New target: Chelsea now racing Arsenal to sign £43m "king of kings" striker

Chelsea have now joined the race to sign a £43m striker, who is also being targeted by a number of other Premier League clubs, according to a report.

Blues making moves to sign new attackers

As we edge closer to the summer transfer window, the Blues have started to step up their pursuit of new forwards, having now opened talks to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, amid the uncertainty surrounding Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho’s futures.

Madueke has emerged as a target for AC Milan, with the Italian club lodging a £33m bid for the England international, while there have been widespread reports that Sancho could be sent back to Manchester United, if Enzo Maresca’s side pay a £5m fee.

Not only are the west Londoners keen on strengthening out wide, but they are also well-known to be interested in a new striker, and Jon Obi Mikel recently revealed Napoli’s Victor Osimhen “really wants” to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea willing to bid £60m+ for "extraordinary" star who is ready to move

Enzo Maresca is looking to take advantage of his situation this summer.

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By
Sean Markus Clifford

Mar 23, 2025

Other options include Premier League stars Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, with a pre-summer bid for the Englishman believed to be in the works.

There is no shortage of strikers on the shortlist, but Chelsea have now joined the race for another forward, with a report from Viola News revealing they are now closely monitoring Fiorentina’s Moise Kean, who is a subject of interest for several English clubs.

Fiorentina'sMoiseKeancelebrates after the match

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are also in the race for Kean, who has a €52m (£43m) release clause in his contract with the Italian club, which is starting to look like a bargain fee.

The Italian recently bagged two goals for his national side against Germany, which has thrust his name back into the spotlight, and there is a feeling £43m could be way below his actual value.

"King of kings" Kean impressing for club and country

The Italy international made a real statement by scoring a brace against Germany on Sunday evening, and he has also been extremely impressive at club level this season, picking up 20 goals and three assists in all competitions.

The former Everton man is showing real signs of development this season, with football writer Mina Rzouki claiming “his performances just keep getting better”, while also dubbing the 25-year-old the “king of kings”.

It looks like the striker’s career could finally be taking off, having been inconsistent in the past, failing to adapt to life in England during his time with the Toffees, while also struggling to regularly provide goals for Juventus over the past three seasons.

While his previous spell in England will be a concern, it is exciting news that Chelsea are in the race for Kean, and if he is able to maintain his current levels of performance, £43m could prove to be a bargain fee.

Tottenham in position to seal "bargain signing" of "interesting" striker

Tottenham Hotspur are now believed to be in a good position to seal the astute capture of an “interesting” striker this summer, despite him attracting plenty of attention from elsewhere.

Tottenham play Liverpool as Postecoglou looks to avoid 19th Premier League defeat

Ange Postecoglou’s sacking at the end of the season is highly likely as things stand, according to reports, and it could occur regardless of what happens in their Europa League campaign (The Telegraph).

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Spurs decision-makers now want to show ambition.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025

Spurs have tasted defeat a woeful 18 times in the Premier League this season, and a 19th loss against Liverpool today would equal the Lilywhites’ record for most defeats in a single campaign since the competition was formed in 1992.

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Postecoglou’s side will come up against a side who could be crowned champions of England, so Tottenham will have to be at their very best to avoid a rout and bring confidence into their all-important Europa League semi-final clash against Bodo/Glimt.

“I think you want to do more than that,” said Postecoglou on whether Tottenham just want to come through Liverpool unscathed.

“You want to go there and compete against, obviously, a very good side, and compete well and its not just about getting through unscathed, you want to get through having played well against the top team. And I think irrespective of what’s on the horizon. That’s the primary importance.

“They have been brilliant in the league this year. They have been really consistent, maintained a really high level. They have had the best players playing all the time and playing at a really high level. That is a credit to Arne, his coaching staff and the players themselves. They have been close in the last few years and the fact they are on the cusp of potentially winning another title is a credit to everyone involved.

“In the cup game first leg, I thought we were really good, we took the game to them even though again we had quite a few absences and. worked really hard to get a win in that game, so we know it’s going to be tough at the weekend, but at the same time I think it’s a great challenge for us.”

