Promotion up to the Premier League will surely be Ryan Mason’s main, intimidating task when he shortly steps into the West Bromwich Albion dug-out.

After all, Regis Le Bris managed to guide Sunderland up to the promised land during his debut campaign at the Sunderland helm, meaning the 33-year-old will be hoping that the good luck that rubbed off on the Frenchman comes his way too.

He would love to use his Tottenham Hotspur connections to feel more comfortable in his new surroundings. Indeed, rumours continue to swirl that Mason could soon add North London starlet Mikey Moore to his ranks on loan this summer.

West Brom's ongoing pursuit of Moore

Of course, adding Moore to the camp would be an exciting purchase to kick off Mason’s new regime.

The 17-year-old Spurs attacking prodigy will surely be champing at the bit to test himself out on loan away from his boyhood employers, considering a bumper 36 goals and assists combined have now come his way in the U18 and U21 ranks.

He even broke his senior duck last season when galloping forward in the Europa League up against Elfsborg, with the challenges of the Championship now his potential next onward destination to strut his stuff even more.

However, it could be argued that the Baggies aren’t in desperate need of reinforcements down either the left or right wing – which is where Moore predominantly operates – with both Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston top-drawer options on these flanks already. Between them, the entertaining duo can boast 41 goal contributions and counting in the second tier.

Therefore, adding in the teenage sensation might not be deemed the most urgent priority, irrespective of Moore’s familiarity with Mason.

On the other hand, swooping in for some centre-back reinforcements will be judged as a must, with this new, defensive colossus potentially West Brom’s chosen target.

The defender who could be a better signing than Moore

West Brom’s transfer activity this time around is already playing out like their business from last summer, with centre-back brute Semi Ajayi allowed to leave the Hawthorns for nothing, much like Cedric Kipre before him.

With Mason Holgate also only on the Baggies’ books on loan, that leaves the potential promotion chasers light on numbers in this department, which is where Liverpool titan Nathaniel Phillips, who has been linked with a move to the club, could come to the rescue.

Whilst Phillips has impressed infrequently for the Reds – as seen in his impressive tally of seven clean sheets from 17 Premier League clashes – it’s his expertise of the Championship when chucked out on loan away from Anfield that will instantly stick out for Mason and Co, with this headed effort last campaign for Derby County just one key contribution he managed during his memorable loan stint.

In total, the one-time Premier League title winner has now amassed 67 appearances at the daunting level, with his tag as a “monster”, as he was once labelled by Jurgen Klopp, clear for all to see last season when bravely battling away for the relegation-threatened Rams.

Indeed, the £45k-per-week powerhouse would end his sterling season with six duels won on average across his 32 Championship clashes. To add context, the departing Ajayi would only win 3.3 himself across the same period.

Therefore, adding in the “intelligent” Phillips – as Klopp also glowingly described him – could really enhance Mason’s defensive options as he goes about building a promotion-worthy team.

Whereas, when it comes to the promising Moore, there’s no guarantee he would instantly upset the apple cart at the Hawthorns on his arrival and push into the first team mix, which is why Phillips would be an even better signing.

West Brom in talks to sign their best striker since Maja for £0

West Bromwich Albion could be about to land their best striker since Josh Maja with this summer purchase.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 9, 2025

Chelsea are “really pushing” to sign a powerhouse striker ahead of their Premier League rivals Arsenal, with both sides holding negotiations and laying groundwork over a deal as we fast approach the summer window.

Chelsea gifted striker boost after vital win over Nottingham Forest

Enzo Maresca’s debut season as Chelsea manager, regardless of the debate prior to Sunday’s kick-off, can now surely be deemed a success after their all-important 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.

Chelsea make "formal" bid to sign £84m Liverpool target in "ambitious move"

They’ve apparently submitted an offer.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

May 24, 2025

Levi Colwill’s second-half goal was enough to confirm Chelsea’s spot in the Premier League top-five and subsequent Champions League qualification for next season, gifting BlueCo an almighty boost when it comes to their summer recruitment strategy in the process.

Race for Champions League qualification – Final standings
Rank	Team	Points	GD
3	Man City	71	+28
4	Chelsea	69	+21
5	Newcastle	66	+21
6	Aston Villa	66	+7
7	Nottingham Forest	65	+12

Maresca himself confirmed that qualifying for the Champions League would have a profound effect on their plans for the looming transfer window, and reliable reports in the build up to Sunday echoed this theme.

