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Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has now shared a ‘positive update’ for supporters as some exciting Hotspur Way news emerges.

The Lowdown: Spurs prepare…

The Lilywhites, having finished 2021/2022 in strong fashion, are gearing up for what will be manager Antonio Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge.

Conte guided Spurs to a place in the top-four, sealing qualification for the 22/23 Champions League campaign and gaining all the riches that come with it.

Tottenham are now set for what is, arguably, their most significant season so far this decade with two summer signings having already been confirmed in both Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic on Bosman deals.

Conte will also be hoping his injury-ridden stars, like midfielder Oliver Skipp, will be raring to go for a crucial season.

The Latest: Gold shares ‘positive’ Skipp update…

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As per Gold, sharing a ‘positive update’ on Skipp, the reliable football.london journalist has some exciting news for supporters on the 21-year-old’s rehabilitation.

According to the journalist, the Englishman is now ‘in good shape’ and ‘raring to go’ for Conte’s first pre-season in less than a month’s time.

Gold also goes on to claim that Skipp is ‘available to hit the ground running’ and Tottenham’s head coach has ‘high hopes’.

The Verdict: Exciting news…

News of Skipp’s full recovery from a pubis injury will come as music to the ears of both supporters, those behind-the-scenes at Tottenham and Conte.

The Spurs starlet’s availability is a big boost for the north Londoners who were without his contribution for the last three months of 221/22.

According to WhoScored, no other Tottenham man averaged a higher passing accuracy than the composed midfield engine, who found teammates with 90.1% of his attempts.

Conte’s midfield will now be reinforced with the dependable solid options of Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – in front of his back four – potentially making them a real challenge to break down defensively.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Insider says Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’…find out more here.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered a ‘big problem’ regarding Manchester United and the pursuit of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen. 

The lowdown: An ‘incredible’ comeback

Signed by Brentford on a short term deal following the mutual termination of his deal at Inter Milan – due to Serie A rules around wearing ICDs whilst playing – Eriksen’s future at the highest level had been brought into question.

However, the 30-year-old soon allayed any fears surrounding his fitness and ability to perform in the Premier League and was hailed for an ‘incredible’ return to action by Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte, racking up the most key passes per game of any Bees player.

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Now as the deal at Brentford heads into its final weeks, Manchester United are believed to be among the suitors.

The latest: London calling…

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones has suggested that Eriksen may prefer to stay in London this summer.

He said: “I mean, we always said that Man United would come onto the agenda. The big problem with United is it’s not in London and, from what I’m told, ideally, Eriksen wants to remain in London.

“So that’s why Brentford have still got half a chance. Brentford have definitely not given up on the situation. They feel after giving him his opportunity to get back into English football and stuff, he might decide to stay.”

The verdict: Worth the gamble

Albeit signing the 113-cap superstar could now prove to be expensive in terms of salary in order to coax Eriksen to the North West, without the expenditure of a transfer fee, this remains a deal well worth pursuing for fellow former Ajax man Erik ten Hag.

Eriksen scored once and provided four assists in 11 Premier League appearances last term, earning a sensational 7.54 Sofascore rating – higher than any United player –  whilst making 40 accurate passes, 2.8 key passes and 5.5 successful long balls on average per game.

In behind the attacking firepower of Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, Eriksen would be a brilliant addition to the Red Devils’ ranks and those in power at Old Trafford should be pulling out all the stops to make this move happen, regardless of the Dane’s perceived capital preference.

In other news, Erik ten Hag could be key in luring this star to Old Trafford.

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has shared an update on the circumstances of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs in pursuit of Bastoni

The Italy international has become one of Fabio Paratici’s main transfer targets in recent weeks, with Lilywhites manager Antonio Conte having formed a good relationship with the defender during their time together at Inter.

According to Football Italia, although there isn’t a deal currently in place for the 23-year-old, Bastoni’s agent has encouraged his player to ‘adjust’ to the ongoing developments in the transfer market, with the centre-back reportedly happy to remain at the San Siro.

The Latest: Gold’s update on Bastoni

In a Q&A for football.london, Gold shared an update on Tottenham’s ongoing situation with Inter and Bastoni.

He claimed: “This is purely my opinion and we’re very early in the transfer window so things can change quickly, but I get the feeling that circumstances at Inter are working in Spurs’ favour at the moment.

“They need money to address their attack, with Dybala a target and a Lukaku return considered, while at the back they also want to sign Bremer, a player Spurs also have on their centre-back list.

