbados, but he was also beaten on multiple occasions, including three times in a row by Seales. There was also a flashing edge over gully against Shamar Joseph, which Roston Chase got a fingertip to, although it would have been a spectacular catch had it been taken. Konstas followed that with a sweetly struck cover drive.He and Usman Khawaja, who went to 6000 Test runs when he reached 2, had taken Australia to a promising 47 for 0 when the innings took on a very different look. For the second time in the series, Khawaja was lbw to Alzarri Joseph from around the wicket that proved a bail-trimmer when Khawaja went to the DRS. Four balls later, Konstas drove at the recalled Anderson Phillip, who had been preferred to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, and edged behind for an unfulfilled 25.Beau Webster celebrates back-to-back fifties•AFP/Getty Images

Australia’s slide turned into 3 for 3 when Steven Smith, back in the side after the finger injury he sustained in the World Test Championship final, top-edged a pull against the lively Alzarri Joseph that flew high to fine leg where Phillip judged it very well. The scoreline read a familiar 50 for 3.The opening session ended with a dramatic over from Seales. Cameron Green, who had shaped up encouragingly even though he could have been run out on 16 if mid-on had collected cleanly, drove to cover where John Campbell spilled a regulation catch. But Green could still not make it through to the interval when, four balls later, he went for a big drive to the last delivery of the over and sent a thick edge to gully where Chase held it well.Head threatened to perform another rescue act but fell early in the afternoon following a brief delay for rain when the TV umpire, this time Nitin Menon, was back in focus as Hope took a brilliant catch low to his left when Head glanced a climbing delivery from Shamar Joseph. Hope was convinced of the catch but it went upstairs; unlike in Barbados, the decision went West Indies’ way and Head did not look thrilled as he walked off.Another quick wicket and Australia could have been bundled out but as they have tended to do, a couple of players found enough runs to give their high-class attack something to work with.

Chelsea’s scouts have now reportedly been spotted keeping close tabs on a Premier League star ahead of making a potential move in 2026.

Chelsea's January transfer plans

Enzo Maresca is gradually beginning to discover the best formula for success at Stamford Bridge. Without the injured Cole Palmer, the likes of Moises Caicedo and summer signing Joao Pedro have all stepped up – replacing one of the best players in the Premier League in the process. But, there is still something missing before the Blues can become serious title contenders.

As impressive as they are in midfield and going forward at times, Chelsea’s backline still needs work. Amid a number of suspensions and ill-timed injuries, their lack of quality at centre-back has been particularly exposed.

Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill all represent solid options, but it’s difficult to pick a leader out of any of those four players. That must change in 2026. Instead of setting their sights on yet another offensive addition, BlueCo should look to land a major defensive upgrade.

On that front, a number of players have already been linked with moves to West London. Among them is Ronald Araujo, whose Barcelona future continues to be thrown into doubt.

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If the Blues are looking for a defensive standout then signing of La Liga’s finest certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea. Araujo would offer fresh experience to Maresca’s backline whilst still performing at the peak of his powers at 26 years old.

He’s not the only name mentioned in recent reports, however. The West London club have also been linked with a Premier League option, who shares an agent as Liam Delap.

Chelsea scouts spotted watching Ezri Konsa

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Chelsea scouts have now been spotted watching Ezri Konsa, who has attracted interest from across the Premier League thanks to his performances at Aston Villa.

The England international is one of a number of players who could yet leave to ease Villa’s PSR problems and, if that does prove to be the case, Chelsea could be lying in wait.

Minutes

3,149

2,936

Progressive Passes

131

90

Tackles Won

34

18

Successful Aerial Duels

121

97

Questions must be asked as to whether Konsa would solve Chelsea’s problems, however. When compared to Colwill last season, it is the Blues’ current star who stands out both in possession and out of it. The last thing that Maresca needs is simply a like-for-like player rather than an upgrade.

That said, the Villa defender has still earned plenty of praise over the years, including from former Manchester City star Micah Richards.

The Sky Sports pundit had nothing but positives after Konsa’s England performance against Switzerland at Euro 2024, saying: “Can you control your nerves? Can you do the basics very well?

“And he has done all of these things. I just think his overall game has been fantastic. He has been excellent, he really has.”

Carlos Baleba has been backed to become Manchester United's own Rodri despite Casemiro's resurgence at Old Trafford. In recent weeks, the Brazilian has reminded fans exactly why he’s one of the finest defensive midfielders of his generation. Yet, Ruben Amorim feels that he needs to add more steel in midfield, and a summer bid for Baleba has not been ruled out.