While Chelsea are reported to be prioritising the addition of a new striker, centre-back and winger, it is believed they could also go for a versatile attacking player, goalkeeper, full-back and second centre-back, depending on player sales and their European status (Simon Phillips).

Supporters are very eager to see Chelsea bring in a prolific number nine in particular, and the Blues’ fourth-placed finish is now set to boost their hopes of signing a 25-plus goals-per-season striker who can deliver the goods up front.

“I’m not thinking about next summer, to be honest,” said a coy Maresca after Chelsea’s win over Forest, in his post-match press conference.

“Today is a day that we have to be happy because we brought this club where this club has to be in the most important European competition. And we did today and this is the most important day for them. Now from tomorrow we start to prepare for Wednesday final, and then we have days to see for next season.”

Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko

According to journalist Simon Phillips, while Maresca refuses to get drawn in on the club’s transfer activity behind-the-scenes, they’re in fact making a serious move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Chelsea have Sesko on their list of striker targets, as previously claimed, but they’re now believed to be competing with Arsenal for the 6 foot 5 Slovenia international’s signature after his 21-goal season at Leipzig.

His contract includes a £67 million release clause, and Chelsea are now seriously pressing to sign Sesko after holding talks and laying the groundwork for his signature.

“The new info I have is that Arsenal are now really pushing for Benjamin Sesko as well as Chelsea,” wrote Phillips.

“Both clubs have held talks and laid down some groundwork to sign him. Arsenal also really like Viktor Gyokeres, but there’s a split internally there as to which striker they want to push for.”

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes Arsenal’s talks for Sesko are “concrete” as well, so Chelsea do face stiff competition from Mikel Arteta’s side. Interestingly, both sides made a proposal for the 21-year-old last summer, which he rejected in favour of signing an extension at Leipzig (Fabrizio Romano).

However, the Premier League duo haven’t appeared to have thrown the towel in when it comes to tempting Sesko with a move to England, and it will be very intriguing to see how this one develops.

Chelsea are badly in need of a centre-forward, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku scoring just two top-flight goals between them this calendar year.

Liverpool could only draw against Crystal Palace to close their 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Oh well. Arne Slot’s side could be afforded a loosening of standards after such dominance for the lion’s share of the year.

No one gave the Reds a shot, but they scored the biggest prize of them all in climbing back onto their perch by winning their 20th top-flight title, levelling with beleaguered rivals Manchester United in the all-time standings.

It’s been an unrelenting year, and it’s understandable that the hosts would struggle to impose themselves against Palace, the FA Cup champions, with Mohamed Salah lashing home from close range late on to close his extraordinary term.

However, there’s no denying Liverpool have faltered since sealing the trophy, claiming only two points from a possible 12. Now, it’s all about rest and recovery across the summer months, before returning to defend their title and challenge across other fronts next season.

Sadly, the champions will be forced to begin their second season under Slot’s wing without Ryan Gravenberch in the squad, for he was sent off before the hour mark.

Why Ryan Gravenberch was sent off

On Saturday, Gravenberch was crowned the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season, having risen from middling ranks to become a superstar, an essential piece and the beating heart of Slot’s title-winning team.

He’s been brilliant all year, and maybe saved his biggest blunder for the denouement, hacking down Daichi Kamada and seeing the glare of the red card with Liverpool 1-0 down.

Consequently, the Netherlands international will serve a three-match suspension, missing the Community Shield against the Eagles and the first two fixtures of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

It’s a big blow, and any struggle for fluency in those early autumnal weeks will underline the scale of Gravenberch’s role in Slot’s system, with The Athletic’s James Pearce hailing him for being “so effective and influential” for the title winners.

There’s another member of Sunday’s starting line-up who may not find himself in the starting line-up quite so often next year, and it’s not for any disciplinary reason.

Indeed, Andy Robertson showed against Oliver Glasner’s side why Slot and FSG are so keen to replace him in the transfer market this summer.

Andy Robertson showed why he should be axed

Robertson has been at Liverpool since joining from Hull City in a £10m package way back in 2017, with few beyond Anfield Road aware that FSG had snagged themselves a bargain.

Against Crystal Palace, the 31-year-old played his 342nd match for the club, but there’s no question he lacks his one-time athleticism and electricity.

