Everton are now preparing a club-record bid for Napoli star Scott McTominay, amid doubts over the future of a first-team star.

The Toffees’ interest in signing a new midfielder perhaps also stems from the fact Idrissa Gueye is now in the twilight years of his career at 36-years-old, with the 120-time Senegal international’s contract set to expire in the summer, although there is an option to extend it by an extra year.

Based on recent performances, it may be worth triggering the extension, with the central midfielder scoring the opening goal in the 2-0 victory against Fulham last time out, while also winning three duels and making three clearances.

Not only is Gueye’s future up in the air, but there is also doubt over whether James Garner will remain at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest making contact over a deal for the 24-year-old, who has impressed at times this season.

Everton preparing club-record bid for Scott McTominay

According to a report from Spain, McTominay could be a game-changing signing for Everton in midfield, should Garner leave or lose his place in the starting XI, and the Merseyside club are now preparing a club-record bid in the region of €70m (£62m).

David Moyes is an admirer of the Napoli star, who could be the manager’s new Marouane Fellaini, given his physicality and ability to arrive into the opposition penalty box from deeper areas, and the former Manchester United man may be tempted by an enticing offer to return to the Premier League.

With the Toffees looking to bring in an experienced, versatile midfielder, the Scotland international fits the bill, and there are signs he could be a fantastic addition to Moyes’ squad, having been lauded as “sensational” by broadcaster David Tanner in the past.

Not only that, but the 28-year-old is also vastly experienced in the Premier League, having made 255 appearances for Man United, and he has since really kicked on since moving to the Serie A, chipping in with 12 goals and six assists during Napoli’s title-winning 2024-25 campaign.

Everton should look to secure the futures of Gueye and Garner regardless, but McTominay could be a real statement signing, as they look to start competing for the European places again, rather than looking over their shoulders at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

Everton now battling Newcastle for South American midfielder Everton enter race to sign £88m South American "machine" with Newcastle

The Toffees need a creative spark.

1 ByTom Cunningham Nov 16, 2025

أشاد رافينها، نجم نادي برشلونة، بقدرات زميله في الفريق، موضحًا أن هذا اللاعب قد ساعد البلوجرانا على البقاء في مجريات اللقاء ومن ثم تحقيق الانتصار.

برشلونة تمكن من تحقيق الانتصار على حساب ديبورتيفو ألافيس بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف واحد، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة من عمر الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

وعاد رافينها للتواجد من جديد في تشكيلة برشلونة الأساسية، وذلك بعد غياب خلال الفترة الماضية بسبب الإصابة.

وتألق رافينها اليوم وصنع هدفين في فوز برشلونة بثلاثية، لكنه أثنى بشكل خاص على حارس مرمى البرسا، خوان جارسيا.

جارسيا قدم عرضًا مميزًا وساعد في حفاظ برشلونة على شباكه عندما كانت النتيجة 2-1 للبلوجرانا، قبل أن يسجل داني أولمو الهدف الثالث للفريق الكتالوني.

طالع .. أولمو بعد الفوز على ديبورتيفو ألافيس: لم نتأثر بعد الهدف المبكر.. وسعداء بتواجد جميع اللاعبين

وقال رافينها في تصريحات لقناة برشلونة الرسمية: ”كانت أمسية مثالية حققنا فيها الفوز، وفي ذكرى تأسيس النادي، فاجأونا في الدقيقة الأولى لكننا سيطرنا على المباراة، اللعب هنا له طابع خاص”.

وأضاف رافينها في حديثه: ”أنا سعيد بالعودة ومساعدة الفريق، ومن ثم تسجيل الأهداف، وتمرير الكرات الحاسمة والقيام بالأعمال الدفاعية، أتطلع إلى تقديم أفضل ما لدي من لياقة بدنية بعد الإصابة التي عانيت منها”.

وأوضح: ”ندرك أننا لسنا في أفضل حالاتنا، لكننا سنعمل جاهدين للوصول إلى هناك في أسرع وقت ممكن ونحن مقتنعون بما نفعله لإنهاء العام بشكل جيد”.

وعن خوان جارسيا اختتم رافينها: ”ساعدنا تصدي خوان جارسيا على البقاء في المباراة”.

