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Bangladesh finally found a way to bat like a confident unit and that only happened because they realised they should always be looking for runs, even on tough pitches

Mohammad Isam in Dhaka11-Nov-2018One of the areas that Tamim Iqbal discussed with the Bangladesh batsmen during and after the first Test against Zimbabwe was the pace of their innings. He isn’t a big believer in defending too many deliveries for the sake of survival, which is what Bangladesh tried to do in Sylhet. Tamim feels batting becomes easier when you’re always on the lookout for runs, regardless of the match situation.Bangladesh suffered a familiar top-order collapse on the first day of the Dhaka Test but their recovery from that was simply excellent. They even crossed the dreaded 169, having failed to do so in each of their last eight innings. The 266-run partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque is the fourth-highest by a Bangladeshi pair. Mominul became the first batsman from his team to get to three 150-plus knocks, while Mushfiqur became only the 10th wicketkeeper to score six Test hundreds.

I found out why he is one of the top five players in Bangladesh. It really affected me. I think his input was important for me. I think it is one of my best hundredsMominul on Mushfiqur’s influence and making runs on a tough pitch

The change in fortune, particularly on an “unpredictable” pitch, was down to Mushfiqur and Mominul recognizing quite early that scoring runs will bring them comfort at the crease and in turn have the opposite effect on Zimbabwe’s bowlers.Mominul was the first to hit a boundary; by lunch he had four – one skewed over gully but the other three timed through midwicket, cover and mid-off. Mushfiqur was more careful, only looking for boundaries after the first interval. He had four fours when he reached his fifty.The pair had a great time in the middle session, scoring 151 runs in 32 overs. Mominul reached his century during this time, and as the partnership went into a higher gear, it became evident that they had cut out the risks and were working hard to grind down the Zimbabwe bowlers.In the last eight innings, the last of which was in Sylhet, the same batsmen had a hard time avoiding loose strokeplay. But here, there was a fine mix of deliveries left alone throughout their long partnership, with Mushfiqur especially careful against the fast bowling of Kyle Jarvis and Tendai Chatara. He reached his hundred after the tea interval, his first Test century since February 2017, against India in Hyderabad. The former Bangladesh captain has been very consistent in ODIs and T20Is during this period, but in Tests, especially with Tamim out injured, he needed to do better. And on Sunday, he most certainly did.Mushfiqur Rahim is pumped up after reaching his hundred•AFP”Mushfiqur bhai guided me throughout my innings,” Mominul said. “I found out why he is one of the top five players in Bangladesh. It really affected me. I think his input was important for me. I think it is one of my best hundreds. It was an interesting innings. It was tougher than some of my other hundreds.”Mominul is an instinctive top-order batsman. He made a good start to the year with his hundred in each innings against Sri Lanka. But apart from a 182 against Ireland A in August, he has had a lean time in 2018. But despite getting out to loose strokes several times in the last eight months, his confidence was evident even in Sylhet. Here in Dhaka, on a far more challenging pitch, Mominul scored freely but always made sure to pick the right balls to hit.”I didn’t see much of a difference [between this innings and the previous Tests]. I should have scored in the last five or six innings. You get out of the rhythm sometimes. Maybe something goes wrong with the routine, which I try to maintain.”I don’t try to complicate my batting. It is easier if you focus only on seeing the ball and playing the ball. You have to be mentally strong. Sometimes people say things when I am not scoring runs but that’s normal. Everyone would.”Still, there were the odd silly mistakes. Mominul survived dropped catches (albeit tough ones) on 9, 25 and 120 leaving no doubt that Bangladesh have a long way to go to become a fully confident Test batting unit. The three early wickets they lost also suggested the same. They were at a virtual standstill with Imrul Kayes and Liton Das finding it hard to get scoring opportunities in the first 11.1 overs. Imrul got out to a fine delivery but Liton and then Mohammad Mithun played poor shots after struggling to get the ball off the square.These were silly mistakes that could have cost Bangladesh heavily. Instead, through the Mushfiqur-Mominul record fourth-wicket stand, the home side have a stronger foothold in the contest.

Granit Xhaka has been offered a return to the Premier League by recently promoted Sunderland, who are interested in the former Arsenal captain.

Xhaka eyed by SunderlandReportedly in talks with Saudi Arabian teamPreviously starred for ArsenalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Sunderland have made an audacious approach for Xhaka, who is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer after just two years back in Germany. The reporter claims the Black Cats are in contact with the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions over a €10 million (£8.6 million) transfer and are willing to offer the 32-year-old Switzerland international a three-year contract.

