Former England batter left head scout role at ECB in June
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Oct-2022James Taylor has been appointed batting coach at Leicestershire, his first role in professional cricket after losing his job at the ECB in June.Taylor, 32, was forced to retire from the game six years ago after he was diagnosed with a rare heart condition, and joined the ECB as a selector in 2018 after short-term coaching roles with Northamptonshire and in the England pathway.He spent three years working alongside Ed Smith and another year as head scout after Smith’s national selector role was axed in 2021.Taylor spent four seasons playing for Leicestershire before moving to Nottinghamshire, winning the Friends Life T20 in 2011, and will now work under his former captain Paul Nixon, who has been the club’s head coach since late 2017.”I’m delighted to be back with Leicestershire,” Taylor said. “I’ve got so many fond memories here and I can’t wait to add to those.”A real passion of mine is helping people and coaching is something where I can do that. I’ve got a wide range of different experiences and hopefully some of that knowledge can transfer to the players.”There are some hugely talented players here at Leicestershire, and I can’t think of a better place to come and work to try and make a difference. I want to help take the club forward in any way I can.”Related
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Leicestershire had a disastrous red-ball season in 2022, picking up the County Championship’s wooden spoon after a winless campaign, but reached the knockout stages of the Royal London Cup and would have progressed to the quarter-finals of the T20 Blast but for a points deduction.They announced a significant squad clear-out last month, with allrounder Ben Mike joining Yorkshire and the following seven players all released at the end of the season: Hassan Azad, Sam Bates, Nat Bowley, Alex Evans, Gavin Griffiths, George Rhodes and Abi Sakande.Sol Budinger has been brought in from Notts, while the club are expected to announce the signing of Matt Salisbury, the Durham seamer, in the coming weeks.Claude Henderson, Taylor’s team-mate during the 2011 T20 triumph, was appointed director of cricket on a permanent basis last week after filling the role on an interim basis this season.
Ange Postecoglou believes Tottenham must be at their best to beat Europa League semi-finalists Bodo/Glimt as Jose Mourinho previously lost to them.
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Spurs to face Bodo/Glimt in UELNorwegian side have history with Postecoglou & MourinhoAustralian coach not taking challenge lightlyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
After eliminating Eintracht Frankfurt, Spurs will face Bodo/Glimt in the last four of this season's Europa League. The Lilywhites' opponents became the first Norwegian side to ever reach this stage of a major European competition with a penalty shootout victory at Italian giants Lazio.
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Postecoglou will do battle with Bodo/Glimt again having previously faced them as the manager of Celtic. During the 2021-22 Europa Conference League, the Bhoys were beaten 5-1 on aggregate in the knockout round play-offs. During that same run, Bodo/Glimt notably won 6-1 and drew 2-2 against Mourinho's Roma in the group stage, though were knocked out by the Giallorossi in the quarter-finals. Mourinho's side went on to win the competition in its inaugural season, ousting Arne Slot's Feyenoord in the final.
Getty ImagesWHAT POSTECOGLOU SAID
Though Spurs are heavy favourites to progress to the final, Postecoglou claimed his side should be wary of the threat Bodo/Glimt pose, particularly given their rapid rise over the last few years and prior experience of stepping up in Europe.
"I don't think [their progress] is surprising," Postecoglou said. "I obviously have history with Bodo, we played them when I was at Celtic and I scouted them pretty extensively for that game.
"I remember they beat Roma at home with Jose, and I remember Jose speaking about how difficult it was playing there. And I've followed them closely, and you've seen their growth. They are very difficult.
"They've got good talent ID. They’ve had players who moved on and done really well, very consistent, same manager, which always helps. And they've built real belief in their club. So I think they've earned the right to be in a semi-final, it’s not like they've had an easy sort of ride through it.
"They are a very, very difficult opponent away from home, absolutely. You just have to look at their record. But the balance of that is that Frankfurt had a pretty good home record as well, just as compelling. So I think you're in the semi-final, I don't think anyone would underestimate any opponent, but I certainly won't. I know them really well, and I know the challenge we're going to have to try and overcome them."
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WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?
