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Wolves' home ground Molineux was half-empty during the first half of their Premier League clash against Manchester United on Monday. Wolves have made a nightmare start to their 2025-26 campaign as they are yet to win a match in the Premier League after 15 games and are placed at rock bottom on the league table with only three points, as they stare at possible relegation.

• Wolves fans turned up late for Man Utd clash

  Wolves' famous fan group the Old Gold Pack (OGP) organised a protest where they encouraged fellow supporters not to enter Molineux for the first 15 minutes of their Premier League fixture against United on Monday evening. Some fans stayed outside the ground at kick-off as empty seats were spotted in the South Bank and parts of the North Bank. The protest was aimed at owners Fosun and club chairman Jeff Shi as the club struggle at the bottom of the Premier League table, with the possibility of relegation from the top flight growing more real every week.

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• AFP
  

  Wolves fans protest explained

  Speaking to , Kieran Newey from the OGP said: "We’ve arranged the 15-minute boycott because we care deeply about Wolves and feel the club’s leadership is ignoring key issues raised by fans. By missing the first 15 minutes, we’re sending a clear, peaceful message that fans want better for Wolves and won’t accept this continuing trend. It shows that supporters are united together and serious about wanting change. An empty stadium or empty seats, even for a short time, is a powerful visual that says we’re not being listened to, and we won’t just sit back and watch the club drift away any further than it already has. 

  "We hope this makes the owners realise how much fans care, and sparks real dialogue. A lot of supporters don’t feel confident that Jeff Shi is the person to take this club forward. Our aim is for the owners and club to reconnect with the wider group of supporters, listen to our concerns, and restore the ambition and pride Wolves deserve."

  He added: "It’s heartbreaking. Wolves means everything to us, and it hurts to have to do this just to feel like we’re being heard. We’re doing this because we care, and because we want to see our club competing, with a solid plan and leadership model for everyone who loves it."

• Protest gaining traction

  While the initial plan to protest came through OGP on social media, it was quickly backed by other Wolves supporters' groups like the Wolves 1877 Trust, Talking Wolves, Wolves Fancast, The Wolves Report, Wolves 77 Club, Always Wolves, Punjabi Wolves and The Wolfpack, who all released a joint statement, encouraging fans to take part.

  The fan groups, however, conducted a peaceful protest and urged the masses gathered to remain respectful of those fans who wished to watch the game from kick-off.

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  Man Utd eye full points

  After a heartbreaking result against West Ham last weekend which saw United drop crucial two points after Soungoutou Magassa equalised for the Hammers in the 83rd minute. Ruben Amorim will now hope that his team walks away with all three points against the struggling Wolves side and move up in the league table.

Glenn Maxwell is optimistic he can still play a part in Australia’s upcoming T20I series against India despite having surgery on his fractured right wrist last week.Maxwell suffered the fracture when he was hit on the wrist by a powerfully struck shot from Mitchell Owen while bowling in the nets in the lead-up to the T20I series against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.He was immediately sent home to see a specialist and opted to have surgery to try and hasten the recovery time down to four weeks to give himself a chance to play against India.Related

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• R Ashwin to play entire season of BBL with Sydney Thunder

