Bumrah: 'I will keep doing my work, keep trying to take India forward'

Attack leader plays down concerns about workload and past injuries after latest stellar display

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-20254:39

Bumrah: ‘Nobody is dropping catches on purpose’

Jasprit Bumrah resumed Test cricket from where he had left off in Australia with a stress reaction in the already operated-on back: carrying the India attack and looking the most threatening bowler on the park. While he was away, there was concern aplenty if Bumrah had been bowled into the ground and how well he would be able to return from the injury.While Bumrah has kept his medical status close to his and his inner circle’s chest, experts felt another such injury could prove to be the last one for his Test career. The headlines haven’t impressed Bumrah. “I can’t control what people write,” he said. “Nor am I trying to teach people what to write and what not to write about me. Everybody is free to write what they want. I understand cricket is very popular in our country, and I understand that using my name in the headline boosts the viewership. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter to me. Because if I let it get into my head, I will start believing it. I need my beliefs and my ways to dictate how I go. Not the way others want me to play.”I always wanted to play for India. I played for India on my belief. I have played every format on my belief. I have always heard ‘no’ from people. First they said ‘you won’t be able to play’; then they said ‘you will last only six months’; then they said ‘you will last only eight months’, and just like that I have spent ten years in international cricket listening to all this. I have played the IPL for 12-13 years.Related

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“Even now people keep saying this injury will be it. Keep waiting, I will not think about that. I will keep doing my work. Every three-four months there will be headlines but, let’s see, I will play till it is in my destiny. I prepare my best, and leave the rest to god. Whatever [abundance or good fortune] god has given me, I try to carry it forward, and try to take Indian cricket forward.”The last injury does seem to have changed his outlook towards how much he should push himself. He has already informed the team management he will not be available for all the Tests this series. That, he says, is why he opted out of captaincy.Given that it had been announced he would be playing only three Tests, it could increase the sense of urgency around these games – because he will have fewer days to make an impact in. Not for Bumrah. “You don’t look at what is going to happen in the future,” Bumrah said. “You are there in the ground at that moment. You have to do a job. So at that moment I’m trying to assess the wicket. I’m trying to assess what is happening, what are my options, how is the wicket behaving, who’s the batter there, what is he thinking, how do I outsmart him or what do I do? I look at all of those things at that moment. I was not thinking about what will happen or how many games I will play. At this moment, focusing on the Test match. When the match is over, think about all these permutations and combinations.”The expectations, he said, can be extra baggage, which he doesn’t want to carry. “I ask myself this question at night, did I give my absolute best?” Bumrah said. “If the answer is yes, I quietly go to sleep.”

Rangers left impressed after Ibrox talks with "amazing" 4-2-3-1 manager

Rangers are continuing their search for a new manager at Ibrox, with an “amazing” 36-year-old now impressing club chiefs as an interesting option.

Rangers snubbed by manager target after Ibrox talks

The Gers sacked Russell Martin last weekend, following a hugely unconvincing spell in charge, and it’s now a case of nailing his successor.

Steven Gerrard has stood out as a leading option to come in, having guided Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title back in 2020/21, but a new update claims that the Liverpool legend has decided not to take the job, looking elsewhere instead.

The Gers will now have to turn their attention elsewhere, and with both Martin and Philippe Clement struggling during their respective tenures, it is vital that the club avoid a third disappointing reign in a row.

Supporters are likely to be split over whether they want another young manager like Martin, or a more proven figure in the mold of Sean Dyche, but a boss who falls into the former category has now been linked with the job.

"Amazing" manager impresses Rangers bosses

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Rangers have been left impressed after talks with Danny Rohl, who is looking for a new job after leaving Sheffield Wednesday earlier this year.

Rohl stands out as an exciting option for Rangers, considering he is still only 36 years of age and impressed at Wednesday, pulling off a hugely laudable escape act in the Championship in 2023/24, often deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation.

It is added elsewhere that in discussions, Rohl has made it clear in talks he is ready to take the job and is already considering various ex-Rangers players who could be part of his backroom staff should he be appointed.

The German’s ability wasn’t lost on Owls legend Chris Waddle, who heaped praise on the job he was doing during his time at Hillsborough.

“I like this style of his tactics he got with the players he had, I think it was very limited, he didn’t really have a budget. You know, it was a lot of free transfers, there was a lot of players who played in League One with that team. I thought he got them organised, he got them together. The players obviously rolled their sleeves up and gave it 110%, and he got his reward. You know, at one stage, we were talking about getting in the playoffs, which was amazing.”