Tottenham will host the first leg of the semi-final on May 1 before heading to the Aspmyra Stadion – which has a capacity of only 8,270 and includes an artificial pitch – a week later. The winners of this tie will face either Athletic Club or Manchester United in the final in Bilbao.
New Zealand’s middle-order staged a fightback but they fell short in the end
Andrew McGlashan11-Sep-20221:05
Finch: My body, and form, wouldn’t have made it till the 2023 World Cup
There was no fairytale finish with the bat for Aaron Finch but he was able to sign off his ODI career with hard-earned 25-run victory as Steven Smith, who will be a contender to be the new 50-over captain, compiled a superb hundred and Australia’s bowlers did enough to repel a spirited effort from New Zealand’s middle order.At 112 for 5 chasing 268, after another difficult innings for Kane Williamson, Australia were comfortable favourites but the recalled Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner revived hopes. However, with the target coming within sight, Phillips was caught centimeters from the fine-leg rope by Sean Abbott, who with ball in hand then had Santner caught at long-off.Smith produced the standout performance with a perfect example of how to overcome tricky new-ball conditions then move through the gears. His 12th ODI century came from 127 deliveries, the slowest of his career, but his second fifty took just 46 balls. It was the first century made in this run of six ODIs against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. In total, the last 20 overs of Australia’s innings brought 161 runs.Shortly before play started there was a minute’s silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II and the players wore black armbands.Finch announced his ODI retirement yesterday and his final innings came early in the game after Australia were asked to bat. He was given a guard of honour to the middle by New Zealand, and offered a warm handshake by Williamson, then his off-the-mark single was greeted by applause from the weekend crowd. But there would not be a grand sign-off, as he was worked over by some classy swing bowling from Tim Southee who brought one back through the gate to seal a not unfamiliar dismissal.By then, Australia were already two down with Josh Inglis, recalled to replace the rested David Warner, edging a half-hearted drive against Trent Boult whose outstanding series continued with an opening spell of 6-3-7-1. Smith and Marnus Labuschagne focused purely on survival for a significant period: after 10 overs Australia were 19 for 2 – there were three consecutive maidens from overs seven to nine – and after 15 overs it was 29 for 2.Steven Smith brought up his 12th ODI century•Getty ImagesSteadily, though, the pair started to build. Smith pierced the off side with a cover drive off Lockie Ferguson for his first boundary then consecutive fours followed against Neesham. Labuschagne did not find the boundary until his 62nd delivery. Australia’s century came up in the 30th over and also marked a clear shift in tempo, especially from Smith. He launched Southee down the ground to reach fifty and Labuschagne brought up his half-century from 75 balls but could not go much further when he spliced a slower ball from Ferguson to mid-on to end a stand of 118.Smith and Alex Carey added 69 in 10 overs, with the former dominant. Smith showed his game awareness when he swung Neesham over the leg side for six but noticed New Zealand had too many fielders outside the ring and was signalling the free hit the moment the ball left his bat. His innings ended when he gave himself room against Santner and was bowled. Glenn Maxwell’s stay was brief and Carey could not quite cut loose, but Green helped add the finishing touches with two sixes in his 12-ball 25.Given how the first two games went, it looked a steep chase. A positive opening stand of 49 was broken when Devon Conway drove to backward point where Smith took a low catch. Conway stood his ground but the third umpire ruled the fingers were under the ball. Finn Allen sent Adam Zampa into the sightscreen before his encouraging innings ended when he chipped to mid-on.The stumps are splattered by Alex Carey, as a dive back can’t save Tom Latham•Getty ImagesThe innings then started to seize up in a fashion similar to the second game with Abbott again stringing together maidens. Tom Latham was stumped as the ball deflected off his pads back to Carey and Daryl Mitchell top-edged into the off side. Williamson soaked up 56 balls for his 27, finding the boundary just once, before an awful mix-up with Phillips left a frustrated captain walking off.However, Phillips and Neesham played sensibly in the face of a climbing asking rate. Phillips produced some stunning strokes over the off side, headlined by a back-foot drive for six against Starc, and though Neesham picked out long-on – Green producing a clever change of pace – Santner kept the target in sight.It got to 46 needed off 30 which, if not quite in New Zealand’s favour due to the loss of wickets, was a very close game. But the visitors could not get it done. Phillips was inches from clearing deep square, where Abbott tip-toed inside the rope, and in the end the game finished with a lot of fruitless swinging from the fast bowlers. New Zealand did not make a half-century in the series.The victory gave Australia the Chappell-Hadlee series 3-0, although when the trophy is played for again remains uncertain. The two sides are not due to meet in an ODI series under the next FTP running till 2027. New Zealand will now hope they can end their wait for a win against Australia on their soil, dating back to 2011, when they contest the T20 World Cup meeting on October 22.