• Labuschagne dropped from Australia ODI squad, Renshaw earns call-up

Maxwell was not named in Australia’s squad for the first two T20Is on October 29 and 31 in Canberra and Melbourne, but speaking in Melbourne on Thursday, he hoped to be fit to play a part in the final three matches, with the third match of the series on November 2 in Hobart, the fourth on November 6 on the Gold Coast, and the final match in Brisbane on November 8.”I think having the surgery last week sort of gives me a little bit more hope of playing some part in that India series, if I can get myself right,” Maxwell said. “The only reason I had the surgery was the options they gave me were miss that series completely and no surgery, or have surgery and it gives me a slim chance to hopefully play a part. And if not, I’ll be ready earlier for the BBL, and I think it leaves me in good stead to get the rest of my body right.”Maxwell said he had a cast removed on Wednesday and will now wear a moulded plastic splint to protect it for a period of time, but he had been given the all-clear to start moving the wrist again. “I only met with a hand therapist yesterday,” Maxwell said. “He only gave me some really basic movements, things that look really boring, but I suppose they’re going to strengthen the wrist.”Returning early for the back-end of the India series is unlikely to come with any added risk in terms of further injury. Maxwell said the main concern will be pain management depending on how it feels when he bats.It is yet another freak injury to add to Maxwell’s bizarre catalogue, that includes a broken leg at a birthday party and a concussion from falling off a golf cart.”I was probably just a bit unlucky with the position that it hit me on the arm,” Maxwell said. “When it hit me, I thought I was lucky that it hit just bone and it wasn’t too much flesh, and it was going to be right.”But, yeah, another unlucky one.”The injury has made him rethink bowling in the nets to power hitters like Owen and some of his other team-mates. “I try to avoid bowling to those guys,” Maxwell said. “Guys like Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Mitch Owen and Cam Green, long levers, strong, it just comes back too quick. It’s not fun, But I should know better. I should know better to bowl into the hip and I’ll be doing that I think come BBL time.”Maxwell was frustrated to miss the series against New Zealand given he was in excellent form. In his last T20I innings in August against South Africa, he steered Australia home to a series win with a remarkable 62 not out from 36 balls in a nail-biting chase. Then in late September, despite retiring from ODI cricket earlier in the year, he played two Australian domestic One-Day Cup matches for Victoria to prepare for the New Zealand tour and smashed 107 off 82 balls against Queensland.Glenn Maxwell pulls behind square•Getty Images

He was asked whether he had a timeline on the end of his T20I career and if the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles were in his mind, but he said he had not thought past December.”I’m literally thinking about round one of the BBL at the moment,” Maxwell said. “Let’s just get there first. If I’m still enjoying my cricket by then… I’m not setting dates or anything.”Maxwell is excited about the upcoming BBL season where he hopes to help Melbourne Stars to an elusive BBL title, having been equal Player of the Tournament last season as they played the finals for the first time since losing the 2019-20 final under his captaincy in heartbreaking fashion to Melbourne Renegades.He said the arrival of former India spinner R Ashwin is going to supercharge the BBL season.”That’s really exciting,” Maxwell said. “It’s great for the competition. I think anytime you can get world-class superstars who have got the career that he has as a part of the BBL is a massive bonus for us. He’s been extremely successful. He’s got a hell of a lot of wisdom in the game. I think he’s going to give back a lot to the players in the BBL. I don’t think it’s just the Sydney Thunder, I think the guys that are playing against him will probably ask him a lot of questions, and he’s certainly going to bring in a lot of fans as well.”

Ajeet Singh Dale takes 4 for 46, Ben Charlesworth 3 for 6 as Northants are bowled out for second-innings 192

