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Australia, who have dominated Sri Lanka completely both home and away in the last decade, start clear favourites in the Test series beginning in Hobart

Madhusudhan Ramakrishnan13-Dec-2012Such has been Australia’s record in head-to-head contests that it is virtually impossible to expect Sri Lanka to pose a serious challenge in the three-Test series beginning in Hobart. Although Sri Lanka lost both Tests on their last tour of Australia in 2007-08, they put up a serious fight in the second Test before going down by 96 runs. Australia have been the only team to regularly win in Sri Lanka too – in their last two series in Sri Lanka, Australia won 3-0 and 1-0. Following the retirement of top players, Australia have had to work much harder for their success but are still a force to reckon with at home, Since 2007, they have lost three home series (twice to South Africa and once against England) but have a 11-1 record at home against major subcontinent teams (excludes Bangladesh).Sri Lanka have struggled both home and away in the last two years following Muttiah Muralitharan’s exit. Since 2010, Sri Lanka have lost one and drawn four home series with their only triumph coming against Pakistan earlier this year. Sri Lanka, who are yet to win a single Test in two countries (Australia and India), will draw confidence from their performance in last year’s Boxing Day Test in Durban when they went on to register their first win in South Africa.In the SSC Test in 1992, Australia completed a remarkable turnaround after conceding a 291-run lead in the first innings. Ever since that win, Australia have gone on to lose only a single Test in Sri Lanka (in 1999). The matches played in Australia have virtually been a no-contest. Sri Lanka have managed to draw only one Test (Cairns in 2004) and have gone on to lose six. While most non subcontinent teams have had problems dealing with the conditions in Sri Lanka, Australia have had no such issues. In their last two series in Sri Lanka (2004 and 2011), Australia have gone on to win four Tests and draw two. Perhaps, Australia’s most remarkable achievement came in the 2004 series when they won each of the three Tests despite conceding the lead on all occasions. Their win-loss ratio of 11.00 (Tests since 1990) against Sri Lanka is the best among all head-to-head contests (excluding Bangladesh games).

In the 2004 series, which was dominated by Shane Warne’s successful return to cricket following his ban, Australia conceded leads of 161 and 91 runs in the first two Tests in Galle and Kandy but managed to turn the matches around with impressive batting displays in the second innings. Sri Lanka, who lost the series 3-0, averaged 28.75 while the visitors averaged 35.68. The average difference (difference between batting averages of Australia and Sri Lanka) was higher in the subsequent series in Australia. In the 2004 series in Australia, the hosts dominated the contests and scored four more centuries than Sri Lanka. However, the average difference (89.28) was the highest by far in the 2007 series in Australia which the hosts won 2-0. Apart from Kumar Sangakkara, who played an outstanding innings of 192 in Hobart, no other Sri Lankan batsman looked comfortable in the conditions in Australia. The 2011 series in Sri Lanka was also dominated by Australia, who won 1-0. The visitors won a low-scoring first Test in Galle by 125 runs and dominated the drawn second Test in Pallekele where Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh scored centuries. Not only did Australia score more centuries in the 2011 series, they also ended with a much higher batting average than the hosts (average difference 7.23).

Hussey was outstanding in the last series played between the two teams in 2011 scoring 95 in the first Test and centuries in the second and third Tests. He has been virtually untroubled by both Sri Lankan pace bowlers and spinners averaging 121 and 99.75 against them respectively while scoring at a fair clip. Michael Clarke, who became the first player to score four double-centuries in a calendar year, averages 62.33 and 81 against the fast bowlers and spinners. Phillip Hughes, who is likely to play at No.3 following Ricky Ponting’s retirement, has been comfortable against pace (average 57.00) but has struggled against spinners (average 29.33 with three dismissals).Sangakkara, the top run-getter in Sri Lanka’s previous series in Australia, has an average of 45 against both fast bowlers and spinners. However, he has managed a much higher scoring rate (3.89) against the slower bowlers and has been dismissed four fewer times. Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka’s captain, has found the going tough against Australian pace bowlers falling 14 times (average 24.71). In contrast, he has looked very comfortable against spinners averaging 102 (three dismissals). Tillakaratne Dilshan, who averages just 29.28 in eight Tests against Australia, has fallen nine times to fast bowlers (average 26.44) and five times to spinners (31.00).

