Liam Norwell, the former Warwickshire seamer whose final-day heroics saved the club from relegation in 2022, has been advised to retire on medical grounds after failing to recover from a series of long-standing injuries.Norwell, 32, was released by Warwickshire in August, having not made a single senior appearance since taking a career-best 9 for 62 at Edgbaston in September 2022, to beat Hampshire by five runs in a thrilling County Championship climax.His efforts kept Warwickshire in the top flight at Yorkshire’s expense, and he was rewarded with a two-year contract extension in March 2023. However, he missed that year’s entire campaign after suffering a back injury in pre-season, and though he returned to action in four second XI games in June 2024, he tore his pectoral muscle in the last of those against Worcestershire.After undergoing another operation, his contract with Warwickshire was terminated by mutual consent. Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen said at the time: “I’m gutted for Liam because I know how hard he’s tried and trained to get back to full fitness. He’s been close to making a return on a few occasions but not quite got over the line.”After finally overcoming the back injury he suffered terrible luck by tearing his pec when he looked to be getting back to his best.”Genuinely quick on his day, Norwell took a total of 347 first-class wickets, including 94 for Warwickshire. He took 49 of those at an average of 18.21 in 2021, and was included in the England Lions tour of Australia that winter. He was named as a stand-by for England’s Test tour of the Caribbean the following spring, but later revealed that a family illness would have prevented him from answering the call.”I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Bear since joining and have shared in some great team successes and memories,” Norwell said back in August. “After finding the problem, and finally overcoming my back issues during the winter, I was hoping for a productive season and being able to return to my best.”I have worked incredibly hard but this significant injury, needing surgery, was very hard to overcome. My focus now is on getting fit and healthy again, and working out what is next for my family and I.”

Sri Lanka won their last T20I outing against New Zealand in July 2023 while Bangladesh would also want a win to keep their hopes alive

Sruthi Ravindranath11-Oct-2024

New Zealand vs Sri LankaSharjah, 2pm local timeNew Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea TahuhuSri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilshari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Sugandika KumariTournament form guide: After beating India comprehensively in their opener, New Zealand were handed a thrashing by defending champions Australia, crumbling to 88 all out in the 149 chase. Sri Lanka have lost all three matches they’ve played so far in the tournament, with the loss against India putting them out of semi-final contention.News brief: Sri Lanka broke a 12-match losing streak against New Zealand by posting their first-ever T20I win against the opponents last year. In the third T20I in Colombo in July 2023, Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama helped crush New Zealand by 10 wickets to seal a historic win. While Sri Lanka will be looking for a consolation win, New Zealand will want to win big to strengthen their semi-final chances and boost their net run rate.Player to watch:Legspinning-allrounder Amelia Kerr is one of the most reliable players for New Zealand. Against Australia, she waged a lone fight, taking four wickets and top-scoring with 29 in the chase. She took three wickets in five balls, with Australian batters struggling to read her googlies on the Sharjah pitch. She is once again expected to be key for New Zealand at the same venue against the shaky Sri Lankan batting order.Laura Wolvaardt is the leading run-scorer of the tournament so far•ICC/Getty Images

Bangladesh vs South AfricaDubai, 6pm local timeBangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha BiswasSouth Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe TryonTournament form guide: Bangladesh are coming into this game on the back of two losses – against England and West Indies – and are fourth on the table with just one win. South Africa, meanwhile, bounced back with a big win against Scotland after their seven-wicket loss to England.News brief: There are no injury concerns for South Africa. For Bangladesh though, captain Nigar Sultana seemed to be limping during West Indies’ run chase in Sharjah. She seemed to have hurt her knee and received the physio’s attention but continued to keep wickets. While Bangladesh are all but out of the tournament, South Africa’s NRR-boosting win has kept them well in contention for the semi-final.Bangladesh won the first-ever T20I they played against South Africa back in 2012 but went on to lose the next 10 matches against them. They broke the streak in December 2023, but the last T20I these two teams played ended with South Africa winning by eight wickets.Player to watch: Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s strong starts have been one of the biggest positives for South Africa. She is currently the top run-scorer of the tournament, with 141 runs in three matches. With South Africa searching for a big win against Scotland to improve their NRR, she scored 47 off 27 in the chase, hitting five fours and a six. She was excellent in the powerplay in the loss against England as well.