“They need funds because they’re in a tough financial position and Bastoni is one of their best chances of raising those funds and he has just two years left on his contract so, unless he signs a new deal, this is the peak value they can get for him. The 23-year-old is happy at Inter at this point in his career, but I just wonder whether what’s going on at the club ends up pushing him towards the door.

“His agent’s comments this week seemed to suggest that could be a possibility. It’s still very early days though and Spurs have other options, although both Conte and Paratici really like the big Inter defender. I think we need to get through the international period first, which makes it difficult to tie up deals and players can’t fully focus on their decisions right now.”

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The Verdict: Looking more positive

Prior to these comments from Gold, Dan Kilpatrick reported that Bastoni is ‘reluctant’ to leave the Serie A club. Although the deal is ‘not dead in the water’, the Evening Standard journalist claimed that Tottenham will have to do a lot of convincing to bring the centre-back to Hotspur Way this summer.

However, Gold’s update appears to be a lot more positive, with circumstances seemingly falling into place for Spurs.

Paratici will surely be doing all he can to secure Bastoni’s signature, given that he is seemingly a massive admirer of the 23-year-old, who was dubbed ‘incredibly aggressive’ by former Lilywhites employee Roberto Kusabbi.

Hopefully Tottenham can pounce upon the seemingly advantageous circumstances and reunite the Italy defender with his former Nerazzurri manager in north London over the coming weeks or months.

In other news: Spurs confident they can strike agreement for Romelu Lukaku

Reliable reporters Sami Mokbel and Adrian Kajumba of The Daily Mail have now shared a promising Southampton transfer update involving Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks.

The Lowdown: Saints set for big summer…

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, under the ownership of Sport Republic and guidance of transfer chief Martin Semmens, could be set for their busiest summer in years.

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Many Saints players are currently either out of contract or heading into their final year with Semmens recently admitting that the Premier League side already have a plan in place and intend to move earlier for targets than in previous windows (Daily Echo).

One of those supposed players on Southampton’s radar is Spurs outcast Winks as The Mail now share a promising update.

The Latest: Southampton ‘lead the race’…

According to their information, courtesy of Mokbel and Kajumba, Semmens and co ‘lead the race’ to sign Antonio Conte’s peripheral player alongside Newcastle United.

It is understood that Southampton, as well as The Magpies, have ‘early interest’ in Winks as Hasenhuttl and Semmens seemingly set their sights.

However, if they wish to seal a deal for the Englishman, Spurs have set their price at £25 million.

The Verdict: Make the move?

The 26-year-old, having been linked with a move to the south coast last year, could well be a shrewd capture for Hasenhuttl.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has previously tipped Southampton as the perfect move for Winks, citing their style of play and claiming it would suit Tottenham’s outcast ‘down to the ground’.

The player has no shortage of backing when it comes to pundits with ex-Lilywhites shot stopper Paul Robinson admitting he’s a ‘big fan’ – even branding Winks a ‘fabulous player’ and ‘versatile’ enough to play anywhere in midfield (Football Insider).

Conte himself has even praised the England international as a ‘reliable’ asset before, so we believe all of these plaudits may well point to someone who can do a job for Hasenhuttl ahead of next season.

In other news: Hasenhuttl personally sets his sights on signing ‘absolute beast’ for Southampton, find out more here.

Celtic are reportedly set to rekindle their interest in Japanese defender Ko Itakura, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per Sky Sports, the 25-year-old – who is on the books at Manchester City – is one of the players that the Scottish Champions are ‘monitoring’, having previously been linked with the versatile centre-back last year.

The report suggests that no contact has been made as yet regarding a potential deal, although the Old Firm outfit are keen to bolster their defensive ranks, even if Cameron Carter-Vickers signs on a permanent deal.

The report goes on to add that Schalke – where the eight-cap international spent the most recent campaign – have an option to buy the Yokohama-born ace, although are said to be ‘struggling’ to meet the £6m asking price.

Imagine him and Carter-Vickers

The German outfit are no doubt keen to secure his services permanently following his key role in the club’s return to the Bundesliga, although their inability to pay the required fee may work in Postecoglou’s favour, with both he – and the Glasgow-based side – having strong links with the City Football Group.

Should Itakura make the move to Parkhead in the upcoming window, the club would be gaining a real hidden gem, with Dutch pundit Haans Kray naming him as “one of the very best central defenders in the Eredivisie” following an impressive 18-month loan stint at Groningen.

