It has been a quiet summer so far for Aston Villa. After the disappointment of losing out on a Champions League finish at the back end of last season, the Villans have only made a couple of signings to strengthen ahead of the new season.

With the season now less than two weeks away, Unai Emery’s side have reportedly agreed a deal to sign OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand. The 24-year-old, who was also a target for Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, cost £30m including add-ons.

With Guessand all but through the door, Villa have seemingly turned their attention to another attacker, who can help to strengthen in forward areas.

Aston Villa’s next target after Guessand

The Villans lost Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio at the end of last season, with the loans of both players expiring. There is a clear focus from the club to strengthen in attack, with the signing of Guessand the first new forward through the door at Villa Park.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, a report from journalist Graeme Bailey suggests that the West Midlands club are ‘holding an interest’ in Manchester United and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho.

The 21-year-old is said to be a target for three Premier League sides, with a desire to stay in England’s top flight, and Villa ‘have also entered the race’ for his signature.

Although it is West London giants Chelsea who are the ‘standout option’ for the youngster, he is ‘open to working’ with Emery, and Tottenham Hotspur are also showing an interest. Last month, it was reported by The Mirror that the Red Devils have slashed their asking price to just £40m.

Why Garnacho would be a good signing

Despite being just 21 years of age, Garnacho has already gained lots of experience at the highest level for United. Statman Dave described him as a “special talent” last season, and there were some standout moments.

He played 58 games in all competitions for the Red Devils, whose academy he came through back in 2022. In that time, the winger scored 11 goals and grabbed a further ten assists. However, just eight of those goal involvements came in the Premier League, in 36 appearances.

He has already played a lot of first-team football, notching up an impressive 144 games for United. His record of 26 goals and 22 assists stands out for someone aged just 21, and he’s scored some excellent goals, too. The most famous one came against Everton in 2023/24, with his stunning overhead kick earning him the Puskas Award.

The winger, who was born in Madrid, could well become unplayable with Guessand. Villa’s new attacker shone last term for Nice, scoring 12 goals and grabbing nine assists in 33 Ligue 1 games.

The Ivory Coast international can play right across the front line, highlighted by former manager Antoine Kombouare during his loan spell at Nantes in 2022/23.

Kombouare also described him as a “powerful” and “fast” attacker.

With the Nice academy graduate, a player who is effective both in and around the penalty box and out wide, he could form a deadly partnership with Garnacho at Villa. The winger is a player who loves to drive inside from wide positions, which could lead to some fluid rotations between the pair.

Garnacho’s numbers from the 2024/25 Europa League campaign suggest he could become a regular provider of goals for Guessand. The stats on FBref show he averaged 2.04 key passes per game and 0.37 assists, ranking him in the 82nd and 85th percentile, respectively. If he achieves those numbers for Villa, Guessand could strike gold.

Assists

0.37

85th

Key passes

2.04

82nd

Shot-creating actions

4.17

73rd

Goal-creating actions

0.65

78th

Progressive carries

5.84

95th

Despite his age, Garnacho is already very experienced and has shown his ability to score and assist regularly for United. With Guessand being a striker who facilitates play and creates chances, plus his ability to put the ball in the back of the net, this could become a deadly duo.

£40m is not too much of an investment for 21-year-old Garnacho, with United looking to move him on this summer. Perhaps he is the perfect player for Villa’s new look attack, alongside Guessand.

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كشف الإسباني مونشي، المدير الرياضي السابق لنادي روما الإيطالي، أنه لم يكن قادرًا على منع محمد صلاح من الرحيل إلى ليفربول في صيف 2017.

وانتقل الملك المصري قائد منتخب مصر إلى ليفربول الإنجليزي والذي كان يدربه حينها الألماني يورجن كلوب، في يونيو 2017 مقابل 60 مليون جنيه إسترليني.

وقال مونشي، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ليفربول إيكو”: “لقد كان عامًا رائعًا في 2018”.