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Sep-2025Gloucestershire 241 (J Taylor 63, Broad 3-84) and 158 for 3 (Price 54, Hammond 38*) beat Northamptonshire 206 (Zaib 76, van Buuren 3-23, M Taylor 3-48) and 192 (Broad 49, Singh Dale 4-46, Charlesworth 3-6) by seven wicketsOllie Price scored a superb half-century under pressure to help Gloucestershire achieve a dramatic seven-wicket victory over Northamptonshire on the final day of the Rothesay County Championship Second Division match at the Seat Unique Stadium.Set 158 to win in 27 overs, Gloucestershire reached their target with 18 balls to spare in a thrilling finale, Price top-scoring with 54 from 58 deliveries and Miles Hammond weighing in with 38 not out and Graeme van Buuren 20 not out as the home side won for only the second time this season.Resuming on 158 for 5, Gloucestershire added a further 83 runs during the morning session to establish a modest first-innings lead of 35, thanks in large part to knocks of 63 and 44 from Jack Taylor and van Buuren respectively. Justin Broad claimed 3-84 as the home side were dismissed for 241 in 64 overs.Ajeet Singh Dale then took 4 for 46 and Ben Charlesworth 3 for 6 as Northants were shot out for 192 inside 51 overs in their second innings, only Broad offering meaningful resistance in a patient innings of 49 that spanned nearly two-and-a-half hours.Charlesworth and Price set-up the chase, staging a progressive second-wicket alliance of 52 in 8.3 overs to keep Gloucestershire supporters on the edge of their seats. Characterised by rapid running between the wickets and bold stroke-play, their partnership was ended when veteran campaigner Ben Sanderson had Charlesworth caught behind for 33.Having already lost Luke Procter to injury, the visitors were further hindered when fellow seamer Broad pulled up, forcing Sanderson to bowl seven overs unchanged from the Bristol Pavilion end and spinners Calvin Harrison and Nirvan Ramesh to be deployed in tandem. Sweeping and pulling to good effect, Price and Hammond continued to score at six an over to keep the home side on course, albeit with the light beginning to fade.With 53 required off the final 10 overs, Gloucestershire looked to be in control, an appearance confirmed when Price went to a half-century from 54 balls with his fifth boundary. He fell to Rob Keogh’s off breaks soon afterwards, but van Buuren and Hammond helped themselves to a six apiece off the same bowler to ease the pressure and render the outcome a formality. Hammond hit the winning runs, hammering Harrison straight down the ground for an emphatic six.Gloucestershire claimed 19 points to move into third place in Division Two, while Northants collected three.The prospect of a thrilling conclusion appeared unlikely when Gloucestershire resumed their first innings on 158 for 5, especially when van Buuren skied a return catch to Broad and departed for a 55-ball 44. But quick-scoring Jack Taylor opened his shoulders to raise 63 from 64 deliveries, striking six fours and three sixes and adding 38 in five overs with his brother, Matt, to propel the home side into credit.Gloucestershire needed to make full use of the new ball if they were to sow seeds of doubt in opposition minds, and Singh Dale delivered, summoning late swing to bowl Lewis McManus for 9. Promoted to open in place of Procter, Rob Keogh was next to go, falling victim to confusion and being run out by Zaman Akhter for 6. Guiding a delivery from Matt Taylor to backward point, Keogh set off in pursuit of an ill-advised single and was unable to regain his ground before the opportunistic Akhter had brilliantly thrown down the stumps to reduce the visitors to 23 for 2 inside six overs.West Country tails were up and Singh Dale struck another blow in the final over before lunch, bowling Harrison via an inside edge for 25 in the act of driving as Northants slipped to 55 for 3, a lead of just 20. Worse followed for the Midlands county, James Sales pulling Shaw straight to Hammond at deep backward square and falling to a poor shot for 14 with the score 77 for 4. With Procter’s ability to bat in question and the lead only 42, Northants suddenly appeared vulnerable.When dogged defiance was needed most, the in-form Zaib and Broad dug in to defy Gloucestershire’s bowlers. Batting was now easier than at any time previously in the match, and the fifth-wicket pair capitalised on the poor ball sufficiently to raise a partnership of 62 in 14 overs, easing some of the pressure they had felt when first coming together.But Gloucestershire kept plugging away and Akhter claimed the key wicket of Zaib, slanting a ball across his body and persuading the left-hander to edge behind for 37. Gloucestershire’s cause was not helped when Akhter had to be removed from the attack after twice being warned for running onto the pitch.They were further hindered by Aadi Sharma, the new batter striking a six and three fours and scoring 22 at nearly a run a ball as Northants reached tea on 171 for 5, a lead of 136.With a minimum 42 overs still available in the final session, Northants were required to muster further resistance. But the advent of Charlesworth, bowling from the Ashley Down Road end, served to revive the home side’s hopes of forcing a result, the allrounder claiming three wickets in five overs to tip the scales in Gloucestershire’s favour. Sharma was pinned lbw, Procter caught at the wicket without scoring and Sanderson held at deep square leg, much to the delight of enthusiastic home supporters.When Broad’s resistance finally came to an end, Singh Dale removing him lbw for an obdurate 104-ball 49, Northants were deep in trouble. Singh Dale then rapped Ben Whitehouse on the shins to wrap up the innings and set up an exciting run chase under the floodlights.

Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to pay £70m to sign AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, as they believe he would be perfect for Thomas Frank.

It is little wonder Tottenham are looking to bring in a new forward, given that some of their current attacking options have been far from impressive so far this season, with Jamie O’Hara left fuming by Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani after the Chelsea defeat.

Mathys Tel has also found it difficult to adapt to life in the Premier League, with the 20-year-old being dropped to the bench in recent weeks, having now scored just one goal in his opening 10 matches in all competitions.

Spurs’ attacking woes were particularly apparent in the 1-0 defeat against their London rivals on Saturday, failing to craft a single big chance, while also having just three shots in the entire match.

