Fabrizio Romano has shared an intriguing Tottenham transfer update, which adds further weight to recent claims that new manager Thomas Frank is set to have a real influence on the club’s summer recruitment drive.

Tottenham to pay asking price for Brazil international after Barcelona call

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ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

Spurs officially appointed the Dane this time last week, putting an end to the search for Ange Postecoglou’s replacement in swift fashion, and reports suggest that Frank is already making his transfer wishes clear to chairman Daniel Levy.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

In a recent interview with the club’s media channels, Levy explained what made Frank the standout candidate, and they’ve already backed him with the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich for around £30 million.

“Whenever you have a new coach it’s always a fresh start. You always have different ideas. But we want to build on the success of winning a trophy last season,” said Levy.

“One of the things that stood out to me with Thomas is that he’s clearly highly intelligent. Great communicator. Super human being. Plus all the other technical aspects that are obviously important.”

The now-former Brentford boss has also broken his silence about becoming Tottenham’s fifth new manager since 2019, expressing his serious excitement to get started with a “massive” club.

“It’s a good squad. It’s an exciting, massive club with massive potential. So, it’s just super, super exciting,” said Frank in his first interview as Spurs head coach.

“I had very good conversations and meetings with [Daniel Levy, Vinai Venkatesham, and Johan Lange] where we discussed everything in depth – details about the club structure, processes – and of course I came with my views on things, how I saw it, my ideas, and the way I want to do things and how I try to build a team and a club.

“There’ll be ups and downs – right now, it’s a fairytale. Everyone’s happy, the sun is shining, it’s fantastic.”

One thing Frank didn’t speak about in his sit-down was the club’s pursuit of his ex-star at Brentford – winger Bryan Mbeumo.

Fabrizio Romano shares Bryan Mbeumo to Tottenham update

Spurs opened initial talks over signing Mbeumo recently (Sky Sports), but face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Man United, who are thought to be in pole position as things stand due to the Cameroonian’s desire to join Ruben Amorim.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano has now revealed that Tottenham began internal talks over a deal for Mbeumo right after Frank signed his contract to become their new manager.

“For sure, there is appreciation from Thomas Frank,” said Romano.

“And so it’s quite obvious to discuss a target like Mbeumo for Tottenham, because he’s one of the names they discussed internally as soon as he [Frank] signed his contract as new Tottenham manager.”

However, the respected journalist reiterates that United are indeed the frontrunners after already reaching an agreement with Mbeumo.

“We know with these clubs like Brentford, Brighton is always difficult to negotiate for their top players, so it’s not easy to reach an agreement, but United are on that,” he continued.

“They are talking to the club, always in contact with player agents, and with an agreement with Bryan Mbeumo, because the player wants to go to United. And so at the moment, United remain frontrunners on this story. Let’s see if they can be able to reach an agreement on the fee with Brentford.”

The Bees’ asking price is rumoured to be around £60 million, and if Amorim’s side don’t fancy stumping up the cash, it appears a reunion with Frank at Spurs could be a sound alternative for the “unbelievable” African.

Tottenham Hotspur were thrashed by Brighton & Hove Albion to finish a miserable Premier League campaign that has been salvaged and then some overseas.

Indeed, Ange Postecoglou’s side dared to dream in midweek, beating Manchester United in Bilbao to seal the Europa League title and end 17 interminable years of rotten luck on the trophy front.

A hangover was expected, but this bruising defeat was not an outlier for the Lilywhites, who have wrapped up the 2024/25 league campaign languishing in 17th place.

There’s much for chairman Daniel Levy to chew on over the coming months, with several players doing themselves few favours down N17 this weekend.

Spurs' worst performers vs Brighton

Tottenham lost their 22nd top-flight match of the season, marking the end of their worst-ever Premier League campaign.

The defensive capitulation underlined the crux of Postecoglou’s woe this season, with pitiful performances from the newly-promoted trio proving the tenuous barrier between Tottenham and a true relegation dogfight.

There were more than a few tired legs after the interval, and Dominic Solanke’s early penalty was too little to give Tottenham the strength they needed to finish the term off on strong footing, with Pedro Porro and Archie Gray lacking their usual enthusiasm, substitute Wilson Odobert inefficient when welcomed after the break.