Significant Rangers manager update shared out of Ibrox after positive talks

It emerged on Saturday evening.

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Rohl’s teams try to play good football, but in a less risky manner to Martin, and if they do miss out on Gerrard, as appears to be the case now, the young German feels like an exciting option to bring in.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi tops MLS salary list at $20.45M, with LAFC's Son Hueng-Min next closest at $11.15M

The MLSPA revealed MLS player salaries for 2025, and for the third straight year, Inter Miami's Lionel Messi is the highest paid player in the league. The report offered insight into new additions, including LAFC's Son Heung-Min, Messi's teammate Rodrigo De Paul, the Vancouver Whitecaps' Thomas Muller, and Colorado Rapids' Paxten Aaronson.

Getty Images SportThe top 10 highest-paid players

Inter Miami had two players in the top three: Messi at $20.45 million and Sergio Busquets third at $8.8 million. It is worth noting Messi's recent contract extension is not reflected in these numbers. LAFC's new star Son is second to Messi at $11.45 million. Atlanta United's Miguel Almiron and San Diego FC's Hirving "Chucky" Lozano round out the top five.

The 10 MLS players with the highest guaranteed compensation in 2025 Rank Player Club Guaranteed Compensation

1Lionel MessiMiami$20.45M2Son Heung-MinLAFC$11.15M3Sergio BusquetsMiami$8.78M4Miguel AlmironAtlanta$7.87M5Hirving LozanoSan Diego$7.63M6Emil ForsbergRBNY$6.04M7Jordi AlbaMiami$6.00M8Riqui PuigLA Galaxy$5.78M9Jonathan BambaChicago$5.58M10Hany MukhtarNashville$5.31MAdvertisementGetty Images SportAssessing the summer signing salaries

This report also revealed the salaries for De Paul and Aaronson. It is worth noting that the salaries of De Paul and the New England Revolution's Matt Turner represent the compensation the clubs are paying while the players are on loan in MLS. 

Top 10 Highest-Paid MLS Newcomers in 2025 Player Club Guaranteed Compensation

Son Heung-MinLAFC$11.15MRodrigo De PaulInter Miami$3.67M*Nico FernándezNYCFC$3.65MKristoffer VeldePortland Timbers$3.03MDjordje MihailovicToronto FC$2.28MPaxten AaronsonColorado Rapids$2.23MWessam Abou AliColumbus Crew$2.18MIván JaimeCF Montréal$1.99MMatt TurnerNew England Revolution$1.94MRwan CruzReal Salt Lake$1.86MGetty Images SportMLS payrolls

The report also shed light on team payrolls. Inter Miami, at $48.97M, outpace the rest of the league by $18.87 million – with that gap alone higher than the payrolls of 15 clubs in the league. The Herons will have $14.78 million come off the books following this season due to the  retirements of Busquets and Jordi Alba – which could lead to the club bringing in even more talent. 

LAFC are second at $30.1M, while Atlanta United ($28.5M), FC Cincinnati ($23.2M), and the Chicago Fire ($23.1 M) round out the top five. 

Guaranteed Compensation for MLS Franchises in 2025 (Source: MLS Players Association) Club Guaranteed Compensation

Inter Miami$48.97MLAFC$30.1MAtlanta United$28.5MFC Cincinnati$23.2MChicago Fire$23.1MNashville SC$22.4MPortland Timbers$22.4MLA Galaxy$22.3MSan Diego FC$22.3MNew York Red Bulls$22.1MColumbus Crew$19.2MNew England Revolution$19.1MCharlotte FC$19.0MNYCFC$18.8MSeattle Sounders$18.3MSporting Kansas City$17.6MVancouver Whitecaps$17.6MSan Jose Earthquakes$17.1MSt. Louis City$16.9MHouston Dynamo$16.8MOrlando City$16.1MAustin FC$15.7MReal Salt Lake$15.7MD.C. United$14.9MColorado Rapids$14.6MMinnesota United$14.5MToronto FC$13.7MPhiladelphia Union$13.4MFC Dallas$13.4MCF Montréal$12.92MENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty ImagesInter Miami frustrating the league?

While Messi has voiced MLS needs more spending, there have reportedly been some frustrations on how his team was able to circumvent the salary cap rules to sign De Paul, according to The Athletic.