Australia shockingly lost the Hobart Test against New Zealand on a surface designed to suit the pace bowlers. The batting average in Hobart is highest in the first innings(41.21) but falls to 27.22 in the second innings. The corresponding numbers in the third and fourth innings are 36.62 and 29.90. In Melbourne, the averages in each of the four innings are below 35 with the lowest coming in the fourth innings (23.75). Sydney, the venue for the third Test, has been an excellent batting wicket in the second innings (average 48.25). However, the average falls to 33.57 and 26.88 in the third and fourth innings. Spinners have been quite effective in Hobart picking up 34 wickets (average 36.26) while pace bowlers have picked up 90 wickets at 33.00. While fast bowlers have completely dominated the stats at the MCG picking up 177 wickets at 27.74, spinners have managed just 50 wickets at 41.44. Spinners have picked up a significant percentage of the wickets in Sydney but have a higher average (39.12) as compared to the pace bowlers (34.77).

Liverpool are among a "host of clubs" interested in signing an exciting young midfielder in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds have had a frustratingly quiet summer in the transfer market, with not a single player added to Arne Slot's squad, much to the chagrin of many supporters. It looked as though Martin Zubimendi was going to come in as a superb midfield addition, but he has ended up committing his future to Real Sociedad, acting as a big disappointment at Anfield.

Time is now running out for Liverpool to make signings this summer, but they are at least still being backed to make some important additions to the squad. Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is one such figure, potentially being seen as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.

Meanwhile, the Reds are reportedly among the clubs who have been offered legendary Italian midfielder Marco Verratti, but given his age and the type of player Slot likes, in terms of an ability to press and cover ground, it would be a huge surprise if he sealed a move to Anfield.

Liverpool also appear to be pushing hard for the signing of Valencia and Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who could be seen as the heir to Alisson between the sticks. The 23-year-old may be loaned out immediately, in order to be a regular elsewhere, before eventually coming in as first-choice.

Liverpool in the race to sign midfielder

Writing on X, Bailey claimed that Liverpool are in the mix to sign young Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl this summer, but are far from alone in tracking him.

In Bailey's report for HITC, he goes on to say that the 18-year-old's 6 foot 4 frame "makes him stand-out as he features in central midfield but can also play a holding role", adding that Liverpool "have been aware of Hjerto-Dahl for more than 12-months". The likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham, Everton, Fulham, Sheffield United and Coventry City are "all watching him".

Even the most knowledgeable Reds supporter could be forgiven for not having heard of the teenage midfielder, but it is always encouraging to see highly-rated young players linked with moves to Anfield. Hjerto-Dahl has already won 17 caps for Norway across four different youth age groups, suggesting that he has been a prominent international performer throughout his fledgling career to date.

Not only that, but he now already has 44 appearances to his name for Tromso, despite his tender years, scoring eight goals and registering two assists in the process. To have made such an impact already says so much about his maturity and ability, and Slot could view him as one for the future if Liverpool get a deal over the line.

Liverpool can repeat Jota masterclass by signing "one of the best PL players"

A correspondent has confirmed the Reds’ interest this summer…

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 15, 2024

Manchester United supporters would have been eagerly tuning into their side's last pre-season friendly to see how Leny Yoro fared in a Red Devils strip for the first time, having just signed for a bumper £52m from French titans Lille.

The 18-year-old will be expected to perform valiantly in the heart of defence for Erik Ten Hag's men next season, despite only still being a teenager, and impressed for the most part against the test of Rangers up in Scotland.

INEOS won't be done there with expensive new summer recruits, as a move for his stunning Euros star is pondered over, who could shine next to fellow lavish purchase Joshua Zirkzee.