Yves Bissouma made a hash of things when brought off the bench, giving away the penalty after bringing down Diego Gomez in the box, leading to Matt O’Riley’s spot-kick to make it 3-1. A fourth would follow in stoppage time.

It was a performance to forget, all told. Certainly not the fixture of the week that will be remembered in years to come.

One man in particular failed to replicate his sparkling midweek form, shining a light on his ability to emerge at the biggest moment, reminiscent of former hero Lucas Moura.

Spurs' new Lucas Moura

Lucas played an important role for Tottenham after signing from Paris Saint-Germain for £23m in 2018, posting 39 goals and 27 assists across 221 appearances in all competitions.

However, he didn’t always maintain the requisite levels for a reputation in English football as a truly deadly forward, one who can maintain their output invariably.

Premier League

152

20

16

0.24

Champions League

22

6

1

0.32

FA Cup

17

5

6

0.65

League Cup

12

2

0

0.17

Europa League

10

4

1

0.50

Conference League

4

1

2

0.75

UEL Qualifiers

3

1

1

0.66

UECL Qualifiers

1

0

0

–

Now, Brennan Johnson is in danger of adopting a similar reputation, proving Tottenham’s hero on a big night but struggling to project his finest form with the desired degree of consistency.

Make no mistake, this has been a promising term for the former Nottingham Forest man, who joined for a £47.5m fee in July 2023 and has sharpened his goalscoring sense this year, bagging 18 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

He failed to add to his haul against the Seagulls, however, unable to influence proceedings for his struggling and, frankly, sapped side.

Football.london’s Alasdair Gold saw the funny side, branding the Welshman with a 5/10 match rating but quizzing why he was permitted the full 90 after such frenzied celebrations only days earlier, bundling in the only goal against United on Wednesday.

Like Johnson, Lucas liked to make a key contribution on the continental scene for Tottenham, miraculously scoring that hat-trick to send Mauricio Pochettino’s side through to the Champions League final way back when, but he lacked consistency, and that’s something Ange’s star needs to work on.

Underscoring this, the Wales international has only netted in three of his past 20 Premier League games, emphasising an up-and-down nature that Lucas carried through his career in English football too.

The good thing is Johnson can be afforded some leeway, of course, after his goal on Wednesday night, but he still saw a chance go begging after being played into space and struggled to impose himself, albeit working hard defensively, making two clearances as he found himself hemmed in the defensive third, as per Sofascore.

Johnson also completed only nine of his 17 attempted passes, a success rate of just 53%, failed to make a dribble, failed with all three attempted passes from range, and didn’t even attempt a trademark dribble.

Still only 24, mind, he’s got plenty of time to hone his talent and reach the level those around him know he is capable of.

One thing’s for sure: he has already left a bigger legacy than his Brazilian positional peer and could reach higher still with a few improvements over the coming season.

Spurs hit gold on "sensational" monster who's becoming their new Dembele

The impressive international could be a star for Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 24, 2025

Arsenal look set for a busy summer in the transfer market, with Mikel Arteta looking to go one better in the Premier League after three successive second-place finishes.

To do that, the Gunners may make a number of marquee additions ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with attack a key area of focus for those at the Emirates Stadium.

New sporting director Andrea Berta is tasked with bringing a star striker to north London after injuries left Arteta with a lack of final third options in 24/25.

A number of players have been linked with moves to Arsenal, which has resulted in Grok, the AI tool on X, predicting the Gunners’ summer transfer business.

Arsenal's most expensive signings of all time

The Gunners have spent generously in recent years.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

It has thrown up some interesting results, with Berta potentially spending just over £250m between now and the September 1 deadline.

AI predicts 5 Arsenal summer signings 1 Martin Zubimendi Real Sociedad (£59m)

It shouldn’t come as a shock that AI have predicted Martin Zubimendi to be one of Arsenal’s first summer signings, as it has been widely reported that the Real Sociedad midfielder is set to swap Spain for England.

The Gunners have been chasing the central midfielder since the start of the year and they regard a transfer as “done and signed”.

There were rumours of Real Madrid coming in to hijack Arsenal’s move, however, it looks a matter of time before Zubimendi’s transfer is announced, with Grok citing a £59m fee.

