Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin has admitted that Hamza Igamane was unable to come on against St Mirren after informing the manager that he was unfit to play.

Speaking after the game, the Gers boss said: “I turned around to him at 60 minutes and Hamza told me he’s injured. I have to trust him, but we’ll see.”

“The issue is that the window is still open and there are people with one eye out and one eye in We had a bid this week for Hamza that we rejected. There are too many people uncertain and we have to make sure we have people that want to be here. I’m calm about it.”

Igamane was called to come off the bench in the second half, with the Gers 1-0 down to St Mirren, but declined the call, citing injury, and these comments from Martin do not suggest that an injury was the only factor at play.

The “we’ll see” and the talk of rejecting a bid for the striker, as well as players who are “uncertain” about their future seems to suggest that a possible move away from Ibrox may have influenced the decision.

Hopefully, that was not the case, and it was purely an injury concern and only that, but the window is still open for another week and the possibility that Igamane moves on from the club remains a real one.

Why losing Hamza Igamane would be a blow for Rangers

Cashing in on the Morocco international before the end of the summer transfer window would be a blow for the Light Blues because he is an exciting young talent who has the quality to deliver at the top end of the pitch.

The 22-year-old star enjoyed a terrific first season in Glasgow after his move to Ibrox last summer, scoring 16 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, per Transfermarkt.

His output in the Scottish Premiership, in particular, was impressive. The Moroccan star showed that he can be a clinical finisher whilst also providing a creative presence in the centre-forward position, or out wide on the left.

As you can see in the table above, Igamane outperformed his xG by around three goals and was let down by his teammates in front of goal, as they failed to make the most of the high-quality chances that he created for them.

An xA tally of 4.85 suggests that he should have had way more than one assist in the top-flight, and shows that he has the creativity and quality to open up opposition defences fairly regularly.

Losing Igamane would be a big blow, therefore, for Martin because of his quality in the final third, but the Gers are reportedly keen on a star who could allow the club to sanction an exit before the deadline.

Rangers eyeing move for LaLiga forward

According to the Daily Mail, Glasgow Rangers are lining up a move to bring Girona centre-forward Bojan Miovski to Ibrox before the end of the window.

The report claims that the Macedonia international is out of favour at Girona, 12 months on from his transfer from Aberdeen for a fee of £6.8m, and could be on his way out of the Spanish side in the coming days.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that Martin is a known admirer of the striker, who he wanted to sign during his time at Swansea and Southampton in Wales and England, and would like to snap him up to bolster his attack at Ibrox.

The Daily Mail reveals that the player and Girona would prefer a permanent deal to allow him to leave, but that Rangers cannot afford a permanent move for the star who cost around £7m last year.

It is said that, therefore, a loan deal for Miovski may be the route the Gers look to go down, and that the player could be tempted by the prospect of a return to Scotland.

Why this could be the end for Hamza Igamane at Rangers

Rangers have played with systems that either have one striker or none in all of their competitive matches so far, something which has been a theme for Martin throughout his career.

In their striker ranks, the Gers currently have Danilo, Cyriel Dessers, and Igamane at their disposal. This suggests that they would not be looking to add another centre-forward to the group unless they thought that one of them would move on.

Given what happened against St Mirren, what Martin said, and the interest in his services, Igamane could be the player who waves bye-bye to Ibrox before the window slams shut in order to open up the space for Miovski to join.

Losing the Moroccan sensation, as aforementioned, would be a blow to the Gers when taken in isolation, given what he achieved on the pitch in his first year at the club.

The signing of Miovski, a proven performer in the Premiership, would soften that blow because he could come in and hit the ground running as a huge goalscoring threat for Martin.

As you can see in the table above, Miovski was a clinical finisher – taking into account the xG on target versus xG – for Aberdeen on his road to scoring 32 goals in two Premiership seasons.

The left-footed star, who was described as a “complete number 9” by journalist Josh Bunting, only started 12 times in LaLiga for Girona last season, scoring twice, and did not really get a chance to build any rhythm or momentum in his performances.

Miovski is a proven performer in the Premiership, though, and his output for Aberdeen in two of the last three seasons suggests that he has the quality to hit the ground running as a lethal goalscorer for Rangers.