Things are looking up for Chelsea.

Despite a couple of poor results earlier in the season, Enzo Maresca’s side are second in the Premier League, with a chance to cut Arsenal’s lead to just three points on Sunday.

Then on Tuesday night, they showed the continent just how dangerous they are by beating Spanish champions Barcelona 3-0.

One of the stars of that game, and of Chelsea’s season, was Estevao, and so fans should be excited about reports linking them to someone who could be seen as the original version of the wonderkid.

Chelsea target the original Estevao

The transfer window is still over a month away from opening, but that has not stopped Chelsea from being linked with a host of potentially game-changing signings.

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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For example, Nottingham Forest’s man-mountain Murillo has been touted for a £79m move to Stamford Bridge, as has Athletic Bilbao’s £62m Nico Williams.

However, as talented as those two are, neither one can accurately be described as the original Estevao, unlike Vinícius Júnior.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Chelsea are one of a couple of teams interested in signing the Real Madrid superstar.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that should the Brazilian be up for sale in the summer, the Blues will be one of the frontrunners for his signature, alongside Manchester City.

However, the report has confirmed that, even though he’d have just a year left on his deal, Los Blancos would demand a fee of around £80m.

Even so, Vini Jr is a genuinely world-class player and someone Chelsea should be happy to break the bank on, especially as he’s the original Estevao.

Why Vini Jr is the original Estevao

Now, when it comes to the similarities between Vini Jr and Estevao, there are a few that are quite obvious and somewhat surface-level.

For example, they’re both exciting wide players, they’re both Brazilian, and now they’ve both played for the national team.

However, what makes the Madrid star the original version of the Chelsea star is how they were both spoken about prior to their big-money moves to Europe.

The Blues ace, for example, was labelled a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson a few months before his deal was agreed.

Likewise, when the 25-year-old arrived in Spain over seven years ago, president Florentino Perez said: “He’s a player who is already considered one of the great hopes of Brazilian and world football.

In short, the West Londoners’ new prospect looks to be following in the footsteps of the former Flamengo ace, and they’ll certainly hope he continues.

After all, despite having a slow start to life in the Spanish capital, the São Gonçalo-born monster has now amassed 340 appearances for the biggest club in the world, during which he has scored 111 goals and provided 89 assists.

Vini Jr’s Madird record

Appearances

340

Starts

267

Minutes

24,291′

Goals

111

Assists

92

Points per Game

2.15

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, he’s helped the club win everything there is to win in the game, including two Champions Leagues, three La Ligas and one Copa del Rey.

Finally, he also has some sensational underlying numbers to his name, with FBref ranking him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, the top 3% for successful take-ons, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, with all that in mind, it’s hard to disagree with Ronaldo’s assertion that Vini Jr is “the best player in the world,” and therefore, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign him next year, especially as he could help Estevao’s development.

Related Chelsea have already signed another exciting star who's "just like Estevao"

Chelsea have already signed another youngster who could become another Estevao for Enzo Maresca.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

Ottneil Baartman will replace him for T20Is against Namibia and Pakistan, while Lizaad Williams has been included in the ODI squad for Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2025Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of South Africa’s one-off T20I against Namibia and the white-ball tour of Pakistan because of a hamstring strain.Ottneil Baartman has been named as replacement for the T20I, scheduled for October 11. He has also been included in the T20I squad for the three-match series against Pakistan later this month. Lizaad Williams, who is already part of the T20I squad, has been added to the ODI squad for the Pakistan series.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Maphaka had an injury scare while playing for Lions against Western Province in a four-day domestic match at Newlands last week. He bowled 5.5 overs in the first innings but had to leave the field with hamstring discomfort. He was taken for a scan which revealed no major damage and returned to take the new ball in the second innings. His 3 for 26 in ten overs led Lions’ charge to victory by an innings and 134 runs.However, CSA later stated that “subsequent scans and medical assessments revealed a grade 1-2 injury, and he will undergo rehabilitation over the next four weeks”.South Africa’s long tour of Pakistan begins with two Tests from October 12, followed by three T20Is from October 28 and as many ODIs that will conclude on November 8.South Africa’s squad for Namibia T20IDonovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil BaartmanSouth Africa’s squad for Pakistan T20IsDavid Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil BaartmanSouth Africa’s squad for Pakistan ODIsMatthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile

MatériaMais Notícias

O Nova Iguaçu enfrenta a Portuguesa nesta sábado (24) e pode garantir classificação histórica para as semifinais do Campeonato Carioca. Destaque do time na competição, o atacante Bill, revelado pelo Flamengo, falou com exclusividade ao Lance! sobre a campanha do Carrossel da Baixada. Segundo ele, muitos não acreditavam, mas ele não está surpreso com o desempenho.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

– No início, quando saiu a tabela, a gente ficou assustado pela sequência. Pegamos primeiro o Sampaio Corrêa, depois Flamengo, Bangu, Fluminense, Vasco e Botafogo. Você em cinco jogos enfrentar os quatro grandes é muito difícil. Mas a tabela acabou ajudando a gente, de certa forma, porque tivemos um desempenho maravilhoso. Você pegar quatro jogos contra time grandes, teoricamente são derrotas. Conseguimos surpreender muita gente. Eu não me surpreendi com os nossos resultados. No dia a dia vejo que nossa equipe é muito qualificada – afirmou Bill.

Confira abaixo a entrevista na íntegra:

O atacante também falou sobre o sentimento de estar brigando e poder conseguir a classificação às semifinais do Carioca. Bill comenta que, pelo fato de ser da Baixada Fluminense, ter família e amigos de infância em Nova Iguaçu, existe uma responsabilidade e cobrança diferente. No entanto, ele exalta a alegria pelo desempenho até aqui.

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– Sentimento de felicidade para nós. Para mim, que sou daqui, conheço todo mundo, quem vai aos jogos são meus amigos e a torcida me conhece, é uma felicidade, porque é muita responsabilidade. É diferente de você jogar em outro país, outra cidade. Acho que a responsabilidade aumenta. Sou muito cobrado pelos meus amigos, minha família. Mas é um sentimento muito bom, de estar levando o Nova Iguaçu a outro patamar. O clube tem uma estrutura imensa, profissionais bem qualificados, e acho que muita gente não enxerga isso – comentou o atacante.

➡️ Portuguesa x Nova Iguaçu: onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo pelo Campeonato Carioca

Bill foi revelado pelo Flamengo e teve as primeiras chances no profissional entre 2018 e 2019. Chegou a ter boas atuações, sobretudo no Carioca, mas não se firmou no Rubro-Negro e foi emprestado diversas vezes, até deixar o clube em definitivo. Com passagens por times como CRB, Sport, Sampaio Corrêa e Dnipro, da Ucrânia, o atacante retornou ao Nova Iguaçu – onde fez base – e falou sobre a experiência acumulada e a volta para casa.

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– Faz total diferença você se identificar com o clube, com a cidade. Aqui eu me sinto em casa, me sinto feliz. Conheço tudo e todos, sei onde posso ir, o que devo fazer. Os profissionais que trabalham me viram crescer, até mesmo o nosso treinador, Carlos Vitor, que me conheceu quando eu tinha 13 anos e me viu crescer. Agora, mais maduro, com 24, poder ajudar a equipe é maravilhoso. A experiência, lógico, conta muito. A gente passa por outros lugares, vê o futebol de outra maneira, em outra escola, como o futebol europeu. Então foi e está sendo bom para mim e para a equipe, que tira proveito disso – disse Bill.

Sobre sua saída do Flamengo, o atacante diz que a decisão de deixar o clube foi dele, para ganhar mais experiência e ter novos desafios. O camisa 10 do Nova Iguaçu fala que, ao jogar em times grandes, o jogador muitas vezes não enxerga outras possibilidades. Ele ainda valoriza seu processo e se diz grato pelo amadurecimento.