The £3.15m-rated ace is yet to feature for his parent club – despite arriving at the Etihad in January 2019 – with Kray believing that Pep Guardiola and co “don’t see anything in him.”

Their loss could well be Celtic’s gain then, with the club potentially able to form a mouthwatering duo of the £10k-per-week sensation and the aforementioned Carter-Vickers, should the USA international see his loan move made permanent.

The 24-year-old has formed what has been dubbed an “immense” partnership by pundit Chris Sutton with Carl Starfelt this term, although there are doubts over the latter man’s quality, with the Swede coming in for criticism from pundit Michael Stewart.

In Itakura then, Postecoglou could well have the ideal player to fill in alongside Carter-Vickers, having been praised for his “calm” manner by former Schalke coach Dimitrios Grammozis – a trait that could well prove useful in what is an at times hectic team at Celtic Park.

IN other news, Celtic can unearth a new Giakoumakis after submitting bid for “very strong” £2.5m gem

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has mentioned in recent weeks that he’s looking to do some significant transfer business during the upcoming summer window.

With that in mind, this may well open the floodgates for numerous players to be linked with moves to The Hawthorns over the coming weeks and months.

At this moment in time, it seems as though a clue has emerged over the possibility of one potential name who has been mentioned with a possible move to the Midlands club.

What’s the news?

After a report from Football Insider claimed that West Brom are eyeing up a summer move for Conor Hourihane, Baggies journalist Joseph Masi gave an update on the matter.

Taking to Twitter, he said: “I’m not going to rule anything out in May but it’s not a name I’ve heard.”

The Aston Villa midfielder is set to see his contract with the Baggies’ Midlands rivals expire at the end of the month. Having spent the season out on loan with Sheffield United, it seems unlikely that he’ll be putting pen to paper on a new deal at Villa and be part of Steven Gerrard’s squad moving forward.

His performances for the Blades this term haven’t exactly put himself in the frame to make a comeback at Villa Park and wouldn’t suggest that he’d be a good option for West Brom either, even on a free transfer.

Great news for West Brom fans

With 30 league appearances in the 2021/22 campaign, the Irishman earned himself a rather disappointing overall performance rating of 6.57/10 from WhoScored. This puts him as one of the lowest-rated players in the Blades’ squad to have started more than one league game during the season.

To further highlight how disappointing the 31-year-old has been for the Yorkshire club, he has only made 10 interceptions and won 12 tackles despite playing regularly, making him rather ineffective in a defensive regard.

With that in mind, it’s hard to see how the Republic of Ireland midfielder would improve Bruce’s side and give them a better chance of securing promotion.

Masi’s claim that Hourihane is not on the Baggies’ radar at this moment in time should have lots of West Brom fans delighted, given how lacklustre the player has been in the Championship this season.

In other news: Steve Madeley claims WBA are eyeing move for “unbelievable” 18 G/A gem, he’s a big Diangana upgrade

Newcastle United journalist Dominic Scurr added his take to the speculation surrounding Newcastle United and the pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. 

The lowdown: Recent reports

Reliable journalist for the Manchester Evening News, Samuel Luckhurst, has this week claimed that the Magpies are ‘closing in’ on a move for Henderson.

It is believed that the 25-year-old was heading to North East this week to put the final pieces of a move together ahead of the summer transfer window, as Magpies boss Eddie Howe prepares for a busy off-season.

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However, it now appears that the switch may not be as far along as Luckhurst claims following a contradictory report…

The latest: Scurr’s update

Taking to Twitter in response to reports elsewhere, The Shields Gazette journalist Scurr was quick to state that ‘sources at Newcastle’ have denied a move is close to completion.

Citing his own story, he stated: “Reports suggesting MUFC goalkeeper Dean Henderson is on the verge of completing a move to NUFC. But sources at Newcastle have been quick to play down the story.”

Within the report, Scurr confirms Henderson is a target who has been ‘discussed’, likely for a season-long loan deal, but also reconfirms that those close to the club have ‘quickly played down’ the likelihood of it happening in the coming days.

The verdict: Make it happen

Whilst few could question the service of 33-year-old Martin Dubravka since arriving at the Toon in 2018, it’s no surprise that Howe would be on the lookout for additional goalkeeper options to challenge the Slovakian.