وأكمل: “بعد أن اضطررنا لبيع صلاح، وروديجر، وباريديس، أي بعد إجراء مبيعات مهمة للغاية، أنهينا الموسم في المركز الثالث ونصف النهائي في دوري أبطال أوروبا، أعتقد أنه كان نجاحًا رائعًا”.

وأضاف: “كان بيع صلاح ضروريًا، عندما وصلت إلى هناك، كان صلاح على وشك البيع مقابل 33 مليون يورو، بالإضافة إلى مكافأة قدرها 3 ملايين يورو”.

اقرأ أيضًا | لاعب ريال مدريد مهدد بالغياب عن كلاسيكو برشلونة

وأردف: “في النهاية تم بيعه مقابل 55 مليون يورو ولكن كان هناك بالفعل التزام مع اللاعب، أراد المغادرة والشيء الوحيد الذي كان بوسعنا فعله هو محاولة تحسين المقابل المالي”.

واستطرد: “عليك أن تفهم تلك اللحظة، أن بيع صلاح كان قبل ديمبيلي والذي ذهب إلى برشلونة مقابل أكثر من 100 مليون جنيه إسترليني، أي قبل انفجار سوق كرة القدم بالكامل بالمبيعات المجنونة”.

وأتم: “أصر على أنني توصلت عمليًا إلى اتفاق رائع بين روما وليفربول، ما فعلناه هو الضغط للحصول على أكبر قدر ممكن من الأموال، لأن اللاعب كان بالفعل يريد الرحيل”.

The supporters of Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to endure a significantly better Premier League campaign this time around, after their struggles were evident in the 2024/25 season.

Ange Postecoglou could only lead the Lilywhites to a 17th-placed finish, losing 22 outings, which ultimately led to the Aussie being sacked by owner Daniel Levy.

The responsibility of turning things around in England’s top-flight now falls into the hands of Thomas Frank, after the Dane left Brentford to take the reins.

He’s already been backed in the transfer market by the board, after Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus arrived on permanent deals, with Joao Palhinha linking up on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich.

However, despite the new season getting underway in recent days, the transfer window still remains open, handing the new boss added time to make the desired additions he wants in forward areas.

The latest on Spurs' hunt for new attackers this summer

Eberechi Eze has been the player most strongly linked with a move to Spurs this summer, with talks even being held with Crystal Palace over a move for the England international.

It’s also been reported that the player himself is also keen on a switch across the capital, but it remains unclear whether the hierarchy are willing to pay his £60m asking price.

However, a new name has entered the mix over recent days, with the Daily Mail reporting that Frank is keen on securing a move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

They claim that the Lilywhites are closely monitoring a deal for the 23-year-old, who registered 27 goal contributions for Unai Emery’s men last campaign.

It also states that the Villans don’t want to offload their attacking star this window, but may have to cash in on him in the coming weeks to satisfy their current PSR standing. It’s been reported this summer that Villa view him as a £100m talent.

Why Spurs’ latest target is a bigger talent than Eze

There’s no denying that Eze is an excellent talent, and one that would be a superb signing, as seen by his record of 16 combined goals and assists in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

He registered two goals and an assist in his two league outings against the Lilywhites, demonstrating to the fanbase first-hand the quality he possesses in front of goal.

Their pursuit of his signature highlights the ambition of the board this summer, looking to back the new manager in his quest for success in North London.

However, it would be a huge investment, splashing around £60m on a 27-year-old, which could certainly restrict them from any sell-on given the fact he’s entering the back end of his professional career.

Such an issue wouldn’t be apparent with a potential move for Rogers, with the Villa star four years younger than the Palace talent – whilst also having the potential to get even better in the years ahead.

Despite his tender age, the former Manchester City youngster has managed to outperform Eze in recent months, offering Frank a better addition for the immediate and long-term future.