Manchester United attempting to seal move for electric Spaniard

According to Spanish outlet AS, via Sport Witness, Man United are attempting to seal a move for standout RB Leipzig man Dani Olmo this summer, having entered the race 'with force'. However, they could be facing a losing battle to try and sign the 26-year-old.

Further reports in Spain are now claiming that Barcelona have even made a bid for Olmo, who is an in-demand figure after starring for his nation on their way to Spain lifting the Euros trophy aloft at the expense of England.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has added further fuel to the fire by stating Bayern Munich and a host of Premier League outfits are also interested.

Mason Mount's now expected departure from the Theatre of Dreams camp will also open up more space for the top-flight giants to add new attacking midfield talents to their growing team, with the current Leipzig man potentially excited by the prospect of linking up with Zirkzee up top soon.

What Olmo can offer Man United

Olmo was a key player for Luis de La Fuente's victorious group in Germany this summer, scoring three goals and assisting two strikes, which has led to many a suitor's interest being piqued, including that of Man United's.

The 26-year-old would have been relieved to have had such a dazzling time with Spain, having just been fresh off an injury-ravaged campaign in the Bundesliga, where he made only 21 appearances.

Still, even with his presence finding him regularly in and out of the Leipzig treatment room, Olmo would still tally up nine goal contributions in league action, with Marco Rose predominantly fielding him down the right wing.

Olmo's flexibility to either play centrally or down the flanks will also be useful to the Red Devils, where he could compete with the likes of Antony and Amad Diallo – who scored in pre-season versus Rangers – down the right channel.

Likewise, Zirkzee's addition to the squad will also give Ten Hag more options in his lone striker spot, with the two-time Netherlands international bagging 11 league goals for Bologna last campaign before Man United swooped in.

He could even strike up a lethal partnership with Olmo in the process, with the Leipzig number seven picking up 34 assists from 148 games playing in Germany to date.

Yes, United have the mercurial Bruno Fernandes who would no doubt create chance after chance for their new Dutch summer signing, but just imagine Olmo – a regular curator of goal-scoring opportunities at Euro 2024 – thrown into the mix too. Both Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund will be licking their lips with delight.

Once described as being an "incredible" talent by rival manager Pep Guardiola, it could be the case that Olmo lines up for the red side of Manchester this coming campaign, as opposed to being snapped up by his vocal admirer at the Etihad Stadium.

Man Utd pushing for "a younger Kante" who'd have been perfect for Pogba

This one’s creeping toward the finish line.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 19, 2024

Left-arm seamer Usman Shinwari called up as cover

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-2022Karachi Kings’ floundering PSL campaign has been dealt another blow with the withdrawal of Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Ilyas because of injuries. This robs the 2020 champions of two key bowlers, as they look to recover from three straight losses as a start to their season, and move off the bottom of the table.Amir had yet to play a game in PSL 2022. “Mohammad Amir, who was nursing a side strain for the past week or so, has aggravated his back injury during the rehabilitation process and shall also no longer be available to participate in the remainder of the season,” a franchise statement said.Ilyas had played in all three games, but conceded 71 runs across the six overs he had bowled. He hurt his shoulder in Karachi’s last game, a six-wicket loss to Lahore Qalandars, but returned to bowl again. Now that he’s out of the tournament, Usman Shinwari has been drafted in to replace him.”Mohammad Ilyas, who had a severe shoulder injury, despite which he came back after receiving treatment to bowl two overs in the last match,” the statement said. “MRIs have confirmed the worst and he has been advised rest for the next six weeks or so, and shall be leaving for his home in Peshawar tomorrow evening.”Karachi’s next game is against Peshawar Zalmi on Friday.