Capped once by England, Henderson enjoyed a stellar 2019/20 campaign whilst on loan at Sheffield United, earning a 7.00 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.7 saves on average per game and keeping 13 Premier League clean sheets.

Since returning to Old Trafford the £16.2million valued man – dubbed as possessing ‘insane’ ability in 2020 by then-teammate Sander Berge – has found opportunities hard to come by as understudy to David de Gea and a summer move could suit all parties, including Newcastle.

In other news, find out which £36m-rated star NUFC could now sign for free here!

A team-by-team guide ahead of the new BBL season which will see strong England and Pakistan representation

Tristan Lavalette and Andrew McGlashan12-Dec-20252:40

Henriques: We try not to pick a player for one year

*Squads subject to changeAdelaide StrikersCaptain Matt Short
Coach Tim Paine
Fixtures Click hereSquad Hasan Ali (PAK), Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Mackenzie Harvey, Travis Head, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Harry Nielsen, Jamie Overton (ENG), Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Tom Straker, Henry Thornton, Luke Wood (ENG)How they stack upAfter winning a final in BBL13, Strikers sunk to the bottom of the ladder in a disappointing first season under new head coach Tim Paine who took over from Jason Gillespie. Strikers’ top-order was inconsistent and could not quite fire in the batting-friendly surrounds of Adelaide Oval. They have shaken up the batting-order after the departure of Jake Weatherald to Hobart Hurricanes while veteran D’Arcy Short has not been retained. Recruits Jason Sangha and Mackenzie Harvey add class and vigour as Strikers look to shore up a batting-order perennially dependent on skipper Matt Short. An even bigger issue for Strikers last season was their death bowling as they continually leaked big totals. International quicks Hasan Ali and Luke Wood will be relied upon to alleviate those issues, with Test seamer Brendan Doggett having moved to Renegades.Player to watchAs per usual, Matt Short will carry a lot of burden on his back. He is Strikers’ talisman and the team’s barometer. After back-to-back BBL MVP awards, Short had an injury impacted season and made just 236 runs at 33.71 with 109 of those being in Strikers’ franchise record of 251 for 5 against Heat. Short will also be keen to produce a big season to ensure selection in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. He’s been on the fringes of Australia’s white-ball teams for some time and had modest success against India recently.Availability issuesHasan is on the outer of Pakistan’s national teams so will be available for the whole season if he fails to be selected for January’s T20I series against Sri Lanka. Having played white-ball cricket recently for England, left-arm seamer Wood is a chance of being called up for the T20I and ODI tour of Sri Lanka which starts on January 22. Jamie Overton, who was Strikers’ standout with an outstanding allround season in BBL14, is also in the selection mix for the Sri Lanka tour. Test players Travis Head and Alex Carey should be available after the Ashes series wraps up on January 8.Shaheen Afridi’s arrival will create plenty of interest•AFP/Getty ImagesBrisbane HeatCaptain Usman Khawaja
Coach Johan Botha
Fixtures Click hereSquad Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK), Tom Alsop (ENG), Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro (NZ), Michael Neser, Oli Patterson, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack WildermuthHow they stack upIt was a disappointing title defence for Heat, who finished second last on the ladder. They made an off-season statement in their bid to lift back into contention when they selected Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi in the draft. His signing was made even more important after left-arm speedster Spencer Johnson was ruled out of the season with a back injury. Heat still boast enviable pace depth with Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett also in the line-up, but their spin stocks took a hit when legspinner Mitchell Swepson signed with Stars.Player to watchAfter a stellar season, where he topped the team’s run-scoring, Matt Renshaw resisted the temptation of a move and re-signed with Heat. Renshaw has started the domestic season strongly across formats and performed reasonably well in his first taste of ODI cricket in the recent series against India. His batting flexibility and sheer power makes him the key of Heat’s batting-order.Availability IssuesPakistan’s recently announced three-game T20I series against Sri Lanka in January could impact the availability of Afridi, who had originally been slated to play a full season. Test players Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja should be available after the Ashes although Khawaja’s current place in Australia’s team appears shaky.Mitchell Owen was last season’s hero for Hobart Hurricanes•Getty ImagesHobart HurricanesCaptain Nathan Ellis
Coach Jeff Vaughan
