The rule allows Indian players who have not played international cricket in the last five years to go into the auction as uncapped

Nagraj Gollapudi29-Sep-2024

CSK have the option of retaining MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for INR 4 crore•AFP/Getty Images

If five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) want, they can retain their former captain and talisman MS Dhoni as an uncapped player.This is because the IPL has decided to bring back a rule that it had started in 2008, allowing Indian players who had retired from international cricket at least five years before the relevant season to go into the auction as uncapped players. The rule was scrapped in 2021. However, during the broader discussion on uncapped players, the IPL informed the franchises that it was reviving the rule.In a media release on Saturday, the IPL said: “A capped Indian player will become uncapped if he has, in the five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant season is held, not played in the starting XI in international cricket and does not have a central contract with BCCI. This will be applicable for Indian players only.”Related

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Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, Dhoni was retained as the second player by CSK for INR 12 crore. Dhoni, who turned 43 in July, last played an international match at the 2019 ODI World Cup. In case, CSK want to retain him as an uncapped player, they can do so by spending just INR 4 crore.The question of whether Dhoni will continue to play in the IPL or not has been doing the rounds for the last few seasons. After a knee surgery in 2023, he handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024 and played a limited role with the bat, coming in late in the innings as a boundary-hitter. More recently, at an event, Dhoni said he and CSK would wait for the player retention rules to be finalised before taking a decision on his future as a player.

With the Club World Cup now out of the picture and a Premier League season to prepare for, Chelsea are looking to make moves in the transfer market once again.

It’s already been a good summer of business for Enzo Maresca’s side. When it comes to outgoings, they’ve been able to finally shift Kepa Arrizabalaga and make a significant profit on Noni Madueke, with both players taking the well-trodden path to Arsenal.

Then, in terms of incomings, the Blues have seriously strengthened the frontline with the additions of Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

The next target on the West Londoners’ list appears to be Xavi Simons, but he’s not the only one, as reports suggest that Chelsea are also working on a deal to sign someone who’d be a dream winger for the Dutchman.

Chelsea target dream winger for Simons

As things stand, it looks like the next player who could be on his way to Stamford Bridge is Simons.

Transfer Focus

For example, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano revealed yesterday morning that the player himself is “keen” to join Chelsea and that direct talks between the two clubs are “advancing,” and then, in the afternoon, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claimed that RB Leipzig expect the Blues to make their “first offer soon.”

In terms of the 22-year-old’s potential cost, it appears that the final fee could be in the region of £52m, which, for a player who amassed a tally of 11 goals and eight assists in 33 games last season, seems reasonable.

However, as we mentioned above, the West Londoners aren’t planning on stopping there, as it also appears that they are trying to sign another international, someone who could be a dream winger for Simons.

At least that’s according to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, which claims Chelsea are still very interested in Alejandro Garnacho.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Pensioners have been in talks with Manchester United over a deal, although Aston Villa have been as well, and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest.

Interestingly, due to the Red Devils’ desire to sell the player, following his falling out with the manager, another report states that he could be available for around £40m, which could be a bargain for a young talent, especially as he could be a dream winger for Simons.

Why Garnacho would be a dream winger for Simons

Okay, so we know that Garnacho doesn’t exactly have the best reputation at the moment, but there are several reasons he could be the ideal winger for Simons, and the first is his output.

Despite being just 20 years old for the entirety of last season, and playing for a historically poor United side that changed managers a third of the way into the campaign, the Madrid-born gem was still able to score 11 goals and provide ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3,568 minutes.

In other words, the Argentine international averaged a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or more impressively, every 169.90 minutes.

Appearances

58

Minutes

3568′

Goals

11

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

Just imagine what numbers he’d be able to put up playing ahead of Simons in this Chelsea side and under the guidance of Maresca, especially as he continues to develop, which brings us to the following reason: his age.

According to research carried out by The Athletic in 2021, wingers do not hit their peak until the age of 26, so if the dynamic attacker is already able to put up 20-plus goal involvements now, it’s not hard to see him being a serious threat a few years from now, especially if he develops alongside Simons.

Finally, even if you are unimpressed by his output, the “generational” talent, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has some genuinely impressive underlying numbers to his name.

According to FBref, he was in the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for touches in the opposition penalty area and carries into the final third, the top 7% for progressive carries and total shots, and the top 10% for carries into the penalty area.