It wasn’t a great display by any stretch, but the Liverpool ECHO’s Ian Doyle did give him a match rating of 6/10, noting he was ‘steady if unspectacular’.

However, the data suggests he left plenty to be desired.

Minutes played

85′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

57/64 (89%)

Key passes

0

Crosses

0/7

Possession lost

17x

Dribbles

0/0

Tackles + interceptions

0

Clearances

1

Duels won

0/4

It wasn’t the most efficient day at the office for the Scotland skipper, whose creative skills were blunted and whose defensive application yielded rotten results. Robertson failed to find his man with any of his seven attempted crosses, lost all four duels and couldn’t create a single key pass despite losing the ball 17 times.

Palace’s low block was strong and secure, but Robertson’s errant efforts to breach the defences came to nought, and with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for Real Madrid this summer, there’s every reason for Slot to push for a new left-back, one who could offer some increased attacking output.

Next year, there will likely be a spot in the first-team squad for Robertson, who has given Liverpool so much, but it would be to the detriment of this budding project to go again with him in the first-choice position. A new man is needed to take the baton.

And that man might just be Milos Kerkez, with Fabrizio Romano confirming talks are underway as the Reds seek out a long-term replacement.

Bournemouth’s Kerkez has been one of the Premier League’s biggest breakout successes this season, praised for his “absolutely exceptional” efforts by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.

Still only 21, he’d set Liverpool’s left-back berth up for many seasons, should he sign this summer.

Though Robertson, who is out of contract at the end of next season, hopes to play a role through Slot’s second season and maybe even beyond, it’s clear Kerkez has the capacity to nestle right into a prominent position from the get-go.

Liverpool are on the up, all right, and though Robertson is clearly past his best, he’s played an instrumental role in securing another Premier League title.

However, sentiments aside, the veteran’s performance against Crystal Palace illustrated exactly why an upgrade is needed if Liverpool are to go from strength to strength next term.

Liverpool are brewing their own version of Wirtz in "fearless" academy star

Liverpool could do with an academy sensation breaking into Arne Slot’s senior squad.

ByAngus Sinclair May 24, 2025

Manchester United’s front line has been the subject of various additions already this summer, as Ruben Amorim looks to overhaul his first-team squad.

The manager has already secured the signing of forward Matheus Cunha from fellow Premier League outfit Wolves, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m.

Despite the huge fee spent on the 25-year-old, more business is expected to be completed in such a department, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo another name on their shortlist.

He’s been subject to multiple offers from the Red Devils already this window, but a deal is yet to be agreed after he stated his desire to make the switch to Old Trafford.

Other players have remained as key targets for the 40-year-old boss, who appears to be at the heart of various deals which could massively bolster the ranks at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for added reinforcements this summer

The forward line has been the main focus for Jason Wilcox and Co this window, as seen by United’s tireless efforts to complete a move to land Cunha ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Brazilian isn’t alone in being pursued by staff behind the scenes in Manchester, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Kang-in Lee and Rafael Leao just three other talents currently in their sights.

However, they aren’t the only options, with Amorim’s side taking a huge step to secure the signature of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to Record via CaughtOffside.

It’s been reported that positive meetings have been held with the striker’s representatives and that a bid is expected to be lodged to take the Swede to Old Trafford this summer.

They also claim that the Portuguese outfit are holding out for €80m (£67m) to part ways with their talisman, who’s managed to find the net on 54 occasions throughout 2024/25.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own answer to Kane

Harry Kane is a striker who every side in world football must wish they had, considering his goalscoring exploits, which have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.

The 31-year-old spent 10 years as a first-team regular at Tottenham Hotspur, racking up 280 goals and becoming their all-time record goalscorer in the process.

However, it wasn’t enough to propel Spurs to any form of silverware, subsequently moving to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, with the Englishman carrying on his rich vein of form in front of goal.

He’s netted a staggering 82 goals in his 91 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, with Kane evidently making the right choice to move to Germany over a switch to Old Trafford after the Red Devils’ previous interest in his services.

This summer presents Amorim’s side with the chance to land their own talisman in the form of Gyokeres, with the Sporting star comparable to the England international by FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the recent campaign, the Swede has managed to outperform him in numerous key departments – handing United their answer to Kane should he move this summer.