As well as Aarons: Martin must drop Rangers lightweight who lost 100% duels

Russell Martin must drop this Rangers lightweight as well as Max Aarons.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 24, 2025

This is why the club’s interest in the Girona outcast may suggest, along with Sunday’s events, that Igamane could be on his way out of Ibrox before the window shuts, and Miovski could be a dream replacement for him.

Manchester United made a splash in the summer transfer window and now have one of Europe’s brightest talents in their eyeline despite attention from the likes of Liverpool.

Manchester United look to the future under Ruben Amorim

From the sounds of things, the Red Devils are planning for the long-term under Ruben Amorim as the Portuguese boss looks to take forward a squad that has been streamlined in both age and in terms of personnel.

Undoubtedly, his start to the Premier League season has been mixed, coupled with a shock EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town, but there have been some flickers of his style of play starting to gel after a bruising 2024/25 campaign.

Having to make some difficult calls at Old Trafford, Amorim’s decision to offload Andre Onana on loan to Trabzonspor has led to a change of the guard between the sticks, with Senne Lammens the man to challenge Altay Bayindir for the number one jersey.

Speaking about the decision to sign Lammens from Royal Antwerp, the former Sporting boss outlined that ‘potential’ was the main motivation behind his capture, something that appears to have also manifested itself in the additions of Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon.

Amorim said: “We are really pleased, he is a goalkeeper with a lot of potential. We are in the moment that the goalkeeper needs to be really strong and have a lot of experience, but we also have to look at the present with a focus on the future so it is a bit of both. He will be ready.”

With further signings set to be on the agenda in January, Manuel Ugarte may be someone who makes way at Manchester United, potentially paving the way for an exciting replacement from the continent.

Man Utd looking to beat Liverpool to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are looking to beat Liverpool to sign Lille central midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who will be able to leave the Ligue 1 outfit when he turns 18 years of age.

AC Milan are believed to be heavily interested in the France international. Meanwhile, the Red Devils alongside Arsenal and other keen suitors have taken in his performances this term, and INEOS have made it clear they don’t plan to back down in the race for his signature.

Related "Exceptional" Man Utd gem was ahead of Amad, but Ten Hag let him go for £0

Manchester United certainly made some questionable decisions during Erik ten Hag’s tenure.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Sep 12, 2025

Making a mark at senior level, Bouaddi has notched three assists in 57 appearances for his current employers, though he is able to move to clubs inside the European Union regardless of age, which may allow AC Milan to steal a march on their Premier League competitors.

Renowned for his technical ability in the engine room, the 17-year-old is set to be offered a new contract by Lille, though Manchester United will hope the lure of playing at Old Trafford is too much to refuse compared to other potential avenues.

Manchester United are in the market for late deals and could be set to earn some much needed capital to invest into their squad by sanctioning a key departure, according to reports.

Manchester United look for Ruben Amorim turnaround

To put it bluntly, Ruben Amorim hasn’t endured the tenure he would’ve liked at Old Trafford so far and his misfortune was only compounded further courtesy of a disastrous EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town in midweek.

Losing out on penalties, the Red Devils boss has been left under pressure by club chiefs, with reports emerging that Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner could be in the frame to take over at Manchester United if results don’t improve.

Wayne Rooney has been critical of the former Sporting boss and claimed that the defeat at Blundell Park could prove to be a ‘breaking point’ for Amorim, citing his belief that he will find it difficult to turn around the malaise at the club.

He stated on his own show: “There’s a pressure at Manchester United which he will never have felt before. When you’re not winning games it can start to get to you, and it looks like it was a breaking point for him.

“There’s just a little bit too much rotation going on and players getting a little bit lost. When they lose the ball there’s massive gaps and spaces and it’s a carry on from last season. If it carries on like that, then unfortunately I don’t see how it moves forward.”

Man Utd now seriously considering late move for "wonderful" £32m midfielder

INEOS may not be done just yet…

2 ByDominic Lund Aug 28, 2025

Transfers could be pivotal to a turnaround, and Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher could be set for an Old Trafford move, albeit sales will be necesarry to pulling any further moves off.

If recent reports are to be believed, they could now be set to hasten that process.

Rasmus Hojlund set for Napoli medical

According to Il Mattino, Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund is set to undergo a medical at Napoli in a deal that will see the Red Devils inherit around £37.2 million once his initial loan move goes through.