Fixtures Click hereSquad: Rehan Ahmed (ENG), Marcus Bean, Jackson Bird, Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Rishad Hossain (BAN), Chris Jordan (ENG), Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Mac WrightHow they stack upAfter underachieving for so long, Hurricanes broke their hoodoo with a season for the ages capped off by a stunning triumph in a home decider against Sydney Thunder. Hurricanes have retained a large core of the title-winning team and importantly secured the signature of Tim David who was heavily courted by several rivals during the free agency period. But the ‘Canes have not stood idle after recruiting Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster and veteran quick Jackson Bird. Weatherald is effectively a like-for-like replacement for opener Caleb Jewell who was traded to Renegades.Player to watchTwelve months ago, Mitchell Owen was a relatively unknown allrounder whose only foray on the overseas franchise circuit was playing in a T10 tournament in the Cayman Islands. But Owen’s move up the order for Hurricanes proved a masterstroke with his brute force reinventing batting in the powerplay. He capped off an incredible season with a blistering century in the final at a febrile Ninja Stadium, leading to him being in major demand worldwide as the IPL, PSL and MLC beckoned. He also made his T20I and ODI debuts in a whirlwind year. Now a household name, there will be much expectation on Owen this season and BBL rivals will undoubtedly be better prepared. It will be interesting to see how he handles it all.Availability IssuesWeatherald, and possibly Webster, won’t be available until after the Ashes. There were concerns over England spinning allrounder Rehan Ahmed after he was ruled out of the Lions tour of Australia due to a right lower leg strain suffered in England’s first Test warm-up at Lilac Hill. But he is expected to be fit in time for the BBL although he could be part of England’s white-ball Sri Lanka tour in January. Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain will be available after the BCB did not grant him a NOC last season and he looms as a key cog after spinners Peter Hatzoglou and Paddy Dooley were not retained.Jason Behrendorff is one of Renegades’ new recruits•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesMelbourne RenegadesCaptain Will Sutherland
Coach Cameron White
Fixtures Click hereSquad Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Brendan Doggett, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Caleb Jewell, Hassan Khan (PAK), Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake, Mohammad Rizwan (PAK), Tom Rogers, Will Salzmann, Gurdinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert (NZ), Callum Stow, Will Sutherland, Adam ZampaHow they shape upRenegades overhauled their roster ahead of last season and transitioned into a new era under the leadership of Will Sutherland and Cameron White. But it did not do the trick with Renegades missing the finals for the fifth time in six seasons. With the pressure on, the ‘Gades have continued to make roster changes and went about bolstering their inconsistent batting line-up by drafting Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. They also traded for Hurricanes opener Caleb Jewell who sought more opportunities. Renegades will boast a potent pace attack and the two highest wicket-takers from last season – with Tom Rogers now joined by long-time Scorchers spearhead Jason Behrendorff. Test quick Brendan Doggett is also a new addition after leaving Strikers.Player to watchNot long ago Jake Fraser-McGurk was the hottest batting prospect in the country but he has somewhat dropped off the radar. Fraser-McGurk made just 188 runs from 10 innings last season but did show off his extraordinary talent in Renegades’ final game of the season when he whacked 95 off 46 balls to help haul down a target of 197 against Heat. Fraser-McGurk, 23, has already played 15 white-ball matches for Australia and was part of the CA XI side in their recent red-ball match against England Lions at Lilac Hill. He remains a player of significant interest for the national hierarchy, but needs to show far more consistency this BBL season.Availability Issues Rizwan may miss part of the season due to Pakistan’s T20I series against Sri Lanka in January, while wicketkeeper Tim Seifert may be selected in New Zealand’s white-ball squads to face India in January. Nathan Lyon, and potentially Doggett, will not be available until after the Ashes. Will Salzmann will miss the season due to injury.Glenn Maxwell was joint player of the tournament last season•Getty ImagesMelbourne StarsCaptain Marcus Stoinis
Coach Peter Moores
Fixtures Click hereSquad Austin Anlezark, Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke (ENG), Tom Curran (ENG), Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Jon Merlo, Haris Rauf (PAK), Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Tom WhitneyHow they shape upAfter Hurricanes’ broke their hoodoo, glamour franchise Stars are now the only club to have never won a BBL title. Stars did complete an incredible turnaround last season after overcoming a 0-5 start to qualify for finals. They are hoping the momentum carries over with Stars retaining a core that includes veteran batters Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright. While they made minimal changes, Stars did recruit legspinner Mitchell Swepson and quick Liam Hatcher who is hoped to help offset the losses of Joel Paris and Brody Couch. But their pace stocks have taken a hit after Mark Steketee, who was superb in BBL14, was ruled out of the season with a hamstring injury. Ultimately Stars are banking on continuity to help them finally lift a title.Player to watchIt is no surprise that Stars’ fortunes last season largely hinged on Glenn Maxwell, their long-time talisman. They struggled badly when he was sidelined with a hamstring injury before he inspired the remarkable turnaround with typical heroics. He produced one of the greatest BBL innings in history after he farmed the strike and whacked 10 sixes to single-handedly beat Renegades. Even at the twilight of his career, Maxwell remains a freakish player, capable of bending a game to his will. Maxwell has had an injury-interrupted start to the season having made just 2 in his only innings in the T20I series against India after missing the first three games due to a wrist injury.Availability IssuesFast bowler Haris Rauf is another with some uncertainty given the T20I series against Sri Lanka which has been added to the calendar, while Scott Boland will only be available after the Ashes.Mitchell Marsh should be available for the full regular season•Getty ImagesPerth ScorchersCaptain Ashton Turner