– Cara, eu, juntamentamente com meu empresário, a gente conversou e aceitou um desafio, que foi teoricamente dar um passo atrás e jogar uma Série B. Os atletas na base, ainda mais de time grande, só pensam em coisas boas. Jogar em gigantes da Europa, Seleção Brasileira. Não que eu não pense. mas estar em time grande é estar numa bolha, a gente não enxerga outros lados. Confesso que tomei um baque quando saí (do Flamengo), estava acostumado com um nível e ir para outro. Mas foi muito bom para meu amadurecimento, para minha experiência e minha vida, como homem. A “rua” foi muito boa para mim – explicou o atacante do Nova Iguaçu.

Sobre a partida contra a Portuguesa, que pode garantir a classificação às semifinais do Campeonato Carioca para o Nova Iguaçi, Bill disse que o grupo está tranquilo. Apesar de admitir a ansiedade, afirmou que o foco não está abalado.

– Por incrível que parece a gente está bem tranquilo. Quero que entendam que não é soberba, mas a gente tem essa característica. Nosso time é difícil de se empolgar, uma “molecada” muito tranquila, que sabe levar as coisas. Lógico que a gente está ansioso para a partida de amanhã (contra a Portuguesa), uma partida importantíssima, a mais importante para nós. Mas ao mesmo tempo tranquilos, e convíctos que vamos fazer um bom jogo. O resultado só a Deus pertence. Nossa preocupação é fazer um excelente jogo – falou Bill sobre o confronto.

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Campeonato CariocaFutebol NacionalNova Iguaçu

AS Roma’s pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee is accelerating, with the Serie A leaders building a transfer structure designed to convince Manchester United to sanction a January move despite UEFA restrictions. After the Dutch striker reportedly said “yes” to the switch, Roma are preparing a loan with an obligation to buy, aiming to delay payment until the summer.

Roma pushing to sign Man Utd's Zirkzee

Reports in Italy have confirmed that Roma have stepped up their push to sign out-of-favour Manchester United striker Zirkzee, who is keen to leave in January due to a lack of minutes under Ruben Amorim. The forward recently made his first Premier League start of the season in the defeat to Everton, but it did little to change his situation after several months on the fringes. With Zirkzee frustrated by limited opportunities and eager to secure regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Roma have emerged as the club willing to give him a prominent role and a fresh start.

As negotiations progressed, Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reported that the 24-year-old had already given his approval to joining the Giallorossi. Initial concerns over agent commissions were later denied, and Roma began shaping their proposal around UEFA’s financial restrictions for winter purchases. Because the club cannot register a permanent signing for €25–30 million in January, their strategy shifted toward a loan deal with a delayed purchase option that can be activated after the season ends.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are open to selling Zirkzee but would prefer an immediate permanent transfer, especially since the striker cost £36.5m when he arrived from Bologna in 2024. However, with his playing time dwindling and the January window approaching, the Red Devils are increasingly likely to entertain Roma’s loan-plus-obligation structure. That model would allow the Premier League side to secure a guaranteed sale while giving Roma the flexibility to pay once their summer budget becomes clear.

AdvertisementAFPMan Utd in two minds over allowing Zirkzee departure

Zirkzee’s looming exit reflects the difficult season he has endured at Old Trafford after arriving with high expectations. Despite Rasmus Hojlund’s departure in the summer, the Dutchman was reduced to a supporting role behind Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, leaving him with only 172 Premier League minutes and four matchday omissions. His lack of involvement became so glaring that he only earned a league start due to injuries to both Sesko and Cunha, highlighting his diminished standing in Amorim’s squad.

The situation is particularly damaging for Zirkzee, given his aspirations to break into the Netherlands squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, meaning continued bench time poses a severe threat to his international prospects. From Manchester United’s perspective, the club is caught between protecting short-term squad depth, especially with AFCON absences for Amad Diallo and Mbeumo, and acknowledging the player's desire to leave. That tension leaves United in a delicate position, where prioritising the squad could risk losing value on an unsettled player whose minutes are unlikely to increase.

Roma want to delay payment to next summer

Roma’s plan centres on a loan structure with an obligation to buy, which they view as the only viable method considering UEFA’s limitations on budget allocation during the winter window. The club wants to postpone the €25–30m payment until next summer, allowing them to adjust spending based on Champions League qualification and overall season performance.