Newcastle United always knew this summer would involve a lot of higher-up teams battling it out for Alexander Isak’s services.

Isak’s 23-goal heroics in Premier League action just weren’t going to go unnoticed, with Liverpool targeting the lethal Swede intensely this off-season, subsequently, only to fail in their advances.

The Magpies aren’t out of the woods just yet, however, when it comes to rich teams sniffing around for their star-man, with a move now allegedly on the table for Isak to move out to the Saudi Pro League for an eye-watering £200m.

Newcastle have asserted back that the ex-Real Sociedad goal machine isn’t for sale under any circumstances, but they will surely have some strikers up their sleeves anyway this summer to try and improve their forward line even more, just in case the unthinkable occurs.

Newcastle line up swoop for £78m attacker

Already, the Magpies have forked out an extortionate £55m to land Anthony Elanga to enhance their personnel down the wings.

This spending could continue with a striker now being obtained, with reports suggesting that Newcastle are looking at Victor Osimhen as one viable option, alongside another lethal finisher from the Bundesliga – away from earlier interest in Hugo Ekitike – who would cost Eddie Howe’s Toon a mighty £78m.

This is, of course, RB Leipzig hero Benjamin Sesko.

That’s according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook who recently stated that Newcastle might well rekindle their interest in the Slovenian machine very soon, having been dealt blow after blow with other centre-forward targets.

It’s stated that Howe has admired Sesko for some time now, with a move finally getting over the line for the 22-year-old striker to move to Tyneside, representing a better deal than landing James Trafford in between the sticks, who looks to now be Manchester City-bound.

Why signing Sesko would be a better signing than Trafford

Trafford is yet another unfortunate transfer saga that has gone wrong for the Toon, with it being well-known since last summer that the Magpies were keen on the England U21 international as their future number one goalkeeper.

However, he looks set to return to boyhood employers Man City over making that expected next step to St James’ Park, but Newcastle won’t want to be up in arms about this for too long, considering they do have a dependable top-flight keeper already at the club in Nick Pope.

Whilst Trafford is the talk of the town back at Burnley for his unbelievable 29 clean sheets in Championship action last season, he has struggled in the top division previously, with a worrying 62 goals leaked across the 23/24 season with the Clarets.

On the contrary, Pope has always looked at ease with the same pressures on his back, as seen in his bumper 73 clean sheets at the elite level from 221 outings, with more pressing captures like Sesko’s now surely prioritised over seeking out improvements in net.

The table above really does hammer home why Newcastle are going all out to try and win some potent strikers this summer, with Isak leading the line on his own for most of the campaign, as Callum Wilson and William Osula only chipped in with a meagre three strikes in reserve.

With Wilson now off the Toon books, there is only the ex-Sheffield United youngster at Howe’s disposal away from the in-demand Swede, which is where Sesko might well come to the rescue.

Amazingly, Sesko – who has also been on Arsenal’s radar – would only find himself five short of Isak’s tally for Leipzig last campaign when registering a blistering 21 strikes, taking his overall count in Germany to a ridiculous 39 goals from 87 clashes.

One branded a “monster” by football journalist Eduardo Hagn for his ice-cold ability to fire home chance after chance, it does feel as if this is a splurge Newcastle can justify, especially if it goes down to the wire surrounding Isak’s future on Tyneside.

On the contrary, losing out on Trafford is unlikely to keep the Toon up at night for very long.

Ekitike 2.0: Newcastle plotting move for "chaotic" £65m Wissa alternative

Newcastle need to complement Alexander Isak with a new striker this summer.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 19, 2025

Celtic kick off their Scottish Premiership title defence this weekend against St Mirren and could now be closing in on a defensive reinforcement, according to reports.