Afghanistan will want to fix gaping holes in their batting

Mohammad Isam27-Feb-2022

Big picture

Bangladesh have an opportunity to keep their top position in the ICC ODI Super League. However, given two of their upcoming series against England and Ireland aren’t set in stone yet, it is best to grab points when they’re in form, like they are currently.Bangladesh will be buoyed by how their less-experienced players have stood up in the previous two games. First, Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz engineered a magnificent turnaround from the depths of 45 for 6 in a chase of 216. Then, Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed rose to the occasion to seal the series.That said, they have a few things left to do, like ensure captain Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah to get that one big score. As such, they’ve all been in form. Why just them? Newcomer Yasir Ali too needs a big knock too, to give him a head start.The visitors have a consistency problem with the batting. So far, neither Ibrahim Zadran nor Riaz Hassan have contributed significantly, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz has a knee niggle. Much of the work has been left to the middle order. They’ve all had starts, but no hair-raising contribution. Najibullah Zadran has two fifties, Rahmat Shah one. If allrounders Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan can chip in big, they will have ticked off a box.Bangladesh have negated their spin threat pretty well, with some assistance from the surface. Left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi has been one of their standout performers. Having come off a four-for in the first game, the Bangladesh batters treaded with caution against him. Can he get some support from the others?

Form guide

Bangladesh WWWWW
Afghanistan LLWWW

In the spotlight

Najibullah Zadran’s two fifties has shown his importance in the middle order. He is the glue that holds the batting, especially when they falter. But now there’s a simple matter of moving on from the starts and converting them into big scores t have a greater impact.Taskin Ahmed bowled the most economical 10-over spell in his ODI career in the second ODI. Najibullah’s scalp at a vital time helped Bangladesh surge. Although he took just two wickets in the game, the performance underlined his growing improvement in skill and fitness in his second coming as a fast bowler.

Team news

Ebadot Hossain will be in line for an ODI debut if one of the regular pacers are rested. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahmudul Hasan Joy are the two batting options Bangladesh may consider if they want to make a change.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Litton Das, 2 Tamim Iqbal (capt), 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Yasir Ali, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Shoriful Islam, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanGurbaz is an injury concern. This would mean a forced change at the top. Among the ODI squad members, only the left-hander Shahid Kamal is the only one yet to get a go.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Riaz Hassan, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Azmatullah Omarzai, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 6 Najibullah Zadran, 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Fareed Ahmed, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pitch and conditions

Expect another batting surface where the ball will skid on late in the evening because of dew. No rain is forecast.

Stats and trivia

• Litton’s 136 is the highest at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The 129* by Sean Williams in 2018 was the previous best. Soumya Sarkar’s 117 against Zimbabwe in the same ODI series was the previous best by a Bangladeshi here
• Bangladesh made 300 plus against Afghanistan for the first time two days ago. The 279 for 8 they made at the 2015 World Cup was their previous best.
  

Ipswich Town have been credited with an interest in a one-time Real Madrid target this summer as they look to build a squad capable of Premier League survival.

Ipswich Town busy ahead of Premier League return

Kieran McKenna's side were one of the stories of the 2023-24 season as they confirmed back-to-back promotions and ended a 22 year wait for Premier League football, beating Leeds United and Southampton to the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship.

Such was the impression made by the Tractor Boys that McKenna was chased by both Manchester United and Chelsea over the summer, only to pen a new deal at Portman Road, much to the joy of the Ipswich Town faithful.

Now though, attention has turned to the transfer window as the club look to make their stay in England's top division longer than just a single season, and have been snapping up some of the hottest young talents this summer.

They have already broken their transfer record to sign Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea after he enjoyed a fabulous loan spell with the Tractor Boys. Meanwhile, they are also working on a deal to sign Liam Delap from Manchester City in a deal which could reach £20m.

He could be joined at Portman Road by two of the Hull City players he played with on loan last season. Jacob Greaves is in talks to move to East Anglia from the KC Stadium in a bid to bolster Town's backline, while they are also in the race for Jaden Philogene, but Aston Villa's decision to enter the race may have dealt a blow to their chances of landing the young winger.

