The left-arm spinner had a recurrence of knee soreness after the India series

AAP14-Dec-2024Australia have a fresh injury concern ahead of the Ashes with Sophie Molineux ruled out of the women’s ODI tour of New Zealand with a knee injury.Already sweating on the fitness of captain Alyssa Healy and her sore knee, Australia suffered more bad news on Saturday in the form of Molineux’s injury.Related

Inspired by Dooley, Melbourne Renegades 'don't f*** it up'

Mooney: Voll has taken to international cricket 'like a duck to water'

The finger-spinner has battled knee issues this summer, missing some WBBL games with the Melbourne Renegades to manage pain in the joint.She played in the last two of Australia’s 3-0 series sweep over India, but pulled up sore following the last victory in Perth on Wednesday.It means she will now skip all three ODIs against New Zealand this month, with bowling-allrounder Heather Graham to take her spot four weeks out from the Ashes.The games double as the team’s last before next month’s multi-format Ashes series, where Australia will aim to retain the trophy for a fifth straight time.”Sophie Molineux has been withdrawn from the NZ Series due to knee soreness,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “Heather Graham will join the squad in New Zealand on Tuesday, following Tasmania’s Women’s National Cricket League matches against New South Wales in Hobart.”Georgia Wareham would be the most likely player to come into Australia’s XI for the first ODI against New Zealand on Thursday, after she was left out of the final two games against India.In better news for Australia, Healy is at least a confirmed attendee on the New Zealand trip. Australia’s captain missed the three ODIs against India through her own knee injury, after also missing the end of the T20 World Cup with a foot issue.Healy’s return will create a potential headache for selectors given Georgia Voll’s impressive start to her international career against India.Voll made scores of 46 not out, 101 and 26 while deputising for Healy at the top of the order, after a breakthrough WBBL with the Sydney Thunder.But Voll is at risk of being squeezed out of the ODI side in New Zealand, with Healy expected to slot back into opening alongside Phoebe Litchfield.It means the only way Voll would remain in the first-choice XI is if selectors opt to bat her down the order and make the bold call of leaving out a more established player.

Flintoff’s first tour as Lions coach ends in 284-run loss in Cape Town

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Dec-2024

CSA Invitational XI 289 (Senokwane 79, Lawes 4-38, Akhter 3-51) and 256 (Hermann 131) beat England Lions 154 and 107 by 284 runsAndrew Flintoff’s first tour as England Lions’ head coach ended in a thumping defeat in their one-off contest against a CSA Invitational XI in Cape Town, with the visitors losing all 20 of their wickets in a total of 63 overs across two innings, as they were bowled out for scores of 154 and 107.The four-day fixture at Western Province Cricket Club concluded a three-week tour of South Africa, with the focus for the Lions’ 19-man party having been on what the ECB described as “individualised and high-quality training”.However, the batters in particular were found wanting against a South African attack in which Ruan de Swardt, who played two Tests against New Zealand in February, was the only bowler with prior international experience.After being asked to bowl first, the Lions dismissed their opponents for 289 early on the second day, with Tom Lawes (4 for 38) and Zaman Akhter (3 for 51) proving the stand-out bowlers.The same two players, however, were back in action with the bat all too soon, compiling an eighth-wicket stand of 78 after the Lions had stumbled to 72 for 7 in their first innings.Codi Yusuf claimed three of those wickets, including Freddie McCann for a duck with his first delivery, while Rocky Flintoff – the coach’s 16-year-old son, and a late addition to the tour – was bowled third-ball for 4 by Yusuf’s fellow new-ball bowler, Matthew Boast.Captain Dan Mousley, who recently made his England white-ball debut in the Caribbean, resisted for a while with 24, before Lawes (48 from 38) and Zaman (32 from 39) carried the score towards respectability. However, the Lions then lost their final three wickets for four runs to concede a first-innings deficit of 135.Jordan Hermann, CSA’s opening batter, then extended that advantage with a second-innings 131. Jean du Plessis (36) and Corbin Bosch (33) were the only other scorers of note in a total of 256.The Lions, who had arranged to rotate their squad throughout the game, used eight bowlers in total. These included another recent England debutant, John Turner, who went wicketless, while Derbyshire’s Pat Brown – a T20I international in 2019 – was the pick, claiming figures of 4 for 44 in 12 overs.Set a nominal target of 392, the Lions’ batting shortcomings were swiftly exposed once more. Yusuf and de Swardt claimed two wickets apiece as the visitors collapsed to 39 for 5, and this time it was Farhan Ahmed, with 24 from 29 at No.7 who held up CSA for a short while. Tsepo Ndwandwa closed out the contest with 3 for 23 in 6.5 overs.