Chris Sutton urges Celtic to do more transfer business

Underwhelming is the word most Celtic fans would use to describe their summer transfer window despite Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, Hayato Inamura, Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada coming through the Parkhead entrance.

Despite the reigning champions being linked with plenty of names over recent weeks, Chris Sutton has urged Celtic to sign a left-back, striker and winger to avoid being caught short in the name of squad depth.

He stated when asked about their remaining business: “A striker. I think left-back is still an issue as well. I think the signing of Kieran Tierney is really exciting. They’ve got Inamura in as well, but I still think that’s an area of concern.”

Later, he added on wide reinforcements: “You look at the wide areas, losing Nicolas Kuhn even though it was good money. If anything happens to Daizen Maeda, you’re in trouble. James Forrest. You’ve got Yang. I think Marco Tillio’s back as well. You get the sense it’s not where Brendan wants to be.”

Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter has been targeted by Celtic, but Brendan Rodgers could now be dragged into the latter stages of the window as he looks to recruit options on either flank.

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The Bhoys are in the market for more recruits this summer.

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 24, 2025

Truthfully, Celtic have been slow to act on the transfer front. Whether that is a by-product of waiting for quality to become available near the end of the window is one thing, though they could finally be set to strengthen an area in need of work.

Celtic in pole position to loan Manchester City's Jahmai Simpson-Pusey

According to Manchester Evening News, Celtic are in pole position to loan Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey despite the 19-year-old being the subject of alternative interest from Championship clubs.

Previously, the Hoops made contact over a swoop for the Citizens talent, and it is said that he has been earmarked for a temporary move elsewhere following an outstanding campaign last year that saw him claim the Premier League 2 Player of the Season gong.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey 24/25 – youth and senior level

Appearances

33

Goals

2

Assists

1

At first-team level, he featured six times for Manchester City across all competitions, leading Pep Guardiola to praise Simpson-Pusey’s “composure” in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Injury and arrivals at the Etihad Stadium in central defence have clogged his pathway to senior stardom, though a straight loan at Celtic would allow the former England Under-18 international to sample challenging for domestic trophies and competing in Europe.

In recent years, Celtic have been an unspoken friend of the City Football Group, which has seen the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Patrick Roberts and Olivier Ntcham go on to be landmark names at Parkhead.

After losing Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki, Simpson-Pusey could be the ideal candidate to offer depth and potential within the Hoops’ backline.

Tottenham are being threatened with legal action by Nottingham Forest for their conduct over a potential deal for playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, and while Spurs are still hopeful they can strike a deal, it is wise for chairman Daniel Levy to weigh up alternatives.

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ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources claim that Gibbs-White to Spurs is still on, and the north Londoners are optimistic of concluding a deal for the England international soon amid a “tense” situation.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Gibbs-White was on the verge of joining Spurs midway through July, with a medical scheduled around nine days ago and Levy poised to trigger his £60 million release clause.

However, Forest then blocked his move to N17, citing what they deem to be an ‘unlawful’ approach for Gibbs-White with confidentiality around his clause allegedly breached and the Lilywhites accused of tapping up the player.

“Spurs have received communication asking them to cease contact with Gibbs-White,” said journalist Ben Jacobs.

“Forest declined to comment, but sources say the club believe Spurs tapped up Gibbs-White and could challenge the manner in which the £60m clause was learned of. The Premier League will now investigate leading to the deal being delayed.”

While there is still an expectation that Forest will eventually be powerless to stop Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham from going through, the length of this delay is still unknown, and Levy won’t want to spend too much time on this as pre-season gets underway.

Thomas Frank has already led Tottenham out for a friendly against Reading, and they’ll take on Luton Town next Saturday before a tour of Asia. Frank will ideally want as many summer deals as possible completed ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, and certainly before Spurs’ first Premier League game of the season at home to Burnley.

Xavi Simons begins talks over joining Tottenham via representatives

According to CaughtOffside, Spurs could now have an alternative to Gibbs-White in the form of RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons.