2 Kepa Arrizabalaga Chelsea (£5m)

Set to follow Zubimendi through the Emirates door this summer is goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, so again, it isn’t a shock that he’s on AI’s Arsenal list.

Still the world’s most expensive goalkeeper after his £70m+ move to Chelsea back in 2018, Arrizabalaga has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and spent the last two seasons out on loan with Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

Arsenal will reportedly pay just £5m to sign the ‘keeper, who will serve as back up to David Raya in north London.

3 Benjamin Sesko RB Leipzig (£70m)

A centre-forward will be at the top of the to-do list for Arsenal after deals for Zubimendi and Kepa, with both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres mooted as targets for the Gunners.

Grok thinks Sesko will be the striker to arrive in north London following transfer talks at a total cost of £70m.

RB Leipzig

87

39

8

RB Salzburg

79

29

11

FC Liefering

44

22

6

Slovenia

41

16

6

AI state that the Slovenian’s ‘physicality, goal-scoring ability and potential to develop into a Haaland-like forward make him a strong fit for Arsenal’s need for a statement striker’.

4 Nico Williams Athletic Club (£50m)

Should Arsenal land someone like Sesko, they could then move to bolstering their options on the wing, and Nico Williams has been a player of interest to Berta and co.

The Athletic Club could be on the move in 2025 and has been linked with going Arsenal. In fact, there were claims saying the Gunners were very close to signing Williams.

Grok says Williams ‘seems more attainable’ than someone like Rodrygo and would offer ‘pace and youth’ and the Emirates, placing a £50m figure on the Spain international.

5 Marc Guehi Crystal Palace (£70m)

The final of Arsenal’s five predicted summer signings come in defence, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi backed to move to the Emirates.

A former Chelsea youngster, Guehi has grown into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, and although Arsenal have William Saliba and Gabriel, the Gunners could be on the search for more.

There have been suggestions Arsenal are ready to swoop for the England international, and Grok says a deal could be worth up to £70m.

Leeds United are in the market for exciting additions this summer and could now look to the continent in their hunt for a new playmaker, according to a report.

Recent Leeds United transfer rumours ahead of Premier League campaign

The Whites are back in the promised land of the Premier League and will be desperate to secure survival under Daniel Farke, something that may require significant squad surgery to turn into reality.

Spending considerable sums doesn’t necessarily guarantee a prolonged place in the top-flight. Nevertheless, balanced with departures to clear wage expenditure, it definitely makes a difference.

Evaluating Leeds’ transfer priorities this summer, the goalkeeping department is an area that is bound to see movement once the window opens for business.

With Illan Meslier’s form in question, Aaron Ramsdale, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Sam Johnstone have all been linked with a move to Elland Road of late.

Stoke City forward Emre Tegzel could join Leeds under when his contract expires. However, his arrival would likely be on a developmental basis as opposed to the England Under-20 international becoming a starter next campaign.

Leeds hold internal talks to sign £40m+ "monster" with same agent as Bogle

The 49ers have held Elland Road discussions over a move.

3

By
Charlie Smith

May 31, 2025

Either way, there is plenty of movement starting to happen at Elland Road as a new era in the Premier League begins to take shape.

Junior Firpo could leave the building amid reported interest from Lyon. Nevertheless, any experience heading out of the door paves the way for new talent to invigorate Farke’s squad.

Now, Leeds and the 49ers also have their eyes on a talented playmaker from the continent who has already shown he has the requisite qualities needed to succeed in the landscape that is English football.

Leeds United enquire for Galatasaray playmaker Gabriel Sara

According to TBR Football, Leeds have made an approach to sign Gabriel Sara from Galatasaray after submitting an enquiry for the ex-Norwich City midfielder alongside Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has also revealed that Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia is in their sights. However, work has been carried out regarding Sara, who has registered two goals and ten assists in 45 appearances this term.

Gabriel Sara’s record in English football (Norwich City)
Appearances	96
Goals	21
Assists	17

Brought to Galatasaray for an initial fee of £20 million, the 25-year-old is merely one name mentioned in what is expected to be a sea of potential arrivals in Yorkshire.

He scored and assisted in Norwich City’s 3-2 defeat to Leeds in 2023, making him a familiar face to Whites supporters and giving them a first-hand account of what he can offer.