Tottenham "well-placed" to sign Feyenoord striker Zepiqueno Redmond

Away from their tough trip to Anfield, news has come to light of the club’s transfer activity ahead of this summer.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, writing for Football Insider, Tottenham are now “well-placed” to seal a deal for Feyenoord striker Zepiqueno Redmond – who will leave the Eredivisie side on a free when his contract expires and could be a “bargain signing”.

The highly-rated 18-year-old, a Netherlands Under-19 international, has broken into the Feyenoord first team this season, making four senior league appearances, but they now look set to lose him for nothing as Spurs seek to take full advantage.

He is apparently regarded within the game as a real snip, with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig labelling him among the Netherlands’ “interesting” crop of brand-new talents.

New target: Chelsea eye move for £50m star who's "similar to Bellingham"

Chelsea have now identified an “incredible” midfielder as a potential summer transfer target, but there may be fierce competition for his signature, with a whole host of Premier League clubs keen, according to a report.

Blues stepping up summer transfer plans

While the Blues have long since been out of the Premier League title race, they are still on course to have a fairly successful season, with Friday’s 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur solidifying their place in the top four.

However, if Enzo Maresca’s side are to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool next season, they may need to strengthen in a number of areas, with a striker believed to be of particular interest.

A £59m bid has been submitted for Real Madrid’s Endrick, while Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is also interested in a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with a deal possible for a fee of around £68m.

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ByEmilio Galantini Apr 3, 2025

Central midfield hasn’t been a problem position this season, with Moises Caicedo receiving rave reports, but there have been suggestions Maresca could also look to strengthen his options in the engine room this summer.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool also keen.

Eintracht Frankfurt'sHugoLarssonscores their first goal

Larsson’s impressive performances this season have put him in the Blues’ sights, with checks being conducted, and they are planning to watch him closely when he comes up against Tottenham in the Europa League next week.

Previous reports have suggested the Swedish midfielder is valued at £50m, but his stock could well rise if he continues to perform well between now and the end of the campaign.

"Incredible" Larsson could be excellent signing

Maresca is blessed with some quality options in the middle of the park, with Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez among Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League this season, but there are plenty of signs the Frankfurt midfielder could still be a solid addition.

Sport1-journalist Christopher Michel has lauded the 20-year-old as “incredible”, and he has proven himself as a major goalscoring threat for Frankfurt over the past year, ranking in the 92nd percentile for non-penalty goals per 90.

Perhaps in part due to his goalscoring ability, the Frankfurt star has been lauded as “very similar to Bellingham” by football scout Ben Mattinson, who has also praised him for his ability in possession of the ball.

Larsson could be an excellent signing for Chelsea, but given that they are already well-stocked in midfield, signing a top striker should be their top priority this summer.

Arsenal leading race to sign 21 y/o La Liga star with "enormous potential"

Arsenal are now preparing a bid for a midfielder who has “enormous potential”, and they believe he would be a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s system, according to a report.

Gunners pursuing a midfielder

Arteta will undoubtedly be very pleased with Declan Rice’s performances recently, with the Englishman scoring two remarkable free-kicks to put the Gunners in a very strong position to reach the semi-final of the Champions League.

However, the manager is keen to strengthen his midfield even further this summer, with the Spaniard and new sporting director Andrea Berta looking to bring in a partner for Rice, and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains one of the key targets.

The north Londoners are set to trigger Zubimendi’s £51m release clause, having already reached an agreement on personal terms, but there is set to be stiff competition for the midfielder’s signature, with Real Madrid also keen.

Arsenal now among favourites to sign £39m forward after Sane blow

The Gunners are switching to a different option.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 13, 2025

The Real Sociedad maestro is not the only La Liga midfielder on the shortlist, however, with a new report from Spain revealing Arsenal are now leading the race for Valencia’s Javi Guerra, who has emerged as a key player for the Spanish side this season.

Guerra’s performances have attracted the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, but the Gunners are currently in the driving seat, and they are now preparing to make a considerable offer for his services.

Valencia's JaviGuerrain action with Atletico Madrid's Samuel Lino

Having closely followed the maestro’s performances, the north Londoners are convinced he would be a perfect fit for Arteta’s system, but it could be tricky to get a deal over the line.

Valencia are reluctant to sanction the midfielder’s departure, given his emergence as an important player, but there is an awareness it will be difficult to keep hold of him, amid widespread interest in his signature.