Leeds United have now submitted a proposal for an “insane” forward, who is now keen on a move to Elland Road this summer, according to a report.

Leeds eyeing new forwards amid Joseph and Bamford uncertainty

Daniel Farke has now made it clear that Mateo Joseph has expressed a desire to move on this summer, with the manager saying: “With him the situation is quite clear. We really value and rate him – otherwise we wouldn’t have played him, especially in the beginning of the last successful campaign ahead of a golden boot winner in Joel Piroe and an experienced striker like Patrick Bamford.

“Nevertheless, he came to me and asked for a new challenge and would like to move. He has also hinted that he prefers a move to Spain due to his Spanish roots. That was his call.”

It is starting to look increasingly likely the striker will leave, given that Farke has no plans to stand in his way, and he is not the only Leeds centre-forward that could be on the move, with widespread reports suggesting Patrick Bamford’s time at Elland Road could be over.

Better than Muniz: 49ers open first talks to sign "ridiculous" CF for Leeds

Leeds United might prefer to clinch a deal for this ridiculous striker over chasing after Rodrigo Muniz.

5

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 23, 2025

As a result, one of Farke’s main tasks will be to bring in a new striker this summer, but the manager is also keen on bringing in a new winger, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon recently re-entering the frame as a potential option.

Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao has also emerged as a target for the Whites, and there has now been a promising new update on their pursuit of the forward, with The Yorkshire Evening Post revealing he likes the idea of playing for Leeds in the Premier League.

The newly-promoted side have now submitted an official proposal to the representatives of Paixao, and his entourage were impressed by Leeds’ presentation, indicating that a deal could be possible.

In a further update, it has now been revealed the Whites have submitted a formal €35m (£30m) offer for the forward’s services, which is close to Feyenoord’s asking price.

"Insane" Paixao could be statement signing for Leeds

Having only just achieved promotion from the Championship, Farke’s side would be making a real statement if they were able to sign the 25-year-old, given the level of his performances for Feyenoord last season.

The Brazilian was the driving force behind his club recording a third-place finish in the Eredivisie, collecting 16 goals and 14 assists in 34 appearances, while also picking up seven goal contributions in 11 Champions League outings.

Scout Ben Mattinson has also likened the Eredivisie star to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, in light of his “insane” ball striking ability, and he is very impressive at dribbling in tight spaces.

It is clear that Paixao could make a real impact in Leeds’ battle for survival next season, so it is exciting news that a deal could very much be on the cards.

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has told star forward Mason Greenwood how to become a "great top player" like Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. The Italian has been singing the praises of the ex-Manchester United man but he also wants more from him ahead of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Greenwood set Mbappe and Dembele challenge

Greenwood has scored 24 goals in 40 games for Marseille to date but head coach De Zerbi is confident he can reach greater heights if he adds certain elements to his game. The Italian believes Madrid's Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain's Dembele have an important ingredient, and now he wants the 23-year-old to follow in their footsteps.

AdvertisementAFPWhat De Zerbi said about Greenwood

The Italian said on Greenwood: "He also worked on the defensive side, the pressing. He hasn't always worked in that direction, but when he wants to, he does it. You have to understand if he wants to become a great top player, he has to run without the ball. I saw Mbappé, Dembélé put pressure without the ball. Greenwood has to do it, too."

Mbappe and Dembele vs Greenwood

Greenwood had the best season of his career in 2024-25 but Mbappe and Dembele comfortably outscored the one-time England international. The Los Blancos star had 49 goal contributions last term and the PSG ace bagged 51 of his own. So the Marseille attacker has some way to go to reach their lofty levels.

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AFPWhat next for Marseille and Greenwood?

Greenwood will get a chance to prove himself against Mbappe's Madrid and Dembele's PSG over the next week. De Zerbi's team travel to Spain on Tuesday for their Champions League opener, before hosting the Ligue 1 champions on Sunday.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in MLS, including Aaronson sealing his first win with the Rapids

MLS roared back in its first full slate of games since the international break, and several USMNT players played key roles in delivering entertainment in North America's top league.