Farke has made it known he wants to strengthen between the sticks alongside at left-back, midfield and through the middle, so you imagine that plenty of talent will crop up on the Whites’ radar in weeks to come.

Ultimately, strength in depth is key to any side surviving against the elite, and Sara’s tally of 68 chances created and 55 successful crosses on Super Lig duty would stand him in great stead to have a lasting impact at Elland Road should he be acquired.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are working in tandem on the club’s summer recruitment drive ahead of a vital 2025/2026 campaign, where the Gunners are under real pressure to deliver silverware.

Arsenal hold talks over key targets ahead of "big" summer window

After this brief interlude, the summer window will reopen on June 16, and remain open until September 1.

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In the background, Arsenal continue working on their top summer targets before they’re officially allowed to register any new signings once again, and it is believed they’re closing in on a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (David Ornstein).

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

It’s long been reported that Berta and co are keen to add a capable second-choice keeper to their ranks with Neto returning to Bournemouth, and Arsenal recently missed out on a deal for long-term target Joan Garcia, who is set to join Barcelona instead.

Given how long it is taking for Arsenal to officially sign Martin Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano recently assuring supporters that everything is indeed agreed for the Spaniard to join, Arrizabalaga could end up being the club’s first signing announcement of the summer.

Further forward, Arsenal want to sign a new winger as well, but are resigned to losing out on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane after his agreement to join Galatasaray.

The Gunners will now need to turn to alternative wide targets, perhaps Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, and there is also the matter of moving forward in negotiations for their top striker target – RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal hold London talks over signing Benjamin Sesko

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal held London talks to sign Sesko in the last few days, with discussions taking place in the English capital.

This follows an agreement on personal terms with the 6 foot 5 centre-forward, who bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season, but both Leipzig and Arsenal remain in dispute over Sesko’s final price.

The Bundesliga side are holding out for around £67 million, the value of his release clause, while Arteta’s side are trying to negotitate a lower fee.

Arteta has apparently made it clear behind-the-scenes that Sesko must be their priority striker signing, and there is confidence on all sides that an agreement will eventually be struck.

Saudi sides have recently expressed an interest in the 22-year-old as well, but his focus is on remaining in Europe and competing at the very top level.

Crystal Palace are now in talks over signing a 32-year-old international on a free transfer, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace stepping up transfer plans

The Eagles have been waiting for clarification on their participation in the Europa League for next season, and with reports now emerging that they could be allowed in the competition, the club are likely to go ahead with their transfer business.

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It’s already been reported in the early parts of this transfer window that Palace have made an approach to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting. The Portuguese side want £40 million for his services, and his arrival could be seen as a replacement for Marc Guehi, who is continuing to be linked with a move to Newcastle United.

In fact, Andrew Musgrove has now revealed that Palace could be open to the idea of letting Guehi leave as long as they get Matt Target in a swap deal. That is because Ben Chillwell has returned to Chelsea, and the Eagles want another option behind Tyrick Mitchell, with some cash coming their way as well.

They are not the only defenders the club are looking at, as it’s also been reported by The Sun that Oliver Glasner is pushing the South Londoners to sign Strahinja Pavlovic from AC Milan. Glasner is a big fan, and while Milan value the Serbian at £40 million, Palace may look to start the bidding at around the £25 million mark.

Crystal Palace now in talks to sign goalkeeper Walter Benitez

It appears that Glasner wants to strengthen the spine of his team, as according to reporter Uriel Lugt, relayed by Ben Jacobs, Crystal Palace are also in talks to sign goalkeeper Walter Benitez.

The 32-year-old has been at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven since July 2022, but he is now coming to the end of his contract this month, and the Eagles are looking to swoop in and sign him on a free.

Benitez has been a regular in the PSV side since joining the club and, in the last two seasons, has been a key performer in the club winning the Eredivisie, the Dutch Cup and the Dutch Super Cup. In the 2024/25 season, Benitez, who has been capped by Argentina, kept nine clean sheets in 34 league games.

Apps

134

Goals conceded

152

Clean sheets

43

His potential arrival at Selhurst Park would see him go up against Dean Henderson for the number one spot. That is because Matt Turner’s loan spell at Palace has now come to an end after playing just four games for the club, which all came in the cup competitions.