Newcastle United have yet to make a January signing and with just over a week before the window closes, time is running out for Eddie Howe.
The Magpies are in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League amid a decent run of results of late, but a new arrival or two could certainly help this cause.
Newcastle United managerEddieHowe
Plenty of names have been linked with a move to St James’ Park, especially defenders. Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP is one player who Howe is keen on signing, but he could cost too much this month.
This could see the manager turn elsewhere for a new centre-back…
Newcastle's search for a centre-back
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign defender Eric Garcia, who is currently at Barcelona, having also played in the Premier League for Manchester City.
Transfer Focus
The 24-year-old has been scouted previously by the Magpies, according to Bailey, and with their need for another centre-back heightening throughout the transfer window, could they strike a deal this month perhaps?
His contract at the Catalan side expires in 2026, which means Howe will have to pay a decent fee in order to secure his signature before the end of the window.
FC Barcelona'sEricGarciacelebrates scoring their fourth goal
If so, would they be getting someone who is even better than Diomande?
Why Newcastle should sign Eric Garcia
The Spaniard won a league title during his spell with City, but it is while playing for Barcelona that the centre-back has really come into his own.
The 24-year-old has made nearly 100 appearances for the La Liga side, and he would almost certainly be a vital player for Howe, no doubt about that.
Accurate passes
32.6 (92%)
Tackles
1.2
Key passes
0.1
Interceptions
0.4
Total duels won
3
Possession lost
4x
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Garcia currently ranks in the top 3% for shot-creating actions (1.64), the top 2% for progressive carries (1.86), the top 1% for progressive passes (8.05) and in the top 14% for tackles (2.05) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
These statistics prove that he is a forward-thinking defender who loves to play the ball out of the defence as often as possible, starting attacks from his own half.
In comparison, Diomande doesn’t show anywhere near the same level of performance across these metrics.
Indeed, the Sporting CP defender ranks in the bottom 92% for shot-creating actions (0.38), the bottom 85% for progressive carries (0.26) and progressive passes (2.29), along with ranking in the bottom 86% for tackles (1.02) per 90 when compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues.
This proves that Garcia may be the better option for Howe, especially as he could cost slightly less than Diomande.
The £96k-per-week star was even hailed as a “monster” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig during his spell with City, indicating how big a talent he was.
Barcelona's Jules Kounde andEricGarciacelebrate after the match
On the evidence presented, Garcia would be an excellent signing for Newcastle, especially if they hope to secure qualification for the Champions League.
Will Howe be able to get a deal done this month? Only time will tell.
Imagine him & Isak: Howe chasing £55m talent who’d be “ideal for Newcastle”
Newcastle are gearing up to strengthen their frontline in the transfer market this year.
Jose Mourinho could be set to make a sensational return to Tottenham Hotspur, with the club ready to sack manager Ange Postecoglou.
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Tottenham set to sack PostecoglouCould open the door for Mourinho returnClub tempted by moveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Mourinho was Spurs boss between 2019-21 and is now in charge at Fenerbahce, with Tutto Calcio Estero in Italy claiming a return to north London is on the cards. The report states that the "turbulent adventure" of Mourinho in Turkey could make the move possible.
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Mourinho's time in charge of Tottenham last time proved unsuccessful, with the club missing out on Champions League qualification in 2019/20 before failing to threaten again in the 2020/21 campaign. He was famously sacked a week before the club's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, which they lost 1-0.
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Postecoglou's time at Tottenham is heading in a similarly disappointing direction after a dreadful Premier League campaign that sees them entrenched in the bottom half of the table. Thursday's Europa League quarter-final second leg away to Eintracht Frankfurt could well decide his immediate future.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?