Now, the Suffolk outfit have been credited with an interest with an altogether more experienced head.

Ipswich eye Morsy upgrade

That comes with reports in Peru crediting Ipswich with an interest in veteran free agent Renato Tapia. The midfielder saw his contract with Celta Vigo expire this summer, bringing to an end a four year stint in Spain which saw him make 120 appearances across all competitions.

Such was his form that he was even linked with a move to Real Madrid to provide cover for Casemiro, though it never materialised for the 28-year-old.

After Philogene: Ipswich also in talks to sign “incredible” Hirst rival

Ipswich Town could be close to signing this striker who has been praised by Pep Guardiola.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 9, 2024

He has turned out 85 times for Peru in his career to date, though he was left out of their most recent Copa America squad. Now, he is hunting for a new challenge, with Peruvian outlet Depor [Via Sport Witness] claiming that Ipswich are 'one of several sides' chasing the veteran.

Tapia would certainly offer some improvement on Morsy in a defensive sense, with the Peruvian more active in front of his defence than his counterpart, something that may be required for Ipswich in their return to the top flight.

However, they may have some work still to do to land the midfielder, with the report adding Tapia would prefer to stay in Spain if possible, though no offer has been forthcoming as of yet.

With Tapia happy to wait and assess his options, the report suggests that a deal may not take shape until later on in the transfer window, which may force Ipswich to be patient to land their man.

Bavuma also cognisant of SA’s advantage of playing after Australia v West Indies

Firdose Moonda05-Nov-2021South Africa will look to “add an extra five per cent” in all their departments, as they seek to beat England for the first time in six T20Is and topple one of the tournament favourites in a bid for a semi-final spot.”We want to play our best cricket tomorrow,” Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s captain said on the eve of the game. “It’s just to find a way to add an extra five per cent in all our departments. It’ll just be us trying to find a way to improve in every department. I think the bowling has been really good. The fielding, as well, has been really good. The batting, as well. But let’s just find a way to just improve in every department of our game.”That is as much as this South African side can do against a side that has had the better of them, and most others, recently. England have only lost once in their last 10 T20Is. They’ve also won the last three T20I series against South Africa, dating back to 2017, which is about the time South Africa’s decline began.That year, they were booted out of the Champions Trophy early, lost a Test, ODI and T20I series in England and have been fairly inconsistent ever since. Though Bavuma was talking about more recent times when he said, “obviously the team has gone through a lot,” it applies over several years and particularly in this tournament where issues of team culture and race were in the spotlight. “I think we’ve learnt a lot about each other. We’ve grown a lot as a team in finding ways to get through all the tough times that we’ve gone through collectively,” Bavuma said.Related

• SA are not perfect, but they are getting comfortable about it

• Last chance for South Africa to stay alive as they come up against formidable England

And so, the match against England is an opportunity, albeit a very difficult one, to start proving the tide has properly turned. While South Africa have showed signs of improvements, with successful winter tours, and plucky performances in the tournament so far, they lack out-and-out superstars in the AB de Villiers mould. The closest candidates are Kagiso Rabada, who started this competition slowly, and Quinton de Kock, who has yet to make a significant contribution, but that doesn’t bother Bavuma. “Every game we speak about going out and fighting it out as a team. We don’t leave it to individuals,” Bavuma said. “We don’t rely on individual brilliance to bring it home for the team, but it’s all about us as a team giving everything that we’ve got. Tomorrow it won’t be any different. We’ll still be showing the same character, the same fight that we’ve shown while in this tournament.”South Africa’s muscle has come mostly in the field, with their bowlers undoubtedly their strongest suit. Their top-heavy and relatively slow-scoring line-up have just about kept their heads above water, which Bavuma backed as being good enough.”Looking at the conditions, it’s not free-flowing type of cricket. We’ve really, really had to craft as a batting unit,” he said. “We’ve always spoken about being flexible as a batting team, as individuals, and looking at the players that we have in the team, I felt that I could do a role up front, but I could also do a role within the middle.Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen will play key roles at the top of the order•AFP/Getty Images