If the Serie A champions secure qualification to next campaign’s Champions League, the agreement will convert into an obligation to buy, meaning Amorim’s men will receive the full amount quoted.

Across his time at Old Trafford, Hojlund has struck 26 times in 95 appearances in all competitions. Nevertheless, Benjamin Sesko’s arrival has pushed him down the pecking order and an exit has been all but ratified.

Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Chelsea for £40 million will offer Manchester United the chance to make another marquee signing, if they can push negotiations over the line at this late stage, though it remains to be seen when both deals officially go through.

Either way, Amorim is in need of help to bolster his squad and funds generated from Hojlund’s exit will go a long way to achieving that feat.

After failing to win once more in the Scottish Premiership, one journalist believes that Russell Martin is done at Ibrox and has suggested when Rangers could decide to sack their manager.

Martin admits Ibrox atmosphere is "difficult"

It couldn’t have been a much worse start for Martin. Rangers have been inescapably woeful. The Gers sit 10th and haven’t won a single game in five attempts in the Scottish Premiership to mark their worst start to a league campaign in 47 years. It’s history that the 49ers do not need at the start of a new era and history that Ibrox has turned toxic in the face of.

Boos echoed around the stadium as Rangers fell to defeat once again last weekend. Even as Martin returned from the tunnel after half-time, he was met with the anger of his own home fans. This time it was Hearts who benefitted, picking up their first Ibrox victory since 2014, and compiling Martin’s misery to a new level entirely.

Martin admitted that the atmosphere at Ibrox is currently “difficult”, but also claimed that some fans didn’t want him at the club in the first place – telling reporters: “I don’t think many of them wanted me here in the first place.

“We have a lot of new guys in there. We have a lot of players trying to feel their way in an environment that’s really difficult to feel their way into. Really, really difficult. So we just have to make sure they’re alright as human beings first and improve their performance. But there’s anxiety at the moment.”

Rangers flop who's "not helped his team" is as big a problem as Martin

This Glasgow Rangers flop has been as much of a problem for the team as Russell Martin this season.

ByDan Emery Sep 16, 2025

Whether that is the case or not, however, there’s no denying that time is running out for Martin to save his job and one journalist has now set a date that he could be sacked.

When Rangers could sack Russell Martin

According to the Daily Record’s Andy Newport, Martin could be sacked if he doesn’t get a result against Hibernian in the Scottish Cup on Saturday. If the Gers exit the cup competition, it will mark five games without a win and potentially game over for Martin’s tenure.

Newport told Daily Record: “In the eyes of the supporters, he’s toast, he’s done. When he came in, it was the most lukewarm of receptions he got when he was appointed, and the scepticism and the concerns the fans have had since then have only grown. If Martin doesn’t get a result against Hibs, that’ll be the end for him.”

That verdict is no real shock. The biggest surprise is arguably that he is still in a job after the Hearts game and Ibrox’s reaction to that result. Alas, as things stand, Martin seemingly has one last chance to save his job in Scotland.

MatériaMais Notícias

Diferentemente do que ocorria há alguns anos, o Palmeiras não deve gerar entretenimento ao futebol nacional nesta janela de transferências. Mesmo sendo um dos clubes mais saudáveis do país, a busca por reforços não é uma característica da dupla Leila Pereira e Anderson Barros, que prezam mais pela manutenção do grupo do que pelas novas adições. A filosofia deve se repetir no próximo mês, quando as saídas devem ser as protagonistas no clube.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras ‘sobra’ entre os brasileiros na fase de grupos da Libertadores nos últimos seis anosPalmeiras30/06/2023Futebol NacionalQuanto custa avião de Leila Pereira?Futebol Nacional30/06/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras se reapresenta, e Weverton comemora recorde atingido na LibertadoresPalmeiras30/06/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Se o Verdão estiver disposto a trazer alguma peça para o elenco de Abel Ferreira, certamente os esforços estarão concentrados em um “camisa 5”, que vem sendo pedido desde o início do ano, quando Danilo foi vendido ao Nottingham Forest-ING. Um dos nomes cogitados era o de Allan, que acabou de ser negociado pelo Atlético-MG com o Flamengo. Já nomes como Walace, Matheus Henrique e Jean Lucas, que foram sondados anteriormente, não passam de especulações, por enquanto.

+ Até 50% OFF em produtos do Verdão para os torcedores fanáticos!

