Dhruv Jurel, meanwhile, is likely to take the keeping gloves from Ishan Kishan

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Nov-2024

Is KL Rahul set for another Test-match role reversal?•Getty Images

KL Rahul is likely to open alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran in India A’s second unofficial Test against Australia A, which begins on Thursday in Melbourne. With India likely to be without Rohit Sharma at the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rahul and Easwaran seem set for a direct face-off to be selected as Yashasvi Jaiswal’s opening partner for the first Test in Perth, which starts on November 22.ESPNcricinfo understands that Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, who departed for Australia before the rest of the Test squad to gain game-time playing for India A, will both feature in the Melbourne four-day game. With Rahul partnering Abhimanyu at the top, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who opened in the first unofficial Test in Mackay, is set to drop down into the middle order, with Jurel taking the wicketkeeping gloves from Ishan Kishan.Related

Rahul, Jurel to leave early for Australia and play second A game

Rohit: 'More comfortable' with match simulation than practice match

Abhimanyu, Harshit Rana, Reddy picked for India's tour of Australia

Rohit Sharma in doubt for India's first Test against Australia in Perth

India captain Rohit’s participation in the early part of the Australia tour is in doubt for personal reasons. There is still some uncertainty around this, and on Sunday, at the end of the 3-0 home-series defeat to New Zealand, he said he “wasn’t too sure if I’ll be going to [Perth]”.If Rohit is unavailable, India’s team management will have an interesting choice to make at the top of the order. Abhimanyu was called up to the Test squad for the Australia tour as the designated third opener, and at the time of selection had scored centuries in each of his four most recent first-class games. In all first-class cricket, Abhimanyu has 27 centuries in 100 matches, and averages 49.40.Rahul, meanwhile, was originally a candidate for the middle order. Since the 2023-24 South Africa tour, Rahul has batted exclusively in the middle order in Test cricket, scoring 339 runs in 10 innings at an average of 37.66 – higher than his career figure of 33.87 over 53 Tests – including a century at Centurion and two fifties.Rahul, however, has plenty of experience of facing the new ball overseas, and is one of only two Asian openers to have scored Test centuries in England, South Africa and Australia. Those high points, however, have come against the backdrop of a less-than-spectacular overall record as opener: 2551 runs in 75 innings at 34.94.Dhruv Jurel could put pressure on Sarfaraz Khan if he scores runs in the second unofficial Test•AFP/Getty Images

If Rahul does return to the top of the order, it will be something of a reprise of the 2021 England tour, which he began having stated his intention to bat in the middle order. Injuries to Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal, however, created a vacancy at the top, which Rahul filled on the course of a successful tour that included a century in a memorable win at Lord’s.By the start of the 2024-25 home season, Rahul’s career had gone through several further twists, and he was now established as India’s first-choice No. 6. He was left out of the first XI after the first Test against New Zealand, however, with Sarfaraz Khan – who had replaced the injured Gill in India’s XI – moving above him in the pecking order with a second-innings 150. Five visits to the crease during India’s home season brought Rahul scores of 16, 22*, 68, 0 and 12.Sarfaraz, for his part, does not start the Australia tour as a certainty in the XI. After that 150, he failed to get past 19 in four innings against New Zealand, and has never previously played Test cricket outside India. Given the pacy, bouncy conditions expected in Perth, India may yet be undecided on whether to pick Sarfaraz at No. 6, or play Rahul there – in which case Abhimanyu opens if Rohit is absent – or, in a left-field move, pick both Jurel and Rishabh Pant and play one of them as a specialist batter.With Pant unavailable while recovering from knee injuries sustained in his December 2022 car crash, Jurel made his Test debut in the home series against England earlier this year, and impressed both behind and in front of the stumps. He scored 190 runs in four innings at an average of 63.33, and his innings of 90 and 39* in a tense victory in the fourth Test in Ranchi won him the Player-of-the-Match award.Jurel has not played any Tests since Pant’s return, but has cemented his spot as India’s reserve keeper and an exciting future prospect.Given all the possible permutations in Perth, the selectors and team management will likely pay as much attention to Jurel’s displays in Melbourne with both bat and gloves as they do to those of Rahul and Abhimanyu against the new ball.

Senny Mayulu has attracted interest from the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester City joining the race after Tottenham were snubbed.