Tottenham willing to make offer for Antoine Semenyo

Having struggled in front of goal, Tottenham are now willing to make their club-record signing in one of the stars of the Premier League this season, with a report from Spain revealing they are prepared to make a bid of around €80m (£70m) for Semenyo.

There is a belief the Bournemouth forward would be ideal for Frank, given that he is fast, powerful and clinical, but there could be competition for the Ghanaian’s signature, as several unnamed European clubs are also keen.

The Cherries value the 25-year-old highly, but they may be willing to cash-in for the right price this winter, with a £80m fee being touted.

The Bournemouth star has shown signs of year-on-year development since first emerging as a regular starter in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, and he is already over half-way to matching his goal and assist tally from the previous campaign.

Scout Ben Mattinson has also been left impressed by the Ghana international in the past, urging Arsenal to sign him back in February.

Semenyo has earned a move to a top club, with his performances this season indicating he is ready to make the step-up, and it would be a real statement of intent from ENIC if they were able to get a deal done.

Tottenham now leading race for Samu Aghehowa

Tottenham leading race for Samu Aghehowa with FC Porto now willing to sell

Spurs have set out to sign a new striker.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 2, 2025

Achraf Hakimi had to be helped off the pitch and looked to be in tears after being on the receiving end of a reckless challenge by Luis Diaz during Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday. The winger saw red for his challenge, while Hakimi is now facing an anxious wait to determine the severity of the injury. It's a huge blow for PSG and Hakimi, particularly with the Africa Cup of Nations now only weeks away.

Diaz sent off for brutal challenge on Hakimi

Diaz had put Bayern 2-0 up in the game at Parc des Princes but went from hero to zero when he lunged in on Hakimi just before half-time. The forward was originally shown a yellow by the match referee card but the decision was upgraded to a red after a VAR check. As for Hakimi, he was clearly in pain on the turf and had to be helped off the pitch. The Morocco star also appeared to be in tears and the fear is that he has sustained a serious injury that will keep him out of action for some time.

AdvertisementMorocco captain Hakimi to miss AFCON?

Hakimi is not just a crucial player for PSG, he is also vital for the Morocco national team and captains the side. The 2025 AFCON tournament is due to start in December in Morocco, and the concern will be that Hakimi will not just miss game time for PSG, but he will also be ruled out of the tournament. Hakimi has spoken previously about how determined he is to lift the trophy on home turf. He told reporters earlier this year: "The tournament is approaching fast, and it remains our top priority. We have a big responsibility to win it in front of our fans. We know the expectations are high, but we’re ready to give everything for our country."

AFPHakimi spotted on crutches

PSG must now wait to see how serious the injury to Hakimi is, although the defender was spotted leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot after the game. Captain Marquinhos was quizzed on the situation afterwards and said only: "We have to wait for the tests, they've done some minor tests. They'll give you more information later."

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Luis Enrique reacts to PSG defeat

Luis Enrique spoke about his team's defeat after the game. He told : "At 11 against 11, Bayern were stronger, without a doubt. We gave the opposition some very nice gifts in the first half. We could have conceded more. In the second half, it was different because we had an extra player. Consequences? I can't talk about the future. We know our schedule is the worst. The next few will be difficult."

Hakimi wasn't the only PSG player to suffer injury against Bayern. Talisman Ousmane Dembele also went off in the first half, and Luis Enrique offered a brief update on his condition: "I don't know. I think it has nothing to do with the previous injury. It's something new. We need to be very careful, we're looking to improve the players' condition."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly a massive admirer of one France international star, who sporting director Andrea Berta has already led an approach to sign, according to a new report.

Arsenal make Premier League return away to Fulham

Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend with a trip to Fulham, a fixture that offers the Gunners a golden chance to extend their impressive seven-game unbeaten run and solidify their position at the top of the table.

Since their narrow 1-0 defeat at Liverpool earlier in the season, Arsenal have been near-unstoppable, navigating all competitions without tasting defeat – a testament to their growing maturity under Arteta.

This unbeaten streak has been built on a foundation of solid defensive performances and a willingness to battle to the end, with Arsenal’s blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership helping to power them through tough fixtures.