“We’ve had guy like Rassie van der Dussen go in earlier because we know if he has the opportunity to face a considerable amount of balls, he’s a guy that can really put a bowling attack under pressure. You have a guy like Reeza Hendricks, as well, who’s come off good recent form at the top of the order. So trying to utilise that form at its best. For me it’s just playing the conditions really. We know within our batting side we need someone to kind of hold things on one end to allow all our big hitters, if I could say, to get into the game. But that’s what we’ve seen has worked at this World Cup. That’s not to say going forward that’s going to be our strategy, but for now, that’s what we feel is best.”Bavuma expects Sharjah to be slow and low, and hopes that South Africa can bat quicker than they did against Sri Lanka at the same venue, where they made hard work of chasing 143. “We knew that the wicket would be on the low side. With the batting, we did take it quite deep, and I guess the learning from that is I guess maybe we’ll have to pull the trigger a bit earlier,” he said.Their scoring rate could be key if Australia beat West Indies and the semi-final berth will depend, not just on South Africa winning, but securing a higher net run-rate than Australia. “What’s happening with Australia-West Indies, what helps us is that their game happens before our game, so we’ll kind of get a better sense or understanding as to how we need to approach the England game,” Bavuma said. “If Australia win, then it’s going to come down to net run rate. We’ll have an opportunity somewhere along our game to control our net run rate or alter our approach.”At the least, then, South Africa will take on England knowing if five percent more will be sufficient, or if they need even more than that.

The Australia captain does not expect many players to withdraw but will support anyone who does

AAP13-Jan-2022Pat Cummins believes the vast majority of Australia’s Test squad will travel to Pakistan but the skipper fully understands if any team-mates opt out of the tour.Cricket Australia is yet to press players for a final decision regarding the multi-format series in Pakistan, which is slated to begin on March 3 with a Test in Karachi.But selectors have started to thrash out plans for a busy couple of months, when Australia’s white-ball series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be quickly followed by the Pakistan tour then the IPL.Players and staff have been given a preliminary briefing about security measures in Pakistan before Australia’s first tour of the nation since 1998.Related

• Ramiz Raja to propose Pakistan involvement in annual four-team series including India

• Need to be 'kind and patient' with Australia players who opt out of Pakistan tour

“Still a bit to work through…but at this stage it’s all looking really positive,” Cummins said. “The amount of work the PCB has put into it is fantastic.”It’s shaping up as, I think just about everyone – if not all – will go. If some players need to make a choice, it’s absolutely fine that they won’t be there. Still got a bit of water to go under the bridge, a bit more info to gather and get around to everyone.”In February, Australia’s best players will likely be split into a white-ball squad at home and a Test touring party in Pakistan. Cummins is concerned about bubble fatigue, knowing freedoms for players will likely continue to be restricted because of Covid-19.”We’re two years in, so we’ve learned a lot,” he said. “But it also means probably some players are further along their tether. It’s unprecedented times, we just have to make sure we look after each other. Conversations are happening. The selectors have been great along with the coaching staff.”This summer marks the first time Cummins has donned the baggy green since losing to India a year ago, while it is the first five-Test series during the Covid-19 era.Cummins said he doubted whether the rivals would get through five Tests, especially after Travis Head contracted coronavirus.”And just about everyone I know in Sydney has Covid,” Cummins said. “We’ve been tested just about every day for the last 20 days. It’s just been fantastic that we’ve got through the series.”

Chelsea have reached an agreement to let a £98 million player go, alongside their widely reported deal to sell Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid, but there is one key issue holding up the move.

Chelsea agree £34 million deal with Atletico to sell Gallagher

A multitude of reliable media outlets, including renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, have claimed that Chelsea are ready to sell Gallagher to Atletico for around £34 million after shaking hands with the La Liga side.