Lembrando que o tal “camisa 5” é um peça carente no grupo, tanto é que Zé Rafael tem sido improvisado no setor, uma vez que Jailson não emplacou e Fabinho ainda seria muito novo para carregar esse “piano”. No último jogo, diante do Bolívar-BOL, quando Zé estava machucado, Gabriel Menino foi quem atuou mais recuado, mesmo não sendo sua posição de origem. Leila Pereira deixou aberta a possibilidade de contratar pelo menos um jogador nesta janela e se ele vier, será para o meio-campo.

continua após a publicidade

Enquanto o mercado de entradas deve gerar pouco entretenimento, o de saídas promete agitar os bastidores palmeirenses. Além do temor sobre possíveis propostas para alguns titulares, como Raphael Veiga e Rony, certos reservas podem ter suas negociações facilitadas caso surjam ofertas. Um deles é Rafael Navarro, que já despertou interesse do Cruzeiro na última janela, e pode trocar de time caso o negócio seja bom para todas as partes. O atacante tem perdido espaço e não atua há cerca de um mês.

+ Que contratação! Em três meses de Palmeiras, Artur quase iguala número de gols feitos em 2022

Quem pode ter um destino fora do clube é Bruno Tabata, que acabou ficando fora da lista de relacionados diante do Bolívar-BOL. A ausência pode não significar nada, mas ele é outro que tem visto concorrentes ganharem espaço e desempenharem melhor no time. Como se trata de um atleta que não é titular, também pode ter sua saída facilita em caso de boa proposta. Leila já avisou que os titulares são intocáveis, mas não descartou outras saídas no elenco.

continua após a publicidade

Já quem pode começar a definir o futuro nesta janela é o trio Marcos Rocha, Marcelo Lomba e Jailson. Os três têm vínculo somente até dezembro de 2023 e já podem assinar pré-contrato com outros clubes. Rocha é aquele que tem a situação mais próxima de ser concretizada, uma vez que ele e os dirigentes do Verdão estão perto de renovar o contrato até 2024. Enquanto isso, o goleiro e o volante seguem com futuro incerto.

+ Abel Ferreira deixa aberta a possibilidade de poupar titulares do Palmeiras contra o Athletico-PR

Vale lembrar que o Palmeiras contratou apenas dois jogadores para esta temporada: Artur, do Bragantino, e Richardo Ríos, do Guarani. Enquanto isso, perdeu algumas peças em relação ao ano passado como Danilo, Wesley, Kuscevic, Gustavo Scarpa, Merentiel e Jorge.

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير تفاصيل مكالمته الهاتفية مع الكابتن أشرف حلمي، رئيس الاتحاد المصري لتنس الطاولة، التي تناولت أزمة اللاعب محمود أشرف حلمي وزميله عمر عصر في بطولة إفريقيا.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأربعاء: “الحقيقة ومن باب الصداقة، تلقيت مكالمة محترمة من الكابتن أشرف حلمي، رئيس الاتحاد المصري لتنس الطاولة، تحدثنا في مكالمة مطولة، وأول ما قاله لي: بادئ ذي بدء، محمود أشرف أخطأ في التصرف الذي قام به، فقلت له: ريّحتني، فقال لي: لا أستطيع يا كابتن أن أقول شيئًا غير صحيح”.

وتابع: “وقال لي أيضًا: (والله يا كابتن، محمود أشرف هذا إنسان تحب أن يكون ابنك، فهو لا يصلي إلا في المسجد)، ثم شرح لي موقف ابنه، واكتشفت أن ابنته يسرى أيضًا لاعبة تنس طاولة ضمن صفوف منتخب مصر”.

وقال لي: “أنا سأرد فقط على نقطة واحدة، ولن أتحدث عن القضية المثارة الآن، لأن الأمر أصبح بيد اللجنة الأولمبية ووزارة الشباب والرياضة، وهناك لجنة مختصة وأنا غير مكلف بالحديث في هذا الشأن”.

وأضاف: “أنت سألتني عما إذا كان ابني المصنف رقم 24 أو 25 في مصر، وهل سافر ظلمًا وعدوانًا؟ لا يا كابتن، لم يسافر ظلمًا ولا عدوانًا، بل سافر وتأهل بناءً على أرقامه ومشاركاته في البطولات الإفريقية وبطولة شمال إفريقيا، وبالتالي سافر طبقًا لمشاركاته في البطولات الإفريقية والدولية، ووفقًا للتصنيف (الرانكنج) المعتمد من الاتحادين الإفريقي والدولي، فتصنيفه يؤهله للسفر والمشاركة مع المنتخب”.