It is worth noting that the Whitecaps used a similar mechanism with Thomas Muller, albeit not a loan, but they did sign the German to a smaller deal this season before a DP option for next season. Muller is making $1.44 million this season, according to the MLSPA. 

Worse than Garnacho: Maresca must axe 4/10 Chelsea flop who had 55% passing

Chelsea ran out dominant 3-0 winners against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

Enzo Maresca’s side put in a dominant second-half performance against a flailing Forest outfit to leave the City Ground with all three points.

The first 45 minutes went by without too many notable moments, but it took Chelsea just four minutes into the second half to break the deadlock. Young centre-back Josh Acheampong was the man who found the back of the net, rising highest to head a Pedro Neto cross home.

The Portuguese winger got himself on the scoresheet to double the Blues’ lead. His effort came from a set-piece, with Chelsea skipper Reece James rolling it into a path for Neto to run on to. He did just that and smashed the ball home through a packed penalty area.

Chelsea’s third came through their captain, James. He marked his 200th game for his boyhood club with a sweetly-struck first-time volley.

He latched onto a loose ball from a Chelsea corner and fired home to cap off a wonderful team effort.

It was certainly a good afternoon’s work in the East Midlands for the Blues. As well as Chelsea performed, however, a few of their players did struggle. Alejandro Garnacho was one of those.

Garnacho’s stats vs. Forest

Life at Stamford Bridge has not started in the easiest fashion for Argentine winger Garnacho. He is still yet to find the back of the net or grab an assist. His showing against Forest was a continuation of a poor start in Blue.

The former Manchester United player struggled to pose much of a threat down the left wing. Coming directly up against Neco Williams, he didn’t really drive at the Welshman enough, and his crossing certainly left a lot to be desired.

Garnacho’s stats from the game show just how much of a disappointing performance it was from the 21-year-old. He had just 18 touches and completed seven passes, without even creating a chance. The winger also failed to register a shot.

As a result of his poor showing, Garnacho was hooked off at half-time. The Chelsea number 49 certainly didn’t impress, with Goal journalist Matthew Judge giving him a 4/10 for his efforts.

The journalist noted that he was ‘unable to get into the game’ throughout.

Chalkboard

It was another below-par performance from Garnacho, who has not yet managed to show his best in a Chelsea shirt. However, there was another of Maresca’s side today who was arguably worse.

The Chelsea player who was worse than Garnacho

Maresca, who was banned from the touchline and had to watch the game from the stands, might have been disappointed with some of the showings from his side in the first 45 minutes.

That is why, for example, Garnacho was taken off at the break.

Another talented youngster who only completed the first half of the game was Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos. Operating higher up the pitch today, the 21-year-old looked a little at sea and didn’t have the creative influence he may have wanted.

Santos, who hails from Rio de Janeiro, has excelled as a number eight for Chelsea, where he can drive forward and create from slightly deeper. Today, that attacking nous was missing, and he put a golden chance wide in the first half.

Judge also seemed to think that Santos underperformed against the men in Garibaldi Red. He gave him the same rating as Garnacho, a 4/10. It was certainly a tough day at the office for the young midfielder.

The numbers suggest that he was even worse than his Argentine teammate, too.

For example, Santos had a passing accuracy of just 55% and failed to complete a dirbble.

Touches

23

18

Passes completed

6

7

Number of times ball lost

6

6

Duels won

4/7

4/5

Ball recoveries

3

2

This is a performance that Santos will want to put behind him quickly. He showed just how good he is last season on loan at Strasbourg, with 12 goals and five assists from midfield. Those are the sorts of performances he’ll be looking for next time out.

It will be fascinating to see if Maresca selects him from the start in the Blues’ next game, a Champions League clash with Ajax at Stamford Bridge.

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Rehan Ahmed stars for Leicestershire as Lancashire's winning start ends