The Swede, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has massively outscored the Bayern ace, whilst also managing to register a higher shot-on-target rate, handing Amorim the deadly threat in front of goal he’s desperately craved.

How Gyokeres compares to Kane in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Gyokeres	Kane
Games played	33	31
Goals & assists	46	35
Shot-on-target accuracy	52%	42%
Shots on target	2.2	1.7
Take-ons completed	1.9	0.8
Carries into final third	1.3	0.7
Carries into opposition box	3.1	0.7
Aerials won	1.3	1
Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons and register more carries into the opposition’s area, subsequently being able to improve the tallies of other players around him.

Gyokeres’ aerial ability could also prove handy for the Red Devils, handing the side a focal point to play-off, whilst also offering an added threat from set pieces to improve their goalscoring record.

There’s no denying Kane will go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever goalscorers, with Gyokeres having huge pressure to replicate such success should he move to England this window.

The comparison is credit to the striker and an indication as to how impressive he’s been in recent times, potentially offering a new dimension to the club should he complete the switch in the coming months.

Van Persie 2.0: Man Utd set to be offered "incredible" Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United could be about to make a move for a player who could follow in Robin van Persie’s footsteps.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 12, 2025

Still on the hunt for an Andre Onana upgrade, Manchester United have now reportedly submitted an opening offer worth £13m to sign a Champions League-winning shot-stopper.

Man Utd's goalkeeper search still ongoing

Having already reinforced their attacking options with the arrival of Matheus Cunha and with negotiations ongoing to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United have turned their focus towards their goalkeeper department.

Onana’s position as Old Trafford’s No.1 has seemed at risk since his debut season and the former Inter Milan man could finally be forced to relinquish his role if United get their wish this summer.

To that end, a number of names have been mentioned as potential options, with the most prominent of which being Emiliano Martinez.

The World Cup winner reportedly prefers a move to Manchester United over Barcelona and could be on his way out of Aston Villa amid their PSR concerns this month.

Meanwhile, what would help speed things up in the goalkeeper department is if AS Monaco complete their move to sign Onana. The Ligue 1 side are reportedly interested in signing the Cameroon international in an unexpected move this summer.

By showing Onana the door, it would almost be a guarantee that Manchester United will welcome another goalkeeper this summer. It would just be a matter of who. As much as Aston Villa will be concerned about their PSR situation, they’ll no doubt be desperate to avoid selling one of Unai Emery’s star players to a Premier League rival this summer and that may leave INEOS scrambling for other options.

If the Villans successfully fend off any interest from United, then the Red Devils could yet reportedly welcome a two-time Champions League winner in the coming months.

Man Utd submit first Andriy Lunin bid

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United submitted a bid worth €15m (£13m) to sign Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid but have since had that offer rejected by the Spanish giants. A deal is still there to be made, however, even if the Red Devils must increase their offer.

Having rejected the £13m offer, Real Madrid are reportedly demanding around €25m (£21m) to sell Lunin this summer in what should be seen as an affordable price for those at Old Trafford to match.

Starts

7

34

Saves P90

1.86

2.59

Save Percentage

65%

68.9%

Whilst the Ukraine international deserves credit for how he stepped up for Thibaut Courtois at times last season, there remain question marks over his ability to become a permanent No.1 elsewhere.

It is Lunin’s ability on the ball that stands out rather than his shot-stopping skills according to Ben Mattinson, however. The analyst was full of praise for the Madrid man, dubbing his ball-playing ability “great” albeit whilst also describing the goalkeeper as a “top shot stopper”.

Amorim keen: Bayern Munich now open to selling Man Utd target for just £30m

Ruben Amorim wants to sign him this summer.

1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 22, 2025

Although the jury is still out on Lunin, it’s clear that United must replace Onana this summer and doing so by signing a two-time Champions League winner could be the way to do exactly that.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a forward this summer and have now made a formal approach to land a striker who models his game after one of the best forwards in the world, according to a report.

Tottenham Hotspur's hunt for attacking reinforcements

Thomas Frank has already tied up deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel since walking through the door in N17. However, you get the impression there is plenty more to come given they will be playing Champions League football next term.

Looking to provide strength in depth across the front four positions, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo are prominent Tottenham targets, while West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has also been mentioned in dispatches.

With a managerial change coming into play, Daniel Levy has outlined that he has full faith in new boss Frank to deliver success after carrying out a rigorous search for Ange Postecoglou’s successor.

