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Already plotting one January move, Manchester United and INEOS reportedly want to finalise their deal to sign a Premier League rival when the winter window arrives.

Gary Neville: Amorim "not off the hook" after Sunderland win

It was a good weekend for Man United and a much-needed one after defeat against Brentford prior sparked further questions about Ruben Amorim’s immediate performance. It was particularly promising to see summer signing Benjamin Sesko find back-to-back goals to truly get his Old Trafford career going. Alas, for all the positives, Gary Neville was quick to remind Amorim that there’s still work to be done.

The United legend and Sky Sports pundit said on the Gary Neville podcast: “It was a must-win game and I don’t think it lets him off the hook.

“There’s too many defeats, the record’s too poor so I don’t think anybody will be celebrating too much tonight at Manchester United but I think they’ll be relieved that there is a victory which allows a little bit of peace going into the international break.

“Manchester United win the odd game but that’s nowhere near enough. I don’t think anybody would be kidded on by the fact that Manchester United beat Sunderland at home. The fact that it was even in doubt before the game is probably the problem in itself.”

Romano reveals "ruthless" manager Man Utd chiefs are on speaking terms with

The Red Devils enter the international break after a mixed start to the campaign.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 6, 2025

What should help the Red Devils kick on is the introduction of Senne Lammens, who impressed on his debut against Sunderland. Whether it was Altay Bayindir or Andre Onana, Amorim’s had a goalkeeper problem for far too long, but one that could now be solved by his summer signing.

That said, it seems as though those at Old Trafford are still looking to ensure that their shot-stopping department receives further upgrades. Reports are now even suggesting that they’re ready to finalise one move to do exactly that in January.

Man Utd want to finalise Martinez move

According to reports in Spain, Man United now want to finalise their deal to sign Emiliano Martinez at Amorim’s request in the January transfer window. The Aston Villa goalkeeper very nearly became a Man United player in the summer, before they chose Lammens instead. Now, they reportedly want both and the Argentine could finally get his move as a result.

Going from Bayindir and Onana to Lammens and Martinez would represent the ultimate upgrade for Amorim’s side. From struggling to find a reliable No.1, the Portuguese manager would suddenly have a tough decision to make for all the right reasons.

If United do make their move for Martinez, Villa boss Unai Emery will be disappointed to have to face another transfer saga having praised Martinez so highly after he stayed put.

The Spaniard told reporters: “In football, things always happen with players—some leave, some stay, sometimes someone is close to joining, sometimes close to departing.

“For me, that’s normal; I completely understand it. The fact that Martínez is staying with us is fantastic news. I’m very, very happy. For me, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. We have the best goalkeeper in the world. His commitment is immense.”

Big picture

The Mike Hesson era in Pakistan cricket began just about as well as could be expected, Pakistan’s complete performance giving them a straightforward victory over Bangladesh. More than the result, it was the mindset Salman Agha’s side took into the game that suggests it may be the start of something promising. Despite the loss of two early wickets and a sluggish start, the Pakistan batters continued to attack, and Nos. 3-6 produced scores between 31 and 56. Crucially, all of them boasted strike rates between 164 and 200, when traditionally an anchoring role in the middle may have chipped a chunk off their total.Topping it up was a complete bowling performance, too. Bangladesh were never allowed to keep pace with the asking rate as Pakistan continued to bruise them with regular wickets. The returning Hasan Ali continued the form he produced in the PSL, his career-best figures of 5 for 30 the cherry on top of a perfect Pakistan start.For Bangladesh, the picture is significantly less rosy. A bright start with the ball was a false dawn as the visitors found themselves outplayed through much of the rest of the game. Most notably, it was their spinners – a skillset Bangladesh rightly take pride in – who found themselves rendered ineffective, Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain leaking 91 in their eight overs.With Pakistan adopting a big-hitting power game, Bangladesh will also be aware of how unfavourably their own appears to compare. Pakistan’s bowling attack is by no means the most economical, but tellingly, Bangladesh appeared unable to take the attack to them early, consequently easing pressure off the bowlers. Flashes from captain Litton Das and Jaker Ali weren’t nearly substantial enough and received little support from their team-mates as Bangladesh crumpled to defeat.However, Pakistan’s new system is still finding its feet, with the variance between a good performance and a poor one likely significant. Bangladesh’s game style offers a more stable level of baseline performance, one that, should they reproduce in either of the remaining games, could see them give Pakistan trouble.