طالع أيضًا | محمود أشرف بعد تحويله للتحقيق: أعتذر عما حدث.. ورفضت تصعيد الموقف

وواصل: “وقال لي: لن أسمح أبدًا أن يسافر لاعب أو لاعبة لا تنطبق عليه الشروط، حتى لو كان الثمن أن أترك منصبي، نعم، أنا ولي أمر، لكن هناك أولياء أمور آخرين أنفقوا كثيرًا على أبنائهم ليصلوا إلى ما وصلوا إليه، وأقسم بالله يا كابتن، لم أجامل ابني لا من قريب ولا من بعيد، وابنتي يسرى التي كانت تسافر في كل البطولات الإفريقية السابقة، لم تسافر هذه المرة”.

واستمر شوبير: “فسألته: لماذا؟ فقال لي: لأنها لا تنطبق عليها الشروط، وبالتالي لم تسافر، هل يُعقل أن أفعل غير ذلك يا كابتن؟ أنا رئيس اتحاد، لست شخصًا آمرًا وناهيًا لمصلحتي الشخصية”.

وأشار شوبير: “والحقيقة أن الرجل لم يجرح لا في عمر عصر ولا في أي شخص آخر إطلاقًا، لكنه يشعر بمرارة كبيرة، وقال لي: “عمر أعتبره من أبنائي، وهو ابن اللعبة، لكني أتمنى أن تسير الأمور بشكل طيب”.

وأردف: “الكابتن أشرف قال لي أمورًا كثيرة، منها ما هو للنشر ومنها ما هو لغير النشر، لأنه غير مسموح له بالحديث رسميًا، لكنه أراد فقط توضيح نقطة التصنيف، وأن من حق ابنه أن يشارك ويسافر بناءً على ترتيبه، لم أتطرق معه إلى موضوع سبب تأخر تصنيفه داخل مصر مقارنة بتقدمه في التصنيف الدولي، لأن الرجل كان يركّز فقط على توضيح النقطة الخاصة بالمشاركة”.

وتابع: “أشكر الكابتن أشرف حلمي، فقد تفضّل مشكورًا واتصل بي، وتحدث أيضًا عن الخلافات الموجودة داخل اتحاد تنس الطاولة والاستقالات الأخيرة، لكني لا أستطيع التحدث في هذا الجزء لأن هناك أطرافًا أخرى، ولا يمكنني عرض وجهة نظر طرف واحد فقط دون وجود الطرفين”.

وأضاف: “قضية الترتيب كانت مهمة جدًا بالنسبة لي، وأردت أن أسمعها منه مباشرة، وقلت له: أوعدك طالما أنني أثرت هذا الموضوع في البرنامج الصباحي، فسأعود وأطرحه مجددًا في نفس البرنامج وبنفس المساحة، لأن من الضروري أن يحصل كل طرف على حقه، شكرًا للكابتن أشرف حلمي، وأتمنى أن يكون هناك قرارات حاسمة من الاتحاد واللجنة الأولمبية والوزارة طالما تدخلوا في الأمر”.

واستطرد شوبير: “وقد علمت من مصدر داخل الاتحاد الإفريقي أن الاتحاد أرسل خطابًا رسميًا إلى الاتحاد المصري يسأله فيه: ماذا فعلتم مع اللاعب عمر عصر؟.. لماذا لم يوجّه الخطاب بخصوص محمود أشرف حلمي؟ لأن الأخير لم يكن في الملعب، بينما الخطأ صدر من عمر عصر”.

وأوضح: “وبالتالي، طالب الاتحاد الإفريقي نظيره المصري بتوضيح ما حدث، وأصرّ على أن يتم تقديم اعتذار رسمي قبل مشاركة عمر عصر في النهائي، وبالفعل قدّم الاتحاد المصري اعتذارًا مكتوبًا وموقّعًا من رئيس البعثة، وشارك عمر عصر في المباراة النهائية بعد ذلك”.