Rogers, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Lee Hendrie, notched more goal contributions in the Premier League, whilst also posting a better shot-on-target accuracy rate.

Both components of his game highlight the added threat he carries in front of goal, having the individual quality to add further goals to the Lilywhites’ frontline.

However, he’s also showcased his creative nature, completing more passes into the final third, whilst also posting more progressive passes per 90 – able to find the likes of Kudus and Tel and allowing them to enjoy a season to remember in 2025/26.

There’s no doubt, given his higher levels of performance, coupled with his youthful years, a deal for Rogers will likely be more expensive than a move for Eze.

Added funds may need to be produced by the board if they are to sign the 23-year-old, but it could also prove to be a shrewd investment if he can build on his time in the West Midlands.

If the side are to make the jump back up the table and become a force to be reckoned with in England’s top-flight, top-quality additions are needed, with Rogers offering just that should he move to North London.

He's perfect for Eze: Spurs to make huge bid for "sensational" £42m star

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1

By
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Aug 16, 2025

Everton’s summer has been one of change, ambition, and a clear attempt to rebuild under David Moyes.

The return of the former West Ham boss has ushered in a new era at Goodison Park, with the Toffees eager to put a difficult few seasons behind them.

The club marked their first competitive match at the newly opened Hill Dickinson Stadium with a 2-0 win against Brighton, where marquee signing Jack Grealish produced two assists in a sparkling debut.

That victory was followed up by another 2-0 triumph in the EFL Cup against Mansfield Town, underlining the positive early momentum.

The only blemish came on the opening day of the Premier League season, when Everton slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at a raucous Elland Road against Leeds United.

Moyes has wasted little time reshaping his squad, recruiting a blend of proven quality and youthful promise.

Thierno Barry arrived from Villarreal, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joined from Chelsea, and Tyler Dibling was finally secured from Southampton.

Yet the Everton manager has made clear his intention to add further reinforcements before Monday’s deadline, with midfield depth a particular priority.

Everton turn to new midfielder

That urgency stems from the loss of several senior players in recent months.

Ashley Young, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have all departed, leaving gaps in the squad.

Transfer Focus

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

As speculation continues around further arrivals, Everton’s focus has now turned to a familiar face for their manager – a player he knows well and trusts implicitly.

Earlier this week, reports indicated that the Toffees had made a bid to sign West Ham star Tomas Soucek, but it was rejected.

Despite that, he would allegedly “jump at the chance” to sign for the club. That’s according to former Everton scout Bryan King.

Soucek, now 30, has been a mainstay in the Premier League since his arrival from Slavia Prague in 2020.

Over his time at the London Stadium, he has amassed 42 goals and 13 assists in 248 appearances, underlining his knack for arriving in the box and chipping in with crucial contributions.

He was also a central figure in West Ham’s famous Conference League triumph over Fiorentina, lifting the trophy in his native Prague.

Why Soucek is an upgrade on Doucouré

The move makes sense on multiple fronts.

Everton are light in midfield following Doucouré’s exit, and Soucek represents a ready-made solution who can slot into Moyes’ system immediately.

The comparison between Soucek and Doucoure is unavoidable. Doucouré, who joined Everton from Watford in 2020, became a fan favourite at Goodison Park.

His 21 goals and 14 assists in 166 appearances included some unforgettable moments, none bigger than the goal against Bournemouth on the final day of the 2022/23 season that kept Everton in the Premier League.

But having left for Saudi Pro League side Neom S.C. on a free transfer this summer, his departure has left Moyes searching for a like-for-like replacement.

One who could match his energy, athleticism, and threat. Soucek not only offers those traits but statistically provides an upgrade in several key areas.

Standing at 1.92m, he gives Everton a significant aerial advantage. According to FBref, he averaged 3.47 aerials won per 90 last season compared to Doucouré’s 1.05.