Form guide

Pakistan WLLWL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Bangladesh LLLWW

In the spotlight

The only downside for Pakistan during a fairly complete performance was Haris Rauf’s figures of 0 for 36 in three. The Lahore Qalandars fast bowler had a difficult PSL in terms of economy, a poor run that appears to have continued into this series. Even when he bowled towards the tail-end of the game with the jeopardy taken out, he found himself being targeted by Jaker, and ended up as the most expensive fast bowler on either side. At his best, Haris has offered precious control in the middle and later overs of T20 innings, and for a more rounded bowling attack, Pakistan need him to rediscover that prowess.Jaker Ali is one of the few in-form batters for Bangladesh•Randy Brooks

Jaker Ali struck some meaty blows on Wednesday, once more confirming his growing stature as a gritty, aggressive cricketer. His penchant for refusing to give up in difficult situations has seen regard for him improve within Bangladesh cricket circles, and in a side where big hitting is in short supply, Jaker fills a crucial hole. He is also one of the few in-form batters in the side, and it would not be a surprise if he earns a promotion up the order.

Team news

While Pakistan may use this series to try things out, they may not want to tweak much after a well-rounded performance in the first game. If anything, Abbas Afridi may come in for Haris Rauf.Pakistan (probable): 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Mohammad Haris (wk), 4 Hasan Nawaz, 5 Salman Agha (capt), 6 Shadab Khan, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Haris Rauf/Abbas Afridi, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Abrar AhmedBangladesh may want to bring Najmul Hossain Shanto back into the XI, but it isn’t who played and who didn’t that resulted in Wednesday’s defeat so much as a flat performance across the board.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Litton Das (capt), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Jaker Ali (wk), 6 Shamim Hossain, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan, 10 Hasan Mahmud, 11 Shoriful IslamTowhid Hridoy rebuilt slowly for Bangladesh•Associated Press

Pitch and conditions

The weather conditions are unlikely to change, with hot and dry weather expected throughout the series. A fresh pitch will be used, but expect the same old batting-friendly conditions.

Stats and trivia

• The 201 Pakistan posted on Wednesday was their highest T20I total at the Gaddafi Stadium
• Bangladesh have only once won a T20I series where they lost the first game, against West Indies in 2018

Quotes

“I’d like to dedicate this performance, above all, to myself. The amount of hard work I’ve done, I should give credit to myself, too.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Monsoon provou que quer brigar por todos os títulos possíveis na temporada 2023. Em uma partida equilibrada, o Trovão da Zona Sul bateu a equipe do Inter de Santa Maria por 1 a 0 na sua estreia na Copa FGF-Rei Pelé. O gol dos mandantes foi marcado por José Carlos.

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Na frente do marcador, o Monsoon se defendeu com qualidade e não deu muitas chances de ataque ao adversário. No segundo tempo, as equipes ameaçaram mais as metas adversárias. Contudo, o time do Parque Lami manteve o placar favorável e conquistou o seu primeiro triunfo na competição. Após o apito final, o camisa 7 elogiou a equipe da casa.

“Fico muito feliz por ajudar o time com esse gol. Isso é fruto do trabalho coletivo que desempenhamos aqui no dia a dia. O Santa Maria é um adversário muito dificil e também está de parabéns pelo jogo que fez. Mostramos que o Monsoon quer ganhar todas as competições que terá pela frente, mas sabemos que é apenas o começo e temos muito trabalho pela frente na Copa FGF”, disse.

+ Artilheiro do Monsoon-FC na Série A2 do Gaúchão, Tcharles é um ‘velho’ conhecido no Sul

O time comandado pelo técnico Márcio Ebert volta ao campo pela competição na próxima quarta-feira, às 15h, o Esporte Clube Novo Horizonte, na Arena Cruzeiro. Antes, porém, o time visita a equipe do Gaúcho, no sábado às 15h, pela décima terceira rodada da primeira fase do Gauchão Série A-2.

Newcastle United lacked the firepower you might expect from a team without Alexander Isak’s potency on the opening day of the Premier League away at Aston Villa.