The Dutchman spent a year and a half on loan at Leipzig before signing for them permanently in January, but widespread reports indicate he’s now prepared to leave the Bundesliga side this summer – potentially for England.

It would take a minimum £56 million, plus add-ons, to prise Simons away from the Red Bull Arena before deadline day, with Arsenal and Chelsea both keen on the 22-year-old (Ben Jacobs).

However, they’re not the only London clubs who are contending for his services.

According to CaughtOffside, quoting one of their sources, Simons has “begun talks” over a potential move to Tottenham via his representatives, alongside Arsenal and Chelsea.

There is also a word of caution, though, with insiders expressing concerns over the attacking midfielder’s attitude and professionalism behind-the-scenes. Since initially joining Leipzig on a temporary deal, Simons has managed a total of 21 goals and 23 assists in 76 outings, so there is little denying his quality, but Frank and Levy may have to tread carefully here.

Gibbs-White also boasts proven Premier League experience in comparison to Simons, even if the saga surrounding his future shows no sign of ending soon as things stand.

Back in November, Ruben Amorim was appointed Manchester United boss after leading Sporting CP to multiple Liga Portugal titles during his spell in charge.

Given his success during his time in the role, it’s understandable that he would want to take the talents he managed across to the Premier League with him.

Viktor Gyokeres was seen as the main target after registering 54 goals across all competitions last campaign, but the Red Devils have missed out on his signature after the Swede joined Arsenal this summer.

He’s not the only player from such an outfit to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, with winger Geovany Quenda previously on their radar before completing his own move to fellow English side Chelsea.

Missing out on both players would’ve been a huge disappointment, but the boss could be encouraged with other work being conducted within the market ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Benjamin Sesko has been a player who’s emerged as a key target for United this summer, as Amorim looks to inject added quality into his forward line during the off-season.

Talks have already been held with the RB Leipzig striker’s representatives over a deal for the 22-year-old who’s currently on their radar of fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand a player of huge interest to Amorim, according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato.

Their report claims that the Red Devils have been keeping a close eye on his progress, already submitting a €40m (£35m) bid to sign the 26-year-old Danish midfielder this summer.

It also states that the player himself would be extremely keen on a reunion with his former manager, but would need to wait for an agreement to be struck between the two clubs.

Why United’s £35m target would be perfect for Sesko

As previously mentioned, United are closely monitoring a move for Sesko this summer, with the Slovenian international seen as a key target for the centre-forward position.

The 22-year-old managed to score 21 times across all competitions last season, offering the side the needed focal point they’ve been lacking after scoring just 1.15 goals per game last season.

Such a signing could prove to be an expensive one, however, with his current employers demanding a fee of up to £80m to part ways with their current talisman during the off-season.

It’s unclear whether Sesko himself would be keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, but the hierarchy pursuing a move for his signature highlights the ambition they have to take the side up a level in 2025/26.

However, should he move to the Theatre of Dreams this summer, he could be aided in his attempts by Hjulmund, with the Sporting star possessing real quality that could provide him with numerous chances in the final third.

When delving into his underlying stats from the recent campaign, the Dane has showcased his excellent ability with and without the ball, subsequently able to offer a key option in the middle of the park.

Hjulmand, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by one analyst, completed 90% of the passes he attempted, 6.7 of which per 90 were into the final third, having the tools to provide Sesko with opportunities he needs for success.

Morten Hjulmand’s stats for Sporting CP (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

28

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

90%

Progressive passes

6.4

Passes into final third

6.7

Key passes made

1.1

Take-on success

62%

Tackles won

1.5

Recoveries made

6.5

Aerials won

56%

Stats via FBref

His talents with the ball are further reflected in his tally of 1.1 key passes per 90, whilst also completing 62% of the take-ons he attempted, evidently being more than capable of thriving under pressure.

However, despite his ability on the ball, the 26-year-old has also demonstrated his talents at regaining the ball, winning 1.5 tackles per 90, and subsequently being able to do the dirty work before having an impact in forward areas.