Mayulu on Premier League's radarChelsea & Man City keen on signing talented midfielderPSG have already rejected an offer from TottenhamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Mayulu has caught the eye of some of Premier League's biggest clubs, as English outlet reports that Chelsea and City have joined the race to sign the teenage midfielder. They also revealed that Tottenham made a push to sign Mayulu late in the recently-closed transfer window, but PSG rejected their offer.

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Les Parisiens are convinced of the growing role their young midfielder could play. Their refusal to negotiate with Spurs illustrates the club's desire to hold on to its young talents, such as Warren Zaire-Emery and Desire Doue.

Mayulu's rise to prominence has been rapid. After making his first-team debut in January 2024 as a 17-year-old, Luis Enrique entrusted him with an important role in the squad, albeit as a rotational piece. Regardless, Mayulu managed to make 34 appearances last season, scoring six goals. 

His goal in the Champions League final against Inter made him the third-youngest goal scorer in a Champions League final, behind Patrick Kluivert and Brian Kidd. This achievement changed his status, transforming him from a promising youngster to a player wanted by Europe's elite.

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A versatile midfielder, Mayulu can play in almost any position, which is a major asset for Luis Enrique. After proving his mettle last season, his playing time is expected to increase this term, particularly during the injury-enforced absences of Ousmane Dembele and Doue. Valued at €15 million (£13m/$18m), he remains a real bargain for English clubs.

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AFPWHAT'S NEXT?

Although Tottenham failed to convince him, history has a twist in store: PSG and Spurs will meet again in November in the Champions League. This will be an opportunity for Mayulu to cross paths with the club that wanted to snatch him away from Paris. Although they were unable to sign him this summer, Spurs intend to try again during the next winter transfer window.

Chelsea are seriously weighing up the prospect of player exchanges, to both trim their bloated squad and reinforce Enzo Maresca’s own options.

£90m star very open to joining Chelsea with Nicolas Jackson swap possible

The Senegalese faces an uncertain future.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025

Fresh off their impressive Club World Cup campaign in the USA, where they won six of their seven matches en route to a statement 3-0 win over PSG in the final, BlueCo continue their attempts to reshape the side ahead of a vital Premier League season.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea are under some pressure from UEFA to sell players after being fined for breaching FFP rules recently (Kaveh Solhekol), but Maresca is believed to personally want more attacking options as well (Simon Phillips).

As a solution to Chelsea’s need for player sales, and their desire to bring in more signings after a trio of deals for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, it is reported that ‘unofficial swap deals’ are being pondered at Stamford Bridge.

“The Blues are still weighing up a number of new targets in attack and other areas,” wrote journalist Simon Phillips on Substack this week.

“Unofficial swap deals are something Chelsea and other clubs have done a lot of lately to help balance the books of both clubs and keep within PSR rules. They make sense really and help both clubs and help deals get done. They aren’t swap deals as such, more like favour for a favour separate deals.

“Chelsea are still weighing up some opportunities for this. And although my top source is still hearing nothing at all on Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, something that has been backed up by Fabrizio Romano this week who says there has been no bid or even talks between Chelsea and United for Garnacho as of now, our source does also say that the only way it would happen is part of a ‘swap’ deal.”

Interestingly, Phillips also reported in the aforementioned Substack update that a player who could leave Cobham, in exchange for someone like Garnacho, is versatile attacker Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman still faces an uncertain future, despite impressing at the CWC, and has been told that he’ll only have a squad role next season.

Meanwhile, Joao Felix is widely expected to leave and has held talks over a return to boyhood club Benfica (Standard Sport).

Chelsea offer João Félix and Christopher Nkunku in exchange for Rodrygo

Now, as per Spanish news website Real Madrid Confidential, Chelsea are continuing to express an interest in £207,000-per-week Los Blancos forward Rodrygo.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Maresca’s side were plotting to use Nicolas Jackson in a potential swap for the Brazil international, and now RMC claim that Chelsea have proposed Nkunku and Felix in exchange for Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old is yet to make a final decision about leaving Real this summer, after scarcely being used by new manager Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup, but it appears west London is emerging as a serious potential landing spot amid links to Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.

Rodrygo bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham calling him the most “underrated” player in their squad.

Newcastle United’s summer transfer window has not gone to plan. In fact, some would say it’s gone to the dogs.

However, we still have a month of market mayhem ahead of us, and Eddie Howe is intent on bolstering the key areas after leading the Toon back into the Champions League with a fifth-place Premier League finish last season.

The shrewd tactician also engineered an incredible triumph in the Carabao Cup, ending so many years of searching for an elusive major trophy.