16 shots would pass Eddie Howe’s Magpies by during the 0-0 stalemate in the West Midlands, with Anthony Gordon having to line up as an out-and-out centre-forward in the absence of their Swedish star-man.

Despite the frustrating final scoreline, Howe would praise the togetherness of his Toon camp come the full-time whistle.

But, he will know, deep down, that a new striker is still a must, as the wasteful Magpies look to be closing in on a dangerous attacker to finally fill Isak’s void.

Newcastle close to signing £35m striker

It has been a bumpy transfer window of various signings that look to be wrapped up, then astonishingly falling to the wayside.

This heartbreak has regularly occurred involving the Toon’s ongoing pursuit of a fresh striker, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap once being eyed up before Chelsea swooped in, while Benjamin Sesko was reportedly close to a Tyneside switch, before moving to Manchester United over St James’ Park.

All this agony would be swiftly swept under the carpet if Craig Hope’s recent development is to be believed, with the Daily Mail journalist stating on YouTube that he remains convinced by Yoane Wissa finally going to the Magpies next week, after being on Howe and Co’s shortlist all summer long.

Hope said: “I remain convinced he [Wissa] is going to come in next week.”

It remains to be seen how much Newcastle would have to cough up for the Congolese attacker’s services, with a price tag around the £35m mark previously being talked about.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Adding in Wissa, no matter the amount, feels like the correct move to make to try to get the Isak situation under more control, with the 28-year-old already a well-established threat in the Premier League, much like his soon-to-be teammate Anthony Elanga.

How Wissa can be Elanga 2.0

Before going on to cost Howe’s men a whopping £55m this summer, Elanga was a wide-eyed attacker attempting to cut his teeth in the Premier League away from his boyhood Red Devils.

After all, Isak’s fellow Scandinavian compatriot would only muster up four goals and four assists in the senior scene at Old Trafford. At the City Ground, however, he would turn into a gung-ho treat to watch, not shackled by the expectation of attempting to be the next emerging star at the Theatre of Dreams.

Under Nuno Espirito Santo’s wing, Elanga would collect 11 goals and 21 assists wearing Garibaldi Red, with Howe hopeful he can strike gold again with another attacker who has risen up the ranks at the Bees and only gotten better with time in Wissa.

Staggeringly, Wissa’s debut season in the demanding English top-flight only saw him fire home two league goals as an out-and-out centre-forward.

Yet, with some successful tweaking by Frank, who was a transformative figure for the 28-year-old – much like Elanga under Nuno’s tutelage – he would manage to explode into life as a clinical, ice-cold centre-forward, next to his trusty sidekick in Bryan Mbeumo.

Wissa’s record at Brentford
Season	Games	Goals	Assists
24/25	39	20	5
23/24	36	12	4
22/23	40	7	3
21/22	34	10	1
Sourced by Transfermarkt

By being chucked into the XI as a main striker, Wissa has managed to reach heights even he wouldn’t have anticipated when leaving FC Lorient behind in 2021, with the “amazing” attacker – as he’s been recently labelled by Frank’s replacement in Keith Andrews – just fresh off a career-best season when firing home a blistering 20 efforts from 39 contests.

With Elanga on 12 assists in all competitions last season, too, this really could be a dream match-up, as the pair attempt to be new attacking heroes for the die-hard Magpies faithful to latch onto.

There will, of course, be a lot of pressure on Wissa’s shoulders to succeed, as the Toon masses crave a dream replacement for Isak.

But, he has soared under the strain of being Brentford’s main man previously, much like Elanga should look assured over a full season on Tyneside, too, having also taken his game to that next level in Nottingham.

Newcastle now preparing £69m offer to sign "maverick" new Isak replacement

What a signing this would be for the Magpies.

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 17, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O empate em 2 a 2 do Fluminense com o Goiás neste domingo (11) trouxe um momento de muita apreensão. Convocado para os amistosos Seleção Brasileira contra Guiné e Senegal, o zagueiro Nino corre o risco de ser cortado em virtude de uma lesão.

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Aos 21 minutos da etapa final, o defensor saiu do gramado do Estádio da Serrinha chorando. A informação divulgada inicialmente pelo departamento médico do Tricolor das Laranjeiras é de que o capitão sentiu dores no músculo adutor da coxa direita. O problema acontece na véspera de Nino se apresentar à Seleção.