In other words, when his teammates get him the ball, he can and often does make things happen, and in a team with players like Pedro, Delap and Simons, that could result in far more goals than it did at Old Trafford.

Ultimately, for the reported price, Chelsea should look to bring Garnacho to the Bridge this summer, as not only could he develop into a great player in his own right, but he could also be brilliant alongside the Leipzig star.

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Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin will be hoping to keep hold of his top talents at Ibrox between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

The likes of Hamza Igamane, Nicolas Raskin, Cyriel Dessers, and Mohamed Diomande have all been linked with moves away from Scotland, but all remain with the Light Blues at the time of writing.

A whole host of English clubs, who are all due to play in the top-flight south of the border, are reportedly interested in signing Raskin from Rangers.

Losing the Belgium international, who delivered four goals and ten assists in the Scottish Premiership last season, would be a big blow to Martin ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Rangers eyeing up new midfielder

However, Rangers could soften the blow of potentially selling Raskin in the coming weeks by signing an Italian star they are reportedly keen on bringing to Ibrox.

Transfer Focus

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

According to The Boot Room, Martin is interested in a deal to sign Spezia central midfielder Salvatore Esposito for Rangers before the end of the window.

The report claims that there is plenty of competition to land the Italy international’s signature, though, as Everton, Sunderland, Celtic, Brighton, Burnley, Fulham, Brentford, and Fulham are also keen on him.

It adds that Spezia, who failed to earn promotion to the Serie A via the play-offs, are open to a loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.

Rangers must now see off significant competition from their closest rivals and teams in the Premier League in England to sign Esposito, who could be a Raskin repeat at Ibrox.

Why Rangers should sign Salvatore Esposito

The £9m-rated star’s form in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that he would arrive in Glasgow as the dream replacement for the Belgian ace in the middle of the park.

He could provide similar qualities in midfield as a number eight who can make an impact, with both goals and assists, at the top end of the pitch, whilst also being strong in his physical duels out of possession.

Esposito was once described as a “set-piece specialist” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and it is no wonder when you see the clip of his goal against AC Milan in the clip above.

He is more than just a set-piece whiz, though, because the Italian star ended the regular 2024/25 season with an eye-catching haul of seven goals and nine assists in the second tier in Italy.

24/25 season	Raskin (Premiership)	Esposito (Serie B)
Appearances	33	34
Goals	4	7
Big chances created	9	18
Assists	10	9
Duels won per game	6.6	7.3
Ground duel success rate	57%	68%
Aerial duel success rate	56%	51%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Esposito offered similar qualities to the ones that Raskin offered Rangers in the Premiership, with his contributions on and off the ball.

These statistics suggest that the Spezia sensation has the play style and the quality to be a Raskin repeat at Ibrox as a central midfielder who can make a big impact at both ends of the pitch.

This is why Rangers should push hard to win the race for his signature in the coming weeks, because signing Esposito would mean that losing the Belgian star would be less of a concern for Martin.

Of course, there is no guarantee that the 24-year-old ace will be able to translate his form over to the Premiership, but the list of Premier League clubs chasing his services points to how highly thought of his talents are.

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Of course, in a dream world, Rangers will be hoping to keep hold of Raskin whilst also adding Esposito to the squad to provide competition for places in midfield.

Barcelona are weighing up a sensational move for Harry Kane in 2026, with reports in Spain suggesting the Bayern Munich striker could be available for as little as €40 million (£35m). Deco considers the England captain an “ideal option” to replace Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires that summer, making the low-cost swoop a realistic possibility.

• Barcelona eye €40-50m Kane transfer in 2026
• Seen as Lewandowski’s ideal long-term replacement
• Premier League sides could challenge for striker

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lewandowski’s deal runs out in June 2026, and Barcelona are already preparing for his exit. Kane, who will turn 33 that summer, is seen as the perfect successor thanks to his proven pedigree. As per Catalan outlet El Nacional, the most attractive factor, however, is the expectation that Bayern will lower their demands to around €40-50m (£35-43m/$47-59m).

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  Barcelona reportedly want to repeat the strategy used when they signed Lewandowski in 2022 — securing a world-class striker at a bargain price. Kane’s market value is expected to fall due to age and his contract with Bayern Munich ending in 2027, making him affordable for the Blaugrana despite their financial limitations. For a club still balancing the books, such a deal is seen as a rare opportunity.