Manchester United’s hesitation stems from the fact that they would rather secure an outright sale in January, as Zirkzee no longer features in Amorim’s long-term plans. Even though the club faces forward shortages in January, especially if Sesko’s recovery slows, they recognise that keeping an unhappy striker with little opportunity to play benefits no one. The board also accepts that a loan-with-obligation protects Zirkzee’s transfer value better than continued stagnation in Manchester.

For the player himself, Roma offers the two components he wants most: guaranteed minutes and the chance to work under Gasperini. Zirkzee flourished in Serie A during his Bologna spell, making a return to Italy an appealing path toward confidence, goals and renewed standing with the Dutch national team.

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Getty Images SportRoma want to formalise deal in January

Roma must now formalise their loan-plus-obligation proposal to Manchester United, who will weigh the offer against the club’s need for attacking depth in the second half of the season. If Roma agree to an obligation triggered either by Champions League qualification or automatic terms, it increases the likelihood of United accepting. Both clubs expect talks to intensify as January approaches, with the structure, timing and guarantees being the final sticking points.

For Zirkzee, the next few weeks will determine whether he earns a fresh start in Serie A or must remain at Old Trafford until the summer. His motivation to leave is strong, and his stance will continue to play a role in pushing the deal forward. Should United approve the move, Roma are prepared to integrate him immediately.

Afghanistan recorded their 17th win in 19 T20Is against Zimbabwe

Sreshth Shah29-Oct-2025

Afghanistan’s approach with bat and ball bore the same hallmark – a start so strong that Zimbabwe were put on the back-foot immediately. Their top order batted with purpose, their bowlers produced a five-wicket powerplay, and the result was a comprehensive win in the first T20I in Harare.Ibrahim Zadran’s measured fifty set up a strong total of 180 and allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai had a hand in both halves of the match – first providing late runs with the bat, then striking in the powerplay. Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s guile completed the job as Zimbabwe tapped out long before a chase could take shape. Afghanistan, with their 1-0 lead, have now completed their 17th win in 19 T20Is against Zimbabwe.For the hosts, the five wickets they lost inside six overs was the most they have lost in the powerplay. Sikandar Raza’s 3 for 20 and Tinotenda Maposa’s 15-ball 32 from No. 9 were their only positives. The two teams meet again on October 31 for the second game of the three-match series.A blazing start, a brief stutterAfghanistan scored only six runs from the first eleven balls, but not for lack of intent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim kept advancing down the pitch, determined to play off the front foot even as Zimbabwe’s seamers banged it in short.The boundaries eventually flowed – four in five balls, in fact – across the second and third overs to change the momentum. Ibrahim drilled Blessing Muzarabani through midwicket, while Gurbaz cut Richard Ngarava twice over backward point and then drove him through cover. From there, charging the seamers became routine and the pair raced away to 63 without loss by the end of the powerplay. The fifth over from Brad Evans went for 16, with Gurbaz hitting him for six straight down and twice cutting over the infield.Gurbaz eventually fell in the eighth over when he sliced Sikandar Raza to cover for 39 off 25. Ibrahim carried on briskly, and two fours off Ryan Burl in the 11th over brought up Afghanistan’s hundred and his 31-ball half-century. But Raza removed Ibrahim and Darwish Rasooli off successive balls at the start of the 12th over, leaving them 101 for 3 and at risk of losing steam.Afghanistan wrest back momentumA single-run, double-wicket over from Raza had pegged Afghanistan back. For the next 20 deliveries, they went without a boundary. Sediqullah Atal finally broke the drought by pulling Maposa’s short ball for six in the 15th over, but his innings ended soon after while attempting another shot across the line. Cramped by Muzarabani, he picked out deep backward square for 25. Muzarabani struck again off the next ball, jagging one back to trap Mohammad Nabi for a duck, and suddenly Afghanistan were 130 for 5 with only four overs left.Omarzai and Shahidullah though – the latter playing his first white-ball international since 2023 – arrested the collapse. Shahidullah made 22 not out off 13 balls, collecting four boundaries by using the pace on offer smartly, while Omarzai’s 27 off 21 ensured the tail wasn’t exposed. Their 32-run partnership came in just 18 balls, and Rashid Khan lifted the final ball of the innings over long-on for six to take Afghanistan to a score of 180 that looked commanding again. The last four overs went for 50.Mujeeb’s magic, Zimbabwe’s descentThere was a possibility of an exciting chase when Brian Bennett opened with three fours in the first over off Omarzai. But that brief flourish was all Zimbabwe had to show for their powerplay. They unravelled after that.Mujeeb, a regular bowler with the new ball, struck off his second delivery in the second over. Tadiwanashe Marumani was lbw for a two-ball duck, and the next ball – a disguised carrom ball – dismissed Brendan Taylor for a golden duck as he sliced high towards the wicketkeeper.Omarzai, who had gone for 15 in his opening over, hit back in his second by removing Raza and Ryan Burl, who was Zimbabwe’s third duck in the top five. Bennett, the lone bright spot with 24 off 13, fell in the fifth over when Omarzai dug one in short and forced a mis-hit to mid-on.The game had only one result possible from there on. Abdollah Ahmadzai rattled Tony Munyonga’s stumps with a seam-up delivery and later scored a direct-hit to remove Tashinga Musekiwa. Maposa and Evans showed some resistance with a half-century stand. Maposa was the aggressor, hammering 32 off his first 14 balls, as they handled Rashid smartly and capitalised on Shahidullah’s pace-on offerings.The finish, fittingly, came from Mujeeb. Evans chipped a return catch back to him, and Maposa top-edged another carrom ball for a simple take. Those were Mujeeb’s third and fourth wickets and Ahmadzai picked up his second wicket by shattering No. 11 Muzarabani’s stumps.