Nino fez parte da Seleção Olímpica em 2021. Porém, desta vez, o treinador interino Ramon Menezes o chamou para observá-lo. O meio-campista André também foi chamado para os amistosos da Seleção Brasileira.

The 25-year-old got Heat home in an innings of composure and character.

AAP22-Dec-2024

Nathan McSweeney was back among the runs again•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Brisbane Heat 175 for 7 (McSweeney 78*, Renshaw 54, Pope 2-17) beat Adelaide Strikers 174 for 6 (Jamie Overton 45*, Prestwidge 2-16) by three wicketsNathan McSweeney has rebounded from his Test axing to inspire Brisbane to a last-ball BBL victory over Adelaide Strikers with a brilliant and unbeaten 78. He was “devastated” on being dropped from Australia’s side for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but the 25-year-old got Heat home in an innings of composure and character.Heat spinner Mitchell Swepson hit the final delivery of the chase off Liam Scott for a single over point to secure a three-wicket win, but the hero was McSweeney. After being put under pressure by India spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the Test series, he found himself in a high-pressure chase after Strikers had posted 174 for 6.Related

McSweeney 'devastated' by Test omission

McSweeney took 16 runs off the second over of the power surge, off Henry Thornton, and celebrated with a six off Matthew Short in the next before guiding Heat to victory. McSweeney received a huge cheer from the 23,681 fans at the Gabba when he came to the crease and initially played second fiddle to a rampant Matt Renshaw.Renshaw (54 off 27) was in scintillating form with his placement, power and purpose all elite. He launched three sixes over the on side and an assortment of exquisite cuts and drives before flicking a Lloyd Pope delivery onto his shoulder and then the stumps.His 66-run partnership with McSweeney for the third wicket off just 39 deliveries got Heat back in it.Earlier, Strikers pace bowler Thornton bowled Jimmy Peirson (8) in his first over but then dropped a sitter at midwicket when Heat skipper Colin Munro skied one off Jamie Overton. Thornton made amends immediately when he cleaned up Munro (7) with the first ball of his next over.Strikers’ English contingent of Pope and Overton fired with the bat to lift the visitors to a competitive total.Overton hit hard and often in the latter overs in his unbeaten 45 off just 24 deliveries. At 196cm, the allrounder has a long reach and immense power and he utilised both to put the hosts’ bowlers off their length and crunch three sixes.Pope (34 off 29), fresh from two half-centuries in the Test series against New Zealand, started with consecutive boundaries off rookie seamer Tom Whitney before holing out to McSweeney in the outfield. Heat pace bowler Xavier Bartlett gave his side the perfect start by snaring D’Arcy Short (1) in the first over.That brought former Gabba favourite Chris Lynn to the wicket and he opened his account with his 209th BBL six, a cracking flick over midwicket. Lynn (24) was well caught attempting his 210th at long-on by Bartlett.Impressive 22-year-old Will Prestwidge (2 for 16) hit the pitch hard and picked up the key wickets of Pope and Lynn.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke is looking to follow in the footsteps of Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League next season, as he attempts to avoid the drop.

The German boss was relegated with Norwich City in the 2019/20 campaign and sacked before he had the chance to be relegated again in the 2021/22 season with the Canaries, which means that he has yet to prove that he can keep a team in the division.

Leeds have already backed him more than Norwich did in the market, though, with a host of additions having already been made this summer, including Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Lucas Perri, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Lukas Nmecha, Anton Stach, and Sean Longstaff.

There is more work to be done in the market to improve the squad, however, after they missed out on a deal to sign Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao.

As well as chasing exciting deals like Paixao, though, Leeds should also be looking for functional players who can go under the radar whilst performing consistently, in the way that Stuart Dallas did for Bielsa.

Why Stuart Dallas was important for Marcelo Bielsa

The Northern Ireland international did not sign for Leeds when they were promoted to the Premier League, as he had already been part of the team in the Championship, but he is the kind of player the club could do with now.

Dallas was a bit of an unsung hero in the club’s first year back in the top-flight in the 2020/21 campaign, as the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha stole the headlines with their excellent performances on the pitch.

The experienced star provided great versatility for Bielsa with his ability to play in a multitude of roles across the pitch in the Premier League, whether that was at full-back, out wide, or in midfield.