Legspinner claims 3 for 16 to breach Old Trafford’s defences in five-wicket win

ECB Reporters Network04-Jun-2025Rehan Ahmed put Lancashire Lightning in a spin with a superb three for 16 from four overs and later a crucial 27 as Leicestershire Foxes breached fortress Emirates Old Trafford to claim an impressive Vitality Blast victory.Legspinning allrounder Ahmed is due to link up with England for their T20I series against the West Indies later this week, and he claimed season’s best figures across all formats, limiting the Lightning to 145 for seven on a used pitch.He bamboozled a home batting line-up which saw opener Keaton Jennings top-score with 39 off 19 balls before Chris Green added a crucial 36 not out off 29 late on.The 20-year-old then came in with Leicestershire’s chase in limbo at 47 for three in the sixth over and contributed again to a five-wicket win with nine balls remaining, hitting two fours and a six in 23 balls.The Foxes have now won two and lost one at the start of the North Group, while Lancashire’s three-game winning start came to an end with a first defeat.In T20 history, Lancashire have won 89 of 124 matches at Emirates Old Trafford, losing only 31. But Leicestershire are the most successful visiting county here, winning on six occasions since 2003.Six of the seven home wickets fell to spin, giving the Red Rose, who later employed four spinners, a taste of their own medicine.Ahmed bowled Michael Jones, Australian overseas Ashton Turner and Tom Hartley as the score fell to 114 for seven after 17 overs.Left-armer Liam Trevaskis also impressed with two for 17 and captain Louis Kimber struck once with his part-time offies.Kimber made the initial breakthrough when Luke Wells pulled to deep midwicket – 15 for one in the second over.Captain Jennings then advanced Lancashire to 45 for one in the fifth over. He drilled Kimber for an arrow straight six added to six boundaries before slicing Matt Salisbury’s seam to short third.From there, wickets fell regularly. At its worst, Lancashire were 95 for six in the 14th over.Aussie all-rounder Green then accumulated his 36 with only one six and a comical all-run four off the last ball of the innings which came as the ball pin-balled around Leicestershire’s fielders.Green then played a big part at the start of the Foxes’ chase, striking twice with his off-spin as the score slipped to 47 for three in the sixth over.He trapped Rishi Patel lbw and bowled Shan Masood. Sandwiched in between, Sir James Anderson had a pulling Sol Budinger caught at deep backward square-leg.But Ahmed was to the fore once more.Having come in at number five, he saw captain Kimber fall for a quick-fire 40 off 22 balls to Hartley’s left-arm spin – 63 for four in the eighth over – before lofting Charlie Barnard’s spin over cover for six.And while Barnard later got revenge by bowling him, the damage had been done in a 59-run partnership with busy wicketkeeper-batter Ben Cox, who was also excellent for a run-a-ball 38 not out.

£25m Aston Villa target set to snub Barcelona to seal Premier League move

Aston Villa have received a boost in their pursuit of a summer target, with it being revealed he is now planning to ignore Barcelona in favour of a move to the Premier League, according to a report.

Villa file complaint after referee blunder

With Newcastle United suffering a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Everton, a point against Manchester United would’ve been enough for Villa to secure Champions League qualification for the second season on the spin, but they ultimately fell to a 2-0 loss.

Morgan Rogers thought he had opened the scoring for the Villans, but referee Thomas Bramall blew the whistle for an alleged foul on Altay Bayindir, with VAR unable to intervene as play was stopped before the ball hit the net.

As such, an official complaint has been made to the PGMOL, but Unai Emery’s side will ultimately have to settle for Europa League football next season, rather than the much more prestigious and lucrative Champions League.

Villa’s omission from Europe’s elite competition could also impact the business they are able to do this summer, but a new update has suggested they could still be well-positioned to sign a goalkeeper.

According to a report from Spain, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is on Aston Villa’s radar for a summer transfer swoop, and the 24-year-old is now planning to turn down a move to Barcelona, amid concerns he would not be the first-choice option.

As such, a move to the Premier League is believed to appeal to Garcia, with Villa, Newcastle United and Arsenal all waiting in the wings, and Espanyol are aware it will be difficult to keep hold of the goalkeeper if they receive a big offer from England.

A deal could be relatively cheap, however, with the rumoured asking price of £25m believed to be appealing to all the interested parties.

Garcia could be "elite" Martinez heir

Unfortunately, it appears as though Emiliano Martinez’s time at Villa Park could be over, with the Argentine appearing to say a tearful farewell after his side’s final home game of the campaign.

As such, Emery will be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, and the Espanyol shot-stopper could be a fantastic option, having been lauded as “elite” by scout Ben Mattinson during the 2024-25 campaign.

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Not only that, but the 24-year-old ranks in the 86th percentile for his save percentage, and the 91st percentile for his crosses stopped percentage per 90 over the past year, so it is promising news that he could reject Barcelona in favour of a Premier League move.

Not just Nawrocki: Exciting Celtic star just made himself unsellable

Celtic played their final away game of the Scottish Premiership season on Wednesday night and secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers named a much-changed side and got the win thanks to goals from Maik Nawrocki, Hyun-jun Yang, Luke McCowan, Johnny Kenny, and Adam Idah.