He explained: “Whenever you have a new coach, it’s always a fresh start. [They] always have different ideas but we want to build on the success of winning a trophy last season.

“One of the things that stood out to me with Thomas was that he is clearly highly intelligent, a great communicator, super human being plus all the technical aspects which are obviously important.”

Tottenham now want to sign "combative" £20m La Liga ace ahead of Man Utd

The Lilywhites could have an instant advantage.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025

Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel could also be on Spurs’ radar after an excellent start to the Club World Cup, signalling that eyes and ears will be on all potential markets from the Lilywhites this summer to extract a fair rate of value for money.

Fundamentally, bolstering the offensive areas will give Frank the depth required to progress his side, so it won’t come as any surprise to hear Merentiel isn’t the only South American star the club is seeking to add.

Tottenham launch formal approach for Ian Subiabre

According to reports in his homeland via Sport Witness, Tottenham have launched a formal approach for River Plate’s Ian Subiabre to ascertain details about his current situation.

Chelsea previously had a meeting with his agent, Claudio Caniggia, though they eventually baulked due to his release clause that is mooted to amount to around £22.4 million.

Ian Subiabre at River Plate – how has the youngster fared since breaking through?

Appearances

16

Goals

1

Assists

0

Mainly used as a substitute, Spurs haven’t been deterred and could look to make an offer that includes a future sell-on percentage for the Argentina Under-20 international, who has scored three times in six matches at that youth rank.

Describing Julian Alvarez as a player he models his game on, it remains to be seen whether his release clause will be met or if a transfer fee would be structured via alternative means.

River may entertain bids after the Club World Cup and haven’t ruled out a departure in this case, meaning Spurs could well add another talented youngster to the ranks.

Celtic made the bold decision to cash in on fan-favourite Kyogo Furuhashi in the January transfer window without replacing him ahead of the second half of the season.

The Hoops sold the striker to Ligue 1 side Rennes and opted to go with Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda as their two senior number nine options, which led to them winning the Scottish Premiership title.

Rennes reportedly paid a fee of £10m to sign the 30-year-old striker from Celtic, who struck gold by selling him to the French outfit for that price.

Why Celtic hit gold by selling Kyogo Furuhashi

The Hoops played a blinder by selling him to the Ligue side for a fee of £10m because he has flopped over in France and is now reportedly set to move on from the club after just five months.

Reports in Japan recently claimed that Kyogo is likely to sign for English Championship team Birmingham City, which would be a downgrade from playing in one of Europe’s major leagues, and from winning trophies with Celtic.

The 30-year-old striker failed to score in six Ligue 1 games for Rennes in the second-half of the 2024/25 campaign and was an unused substitute on six occasions.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Expand Collapse

Kyogo’s market value has plummeted as a result of his form in France, going from £12m at the time of exit to £7.7m at the time of writing, as per Transfermarkt.

This shows that Celtic struck gold by selling him to Rennes for a fee of £10m, as his market value has already dropped below that figure, whilst they have also hit the jackpot with another Japan international who is worth even more than the striker.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Reo Hatate

Former Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou was big on the Japanese market during his time at the club, signing the likes of Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, and Tomoki Iwata alongside Kyogo.

Hatate is one of the stars who the club have hit the jackpot on because he is now worth even more than the former Celtic striker, who was worth £12m on Transfermarkt in January, and left for a fee of £10m.

The 27-year-old star joined from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022 and has been a key player in the middle of the park for the Scottish giants ever since.

He just enjoyed his most productive season to date in the Premiership, with a return of ten goals and 14 ‘big chances created’, and his soaring market value reflects that.

Reo Hatate’s soaring market value at Celtic

Date

Market value

January 2022

£700k

June 2022

£2m

December 2022

£3.5m

March 2023

£5.5m

June 2023

£9.5m

June 2024

£8.5m

December 2024

£9.5m

June 2025

£11m

Valuations via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Hatate’s value has soared by millions throughout his time at Parkhead and has risen all the way up to £11m at the time of writing, which is over £3m more than Kyogo’s current market value.

This shows that the club struck gold by bringing him to Glasgow in 2022 because they successfully identified a player who had the potential to develop and grow in value.

Hopefully, Hatate will continue to shine on the pitch and his market value will continue to soar, before the Hoops possibly make a profit on him in the future if they ever decide to cash in on him, as they did with Kyogo.

