"Impeccable" star with £104m release clause is now "keen" to join Newcastle

An “impeccable” attacking player is now “keen” on sealing a move to Newcastle United this summer as their search for reinforcements up front continues.

Howe shares latest on Isak's Newcastle future

The future of Alexander Isak at St James’ Park continues to rumble on, with nothing significant changing in the past week or so and the Swede still training away from his teammates.

Eddie Howe has now responded to claims that Isak told him he wanted to leave Newcastle back in May, downplaying it and saying other things were on his mind at that point.

“Trust me, when that final whistle went, that (Isak leaving) was the furthest thing from my mind. It was just a feeling of relief really because we were hunting that prize all season. We were in and around it after a really good run in December. I was not thinking of any individual in that moment, so I can’t really give an answer on that.”

It remains to be seen what will happen with Isak in the coming weeks, but it is a needless distraction for Howe, who will know the importance of signing at least one top-quality striker if the 25-year-old does move on.

PSG star "keen" on Newcastle move

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown claimed that Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos is “keen” on joining Newcastle before the summer window slams shut.

“He is keen to make that move to Newcastle. It’s always a dilemma in football, the better the team you’ve got at your disposal, the less likely it is for somebody to break into that team. He’s always on the outside looking in from the bench while the team is getting success.

Ramsey will love him: Newcastle in talks over next 24 hrs to sign £60m CF

Newcastle are ready to close the summer transfer window on a positive note.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 19, 2025

“So from his point of view, the opportunity to go and play in the Premier League and Champions League with Newcastle will be inviting for him. Newcastle have been looking at a number of options across Europe. They’re probably further down that list than they would have hoped to be, but that’s what the scouts are paid for, they’ll know all about him.

“They’ve been watching him for PSG and they’ll know what he can and can’t do, where he would fit into the team and whether he suits their style. So if it all adds up and they see him as an option, maybe they’ll make a move. A lot will depend on Isak though, whether he moves on, but I think either way they want to get a striker in and he might be the one.”

Ramos would be an excellent signing for Newcastle this summer, considering he has proven himself at the highest level, scoring a hat-trick for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup.

Despite holding a €120m (£104m) release clause, the attacker is struggling to be a regular starter for European champions PSG, so the chance of being a key man at St James’ certainly looks appealing.

Howe's next Gordon: Newcastle make move to sign "exceptional" £26m star

Newcastle expect to complete a flurry of signings before the end of the transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 18, 2025

Ramos has been hailed as “impeccable” by PSG coach Luis Enrique, while a tally of nine goals in 16 caps for Portugal highlights his international pedigree.

Abel Ferreira, técnico do Palmeiras, liga para repórter para pedir desculpas após episódio no Mineirão

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras empatou com o Atlético-MG em 1 a 1, no último domingo (28), no Mineirão, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, mas todos os acontecimentos em campo, incluindo a arbitragem, acabaram sendo ofuscados por uma confusão em que Abel Ferreira esteve envolvido na zona mista do estádio. No local, o técnico palmeirense tirou o celular da mão de um produtor que estava gravando uma discussão entre Anderson Barros e o quarto árbitro da partida. Nesta segunda-feira (29), Abel ligou para o jornalista para se desculpar do ocorrido.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoJornalista aponta ‘excesso das duas partes’ em situação de Abel Ferreira: ‘Uma guerra que todos estão perdendo’Fora de Campo29/05/2023Fora de CampoNota de repúdio: Associação de Cronistas Esportivos do Brasil se manifesta contra atitude de Abel FerreiraFora de Campo29/05/2023Fora de CampoGlobo se solidariza com jornalista e repudia atitude de Abel Ferreira: ‘Intimidação ao trabalho da imprensa’Fora de Campo29/05/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Pedro Spinelli, produtor da Globo Minas, gravou o exato momento da discussão entre Anderson Barros e o quarto árbitro, Ronei Cândido Alves. Abel se aproximou da grade e, em seguida, tomou o aparelho e a gravação foi encerrada. O treinador do Palmeiras devolveu o celular apenas quando percebeu que estava sendo filmado por outro jornalista, da Rádio Itatiaia. Abel Ferreira virou para ele e disse: “O futebol brasileiro está assim por vossa responsabilidade”. Na sequência, o técnico, acompanhado de um segurança do clube, seguiu para os vestiários.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