Coach Adam Voges
Fixtures Click hereSquad Ashton Agar, Finn Allen (NZ), Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Laurie Evans (ENG), Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, David Payne (ENG), Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner.How they stack upThe five-time champions are coming off a season where they missed finals for just the third time in their proud history. Scorchers hierarchy have not panicked and have backed their blueprint of continuity and sticking with a local core. They have brought back a couple of trusted former title-winning players in middle-order batter Laurie Evans and left-arm quick David Payne. Joel Paris has also returned after stints with Hurricanes and Stars. He is an ideal replacement for veteran left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff, who departed alongside fellow fan favourite Andrew Tye. Ex-Stars quick Brody Couch also adds to the pace stocks as he completes his transition to Perth after moving over last year to play for Western Australia in the Shield.Player to watchMitchell Marsh is second on Scorchers’ all-time run-scoring list, but has played just one BBL game in the past three seasons due to international commitments and injuries. Barring an unlikely inclusion in the Ashes, Marsh is set to be available for the full campaign and should solve Scorchers’ patchy top-order returns in recent seasons. Marsh and Finn Allen loom as a dynamic one-two punch at the top with the New Zealander having a point to prove after a lean debut season for Scorchers. After recommitting to Scorchers on a three-year deal, Marsh will be keen to make up for lost time in a BBL campaign that also looms as a perfect tune up for the T20 World Cup.Availability IssuesJhye Richardson is closing in on a return from shoulder surgery. He is set to miss the first match while he trains with the Test squad but is expected to be available for the second game against Heat. Scorchers will be without the services of quick Lance Morris who has been ruled out for the summer after undergoing back surgery. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is likely to only be available after the Ashes. Payne will arrive after the ILT20 and Allen may leave for the white-ball series against India in January.Steven Smith will bolster Sixers after the Ashes•Getty ImagesSydney SixersCaptain Moises Henriques
Coach Greg Shipperd
Fixtures Click hereSquad Sean Abbott, Babar Azam (PAK), Jafer Chohan (ENG), Sam Curran (ENG), Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steven Smith, Mitchell StarcHow they stack upSixers pulled off a major signing by going for Babar Azam in the draft while Sam Curran could also prove a very effective acquisition. Elsewhere it’s a host of familiar names in one of the more consistent T20 squads going around. Kane Richardson has joined the pace attack, and further bolsters the death-bowling options, while Jackson Bird has gone to Hurricanes. They will hope for more from Josh Philippe this season after he has re-emerged as an Australia white-ball option.Player to watchFor sheer drawcard power, it’s hard to look past Babar Azam, making his first appearance in the BBL. How he approaches things at the top of the order will be fascinating to watch. There is the potential in the latter part of the season that he could form an opening partnership with Steven Smith although now that he’s back in Pakistan’s T20I side the series against Sri Lanka could spoil the best-laid plans.Availability issuesSean Abbott will miss the start of the competition with the hamstring injury he suffered last month ahead of the Ashes. Smith is expected to come into the side after the Ashes finishes while Mitchell Starc, fitness permitting, will feature for the first time in 11 years. Josh Hazlewood could use the tournament for a return from injury ahead of the T20 World Cup should his rehab go to plan.Tanveer Sangha is part of a strong Thunder spin unit•Getty ImagesSydney ThunderCaptain David Warner
Coach Trevor Bayliss
Fixtures Click hereSquad Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG) Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Aidan O’Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley (ENG), David WarnerHow they stack upThunder had lined up one of the biggest signings of BBL history in R Ashwin, but he had to withdraw through injury in a blow to the club and competition at large. It is a stable domestic list with the only addition being Tasmania allrounder Aidan O’Connor. Even without Ashwin, they are well stocked with spin: Tanveer Sangha, Tom Andrews and Chris Green could all feature in the same side. David Warner led the batting last season and others chipped in around him after Cameron Bancroft was lost to injury following an awful collision with Daniel Sams. Batting conditions at home can be tricky.Player to watchHaving fallen out of Test contention, Sam Konstas should get a full season and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the rhythms of T20 having just found some form in the Sheffield Shield ahead of the competition taking its break. He has shown glimpses in the format so far with two half-centuries last season. Signed a four-year extension with the club earlier this year.Availability issuesThere will be a bit of a revolving door among overseas players. Reece Topley will start the season before heading off to the SA20, at which time Lockie Ferguson will arrive from the ILT20. Shadab Khan’s availability may be impacted by Pakistan’s T20I series against Sri Lanka. Thunder don’t have anyone on their main list involved in the Ashes.