After tonight's clash in Germany, Spurs are next in action against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Monday, before a trip to Anfield to take on Tottenham the following Sunday.
The pressure is off under-fire Rangers manager Philippe Clement, for now at least.
On Thursday night, his team booked their place in the Europa League round of 16 by beating Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 at Ibrox, with Nicolas Raskin heading in the opener, before Václav Černý stroked home the all-important second shortly after half time.
Rangers
The Light Blues ended the league phase with an impressive points tally of 14, despite, as Clement himself noted, the fact they faced four of the seven sides who finished above them.
The Gers’ Europa League form is once again keeping spirits high, in spite of their, at best, patchy domestic results, but could they sign one of the Scottish Premiership’s best young talents before Monday’s transfer deadline?
Rangers seeking to sign young Scottish talent
As reported by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers have ‘held talks…over a pre-contract agreement’ with Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron.
Cameron is out of contract in the summer, meaning Rangers would only have to pay compensation for his services, with his manager Tony Docherty describing him as “extremely talented”, adding “it is no surprise when a player like that is out of contract… there will be interest”.
However, there is speculation that the Gers could push to get this deal done in January, with new CEO Patrick Stewart stating the club plan to “accelerate the signing of a player that we were planning anyway”, so could it be Cameron he is referring to?
Transfer Focus
Meantime, speaking on the Scottish Football Social Club on Premier Sports, former Hibs and Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart described Cameron’s potential move as financially low-risk, both in terms of compensation fee as well as wages, while Scottish football writer Kai Watson believes he “has the potential to play at a higher level than the Scottish Premiership”.
Where Lyall Cameron would fit in at Rangers
The 22-year-old has proved to be very versatile this season, deployed all across midfield, although he has particularly shown in the centre of the park.
Well, as it happens, Rangers may have a vacancy in that position because Ianis Hagi, who’s started 11 of the last 12 Premiership matches, is out of contract in the summer and, according to Sahil Jaidka of Sky Sports News, the Romanian is “yet to be offered” a new one.
So, let’s assess how the pair compare.
Statistics
Lyall Cameron
Ianis Hagi
Appearances
29
17
Minutes
2,368
1,203
Goals
8
2
Assists
7
5
Big chances created
4
5
Dribble success %
41.9%
52.6%
Average Sofascore rating
7.16
7.36
Of course, Hagi has played around 1,000 fewer minutes this season, as he recovered from long term injury, hence why he wasn’t included in Rangers’ UEFA squad.
His two goals this season have come in rather contrasting circumstances, scoring against Stenhousemuir in the SPFL Trust Trophy, in front of 525 fans at Forthbank, before netting from distance in front of 100 times that number during a famous Glasgow derby victory in early January.
Cameron does though compare favourably to the Romanian international, scoring more goals and providing more assists, creating just one fewer chance, while playing for a substantially worse side; Rangers average 62.29% possession this season, while Dundee average 45.26%.
All of these statistics suggest Cameron is ready to make the step-up, and would be an excellent, low-cost signing for Rangers, while representing the dream replacement for Hagi should he depart.
Better than Cerny: Rangers' 35-touch dynamo may have saved his Ibrox career
Rangers secured a spot in the last-16 with a 2-1 win over USG.