"Explosive" Guerra could has "enormous potential"

The youngster has established himself as a key player for Valencia this season, making 30 appearances in La Liga, during which time he has picked up two goals and three assists, and there are signs he could get even better.

Valencia director Miguel Angel Corona clearly believes the central midfielder is a future star, saying: “We are fully aware that we have a player with enormous potential for the future and the ability to perform at a good level now.”

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has also given an overview of the Valencia star’s abilities, while praising him for a solid display against Celta Vigo earlier this season.

Guerra could be an excellent addition for Arsenal in midfield, so it is exciting news they could soon formalise their interest by making a huge bid.

Crystal Palace to make controversial move as Parish eyes Freedman successor

Crystal Palace have confirmed the departure of sporting director Dougie Freedman, and now the Eagles are eyeing up a controversial move in a bid to replace him, according to a recent report.

Freedman leaves Selhurst Park for Saudi Arabia

The 50-year-old has been with the South Londoners since 2017 and has been at the heart of their recent success off the pitch in terms of bringing players such as Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, and Dean Henderson to the club.

Crystal Palace eyeing Griezmann-esque £21m forward who's an "absolute star"

The Eagles are closely following a young forward who has been compared to Antoine Griezmann.

ByDominic Lund Mar 12, 2025

Freedman was linked with moves to Manchester United and Newcastle United in the past to take up similar roles, but he remained at Crystal Palace and continued to work with Steve Parish. However, on Monday, that came to an end, as he has now left his role at Palace to take up a role overseas, believed to be in Saudi Arabia.

Palace confirmed Freedman’s departure in a statement on their official website, in which Freedman also spoke and stated how much of an “honour” it had been to work at Palace, and he is “incredibly proud” of the work that has been done. “I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners and to all the staff, managers and players who have been at the club during my time here. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning from and working alongside you all.

“It’s been an honour to represent the club, and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done, with the Chairman’s support, in growing the football club into its current position. To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.

“Finally, a huge thank you to all the fans for your continued support and passion – especially with how you’ve helped new signings and academy products settle into life at Selhurst Park by supporting and getting behind the team.

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“Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart, and I will continue to look for results and follow the club’s progress closely.”

Crystal Palace eyeing controversial move to replace Freedman

As Freedman’s departure has now been confirmed, according to The Daily Mail, Parish and Crystal Palace are eyeing up Iain Moody to replace the 50-year-old.

The report states that Palace are looking to re-shape their recruitment team, and Moody is likely to take up a more prominent position. Moody has been working as a managing director at Sapienza Football Consulting for the last 10 years and remains close to Parish.

Moody has worked with the Eagles before, but his time with the club was very controversial. He was the club’s sporting director for 11 months between 2013 and 2014 before he resigned under a very big cloud after it was alleged he had sent racist, homophobic, and sexist text messages to Malky Mackay, who he had worked with at Cardiff City.

Since his exit, Moody has been back at Selhurst Park to watch Crystal Palace games, and given his relationship with Parish, he could be one to watch as a replacement for Freedman.

جدل في الهلال حول ماركوس ليوناردو.. استبعاده من الدوري يُثير الدهشة ووكيله يُعلق: ننتظر بيان رسمي

أوضح باولو جارسيا، وكيل أعمال البرازيلي ماركوس ليوناردو، مهاجم فريق الهلال الأول لكرة القدم، أنه لم يتم إخطار اللاعب سواء من قبل إدارة النادي أو الجهاز الفني بشأن ضمه إلى قائمة الفريق الآسيوية فقط، واستبعاده من القائمة المحلية بسبب تجاوز السن القانونية.

ويبلغ ليوناردو 22 عامًا، في حين تنص لوائح دوري روشن السعودي على أن كل فريق يمكنه تسجيل 25 لاعبًا في قائمته، منهم ثمانية لاعبين أجانب، ولاعبان من مواليد 2003، أي أقل من 21 عامًا، ما يلزم تسجيله ضمن قائمة الأجانب الثمانية للفريق الأزرق.