• Casemiro’s renaissance, but time is ticking

  Casemiro's performances have been nothing short of vintage. He scored and assisted in United’s 4–2 win over Brighton, and before that, he produced a commanding display in the club’s first victory at Anfield in almost a decade. Add to that his match-winning strike against Chelsea in September, and it is clear Casemiro’s hunger is far from fading. Yet behind the resurgence lies a reality that can’t be ignored. He is 33 years old, and with countless miles already on the clock, he is definitely not getting any fresher. Amorim has managed Casemiro’s minutes with care, and the Portuguese manager is convinced that, although the veteran has shown no signs of slowing down, another marquee addition is necessary.    

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  A £115 million dream that slipped away

  United had been tracking Baleba for months. But Brighton, ever the masters of the market, slammed the door shut. They valued Baleba at no less than £115 million ($153m), which is the same figure Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo. United’s hierarchy balked at the price, and the deal was shelved. Now, with Amorim’s midfield plans for next summer already in motion in the boardroom, and Casemiro still holding the fort, calls to reignite that pursuit are growing louder, led by none other than Louis Saha, the former Old Trafford striker. 

  Speaking to OLBG, Saha said: "Fabinho was very powerful for Liverpool and Rodri happened to be the same for Man City. When you have this very strong midfielder that provides in the transition, the power and the stability at the same time, that's a top player and there are not so many who are able to actually dictate midfield as much. We’ve heard that there were talks with Brighton for Carlos Baleba who was very close to joining and I really like his style.  

  "Everyone can see that there is a gap and a need for power and the ability to change the tempo of the game. Sometimes United play to stay secure and slow the pace and that is not helpful for United’s strikers so we need something better." 

  But Saha was equally quick to praise Casemiro’s current form, insisting that his recent resurgence should not go unnoticed.

  "I have to say that Casemiro has done really well, not because he’s scored goals, but more his capacity to represent stability and resilience," he said. "That's really important when you are under pressure and I think he's managed the pressure really well because the expectations are enormous. I think he's done really well. He gives a new tempo and new belief to Manchester United and I do think that he needs credit for that."

• Baleba is the midfield engine United crave

  Baleba has an explosive engine and the tactical intelligence to read danger before it happens. Those qualities have drawn comparisons not just to Rodri but to former United star Michael Carrick. Saha believes it’s those physical and mental attributes that make Baleba such a perfect fit for Amorim’s system. 

  He said: "Give me back Michael Carrick! I think when you look at the need for power and the legs to cover ground I think Baleba is a little bit more useful because I think you can then have Bruno Fernandes repositioned a little bit. You could have another player, even Kobbie Mainoo, who can do that if he had maybe a better understanding of positioning and the momentum you need to bring to the game."

  Saha also explained that Amorim’s pressing system requires a midfielder with relentless stamina. And Baleba is a player capable of pushing the defensive line 10 yards higher and then recovering instantly.

  "There is an element that can compensate where we need power, but we need those legs to be able to really impose the pressure that Amorim wants, maybe 10 yards further up the field. When you do that you need the ability to come back on the pressure, on the counter-attack, so I think that Baleba is more suited to that," he added. 

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  The transfer battle ahead

  Despite United’s renewed interest, Brighton have made it clear that Baleba is not for sale in January. The Seagulls see him as central to their long-term project and will resist any bids mid-season. That means United must either wait until the summer to submit an official bid. However, they are also looking at other targets as backup. Among them is Elliot Anderson, the Nottingham Forest midfielder who is admired by Amorim for his versatility. Another name on United’s radar is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart, meanwhile, could represent a more attainable target. The German midfielder has a £35 million release clause, and sources suggest he is open to a Premier League move. But the most realistic and immediate option might be Conor Gallagher, as Atletico Madrid might sanction a loan move until the end of the season in the winter. 

One of the most exciting talents on Leeds United’s books right now is certainly Harry Gray. The 17-year-old centre-forward comes from a long line of Leeds players.

You can trace that back as recently as his brother Archie, who now plays for Tottenham Hotspur, and his grandfather, Eddie, a Leeds legend.

The England under-17 striker is an excellent talent. He’s shone for Leeds’ academy this season, with four goals in four Premier League 2 games, impressive in itself but even more so given he’s playing four years up.

Last season, Gray – who recently put pen to paper on a new deal in Yorkshire – was given his first-team debut by Daniel Farke, although he has not had that opportunity this term.

That might be due to Farke’s reliance on experienced players.

Farke’s reliance on experience over youth

Whilst the Leeds manager gave the youngest Gray brother his first taste of senior football at the end of last season, he isn’t one to turn to youth players a lot.

In fact, when he played former academy star Archie Gray 52 times in 2023/24, that was certainly more of an outlier.

This season, in Leeds’ battle for Premier League survival, Farke has relied on a more experienced group of players. The Whites have the seventh-highest average age in the top flight in 2025/26, at 27.1 years old, according to FBref.