O ocorrido, evidentemente, tomou grandes proporções no decorrer da noite de domingo. Então, Abel Ferreira decidiu se desculpar com Pedro Spinelli e buscou seu contatou para fazer uma chamada de vídeo com o jornalista, a fim de também explicar todo o contexto do episódio. Segundo o LANCE! apurou a conversa aconteceu no começo da tarde desta segunda-feira.

continua após a publicidade

Em outubro de 2022, Abel já havia tomado a mesma atitude, quando acabou reagindo mal a uma pergunta do repórter Guilherme Gonçalves, da rádio Litoral News. O treinador, mais tarde, alegou não ter entendido o questionamento e ponderou o momento de cabeça quente para ter dado a “patada” no jornalista. No dia seguinte ao jogo diante do Botafogo, no Nilton Santos, Abel ligou para o Guilherme para se desculpar.

Pace riches give Sri Lanka hope on Gqeberha greentop

Despite the shellacking in Durban, Sri Lanka believe they can compete in the second Test thanks to their depth of seam resources

Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Dec-20244:28

Will Sri Lanka go in without a spinner in Gqeberha?

A fast bowler who has 25 Test wickets at 22.68 for the year (Lahiru Kumara), a left-arm swing bowler who averages 24.12 in South Africa (Vishwa Fernando), a skiddy right-arm quick with 68 career wickets at 25.97 (Asitha Fernando), and more good options on the bench.Sri Lanka have likely had better quicks than they have now – Chaminda Vaas took 355 Test wickets, and Lasith Malinga burned hot until the injuries overtook him. But Sri Lanka have probably never had the fast-bowling depth they currently command.In Durban, for example, they left out Kasun Rajitha, who himself averages 25.00 in South Africa and is probably their tallest bowler. They also omitted Milan Rathnayake, who made impressive strides – with bat and ball – in England earlier this year.Dhananjaya de Silva knows few other Sri Lanka captains have commanded these kinds of seam-bowling resources.”I’m very happy, because they know their games now, and what they need to do for the team,” de Silva said of his fast-bowling battery. “I think I need to give a lot of credit to Dimuth Karunaratne, because he was the previous captain, and it’s under his leadership that a lot of these bowlers started and developed. As captain I’m able to reap those rewards, so I’d like to give Dimuth aiya the credit for that.”Sri Lanka are about to begin a Test on a green-tinged South African surface, in Gqeberha, and although they may still choose to pick an XI that features their specialist spinner – Prabath Jayasuriya – they have the option of picking four seamers, as they had done at The Oval earlier this year, to excellent effect.Lahiru Kumara has taken 25 wickets in six Tests this year, at an average of 22.68•AFP/Getty Images

“So far we’re still talking about how many fast bowlers we will play and will only make a decision on that later,” de Silva said. “The track here is quite green.”I think in that England series we learned that we can win matches overseas with our pace attack. They’ve been improving day by day, and we saw the results of that at The Oval. We can’t blame our fast bowlers for the loss in Durban – that’s all on the batsmen, who got out for 40-odd. You can’t win a Test like that.”It was in fact in Karunaratne’s first series as captain that Vishwa took four wickets in a match that Sri Lanka won, in Gqeberha, in 2019. Vishwa isn’t the only Sri Lanka fast bowler in the likely XI for Thursday that has tasted success in South Africa, however. Kumara first burst into the international consciousness with a spectacular nip-backer at Newlands, which crashed into the stumps of no less a batter than Hashim Amla.Kumara has had more modest showings in South Africa since then, and has also been plagued by injuries, particularly with hamstring strains and tears. If he plays on Thursday, which seems exceedingly likely, he will have played seven Tests in 2024, which is his highest tally for a calendar year.”From what I see, Lahiru has been consistent in the last two years, and he’s played a lot of matches,” de Silva said. ” He’d been in and out of the team because of injuries, but now he’s been able to play consistently and learn what his strengths and weaknesses are. He’s able to back those strengths now because he’s played matches at a stretch. I think that’s the main thing that has contributed to his success.”The huge loss in Durban, de Silva said, was almost totally down to the failure of the batting group. Though he himself is a spinner, he’s been a fast-bowling captain, insisting that Sri Lanka play at least two quicks even at home, so they can be more competitive in SENA nations. He’s hoping to reap the rewards of that in Gqeberha.

Millwall also want to sign rising British talent after Luongo deal agreed

Millwall are building for another tilt at the EFL Championship and could look to sanction a permanent deal for another talented operator in the engine room, according to reports.