ويضم الهلال في قائمة الأجانب الحاليين كلًا من: السنغالي خاليدو كوليبالي، الصربيين سيرجي سافيتش وألكسندر ميتروفيتش، المغربي ياسين بونو، الفرنسي ثيو هيرنانديز، الأوروجوياني داروين نونيز، البرازيليين مالكوم ورينان لودي، والبرتغاليين جواو كانسيلو وروبن نيفيز، بينما يشغل البرازيلي كايو، البالغ 21 عامًا، خانة لاعب المواليد الأقل من 2004.

طالع أيضًا | بعد أزمة الهلال.. الاتحاد السعودي يُقر تعديلات رادعة على لوائح الانسحاب

وكانت تقارير قد أشارت مؤخرًا إلى نية الجهاز الفني للهلال ضم ماركوس ليوناردو إلى قائمة دوري أبطال آسيا فقط، دون تسجيله في الدوري السعودي.

وفي تصريحات لصحيفة “الرياضية” السعودية، قال جارسيا: “لا أعلم ما تتوقعونه سماعه مني، لكن يمكنني القول إنني مندهش من خبر عدم تسجيل ماركوس ليوناردو في الدوري السعودي، لقد قدمنا الكثير من أجل النادي وجماهيره، وسأنتظر بيانًا رسميًا من الإدارة، وإذا صح ما يُتداول بشأن تسجيله في القائمة الآسيوية فقط، فسيكون ذلك مخيبًا للآمال”.

وعند سؤاله عن وجود عروض أوروبية أو برازيلية حالية للاعب، نفى وكيله وجود أي تحركات بهذا الخصوص مؤكدًا: “ليس لدينا أي شيء حاليًا. ليوناردو لاعب في الهلال، وهو سعيد هنا، وقلبه أزرق”.

ومنذ انضمامه إلى الهلال في سبتمبر الماضي، خاض ليوناردو 43 مباراة سجل خلالها 29 هدفًا وصنع 4 أهداف.

Topley looks to make up for lost time after getting through warm-ups unscathed

A last-minute injury cost him a crack at last year’s T20 World Cup. Now he’s fit and making a case to be in England’s first-choice attack

Matt Roller03-Oct-2023

Reece Topley picked up 3 for 23 in the warm-up game against Bangladesh•Getty Images

Warm-up games carry an unwelcome sense of jeopardy for Reece Topley. On the eve of last year’s T20 World Cup, he trod on a boundary toblerone ahead of a game against Pakistan at an empty Gabba and ruptured ligaments in his left ankle, ruling him out of the tournament.There was a sense of relief, then, that he made it through England’s low-key win over Bangladesh unscathed on Monday night. Not only that: he returned figures 3 for 23 in his five overs, spread across two spells with torrential rain causing a long delay between them, and delivered an inch-perfect yorker to Mahedi Hasan with his first ball after the break.”I’ve been steering clear of any mishaps and playing it quite safe – and I’ll continue to do so ahead of the first game,” Topley said, before England flew to Ahmedabad on Tuesday afternoon. “Obviously I don’t want any repeat of what was so gutting last year. It was a tough period to go through.Related

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“I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, because these are the moments and the events that you dream of being a part of… hopefully I can play my part this year and make up for lost time, if anything, and make a contribution to England going all the way again. I’m looking forward to getting some game time, just as I was anticipating last year, and this time, hopefully, I can help the team retain the trophy.”For England, it was a useful run-out after their first warm-up game, against India, was wiped out entirely by rain. “We got everything we needed from the game,” Topley said. “What we did out there was a steady effort, but nothing too taxing, to be honest – so, a good box ticked to get us ready and raring to go for the opening match.”Topley will be in the selection mix when England train in Ahmedabad on Wednesday night ahead of Thursday’s tournament opener against New Zealand. He is one of six frontline seamers in the squad, and while he may miss out if they select only three, his case for inclusion is helped by an impressive record against left-handers – with New Zealand likely to field four in their top seven. Topley averages 22.07 against left-hand batters in ODIs, and 29.58 against right-handers.”Everyone is fighting for a spot in that final XI,” Topley said. “But whatever XI they end up picking, the whole squad is right behind each other. It is going to take a squad effort to be successful out here, and the side that goes out in each match will continue to live up to the exciting way we play our cricket.”If anything I would say that I’m pretty undercooked,” he admitted. “But, going into a long tournament, I don’t necessarily think that is the worst thing. I feel like I’m just about to come into my stride, hopefully.”It’s not about tearing in at the warm-up game and impressing the right people; it is about delivering in the nine group games. That last group game [against Pakistan on November 11] is still pretty far away so I feel like I’m where I should be, but there is still some work to be done for sure.”