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Sunderland aren't the only side interested in recruiting the midfielder. The former Gunner has reportedly been in talks with Saudi Arabian side Neom which would see Xhaka receive a significant pay rise, while AC Milan have been keen on him in recent months without making much progress in negotiations with Leverkusen.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sunderland were something of a surprise package last season as they won promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, but that hasn't stopped them investing heavily in their squad in anticipation of their first season back in the top flight since 2016-17. Enzo Le Fee's loan move has been made permanent, while Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra have all arrived at the Stadium of Light.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR XHAKA?

If Xhaka were to move to Sunderland, he would be tasked with filling the boots of Jobe Bellingham, who left the club earlier in the summer to sign for German outfit Borussia Dortmund.

Looking to put their champions status to instant use, Liverpool are now reportedly set to submit a concrete proposal to sign a serial winner who is available at a bargain price this summer.

Liverpool just getting started with big summer ahead

It was Mohamed Salah’s words which sparked motivation after last season’s third-place finish and those words now have a place in Anfield history after Liverpool went on to achieve exactly what he promised.

The Egyptian took to social media last season to say: “We know that trophies are what count and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season. Our fas deserve it and we will fight like hell.”

Liverpool could now be offered instant Robertson heir in stunning swap deal

The Reds would instantly benefit.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 30, 2025

Fast-forward less than 12 months and Liverpool did, in fact, fight like hell and they did, in fact, become champions once again. The Egyptian King more than lived up to his promise, enduring his own historic season to make sure that his side are back where many believe they belong. But he’s not done there.

Salah once again took to social media this week to reiterate that his focus is already on repeated success next season, albeit whilst taking time to celebrate Liverpool’s 20th league title.

FSG could yet share that sentiment too, with recent rumours suggesting that Liverpool could be in for a summer of spending. The likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are just two players who have already been linked with a move to Anfield this summer and now the Reds are reportedly preparing a concrete offer for a serial winner.

Liverpool preparing Coman proposal

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now preparing a concrete proposal to sign Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich this summer. The Premier League champions are reportedly frontrunners for his signature in a deal that would cost them just €40m (£34m) in the coming months.

The Frenchman has won it all throughout his career, from the Champions League, to several Bundesliga titles as well as league titles in both France and Italy. Now, at 28 years old, he could attempt to add another to his set by joining Liverpool and helping them to make it two from two under Arne Slot.

Whilst Coman has struggled for starts in the Bundesliga this season, he may get a starting role at Liverpool if Luis Diaz does leave the club this summer, which is a rumoured possibility. It’s then that his task would be to replicate or improve on the South American’s success within Slot’s front three.

Starts

12

26

Goals

5

12

Assists

4

5

Key Passes per 90

2.38

2.19

Once dubbed “brilliant” by former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, the numbers show that there’s still a talented player in Coman, who has simply been denied key game time at times this season.

There’s no stopping Amazon Warriors, while Patriots script a remarkable turnaround to get into the playoffs