Related He'd be amazing with Hatate: Celtic now eyeing "Premier League-level" star

Celtic could find an amazing midfield partner for Reo Hatate by signing this star.

Posts ByDan Emery Jun 23, 2025

Dan Lawrence, Ben Foakes raise tempo in final session during stand of 131 in 35 overs

ECB Reporters Network23-Jun-2024

Jamie Smith lashes through the covers•Getty Images

Surrey 340 for 5 (Lawrence 91*, Smith 86, Sibley 76, Foakes 52) vs Worcestershire It was normal service resumed for leaders and champions Surrey on day one of the Vitality County Championship match with Worcestershire at ‘Visit Worcestershire New Road.’Surrey had suffered an innings-and-278-runs defeat against Hampshire in their previous Championship fixture at the Utilita Bowl ahead of the Blast in contrast to their previous four-day form.But fifties from Dom Sibley and Jamie Smith laid the foundations before Dan Lawrence and Ben Foakes increased the tempo during the final session during a stand of 131 in 35 overs.Foakes fell just before the close – to a fourth catch for Adam Hose – but Lawrence remained undefeated on 91 from 126 balls.It was Surrey’s first visit to New Road since they lifted the 2018 title on the ground and they are well placed to post a formidable total on the second day.Worcestershire captain, Brett D’Oliveira, was side-lined with a shoulder problem and Jake Libby skippered the side.Pace trio Joe Leach, Ben Gibbon and Yadvinder Singh, who all played in last month’s encounter at the Kia Oval, were ruled out through injury.Ethan Brookes, Tom Taylor and on loan Somerset spinner, Shoaib Bashir, all made their Championship debut for the home side.Taylor’s younger brother, James Taylor, made his first Championship appearance for Surrey since April 2022.Surrey were put in on a rock hard looking pitch and quickly lost skipper Rory Burns.Tom Taylor took the new ball and struck with the third ball of the morning as Burns turned a delivery straight to Bashir at mid wicket.Ollie Pope looked in good form and cover drove Taylor for four and used his feet to turn on loan Essex seamer Ben Allison to the midwicket boundary. But he then gave Allison the charge and nicked through to Adam Hose at first slip.Allison, signed because of injuries to Joe Leach, Ben Gibbon and Yadvinder Singh, bowled an excellent opening spell of 7-3-10-1.But Sibley was in excellent touch, straight driving and cover-driving Adam Finch for boundaries, and coming down the wicket to hit Bashir down the ground for four after he came into the attack.Smith also took advantage of over-pitched deliveries from Finch to collective successive boundaries and the 100 came up in just 27.2 overs.Allison bowled another probing post-lunch spell and Sibley edged just short of second slip.Waite again also asked questions of both batters but Sibley and Smith were determined and reached their respective fifties off 108 and 103 balls respectively. The stand was worth 149 in 40 overs when Bashir broke it as Sibley picked out Hose at short midwicket.Smith departed in a similar manner with again Hose the catcher after Finch came into the attack.Lawrence and Foakes upped the tempo during the final session after playing themselves in up until tea.Foakes pulled Bashir for a maximum over wide long-on before having a let off on 31 when dropped at deep midwicket off Finch.Lawrence cut Brookes for four to reach a 66-ball fifty and Foakes went to the same landmark from 104 deliveries.But Finch broke the stand after the second new ball had been taken when Foakes (52) fell to a low catch diving to his right at first slip by Hose.