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  Kane has scored freely at Bayern, reinforcing his reputation as one of Europe’s best forwards. Barcelona believe his leadership and experience would provide instant impact in an attack being reshaped around Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

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  Barcelona will keep close tabs on Kane’s situation over the next 18 months. Premier League clubs may also enter the race, but the Catalans hope their sporting project and the chance to play at Camp Nou will swing the deal. The summer of 2026 is being viewed as the decisive moment in their hunt for Kane.

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, but Arne Slot doesn’t seem like one to rest on his laurels, and is set on making the forthcoming campaign one of an even more significant triumph.

While the Reds were incredible across the league term, they left plenty to be desired through the season’s offshoots, losing an FA Cup tie to Plymouth Argyle, who were ultimately relegated from the Championship, and falling against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final and eventual Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Not too shabby, all told. Premier League rivals Arsenal finished ten points behind Liverpool in second, after all. But there’s little question that Slot lacked depth, for the Dutch coach was hesitant in enforcing rotation to a fault, though this illustrates his frustrations regarding some of Anfield’s wider members of the first-team squad.

At the front of his issue was Darwin Nunez, who, as Liverpool’s star striker, only scored seven goals across all competitions, with Slot even stating he “can’t accept” the Uruguayan’s work-rate across a string of matches.

Though a move to Napoli fell through this week, FSG still expect to cash in on Nunez this summer, having already moved to sign his replacement.

Why Liverpool are signing Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool have stolen ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with the French forward having submitted a transfer request to push negotiations closer toward the finish line.

Ekitike is only 23, but he’s established himself as one of Europe’s top young forwards, with journalist Graeme Bailey even coining him “the next Mbappe” for his blend of pace, physicality and potency in the final third.

However, the dynamic talent wasn’t Liverpool’s first choice. That would be Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. However, FSG’s formal efforts to prise him away from St. James’ Park proved fruitless.

It’s a shame, but Ekitike’s arrival would cushion the blow and then some, for he has the makings of a truly world-class superstar.

With suitors in the Saudi Pro League eager to snap Nunez up in the coming weeks, Ekitike’s prospective arrival will be an elating thing, having notched 40 goal involvements across a season-and-a-half with Frankfurt.

His silky, fleet-footed movements and dogged approach in the final third have led FBref to record him as one of Isak’s most comparable players, so you can certainly see the vision.

And for a cheaper sum too. Isak would have cost upwards of £120m to bring over to Merseyside, and would that truly be tenable? With a central defender still required and maybe a winger too, perhaps not.

Though Isak would have been an incredible addition, Liverpool fans have already been bestowed one earth-shattering acquisition by the ambitious owners this summer.

And Florian Wirtz might even prove the cream of a crop that, hypothetically, contained Isak in a Liverpool shirt too.

Liverpool have already struck gold on Florian Wirtz

Wirtz doesn’t need to kick a ball in a competitive setting for Liverpool fans to know that Slot has struck gold with this signing, owing to the diligence and perseverance of sporting director Richard Hughes.

Wirtz, 22, joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £100m last month. If potential add-ons are met, this fee will stretch higher still and extend to £116m, past Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, the current record holder at £115m.

Despite his relative youth, the German midfielder has already established quite the résumé, having been awarded the Bundesliga Player of the Year for 2023/24, when Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen dethroned Bayern Munich as invincibles, previously rebounding with vigour from an ACL injury.

Last season yielded nothing on the trophy front, but Wirtz still maintained his world-class level, hailed as a “truly generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari, who believed the creative star was performing at a level higher even than Harry Kane in Germany’s top flight.

What about across Europe’s top five leagues? Well, as per FBref, Wirtz ranked among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers last season for goal involvements, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

He’s a rather efficient playmaker, and with Liverpool having parted with Trent Alexander-Arnold, now Real Madrid property, it’s vital that Slot and co maintain the squad’s peerless creative levels. Wirtz has been picked as the man for that task, it appears.

24/25

Liverpool

112

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

You get the picture; Liverpool have signed a sensation. This marquee man’s ability is better defined, perhaps, through the lens of CIES Football Observatory’s player-valuing system.

Indeed, according to the renowned research site, Liverpool’s record signing is actually worth £150m, a stratospheric figure. Pundit Paul Robinson felt previously that this was an accurate figure when considering the player’s worth.

Isak, however, comes in at a ‘lowly’ £95m.

Of course, that is not a fair reflection of Isak’s value in the modern market, but it does serve to illustrate exactly how incredible a signing Liverpool have pulled off by signing Wirtz without breaking the British transfer record (yet).

Already, Liverpool fans have been gifted a glimpse into the playmaker’s winger footwork, seemingly fitting right in as pre-season preparations get underway.

Slot’s side is replete with high-level quality, and though Isak would have been a wonderful addition this summer, those of a Reds persuasion can take more than a measure of solace in having sealed a signing already, which may break the English transfer record.

In any case, given that Wirtz is considered to be the more valuable player, have Liverpool not hit the jackpot?

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With Granit Xhaka now officially a Sunderland player, the Black Cats have already reportedly reached an agreement to sign another reinforcement in a deal worth £12m.

Xhaka "very proud" to join Black Cats

In their biggest deal of the summer so far, Xhaka is set to provide Sunderland with an invincible Bundesliga winner and former Arsenal man at the heart of Regis Le Bris’ midfield.

This isn’t the same Swiss midfielder that left Arsenal following a tumultuous relationship with fans and several moments to both savour and forget. Instead, this is a far more confident, complete version of Xhaka ready to end unfinished business in the Premier League.

“I’m very proud to be here. When I spoke to the Club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have,” the Swiss legend said on Wednesday.

“It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling. We are back to where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history.”

Liverpool’s hefty spending aside, it is Sunderland who have arguably enjoyed the best transfer window of the summer in the Premier League when taking into account prior expectations. Xhaka follows the likes of Simon Adingra, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki through the door to take the Black Cats’ number of incomings to seven in total.

Le Bris will be well aware of the talent that he’s welcoming in Xhaka. The former Arsenal man earned plenty of praise when working with Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen as they achieved history together and that praise is only likely to be reiterated by the Sunderland boss.

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Alonso told reporters: “He has had a huge impact on the team since day one. He is an extremely important player for us. If you have good midfielders, you play better.”

It’s the type of signing which could see Sunderland finally end the recent trend of promoted sides falling at the first hurdle back in the Premier League. But even after Xhaka, the Black Cats still reportedly have unfinished business in the transfer market as Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman go into overdrive.

Sunderland now set to sign Robin Roefs

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Sunderland have now reached an agreement to sign Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen in a deal worth €13.5m (£12m) with add-ons.

The 6’3 goalkeeper will hand Le Bris the reliable pair of hands he has been craving at the Stadium of Light, with a medical already scheduled to take place ahead of Roef’s official arrival.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Robin Roefs

Anthony Patterson

Starts

32

42

Saves Per 90

3.53

2.14

Save Percentage

72.8%

70.3%

Clean Sheets

10

14

Although Anthony Patterson may feel hard done by to lose his starting place in Wearside, Roefs enjoyed an even more impressive campaign last time out in the Eredivisie and outperformed Sunderland’s shot-stopper in the process.

At just 22 years old, there’s every chance that the Dutchman only gets better with time despite already performing at an impressive standard. Alongside Xhaka, Roefs represents the type of signing needed to survive in the Premier League and so much more.

The Black Cats have made statement signing after statement signing this summer, but may have just agreed deals for their two most impressive arrivals so far in Xhaka and Roefs.

Gambhir said one of KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran or even Shubman Gill are available to open if Rohit doesn’t make it

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Nov-20241:29

Gambhir: ‘Rahul can do the job for us if Rohit is not there’

Gautam Gambhir is hoping that Rohit Sharma will be available for the first Test against Australia in Perth, though he is happy with the options he has in case Rohit doesn’t make it.Gambhir also confirmed that if Rohit were to miss out, Jasprit Bumrah, being the designated vice-captain, “obviously will [be the captain] if Rohit is not available”.”At the moment, there is no confirmation but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully he’s going to be available, but everything we’re going to get to know at the start of the series,” Gambhir said at a press-conference in Mumbai before the squad’s flight to Australia.Related