Hemant Brar01-Oct-2019Patriots turn it around, Amazon Warriors maintain winning streak
After losing four out of their first five games of the season and looking down for the count, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots bounced back to register four wins in their next five matches to become the second team after Guyana Amazon Warriors to qualify for the playoffs.Patriots captain Carlos Brathwaite, who triggered the turnaround with an all-round performance in a Super Over win against Trinbago Knight Riders last week, was again the star of a last-ball win against Barbados Tridents. Chasing 150, Tridents were cruising at one stage but Brathwaite’s three quick wickets had them stumbling from 85 for 2 to 99 for 7. Raymon Reifer took the game to the last over but with two required from the final delivery, Dominic Drakes bowled Harry Gurney to seal the game.ALSO READ: Khary Pierre – Trinbago Knight Riders’ master of thriftTridents themselves qualified for the playoffs on Sunday as Harry Gurney and Hayden Walsh Jr helped them defend 141 against St Lucia Zouks. Their victory also ensured Knight Riders a top-four spot.Warriors, meanwhile, stretched their winning streak to eight games – a new CPL record – and booked a top-of-the-table finish with two games still in hand.On the other end, Chris Gayle’s homecoming didn’t prove auspicious for Jamaica Tallawahs as the two-time champions failed to make it to the top four for the first time in the seven years of the CPL.Fastest CPL fifty and the Pollard-Holder send-offs
During the Tridents v Knight Riders game, JP Duminy put on a show with the bat, the ball and in the field as Tridents snapped their eight-match losing streak in home games. Building on a 110-run opening stand between Johnson Charles and Jonathan Carter, Duminy raced away to the fastest CPL fifty – off 15 balls – breaking Evan Lewis record – 17 balls – set earlier this season. During his 20-ball 65, Duminy smashed seven sixes and four fours.JP Duminy dispatches one over deep midwicket•Getty ImagesBut he wasn’t done yet. During Knight Riders’ innings, his brilliant running catch – he sprinted from long-off to complete the catch at long-on – sent a dangerous-looking Colin Munro back. Then he picked up the last two Knight Riders wickets to cap a perfect outing.During the same match, the two captains – Kieron Pollard and Jason Holder – were involved in a dramatic sequence of send-offs. It started with Pollard dismissing Holder during the first innings and escorting him till the boundary line. Holder then returned the favour when he caught Pollard near the long-off boundary and ran all the way to third man to see off the batsman. However, a hug after the game suggested there was no hard feelings between West Indies’ new ODI team captain and his predecessor.Batsman of the week
Warriors’ Brandon King continued his good form with an unbeaten 81 off 59 balls against Zouks. Chasing 162, King played the anchor’s role when his opening partner Chandrapaul Hemraj was going at it and took to attack only in the second half of the chase. Having reached to 32 in as many balls, he struck three sixes and a four in his next five balls to shatter Zouks’ hopes.With scores of 12, 81*, 51*, 59 and 49 in his last five innings, King propelled his tally to 287 runs (average 47.83, strike rate 142.78), and is now third on the run-charts.Bowler of the week
After Sandeep Lamichhane left for the national duty, USA international Walsh stepped up for Tridents and returned figures of 5 for 19 – the third-best in CPL history – in Duminy game. At one stage, he had figures of 2-0-4-4, including a three-wicket over. The legspinner not only overcame the dewy conditions but also a star-studded batting line-up. His scalps included Denesh Ramdin, Pollard, Jimmy Neesham and Darren Bravo.In the next game, Walsh got 2 for 37 against Patriots before causing another collapse against Zouks, picking up 4 for 26 that included another three-wicket over. Despite playing only five games, he is currently the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 scalps at an average of 9.80 and a strike rate of 7.8.