His physical presence also translates into defensive contribution, with 1.44 blocks per 90 compared to Doucouré’s 1.09, and slightly more tackles in the midfield third (0.81 vs 0.70).

In attacking output, the gap widens further. Last season, Soucek registered ten goal involvements, double that of Doucouré’s five.

He also took more shots per 90 (1.93 vs 1.09) and placed a higher percentage on target (30.9% vs 29.0%).

His ability to get into scoring positions is highlighted by his superior shot volume, while his long stride and late runs into the box often catch defenders unprepared.

Passing remains one area where Doucouré held the edge, completing more progressive carries (42 vs 9) and slightly more passes per 90 (25.4 vs 25.1) at a higher completion rate (80.3% vs 73.8%).

But Soucek compensates with his greater progressive passing distance per 90 (113.0 vs 79.1), demonstrating his tendency to move the ball forward into dangerous areas rather than recycling possession.

Perhaps the clearest indication of Soucek’s suitability for Moyes’ Everton lies in his reliability.

While Doucouré provided moments of brilliance, the Czech’s consistency, durability, and adaptability make him an ideal option to anchor Everton’s midfield in the seasons ahead.

His statistical profile suggests he can match, and in many cases exceed, what Doucouré offered, all while fitting seamlessly into a Moyes blueprint that values structure, pressing, and aerial dominance.

Matches Played

35

33

Starts

31

30

Goals

9

3

Assists

1

2

Progressive Carries

9

42

Progressive Passes

74

82

For Everton, signing the West Ham man would represent more than just replacing a departed player.

It would be a statement of intent – bringing in a proven Premier League performer who can offer immediate impact and leadership at a crucial juncture.

With Monday’s transfer deadline fast approaching, all eyes will be on whether the Toffees can get this deal over the line.

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RCB have lost all three games at home this season while DC are entering the contest as table-toppers

Sruthi Ravindranath28-Feb-2025Who’s playingRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Delhi Capitals (DC)
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7.30pm IST
What to expectA big win against Mumbai Indians (MI) was just what DC needed to shake off any tiredness going into the next game. They will be facing a bruised RCB less than 24 hours after their match against MI, but will have a lot to cheer about. Firstly, they are at the top of the table with eight points from six games. Their bowling in the last two games, where they’ve kept their opponents to sub-130 totals, has been quite excellent. They’ve also been among the best fielding units this tournament, with the likes of Annabel Sutherland, Minnu Mani and Jemimah Rodrigues saving a number of runs with their acrobatics on the field.RCB have lost their last three games at their home venue, but the defeat in the game against Gujarat Giants – where they were restricted to 125 for 7 “affected” them the most, captain Smriti Mandhana said after the game. There are several questions for them heading into this clash: is the batting too dependent on Ellyse Perry? Are they missing their spin trio of Asha Sobhana, Sophie Molineux and Shreyanka Patil, who were their key bowlers at the Chinnaswamy last year? Is Mandhana’s subpar form affecting them a bit too much? RCB will want to quickly find answers and give the home crowd something to cheer about for one last time this season before moving to the Lucknow leg.Form guideRoyal Challengers Bengaluru LLL (last three matches, most recent first)
Delhi Capitals WWLMinnu Mani has had an impact despite bowling just 14 overs across five games•BCCITeam newsRCB made one change in the last game, bringing back legspinner Prema Rawat for left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht. Rawat, however, bowled just one over in the game and conceded 19 runs.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable XI): 1 Smriti Mandhana (capt), 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Raghvi Bisht, 5 Richa Ghosh (wk), 6 Kanika Ahuja, 7 Georgia Wareham, 8 Sneh Rana, 9 Kim Garth, 10 Prema Rawat/ Ekta Bisht, 11 Renuka SinghDC are likely to persist with the winning combination.Delhi Capitals (probable XI): 1 Meg Lanning (capt), 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Jemimah Rodrigues, 4 Annabel Sutherland, 5 Marizanne Kapp, 6 Sarah Bryce (wk), 7 Jess Jonassen, 8 Niki Prasad, 9 Minnu Mani, 10Titas Sadhu, 11 Shikha PandeyPlayers to watch: Minnu Mani and Georgia WarehamBe it with the ball or as a fielder, Minnu Mani gave it her all in the game against MI. After bowling a quiet 12th over, she dealt Mumbai a double jolt in the 17th, dismissing S Sajana and Amelia Kerr. She came back to remove Sansriti Gupta in the 19th to finish with figures of 3 for 17 from three overs on a sluggish surface. Her flying one-handed stop to her right to save a boundary in the 13th over highlighted why she’s one of the best fielders going around in the circuit. She’s bowled only 14 overs across five matches and has taken five wickets. DC will want to make use of her bowling more, allowing her to bowl her full quota which she’s done only in two games this season.Georgia Wareham has picked up nine wickets so far•BCCIGeorgia Wareham bounced back well after conceding 50 runs in the first match of the season, picking nine wickets in five matches so far. She picked two crucial wickets against Giants, removing Harleen Deol and top-scorer Ashleigh Gardner, although it was a bit too late. She has played at No. 3 for Australia before – even has a half-century playing in the position – and RCB could use her as a floater in the middle order in case of early wickets.Stats that matterThis season’s top four wicket-takers so far – Jess Jonassen (9 wickets), Renuka Singh (9), Georgia Wareham (9) and Annabel Sutherland (8) – will be part of this match Meg Lanning has the most fifty-plus scores in the WPL (eight), going past Ellyse PerryToss has been decisive at the M Chinnaswamy, with chasing teams winning six out of the seven games