Vishmi Gunaratne sidelined due to a stress fracture on her back while Ama Kanchana and Udeshika Prabodhani have been dropped
Madushka Balasuriya21-Sep-2022Sri Lanka have made three changes to the side that travelled to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games in July-August, as they named their 15-member squad for next month’s Asia Cup.Wicketkeeper-batter Kaushani Nuthyangana, left-arm seamer Tharika Sewwandi and allrounder Madushika Methtananda come in for the veteran pairing of Ama Kanchana and Udeshika Prabodhani, and 17-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne.Twenty-year-old Nuthyangana, who will deputise for Anushka Sanjeewani behind the stumps, has been earmarked as a talent for the future, as has 21-year-old Sewwandi who will take up the left-arm seamer spot vacated by Prabodhani. Methtananda, meanwhile, is in line to make just her second appearance for Sri Lanka, having made her first back in 2019.Of the changes, the only enforced one is that of the highly-rated allrounder Gunaratne, who is suffering from a suspected stress fracture on her back. Sri Lanka Cricket would have ideally liked to have included her, but a recent MRI had highlighted the injury; SLC decided rather than risk aggravating the injury, to instead focus on having her fit for the inaugural Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in January in South Africa.Both Kanchana and Prabodhani meanwhile have been omitted as a result of poor recent form, though the latter’s game time is also understood to being managed with her having turned 37 just this month.The rest of the side remains unchanged, with Chamari Athapaththu leading a squad consisting of batters Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama, and allrounders Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Malsha Shehani and Methtananda, as well as Sanjeewani and Nuthyangana.Sewwandi will be the lone frontline seamer in the squad, with the likes of Achini Kulasuriya, Methtananda, Nilakshi and Shehani able to chip in with their medium pace.It’s on the spin-bowling front though that Sri Lanka are relatively well covered, as they will be able to call on veteran left-arm spinners Inoka Ranaweera and Sugandika Kumari, as well as all-round options in the form of Athapaththu, Dilhari and Ranasinghe. There is also Rashmi Silva, an exciting 21-year-old right-arm leg spinner, who is in line to make her T20I debut during the tour.The Women’s T20 Asia Cup will take place from October 1 to 15 in Bangladesh, with Sri Lanka set to take on India on the opening day.Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Kaushani Nuthyangana, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Malsha Shehani, Madushika Meththananda, Inoka Ranaweera, Rashmi Silva, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasuriya, Tharika Sewwandi.
Lionel Messi remains the “greatest” showman and “will do the impossible” in pursuit of more trophies, says Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano.
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More match-winning heroics from Herons captainHas helped to secure Champions Cup semi-final berthRemains a source of inspiration to those around himFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi already has a historic haul of major honours to his name, with that record-breaking collection taken to 46 during the 2024 MLS campaign – as he helped to deliver Supporters’ Shield success in South Florida.
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Inter Miami are competing on multiple fronts in 2025, with a run to the semi-finals of CONCACAF Champions League competition already being enjoyed. Messi bagged a stunning brace in the second leg of their quarter-final clash with LAFC in order to keep the Herons in the hunt for a continental crown.
WHAT JAVIER MASCHERANO SAID
Mascherano told reporters afterwards of his fellow Argentine: “Messi is the soul of this team. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable talking about him because I've known him for 20 years now, and I have to help him in this stage of his career.
“He's a guy who has everything in football. He's the greatest in history, and he's still making the path and guiding the new generations beyond having won everything until the last day he plays on the pitch.
“He wants to win and will do the impossible. Football is just about wanting, but you have to be able. And he has that ability because he is the greatest of all.”
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LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo admitted that, after keeping Messi quiet in California, his side found it impossible to contain the GOAT. He said: “Look, you're talking about one of the greatest to ever play this sport. And from my liking, the second half, you had a little too much freedom.
“We couldn't get enough pressure on him. I thought in the first leg we did an excellent job. In the second, I think it was a little too much freedom. We couldn't get enough pressure on the ball, and you know he's going to punish you as well as his team-mates. I think that's part of what makes him so good. He makes his team-mates better.”
The Premier League table clearly demonstrates Nottingham Forest’s unexpected success in the 2024/25 campaign, and their impressive performances have earned them their current position as they aim to secure a European spot for next season.
The Reds have won over half of their league fixtures so far, making them one of the in-form sides and one of the outside contenders in the Premier League title race.
As well as the Premier League, Forest are also into the fourth round of the FA Cup, and Nuno Espirito Santo will be hoping his side can go far in that competition as they look to end their wait for a major trophy, which last arrived in 1990.
Forest have had some luck on their side this season as they are yet to pick up any major injuries or suspensions, but Espirito Santo will know they could bite eventually, and be hoping it doesn’t affect his team’s performances.
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As the second half of the campaign gets underway, the Portuguese boss may have his eye on a few arrivals before the transfer window closes, as he will not want his side to fall away after what has been an excellent season so far.