Coach Sanath Kumar credits format-specific training and improved fitness for the team’s outstanding run to the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Deivarayan Muthu24-Feb-2018After narrowly missing out on qualification for the Ranji Trophy knockouts and the Super League phase of the 20-overs Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Andhra’s band of underdogs are eyeing their maiden domestic title, having stormed into the semi-finals of the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy with seven wins in a row. On Sunday, they will square off against the Cheteshwar Pujara-led Saurashtra in Delhi.That they have achieved their best winning streak in List A cricket is down to improved self-belief, according to Sanath Kumar, their head coach. Sanath was recently the the glue in Assam’s remaking, despite their sub-standard infrastructure and an absence of big names. He is now inculcating the same principles in Andhra’s transformation following years of underachievement.”I have worked with better and stronger teams. The skillsets across teams are largely the same but the mental strength differs,” Sanath tells ESPNcricinfo. “Some of these Andhra boys, in fact, are more talented, but we were lacking in self-belief and mindset. They did not believe in themselves before, but this season I have kept telling them to back themselves and gave them confidence. That’s when you get recognition and results.”Andhra’s run to the semi-finals has been remarkable: they have knocked off higher-profile teams such as defending champions Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Mumbai and Delhi. Hanuma Vihari, their captain who moved here from Hyderabad, has led the way with 353 runs in seven innings at an average of 58.83 and a strike-rate of 108.61.In the game against Madhya Pradesh, he took nasty blows to the helmet, but shook them off and marshalled his team to victory with a 60-ball 61. This display of resilience and self-confidence has had a trickle-down effect. “Hanuma Vihari has grown in a big way as captain this season, and continues to lead by example,” Sanath says. “And my equation with him is good, I give him a free hand. He can handle things and once the game starts he is always the boss of the team.”Vihari has been complemented by 21-year-old Ricky Bhui, who has made 256 runs in six innings at an average of 64 and strike-rate of 90.14. This includes three successive fifty-plus scores against Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Mumbai. Bhui, however, had apparently been troubled by self-doubt before the start of the tournament. A one-on-one session, Sanath says, helped clear the batsman’s cobwebs.”When I was having a chat with Ricky Bhui, he told me: ‘Sir, everybody tells me there is some problem with my technique and I always play square of the wicket’. I told him it’s the wrong perception and that he can play square of the wicket because he has so much time to play that shot,” Sanath explains. “All I told him was to play straight initially and not worry too much about technique because he’s a good player. Once you’re well set you can automatically play all your shots. He’s working on it accordingly and has been consistent in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.”Sanath feels creating an environment where players feel secure is key to his methods. “If you show the right attitude and give 100%, I will back you,” Sanath says. “That’s what happened in Assam and now at Andhra. If the players feel secure, they perform well. The talent in Andhra is tremendous, Assam did not have a bigger pool, and I tell these [Andhra] players they have to aspire for higher honours. I keep telling them not to be tensed in the nineties. A hundred is not the goal. Think about the double-hundred.”Andhra’s fitness was a major hindrance in the 2016-17 season, and Sanath addressed this by roping in Subhadeep Ghosh, who had worked with him at Assam, and Sudarsan, the former India trainer, as the fielding coach and fitness trainer respectively. The results are starting to show, with the side showing increased agility and athleticism, and sharper reflexes.”Subhadeep Ghosh and Sudarshan have improved the fitness a great deal,” Sanath says. “It has resulted in the boys taking outstanding catches and playing back-to-back games. Subhadeep is a tireless guy, he gives hundreds of catches and makes the players do the drills. The slides in stopping boundaries have put pressure on the opposition.”On the bowling front, different players have stepped up in different situations. D Sivakumar carved up Delhi’s top order in the quarter-final while Bandaru Ayyappa has picked up at least one wicket in every match. Twenty-year-old Karthik Raman claimed 4 for 32 and 3 for 55 against Gujarat and Mumbai respectively, while left-arm spinner Bharghav Bhatt, their professional, has bowled with the new ball as well as in the middle overs.”There is a lot of depth in the bowling attack. Besides the frontline bowlers we have Prithviraj, who is talented but was not considered as he was injured,” Sanath says. “We also have back-up players like Bhaskar Reddy, a sharp left-arm seamer, C Stephen, and Harishankar Reddy, who bowled a lot of yorkers in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.”Sanath credited meticulous preparation for Andhra’s players not buckling under pressure. In the pre-season KSCA tournament, Andhra emerged as champions and followed it with another title win in the local Vizzy Trophy. Ahead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sanath broke up the squad into three teams and set specific targets for them.”During our net sessions, I make three teams – A, B, C – for inter-squad matches. I look for intensity and whether they are able to read the situation smartly. For the one-day tournaments, we had specifics like range six-hitting and playing scoops. In the same way for the bowlers we used to have yorker practice. Fielding is made absolutely compulsory for everybody.”Simulation challenges the players. Sometimes, I take three batsmen in a team and set different targets for them to score or chase down. Every time one gets out, we minus some runs. When such a situation like that comes in a game, they will be confident that they have done that before.”After training, Sanath lets the players “party hard”. And that’s the recipe for Andhra’s near-perfect set-up.

While the exact duration of his second term is not yet known, it will be at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup in June

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-20235:10

Bal: ‘The natural cycle for this job should be WTC final in 2025’

Rahul Dravid will continue as India’s head coach after accepting the BCCI’s offer to extend his term. While the BCCI did not specify the duration of the extension, it will be at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.Dravid became the head coach in November 2021 for a two-year term that ended at the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup earlier this month. While India has risen to the top of the Test, ODI and T20I rankings under Dravid as coach, they were unable to win any ICC trophies – finishing as semi-finalists in the 2022 T20 World Cup, and runners-up in the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup. India’s run in the ODI World Cup was particularly impressive: they won all nine league games and the semi-final, before losing the final to Australia.ESPNcricinfo learned that the BCCI wanted Dravid to stay on to ensure continuity to the structure he had put in place over the past two years, which might otherwise get disrupted under a new coach.Related

Dravid: 'We haven't played any fearful cricket in this final'

India's heartbreak is most poignant in the dashed hopes of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid

BCCI offers to extend Dravid's stint as head coach

“The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable,” Dravid said in a statement announcing his contract extension. “Together, we have witnessed the highs and lows, and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal. I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room. It’s a culture that stands resilient, whether in moments of triumph or adversity. The skills and talent that our team possesses are phenomenal, and what we’ve stressed is following the right process and sticking to our preparations, which has had a direct impact on the overall result.”I thank the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in me, endorsing my vision, and providing support during this period. The demands of this role necessitate considerable time away from home, and I deeply appreciate my family’s sacrifices and support. Their instrumental role behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence.”Dravid’s first assignment in his second stint as head coach is India’s tour of South Africa, which starts with three T20Is and three ODIs from December 10 followed by two Tests, in Centurion (from December 26) and Cape Town (from January 3). India then play a five-Test series against England at home, before the T20 World Cup in June.Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, said Dravid had the board’s “full backing”. “Team India is now a formidable unit across formats, and our top ranking in all three formats directly reflects his vision, guidance, and the roadmap he charted for the team,” Shah said. “Having won 10 consecutive games before the final, our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, and the head coach deserves appreciation for setting up the right platform for the team to flourish. The head coach has our full backing, and we will provide him with all the support needed for sustained success at the international level.”The BCCI has also extended the terms for India’s support staff: Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).

In a move which would see them get one over on their London rivals, Chelsea have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign a Champions League-winning midfielder this summer.

Chelsea transfer news

After flying out the blocks and even putting their name in contention for the Premier League title race, Chelsea have gradually struggled to maintain their form more and more throughout the current campaign and now sit outside of the top four. With just 11 games remaining, the Blues must rediscover their best form if they are to return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2022/23 season.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League is unlikely to stand in the way of Chelsea’s spending, as has often been the case during Todd Boehly’s time at the club. But this time, the American may not even need to splash the cash to land an instant upgrade.

According to The Boot Room, Chelsea have now been offered the chance to sign Joshua Kimmich ahead of Arsenal, who have reportedly already held talks over securing the German’s signature.

BlueCo ready to finalise Chelsea deal to sign new £12m South American gem

He’s one for the future…

1

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 1, 2025

In what would be quite the hijack, the Blues could land the bargain of the summer with Kimmich’s current Bayern Munich deal set to expire at the end of the season, making him a free agent.

A versatile Champions League and World Cup winner, Kimmich will certainly have his pick of suitors this summer and Chelsea could yet be among those. In a squad full of youthful exuberance, the London giants could add vital experience at the heart of their midfield.

"Clever" Kimmich could partner Caicedo

When Romeo Lavia was fit and firing next to Moises Caicedo at the start of the season, it came as little surprise that Chelsea’s midfield was thriving more than it has done in previous years. They had finally found their partnership. The issue, however, is that Lavia has once again struggled on the injury front to undo all of the good work that the Blues were doing at the heart of Enzo Maresca’s side.

His struggles beg the question as to whether Maresca should aim for reinforcements in that role and Kimmich’s availability should hand those at Stamford Bridge a clear answer.

League stats per 90 24/25 (via FBref)	Joshua Kimmich	Romeo Lavia
Starts	23	8
Progressive Passes	10.8	2.88
Tackles Won	1.02	1.69
Ball Recoveries	6.13	4.75

Eight Premier League starts all season tells the story of Lavia’s season once again at Chelsea, whilst Kimmich has remained as reliable as ever at Bayern Munich.

Dubbed “clever” by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, attracting Kimmich could prove to be a tough task without Champions League football to offer, adding to the importance of Chelsea’s pursuit of a top four finish in the Premier League this season.

After helping Spain edge past France in a 5-4 thriller, Gavi shared an emotional moment with his former Barcelona team-mate Ousmane Dembele.

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Gavi wears Dembele's jersey after Spain beat FranceSwaps shirts with former Barca team-matePosted 'I love you brother' message on InstagramFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After Spain's exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in the Nations League semi-final, Barcelona midfielder Gavi was seen wearing the jersey of his former team-mate, Ousmane Dembele. The two shared an emotional embrace, exchanged shirts, and Gavi later posted a heartfelt message: "I love you brother."

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The 20-year-old and Dembele built a strong friendship during their time at Barcelona. Gavi was still in the youth system when Dembele arrived from Borussia Dortmund but the pair spent two seasons together after the youngster was brought up to the senior squad before the Frenchman left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

WHAT GAVI SAID?

In a recent interview with , Gavi spoke warmly about Dembele: “For me, Ous has to be in the top three for the Ballon d’Or. He’s like a brother to me and an amazing player. I’ve always believed in him. And if one of us wins it, either him or Lamine [Yamal], it will be a dream.”

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR GAVI AND DEMBELE?