Let’s not forget, Anthony Elanga has signed for a £55m fee, while Southampton shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale is undergoing his medical ahead of a switch to Tyneside. The Three Lions man was hailed for his “phenomenal” quality when at the Emirates by ex-Arsenal legend David Seaman.

Howe and his transfer team plan to add a centre-back to the ranks ahead of the forthcoming campaign too. However, it’s a centre-forward that St. James’ Park want, especially as Alexander Isak wishes to explore a transfer to Liverpool.

But is Benjamin Sesko going to end up in black and white?

Newcastle's pursuit of Benjamin Sesko

Sesko’s has been a name which has attracted it’s measure of attention on the English scene over the past year or so. Last summer, Arsenal wanted the Slovenian striker, wanted him bad, but failed to convince Leipzig to part with their young star, albeit with a gentleman’s agreement placed that he could jump ship in one year.

But the Gunners have since signed Viktor Gyokeres, and now Newcastle are primed for a shootout with Manchester United, who have no European football on the cards after finishing 15th in the league last year.

The plain truth, of course, is that the Red Devils remain one of the biggest outfits in the world, and their success in signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom were chased by Newcastle and other top clubs besides, illustrates the concerns around pushing ahead for Sesko.

Of course, Newcastle must try. Sesko, 22, is one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, having scored 39 goals and supplied eight assists across 87 matches for Leipzig, of which just 62 have come from the starting whistle.

He’s worth chasing, all right, but if Newcastle prove unable to get the job done, there’s another who has emerged as a candidate who might prove a fantastic signing.

Newcastle make enquiry for Sesko alternative

Newcastle have opened talks with Fulham for striker Rodrigo Muniz, making an enquiry for the Brazilian. That’s according to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, who also revealed that Newcastle are indeed locked in a battle with Man United, both teams having initiated contact.

However, the 24-year-old Muniz would be the ideal fallback, with the discussions with intermediaries leading the Toon to believe that a £40m bid could get the job done.

Newly-promoted Leeds United have also been in for Muniz this summer, but Howe will surely be confident that his team would win the battle, should their interest rise to the next level.

Why Newcastle want Rodrigo Muniz

With Isak reported to be training at his former club Real Sociedad’s facilities in Spain, there’s a growing sense that the damage is irreparable and that PIF should cash in for a record sum.

Especially given that the funds could be shrewdly redirected to a talent such as Muniz, who has been described as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by his Cottagers teammate Willian.

Joining Fulham from Flamengo in 2021, Muniz has garnered a reputation for his clinical shooting under Marco Silva’s wing, ranked among the top 3% of Premier League forwards in 2024/25 for non-penalty goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

He might not start every week, but Muniz is always improving and would bring a guaranteed goal threat to Howe’s system, something Sesko cannot promise given that he only scored 13 times in the Bundesliga last year, and would be taking the daunting leap over to the English top-flight game.

Rodrigo Muniz in the Premier League

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

26 (18)

31 (8)

Goals

9

8

Assists

1

1

Shots (on target)*

2.8 (1.0)

1.3 (0.6)

Big chances missed

4

5

Pass completion

62%

66%

Key passes*

0.7

0.2

Dribbles*

0.2

0.2

Tackles + interceptions*

0.5

0.5

Duels (won)*

4.6 (39%)

3.7 (52%)

Data via Sofascore

Perhaps he is a centre-forward whose output comes in stacks, like bursts of fire with frustrating pauses in between. But even so, there’s no denying the South American’s natural coolness in front of goal.

Indeed, he’s missed just nine big chances across his past two years in the Premier League, scoring 17 times.

Looking at Sesko in the Bundesliga across the same timeframe, the 22-year-old has missed 18 big chances, scoring 24 goals.

Not much to separate them, then. But Sesko is unrefined, yet to tap into those tubes of potential and direct them all to a nucleus which has yet to fully form.

How many times have we seen an exciting talent arrive in England only to fall by the wayside? Instead, Newcastle could sign a player who has proven themselves in the division and would be joining a team with bucketloads of creative flair.

Of course, given the sheer depth of financial recoupment that would come from Isak’s sale to Liverpool, there is no reason why Howe could not welcome both stars to St. James’ Park this summer.

Muniz is tough and tenacious, with his physical style leading pundit Alan Shearer to say he’s “horrible to play against.” Newcastle need a bit of that, marrying into the high technical quality of Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and the like.