Alastair Cook has urged England to keep faith with Ollie Pope at No. 3 for the Ashes, rather than taking a “gamble” on Jacob Bethell.England’s first-choice top seven has been unchanged for over a year, but Bethell’s emergence in New Zealand last November when Jamie Smith was on paternity leave put significant pressure on Pope’s position at No. 3. Pope responded with hundreds against Zimbabwe and India at the start of the 2025 summer, but only made one half-century in his next eight innings.Bethell made 6 and 5 in his only Test appearance of the summer, deputising for the injured Ben Stokes at The Oval, but scored half-centuries in each of his first three Tests last year. He will have the chance to push his case in six white-ball fixtures against New Zealand from Saturday, but Cook believes that sticking with Pope for the Ashes should be an “easy” decision.Related

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“I would bat Ollie Pope at No. 3,” Cook said on Tuesday, at the launch of TNT Sports’ Ashes coverage. “I think it’s quite an easy decision on this, actually. You’ve got someone who’s been part of this build-up for three or four years, he’s captained the side, he’s played some extraordinary innings for England and he’s a hundred-maker.”If you get rid of him now, I think that changes the whole dynamic of what they’ve built up over the last year, how settled they’ll feel for that top seven… If it doesn’t work out, do you then move back to somebody you just got rid of, confidence-wise? I think it’s easy to go the other way, and I think that would be the sensible thing.”Cook, who was player of the series when England last won the Ashes in Australia 15 years ago, described Bethell as an “incredibly talented player” but said that it would be a “big, big gamble” to pick him primarily on his performances against the white ball: “They’ve invested so much in people like Pope and Crawley that it’d be such a strange thing to change it now.”Brendon McCullum’s decision to replace Pope as vice-captain with Harry Brook has furthered the sense that England might move away from him. Rob Key, England’s managing director, denied last month that it formed part of an “elaborate scheme” to drop Pope, but said that a final decision would only be taken in the days leading up to the first Test in Perth on November 21.Jacob Bethell is waiting in the wings•Getty Images