Leeds United may have seen the transfer window slam shut, but they are still in the race to bring in a former Premier League star who is on the free agent market, according to a report.

Leeds United miss out on Josh Brownhill

Despite the Whites showing an interest in Josh Brownhill, the former Burnley midfielder won’t be moving to Elland Road after leaving Turf Moor for a new challenge elsewhere. Instead, the Warrington-born man is set for a surprise move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab, with Graeme Bailey detailing on X that he has knocked back advances from several Premier League clubs to sign a lucrative deal in the Middle East.

He stated: “Josh Brownhill has agreed terms on his move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Shabab. Brownhill shunned interest from Wolves, Everton and Leeds whilst also rebuffing a late approach from Brentford. He is now due for his medical ahead of penning a two-year-deal worth £100,000-a-week.”

Injuries to Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu have left Leeds light in midfield. At the same time, Joe Rodon recently pulled out of Wales’ double header against Kazakhstan and Canada, albeit he is expected to recover in time to face Fulham.

Nevertheless, a disappointing end to the window has left Leeds a body or two short from middle to front, factoring in circumstances, something that Chelsea’s late hijack of their move for Facundo Buonanotte didn’t help.

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Senne Lammens was also approached by Leeds before choosing to move to Manchester United, capping off a frustrating final few hours of the market.

Nevertheless, there could still be some out-of-window action at the Whites, with Daniel Farke set to fight to strengthen their engine room with the arrival of a renowned free agent.

Leeds United battling to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

According to Football Insider, Leeds United are looking to sign former Premier League midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer after he was released by Besiktas.

Pete O’Rourke explained the situation: “Now that he’s left Besiktas, clubs have been put on alert by his availability. There’s interest from clubs in the Premier League, Championship and across Europe as well, with Leeds and Birmingham among them. So I’m sure he’d be ready to return to England after a couple of years away, and I expect there will be some movement on his future soon.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Premier League record

Appearances

235

Goals

20

Assists

24

Titles

PL winner in 2019/20

Praised by Jurgen Klopp for his double against Genk in the Champions League back in 2019, the former England international is now 32 years of age and scored once in 20 appearances across all competitions last season.