Arsenal’s dramatic 2-1 win away to Newcastle was testament to this, with defender Gabriel clinching all three points through a last-minute header which silenced the boisterous St. James’ Park crowd.

Arteta’s side now sit pretty at the Premier League summit, taking advantage of big-spending Liverpool’s slip in momentum, but Marco Silva’s Fulham won’t be pushovers this weekend.

The West Londoners will be looking to spoil Arsenal’s rhythm on their home turf. Silva’s men have shown resilience this season, despite finishing last summer’s transfer window as the top flight’s lowest-spending team.

In truth, Silva has worked wonders on a shoe-string budget during his time at Craven Cottage, and Arsenal have won just one of their last four meetings against Fulham — including a draw and a defeat the last two times they travelled to play them.

As Arteta prepares for a tough test, Berta is working on the club’s squad long-term.

The Italian has already tied down Gabriel and William Saliba to long-term contracts since his arrival in March, with talks held over extensions for Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Berta, despite a big-spending summer, could also enter the transfer market once again.

Arteta is a "huge" fan of Khephren Thuram with Arsenal approach made

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, as written in a piece for TBR Football, Arteta is personally a “huge” fan of Juventus star Khephren Thuram, who’s worked his way into the France national team squad after an excellent start to the season in Turin.

The 24-year-old is now deemed “untouchable” by Igor Tudor’s side alongside Kenan Yildiz, with Bailey reporting that Arsenal had a summer approach knocked back for Thuram as well.

The former Ligue 1 sensation racked up 10 goal contributions in 35 Serie A appearances for Juve over his debut season, leaving little wonder that the Old Lady are desperate not to lose him.

Even though Berta has already signed Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to bolster Arsenal’s midfield, the latter will stay for a maximum of three years before potentially returning to Brondby in Denmark, as confirmed by the player himself.

Thuram would be an exceptional long-term replacement for Norgaard, and amid reports Arsenal are looking at signing another midfielder to challenge Zubimendi, perhaps Berta could test Juve’s resolve in 2026.

Punjab Kings saw their hopes for a top-two finish dented

Himanshu Agrawal24-May-20251:54

Kumble: Karun-Rizvi stand the turning point

Only twice in 22 attempts before Saturday night had Delhi Capitals (DC) successfully chased down a total of 200 or more. By hunting down 207 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Jaipur, they not only saw a 21-year-old Sameer Rizvi hit his maiden IPL fifty in a winning cause but also dented PBKS’ hopes of a top-two finish this season.The defeat still leaves PBKS at No. 2 on the points table, but with every chance of them finishing third and thus having to play the Eliminator if results in the upcoming matches don’t go their way.Rizvi attacks them allDC required 91 runs to win from the last 46 balls – a required rate of nearly 12 runs an over. From then onwards, Rizvi went after all kinds of bowling PBKS threw at him – and at crunch moments.From three off four balls at that stage, he got a top-edged four off a tennis-batted swat off right-arm seamer Azmatullah Omarzai. Next ball, he went low to scoop a short ball after spotting that the fine leg fielder was brought in. The tone was set, and Rizvi kept playing his shots fearlessly.Facing the left-arm pace of Marco Jansen, Rizvi pulled him for six to end the 14th over. That shot kept DC afloat in the chase. But with the required rate once again heading towards two runs per ball, Rizvi swung left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar for a massive six over midwicket. Some luck went Rizvi’s way when an inswinging attempted yorker from Omarzai resulted in an inside-edged four in the 18th over, but he deserved it.Rizvi even heaved Arshdeep Singh for six, and finished the chase with a sweep off Marcus Stoinis, with the ball nearly gone out of the ground. His unbeaten 58* off 25 balls was his highest IPL score.Nair lays the foundationKarun Nair celebrated his recall into India’s Test side after eight years by stylishly swiping Jansen for six first ball. But he only ticked along to 11 off nine balls, until he went 4, 4, 4, 4 off legspinner Praveen Dubey in the 11th over. There was the slog sweep through square leg, the sweep behind square, the pull through midwicket, and the sweep past short fine leg.That run of boundaries got Nair going, and he launched Jansen for six over mid-off in the 14th over, and late cut Brar for four in the 15th. Nair’s stay ended when he got too across to the left-arm spinner, and saw his leg stump uprooted for 44 of 27 balls to end the over. But with Rizvi set, Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma to come, and the requirement down to 52 off 30 balls, the foundation for DC’s win had been laid.3:09

Should PBKS be concerned about their bowling?