Cook believes that the change in vice-captaincy will liberate Pope, rather than damaging his confidence or his standing in the England dressing-room. “I think that will just take the pressure off Ollie Pope,” he said. “I’m sure it will have hurt him, because any time you get taken off a leadership [position], it wouldn’t be ideal. But I don’t think it undermines him.”He also believes that Australia will be wary of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley’s opening partnership, and their ability to score at an unusually quick tempo. “Australia will be so respectful of Crawley and Duckett, and what they can do to impact the game,” Cook said.”Crawley is a different opening batter to what history says you need: a guy who is very inconsistent and averages 30 but, on his day, plays an innings which I don’t think anyone else in the world can play at the top of the order… Against bowling which suits him – he prefers the ball coming on at a good pace on good, true wickets – he is a real danger for Australia.”It has to line up well…. He’s not like this consistent machine who scores runs, but they’re definitely fearful of that, without a shadow of a doubt. Because an hour of Duckett and Crawley playing well, or an hour and a half on that first morning, England will build huge momentum and it starts the series well.”Watch live exclusive coverage of The Ashes on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Former West Ham United star Julian Dicks has slammed the club's decision to leave Upton Park and move to the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers have endured a difficult start to their 2025-26 Premier League campaign as they are currently languishing in the bottom half of the league table, tied on points with 18th-placed Leeds United after 12 rounds of matches.

• Hammers in crisis

  The Hammers left their iconic home ground Upton Park in 2016 after spending more than 100 years at the venue. The club sold the stadium for £35million ($46m) to Galliard Homes and moved to the Olympic Stadium on a lease. Like several thousand West Ham supporters, former full-back Julian Dicks was unhappy with the club's decision to leave their home as he claimed that the owners 'killed the club' by doing so. 

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  'Leaving Upton Park killed the club'

  Speaking to , West Ham icon Dicks said: "I’ve got so many memories there. I know it’s flats now and people probably think: ‘Oh he’s f—— nuts.’ But I do. I park my car and just walk about. I miss playing at Upton Park, for West Ham, every day. I think about it every day… and I believe leaving Upton Park killed the club. It’s how I feel. Unbelievable. They killed the club.

  "For what reason? They haven’t produced. They said Champions League and all this. F—— nowhere near it. They had a good manager in David Moyes. Wins a trophy for the first time in, what, 50 years? And they get rid of him. If it’s mutual then I understand if he went: ‘I’ve had enough.’ But if they were getting rid of him to push on, I don’t see it. Because he always finished in the top half, he won the trophy. Now they are on to their third manager since he has gone. The grass ain’t always greener."

• Will Dicks return to West Ham?

  Dicks, who spent 10 seasons at West Ham as a player over two stints, returned to the club in 2014. He managed the West Ham women's team for a season before joining under Slaven Bilic as a first-team coach on the men's side. In 2017, he left the club following Bilic's sacking and is yet to return to his beloved club. 

  When asked if he plans to return to West Ham someday, Dicks said: "If it was Upton Park, I would go. Olympic Stadium? No. They’ve asked me to be a club ambassador and stuff like that but nah. They are trying to do things on the cheap and if other players do it, then good luck to them. I’m not going to be part of that. I could do it if I wanted to but I choose not to because I think they’re taking the p—. The fans know how I feel about them. I do Q&As and stuff like that. I had a great career. I met some really good people and we lived a footballer’s life."

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  West Ham slowly picking up form after disastrous start

  The Hammers were struggling at the start of the 2025-26 campaign and had won just one game out of their first six matches across all competitions. The disastrous start led to the sacking of Graham Potter from the head coach's role in September, as they brought in former Nottingham Forest and Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese coach took his time settling in but has now somewhat brought stability as they remain unbeaten in their last three Premier League matches, including wins against Newcastle and Burnley. They will aim to maintain the unbeaten streak as they take on reigning champions Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League. 

Off the field, two-way superstar Shohie Ohtani is no stranger to pulling pranks on his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates, and even manager Dave Roberts.

But what about the field?

That's what happened during the Dodgers' 10-1 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday. In the top of the seventh inning with the bases loaded and two outs, Ohtani stood on second base and rookie Hyeseong Kim on third. With the count 2-2, Ohtani and Kim took their leads off their respective bases. But before the pitch was thrown, Ohtani locked eyes with Kim and, with a subtle jerk of his head, motioned toward home plate. The Dodgers three-time MVP then pantomimed running really fast before he burst into laughter at second base.

Ohtani was obviously kidding, but it's a good thing Kim did not heed his advice to head for home, as Dodgers star first baseman Freddie Freeman tripled moments later, scoring both Kim and Ohtani while clearing the bases.

But not before Ohtani had a little fun.