Now looking to get back to familiar surroundings, he may find a home at Elland Road due to Farke’s shortage of midfielders, offering leadership and experience if the Whites can beat Birmingham City to his signature.

It is understood that the BCB has changed its salary policy from format-based to grade-based for the benefit of its Test specialists

Mohammad Isam10-Mar-2025

Taskin Ahmed is the only player in the A-plus category in the BCB’s men’s central contracts list for 2025. The Bangladesh board has reverted to categorising players’ monthly salaries based on grades, after a few years of giving out contracts based on which format(s) the player featured in. Taskin will get BDT 1 million (USD 8200 approx.) per month this year, after being in the white-ball-only category last year.ESPNcricinfo has learned that the BCB changed its salary policy from format-based to grade-based for the benefit of its Test specialists. In the previous policy, the board found it difficult to properly reward Test cricketers. The BCB’s cricket operations chairman Najmul Abedeen Fahim said after a recent board meeting that the central contracts would look to reward Test specialists.Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is among four cricketers in Grade A, for which the salary will be BDT 800,000 (USD 6,600 approx.) per month. It is a step down for a Bangladesh captain to be in the second category; usually the captain gets the top category of contract under any policy.Grade A also included Mushfiqur Rahim although his retirement from ODIs means that he will move to Grade B where the salary is BDT 600,000 (USD 4,900 approx.) per month.Speedster Nahid Rana is also in category B after his impressive 2024. He is among four newcomers to get a contract, the others being Jaker Ali, Tanzid Hasan and Rishad Hossain, who are all placed in Grade C with a salary of BDT 400,000 (USD 3,300 approx.) per month.The BCB mentioned in its press release that Mahmudullah – who turned 39 last month – requested that the board not consider him in the central contracts list after February 2025.Soumya Sarkar and Shadman Islam return to the BCB’s central contracts for the first time since 2021 and 2022 respectively.Shakib Al Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Naeem Hasan and Nurul Hasan had contracts last year but are not on the list this time.2025 Bangladesh central contractsGrade A+: Taskin Ahmed
Grade A: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim
Grade B: Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Mahmudullah, Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
Grade C: Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali, Tanzid Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Mahedi Hasan
Grade D: Nasum Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed

Ex-Premier League star Gerard Deulofeu has revealed the shocking extent of his injury battle, revealing that his knee issue is so bad it is "closer to a permanent disability". The former Watford and Everton star has not kicked a ball since January of 2023, when he was playing for Udinese; he is being supported by the Serie A club as he continues his recovery.

Getty Images SportDeulofeu's injury hell

Deulofeu has been battling the effects of an ACL injury since November of 2022, but has sustained multiple setbacks as he bids to find a way back onto the pitch. He sustained the injury while playing for Udinese in Serie A, and during his recovery, he had to deal with infected cartilage, and he has now admitted that he is praying for a "miracle" to allow him to play again. Udinese did announce the mutual termination of the Spaniard's contract in January but he swiftly confirmed that if he does come back, he will do so playing for the club. 

AdvertisementA constant battle

Deulofeu has lifted the lid on just how bad his knee injury has been, as he hopes he can regenerate the cartilage to be able to play again. 

He told Flashscore: "[It] is more than an injury, it's something closer to a permanent disability, to having a prosthesis in the knee. 

"Not being able to take a step because bone collides with bone is much more serious. I'm fighting against biology and also against this one (his head).

"I've been going for two and a half years. I'm lucky that my team, my president and my colleagues at Udinese are with me.

"Luckily, I can train every day. It gives me a lot of strength to have the motivation to be able to train in my stadium every day…

"The repercussion is that you can't train as you should, you lose muscle. Add to that adhesions to the kneecap and the aggressions to the knee."

Getty Images SportFighting for his children

The former Everton, Watford and Barcelona star has revealed he has a dream that his children will be able to see him pull on the black and white shirt, and he is using them as his motivation. 