Despite being older, Benitez may be seen as an upgrade to Turner, as his experience and track record of winning and playing in Europe is something that Glasner will want to have more of in his squad as they look ahead to the 2025/26 season.

Arsenal are going to sign a forward or two this summer, going by numerous reports over the last few months, and it is vital that new sporting director Andrea Berta gets these transfers right as the club look to win their first Premier League title in decades.

Arsenal targeting new striker and winger this summer

A lot of headlines recently have centered on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with Arsenal appearing to settle on the Slovenian as their priority striker target as things stand.

Fabrizio Romano says "deal is agreed" for "perfect" player to join Arsenal

Everything is in place for a move to be finalised.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 10, 2025

It was believed that Arsenal had been working on deals for both Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, before deciding which move would be better suited to the club (BBC), but it appears the former is now their preferred striker signing.

Fabrizio Romano shared news late last week that the north Londoners began advancing in talks for Sesko, with discussions underway between all parties.

RB Leipzig are said to be holding out for at least £70 million to sell Sesko, and Arsenal are expected to make their first official offer this week.

“I have a very good feeling on Sesko moving to Arsenal. Meetings have already taken place,” said Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg over the weekend.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0

“RB Leipzig are expecting the first offer from Arsenal for Benjamin Sesko next week. I am totally convinced Sesko will play for Arsenal next season.”

Alongside their pursuit of a new striker, Berta is believed to be targeting a new winger. Bukayo Saka’s long-term absence midway through 2024/2025 seriously hampered Arsenal last season, while uncertainty surrounds Leandro Trossard’s long-term future as he enters the final year of his contract.

Leroy Sane wants to join Arsenal after talks with Mikel Arteta

According to recent reports, £242,000-per-week Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is a genuine target for Mikel Arteta.

The Germany international was rumoured to be closing in on a new deal at Bayern, but despite reportedly agreeing terms, Sane hired a new representative in the form of super-agent Pini Zahavi to help negotiate an even better extension.

This has majorly stalled Sane’s agreement over fresh terms, allowing Premier League sides to swoop in and tempt the former Man City star with a return to England.

Christian Falk reported last week that Arsenal have held talks with Sane’s camp over a move to the Emirates, where’d be reunited with Arteta, and now CaughtOffside have provided a further update on the situation.

They now report that Sane wants to sign for Arsenal after holding talks with Arteta, and it is also believed that the 29-year-old has a “written offer” to join them on the table.

However, Galatasaray, Fenerbache and Bayern have all presented larger salary offers, so while Sane has a preference for N5, Arteta’s side will need to up their proposal.

“He (Sane) currently has four written offers,” said the unnamed CaughtOffside source.

“The highest is from Fenerbahce, followed by Bayern Munich contract extension, and then Galatasaray, and lastly Arsenal.

“His preference is Arsenal, but he wants them to offer more in wages. His first wish in making his decision is Champions League football, and that’s why he has not told Fenerbahce yes, because they play Champions League qualifiers.”

Fast bowler’s vital over to Pooran derailed West Indies’ acceleration to set up eight-wicket win

Andrew Miller20-Jun-2024

Jofra Archer bowled five dot balls to Nicholas Pooran and dismissed him in a crucial game-changing over•ICC/Getty Images