This clinical striker would add a dimension to Howe’s project, no doubt, and while Sesko’s potential is exciting to think about, there’s every chance he would take a while to get up to speed on English soil, should he even reach his lofty potential at all.

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Posts ByWill Miller Jul 29, 2025

Trent Alexander-Arnold learned he was joining Real Madrid earlier than expected during Liverpool's celebrations after winning the Premier League title.

• Trent learned of Real move during parade
• Defender joined early for £8.6m fee
• Trent spent 20 years at Liverpool

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alexander-Arnold, 26, was given the shock news that the Reds had accepted a £8.6 million (€10m/$11.7m) offer to allow him to move to the Spanish giants on June 1 as Arne Slot's side held an open-top bus parade after clinching their 20th league crown, according to The report claims that the defender was pulled to one side by Michael Edwards, Liverpool's chief executive of football, sporting director Richard Hughes, and Mike Gordon, president of the club's U.S. owners Fenway Sports Group.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

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  The England international had previously announced on May 5 that he was leaving Liverpool on a free transfer when his contract expired on June 30. Alexander-Arnold described his decision to end his 20-year association with his boyhood club as "the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Real have made a strong start to the new 2025-26 La Liga season, winning their opening three games against Osasuna, Real Oviedo and Mallorca. Alexander-Arnold featured in all three fixtures but he was left out of Thomas Tuchel's squad for England's World Cup qualifying double header against Andorra and Serbia this month.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD, LIVERPOOL AND REAL MADRID?

  Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to help Real make it four wins from as many La Liga games when they travel to Real Sociedad on September 13. Xabi Alonso's men then get their Champions League campaign under way when they host Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu on September 16. Alexander-Arnold will later return to Anfield when Real take on Liverpool in the Champions League on November 4.

Crystal Palace are stepping up their level of intent in the summer transfer window and could now be set to enter the box seat to sign a talented Champions League finalist, according to reports.

Oliver Glasner sends honest Crystal Palace transfer message

The Eagles have endured a slow start to the transfer window, which has seen only Borna Sosa and Walter Benitez arrive in South London, prompting Oliver Glasner to share his frustration over club dealings that have left the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss with a slim squad to work with.

He stated: “Even though all the players are still here, we haven’t made the most of the transfer window so far. I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year.

“As of now, I have 17 outfield players! I hope we don’t lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible.”

Inevitable speculation over Crystal Palace hero Eberechi Eze’s future hasn’t helped matters, with Arsenal showing strong interest in bringing the England international to North London.

In terms of incoming, the Eagles are fighting to sign Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea. However, they will need to bat aside AC Milan, Newcastle United and Napoli to secure his signature.

Girona star Viktor Tsygankov is also on the radar of Crystal Palace, potentially offering an alternative creative outlet for Glasner to utilise if Eze moves on following a stellar few years at Selhurst Park.

Either way, movement needs to occur sooner rather than later, and supporters could be in for a treat if recent developments are to accelerate. Crystal Palace preparing offer for Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck

According to Gazetta dello Sport, Crystal Palace are preparing a €32m (£27.5m) bid to sign Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck, which will be the highest that any club has offered to sign the Germany international.

Playing a part in the Nerazzurri’s run to the Champions League final last term, the Eagles are now said to be in the ‘front row’ to tempt him away from San Siro amid his current employers’ openness to selling him if a suitable offer comes along.

Yann Bisseck’s key Serie A statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Tackles won

70.6%

Recoveries

66

Pass accuracy

92.4%

Aerial duels won

48

Duels won

76

Labelled “consistent” by scout Jacek Kulig, Bisseck made 46 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, registering three goals and three assists in total. West Ham United have also previously shown interest in the 24-year-old. However, Crystal Palace now look to be ahead on that front amid uncertainty over Marc Guehi’s future.

With the England man holding off on signing a new contract amid interest from Liverpool, Bisseck could emerge as a natural replacement should movement start to take place on the former’s situation in the coming weeks.

Reinforcements are necessary as Crystal Palace tread the line between being caught short heading into the new season, and a statement addition would undoubtedly lift the mood after a summer that hasn’t gone to plan so far.

Arsenal enter the 2025/26 campaign with their sights set on shaking off their reputation as nearlymen and winning the Premier League trophy for the first time in two decades.

Mikel Arteta has added some instant-effect quality to his ranks, but he will also be emboldened by the emergence of prodigious talents like Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri, the latter of whom has just penned a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal want silverware this season, but they also want to sustain their illustrious place at the top of European football for many years to come, and are prepared to sign another highly valued prospect to develop this vision.