There is only one player under 25 who has made an appearance this season, namely Wilfried Gnonto, who is 21 years of age.

In theory, that experience should certainly help the West Yorkshire outfit in the top flight.

Some players have years of Premier League football under their belt.

Yet, Leeds are just three points above the relegation zone, and things are not really working out for Farke’s experienced squad this season.

Perhaps it is time to take a punt on someone younger, like Gnonto or Gray.

Well, if recent reports are to be believed, Farke could soon be out of a job and replaced with someone who trusts the youngsters.

Why Leeds could benefit from a change of manager

There have been reports this week which have tipped the Whites to replace Farke with Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior. Whilst former Leeds star Aidy White says that the appointment would be a “huge gamble,” there are plenty of merits to the move.

Firstly, the former Hull City manager has an impressive record in Ligue 1. He’s coached 42 top-flight games in France, winning 21, drawing ten and losing the other 11.

His average of 1.74 points per game is a real standout and a testament to his ability to churn out results.

Rosenior – Ligue 1 record at Strasbourg

Stat

Number

Games

42

Wins

21

Draws

10

Losses

11

Goals for/against

73/54

Points won

73

Average points per game

1.74

Stats from Transfermarkt

The London-born manager is certainly a highly rated coach. Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley said he is “one of the best emerging British coaches,” which he proved during his time in the Championship with Hull.

He guided the Tigers to seventh in 2023/24, including fantastic performances like this. His side narrowly missed out on a playoff spot.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Rosenior try and bed the younger players into the first-team fold at Leeds. He is known for trusting those with less experience, as showcased in the average ages of his squad at Strasbourg this season.

The French side have comfortably got the youngest squad in Ligue 1, fielding a side with an average age of just 21.6 years old. However, this is not an anomaly.

The situation at Hull was the same. In his only full year on Humberside, his squad was the joint sixth youngest, with an average age of 25.4.

It is easy to see why Rosenior could be the perfect head coach for someone like Gray. The homegrown star is a talented youngster who is putting up some excellent performances in the academy.

A coach like Rosenior, who values the academy players and the breakthrough stars, could well give him a chance to shine at senior level.

Manager Focus

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If Farke is removed from his post, the Strasbourg boss could be the dream man to take charge and really shake things up at Elland Road.

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Posts ByJoe Nuttall Oct 23, 2025

Rangers target Steven Gerrard has reportedly outlined the one Gers demand that he has before potentially returning to Ibrox to replace Russell Martin.

Update on Rangers' Ibrox manager search

It was supposed to be a new era at Rangers in the summer. The 49ers completed their takeover and in came the likes of Andrew Cavenagh, Paraag Marathe and Kevin Thelwell to call the shots. Fresh from another Scottish Premiership campaign to forget, this was supposed to be the Gers reborn, led by Martin in the dugout.

Alas, just months later, it’s back to square one for the new owners, who have learned a harsh lesson. Martin has been dismissed in a decision that has seemed inevitable for some time, and he is now destined to be remembered among Ibrox’s greatest disappointments, whilst the 49ers must now turn to fresh options.

Just what’s next for Rangers is the big question. A number of managers have been mooted for some time, with Martin’s record of one win in seven games only ever leading to one decision, but it remains to be seen who takes the vacant job.

Names such as Danny Rohl have once again emerged, as have Steven Gerrard, Sean Dyche and new candidates such as Mark van Bommel. It’s not a decision that the Gers should rush into after making such a mistake in their last hiring process and the international break should hand them ample time to decide on a candidate.

Rohl would represent a similar risk to Martin, but if the 49ers want to persist with the ideas for their project then he could be their man. Meanwhile, positive talks have already reportedly been held with Gerrard, who has outlined his biggest demand to return to Ibrox.

Gerrard outlines Rangers demand before Ibrox return

As reported by TeamTalk, after holding positive talks to return to the club, Gerrard has demanded more control of transfers and to be handed a January budget to fix the current mess at Ibrox. Whether the 49ers accept those demands after bringing Thelwell into his sporting director role in the summer to handle transfers is the big question.

It would certainly make sense to turn to Gerrard. He’s the only candidate on Rangers’ list that has been there and done it in the Scottish Premiership. In fact, he remains the last manager to dethrone Celtic and Brendan Rodgers in Scotland’s top flight.

Games

192

Wins

124

Draws

41

Defeat

27

The former Liverpool midfielder would have a tougher task this time around if asked to turn things around, although he would likely have a bigger budget to operate with after the summer takeover.

Having added experience in the Premier League as well as Saudi Arabia to his CV since leaving Rangers in 2021 too, the Gers would likely be getting a more complete version of Gerrard this time around.