South East Stars 153 for 4 (Redmayne 38*, E Jones 36) beat Sunrisers 111 for 5 (Scrivens 62*) by 19 runs – DLSGrace Scrivens’ stylish half-century proved in vain as Sunrisers slipped to a 19-run defeat under the DLS method to finals day-bound SE Stars in a game reduced to 18 overs aside at The Oval.The England A captain in New Zealand last winter struck 62 not out off 48 balls with a six and eight fours, but with only Jo Gardner (23 from 16) offering meaningful support, the visitors were 111 for 5 and behind the clock in the chase for 154 when the rain drove the players off with 13 balls remaining. Dani Gregory took 2 for 21 while Tilly Corteen-Coleman (1 for 14) kept up her remarkable record of taking a wicket with her first ball.Earlier, Stars’ impressive score of 153 for 4 was built around Australian debutant Georgia Redmayne’s patient 38, the fireworks being provided by Emma Jones (36 from 23), Phoebe Franklin (23 from 21) and Bryony Smith (21 from 11). Mady Villiers was the pick of the Sunrisers attack with 2 for 23.Morning and afternoon rain delayed the start until 3:50pm, but Smith made up for lost time after losing the toss and being put into bat, plundering four boundaries from one Eva Gray over, the pick a back-foot drive creamed through extra-cover.Smith fell in the next over bowled by Villiers, the spinner luring her down the track to be stumped by Amara Carr, who then caught England opener Sophia Dunkley, holding onto a skied top edge.Franklin though picked up the baton, a delightful square cut and a bludgeon over the head of mid-on among her four fours. Villiers cut the innings off in its prime when Franklin hoisted one into the hands of Gray at cow corner but that was the cue for Jones to unleash her power.The all-rounder hit two mighty sixes, the first at long-on where Jo Gardner got fingertips to it but could only parry the ball over the rope. No such doubt about the second blow however which sailed five rows back into the seats at deep square.Left-hander Redmayne was content to play second fiddle in a stand of 57 and when Jones departed to a catch on the fence, the Aussie gave the stage to Alice Davidson-Richards, who smote a six and a four in reaching 16 off 6.Chasing 154 for an unlikely win, Sunrisers were soon in tatters. They lost Villiers without a run on the board, Jones in the action with a catch on the fence from the bowling of Stonehouse.Lissy Macleod then top edged one from Ryana MacDonald-Gay into the hand of keeper Redmayne and when Corteen-Coleman produced her latest party trick to trap Carr lbw for a duck the visitors were 19 for 3.Skipper Scrivens, who’d watched the carnage from the other end, responded with the first six of the reply, before being given a life by Aylish Cranstone, who spilt a regulation chance at point from the bowling of Jones. By then though Gregory had struck twice in three balls to remove Amu Surenkuma and Flo Miller.Scrivens continued to hit boldly, reaching 50 in 41 balls and Gardner too cleared the ropes but the task was just beyond them.

Derby County have now opened talks to sign an “unbelievable” defender, who is set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the month, according to a report.

Derby set to strengthen in defence

Derby survived the drop by the barest of margins last season, and they have their defence to thank, keeping clean sheets in four out of their last eight games to ensure Championship football will be played at Pride Park once again next season.

In the end, John Eustace wasn’t left to rue the decision to leave Blackburn Rovers for the Rams, but a club of their stature will have far loftier ambitions than merely surviving in the second tier, and the manager is looking to put his own stamp on his squad.

Despite the stellar defensive efforts at the back end of last season, one position in which Eustace appears to be particularly keen to strengthen is centre-back, with the likes of Blackburn Rovers’ Danny Batth and Birmingham City’s Dion Sanderson of interest.

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According to a report from Derbyshire Live, a League One centre-back has also been identified as a target, namely Lincoln City’s Paudie O’Connor, with Derby recently opening talks over a deal for the defender.

O’Connor’s contract is set to expire at the end of the month, meaning he is able to leave the Imps on a free transfer, and there are a number of clubs interested in his signature, with Huddersfield Town and Barnsley also being linked.

Wycombe Wanderers are currently believed to be in pole position for the Lincoln centre-back, but a move to Pride Park could be more appealing, given that Championship football will be on offer next season.

Derby need new centre-back after Phillips departure

The Rams’ defence was not the main problem last season, considering they shipped fewer goals than Coventry City, who reached the play-off semi-final, but it is clear they will need to bring in a new centre-back this summer, as Nat Phillips has returned to Liverpool.

Phillips was a regular starter whenever fit, making 32 appearances in the Championship last term, and he even scored a vital goal away at Hull City in the penultimate match of the season, which proved to be crucial in Eustace’s side avoiding the drop.

As such, it could be a difficult task to replace the 28-year-old, but there are some signs that O’Connor could be up to the task, having previously been lauded as “unbelievable” by teammate Jack Moylan.

The Lincoln captain was a key player for the Imps last season, making 45 appearances in all competitions, during which time he also proved himself to be a real attacking threat, picking up three goals and five assists in League One.

As such, the Irishman could now be ready to test himself at Championship level, and he would be a low-risk addition to the Derby squad on a free transfer.