It is unclear how much money the club has in the bank, but with a top-four spot in their sights, adding one or two players before the deadline could help them get over the line.
Here, we have taken a look at five players Forest should be looking to sign in this January transfer window to ensure of success this term.
1 Evan Ferguson Brighton
Brighton strikerEvan Ferguson.
It looks very likely that Evan Ferguson will leave Brighton & Hove Albion before the transfer window slams shut on 3rd February, even if that is only on loan.
There are several Premier League teams interested in signing the Republic of Ireland forward, but the Seagulls are yet to give the go-ahead for a deal to go through.
The Reds currently have Emmanuel Dennis, Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood as their centre-forward options. Wood is obviously their leading man with 14 goals in the Premier League this season, and his place in the team is not going to come under threat for the rest of the campaign.
However, Awoniyi is attracting transfer interest himself, and Forest are possibly open to the pair leaving in this window. Therefore, a replacement will be needed, and Ferguson could be the perfect player to come to the City Ground and support Wood.
The 20-year-old has 13 Premier League goals to his name in over 50 matches, and will be eager to prove himself having only been given limited opportunities under Fabian Hurzeler.
This would be a low-risk signing for Forest, as Ferguson, who has been dubbed a “superstar” by Danny Murphy, would be joining on a loan deal, so the Reds would not be tied to the player or spending a huge amount on his services.
2 Yoane Wissa Brentford
Signing a new attacker could be on Forest’s agenda in this transfer window, as Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi have all been heavily relied upon this season, leading Espirito Santo to add more depth and quality to that area of the team.
One player the Reds could look to bring in is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, as Forest may look to “explore” a move for Wissa if Awoniyi leaves the City Ground. The 28-year-old has been in tremendous form for the Bees this season, scoring 11 goals in 19 Premier League games, and that has now put him on Forest’s radar.
Wissa can play anywhere across the frontline, meaning his arrival would not just help out Wood up top, but also the likes of Elanga and Hudson-Odoi.
Wissa is a firm favourite at Brentford and is under contract until 2026, so Forest and Nuno could find it hard to prise him away from a team that is also fighting to finish in a European spot, and the Bees have even rebuffed their initial approach.
3 Douglas Luiz Juventus
Nottingham Forest already have some good options in the middle of the park, but just like other positions, they could look to freshen things up, and Juventus’ Douglas Luiz has already emerged as a player they are interested in signing.
It’s been claimed that Forest have made contact to sign the Brazilian from Juventus in this transfer window, with a loan move being the most likely outcome. Luiz has struggled in Turin since his move from Aston Villa, and given how well he did in the Premier League, he could be an excellent addition for the Reds.
Appearances
175
Goals
20
Assists
18
The £135k-per-week midfielder was a key player for Villa during his time at the club, scoring 22 goals and recording 24 assists in over 200 games. His eye for a goal while being a more defensively minded player makes him someone who Espirito Santo would love in his midfield.
Ryan Yates and Elliot Anderson have done well in that midfield alongside Nicolas Dominguez, but Luiz’s potential arrival could just add a bit more steel and quality to ensure they finish in the top four.
Danilo has only just returned from the serious injury he picked up on the opening weekend, and Ibrahim Sangare is out injured, so options in that area of the team are quite short at the minute. As Luiz did at Villa Park, he could become a real favourite at the City Ground, especially if he helps the Reds reach the Champions League.
4 Stefanos Tzimas Nurnberg (on loan from PAOK)
Stefanos Tzimas is a player who has really impressed during his loan spell at FC Nurnberg and has now emerged on the radar of several Premier League teams. The 19-year-old has nine goals in 15 games in the German second tier, and even though he has done so well, his club have made it clear they are going to trigger their loan-to-buy clause before selling the player for £25m in the summer.
However, Forest are in need of a new striker, and will be even more so if Dennis or Awoniyi leave this month. Therefore, the Reds should look to get ahead of the rest and make a move for the young striker now instead of waiting until the summer like the rest.
Tzimas is still young and will need time to adapt to the Premier League, but instead of getting a more experienced, older backup to Wood, they could look to get a younger striker who can learn from the New Zealand international and be his ready-made replacement in the long term.