Arsenal targeting new elite prospect

Viktor Gyokeres, signed from Sporting Lisbon for £64m, will bring goals to the front of the senior Arsenal system, while Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard add mettle and high-level quality to the middle of the park.

Transfer Focus

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

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But Arsenal love to incorporate the youth into their journey, and that could be achieved through the signing of one of European football’s most sought-after talents.

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have entered the race for Ajax prospect Aaron Bouwman, who has been valued at €40m (£35m) despite having yet to break into the senior side.

Chelsea are thought to be in the lead, but if the Gunners canvass their proposal quickly, there’s every chance that they could win the race for the precocious centre-half.

Why Arsenal want Aaron Bouwman

Bouwman has been riding the crest of a wave in recent years, one of the standouts at Ajax’s famed youth academy, which might just be the finest in the world.

Though Arsenal already boast a fantastic backline, led by the brilliant William Saliba, Bouwman might be worth pursuing, for he could emerge as Arteta’s next version of the French defensive force.

Praised as a “wonderful talent” by journalist and youth scout Antonio Mango, Bouwman hasn’t yet made his senior debut for Ajax, but he found himself on the bench two times last season, and with the mounting excitement surrounding his signature rubber-stamped by the recent interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest outfits.

He has, however, featured 42 times for the development side, playing with enough confidence to convince some of England’s elite outfits that his is a signature worth pursuing.

Though it doesn’t seem likely that Arsenal would fork out £35m on a player who has yet to grace the professional pitch, they did pay a similar fee back in July 2019, with the centre-back, who was 18 at the time, joining the north Londoners from St. Etienne for around £27m.

Now of the belief that he is “one of the top three defenders” in the Premier League, Saliba marks a fine representation of Arsenal’s data analysts pouncing when they know that an up-and-comer if worth paying for.

After all, the teenage Saliba had only played 16 matches in Ligue 1 across the 2018/19 season, starting 13 times, but he had done enough to convince the Gunners that he had the potential to become world-class.

And now he is. The France international’s Premier League performances over the past three years certainly underscore exactly how talented a player he is, and shed some light on why technical director Andrea Berta is willing to push ahead and fork out a sizeable figure for a youngster like Bouwman.

William Saliba’s Premier League Career

Stats (* per game)

22/23

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

27 (27)

38 (38)

35 (35)

Goals

2

2

2

Assists

1

1

0

Clean sheets

11

18

12

Touches*

77.6

82.9

82.4

Pass completion

91%

93%

95%

Key passes*

0.2

0.2

0.2

Dribble success

90%

71%

67%

Ball recoveries*

7.7

5.61

4.6

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

1.9

2.4

Clearances*

3.0

2.1

3.4

Duels (won)*

4.0 (61%)

3.7 (60%)

4.3 (64%)

Data via Sofascore

Some might say Saliba’s meteoric rise is a lightning-in-a-bottle sort of success, but Arsenal’s talent radar is finely tuned, and Bouwman might just be the next big thing.

Related Better signing than Rodrygo: Arsenal plot move for £45m "superstar"

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Sunny Dhillon was charged in September 2023 and is the latest to be banned from the Pune Devils franchise

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Dec-2024Sunny Dhillon, a former assistant coach with Pune Devils franchise in the Abu Dhabi T10 league, has been banned from all forms of cricket for six years by the ICC. It was found that Dhillon breached the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code.Dhillon was among eight individuals charged last year, including Bangladesh allrounder Nasir Hossain, for breaching the anti-corruption code during the Abu Dhabi T10 in 2021 for alleged attempts to influence the outcome of matches during the tournament. The others charged at the time also included two of Pune Devils’ co-owners (Krishan Kumar Chaudhary and Parag Sanghvi), two domestic players, their batting coach (Ashar Zaidi) and team manager Shadab Ahamed.While Hossain was banned in January this year for two years, Zaidi, Sanghavi and Choudhary were handed bans in August 2024, after they admitted to corrupt activities and breaching the ECB anti-corruption code.”These efforts were disrupted by the ICC and the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO) for the purposes of the ECB’s Code for the tournament,” an ICC release said. After a full hearing and presentation of written as well as oral argument, Dhillon was found guilty of: Article 2.1.1 – Being party to an attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly matches or aspects of matches in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021. Article 2.4.4 – Failing to disclose to the DACO full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct under the Code. Article 2.4.6 – Failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with any investigation carried out by the DACO in relation to possible Corrupt Conduct under the Code.Dhillon’s ban has been back-dated to September 13, 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended.The 2021 edition was the last time Devils were part of the tournament. They finished last with just one win in six matches.