Millwall set to sign Massimo Luongo imminently

Alex Neil has begun work on shaping his squad for the new campaign and successfully delivered the arrivals of Zak Sturge, Josh Coburn, and Max Crocombe, with plenty more new faces set to join up at The Den before the window closes.

Coming as a two-pronged update, Millwall are set to announce both Massimo Luongo and Fulham goalkeeper Steven Benda imminently, with the latter arriving on a loan deal from their London rivals.

On the other hand, Luongo is an experienced campaigner who spent the last two years at Ipswich Town before leaving Portman Road on a free transfer.

Former Queens Park Rangers defender Morgan Fox was on Millwall’s radar and is now a free agent, though it remains to be seen whether Neil will decide to add another left-sider after Sturge completed a move from Chelsea.

Whatever happens, Don Goodman is adamant that the Lions must retain Japhet Tanganga and Mihailo Ivanovic if they genuinely intend to earn promotion this season.

Millwall’s opening five Championship fixtures

Norwich City (A)

Carrow Road

Middlesbrough (H)

The Den

Sheffield United (A)

Bramall Lane

Wrexham (H)

The Den

Charlton Athletic (A)

The Valley

When pressed on the subject, he stated: “That would be an emphatic yes. Ivanovic and Tanganga, you could make a case to say they’re the two best players at Millwall. If they want to kick-on, and the signs are that they do, with the signings they’re making, the appointment of Neil, then keeping your best players is of paramount importance.”

Excitingly, Millwall appear to share a level of ambition that could see them enter the promotion picture if their latest reported target were to sign on the dotted line.

Millwall eyeing permanent deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur youngster Alfie Devine

According to Dan Marsh on X, Millwall are set to target a permanent deal for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Alfie Devine once Luongo completes his move to South London.

He stated: “Exclusive: Massimo Luongo is undergoing a medical ahead of joining Millwall. 32 y/o midfielder has been on trial + former Ipswich man now set to sign permanently. Lions also interested in a perm deal for Tottenham midfielder Alfie Devine”

Millwall make first move to sign "fantastic" 20 y/o on a free transfer

Millwall could land a bargain in the transfer market.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 11, 2025

Labelled as someone who “applies himself brilliantly” by former Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Foster, Devine shone out on loan at KVC Westerlo last term, registering six goals and an assist in 32 appearances across all competitions.

With the Warrington-born man set to struggle for regular minutes at Spurs, being able to remain in London while thriving at The Den may be an ideal scenario for all parties.

The 20-year-old is highly-rated among his peers and a switch to Millwall could see the youngster tread a similar path to Tanganga, who is now courting interest from several Premier League clubs.

Hancock and Parsons star as Australia A make it 2-0

Tahlia Wilson and Tahlia McGrath ensured a comfortable chase for the home side

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Aug-2024

Grace Parsons claimed four wickets on her Australia A debut•Getty Images

In a show of the player depth on offer, legspinner Grace Parsons and quick Nicola Hancock both starred on their Australia A debuts as the home side claimed the T20 series against India A with an eight-wicket victory.The pair had come into the Australia A side in place of Maitlan Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck and combined to finish with 7 for 44 from eight overs. Tahlia Wilson then made it back-to-back half-centuries to control the chase which was completed with ten deliveries to spareFor Parsons, the 20-year-old who is part of Brisbane Heat’s WBBL squad having missed out on a chance to play last season due to injury, it was her T20 debut having only previously featured for Queensland in the WNCL. She bagged four wickets, including the key scalp of Priya Punia who had played superbly in the opening match and top-scored in this innings with 29 off 26 balls. Parsons then closed out her spell with two more wickets in the space of three balls.”I’ve never actually played a T20 before, apart from at [my] club so today was very nerve wracking,” Parsons said. “But my plans don’t change too much.”It was pretty special. I’m always nervous at the start, especially when I haven’t played cricket for quite a few months, but it was nice to get the first game out of the way and take a few wickets. It was a pretty special thing to get the call up into the Aus A team and then to be playing today, it’s pretty awesome.”Hancock, who was a late addition to the squad when Courtney Sippel was ruled out through injury, had claimed the first wicket when she had Shweta Sehrawat taken off a top edge – Nicole Faltum taking an excellent running catch – and conceded just 14 from her three overs.The regular loss of wickets meant India A struggled for momentum and at one stage lost 3 for 10 between the 11th and 13th overs.The target didn’t stretch Australia A despite the early loss of Katie Mack as Wilson continued her impressive early-season form. Captain Tahlia McGrath, who had fallen first ball in the opening match, helped her side speed to target with a flurry of boundaries in an unbroken stand of 69.