واختتم: “أتمنى إن شاء الله أن تنتهي هذه المشكلات على خير، وأن تُوضع لوائح وضوابط واضحة حتى لا تتكرر مثل هذه الأزمة مرة أخرى”.

Chelsea have ended speculation surrounding Sjoeke Nusken’s future by confirming the Germany international has signed a new contract until 2027. The 24-year-old midfielder, who impressed in her debut season with 12 goals in all competitions, has committed her future to the Blues despite previous hints that she could look to explore options elsewhere.

• Nusken signs new extension with Chelsea

  Nusken has penned a new deal with Chelsea that will keep her at Kingsmeadow until the summer of 2027. The German international joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 and played a key role as the Blues lifted the WSL title last season.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  'Very happy' – Nusken opens up on signing new deal

  "I'm very happy to have another year at Chelsea, to stay another year with my team,” Nusken told Chelsea's club media after signing the new deal. “We have a big year coming up, and hopefully, we can achieve the Champions League title. The team is so nice, and I love being here — that’s why I’ve always wanted to stay and win everything we can.”

  She continued: “The song the fans have for me is very special. Since day one, I’ve felt their support, and I try to give everything back that they give to me. As a team, we want to win the Champions League — that’s my personal goal too because we have such quality and can achieve it if we perform right on the pitch.”

• Nusken hinted at Chelsea exit earlier this year

  Just months ago, Nusken hinted that her Chelsea future was uncertain, admitting “a few doors” were open beyond this season. She had told Wa.de that she wanted to see how things developed before deciding whether to stay longer. Now, after a strong debut campaign and with a = growing bond with the club and fans, she’s put those doubts firmly to rest.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Nusken wants to help Chelsea finally win the UWCL

  With her future now secure, Nusken will look to build on her breakout debut season as Chelsea chase silverware on multiple fronts. The Blues’ midfield dynamo will play a central role as they target domestic dominance and the elusive Champions League crown. Her commitment also gives new boss Sonia Bompastor a vital cornerstone for the years ahead.

Arsenal scouts have watched a “world-class talent” in action a number of times already this season, and they could be set to battle Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.

Gunners looking to bolster options in midfield

Mikel Arteta made major improvements to his squad in the summer transfer window, and Martin Zubimendi is already looking like a very astute signing, having been singled out for praise after scoring twice in the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney said: “The technique on the first of his two goals against Nottingham Forest was frightening. It would have been so easy to get over that and put it into Row Z, and his header was nice as well.

“We see so many players that can’t head a ball any more and it was really calm. He ran the show and that is why Arsenal brought him in. They want him to be that maestro when they have loads of the ball.”

"He's still got it" – Odegaard says "complete" icon is Arsenal's best ever

The Arsenal captain has revealed who he believes the best player in the Gunners’ history is.

ByDominic Lund Sep 14, 2025

Christian Norgaard also arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer, meaning Arteta should be very well-stocked in the engine room this season, but the north Londoners have now joined the race for another central midfielder.

That is according to a report from journalist Ahad Shaukhat for the Daily Briefing, who states Arsenal scouts have now watched Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi on a number of occasions already.

Bouaddi is being targeted by a number of top clubs from across Europe, with bitter rivals Tottenham also in the race for his signature, but there have been suggestions a deal could be on the expensive side.

The 17-year-old has been widely reported to have a price tag of £40m, which would be a huge amount to pay for a teenager.

"World-class talent" Bouaddi is one for the future

Despite his age, the young Frenchman has already established himself as a regular starter for Lille, making a total of 58 senior appearances for the French club, including four in Ligue 1 so far this season. Already he has emerged as “one of the best young midfielders in Europe”, in the words of football writer James Brooke.

Earlier this year, the Lille starlet also received very high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who lauded him as a “world-class talent”, while also describing the youngster as having “excellent technical capacity & ball carrying ability.”

That is underlined by the fact the Senlis-born ace ranks in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders, and the 85th percentile for tackles over the same timeframe.

Having already started to make a name for himself in Ligue 1, Bouaddi clearly has a lot of potential, and may not be too far off first-team level for a top Premier League club, so Arsenal should undoubtedly look to win the race for his signature.