Shreyas fifty guides PBKSPBKS were 60 for 2 after the powerplay, with the loss of wickets not preventing them from going after the bowling. The sixth over, bowled by Vipraj Nigam, went for 16 runs, with Shreyas Iyer getting off the mark with a boundary through cover. The score was 77 for 3 after eight overs – both Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis fell after cameos – but Shreyas kept PBKS going.When Kuldeep Yadav floated it outside off, Shreyas twice heaved him for a six. When the length was there from Mohit Sharma to drive, he went over cover. When the length was too short, like from Mukesh Kumar, or too full, like from Vipraj Nigam, Shreyas capitalised with boundaries. He got to his fifty off 33 balls by clipping Mukesh for four to end a 25-run 17th over, but had plenty of support in the death overs.Stoinis pummels DCTwenty-six balls were left in PBKS’ innings when Stoinis arrived to bat at No. 7. He faced 16 of those, and crashed 44* with three fours and four sixes. Two leg-side sixes and a drilled drive for four to beat Faf du Plessis at long-off came off Mukesh in the 17th over. Kuldeep threatened to slow PBKS down with two wickets in the 18th, but Stoinis remained unmoved.He went after Mohit Sharma in the penultimate over of the innings. Mohit had dropped Stoinis when on 18, and paid the price for it. Stoinis went 6, 4, 4, 6 off four of the first five legal balls of the 19th over: a pull over midwicket, a flick to deep square leg, another pull to deep square, and a loft over long-off.With three balls left, Brar flung Mustafizur Rahman for six over midwicket and took PBKS past 200, their seventh such score this season. But that didn’t prove to be enough, with PBKS still left fighting to play Qualifier 1.

Celtic have had a mixed start to the season, with their domestic dominance being undercut by a failure to qualify for the Champions League. Despite looking like favourites going into their qualification tie, the Hoops lost on penalties to Kairat Almaty.

While a number of players arrived over the summer, the Scottish Premiership champions went into the season with something of a sombre mood due to the fans and, seemingly, the manager wanting more new signings.

The main area that looked like it could have done with some more reinforcements was the attack, and after going out to Kairat following two goalless matches, it seems like another attacking signing may have helped them qualify for the Champions League, effectively paying for themselves.

It seems that despite not signing another attacker in the summer, Celtic’s board know that they do need to bring one in and are currently plotting a move for a Champions League winner in January.

Celtic eye Rodgers and Sterling reunion

Celtic’s hunt for a new attacker could come in the form of a reunion, as Brendan Rodgers has been linked with signing Raheem Sterling. Rodgers managed Sterling at Liverpool and selected the former England star on 126 occasions, in which he registered 41 goal involvements.

Football Insider’s transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke spoke on the Inside Track podcast about the links between Sterling and Celtic, saying Rodgers could be key to any deal.

The report also states that Sterling had a number of suitors in the summer, including offers from Turkey and Saudi Arabia; however, he opted to remain at Chelsea instead, despite it being clear that Enzo Maresca didn’t have a place for him. A move to Glasgow wouldn’t be as dramatic a change to life as a move abroad, and so Sterling may see Celtic as a more appealing prospect.

The biggest downside for Sterling would be Celtic’s budget restriction. Finances were a large part of the reason that they did not bring in another attacker over the summer, and O’Rourke has shared that if the move were to happen, then Sterling may need to take a pay cut to facilitate it.

Sterling could re-find himself in Scotland

Despite an illustrious career that has seen him score 194 senior goals and years of performing at the highest level, Celtic fans may be slightly disappointed with Sterling being their new attacking signing, as the 30-year-old has struggled in the last few seasons.

Chelsea have been trying to offload Sterling in the last two transfer windows, with the England winger eventually joining Arsenal on loan in the summer of 2024. After failing to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, he has been exiled from the squad with the hopes of a January exit.

Sterling hasn’t managed to score 10 league goals in a season since leaving Manchester City in 2022, and he only managed six goal involvements last season. However, Arsenal were competing at the top of the Premier League and Champions League, meaning Sterling’s minutes were somewhat limited.