Wolves now actively tracking "interesting name" who could replace Ait-Nouri

Amid rumours that Rayan Ait-Nouri could be on his way to Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly tracking an “interesting name” who could replace the left-back.

Man City advancing in Ait-Nouri deal

Having already lost Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, Manchester’s other club are now aiming to deal Wolves a second transfer blow. According to Fabrizio Romano, City are now advancing their deal to sign Ait-Nouri from the Midlands club with talks already held and the left-back already approving the summer switch.

Given that they spent a large part of the 2024/25 campaign flirting with relegation before Vitor Pereira’s arrival turned things around, there should be major concern around Molineux that Wolves could suffer their worst nightmare without Cunha and Ait-Nouri.

They must get things right in search of replacements this summer. Losing Cunha was always expected after his £63m release clause came to light, but whether Wolves had the same expectation in Ait-Nouri’s case is the big question.

Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha celebrate for Wolves.

Whether caught by surprise or not, they must commence the difficult task of replacing their influential left-back if he joins Manchester City in this summer’s transfer window.

Rayan Ait Nouri in the Premier League

2024/25 stats (via FBref)

Starts

37

Assists

7

Key Passes

46

Ball Recoveries

145

If the Algerian’s influence wasn’t clear, then his numbers should highlight just how important he’s been going in both directions for Wolves. Already without Cunha’s goals, Pereira may now have the task of replacing Ait-Nouri’s creativity and could yet turn towards an “interesting name” to do exactly that in the coming months.

Wolves actively tracking Clement Bischoff

According to Molineux News, Wolves chiefs are now actively tracking Clement Bischoff who sources described as an “interesting name” when speaking to the outlet about the Midlands club’s transfer activity.

The Brondby teenager may be one for the future, but his versatile ability to play as both a left-midfielder and a left-back mirrors that of Ait-Nouri’s. That alone should ensure that he’s among the top candidates to replace Wolves’ star defender in the event that he joins Manchester City.

Described as an “excellent” two-way dribbler when one-on-one by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bischoff looks set to be one to watch this summer. For Wolves, a deal to sign the teenager would represent smart business which considers the short-term needs of Pereira’s side as well as the long-term aim that the manager may have in place for his side.

Romano: Wolves make approach to sign "highly rated" gem wanted in Europe

The Old Gold are making moves for the future…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 30, 2025

In terms of replacing Ait-Nouri’s output too, the fact that Bischoff has managed 10 assists in all competitions for Brondby this season suggests that he would be more than capable of replicating the Algerian’s influence.

New target: Leeds now keen on £21m striker who's been likened to Inzaghi

Leeds United are now showing interest in signing a £21m striker who’s been likened to legendary centre-forward Filippo Inzaghi, according to a reporter.

Leeds set sights on new striker

Joel Piroe was the top scorer in the Championship last season, netting a total of 19 goals, however, it may be wise for Leeds to bring in a striker with more Premier League experience if they are to avoid an instant return to the second tier.

As such, a number of different strikers have been identified as potential targets ahead of the summer transfer window, with Jamie Vardy and Callum Wilson set to be available on free transfers upon leaving Leicester City and Newcastle United.

Leeds striker links

Current club

Potential cost

Jamie Vardy

Leicester City

£0

Callum Wilson

Newcastle United

£0

Troy Parrott

AZ Alkmaar

£21m

Semih Kilicsoy

Besiktas

Loan

Moves for Vardy and Wilson could make sense, having proven themselves over a number of years in the Premier League, but there may be some concerns over the fact that both strikers are now likely to be in the latter stages of their careers.

As such, there may be a temptation to take a gamble on a younger centre-forward in the summer, and reports in Europe, via The 72, claim that Leeds are interested in signing Lecce star Nikola Krstovic.

A deal for Krstovic is unlikely to break the bank, with the Italian club willing to listen to offers of at least €25m (£21m), which could be a bargain, given the level of some of his performances in the Serie A last season…

Inzaghi-esque Krstovic impressing in Italy

Indeed, the Montenegro international performed very well in the Serie A throughout the 2024-25 campaign, picking up 11 goals and five assists in 37 outings, while he has also received praise from former manager Roberto D’Aversa in the past.