It was another batting malfunction from SRH as local boy Siraj ran through them

Deivarayan Muthu06-Apr-20251:55

Bishop: ‘Surprised by how dominant Washington was’

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) suffered another batting malfunction, this time on a slow, black-soil surface at home, crashing to their fourth successive defeat in IPL 2025. Having lost Travishek in the powerplay, SRH waited until the 13th over to see the first six of the innings, and managed only one more after that. Mohammed Siraj caused irreparable damage right from the start, ending with his career-best IPL figures of 4 for 17.Pat Cummins’ cameo (22* off nine balls) and then his dismissal of Jos Buttler for a duck in Gujarat Titans’ (GT) chase of 153 gave SRH some hope, but that faded away once Washington Sundar clattered 23 off nine balls in the powerplay. Earlier in the day, GT didn’t need Washington with the ball, but his attacking enterprise at No. 4 settled their chase on a slow pitch. Washington fell agonisingly short of a maiden IPL half-century, but his captain Shubman Gill ushered GT home, with an unbeaten 61 off 43 balls, along with Sherfane Rutherford.Travishek vs SirajSiraj had sparked the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to life when he gave Travis Head a send-off in Adelaide last December. Four months on, Siraj was bowling to Head for the first time in T20s, and the battle lasted just five balls. After Head scored two fours off Siraj, the fast bowler struck with his trademark wobble-seam delivery, having him chip a catch to midwicket for 8.Abhishek Sharma hit four fours before Siraj had him miscuing a catch to mid-on in his third over of the powerplay. It was Siraj’s 100th wicket in the IPL and sixth in the powerplay, the most by a bowler in that phase so far this season, with an economy rate of 6.27.Siraj then returned in the death to york both Aniket Verma, the last recognised batter for SRH, and Simarjeet Singh, their Impact Player.Contrasting outings for Rashid and Sai KishoreWith both Head and Abhishek gone early, Rashid Khan, who was coming into this game on the back of figures of 4-0-54-0, could afford to ease himself in. He started fairly well by giving away just 10 runs in his first two overs, but when he erred in length, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen dispatched him to the fence. Rashid finished with 4-0-31-0, going wicketless for a third successive game, and with tournament figures of 1 for 143 in 14 overs at an economy rate of 10.21Left-arm fingerspinner R Sai Kishore, on the other hand, showed remarkable control over his length and variations. He claimed the big wicket of Klaasen by knocking him over with a quick dart, which skidded off the pitch, for 27 off 19 balls. Sai Kishore also had Reddy holing out for 31 off 34 balls and finished with 4-0-24-2.1:31

Rayudu: Siraj’s comeback since India omission has been amazing

That SRH passed 150 was down to Cummins’ late blows. He was the only SRH batter in the top eight to have a strike rate of over 160.Washington at No.4It appeared like GT had handed a franchise debut to Washington to primarily match his offspin up with SRH’s left-hander heavy top order. But with Siraj dominating the powerplay and Sai Kishore taking care of the middle overs, GT ended up not using his offspin.Washington then walked out to bat at No. 4 after his childhood friend B Sai Sudharsan and Buttler fell cheaply in successive overs. Washington took advantage of the last over of the powerplay, smoking Simarjeet for two sixes and two fours. It provided a throwback to Washington of 2016, when he opened the batting, alongside Abhinav Mukund, in the TNPL and showed the intent to hit over the top. Just like that, Washington dumped SRH’s Impact Player out of the attack.Washington continued to attack even after that. When the ambidextrous Kamindu Mendis darted one on the stumps with his right hand, Washington manufactured swinging room and laced him over extra-cover for four. Washington seemed set for a fifty until he holed out one shy of the landmark in the 14th over.Gill, who had already crossed 50 by that point, finished the job along with Rutherford, who hit an unbeaten 35 off 16 balls.

Hampshire 55 for 1 (Gubbins 23*, Worrall 1-14) trail Surrey 253 (Sibley 100*, Wheal 4-65) by 198 runsIt was just after 5pm at the Kia Oval, with Surrey nine down, having spent a gorgeous day at the Kia Oval scrapping against Hampshire, that the probable past and potential future of English Test cricket locked horns.Words were spoken. Bouncers bowled. Attempts to guide a boundary over third missed three times. Sonny Baker, just two weeks into his County Championship career, was fed up. He’d bowled well all day, each delivery at 85mph or above vindicating the ECB development contract handed to the 22-year-old in February. But with just one wicket to show for it, this was all a bit of a tease.Baker’s first wicket of this match was not Dom Sibley – a caught and bowled of Matthew Fisher instead – but it should have been. A brilliant three-over burst of short stuff had produced a rib-high fend from Sibley, on 54, which Toby Albert grassed at short leg. It would have given Albert a hand in four of the top six dismissals, having taken three smart grabs in the cordon.Two players bred in very different eras, with very different priorities, were now engaged in their own mini-session, with a Surrey innings there to finish off for good. And Sibley, the sole survivor, with a say on just how good.Related