From Tristan Blackmon and the Vancouver Whitecaps putting up a touchdown against the Philadelphia Union to Diego Luna breaking a seven-game MLS goal drought, there was a lot for national team manager Mauricio Pochettino to appreciate in Matchday 30. 

GOAL looks at the major takeaways from USMNT players in MLS.

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• Aaronson makes statement in first win with Colorado

  Paxten Aaronson recently told GOAL that he has been reflecting on the differences of being an up-and-comer in Europe as opposed to the newly minted "man" in Colorado. And for the first two games since transferring back into MLS, the assertiveness was certainly there, but the results were not – the Rapids were humbled by non-playoff teams LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City. 

  Playing in his preferred No. 10 role on Saturday night, Aaronson had a strong game as Colorado's facilitator, connecting on 88.9 percent of his passes – including two clutch connections. And then there was, of course, the game-winner, on a header.

  Though the goal would ultimately be scored as an own goal by Felipe Andrade, it was still a major moment. Aaronson and the Rapids finally had some cohesion, and with just four games left until the playoffs, momentum will be important. Manager Chris Armas and his newest star Aaronson have taken an important step. 

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  Luna back at it

  This is hard to believe, but the last time Luna scored in MLS was on May 24. Yes, he did get a goal in the Leagues Cup a month ago, and some of the drought could be attributed to his time with the USMNT during the Gold Cup, but Luna's quality means he should be in double-digit scoring year after year.

  He broke that cold spell in RSL's win over Sporting KC over the weekend, and did so with style – shouting out a young fan who asked him to break out a goal celebration should he score. 

  Luna is now on nine goals on the season, with five assists in 22 appearances. While RSL aren't meeting the contender expectations placed on them at the start of the season, Luna is already on a career-high on goals and could reach double-digits in goals, and potentially assists, in the club's final four games. 

• Imagn
  

  Blackmon and Vancouver send a message

  Much was be made of Thomas Muller scoring a hat-trick on his birthday – and rightfully so. The German legend has seemingly embraced his role as leader for the Whitecaps, and the club thoroughly embarrassed the Eastern Conference-leading Union, 7-0.

  Yet, as good as Vancouver's attack was, how about some love for the defense? Helping keep a typically potent Philly attack at bay was U.S. international Tristan Blackmon. The defender initially got to a concerning start with an early yellow card, but then responded with four clearances, winning all three of his aerial duels, and made one interception. 

  Blackmon had a mixed experience earlier this month during his first tour of action with the national team, struggling mightily playing as one of two centerbacks against South Korea, but rebounding against Japan in a three-man backline. While many wrote him off after that first game at Sports Illustrated Stadium, his league form and bounce back against the Samurai Blue suggest he might have more to offer Pochettino. 

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  Moments you might have missed

  + Matt Turner made four saves for the New England Revolution, but it wasn't enough for the team to secure three points – or save Caleb Porter's job, as the manager was fired Monday. 

  + Jack McGlynn scored again for the Dynamo, but their struggles this season continue with a loss to Colorado. 

  + Cristian Roldan and Jesus Ferreira both starred for the Sounders, with the latter scoring a goal. Yet, defensive mistakes from a typically stout team led to a 2-2 draw with the struggling Galaxy. 

  + Defender Alex Freeman continues his breakout season for Orlando, scoring in a 1-1 draw against D.C. United. Duncan McGuire made his first start for City since May after sustaining an injury that kept him out for most of the summer. 

  + Tim Ream led a strong defensive effort against Inter Miami in a 3-0 win, keeping MVP frontrunner Lionel Messi at bay.

Whilst Jose Mourinho earned the right to turn his self-proclaimed “Special One” nickname into an undeniable title during his time at Stamford Bridge, there’s no denying that he had some of Chelsea’s best-ever players at his disposal to achieve that success.

At the peak of Roman Abramovich’s West London empire, it was the Blues who were spending big as the likes of Manchester City continued to only fantasise about league titles. As such, even during Mourinho’s second spell when the Citizens had more than discovered spending habits of their own, Chelsea and their Portuguese manager still came away with a Premier League title to their name.

It was during that second stint from 2013 to 2015 that a certain Eden Hazard took English football by storm. The Belgian’s tricky feet remain some of the best that English football has arguably seen and the guidance of Mourinho only saw him reach new levels.

The Special One had nothing but special things to say about his star man during that time too. He even went as far as to say that Hazard was better than Cristiano Ronaldo in 2015, telling reporters: “Last season, yes [Hazard was better],” Mourinho said. “In spite of the fact that Ronaldo was fantastic. He was fantastic. He scored an incredible number of goals.