5 Rayan Cherki Lyon
Lyon's Rayan Cherki
Espirito Santo may have his eye on adding more attacking quality to his Nottingham Forest side this month, as he will want to make sure his side can keep up with the race at the top of the league, all while having options should the club suffer any injuries or suspensions.
One player who could be a good purchase for the Reds is Rayan Cherki, who looks set to leave Lyon in this transfer window. The Frenchman has a verbal agreement with the Ligue 1 side that he can leave in this transfer window for €22.5m (£19m).
Cherki’s availability should alert Forest, as he is a player who can again improve their wide options, but he is also someone who can provide competition for Morgan Gibbs-White, as the Englishman is Forest’s only real No 10 in their squad.
Cherki has been a very good performer for Lyon, getting among the goals and assists, and given he is only 21, he would surely be a worthy investment for the Reds as someone who improves their squad immediately.
The attacker could also be a player who could get so much better in a year or two’s time. Cherki has been described as an “outrageous” player, and his price tag means that, for someone of his quality, he is available on the cheap, and he could be a difference-maker in terms of where the Reds finish this season.
The fast bowler’s international career will be reduced, as he opts for family time and T20 leagues
Alex Malcolm and Andrew McGlashan09-Aug-20220:58
Looking forward to moving into ‘life after cricket’ – Trent Boult
New Zealand Cricket has agreed to release Trent Boult from his central contract after the fast bowler requested to spend more time with his family and to make himself available for T20 leagues. His international career is now likely to be “significantly reduced”.Boult, 33, had held several conversations with NZC prior to Wednesday’s announcement. The move could have huge ramifications for New Zealand given the proliferation of T20 leagues that are popping up within the time period of their summer domestic season.An announcement is expected soon about Boult’s involvement in one of the new T20 leagues in either the UAE or South Africa, but NZC chief executive David White told ESPNcricinfo that he was still “highly likely” to be selected for the T20 World Cup in Australia, with planning well advanced for that competition. He will also complete the ongoing tour of West Indies.NZC released a statement explaining that Boult had made it clear to White that his appetite for touring had diminished and he wished to spend more time with his family.”This has been a really tough decision for me and I’d like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point,” Boult said. “Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I’m so proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve with the Black Caps over the past 12 years.”Ultimately this decision is about my wife Gert and our three young boys. Family has always been the biggest motivator for me and I feel comfortable with putting it first and preparing ourselves for life after cricket.”Boult has not retired from international cricket but he is likely to play a lot less for New Zealand. White confirmed that Boult was aware of the ramifications of his decision and that NZC would prioritise contracted players.”We’ve had several conversations and I know Trent understands that, in terms of selection, NZC will continue to make a priority of those players with either central or domestic contracts,” White said.Boult understood that his decision would affect his selection for New Zealand.”I still have a big desire to represent my country and feel I have the skills to deliver at the international level,” he said. “However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my chances of selection.”Having said that, as a fast bowler I know I have a limited career span, and I feel the time is right to move into this next phase.”White said he was sad to be losing Boult as a centrally contracted player but understood his decision.”We respect Trent’s position,” White said. “He’s been completely honest and up-front with us about his reasoning and, while we’re sad to be losing him as a fully-contracted player, he leaves with our best wishes and our sincere thanks.”Trent’s made a massive contribution to the Black Caps since his Test debut in late 2011 and is now considered one of the best multi-format cricketers in the world. We’re very proud of what he’s achieved.”Earlier this year, Boult went straight from the IPL into the Test series against England. He played 16 games for Rajasthan Royals, including the final in Ahmedabad on May 29, before playing in the Test match at Lord’s just five days later on June 2 where he bowled nearly 38 overs. However, he was then rested from New Zealand’s limited-overs tours around Europe.Boult has represented New Zealand 215 times across all three formats after debuting against Australia in the famous 2011 Test victory in Hobart. He is one of only four men to have taken 300 Test wickets for New Zealand, having taken 317 scalps at 27.49 with 10 five-wicket hauls and one ten-for. He also has 169 ODI wickets and 62 in T20Is. He is currently the No.1 ranked ODI bowler in the world and is ranked 11th on the Test rankings.