• Ben McKinney makes his mark as Durham thrive on opening day

• Kyle Verreynne leads Notts recovery with unbeaten century

• Deckchairs in demand as Sussex show they are here to stay

• Dawid Malan's classy 98 gives Yorkshire a healthy start

The 29-year old, 22 Test caps from a bygone age, has remained undimmed throughout his professional life. So it was no surprise that the sight of eight wickets falling at the other end elicited nothing other than the assumption of responsibility for what joy there was left to prise of Surrey’s homecoming in pursuit of a fourth straight County Championship title. And after engaging with Baker as the sun began setting towards Vauxhall, he set about his duty once more.A single was taken off the end of that over, digging out a well-guided yorker for a scampered single to midwicket. Baker took his cap in frustration, with little more he could have done. Sibley then smeared Brad Wheal over midwicket for six – the shorter side – before more diligent strike hogging to shield No.11 Dan Worrall. A loose wristy carve through backward point gave him a leg up to 97. Then more creeping before eventually pocketing the single that took him to a 23rd first-class century.The ovation was loud, those of the 5,639 through the gates on Friday that remained making themselves heard. Sibley skipped into a punch of the air, before removing his helmet and laying down his bat to face the dressing room and point one finger to the sky, and another to his temple.He need not have re-equipped himself. Just two deliveries later, Worrall was caught brilliantly at midwicket by Mark Stoneman to hand Wheal figures of 4 for 65 from 19.3 overs. Off Sibley went, 100* from 217 deliveries, the sixth time he has carried his bat in Championship cricket. Only Geoffrey Boycott (8) has done so more times since the Second World War.That it was the third against Hampshire – in 2017 and 2019 for Warwickshire – could have ramped up their disdain for him. But the bigger picture of dismissing the hosts for 253 inside 78 overs did them just fine.By stumps, Hampshire had chipped off 55, for the loss of just Fletcha Middleton. And beyond a few optimistic gasps, it was a relatively trouble free 16-over session. For all the positivity of a sun-soaked day in south London, not much of it belonged to those who call this home.That Wheal’s pace – allied with impressive command of length – and Kyle Abbott’s enduring class made a mess of Surrey’s international calibre top-half is nothing out of the ordinary. But Ollie Pope’s twitch outside off stump, Dan Lawrence’s cavalier driving and Ben Foakes’ misjudgement, playing on when focussing on consolidation, were familiar failings that put Surrey behind the game after the first session.Even Jamie Smith, the most productive outside of Sibley with 39, was found wanting, although his issue was being too respectful. Wheal’s short ball outside off deserved to be smoked, but Smith’s attempt to place rather than slap it into the stands at backward point counts as a misjudgement. Baker, lurking at deep backward point, pulled off a brilliant initial catch, before relaying to himself once he had confirmed his footing inside the boundary.It is easy and probably even a tad reductive to say these batters should have copied Sibley’s approach. By his own admission before the summer, Sibley’s tag as a blocker is not quite one he has to overcome. Rather, it is a “stigma” he is trying to break.The irony here is Sibley’s latest epic was a mix of speeds and shots – successful or otherwise. And even his own willingless to expand his game, which included a one-off appearance for Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League in January, is set against a constant assessment of the situation in front of him.His two sixes among the 11 boundaries illustrate this perfectly. The first, off Liam Dawson, was an attempt to to jolt the left-arm spinner out of a groove. The second, off Wheal, with the onus on quick runs in the final stand. As it happens, he struck more than Chennai Super Kings managed in their Friday IPL blowout against Kolkata Knight Riders.Having escaped with a draw from Chelmsford last week, Surrey find themselves second best once more, albeit with plenty of time to twist this game back around. As worthy as the Hampshire bowlers were for their rewards on day one, the defending champions will be a little alarmed that their stutter has carried into the second round.