It was the decisive intervention in what turned out to be a remarkably comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the hosts, West Indies, in St Lucia.Liam Livingstone’s previous over had just been dispatched for 20 runs by West Indies’ captain Rovman Powell, and though his dismissal to the final ball of the same over redressed the balance a touch, West Indies’ intentions had been made abundantly clear going into their final five overs at an ominous 137 for 2.Enter Jofra Archer, for an over that the man himself has described as “one of those times when you just nail it” – an exquisitely targeted over of wide yorkers, outswinging at a pace that climbed steadily through the gears to a peak of 150kph/93mph.Nicholas Pooran, fresh from a matchwinning knock of 98 from 53 balls against Afghanistan, slashed the third of those deliveries past Mark Wood at gully to become the first batter in the tournament to reach 200 runs, but that was as far as he would get. The sixth ball of the same over was dragged back half a yard, and Jos Buttler snaffled the thinnest of edges to accelerate a crucial collapse of 3 for 6 in 12 deliveries.West Indies were unable to regain their hold on the contest despite a bright finish from Sherfane Rutherford, and even after Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow had powered England to victory with 15 balls to spare in an unbroken stand of 97 in 44 balls, it was clear where the credit truly belonged.”I was just glad I executed,” Archer said after the match. “It was everything that we talked about in the bowling meetings – that’s one of the times you just nail it, execution was almost perfect. If Woody had dived, he might have caught that one as well. I’m really glad that over was probably the turning point.”Archer’s impact was heartening for England on several levels. It showed that his tactical nous has not been diminished by his long absences from international cricket, while his raw pace was further proof of the success of his recovery from those long-standing elbow and back injuries.”You don’t really get the chance to run in and bowl fast [in T20 cricket],” he said, acknowledging that a lively St Lucia pitch had encouraged him to crank up his speed in a manner that might not have worked previously in the tournament.”Usually everyone sits back and tries to use the pace, so I feel from the Pakistan series [onwards] I’ve been trying to mix the pace, not be too predictable. Obviously at the back end you bowl a bit more pace-on, but in the powerplay you mix it up, so you don’t get lined up.”Pooran had been threatening a decisive innings, having made 98 against Afghanistan•AFP/Getty Images

Archer finished with figures of 1 for 34 in four overs, but said he had taken just as much pleasure from getting stuck into every aspect of the contest, not simply his own contribution with the ball.”Coming back into the team, you just feel you want to give back,” he said. “I didn’t think about it too badly. The first two overs, that’s when you run around trying to make something happen. Giving back to the team makes it easier for everyone else … so bat, ball, fielding, I’m just trying to help. That’s just the person I am.”I wouldn’t say enjoy [bowling the pressure overs] but it’s my job … from the first time I debuted at Sussex, the times I bowl haven’t really changed. You just have to get on with it.”After more than a year on the sidelines, and only a handful of England appearances since 2021, the timing of Archer’s return has been serendipitous. This latest match happened to be the first time he had faced West Indies in a T20I, but he insisted – having ‘had a little cry’ while playing in front of his friends and family in his native Barbados – there had been no mixed emotions at taking on his former countrymen.”This is my first time playing in St Lucia, last week was my first time in Antigua,” he said. “I haven’t really played in the Caribbean apart from St Kitts, so just like the other day, I was just finding my feet and getting used to conditions.”The significance of overcoming the hosts in front of a passionate St Lucia crowd, and ending their run of eight consecutive wins, was not lost on Archer. However, given the doom and gloom that had surrounded England’s campaign after their rain-affected group-stage campaign, he insisted the squad was not about to get carried away by their revived fortunes.”Yeah, it’s probably going to be one of the toughest games we play in this tournament,” he said. “A great opposition in their backyard as well with the crowd … so to come out on top when, I wouldn’t say it didn’t look possible, but it was always going to be a tricky chase, so really glad we were able to chase such a high total so early in the tournament. If we do get in trouble [in future games] we know we can do it.”Everyone loves to win and to win a close game, so confidence will be high .. but it’s only the first game, we have another four to go, so this is lovely but it’s also business as usual.Related

Jofra Archer: 'I had a bit of a cry' on return to action in Barbados

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WI coach Sammy: 'This loss will not dampen our spirits'

“We had a good night with bat and ball but it’s only one, the first game of the Super Eight. In the last group stage we were struggling a bit – obviously it was weather dependent. We just take every game in our stride.”England have barely 36 hours to digest the West Indies win before their next match against South Africa – the team that delivered them a crushing 229-run defeat in Mumbai in October, arguably the nadir of their terrible 50-over World Cup defence.Archer, however, put that on-field disappointment into context as he recalled the reasons why he didn’t have any abiding memories of the match.”Honestly, I didn’t get to watch it as I was heading back to the UK,” he said. “I know it wasn’t a great tournament for the boys but we have put it past us. It happens and we just look forward.”It’s the same challenge as any other team … every team has a 1-6 that is packed with batters, so it doesn’t really change. We just need to come up with a plan that works.”

Rangers are “very keen” to sign an England international after making an approach over a transfer, according to Sky Sports.

Rangers want defenders and attackers after Cameron signing

The Gers secured the services of Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron back in February, with the 22-year-old penning a pre-contract agreement at Ibrox.