'Thank goodness!' – Barcelona fans rage over suspicious VAR audio during decision to disallow Fermin Lopez goal in Clasico thriller with Real Madrid

Leaked VAR audio has sparked bias claims among Barcelona fans after Fermin Lopez's goal was disallowed during their win over rivals Real Madrid.

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Controversial VAR audio leak raises concernsVoice heard saying 'thank goodness' after handballBarcelona fight back to beat Real Madrid 4-3Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In a thrilling Clasico showdown on Sunday, Barcelona managed to edge past Real Madrid with a dramatic 4-3 victory. Late in the match, Fermin Lopez appeared to have scored a brilliant solo goal to make it 5-3, only for VAR to disallow it due to a handball. Leaked audio from the VAR room, where an official allegedly said "thank goodness", has sparked widespread accusations of favouritism and bias among supporters.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona's victory took them ever closer to the La Liga title, marking their fourth win in four matches over Real Madrid this season. Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick proved to be in vain, with strikes from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha (two) turning the game on its head. However, the disallowed goal and leaked audio have somewhat overshadowed result, raising concerns over VAR's transparency and impartiality in crucial matches.

Getty Images SportWHAT THE REFEREE SAID

During the VAR review, referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez was called over by official Juan Martinez Munuera. Munuera said: "Listen to me, Alex. We just detected a hand, okay? Come see it, please."

While the referee was analysing the footage, an unidentified voice apparently remarked: "With the height, thank goodness. Yes, yes, absolutely." Hernandez then confirmed: "Okay, perfect. Go ahead, it hits his hand, yes. The ball is going to go out and now give me a wide one so I can see the whole action, see how it ends. Okay, perfect, the hand is clearly up. I’m going to cancel the goal."

The entire conversation was released after the match, but notably, the "thank goodness" comment was not included in the official subtitles provided by the RFEF.

AFPWHAT NEXT?

Barcelona could look to launch a protest over the incident, but it appears unlikely given Lopez's disallowed goal didn't affect the result – or their charge towards the title. Hansi Flick's side now need just three points from their final three matches to clinch top spot, with a trip to local rivals Espanyol next up on Thursday evening.

Corinthians oficializa empréstimo de Raul Gustavo ao Bahia

MatériaMais Notícias

da marjack bet: O Corinthians oficializou o empréstimo do zagueiro Raul Gustavo ao Bahia. O defensor de 23 anos foi cedido até o final de 2023 ao Tricolor baiano, e os clubes estipularam nocontrato uma opção de compra caso a equipe nordestina queira mantê-lo ao fim do vínculo.

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da aviator aposta: + Confira quem sai, quem fica e as movimentações do Timão no mercado

Os valores para uma possível compra não foram revelados, mas o clube nordestino deve arcar com os salários do zagueiro de forma integral.

– Apesar de jovem, Raul já tem experiência de jogar Série A e torneios internacionais, fazendo bons jogos inclusive na Libertadores. A gente também buscava um zagueiro canhoto e ele vem pra suprir essa necessidade. Um atleta com perspectiva de crescimento e desenvolvimento, mas que já está pronto pra ser uma peça importante no Brasileirão – disse Cadu Santoro, diretor de futebol do Bahia.

+ Veja todas as movimentações do futebol brasileiro na nova ferramenta de mercado do LANCE!

Vale ressaltar que o Cruzeiro chegou a ficar próximo de um acordo com o Timão por Raul Gustavo, mas as conversas não evoluíram e o Bahia conseguiu fechar o negócio.

Pelo Corinthians na última temporada, Raul disputou33 jogos e marcou quatro gols, além de duas assistências. No entanto, ficou marcado por alguns erros individuais e perdeu a posição no final do ano para o jovem Robert Renan, que irá para o Zenit como parte do acordo pela permanência em definitivo do centroavante Yuri Alberto.