Left midfield

96

Left-back

55

Right-back

46

Right midfield

33

Central midfield

24

Attacking midfield

7

Defensive midfield

1

As you can see in the table above, Dallas started 24 times or more in five different positions throughout his time at Elland Road, which shows that the manager could rely on him to fill gaps when needed.

The Northern Irish star also scored nine goals and provided two assists in his two seasons in the Premier League with the West Yorkshire outfit, which shows that he offered quality as well as versatility.

Leeds considering move for Championship star

According to LeedsUnitedNews, the club are now considering a move to sign £11m-rated Leicester City full-back James Justin, and he could be Farke’s own version of Stuart Dallas.

The report claims that Leeds United have a serious interest in the England international, who has emerged as a priority target for the Whites this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It states that the Championship champions want a full-back who can operate at left-back and right-back, and that Justin is one of the options under consideration at this moment in time.

Leeds are in the market to sign another full-back because Isaac Schmidt is said to be closing in on a season-long loan move to Werder Bremen, after just 12 months at Elland Road.

The report adds that Justin is now into the final 12 months of his contract with Leicester, which may open the door for the Whites to swoop in and secure his services before the end of the summer transfer window.

Why James Justin would be the new Stuart Dallas for Leeds

The Foxes defender may not be a glamorous signing or one that gets fans excited to watch him in action, but it could be a shrewd deal that makes a lot of sense.

Justin could arrive at Elland Road to be Farke’s own version of Dallas in the Premier League, as he has the quality and the versatility to be a very useful option for the German head coach.

The 27-year-old star has started at least 11 matches in his club career as a centre-back, a right-back, a left-back, a left midfielder, and as a right midfielder, which shows that he can be used in a multitude of ways by the boss.

He can cover both full-back positions, be utilised as a wing-back, cover at centre-back, and play on the wing when needed. This could make him almost the perfect squad signing as a player who can cover in five or six different positions when needed.

Appearances

36

Goals

2

Assists

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.9

Dribbled past per game

0.6x

Ground duel success rate

59%

Aerial duel success rate

55%

Justin, as you can see in the table above, is also coming off the back of a solid season of performances in the Premier League, in spite of his team’s relegation from the division.

The English ace, who was described as an “adventurous” full-back by pundit Tony Cascarino, chipped in with four direct goal contributions in a team that got relegated, which suggests that he can offer a decent threat at the top end of the pitch.

His defensive numbers were also far from dreadful. Justin held his own in duels on the deck and in the air, whilst rarely being dribbled past by opposition wingers, which suggests that he is a solid operator out of possession.

As a back-up to Jayden Bogle and Gudmundsson in the full-back positions, the versatile Leicester star could come in as a fantastic squad option and as Farke’s own Dallas, performing admirably in a clutch of different roles across the pitch when called upon in the Premier League.

49ers lining up Leeds swoop for £17m star who's as exciting as Paixao

Leeds United are eyeing up a £17m-rated winger who could be just as exciting as Igor Paixao.

ByDan Emery Jul 30, 2025

There is just over a month to go until the transfer window slams shut, and so far, Arsenal fans have had a lot to shout about.

Mikel Arteta and Co have been quick to announce the signings of Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

They aren’t finished there, though, as Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera has already been pictured in the club’s training kit, and talks for Viktor Gyokeres appear to be in the final stages.

Moreover, the Premier League runners-up have also been linked with Eberechi Eze, although, based on reports, they may now be after another international who would be an even better signing.

Arsenal target Eze upgrade

This summer hasn’t been the first time Arsenal have been linked with Eze, as you only have to look back to last summer to see stories touting the Crystal Palace star for a move back to the club that released him as a child.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, it would be fair to say that the stories this year have felt more concrete, with some claiming that talks had been held with the player’s camp and personal terms had been agreed upon.

However, as things stand, the links appear to have quieted down somewhat, and as far as we can tell, no agreement was reached with the South Londoners, who still want the Englishman’s full £68m release clause to sell him.

Yet, fans shouldn’t worry about missing out on a talented midfielder, as it now looks like they could turn their attention to another, someone who’d be a better signing than Eze.

At least that is according to Arsenal insider Hand of Arsenal, who revealed that the club had been in contact with Xavi Simons’ agent, Ali Barat, who has offered them the chance to sign the Dutch talent.