Cameron has now been pictured in a Rangers shirt and described a move to Glasgow as a “no-brainer” earlier this week.

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Posts ByDan Emery Jun 17, 2025

“It’s amazing to walk in the door, it’s a privilege really. I have been looking forward to it for a long time. It was a no-brainer as soon as Rangers came in, I was desperate to be here. It is obviously a massive club and the history and everything about it is just amazing. Being from Scotland, I know what the club stands for, so I just wanted to jump at the chance.

“It is a new project, they are looking to build, improve and win leagues again and I really wanted to be a part of it. I want to come here, make an impression, do as well as possible and get this club back to where it belongs.”

With a new midfielder though the door, Rangers and Russell Martin are now looking to bolster the defensive and attacking ranks.

In regards to specific defensive targets, Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons is a wanted man at Ibrox, and in attack, the Gers are keen on Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Rangers “very keen” to sign Leicester City’s Conor Coady after approach

As reported in Sky Sports’ live transfer blog on Tuesday evening, Rangers have made an approach to Leicester City over a deal to sign Conor Coady. The Foxes are open to selling the centre-back after their relegation from the Premier League, and those at Ibrox “are very keen” on a move.

Coady, who picks up £3.9m per year at The King Power Stadium, made 26 appearances for Leicester in all competitions last season, captaining on three occasions.

Best known for his time at Wolves, Coady has plenty of Premier League experience, has won 10 caps for England and has even played in the Europa League 12 times.

Called a player with a “real infectious personality” by Gareth Southgate, Coady is an out and out centre-back who Martin will be well aware of during his time as a player and manager in England.

Conor Coady’s 24/25 Premier League season

Games

22

Goals

1

Pass completion %

91.5%

Clearances per 90

3.1

Blocks per 90

1.1

Average WhoScored match rating

6.17/10

A move looks like one to keep an eye on, and if Coady does move north, that may see Robin Propper seal a return to FC Twente following recent rumours.

In what could see them finally land a long-term target, Newcastle United are now reportedly accelerating their move to sign a £30m star with talks now advancing.

Newcastle's summer plans set to heat up

With the PSR deadline approaching as well as the start of pre-season, Newcastle insiders reportedly believe that the transfer window is set to heat up in the next week or two. And that Magpies could yet play a large part in that. The Champions League awaits Eddie Howe’s side next season and, for the first time in over a year, PIF seemingly have money to spend.

He's an Isak clone: Newcastle start discussions to sign £50m "superstar"

Newcastle have enquired about signing their next Alexander Isak.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 23, 2025

Unlike the last time that they were forced to balance European football with domestic commitments, Newcastle could put together a squad capable of competing on all fronts this summer. Just who comes in is the big question.

If reports are anything to go by, then the likes of Anthony Elanga will be a name to watch. The Nottingham Forest star was the subject of Newcastle’s interest late on last summer and is now seemingly back on their radar one year later.

Signing a right-winger is reportedly among Newcastle’s priorities this summer and with Bryan Mbeumo likely on his way to Manchester United rather than St James’ Park, a move to sign Elanga would certainly make sense.

That’s not Newcastle’s only priority, however. With Nick Pope now 33 years old and coming off the back of an injury-hit campaign, those in Tyneside have also set their sights on signing a new shot-stopper in the coming months.

Newcastle advance talks to sign James Trafford

To that end, the most prominent name mentioned over the last year has been James Trafford, and it now looks as though the Magpies could get their man.

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now in advanced talks to sign Trafford and are accelerating their £30m move to sign the Burnley star, which could be finalized as early as this week, with the goalkeeper reaffirming his desire to join Newcastle.

For all involved at St James’ Park, Trafford’s arrival would be seen as the ultimate success. He’s been a top target since early last summer and has since enjoyed a standout season as Burnley earned promotion back to the Premier League. At just 22 years old, he is one of the best young goalkeepers around.

Praised for an “incredible season” by scout Jacek Kulig back in February, £30m could quickly look like a bargain price for Trafford if he brings his Burnley form into Howe’s side next season.

With Antonio Cordero secured and Trafford reportedly on his way, the Magpies are off to a solid start on the transfer front this summer.