D’Aversa said: “Every ball in the box seems to magnetically find him. His style, his hunger for goals, it all reminds me of the great Pippo Inzaghi.”

“The club’s decision to bring him to Lecce during the transfer window has been vindicated. He’s not just a goal-scorer; he’s integral to our build-up play and brings a physical presence up front.”

Leeds could land their own Florian Wirtz by signing "outstanding" £33m star

Leeds could secure their own version of Florian Wirtz by signing this £25m transfer target.

ByDan Emery May 25, 2025

D’Aversa also lauded the 25-year-old for his “impressive” goal record during his time in Slovakia, and the way in which he has adapted to life in the Serie A suggests he could now be ready to make a move to the Premier League in the near future.

As such, while signing Wilson or Vardy on a free transfer would be more of a low-risk move for Leeds, it may be worth taking a gamble on Krstovic, who could be capable of leading the line for Daniel Farke’s side for many years to come.

Leeds make approach to sign new £20m+ star called "the best" in his league

Leeds United have registered their interest in signing a £20m+ star who has been called “the best” in his league, as per a new transfer report.

Leeds transfer targets ahead of Premier League return

The Whites ended their campaign earlier this month by winning the Championship title on the final day of the season, with Manor Solomon’s injury-time winner against Plymouth Argyle taking Leeds to 100 points.

Daniel Farke and his side don’t have to worry about the playoffs and can instead prepare for a Premier League return, with the 49ers Enterprises looking to splash the cash ahead of the 2025/26 season.

It hasn’t taken long for a number of players to be linked with moves to Elland Road, with Leeds looking to make several signings who have Premier League experience.

Leeds can now sign Rooney-like striker on loan after club's transfer talks

He’s been compared to the former Man Utd striker.

ByCharlie Smith May 15, 2025

In recent days, Leeds have reportedly been moving to sign Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who is out of contract with the Saints in the summer.

West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal is another who will be available on a free and is being eyed by the Whites, seen as competition for Jayden Bogle following his brilliant first season as a Leeds player.

Further forward, Man City’s James McAtee is wanted by Leeds, however, plenty of other Premier League sides are keen on the attacking midfielder including clubs who can offer European football.

Something the 49ers could potentially use to their advantage is links with Rangers with a takeover close to being completed at Ibrox. Nicolas Raskin, valued at more than £20m, is one player who was linked with swapping Glasgow for Yorkshire last month, and a new update has emerged.

Leeds register interest in signing Rangers star Raskin

According to reports from TEAMtalk, Leeds have seemingly made an approach by registering their interest in signing Raskin from Rangers.

It is stated ‘that a serious bid could be lodged in the coming weeks’, with Aston Villa also keen on the midfielder, however, Rangers are preparing to offer Raskin a new contract to keep him in Scotland.

Rangers Technical Director Nils Koppen recently hailed the 24-year-old, who can play as a holding or box-to-box midfielder, calling him “the best midfielder in Scotland”.

“With his big warrior’s heart, he has made himself enormously popular with our fan base. After his strong performances in the Old Firm against Celtic and in Europe against Manchester United, Tottenham and Fenerbahce, he is seen by our supporters as the best midfielder in Scotland.”

Games

94

Goals

5

Assists

13

Yellow cards

16

Minutes played

6,730

RTBF also praised the midfielder following his debut for Belgium earlier this year. “Nicolas Raskin was fantastic for his debut. If there’s one player who scored points today in the eyes of Rudi Garcia and his staff, it was him… [He] has the ability to play forward and build the game. I can’t see how Rudi Garcia could do without him in the next match.”

Should a move to Elland Road materialise, Raskin could rival Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu, star man Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev for a starting spot in the Premier League.

Saved by Delap: McKenna must axe Ipswich dud who only won 3/12 duels

Whilst it still looks far-fetched, Ipswich Town did manage to breathe life back into their faint Premier League survival hopes with a mightily impressive 2-1 win on their travels to AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday night.

The away masses making the long trip to the South Coast for the mid-week clash would have been anticipating a defeat, considering the home side harbours aspirations of Europe far away from relegation trouble, but Kieran McKenna’s men would flip the script to secure their first league victory of 2025.

The game-clinching man of the hour would unsurprisingly be Liam Delap, with the ex-Manchester City striker’s price tag only increasing more and more if he can put in further displays like this before the campaign is out.