This news aligns with reports from earlier this month, which claimed that the Gunners are interested in the RB Leipzig star, who could be available for around £52m.

While it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, it’s one Arsenal should pursue, as Simons is already a brilliant player who could further improve, and someone who’d be a better acquisition than Eze.

Why Simons would be a better signing than Eze

So, the first reason Arsenal would be wise to sign Simons over Eze this summer is that, when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers, the Leipzig ace comes out on top.

It’s not even a close comparison, as in practically every relevant metric, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem comes out on top, demonstrating exactly why some in the game think he’s “one of the best 10s in the world”.

These numbers show that not only is the Dutchman a more creative force for his team, but also someone capable of contributing more when it comes to the less glamorous defensive side of things, which we know is a trait loved by Arteta.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.67

0.52

Progressive Passes

5.86

3.37

Progressive Carries

3.56

2.40

Shots

2.09

3.48

Shots on Target

0.96

0.94

Passing Accuracy

78.6%

74.2%

Key Passes

2.13

2.01

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.51

1.35

Passes into the Final Third

3.31

1.70

Tackles Won

0.88

0.76

Shot-Creating Actions

4.52

4.69

Goal-Creating Actions

0.50

0.35

Successful Take-Ons

1.38

2.33

The second reason the Premier League runners-up should sign the Amsterdam-born ace is that he’s even more positionally versatile than the Eagles star, being capable of playing across the entire frontline as well as in the ten.

Finally, “superstar”, as he has been described by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also five years the Englishman’s junior, which means he has far more upside and, according to research carried out by The Athletic, could get far better as he likely won’t reach the peak of his powers until he’s 26 years old.

Ultimately, Eze and Simons are both extraordinary players and would be unreal signings for Arsenal.

However, due to his versatility, superb underlying numbers, and age, Arteta and Co. should opt for the latter if they can only get one.

He's a dream for Xavi Simons: Arsenal expect to sign £55m star "soon"

Arsenal could seal a dream partnership by signing Xavi Simons and this centre-forward.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 21, 2025

Mark Wood’s breathtaking post-lunch spell netted him a five-wicket haul and put England on the brink of another comprehensive victory over West Indies, which they sealed inside three days at Edgbaston.Whereas his relentless rockets at Trent Bridge had jaws on the floor but yielded just two wickets for the match, his mastery of a reverse-swinging ball in the hour after lunch accounted for all five remaining West Indies wickets for 19 runs in the space of 39 balls. Wood ended with 5 for 40 from 14 overs, his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests, to add to his 2 for 52 from West Indies’ first innings.Related

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• Wood's spell from hell reverse-swings it for England

• West Indies hoping to move on quickly after 'showing fight' against England

• Stokes and Wood enter record books after starring in Edgbaston win

• Stokes hails 'phenomenal' Wood after Edgbaston haul seals series sweep

The burst obliterated the efforts of Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge, who both scored half-centuries, as West Indies were left with a paltry 81-run lead.The run-chase was perfectly poised for England to Bazball their way to victory, especially with Ben Stokes opening in place Zak Crawley, who had left the ground for scans after injuring his finger while fielding. Stokes struck a staggering 57 off 28 balls as he and Ben Duckett, with 25 off 16, mowed down the target in 7.2 overs without loss for a 3-0 series sweep.England reached fifty off just 26 balls, equalling their team record posted at Trent Bridge. On this occasion, Stokes scored 41 of those runs. Duckett, seemingly tired of playing the supporting role after he was key to the fastest-fifty record in Nottingham, struck four boundaries in one Jason Holder over.Stokes, meanwhile, notched the fastest Test fifty for an England batter and joint third-fastest overall, off just 24 balls, and hit the winning runs, swinging a waist-high full-toss from Kraigg Brathwaite for six through backward square-leg, emphasising the one-sided nature of the series despite some encouraging passages of fight from West Indies.It was Stokes who had initially got the ball reversing in the morning session and he deployed Wood and Gus Atkinson – who had already claimed two wickets for the day – to good effect in the afternoon.Fastest team fifties in Tests•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