He added: "It's going to be very difficult, but I want to make history. I think I can be the player who has been out for the longest time who has been able to come back. That would be a magnificent and beautiful record for me.

"And to do it for my family and for my children. They were born knowing that I am a player, and now that they are a bit older, they are asking me to come back, and that breaks my heart."

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A positive update?

There does appear to be a glimmer of hope for Deulofeu moving forwards, as he explained: "There is healing in the cartilage area because without that, with the bone-on-bone collision, it would be impossible to come back.

"But all that cartilage is healing, and now we have to clean the area and build more muscle so I can feel better and train morning and evening.

"Before, I used to work out one day and had to stop for two. Now, the knee is reacting well, and although I see it as a long way off, it's a good indicator…

"There are days and days, and you have to have a lot of patience, to be at home with your family to balance your mind emotionally.

"I can't count the number of times I've thought about quitting… but you know, I also have a team behind me, experts in psychoneuroimmunology that I rely on.

"And these experiences have made me stone cold. It's going to be very difficult for me to give up or be thrown away. Mine is a miracle, and I'm going to try until the last moment."

Kurtis Patterson stared down hostile bowling from quick Lance Morris on a tricky WACA surface and batted almost through day two in an indefatigable effort as New South Wales built a handy first innings lead against Western Australia.In a pivotal Sheffield Shield fixture, NSW reached stumps on top with captain Jack Edwards and Chris Green making invaluable contributions before the close.Related

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• Neser's six-wicket burst leaves Queensland in command

• McSweeney open to possibilities in bid to earn Test recall

After 13 wickets fell on the opening day, the match appeared to be moving at warp speed in echoes of last month’s remarkable WA-South Australia clash at the WACA – the shortest outright result in Shield history.NSW teetered at 26 for 4 in reply to WA’s first innings of 196 before No. 3 Patterson, who was dropped twice, rescued the innings with unwavering powers of concentration to make 86 from 262 balls. He survived an onslaught late on the opening day before defying WA’s strong attack until he finally fell to Morris in the final hour of play.Patterson departed short of a deserved century, but continued his outstanding Shield season where he has now tallied 697 runs at 69.70. Patterson had an intriguing battle with Morris, who straddled sharp pace and control to good effect and finished with 4 for 25 from 18 overs.Morris, playing a rare back-to-back Shield match, does have a restriction of around 30 overs per game coming off a stress fracture last winter as well as a quad strain late in the pre-season. “I think I’m going to be a little bit restricted [bowling for the rest of NSW’s first innings], need to keep a few [overs] up the sleeve if we want to try and chase a result,” Morris said after play.Just 0.24 points separated second-placed NSW and WA before this round began with a victory for either team putting them in pole position to reach the final.Resuming at 17 for 3, NSW were initially in a battle for survival on day two but WA were left to rue an early chance off Patterson when Sam Fanning dropped a tough catch at short leg.Lance Morris was a threat but his workload is being managed•Getty Images