£35m for a player entering the prime years of his career could prove to be an excellent pickup for the Red Devils, especially considering he knows exactly what Amorim expects from his side.

If he can replicate such performance levels in Manchester, he would be a phenomenal pick-up and one that could allow Sesko to thrive in his own debut campaign if he also made the move to England.

Related Their very own Isak: Man Utd in concrete talks to sign "phenomenal" £80m CF

Manchester United could be about to land a star who’d be their own version of Alexander Isak.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 29, 2025

Manor Solomon was an integral part of Leeds United’s unbelievable promotion heroics last season in the Championship.

By the close of the season, the tricky 26-year-old winger would be held in very high esteem by Whites supporters everywhere, with a blistering ten goals and 12 assists tallied up by the number 14 across 39 league games helping to clinch the title for Daniel Farke’s champions.

Unfortunately, Solomon is yet to return to Elland Road after the loan move expired, as the promotion hero attempts to settle back into Premier League life at Tottenham Hotspur under new boss Thomas Frank.

That isn’t to say Leeds haven’t tried to land an explosive winger in the same vein as the skilful Spurs attacker, as another target down the flanks now appears on Farke’s shopping list this summer.

Leeds keeping tabs on £4m star

There are still a couple of weeks before the transfer window slams shut, meaning not all hope will be completely extinguished just yet regarding Solomon triumphantly moving back to West Yorkshire for good.

However, a summer move for Igor Paixao is certainly dead in the water, as the former Feyenoord man opted to join Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille right at the start of the month, despite Leeds’ insistent advances.

The Brazilian would have cost the Whites a significant £30m to land, with a far cheaper target now reportedly in their sights to boost their options on the left wing.

As per Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Farke and Co. are keeping tabs on Fiorentina attacker Riccardo Sottil as an alternative name to add strength down the left channel, but will face competition from Italian outfits Torino and Sassuolo for his signature.

Only valued at around the £4m mark, according to Football Transfers, this could well be a golden, cost-effective move to make on Leeds’ end, especially if Farke can rework his Solomon magic on Sottil.

Why Sottil can become Farke's next Solomon

After all, the reserve Spurs attacker was in dire need of his spirits being lifted when he arrived in West Yorkshire last summer.

Solomon was just fresh off a campaign that was derailed by serious injury, but the former Fulham forward had shown off enough flashes of quality at Spurs – with two assists from six clashes in North London – to be considered a worthwhile risk to go after.

Leeds will deem a move for the £4m-rated Italian to also be a gamble worth exploring, even as he potentially enters into the English game off a similarly disruptive loan stint at AC Milan, which saw Sottil offer up zero goals or assists from eight appearances at the San Siro.

Still, the Turin-born attacker has shown off his class before for Fiorentina, which is what Leeds will be hanging onto, knowing that Solomon came good under Farke’s tutelage down Sottil’s exact same left flank.

24/25

25

5

4

23/24

35

5

5

22/23

26

1

2

21/22

29

4

2

19/20

23

0

1

Sottil’s electric start to the 2024/25 season is what must have caught the Rossoneri’s eye, as the 26-year-old powered home five goals and four assists from just 25 appearances in Florence. In total, away from that standout campaign, Sottil also stands on a hefty 15 goals and 15 assists playing for his boyhood club.

If the former 12-time Italy U21 international can just brush his bruising experience in Milan to one side, he could be transformed into Leeds’ second coming of Solomon, with Sottil also a capable performer down the right channel, on top of further bolstering Farke’s depleted number ten ranks if needed.

It will just require some patience at Elland Road as Sottil gets up to speed with what is expected of him.

But, that patience could be justly rewarded by the Fiorentina number seven playing an eventual important role in Leeds beating the drop, having been dubbed a future talent with “room to grow” by ex-Serie A great Zlatan Ibrahimovic last season.

Leeds can seal stunning Solomon repeat by signing £30m Premier League star

Leeds United could look to replicate the success of their Manor Solomon deal by signing this attacking star.

1 ByKelan Sarson May 6, 2025