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A group of five players – Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Gill, Washington Sundar and Jaiswal – have already left for Australia, while the rest of the squad will leave later on Monday. It is understood that Rohit will not be on that flight. It is unclear when he will travel.As reported earlier, Rohit is a doubt for the first Test owing to personal reasons, but there is no confirmation one way or other yet.Which raises the question of who will open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal if Rohit isn’t there.”Obviously there is [Abhimanyu] Easwaran and there is KL [Rahul] there. So we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available,” Gambhir said. “There are options there, it’s not that there are no options there. There are quite a few options in the squad.”Once it gets closer to the first Test match, we’ll plan and play the best playing XI that’s going to do the job for us.”Rahul and Abhimanyu opened for India A in the second four-day match against Australia A, but both returned low scores. Abhimanyu, who also played the first game of that series, had scores of 7, 12, 0 and 17 across the two games, while Rahul made 4 and 10 in the two innings in his only game.Prior to the fresh developments, Rahul looked set for a role as a middle-order batter in Tests, but Rohit’s potential absence has put him back in contention at the top of the order.3:31

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“There are times when you go with the experienced players as well. And that is the quality of the man. That he can bat at the top of the order, he can bat at No. 3 and he can actually bat at No. 6 as well,” Gambhir said of Rahul. “You need quite a lot of talent to be doing these kinds of jobs as well. And he’s kept wickets in the one-day format as well.”Imagine how many countries have players like KL who can open the batting and can bat at No. 6 as well? So I feel if need be, he can do the job for us, especially if Rohit is not available for the first Test match.”Rahul has plenty of experience facing the new ball in overseas conditions and is one of two Asian openers – Saeed Anwar being the other – to have scored Test centuries in Australia, England and South Africa.Shubman Gill is another option available in the squad – he made his Test debut as an opener during India’s last visit to Australia but has since moved to the upper-middle order.”We will try and get the best combination possible who can do the job for us in Perth. And be it Shubman opening the batting or Easwaran or KL, it all depends on what we feel is the right combination,” Gambhir said.The Perth Test will begin on November 22.

Aston Villa have entered pole position for their potential first major signing of the summer, ahead of both Man City and Leeds United, according to a new report.

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Unai Emery’s side have just two weeks to go before their first Premier League game of the season against Newcastle, and barring goalkeeper Marco Bizot, Villa have been one of the least active top flight clubs in terms of recruitment.

Their transfer window has been dominated by PSR concerns, financial constraints and more rumours linking key men with moves away than stars actually coming through the door.

Youri Tielemans

7.08

Morgan Rogers

6.92

Marcus Rashford

6.82

Tyrone Mings

6.81

Ollie Watkins

6.80

via WhoScored

Emery, and supporters in particular, will be hoping for a late-window surge from the club’s president of football operations, Monchi, in preparation for what is an absolutely vital 2025/2026.

Villa are paying the price for missing out on Champions League qualification, but if they fail to reinforce the squad, it is unlikely they can mount a more successful top four push next term.

NSWE have been tipped as contenders for some high-profile upgrades from now until deadline day on September 1, though, with Emery reportedly keen on a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson among others.

As well as the Senegalese, Villa are believed to be top contenders to sign former Norwich City star Gabriel Sara, who’s fresh off the back of a promising debut season with Turkish champions Galatasaray.

The Brazilian hit double figures for assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, including two against Besiktas, with Sara also scoring in a 3-1 derby win over arch rivals Fenerbahçe at the beginning of 2024/2025.

Sara has built upon his fine last campaign at Norwich, where he was included in the 2024 Championship Team of the Year, attracting praise from ex-Canaries boss David Wagner.

“He is an outstanding player. Not only for us but in this division – no one has a doubt about this. It’s crystal clear,” Wagner said in February last year.

“Nobody should underestimate that he has played more or less every game from the first to the final minute, and he has put on numbers that, in terms of goals and assists, are near the top of our team.

“He works very hard.”

Now, Villa are looking to offer him a route back to England, and they appear to be serious.

Aston Villa leading race to sign Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara

According to CaughtOffside, Villa are currently the “most advanced” side for Sara, taking pole position at the expense of City, Leeds, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

NSWE are also ready to hold talks over signing the South American, who can play both as a traditional centre-midfielder and number 10, with Sara also capable of playing out wide.

Statistically, it’s clear as day why Villa are this keen. Sara recorded a whopping 5.1 shot-creating actions per match and averaged 7.64 progressive passes, placing him in the top 10% of midfielders in Europe (Fot Mob).

His flair and versatility would be a fantastic asset for Emery, and Galatasaray will apparently do business for around £35 million. While Villa are only prepared to go as high as the £17 million mark right now, as per CaughtOffside, it is definitely worth consideration to raise their offer.

As their battle with Manchester United to sign Benjamin Sesko continues, Newcastle United have reportedly initiated contact to sign a Serie A alternative this summer.

Sesko deals Newcastle fresh blow

It’s the story of their summer, but a story that is far from finished and the latest twist to the tale is that Sesko now reportedly prefers a move to Old Trafford rather than St James’ Park in the next month. For all they’ve got to offer over Manchester United these days, the RB Leipzig forward is seemingly destined to join a long list of players to turn down a move to Newcastle this summer.

It’s a list of rejections that Newcastle didn’t anticipate ahead of this summer and one which includes Hugo Ekitike, James Trafford and potentially now Sesko.

Just where the Magpies go from here is the big question. After endless rejection, those at St James’ Park will find themselves back at square one just two weeks before the Premier League campaign gets underway if Sesko joins Manchester United.

Before the impressive striker has even made his decision official, however, Newcastle have at least reportedly set their sights on some equally impressive alternatives.

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Ollie Watkins, for example, is a player now on Newcastle’s radar amid Aston Villa’s PSR problems and their own desperate need for an attacking reinforcement. What’s more, if Sesko chooses United, then the Magpies may well be out on their own in the race for Watkins’ signature in what would feel somewhat refreshing given how this summer has gone.

The Aston Villa man isn’t the only name on the shortlist, though. Alongside him, Newcastle have also reportedly set their sights on a Serie A star.

Newcastle initiate contact to sign Dovbyk

As reported by Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle have now initiated contact to sign Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma. The forward has reportedly been shown the door at the Serie A club after returning to pre-season with fitness struggles.

Available for just €38m (£33m) as a result, Newcastle have now reportedly made their first move for a player who was named in the Ballon d’Or top 30 last season.

Minutes

2,418

2,380

Goals

12

13

Assists

2

5

Expected Goals

11.9

10

When compared, it’s clear to see why Dovbyk has become an option for Newcastle. For around £40m cheaper, the Ukraine international could provide Eddie Howe with a similar level of output and another forward who outperformed his expected goals last season.

There are still some concerns to address, however. Dovbyk’s fitness struggle in pre-season, for one, should not be ignored. Then, Newcastle must decide whether splashing out on a younger option would be a smarter plan this summer even if their immediate output only matches or is even less than Dovbyk’s.

Dovbyk may have been dubbed a “great finisher” by Italian legend Daniele De Rossi, but the Roma forward has arguably reached his peak at 28 years old and Newcastle should set their sights on a striker who has the ability to eventually reach 20 goals a season.

حقق فريق العين، فوزا غاليا على حساب منافسه شباب الأهلي بهدف نظيف، في لقاء جمع بين الفريقين، اليوم الخميس، في بطولة الدوري الإماراتي.

والتقى العين مع نظيره شباب الأهلي في قمة الجولة الخامسة من بطولة الدوري الإماراتي، مساء الخميس، على ملعب آل راشد.

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وشهد اللقاء مشاركة نجم منتخب مصر رامي ربيعة من بداية اللقاء، قبل أن يخرج متأثرا بإصابة عضلية في الدقيقة 44، ليشارك بدلا منه السلوفيني مارسيل راتنيك.

ونجح فريق العين، في تسجيل هدف الفوز الوحيد في اللقاء عن طريق كاكو من تسديدة صاروخية سكنت شباك حارس شباب الأهلي في الدقيقة 71.

وبهذه النتيجة، يصبح فريق العين على صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإماراتي برصيد 13 نقطة، بينما يبقى شباب الأهلي عند 10 نقاط بالمركز الرابع. أهداف مباراة العين وشباب الأهلي

العين يتقدم ⚽️
كاكو يسجل الهدف الأول من تسديدة صاروخية 🚀

شباب الأهلي 0⃣-1⃣ العين#شباب_الأهلي_العين#دوري_أدنوك_للمحترفين pic.twitter.com/VqiaLYeVbd — ADSportsTV (@ADSportsTV) September 25, 2025