Manchester United have now expressed in signing an “outrageous” striker, who’s been “on fire” this season, scoring a brace against Paris Saint-Germain.

Man Utd keen on new striker amid doubts over Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee may have scored his first Premier League goal of the season in the 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace at the end of November, but the striker’s goalscoring record since arriving at Old Trafford leaves a lot to be desired.

Season

Appearances (all competitions)

Goals

2024-25

49

7

2025-26

9

1

Despite the Dutchman’s struggles in front of goal, Ruben Amorim wants to keep hold of him, as he values the forward’s versatility, but the manager is at odds with the club, who are open to sanctioning a January departure for a fee of around £35m.

Aston Villa are named as potential suitors for Zirkzee, alongside a whole host of other clubs from England and Italy, meaning United will have a decision to make in the January transfer window.

Should the Netherlands international move on, Amorim may want to bring in a replacement, considering Benjamin Sesko wasn’t exactly tearing up the Premier League prior to his recent injury, scoring two goals in 11 games.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Man United have now expressed an interest in a striker who has been much more prolific in front of goal this season, namely RC Strasbourg star Joaquin Panichelli.

The race for Panichelli’s signature is heating up, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa also being credited with an interest, but Chelsea are currently in pole position, given that Strasbourg are a part of BlueCo.

That relationship gives the Blues an advantage in the race for the centre-forward, who has put in some top-quality performances since his arrival at Strasbourg in the summer…

"Outrageous" Panichelli "on fire" in Ligue 1

Scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the Argentinian for the impact he’s made in France, having only arrived from Spanish side CD Mirandes during the summer.

The South American is now on ten goals in 19 matches in all competitions, with perhaps his best performance coming in Strasbourg’s 3-3 draw against PSG back in October, during which he bagged a brace.

Amorim's priority target: Man Utd step up interest in "special" Madrid star

Man United are now in the race for a “special” player

ByDominic Lund 6 days ago

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior may be reluctant to part ways with the 23-year-old, given just how highly he spoke about his talisman earlier this season, saying: “He is a top player, we’ve done quite a bit of work with him during the pre-season to try to make him run less.”

The French club are under no immediate pressure to cash-in, with Panichelli contracted until 2030, but it could be worth Man United testing the waters with an offer, considering Zirkzee’s struggles.

And does Varun Chakravarthy have the best bowling figures in a losing cause in T20Is?