“I am not saying he is not fantastic. I am just saying that, in my personal view, every football player in the world should understand that a team has to be in front and no titles.”

Appearances

125

Goals

36

Assists

26

With 62 goal involvements in 125 appearances under Mourinho, the praise that Hazard received should come as no surprise. But as impressed as the former Chelsea boss often was by the winger, he opted to pick another Stamford Bridge legend as the club’s best-ever signing.

Mourinho: Drogba is the "best" ever Chelsea signing

Before the days of Hazard running rings around Premier League defences, the Chelsea crown was Didier Drogba’s to wear and Mourinho quickly sent a timely reminder about that in 2015.

When speaking about the best signings and players in Chelsea’s history, the then-manager wasted no time before name-dropping the legendary striker.

Having scored a total of 88 Premier League goals before taking his place as one of the best that has led any frontline in English football, it’s fair to say that Mourinho may well be right about his verdict on Drogba’s time at Chelsea.

There’s never a quiet day in the Newcastle United recruitment department is there?

It was reported on Tuesday morning that Alexander Isak has no intention of playing for the Magpies again, even if the transfer window closes and he has not been sold.

This is certainly a saga that will seemingly rumble on and on, possibly even beyond the 1 September transfer deadline.

In the meantime, with or without Isak, Eddie Howe is looking to bolster his squad ahead of a return to the Champions League, so could a “quality” talent soon move to the North East?

Newcastle's busy transfer activity

So far, Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale are Newcastle’s only two additions, but a fair few more could soon follow.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, an enquiry has been made for Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, while it has also been claimed that the Magpies are set to make a bid for Brentford’s wantaway marksman, Yoane Wissa.

Meantime, could Newcastle snap up a bargain by bringing in a young talent reminiscent of Hatem Ben Arfa?

Well, John Percy of the Telegraph reports that Newcastle are set to accelerate their interest in signing Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City.

They add that the Moroccan international’s contract contains a release clause, following the Foxes’ relegation to the EFL Championship, with the Magpies willing to pay up to £30m to secure his signature.

El Khannouss did complete 90 minutes during Leicester’s league opener against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, but is seemingly set for a return to the Premier League, with Leeds and Tottenham also interested, so could he end up on Tyneside?

Why Bilal El Khannouss should excite Newcastle supporters

Fair to say, Leicester City endured a miserable campaign last time round, winning just six Premier League matches all season, failing to score in nine consecutive home games, losing all of them, between 22 December and Easter Sunday, a new unwanted top division record.

However, amid all the dross, El Khannouss did manage to impress, scoring three goals during his debut season in England, most notably bagging the winner at Tottenham in January.

As a result, analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as “one of the best prospects in the world”, while scout Antonio Mango has lauded him as a “genius”.

The 21-year-old’s composure on the ball and exceptional dribbling ability rank among his key strengths, having notably averaged 1.1 successful dribbles per game in the top-flight last season, as per Sofascore. That certainly sounds like former Newcastle favourite Ben Afra, doesn’t it?

During his time on Tyneside, between 2010 and 2014, the French international became renowned for his skill, dribbling prowess and attacking flair, all of which was encapsulated by this astonishing solo strike against Bolton at St James’ Park in April 2012.

So, let’s analyse El Khannouss’ statistics and Leicester last season to underline the comparison.

Goals

2

5th

Assists

3

3rd

Expected assists

4.6

1st

Shots

30

4th

Big chances created

8

1st

Progressive carries

73

2nd

Progressive passes

128

1st

Key passes

42

1st

Passes into the box

31

1st

Shot-creating actions

78

1st

Successful take-ons

34

2nd

Touches in the attacking 3rd

445

1st

Average SofaScore rating

6.91

3rd

As the table documents, in a generally dismal Leicester City side, El Khannouss was without a doubt the primary creative force, ranked first when it came to expected assists, big chances created, key passes, progressive passes and many, many other attacking metrics.

He has a similar talismanic quality that Ben Arfa possessed during the majority of his time at Newcastle, taking on the attacking burden and often making things happen all by himself.

Thus, in a significantly better side, El Khannouss could become a star of the Premier League, and the Magpies could provide him with the platform to do that.

He'd replicate Isak: Newcastle make enquiry to sign "complete" £80m striker

With Alexander Isak still hoping to force a move to Liverpool, could Newcastle target a “complete” striker valued at £80m who’d replicate the Swede?