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Paulistão 2023

Com a chegada do jogador de 23 anos, o Bahia chega a sua décima contratação para 2023. Raul Gustavo se junta aMarcos Victor, David Duarte e Kanu como o quarto reforço para a defesa do Tricolor baiano.

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Openers lead strong Sri Lankan reply after Stirling, Campher centuries

Paul Stirling and allrounder Curtis Campher struck their nation’s third and fourth Test hundreds respectively, as Ireland stormed past their previous highest Test score early in the day, and on to a mammoth 492 by tea. Although the sheen of Ireland’s excellent first innings was dulled somewhat by the Sri Lanka openers progressing to 81 for no loss by stumps, the hosts will still have to mount a huge score of their own to put pressure on the visitors. In the last match, Ireland had been rolled for 143 and 168.It was the 64-run sixth-wicket stand between Stirling and Campher that kicked off Ireland’s day-two march, before Campher took the lead in a seventh-wicket partnership worth 89 with Andy McBrine. Although these partnerships delivered Ireland to within sight of 500, the tail fell quickly.The hosts’ primary destroyer was once again Prabath Jayasuriya, who bowled a mindboggling 26.3 of Sri Lanka’s 55.3 overs on the day – essentially only taking a break of one over between marathon spells. For those efforts, he completed what already feels like his customary five-wicket haul in Galle – the sixth time he has got a five for, in his seven-Test career. He finished with figures of 5 for 174 from 58.3 overs all up. The seamers, Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando, took two apiece.It was Vishwa who struck the day’s first blow, producing perhaps the delivery of the Test so far, to dismiss Lorcan Tucker in the first over. Pitching on a length, he jagged one back in sharply at Tucker, batting on 90, to slip between bat and pad, and clatter into off stump. That dismissal brought Stirling back to the crease. He had retired hurt on 74 on the first afternoon after suffering from debilitating cramps. However, Stirling appeared fairly fluent shortly after his day-two arrival, driving Vishwa for two off-side boundaries early in the day.But he had some nervous moments after he had progressed into the nineties. Asitha delivered an especially intense over to him when he was on 97, hitting him on the shoulder, before getting him to fend another short one away – with his gloves – next ball. At the other end, Campher got to his maiden Test fifty with a slog over deep midwicket off Jayasuriya, before the action returned to Stirling, still on 97.Paul Stirling became the second Ireland batter to have a century in all formats•Getty Images

He backed away, played a T20-style cut, and nailed it. Striking Asitha way over deep point, Stirling became the second Ireland batter to own a century in all three formats, after Kevin O’Brien. Asitha would soon get him with that short ball though. He hurried Stirling into a hook next over, and the top edge settled in the hands of Dhananjaya de Silva at fine leg. Stirling had made 103 off 181 deliveries.Campher, though, found a more-than-capable partner in McBrine, and took the lead in the partnership that truly grew Ireland’s total into a giant one. Jayasuriya bowled some menacing deliveries through this period, but was occasionally flat, perhaps reflecting the difficult nature of the surface he was working with too. Campher increasingly used his feet as he strode towards a hundred, and swept beautifully as well.He was ecstatic when he got to the milestone, roughly midway through the second session, gesturing animatedly to the dressing room. Not ordinarily known for big innings, and in the team largely for his seam bowling, this was Campher’s first century in any competitive senior cricket, List A and first-class included. In fact, his previous best score had been a 72 not out in a T20I.With the wicket of McBrine, who on 35 threw his bat at a Vishwa delivery he needn’t have, Sri Lanka began to reimpose themselves. Jayasuriya took Campher’s edge a few overs later, the chance flying low and to the right of Dhananjaya, who took a spectacular diving catch. Jayasuriya would then get Graham Hume lbw, before debutant Matthew Humphreys holed out slogging.Sri Lanka’s openers then made smooth starts. Nishan Madushka was tight with his defence, but unleashed some rasping cut shots when the seamers strayed wide of off stump. Dimuth Karunaratne picked up his usual leg-side boundaries to get himself moving, and had little trouble picking up runs into the outfield in between. He had sauntered to 39 off 45, and Madushka was 41 off 64, before dark clouds descended on Galle, and forced the close of play an hour earlier than scheduled.

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