Delap's performance in numbers vs Bournemouth

Being looked at intensely by most of the Premier League’s elite sides – with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal sniffing around just to name a few – Ipswich face a losing battle attempting to keep their 22-year-old hotshot around, particularly if an expected relegation is served up.

Still, before any major money move is signed off on, Ipswich supporters will want to bask in the goalscoring prowess of their clinical number 19 whilst they still can, with his well-worked goal against Andoni Iraola’s Cherries taking his top-flight tally to a sturdy 11.

Combining well with left-back talent Conor Townsend before slotting an effort home, it was a much-improved showing from Ipswich in the attacking areas when contrasted with their recent 1-0 loss away at Crystal Palace, with Nathan Broadhead also getting in on the act in the first half.

Whilst Broadhead and Delap managed to shine bright throughout, there were some notable underperformers on the end of the Suffolk side, including one of their attacking teammates who could now face the axe.

Chalkboard

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

Ipswich's worst performer against Bournemouth

Despite the Tractor Boys being obviously jubliant at the end with their efforts, not everyone came away from the contest having put in a sterling individual offering.

Ben Johnson fits into that unwanted category, with the ex-West Ham United man noticeably wasteful on the ball with possession squandered a sizeable 21 times across a torrid 89 minutes against the Cherries.

Minutes played

89

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

46

Accurate passes

10/17 (59%)

Key passes

1

Possession lost

21x

Accurate crosses

1/7

Successful dribbles

0/1

Total duels won

3/12

Stats by Sofascore

Indeed, the table above makes for some pretty uninviting reading, with the versatile number 18 only managing to amass ten accurate passes from his 46 touches of the ball, alongside only one accurate cross being registered down his right flank.

Moreover, Johnson – who often lines up as a defender down the right – could only win three duels all night, with a miscued clearance late on also allowing Evanilson the chance to fire home Bournemouth’s only goal.

With no Omari Hutchinson available for selection, McKenna was is in a slight pickle about who he picked on the right wing, but based off this showing on the South Coast, he would be better off not persisting with Johnson as his chosen man here.

Instead, there are other faces such as Jaden Philogene-Bidace who could work better in this role moving forward, with the former Hammers figure a body McKenna can rely on as a utility presence if needed.

As is often the case in the beautiful game, it’s the hope that inevitably kills you, but wins such as these on road will give Ipswich some drive that survival against all the odds can still be achieved, even as the season quickly ticks away to its end point.

He cost just £1.5m: Ipswich already have their perfect Delap replacement

Ipswich Town might not need to splash the cash if Liam Delap departs.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 1, 2025

Stats – Ferguson the silver lining in World Cup of lows for New Zealand

New Zealand went through the 2024 edition without a fifty, and a top partnership of 34

Sampath Bandarupalli17-Jun-20244 – Maiden overs from Lockie Ferguson against Papua New Guinea. He is the second to bowl four maidens in a men’s T20I after Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar in 2021 against Panama. Before Ferguson, no one had bowled more than two maidens in a men’s T20 World Cup match.Outside of internationals, Akshay Karnewar is the only other man to do it: for Vidarbha vs Manipur, only a week before Saad’s effort, in an Indian domestic T20 at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.4 – Maidens in PNG’s innings overall. It was the first instance of a team bowling as many as four maidens in an innings at a men’s T20 World Cup match. There have been six instances of three maidens at the showpiece event previously, four of which came in 2024.Getty Images81 – Dot balls played out by PNG’s batters – the second-highest in a men’s T20 World Cup game. The highest is 89 dots by Uganda against New Zealand on Saturday.78 – PNG’s total against New Zealand was their second-lowest in men’s T20Is, behind the 77 all out they made against Uganda earlier in the tournament. Three of PNG’s four lowest totals in this format have come in this World Cup.34 – Partnership runs between Devon Conway and Kane Williamson for the third wicket. It was the highest partnership for New Zealand in this T20 World Cup. It was also the lowest “highest partnership” for any team in an edition of the men’s T20 World Cup where they played four or more matches. The next is 35 for Uganda, across four games in 2024.40 – Glenn Phillips’ score against West Indies was the highest for New Zealand in this tournament. They are only the fourth team to play four or more matches at a men’s T20 World Cup without an individual 50-plus score.Ireland played five matches in the 2009 edition without an individual fifty, while the highest score for Uganda in 2024 was 33. No New Zealand batter hit a fifty in the five matches they played in the 2010 edition, played in the West Indies. England don’t have a fifty in this year’s World Cup as yet, but they have the Super Eight to set that right.

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