ByBen Gray Aug 12, 2025

Time is ticking for Newcastle United.

With just a fortnight to go before the Premier League season begins, the club still hasn’t secured a new striker, and the situation is becoming increasingly complicated.

Alexander Isak, the club’s current star forward, has made it clear he wants out.

After skipping the club’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia and instead training at former club Real Sociedad’s facilities, doubts around his commitment have intensified.

Though he has since returned to Tyneside, uncertainty lingers.

Liverpool remain interested, and any sale is expected to cost suitors in excess of £150 million. In response, Newcastle have prioritised the signing of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško.

The Slovenian international is viewed as the ideal long-term successor, with the club submitting an €80 million bid over the weekend.

However, the offer fell short of Leipzig’s valuation, and with Manchester United also circling, the player has yet to commit.

According to multiple reports, Newcastle have now issued an ultimatum to Šeško’s camp, requesting a final decision within 24 hours.

Given the looming deadline and rising frustration behind the scenes, the Magpies are now actively exploring alternatives.

One name under serious consideration offers a proven Premier League pedigree, consistent output, and a track record of durability – all at a potentially lower cost.

Premier League-ready alternative being considered

According to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope, Ollie Watkins has been identified as one of the names under consideration by the Magpies. PSG’s Goncalo Ramos is also in the mix, should Newcastle be ‘frustrated’ in their move for the likes of Watkins and Šeško.

The 29-year-old striker has emerged as one of English football’s most reliable forwards and is considered by some within the club as a more sensible, Premier League-ready investment than the talented but untested Šeško.

Watkins is coming off a stellar campaign at Aston Villa.

Transfer Focus

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

Fresh from helping Unai Emery’s side reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the England international hit 16 league goals last season, marking his third consecutive campaign of 15+ Premier League goals.

That kind of consistency is rare, even more so when paired with excellent fitness: Watkins has missed just three league matches through injury since he joined the Midlands club. He would be the perfect signing…

Why Watkins could be better than Sesko

Emery has called him “one of the best strikers in Europe,” and it’s not hard to see why. His blend of pace, intelligent movement, and selfless work rate makes him a natural fit for high-pressing, attack-minded teams like Newcastle.

Villa’s current financial position may make a sale possible.

With the club needing to stay within Profit and Sustainability guidelines, they’ve already sanctioned the €77m (£64m) sale of Jhon Durán to Saudi Arabia.

Emiliano Martínez could be next, and although Watkins isn’t officially on the market, a sizable bid may tempt the club to cash in.

While Šeško represents potential, Watkins offers proven value and immediate impact, a combination Newcastle might need more than ever.

Last season, according to FBref, Watkins registered 24 goal involvements, compared to Šeško’s 18. In terms of non-penalty expected goals, Watkins again comes out on top: 13.2 vs. Šeško’s 8.4.

While Šeško had marginally more shots per 90 (3.10 vs. Watkins’ 2.84), both players posted the same shot-on-target percentage (43.9%), indicating similar efficiency in front of goal.

The Premier League star also outperformed his rival in progressive carries per 90 (1.90 vs. 1.78) and pass completion (72.4% vs. 67.6%).

In terms of durability, there’s no comparison. Watkins’ availability is one of his biggest strengths, having featured in 184 out of a possible 190 Premier League games for Villa.

Newcastle, who have previously suffered from squad depth issues, would benefit massively from a forward who is virtually always ready to play.

Financially, too, Watkins may be the more pragmatic option. Leipzig have little reason to sell on the cheap.

With Šeško under contract until 2029 and attracting bids from multiple Premier League clubs, the final fee could exceed €90m.

Watkins, despite his importance to Villa, would likely cost significantly less, with a £60m fee having been touted.

Then there’s the stylistic question.

Watkins has operated successfully in a high-intensity, pressing system under Emery.

His defensive work from the front, movement between the lines, and ability to stretch backlines all align well with Eddie Howe’s tactical preferences.

In contrast, Šeško is still refining his hold-up play and has yet to prove himself against elite-level Premier League defences.

While signing Šeško might signal a bold, ambitious move, Watkins represents something even more valuable in the short term: certainty.

Goals and minutes – all backed by hard evidence rather than projection.

If Newcastle want a forward to carry them through a transitional summer and lead them into a critical new campaign, they may already have their man.