Steven Lynch05-Feb-2025Sri Lanka used only four bowlers in Australia’s huge total in the first Test. Was this a record? asked Aditya Agarwal from India
Australia’s first innings in Galle last week reached 654 for 6 before Steve Smith declared. You’re right that Sri Lanka used only four bowlers, who sent down 154 overs between them.It was not only the highest Test total in which only four men bowled – previously Australia’s 528 against India in Adelaide in 1981 – but also the highest in all first-class cricket. That mark was previously 533, by South Africa in an unofficial Test against an Australian XI in Port Elizabeth early in 1987.There have been two Test innings longer than 154 overs to feature only four bowlers. In Rawalpindi in 1997, Pakistan used only four in 167.5 overs as South Africa made 402. But the most deliveries came in Sydney in 1951, when England used only four bowlers in 129 eight-ball overs – equivalent to 172 of six balls – as Australia reached 426. One of those England bowlers, Denis Compton, sent down only six overs – but Alec Bedser delivered 43, John Warr 36 and 40-year-old Freddie Brown 44.Three of Sri Lanka’s bowlers last week conceded more than 180 runs: this has happened only once before in a Test innings, in Sri Lanka’s own record total of 952 for 6 declared against India in Colombo in 1997. The bowlers then were Rajesh Chauhan (1 for 276), Anil Kumble (1 for 223) and Nilesh Kulkarni (1 for 195 on debut; his wicket came from the first ball he bowled).Gudakesh Motie top-scored in the match as West Indies beat Pakistan last week. How often has the highest individual innings in a Test come from a No. 9? asked Shane Chintamani from Guyana
It turns out that Gudakesh Motie, who made 55 in the second innings of West Indies’ dramatic series-squaring victory over Pakistan in Multan last week, was only the tenth man to make the highest individual score in a Test match from as low as No. 9 in the order.The list includes Reggie Duff, a batter who usually opened but who went in at No. 10 on his debut for Australia against England in Melbourne in 1902, and scored 104.The other No. 9s who top-scored in an entire Test were Clem Hill (160) for Australia against England in Adelaide in 1908 (he usually batted much higher, but had been ill), Ian Johnson (73) for Australia vs India in Madras in 1956, Asif Iqbal (146) for Pakistan vs England at The Oval in August 1967, Warren Lees (89) for New Zealand vs Sri Lanka in Christchurch in 1983, Wasim Akram (66) for Pakistan vs West Indies in Faisalabad in 1986, Fanie de Villiers (67 not out) for South Africa vs India in Ahmedabad in 1996, Brett Lee (62 not out) for Australia vs West Indies in Brisbane in 2000, and Shaun Pollock (111) for South Africa vs Sri Lanka in Centurion in 2001.Was Usman Khawaja the oldest man to score a maiden Test double-century? asked Emil Chandran from Australia
When he reached his double-century against Sri Lanka in Galle last week, Usman Khawaja was 38 years 43 days old. He was the 12th man to score a Test double-century after turning 38: Don Bradman of Australia and India’s Vinoo Mankad both made two.The oldest man to score a Test double-century remains the South African opener Eric Rowan, who was 42 when he made 236 – his first and only double – against England at Headingley in 1951. Jack Hobbs was 41 when he scored 211 (also rather surprisingly, his maiden Test double-century) for England vs South Africa at Lord’s in 1924. Another Englishman, Patsy Hendren, reached his maiden Test double-century on his 41st birthday, against West Indies in Port-of-Spain in 1930. Graham Gooch of England and South Africa’s Dudley Nourse both also scored Test doubles after their 40th birthdays. Mankad and England’s Andy Sandham were also older than Khawaja when they reached their maiden Test 200s. For the list, click here (note that the ages given are at the start of the match in question).Varun Chakravarthy is the only bowler to have taken two five-fors in losing causes in T20Is•BCCIVarun Chakravarthy took a five-for in a T20 international against England the other day and lost – and it was the second time he’d done that. What are the best T20I figures by someone who ended up losing? asked Lakshmi Narayanan from India
The Indian legspinner Varun Chakravarthy took 5 for 24 in the second T20I against England in Rajkot last week, but he still finished on the losing side, as he did when he claimed 5 for 17 in Gqeberha last November.In all there are 28 instances of a bowler taking five or more wickets in a losing cause in a men’s T20Is, and Chakravarty is the only one to have done it twice. The best figures in a defeat are 6 for 12, by the Hong Kong seamer Nasrulla Rana against Papua New Guinea in Kuala Lumpur in 2023; Chakravarty’s 5 for 17 are the best figures in vain in a match between two Test-playing nations.There were 53 men’s Test matches in 2024. Was this a record? asked Andrew McKenzie from England
The number of men’s Tests in 2024 has been exceeded only twice before: there were 55 in 2001, and 54 in 2002. What’s noticeable is that there were 12 draws in 2001, and eight in 2002, but only three last year. The last time there were as few as three draws was 2020, when Covid meant there were only 22 Test matches all year.For the list, click here. Note that this is worked out by the start date, which means a few Tests which straddle the new year are not credited to the second year. This does not affect any of the top 25 or so entries, except 2013 and 2014 – one Test started on December 30 and continued into January 2014 (so arguably the totals for those years should be 43.5 and 41.5).Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions