Diogo Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, has shared a moving message on Instagram as the couple’s youngest child celebrated her first birthday. It was the family’s first without the former Liverpool forward, whose life was cut short in a devastating car crash last summer.

• A heartbreaking milestone for a family still in mourning

  Jota and Cardoso were childhood sweethearts and married in a stunning ceremony in Porto on June 22, 2025, but their life together as newlyweds lasted only days. Less than two weeks later, the 28-year-old forward and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a horrific accident. Their daughter, born on 26 November last year, turned one this week. Cardoso marked the moment by posting a collection of photographs featuring Jota cradling and smiling with his baby girl. The caption contained only three words: “A whole year.”

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  Portugal still reeling from the loss of a star

  The tragedy struck just weeks after Jota had helped Portugal defeat Spain in the Nations League final. Instead of becoming a platform for the next chapter of his flourishing international career, the victory became one of the final images of Jota in a Portugal shirt. Tributes poured in that day, with skipper Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way.

  Writing on X, he said: "It doesn’t make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you had only just got married… To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them."

  According to Portuguese outlet Sic Noticias Ronaldo has collaborated with luxury watchmakers Jacob & Co to design customised timepieces commemorating Portugal’s Nations League triumph. Each watch features a skeleton dial and a Portuguese coat of arms. The report adds that Ronaldo arranged for these watches to be sent to his international teammates ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Armenia, but crucially, he also ensured one was sent directly to Jota’s family. 

  Portuguese journalist Nuno Luz highlighted the gesture, saying: "These are details that are done without advertising and that show the genuine way that Cristiano Ronaldo is. Often, people from outside have an image of him that does not correspond." 

  On social media, Jacob & Co wrote of the design: "A skeleton dial, custom design and the Portuguese coat of arms, a watch as exceptional as the champions themselves."

• Liverpool continue to honour Jota

  Jota’s death has left an irreplaceable void at Liverpool. Speaking ahead of the match against Nottingham Forest, manager Arne Slot reflected emotionally on the impact of the tragedy.

  Slot said: "We are always judged, sometimes fair, sometimes not fair. But I saw the interview (with Robertson) live and I know that it is an issue for us, which is completely normal. At this moment in time, I always think how must it feel for his wife and his children? Because it is so, so, so much harder for them than it is for us. But that we will miss the player and the person is completely clear. Now we play Nottingham Forest, last season there we were 1-0 down and it only took him (Jota) one minute to score the equaliser. So now I am talking about the player that we miss for sure. That we also miss him as a person is also clear."

  He added: "It is good for us to remember him at all times. It is possible because of the person and player he was. It is impossible to measure what it does to the players and to our results. The last thing I would do is use it as an excuse. I don't know. What I do know is that we miss the player, that is 100 per cent sure, and we miss the person, but I cannot measure the impact that has on our results. That is impossible for me to say, and we will never use it as an excuse."

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  Liverpool retire Jota’s No. 20 shirt

  Liverpool have confirmed that Jota’s No. 20 shirt has been permanently retired across the entire club, including Liverpool Women and all academy age groups.

  A statement from Liverpool read: "It was the number he wore with pride and distinction, leading us to countless victories in the process – and Diogo Jota will forever be Liverpool Football Club’s number 20. After consultation with his wife, Rute, and family, the club can announce the squad number will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy.

  "The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them."

  Jota’s number might have been retired, but his memory remains vividly alive in every corner of Anfield.

Though a top-tenner for the best part of the last decade, Rohit has never been the top-ranked batter in the 50-over format before

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Oct-2025

Rohit Sharma has become the No. 1-ranked ODI batter following his innings of 73 and 121 not out in the second and third games in the series in Australia, which India lost 2-1.The two knocks took Rohit up from third spot to the top for the first time in his career after being in the top ten for large periods over the past decade. The century, in particular, boosted Rohit’s points and took him past Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill.Rohit wasn’t the only India cricketer to gain after the three-ODI series in Australia, with Axar Patel rewarded for a strong all-round performance. He took a wicket in each of the three ODIs and chipped in with scores of 31 and 44 in the first and second games. That took him up six places on the bowlers’ table to No. 31, and up four spots to No. 8 on the allrounders’ table.Full rankings tables

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Within the respective top tens, Mitchell Santner moved up three rungs to fourth place following the first two ODIs against England, and Josh Hazlewood moved up two spots to eighth among the bowlers.Elsewhere, following the shared two-Test series between Pakistan and South Africa, Keshav Maharaj gained nine places to a career-high rating, and the 13th place, on the bowlers’ list. While Maharaj picked up nine wickets in the only Test he played, his team-mate Simon Harmer had 13 wickets from the two Tests and moved up 26 spots to No. 45.For South Africa, Aiden Markram (up two spots to 15th) and Tony de Zorzi (up seven places to joint 47th) also gained on the Test batters’ table.

Steven Smith had his first hit against bowlers since the Hundred finished in late August on Tuesday, but declared he was already “ready” for the Ashes after his break in New York.Smith, who is set to captain Australia in the first Test due to Pat Cummins’ back injury, returned to Sydney last week and had three nets against throwdowns before facing the New South Wales attack during training at Cricket Central as he ramps up towards the start of the Ashes.Related

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He will play two Sheffield Shield matches – against Queensland at the Gabba and Victoria at the SCG before facing England – but believed he was already good to go having in recent times found downtime from the game more profitable than endless training or extra matches.Unlike earlier in the year when he was recovering from a finger injury sustained in the World Test Championship final and left the tour of West Indies, Smith did not hunt out a baseball cage in New York and only picked up a bat on his return home.”Honestly, it takes me two hits to get sorted,” Smith said. “I feel like I’m ready to go now. I feel like I’m moving really nicely. I feel in a good place.”I’ve been training quite hard. I’ve been doing a lot of lifting, trying to get a bit stronger. And I did all my strength tests yesterday and they’re all as good as they’ve ever been. So I feel like I’m going good.”Cummins has yet to be officially ruled out of the opening Test, but time is quickly running out and Smith said on Tuesday that he had still yet to start bowling. “Things can turn around pretty quickly so we’ll see where everything lands with him,” Smith said.”He’s obviously got a few things to tick off and get into his bowling, but he was in good spirits and the team’s obviously better with him in it for sure. Hopefully he can get right and if he plays three Tests or five Tests or two Tests, as many as we can get out of him, it’s the best for the team.”Steven Smith speaks to reporters as he ramps up his Ashes preparation•Getty Images

The duo have worked well as a captain-vice captain combination with Smith standing in on six occasions since Cummins’ promotion, winning five of those Tests. His tactical nous has particularly come to the fore on the subcontinent and, although Smith himself played it down, his head-to-head with Ben Stokes looms as a fascinating aspect of the early Ashes exchanges.Even if unable to play, Cummins is expected to travel with the Australia squad and Smith was confident the change of leadership would prove smooth but added he would do things in his style.”It’s nothing out of the ordinary,” Smith said. “I know how the team operates. We’re in a good place. So if it happens, I’ll look forward to it. I think the important thing is doing it my way. I think when I get out on the field, I’ve got a certain style and the way I like to do things and I need to be authentic.”I think it’s worked well when I’ve stood in over the last few years. It’ll just be a seamless sort of transition if that comes around.”Smith has rarely had a problem with the dual responsibilities of captaincy and batting: his average when captain is 68.98 against 49.90 when in the ranks. One of the six Tests where he has filled in was during the 2021-22 Ashes when Cummins was a Covid close contact in Adelaide with Smith making 93 in the first innings.”It’s interesting how the brain works, I suppose,” Smith said when asked whether he’s aware of how the captaincy makes a difference. “I feel like I kind of go to another level and try and set a standard.”I think I’ve chilled out a lot over the last probably four or five years, just a bit more relaxed out in the middle and maybe not as cranky at times. I like to listen to people, get their opinions, and then obviously make a decision when I’m in charge.”In terms of losing Cummins’ bowling, Smith was of little doubt that Scott Boland could fill the breach. “I mean, we’ve got a pretty good replacement in Scott Boland who I think is arguably one of the best bowlers in the world,” he said. “His record in Australia is outrageous, so we’re good there.”Then the other two [Starc and Hazlewood] obviously have done a wonderful job for a long time as well. So I don’t think it disrupts too much.”

Waite Hoyt pitched for seven MLB teams over the course of a 21-year career from 1918 to '38, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969. Diego Rivera was one of 20th Century art's towering figures—the Mexican icon who brought mural art onto the world's biggest stages.

On the surface, these facts would seem to be unrelated—but on Wednesday, they fused together to create a financial windfall.

A painting given to Hoyt by Rivera as a thank-you for baseball tickets in 1932 has sold at auction for $190,000, according to a Thursday morning report from Larry Holder of .

The painting is titled , which roughly translates to . According to a blurb written for Sotheby's by Tim Manners—the co-author of Hoyt's posthumous memoir, released in 2024—the pitcher and Rivera are said to have crossed paths in 1932, when Hoyt was playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Rivera displayed the fresco at what is now 30 Rock.

Citing "family lore," Manners wrote that Hoyt gave Rivera tickets to see the Dodgers and Rivera—learning that Hoyt had begun painting extensively in retirement—gifted him in 1951.

Collaborations between baseball and fine art are rare, but they do happen. Banksy and Shohei Ohtani, we're ready when you are.

Rafael Devers rocked the boat with the Boston Red Sox when he publicly criticized the club's front office for asking him to play first base in the aftermath of teammate Triston Casas's season-ending injury. In Boston's eyes, Devers, a third baseman by trade who was already forced out of his natural position after the signing of Alex Bregman, wouldn't have to strain hard to learn the tricks of the trade to shift to the other corner of the diamond. In Devers's eyes, it's just another unreasonable ask by a front office that already pushed one undesirable change on him this spring.

Red Sox owner John Henry, joined by chief baseball officer Crag Breslow and president Sam Kennedy, met with the disgruntled slugger on Friday afternoon, resulting in an "honest conversation about what we value as an organization and what we believe is important to the Boston Red Sox," per Breslow.

That doesn't exactly sound like the trio sang "Kumbaya" together, but it does at least sound like the sort of productive conversation that could get things moving in the right direction. Nevertheless, the mere fact that there was even a meeting tells us the Red Sox are taking Devers's comments, a rare public rebuke of an organization's chief decision-maker, seriously enough to get the team owner involved.

Add in a report that some players on the Red Sox are reportedly displeased with Devers's behavior and it paints the picture of a pretty precarious situation. Before we move into speculative waters, let's be clear about one thing: the Red Sox very likely won't trade Devers, who in January of 2023 signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract, cementing his status as the face of the franchise.

But given how much things have unraveled in just a few short months, it's not entirely inconceivable to imagine a scenario where the Red Sox seek to trade Devers to clear a potential lingering clubhouse issue, augment an already robust farm system and decrease salary commitments. And that's the fine line where we'll operate in this fun exercise.

There seem to be three potential primary landing spots that make the most sense, as well as a few notable long shots. Any team targeting Devers must be close enough to contention to warrant making such a trade and have the resources to take on the 28-year-old’s gargantuan contract, which costs roughly $28 million annually through 2033. A good farm system is a plus—while it’s unclear how much prospect capital it’d take to obtain Devers considering the mega deal he’d come with, one imagines Boston would have to acquire some solid talent to part ways with their offensive cornerstone. Oh, and the trade partner would have to have a place for Devers to play, be it at third base or as designated hitter. (Don't you dare say first base!)

So, with that criteria in mind, let's dive into some potential destinations.

Chicago Cubs

Farm system rank: 8th
Position available for Devers: 3B, DH
2025 payroll: $193,203,383

The Cubs' farm system is armed with the type of young, MLB-ready talent that would make the Red Sox salivate. And would you look at that, the Cubs just so happen to have an opening at third base, where the incumbent Jon Berti and his .644 OPS currently reside after prospect Matt Shaw badly struggled there early on.

While the Cubs' willingness to take on a contract as large as Devers's is up for debate, it would be the mother-of-all insurance policies should National League MVP candidate and free-agent-to-be Kyle Tucker depart this winter. Adding Devers, a three-time All-Star who owns a career .854 OPS, to a powerful Cubs lineup would be a fascinating gambit by Chicago's front office. The Cubs are leading the NL Central and could very well contend for the club's first pennant since 2016.

Philadelphia Phillies

Farm system rank: 17th
Positions available for Devers: 3B?
2025 payroll: $282,625,817

The Phillies' farm system doesn't boast the same volume of talent as the Cubs’, but Philadelphia does possess the kind of young pitchers (No. 1 prospect Andrew Painter, No. 5 prospect Moisés Chace, No. 8 prospect Mick Abel) that would entice the Red Sox. And there's no doubting the Phillies' status as contenders—they're just three years removed from reaching the World Series and two years removed from reaching the NLCS. They could, however, use a spark to reverse their trend of exiting the postseason earlier with each passing year, and Phillies owner John Middleton isn’t afraid to spend his fortune.

The only roadblock? Alec Bohm, a 2024 All-Star, currently mans third base for the Phillies. But would that stop Philadelphia from swinging for the fences with a Devers trade, especially considering Bohm’s slow start and below-average power stroke? And how fun would it be seeing Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski coordinating a blockbuster trade with one of the teams he used to run?

Liverpool’s defence have borne the brunt of the criticism for the club’s landslide in form this season. Such reproval has hardly been undue. However, Arne Slot’s forwards have also struggled to implement his tactics.

The plain truth is that the Reds have so many punctures across their system, and the boss has an increasingly slim period to overturn the plummet in form that has led to nine defeats across 12 matches in all competitions.

Ahead of their trip to West Ham United on Sunday, Liverpool languish in 13th place in the Premier League, and there are so many creases for Slot and his staff to iron out if a turnaround is to be found.

Mohamed Salah has for so long been an unstoppable force for the Anfield side, but he’s been among the most disappointing members of the team this season, and the right wing is becoming a weak link.

Liverpool considering Mo Salah successor

If Salah sees out the £400k-per-week contract he extended back in April, he will leave Liverpool in 2027, marking a decade on Merseyside.

He has scored 250 goals and provided 116 assists across 419 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, and he is one of the greatest players in Premier League history.

But there’s no denying the 33-year-old has been miles south of his usual standards this season, wasteful in the final third and drifting on the edge of Slot’s malfunctioning system.

There remains hope that Salah will rediscover his form, but a success plan needs to be put in place, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh has been earmarked as a possible option.

According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are ‘seriously considering’ a move for the 21-year-old winger, who has established himself in the Premier League since the start of last season.

It’s unclear at this stage what Brighton would demand for their rising star, but he wouldn’t come cheap, certainly more than the £35m figure the Seagulls paid Newcastle to bring him to the south coast in 2024. Some sources suggest discussions could enter the £100m ballpark.

Why Liverpool want Yankuba Minteh

Minteh has actually worked under Slot’s wing before, scoring nine times across 36 matches on loan during the 2023/24 season, assisting five goals too.

Newcastle were then forced into selling their Gambian prospect to ease PSR-related concerns, and he has become a star in the Premier League, hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “one of the standout wingers” in the division back at the start of the term.

While he’s only scored once across 12 matches, Minteh has assisted four goals and maintained the kind of athletic level of performance that would raise the bar at Liverpool, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged 2.5 dribbles and won 6.3 duels per game.

His qualities are further underscored by FBref’s data. In the Premier League this term, Minteh ranks among the top 6% of positional peers for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 1% for goal-creating actions and the top 11% for tackles won per 90.

This blend of physicality and potency – the wide forward scored seven goals last year – is almost reminiscent of Sadio Mane in his Liverpool pomp.

This was actually picked up by one football scout, who has said that Minteh can “can reach Sadio Mane[‘s] level” if he continues to foster his natural qualities.

Minteh is still so young. He is 21. Mane, for what it’s worth, was 24 when moving from Southampton to Liverpool in a £34m deal.

Mane didn’t match Salah’s jaw-dropping output, but he certainly came close, and 120 goals and 46 assists over 269 outings during Jurgen Klopp’s golden years is hardly a poor return.

Unlike Salah, the 34-year-old always had a bit more fury in his game, so combative and electric on the ball.

If Minteh could capture even a portion of the form Mane projected at Anfield over so many years, he would more than endear himself to the Reds fanbase.

But, as those in the know would tell you, he has what it takes to emulate the Senegalese icon.

He'd revive Isak: “Best manager in the world” now Liverpool's top target

Arne Slot is losing grip on his position as Liverpool manager after a shocking run of form.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 29, 2025

Tottenham’s first transfer window with their new-look, reshuffled boardroom will be a very intriguing one, and a striker is believed to be at the very top of their priority list.

Ever since replacing Ange Postecoglou in the summer, new manager Thomas Frank has been starved of a reliable focal point up front.

Dominic Solanke, who Spurs signed for a club-record £65 million fee last year, has struggled with injury problems that have limited his involvement to just 49 minutes so far this campaign. The Englishman suffered a ‘minor’ ankle problem at the beginning of 25/26, which eventually required surgery, and he’s still on the comeback trail.

Solanke is set to miss this weekend’s pivotal North London derby against Arsenal and won’t be available for their crunch Champions League tie against PSG either, with Frank forced to rely on the out-of-form Richarlison, who’s attracted criticism for his inconsistency.

The Brazilian is a shoo-in to start against PSG next week given Mathys Tel wasn’t named in Frank’s 22-man Champions League squad. Tel, according to some reports, is said to be ‘unhappy’ in London and keen to leave Spurs in January, with Roma taking a serious interest in the Frenchman (La Gazzetta dello Sport).

Solanke’s fitness woes, Tel’s dissatisfaction and Richarlison’s form have fueled speculation that a new striker could arrive at the turn of the year, and Spurs are being linked with a few interesting names.

Chief among them is Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who scored 20 Premier League goals in his best campaign at Brentford whilst working under Frank.

The tactician has apparently held ‘direct’ talks with Toney about a January move to Spurs, according to some reports, while others believe that the Lilywhites are in pole position to sign him at the turn of the year after ‘preliminary’ negotiations (TEAMtalk).

While links to the 29-year-old are rife given his obvious connection to Tottenham’s manager, co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are considering other options.

Tottenham eye 'dream' move for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa

As per TEAMtalk, FC Porto talisman Samu Aghehowa is a ‘dream’ target for the club.

Sources believe the 21-year-old, who’s bagged nine goals in 14 appearances already this season, fits perfectly into Frank’s long-term vision. Spurs’ boss is also said to have ‘repeatedly’ emphasised his desire for a physically imposing, mobile striker capable of pressing aggressively and connecting play.

Insiders within Tottenham’s recruitment structure apparently think of Aghehowa as the “younger, longer-term” striker successor they genuinely desire, despite ongoing interest in Toney as a potential 2026 alternative.

Standing at a lofty 6 foot 4 with surprising pace for his height, the Spaniard has even been compared to former Chelsea star Diego Costa during his prime years, thankfully not the version we saw at Wolves.

However, this all being said, a January move appears very unlikely.

Portuguese sources state that Porto are refusing to entertain winter offers, especially as they pursue a first Primeira Liga title in six years. President Andre Villas-Boas has reportedly informed intermediaries that Samu is not for sale “at any price in the winter”, casting major doubt on Spurs’ ability to prise him away mid-season.

Porto have also set an £71 million asking price for Aghehowa, meaning the north Londoners may have to fork out a new club-record fee. With that in mind, Frank and Lange will apparently continue to monitor Aghehowa’s development whilst maintaining Toney as a backup option.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Chelsea once came ‘very close’ to signing the forward, and he’s a player with ‘huge potential’.

رفض نجم نادي برشلونة التهويل من الخسارة التي تعرض لها فريقه أمام تشيلسي بدوري أبطال أوروبا، موضحًا أن لاعبي البلوجرانا يعلمون جيدًا ما عليهم فعله.

برشلونة تعرض لخسارة ثقيلة أمام نظيره تشيلسي بثلاثة أهداف دون مقابل يوم الثلاثاء الماضي، ضمن الجولة الخامسة من مرحلة الدوري في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ولم يقدم برشلونة المستوى المطلوب أمام تشيلسي، والذي كان أفضل بكثير ونجح في النهاية في تحقيق انتصار مستحق.

واعترف مهاجم برشلونة، ماركوس راشفورد، أن فريقه ظهر وكأنه عاجزًا حقًا ضد تشيلسي، وذلك في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “سبورت”.

وقال راشفورد: ”كانت ليلة صعبة، إنهم فريق جيد جدًا شاب ونشيط، ومع طرد لاعب من قبلنا، من السهل القول إن المباراة أصبحت صعبة، لكنهم أحسنوا التصرف مع الكرة حيث استغلوا الفارق بشكل ممتاز وجعلوا من الصعب علينا الوصول إلى منطقتهم والدفاع”.

وأكد أن برشلونة كان عالقًا بين سيناريوهين، موضحًا: “إما أن نبقى متماسكين ويتوقف إيقاع اللعب، أو أن نحاول الضغط على الخصم وترك المساحات، إذا كان الخصم مرتاحًا مع الكرة فسيستغلون تلك المساحات”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. آس: توتر في العلاقة بين فليك ولاعب برشلونة

وأكمل: “العامل الحاسم واضح، لقد استحقوا الفوز والآن، بالنسبة لنا لم يعد هناك أي هامش لعدم الفوز، في مباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا المتبقية علينا الفوز”.

وأردف: “كان من الصعب جدًا الوصول إلى مرماهم، حتى خلق فرص حقيقية كان تحديًا صعبًا بالنسبة لنا، لقد استحقوا الفوز وعلينا أن نشيد بهم”.

وتابع: “عندما تخسر، من السهل دائمًا القول إن كل شيء يجب أن يتغير ولكن كانت هناك فترات كنا فيها متماسكين كفريق ومتمسكين بفكرتنا، لا يمكننا المبالغة في التفكير في هذه المباراة، نحن نعرف ما حدث وما يجب علينا فعله”.

وعن مواجهة ديبورتيفو ألافيس المقبلة في الدوري الإسباني، اختتم راشفورد: “علينا أن نتحسن ونعود إلى المستوى الذي أظهرناه في فترات أخرى من الموسم، الفرصة الأولى ستكون نهاية هذا الأسبوع وسنحاول الفوز بتلك المباراة”.

There has now been a new update on Manchester United’s interest in AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, with details of his release clause emerging ahead of the January transfer window.

Semenyo has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League this season, with Bournemouth teammate Lewis Cook praising the forward for the improvements he’s made to his game, saying: “He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully he can continue to show that.”

Naturally, given the level of his performances, the 25-year-old has started to attract interest from elsewhere, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and United being named as potential suitors.

It was previously thought that it may take around £80m to prise the former Bristol City man away from Bournemouth, but there has now been a new update on his future, which suggests a deal could be done for a more reasonable price.

Man Utd line up Semenyo move amid £65m release clause

According to a report from United In Focus, Man United are now considering a January move for Semenyo, whose £65m release clause will become active in January, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey providing a further update.

Bailey said: “Manchester United have been chasing Antoine Semenyo since the summer; they have maintained that interest since. I am told they were fully aware of the clause when he signed his new deal, after known about its validity for January and beyond.

“United like Semenyo, and whilst unlikely, he is an option that would be considered for January. Whilst Semenyo does have a clause, £65m in one hit is a big ask for any club.”

Despite being cheaper than initially expected, £65m would be a huge outlay, but it could be worth INEOS breaking the bank to sign the Ghanaian, who would become one of Man United’s top ten most expensive signings of all time.

Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie recently lauded his teammate as “scary good”, having already racked up nine goal contributions in the Premier League, although he would’ve been frustrated not to add to his tally against Aston Villa last time out, being denied from the penalty spot by Emiliano Martinez.

Still, there have been some very encouraging signs from the London-born forward, with perhaps his best performance coming in the Cherries’ 3-1 win against Fulham, picking up a brace and an assist, which resulted in a 9.5 SofaScore match rating.

Having struggled recruitment-wise in recent years, Man United may have finally found a winning formula, bringing in proven Premier League stars Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the summer, and Semenyo would be a similar type of signing.

Man Utd preparing British-record bid for £200m superstar The new Ronaldo: Man Utd preparing British-record bid for £200m superstar

Manchester United are looking to make further attacking investments after this summer’s spending.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025

Dwarshuis is back in Australia’s squad for the final two T20Is while Reddy may be ready to return to action for India

Andrew McGlashan05-Nov-2025

Mitchell Marsh and Suryakumar Yadav exchange smiles•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Big Picture: Who will strike gold on the coast?It’s not often an India series is overshadowed but, in many Australian cricket circles at least, this T20I series is not the major talking point, although it is far from insignificant for those involved. The day before the fourth match, with the series locked at 1-1, the Ashes squad dropped and it will likely continue to be picked over in the days ahead.There are even fewer links in Australia’s squad for this series to the upcoming Ashes with Travis Head and Sean Abbott having been released. Josh Inglis, who will have a quick turnaround into Sheffield Shield cricket after the series is done, is the only one who remains who is among those to be involved in Perth.Related