Manchester United are rallying themselves to try and enjoy an improved Premier League season but have now pulled out of a huge deal for a priority transfer target.

Ruben Amorim speaks ahead of Manchester United vs Arsenal

The English top-flight has returned in all its glory and there won’t be a single eye in the footballing world that isn’t paying attention to Manchester United’s league opener against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ahead of the mouthwatering clash at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has confirmed that new Red Devil Benjamin Sesko is ready to start despite only having limited time on the training field in the lead-up to the clash.

“I can see Ben being a striker at this club for many years. That is why we paid a lot of money. He didn’t have a lot of time (on the training field), but physically, he is ready. That is a big component in our league. He’s ready to play, and we’ll see if he starts.”

Coming as a major boost, his arrival will form one major part of trying to reshape Manchester United’s fortunes, but who else could be set to join the Amorim revolution?

Reports suggest Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is on the Red Devils’ shortlist and carries an impressive profile that has also attracted Liverpool to his situation.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 21, 2025

In the long-term, Harry Kane could also be set for a surprise transfer to Old Trafford amid a £56 million release clause in his Bayern Munich contract that is set to activate next summer.

INEOS clearly plan to push the boat out across their reign and were prepared to shatter Manchester United’s transfer record amid recent developments.

Manchester United pull out of Carlos Baleba move

According to Graeme Bailey speaking to United in Focus this week, Manchester United were set to submit a record bid for Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba. However, despite designs on smashing the £89 million fee paid for Paul Pogba, David Ornstein has now revealed INEOS are “not planning to proceed with Carlos Baleba move this summer”.

There was “direct contact between clubs but Brighton clear – not for sale”, leading the Red Devils to look elsewhere despite the midfielder’s own keeness to move.

Last term, Baleba registered four goals and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. His personal ambitions match recent interest from high places amid claims he wants to win the Ballon D’or after Rodri’s success, given the pair feature in similar positions.

Brighton were apparently set to hold out for £115 million, and with time ticking before the window closes, Manchester United appear to have moved on to other targets with the belief a stalling deal would deprive Amorim of midfield reinforcements before the deadline.

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Rafael van der Vaart claimed Leroy Sane 'threw his career away' by joining Galatasaray, while hailing Bayern Munich’s new signing Luis Diaz.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Van der Vaart sparked debate by claiming Sane “threw his career away” after choosing Galatasaray over staying at Bayern. The winger ended his five-year spell at the Allianz Arena this summer, turning down a contract extension after changing agents and opting for a fresh challenge.

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Sane, who played over 220 games for Bayern with 61 goals and 55 assists, rejected interest from other European clubs to join the Turkish champions, citing the unforgettable atmosphere at Rams Park as a key factor. Since arriving, he has registered one goal and one assist in four starts. 

The winger's departure left the Bavarians without one of their most experienced wide men, forcing the Bundesliga champions to splash €75 million (£65m/$87m) to sign Diaz from Liverpool. The Colombian has hit the ground running, with three goals and two assists in his first four matches, quickly easing fears over losing Sane.

WHAT VAN DER VAART SAID

In an interview with , ex-Hamburg and Real Madrid star Van der Vaart criticised Sane’s decision to leave Bayern for Turkey, questioning whether the winger had fulfilled his potential. 

"Yes, definitely. Diaz is a fighter and gives his all every minute. He's very good," he  said. "But I just think Sane's development is a shame. He threw his career away himself."

The Dutchman feels Bayern will be fine without the Germany international, as he backed Vincent Kompany to lead them to Champions League success: "Why not? I always find comparisons with other teams difficult. All top teams are at a good level. But to win the Champions League, you also have to be mentally top. After the previous season and their Champions League triumph, everyone thought Paris were unbeatable. And then they almost lost the Super Cup to Europa League winners Tottenham. They even suffered a defeat in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SANE AND DIAZ?

Sane is expected to feature again this weekend when Galatasaray face Eyupspor in the Turkish Super Lig, with the winger hoping to silence his critics. Meanwhile, Bayern will face Hamburg in the Bundesliga, with Diaz looking to continue his electric start and establish himself as the club’s new attacking talisman.