It was a night for the rarely-seen Celtic players, including the likes of Viljami Sinisalo and Paulo Bernardo, and Nawrocki is certainly one of those who grasped his chance.

Why Rodgers should be impressed by Nawrocki

The Polish defender made just his third start of the Premiership campaign and caught the eye with an impressive display at the heart of the defence.

Playing on his favoured right side for the first time this term, Nawrocki completed an eye-catching 130 of his 136 attempted passes on the night and only lost possession nine times in total, as well as scoring the opener from a corner.

Defensively, the former Legia Warsaw star made five clearances, two blocks, and two interceptions to keep Aberdeen at bay, including one huge sliding block when facing a one-on-one in the box in the second half.

Chalkboard

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

Rodgers should, therefore, have been impressed by his combination of composed play in possession and stoic defensive work, but the manager should have been encouraged by Johnny Kenny’s display in the centre-forward position.

Why Johnny Kenny is now unsellable

The young marksman had not had many opportunities to impress in the second half of the season, with just six substitute appearances in the league, and his lack of game time may have led to question marks over his future heading into the summer transfer window.

However, the 21-year-old striker was finally given a chance to show his quality from the start and showed why he should be unsellable this summer for the Hoops, with a performance that shows that he can be part of the first-team squad next season.

Celtic need another number nine option to compete with Idah and Daizen Maeda, and Kenny’s showing against Aberdeen suggests that he can be that man.

Minutes

70

Shots on target

2

Goals

1

Passes completed

8/11

Duels won

3/4

Aerial duels won

3/3

As you can see in the table above, the Ireland U21 international scored with one of his two shots on target, with a well-placed header from McCowan’s cross, and showcased his physicality by winning all of his aerial duels.

Kenny scored 13 goals in 19 starts in the Irish Premier Division in 2024 on loan at Shamrock Rovers, and has now shown a glimpse of the kind of goalscoring quality he can bring to Celtic.

He is an exciting young striker with the physical qualities, as shown by his statistics against Aberdeen, and the goalscoring record to develop into a fine option for Rodgers, as proven by his performance on Wednesday.

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Therefore, the club should not look to move him on this summer, despite his general lack of game time in the last few months, and the manager should, instead, make him a regular player off the bench and occasionally from the start.

Man Utd now plotting last-ditch hijack to sign "impressive" England int'l

In a move that would see them get one over on Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United are now reportedly plotting a last-ditch hijack to sign an England international this summer.

Full focus on Bilbao for Man Utd

Although there are still three Premier League games left to play, they are likely to be seen as opportunities to rest key players at Manchester United. The Red Devils’ domestic campaign has long been over and they could yet finish as low as 17th to increase their embarrassment to beyond simple failure. But, in quite the twist, they could still qualify for the Champions League.

Mason Mount

After smashing Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate, Manchester United will square off against fellow strugglers Tottenham in a game between two sides desperate to change the narrative of their seasons.

Like those at Old Trafford, there’s still every chance that Spurs finish as low as 17th in the Premier League. But, just like United, they could do the unthinkable by securing Champions League football through the Europa League.

Given just how much both sides have struggled this season, that qualification wouldn’t be without its controversy and many have already had their say, including Arsene Wenger.

The legendary ex-Arsenal manager recently told reporters: “No – they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.

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“Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. I think it’s something [for Uefa] to think about and to review. On the other hand, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League).”

However, if Manchester United end their season lifting the Europa League, the words of Wenger will simply become an afterthought, and their summer transfer window could suddenly come to life.

Man Utd plotting late Angel Gomes move

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are now plotting a last-ditch hijack to sign Angel Gomes ahead of Tottenham this summer. Squaring off both on and off the pitch, the two Premier League sides are chasing the England international as his LOSC Lille contract comes to an end and he becomes a free agent at the end of June.

Whilst it is reportedly Spurs who lead the race, Manchester United should hold the advantage that Gomes came through their academy not so long ago. Having left as an attacking midfielder in 2020, the 24-year-old has since reinvented himself as a No.6 in France and could now make quite the return to Old Trafford this summer.

Dubbed “always impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gomes looks set to have quite the decision to make between his boyhood club that let him go and a Premier League rival this summer.