Playing in the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League may provide Sterling with the opportunity to rediscover himself, and competing at a slightly lower level may see his goal-scoring numbers rise. Furthermore, Rodgers is a coach who managed to bring about some of Sterling’s best football, so a reunion may provide a further boost.

KL Rahul carried Delhi Capitals on his shoulders with a high-quality half-century as the visitors posted 183 for 6 at Chepauk. Opening the batting in the absence of Faf du Plessis, he was able to pace his innings really well and more than that, he took down one of Chennai Super Kings’ main weapons. Rahul vs the IPL’s purple cap holder, Noor Ahmad, was 20 runs in nine balls with two fours and a six.Initially, Rahul (77 off 51) had to take some time to come to terms with a pitch that was dry and therefore prevented the ball from coming onto the bat. He was 25 off 20 with one four and one six at the end of nine overs. But once he decided to pull the trigger, even CSK’s best bowlers were no match for him. He took Noor, Matheesha Pathirana and Ravindra Jadeja for boundaries over the 11th, 12th and 13th overs as DC were put on course for their total. Two of those boundaries were mistakes by the bowler – Noor and Pathirana putting the ball in the slot – and all innings long Rahul was looking for those mistakes.Mukesh Choudhary was taken down as well. He was the only bowler that Rahul took risks against, because he had identified him as CSK’s weak link. Rahul reverse scooped him twice. He took further liberties when he moved across his crease at the start of the 19th over and swept a ball from the off side wide line to the square leg boundary. Pathirana closed the innings with two wickets in his final over, including Rahul’s, but by then the score had reached more than competitive levels. Khaleel Ahmed with 2 for 25 was CSK’s best bowler.

With just three days left to salvage their transfer window, Aston Villa are now reportedly closing in on signing a Champions League-winning star who knows all about Premier League football.

Whilst PSR has limited Aston Villa all summer long, there’s still every chance that they could complete some late business. The sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United should have at least freed up some funds to welcome some reinforcements of their own, and there’s no denying that Unai Emery needs it.

The new Rogers: Aston Villa open talks to sign "exceptional" £30m star

Aston Villa are looking to sign a new attacker before Monday’s deadline

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 28, 2025

So far, with two games played, the Villans are yet to win a game. After drawing 0-0 with Newcastle on the opening day, the Midlands club suffered a 1-0 defeat against Brentford to hand Keith Andrews his first victory in charge of the Bees. With Crystal Palace up next in what is historically a tough game for Emery’s side, those at Villa Park should be desperate for fresh faces.

Just who arrives is the big question. Whilst Emery is a clear admirer of Nicolas Jackson, it looks like the out-of-favour Chelsea striker is off to Bayern Munich rather than a Premier League rival. Meanwhile, there’s also plenty of competition in the race to sign Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher and Villa are reportedly among those ready to send an offer to the Spanish club.

Emery is well aware that there’s still work to be done in the window too, having told reporters last week: “The club are working hard to get our structure as strong as possible with the players in the squad, trying to get two players for each position. There is still work to do, maybe even some players leaving more and we will have to sign and complete the squad with some players.”

It’s work that will go right up until the deadline and could even include the arrival of a familiar face in the Midlands.

Aston Villa submit first Asensio offer

As reported by Sacha Tavolieri, Aston Villa have now submitted an opening offer to sign Marco Asensio and are closing in on a deal to sign the Paris Saint-Germain winger worth just €15m (£13m). The Villans are reportedly “confident” that the Spaniard will seal his return for the first time since a successful loan spell at the club last season.

When Asensio arrived last season, he handed Aston Villa the spark that they were beginning to lack alongside fellow loanee Marcus Rashford. There was, therefore, understandable disappointment when the latter sealed a move to Barcelona and it looked as though the PSG star was destined for other things.

Marco Asensio the former wonderkid

Year

Segunda División Player of the Month

2014

UEFA European U19 Championship Golden Player

2015

La Liga Breakthrough Player

2015-16

UEFA European U21 Championship Silver Boot

2017

UEFA European U21 Championship Team of the Tournament

2017

UEFA Champions League Breakthrough XI

2017

In a last-gasp move, however, a player who former Tottenham Hotspur man Andros Townsend called a “special talent” looks likely to join back up with his Aston Villa teammates on a permanent basis.