Spain now prepare to face Portugal in the Nations League final. Gavi, just back from an ACL injury, could see more minutes on the pitch. As for Dembele, his France side will meet Germany in a third place play-off.

da leao： In what would see them get one over on their rivals, Nottingham Forest now reportedly want to sign a young Brazilian gem worth just £5m this summer in a deal that could see Edu Gaspar become key.

Nottingham Forest could use Edu advantage

da apostaganha： In his first summer standing alongside Evangelos Marinakis and working for the clubs across his portfolio, Edu could prove to be a key part in Nottingham Forest’s transfer window – especially if they qualify for the Champions League this season.

The former Arsenal sporting director helped rebuild the Gunners into consistent title challengers but could not resist the chance to secure a more important role across more clubs under Marinakis. Now, it’s those at the City Ground who could benefit.

Already enjoying the fruits of previous successful recruitment, it should now be about sustaining their place among the Premier League’s best for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Given how he plucked Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano in 2018 too, it should come as no surprise to see that Edu’s focus has instantly shifted towards signing a Brazilian sensation in the Midlands.

According to Nosso Palestra, Nottingham Forest now want to hijack Wolves’ move to sign Riquelme Filippi this summer. Reports are indicating that their Midlands rivals are already preparing a £5m bid to sign the Palmeiras winger, but that doesn’t look set to stop Forest’s own pursuit of signing the 18-year-old.

Related Nottingham Forest eyeing signing of "the best player in the Belgian league"

The Tricky Trees have joined the race for a midfielder who has impressed in the Champions League this season.

Posts ByDominic Lund Mar 13, 2025

In a race against their rivals, Edu could quickly become key. The South American market is one that the club chief knows well from his time at Arsenal and during his time as a player for Corinthians at both the start and end of his career.

So, as the summer approaches, it may not be long before Marinakis’ decision proves worthwhile as Fillipi continues to impress in Brazil.

"Entertaining" Filippi is a rising star

Whilst Fillipi is not a player who’d make an instant impact on Espirito Santo’s strongest side, the young forward is undoubtedly one for the future. At youth level this season, the teenager has been a goalscoring machine – finding the back of the net 11 times in just nine games for Palmeiras.

As a result of his excellent form, Fillipi has earned impressive praise from the likes of U23 scout Antonio Mango, who described the forward as “one of many entertaining players at Palmeiras”.

If Nottingham Forest are looking for a permanent place in the Premier League’s top four, then welcoming young stars who could play a part for years to come would certainly be a good start.

Up against Wolves in pursuit of Filippi, the Midlands outfit could even receive the added boost of getting one over on their rivals by securing the winger’s signature this summer.

The allrounder will miss the match against Perth Scorchers on Wednesday

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Dec-2023Melbourne Stars have suffered a huge blow to their hopes of bouncing back from a horror start to the BBL with Glenn Maxwell ruled out of their next match against Perth Scorchers due to injury.Maxwell picked up an injury to his forearm when batting against Brisbane Heat on the opening night of the competition where he made 23 off 14 balls as Stars were heavily beaten by 103 runs.Related

• BBL previews: Maxwell could light up Stars as Scorchers aim for hat-trick

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He had medical attention twice in middle and had his forearm taped, then was seen icing it in the dugout after his dismissal at the Gabba. Maxwell’s absence will put more onus on Marcus Stoinis to lead the batting line-up while it also means Stars miss an important spin-bowling option.Stars face Scorchers on Wednesday at the MCG then have a 10-day gap until their next outing, against Sydney Thunder in Albury on December 23, which the club will hope gives Maxwell time to recover and only miss the one game.”Biggest forearms in the world and he’s pulled a muscle,” team-mate Hilton Cartwright joked after the game and before confirmation that Maxwell would be ruled out.”He’s had a nice break, came back super positive and he’s still super positive [after the loss]. On a night like tonight you’ve got to keep reminding yourself you’re not a bad team.”Stars also appear likely to be without Nathan Coulter-Nile after he picked up a calf strain against Heat. He came out to bat at No. 11 with a runner.”Nathan Coulter-Nile will undergo scans this weekend to determine damage to a calf injury suffered whilst bowling against the Brisbane Heat,” a club statement said.Stars will hope to be able to call on Pakistan quick Haris Rauf after he was not selected against Heat having only just arrived in the country. England fast bowler Olly Stone was one of their three overseas players along with Liam Dawson and Usama Mir.