Nighwatchman Liam Hatcher, the second used in the innings, succumbed quickly when he was late on a short delivery and miscued to quick Cameron Gannon, who dived forward to take a sharp return catch in his follow through.Having claimed two wickets during a fiery spell late on the first evening, Morris bowled angrily after the earlier missed chance off his bowling. He consistently bowled around 140kph and bent his back to ensure the ball sizzled past the helmets.Matthew Gilkes unwisely took his eyes off the ball on one particularly fierce short delivery from Morris and copped a blow to the grill. He was shaken but stuck it out and provided good support for Patterson, who dropped anchor and scored just eight runs off his first 50 deliveries.After such a torrid time against pace bowling, his eyes lit up when offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli came into the attack and he swept superbly to finally get the WACA’s legendary scoreboard ticking over.But Patterson had more fortune on 27 when Fanning dropped another tough chance at short leg much to the despair of Rocchiccioli, who occasionally produced sharp bounce and turn.Patterson and Gilkes batted cautiously after the resumption knowing that wickets fell in clumps at the same stage on the previous day. The surface appeared to be flattening and an increasingly confident Patterson started to trust driving as he reached his half-century off his 156th delivery with a lovely stroke through the covers.The milestone – rare in recent times at the WACA – received strong applause from his team-mates in the terraces, notably Sam Konstas who earlier in the day’s play had been mobbed by kids desperate for selfies.WA looked out of answers until the 93-run partnership – lasting over 41 overs – was broken seemingly out of nowhere. Gilkes, who earlier had almost been run out, turned slowly on the second run and was short of his ground after a brilliant throw from Jayden Goodwin at fine leg was collected at the stumps by wicketkeeper Joel Curtis.It gave WA an opening, but NSW were still confident given they had plenty of batting still at their disposal having used up two tailenders for nightwatchman roles. Playing against his former team, Josh Philippe was aggressive against the old ball and clubbed a massive straight six into the ground’s construction site leading to a brief stoppage.Philippe’s run-a-ball 26 ended when the towering Gannon showcased his athleticism with his latest brilliant catch at gully. But WA’s bid to wrap up the innings was thwarted by Edwards as NSW batted through the day’s play against the odds.

Steven Gerrard could be "tempted" to return to Scottish giants Rangers as the Liverpool legend contemplates a return to management. Gerrard’s name is once again echoing around Ibrox as Rangers supporters grow increasingly impatient with current boss Russell Martin. The Englishman may have scraped a much-needed domestic victory over Hibs at the weekend, but his position remains precarious.

• Time up for Martin?

  With crunch clashes against Genk and Livingston looming in the next five days, Martin is living on borrowed time. Failure to deliver results could spark another eruption from the terraces. For many Rangers faithful, the question isn’t if Martin survives, but when the board will finally act. And with fan unrest bubbling over, supporters are already scanning the market for potential replacements.

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  Gerrard talk refuses to go away

  While plenty of names have been tossed around, the one that simply refuses to fade is that of Gerrard. The Liverpool legend, who guided Rangers to their first league crown since liquidation in 2012, is currently out of work and, crucially, now free to return to the UK. Gerrard was considered in the summer, but personal circumstances meant a Glasgow comeback wasn’t possible at the time. Now, with his situation changed, the idea of a sensational return to Ibrox feels more realistic than ever.

• Nevin puts his weight behind Gerrard

  Former Scotland international Pat Nevin believes Gerrard may find the prospect too tempting to turn down.

  “I think Rangers would be quite tempting for Gerrard because remember he's the last one that won a league title," he told "Celtic have had so many in a row. So you've got to look at Gerrard, he knew how to do that job for a period of time. There is a big but. Where are you taking Rangers from, particularly right now? Even just a look at the league table. It's a big old ask. It's a huge ask just now. So it's whether he likes what he sees when he looks at that, would he be tempted by that?”

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• Dyche and Ferguson in the mix

  Other names have been thrown into the conversation, but none carry the weight Gerrard does. Sean Dyche has been mentioned by insiders, though Nevin questioned whether he truly fits the Rangers mould.

  “I've got massive, massive respect for Sean Dyche," he said. "And I think over a period of time he could do a decent job there. But I just don't know if Rangers would pick him as the right fit. I really don't know if they would. But I think he would do a good job."

  Barry Ferguson, a club legend who stepped in temporarily last season, is also in the frame. His tenure was steady, but questions remain over whether he has the stature fans demand.

  "Barry Ferguson is interesting because Barry and the team he took in with him did okay last season. And had they had another season to build on it, you just never know. But that's an interesting one," he said.

  “Although the Rangers fans love Barry and he is a club legend, would they also think that was something that would massively excite them going forward? No, I think they would want a bigger name. You find that with Celtic-Rangers, they're expecting big names, world names, European names as their managers. Martin O'Neill was successful, Brendan Rodgers was successful."