£80m Barcelona star's agents contact Liverpool with summer deal possible

Intermediaries have made contact with Liverpool to inform them of the possible availability of an £80m superstar this summer, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool making summer plans as Alexander-Arnold nears exitTrent Alexander-Arnold was the Reds' hero on Sunday afternoon, coming on as a substitute and scoring the only goal in the1-0 win away to Leicester City The 26-year-old celebrated emphatically in front of his own fans, leading to some hoping that it means he is staying at Liverpool, but he remained tight-lipped after the game."Look, obviously like I said all season, I’m not going to speak on my situation, I’m not going to go into details. But these days like today are always special. Scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles, being in title races, they’re special moments that will live with me forever and I’m glad to be a part of them."

As things stand, it still feels more likely that Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid this summer instead of staying at his boyhood club, which would sadly tarnish his legacy.

Liverpool’s vice captain is a special footballer who has produced so much creative magic down the years, but the board will now need to find a way to replace some of that creativity, and it seems they may land on one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or.

Liverpool boosted in pursuit of £80m Barcelona star Raphinha

According to a new update from The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, agents have “informed” Liverpool that they could be able to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer. Arsenal and Chelsea are also in the same boat, with the £80m Brazilian potentially available at the end of the season.

FC Barcelona'sRaphinhacelebrates scoring their third goal

Raphinha has enjoyed a legendary season for Barca, scoring 27 goals and registering 16 assists in La Liga and the Champions League combined. The 28-year-old has been so impressive that he is the current favourite to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or prize ahead of Mohamed Salah, with Osasuna boss Vicente Moreno heaping praise on him.

“I see him as one of the best in the world, if not the best, with more influence on offensive and defensive play, in teamwork and individually. We are talking about top players.”

The idea of Raphinha, dubbed a “phenomenon” by Marquinhos, joining Liverpool is clearly exciting, given the level of performances this season, but it is hard to see it happen, given his form at Barca. At 28, he also isn’t the long-term answer for Arne Slot.

Appearances

12

Starts

12

Minutes played

1015

Goals

12

Assists

7

Shots per game

3.7

Key passes per game

2.8

Dribbles per game

1.2

The Brazil international has proven himself in the Premier League during his Leeds days, though, so he would take little time hitting the ground running if he did move to Anfield.

Everton emerge as shock contenders to sign £30,000-a-week Liverpool ace

As The Friedkin Group look to send shockwaves throughout the Premier League in their first summer in charge at Everton, the Toffees have reportedly joined the race to sign a young English talent.

Everton transformed under David Moyes

As if those at Goodison Park have gone back in time to the days of Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar, Everton have been a side transformed under David Moyes, who is thriving in his second stint in charge. The experienced manager returned with the club battling relegation once again but, since his arrival, has turned Everton into a side performing at the level needed to qualify for European football if they continue into next term.

After arguably his most impressive victory back in charge of the Toffees yet – a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest – Moyes told reporters: “I have got to say it was a great goal but thoroughly deserved. It certainly merited a win and I thought we played very well, when you come to a team sitting third in the Premier League and the semi-final of the FA Cup. I think if anyone was going to score, it was us.

“I have had a lot of games and sometimes football can go that way for you. I am getting a brilliant response from the supporters and the players but I am also calm enough to know it could change. Today we have put on a good show and I am proud of how the players are performing. We are trying to make small steps every week.”

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Those in Merseyside will be hoping that their recent run is only the sign of things to come before they potentially launch one of the most unexpected moves of the summer transfer window.

Everton join race to sign Jarell Quansah

According to Caught Offside, Everton have now emerged as shock contenders to sign Jarell Quansah from Merseyside rivals Liverpool this summer. The young defender has endured a tough season under Arne Slot having done plenty to impress Jurgen Klopp in the last campaign. Now, he could be heading for the exit door.

It’s not just Everton interested in his signature either. Joining the Toffees, Newcastle United’s interest has been well-documented and now Brentford, Bournemouth, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have also reportedly joined the race. Amid such interest, Everton would be landing a major coup by signing the £30k-a-week defender, especialy considering the reputation of the German duo for transforming British talents abroad.

Jarell Quansah for Liverpool

An England international, the 22-year-old earned plenty of praise from Klopp last season, who told reporters after handing the defender his debut: “I have to say he did really well. He was good.

“In possession as well he was calm. It was like we had just met in the car park before the game with the organisation in the first-half. But he played really well. In such a disorganised team like we were in the first half, he was the one who looked alright. It was a statement and he is really happy at the moment.”

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