With West Indies five wickets down and just 57 runs ahead, Joshua Da Silva hadn’t moved off his lunch-time score of 2 when he was rapped on the pad by a reverse-swinging yorker delivered at 90mph, umpire Adrian Holstock unmoved by Wood’s emphatic appeal and the batter surviving England’s review on umpire’s call. But Da Silva added just three more runs when Wood had him irrefutably out with a full ball moving in past the bat to strike low on the back leg in line with middle stump.A short while later, Wood’s reversing yorker ripped out Alzarri Joseph’s middle stump and West Indies were 162 for 7 with England scenting victory.It was sound justification for Stokes keeping Wood on for a rare sixth over on the trot and the move paid huge dividends with three wickets falling in the over.Wood struck first ball to remove West Indies’ remaining recognised batter, Hodge getting a thick edge on a late-reversing rocket to be caught behind by Jamie Smith.Then Wood sent Jayden Seales’ off stump tumbling for a three-ball duck to continue the procession, which he ended with another late reverse-swinging delivery which Shamar Joseph edged to Harry Brook at second slip.Louis and Hodge had steadied West Indies from 53 for 3 with a 72-run stand off 78 balls for the fourth wicket.Ben Stokes launched the chase after opening in place of the injured Zak Crawley and slammed 57* in 28 balls•AFP/Getty Images

They came together after Shoaib Bashir had accounted for Alick Athanaze, who managed to add ten runs for the day, including a four off Wood through third slip, where Brook got his hands to it but couldn’t hold what would have been a spectacular catch. Five balls after the reprieve, Bashir clipped Athanaze’s front pad with a ball that slid under his attempted sweep.Hodge gave West Indies cause for optimism based on his century at Trent Bride and he delivered with his second Test fifty. He struck back-to-back fours off Wood, one swung through midwicket and the other with a beautiful drive.Louis brought up his half-century with a slog-swept six off Bashir and he helped himself to another maximum off Bashir’s next over, clearing the boundary at long-off.While Stokes was getting the ball to reverse swing, he got Louis fending at one that pitched on a length outside off stump and edging to Crawley at second slip.Crawley was in the same position when he dropped Holder, on 12 at the time, off Stokes, injuring his finger in the process, but Atkinson removed Holder at the end of the next over with an inswinger that struck the front knee roll, the batter’s review failing when ball-tracking ruled it was umpire’s call on hitting leg stump.

Tottenham Hotspur are now set to open talks over a deal for an “unbelievable” star, who is one of their top attacking targets for the summer transfer window, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Spurs set out to bolster attacking options

While Tottenham’s season was saved by the Europa League final triumph over Manchester United, there will still be major concerns over their Premier League form, finishing in 17th place after collecting just 38 points.

The forward line was not the problem for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who scored 64 goals across the campaign, which is as many as fourth-placed Chelsea, but it appears as though the manager is now keen to upgrade his attack in the summer.

Having secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, Spurs should be in a strong position to attract some top players, and they are the favourites to sign Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, despite rival interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

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Spurs are eager to bolster their attacking options.

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Sane is, of course, experienced in the Premier League, having picked up 25 goals and 30 assists in the top flight for Manchester City, but the north Londoners also have another winger on the shortlist, who has experienced success in England more recently.

According to Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, Tottenham are now set to open talks over a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who has been identified as one of their top attacking targets for the summer.

Brown said: “Tottenham are one of the clubs looking at Eze,”

“I hear his agent has a few contacts there so I have no doubt they’ll be speaking to him, that’s where a lot of moves of this type start.”

However, it could be difficult to lure the England international away from Palace, as the winger is thought to be “happy” at Selhurst Park, and he is protected by a £68m release clause.

Eze could be "unbelievable" signing for Tottenham

Eze was, of course, instrumental in Palace’s shock FA Cup triumph, scoring the only goal against Manchester City in the final, while he has previously been lauded as “unbelievable” by Statman Dave.

As such, it is little wonder Tottenham are so keen on the 26-year-old, who picked up 14 goals and 11 assists for Palace in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, more goal contributions than any of Postecoglou’s players.

Considering the forward is happy at Selhurst Park, the only way to stand a chance of securing his signature may be triggering his £68m release clause, but his recent performances suggest an outlay of that amount would be justifiable.

With Son Heung-min set to turn 33-years-old this summer, it could be important for Postecoglou to bring in a long-term replacement this summer, and Eze’s performances for Palace suggest he could be the ideal heir to the South Korean.