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Arshdeep's career highlights the balancing act T20 cricket imposes on India

Head leaves T20I squad for red-ball Ashes preparation

India were excellent in leveling the series in Hobart. The chase was an example of their immense batting depth in T20 cricket. Only Tilak Varma had a strike-rate below 125, Washington Sundar, playing his first game of the series, hurried the game to a conclusion with some powerful strokeplay and Jitesh Sharma played with confidence having also come into the team.Tim David batted brilliantly for Australia, a continuation of his evolving role higher up the order which has the makings of a critical change to the team’s T20 plans heading into the World Cup. His 74 off 38 included one of the biggest sixes seen. However, the home side couldn’t quite recover from losing Mitch Marsh (who had only faced 14 balls by the eighth over) and Mitch Owen in consecutive deliveries against Varun Chakravarthy, although Marcus Stoinis’ well-constructed 64 was another positive for them.For Australia the last two matches of this T20 series played across Thursday and Saturday bring an end to an intensive run in the format. They are the last before the selectors will need to name a T20 World Cup squad although BBL form may yet play a part.Form guideAustralia LWWWW
India WLWWWBen Dwarshuis brings left-arm variety to Australia’s attack•Getty Images

In the spotlight: Ben Dwarshuis and Abhishek SharmaLeft-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis put together an impressive run of games against West Indies and South Africa earlier this year, but has had some niggly injuries the past month which has limited him to one T20I out of the last six. But he is back in the squad for the final two games against India, replacing Abbott, and will bring valuable variation to the attack. With Mitchell Starc having retired from T20Is and Spencer Johnson working through a long-term injury, Dwarshuis is the leading candidate to fill the left-arm pace role at the World Cup.If Abhishek Sharma hasn’t tried to hit every ball for four and six, then he’s come close. On a more serious note, he did show the layers to his game with the superb 68 at the MCG in tough conditions. He is the only India batter with over 100 runs in the series and they have come at a strike-rate of 167.16. However, in Hobart he was out-thought by Nathan Ellis’ bouncer. He needs 39 runs for 1000 in T20Is. If Abhishek reaches the mark in this match he would equal Virat Kohli’s record of 27 innings as the fastest for India and he would become the fastest globally balls faced. Suryakumar Yadav is currently the quickest from 573 balls; Abhishek has currently faced 500.

Team news: Eyes on Maxwell, Reddy may be readyHead’s departure from the series creates a vacancy for Matt Short to return to his favoured opening position. Glenn Maxwell wasn’t quite ready to return from his wrist injury in Hobart but it’s understood he is expected to be available. Dwarshuis would appear a logical addition to the pace attack unless Mahli Beardman is handed a debut.Australia (possible): 1 Matt Short, 2 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Tim David, 5 Mitch Owen, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Xavier Bartlett, 9 Ben Dwarshuis, 10 Nathan Ellis, 11 Matt KuhnemannIndia may consider the role Shivam Dube is currently playing after an expensive three overs in Hobart although they have all bases covered with their plethora of allrounders. Nitish Kumar Reddy may be available again after injury. “He did all his work that was needed or expected of him in fielding, batting, and bowling,” bowling coach Morne Morkel said. “He ticked all of that, so we will find out now after assessment where he is at.”India (possible): 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Axar Patel, 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Jitesh Sharma, 8 Shivam Dube, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit BumrahPitch and conditionsThere have only been two previous men’s internationals at Carrara – and one became a 10-over game – so previous evidence is limited. In the BBL the ground has the sixth-highest batting strike of venues to have hosted at least 10 matches.Stats and trivia Glenn Maxwell needs one wicket for 50 in T20Is, Marcus Stoinis needs two. They could each be the first Australia men’s player to complete the 1000 runs/50 wickets double in T20Is. Nathan Ellis needs three wickets for 50 in T20Is. Tilak Varma needs nine runs for 1000 in T20Is.Quotes”You need to have options available. Every team across the world are playing around with options. In this game, you need to be adaptable and where certain players can give you options in different roles.”