Chelsea now handed Osimhen discount in talks over Lukaku swap deal

The west Londoners have learned a new price tag.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 1, 2024

This comes after Diego Simeone's men opened discussions over the 24-year-old very recently. Atletico started talks to sign Gallagher from Chelsea last week, according to some reports, and it has not taken long for the Spaniards to find the middle ground in a potential deal.

The England star, who enjoyed a fine 2023/2024 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, becoming a mainstay player and one of their most important squad members, was rewarded for his excellent form with a call-up to Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.

Gallagher started 37 Premier League games last season, scoring five goals and assisting his teammates on seven other occasions, but his contract expires next year and Todd Boehly risks losing the dynamic midfielder for nothing in 2025.

The Cobham academy graduate's sale would count as pure profit when it comes to Profit and Sustainability rules as well, meaning Chelsea chiefs are faced with making the unpopular decision to sell Gallagher this summer while they still can.

The Stamford Bridge side have attempted to tie the former Crystal Palace loanee down with a new two-year contract, which included the option of a third year, and would've put him in line with Chelsea's top earners in midfield.

However, Gallagher snubbed this proposal, and it is believed both Chelsea and Atletico are waiting on his final decision after both clubs found an agreement on his £34 million transfer fee.

"Understand Conor Gallagher turned down a new three year (2+1) contract extension at Chelsea today as well as in early June," wrote journalist Ben Jacobs on X earlier this week.

"Wages offered comparable to the highest earners in Chelsea's midfield. As reported, Chelsea have agreed a package with Atletico Madrid in excess of €40m including add-ons and will support a move to Spain if that's Gallagher's preference.

"No terms agreed yet. Aston Villa also had a club-record bid accepted for Gallagher in June but he decided to stay. Chelsea would prefer to sell Gallagher abroad than to a Premier League rival and the Atletico offer accepted is well below the one made by Villa."

As Chelsea wait on Gallagher, it is now believed they've agreed to sell another player to Aston Villa in a surprise development.

Chelsea agree to sell Lukaku to Aston Villa, but key issue stalls deal

Wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku is the subject of serious interest from Napoli, as the Serie A side speak with Chelsea over a deal for him with Victor Osimhen heading the other way (David Ornstein).

However, this hasn't stopped Villa from attempting to hijack Antonio Conte's move. According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, via TUTTOmercatoWEB, Villa reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Lukaku this week, but there's a key issue, as the Belgian only wants to reunite with Conte in Naples.

Chelsea want the 31-year-old, who cost £98 million to re-sign from Inter Milan in 2021, to accept a move to the Midlands – but Lukaku has set his sights on a return to the Italian top flight instead.

Called a "complete" striker by Leonardo Bonucci, Lukaku's best goalscoring seasons have come during his stints in Serie A. He even guided Inter to a Scudetto triumph during the 2020/2021 season under Conte, scoring 24 and bagging a further 11 assists in the league alone.

Rebekah Vardy must pay £10.9k of Coleen Rooney's legal bill as part of the Wagatha Christie court verdict.

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• Court demands Vardy bear legal expenses of Rooney
• The judge found 'no fault' of Coleen
• Ordered Rebekah to pay 75 per cent of bill

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The seemingly never-ending legal drama between Rebekah and Coleen took another turn on Thursday, as a High Court ruling ordered Vardy to pay a portion of Rooney's legal costs – nearly three years after the original verdict in the now-famous Wagatha Christie case.

  The latest ruling, issued by costs judge Mark Wharton, instructed Vardy to pay £10,943.66 toward Rooney's legal bill of £14,591.55 in relation to the latest round of cost disputes. The judgment reaffirmed that Rooney was the "successful party" in this stage of the case, despite Vardy attempting to challenge elements of how Rooney's legal fees were calculated and claimed.

  This phase of the legal battle focused on disputes over VAT repayments and privileged legal documents. Despite her objections, Vardy’s application was rejected by the judge, further strengthening Rooney’s legal position.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The libel case began after Rooney publicly accused Vardy in a viral Instagram post of leaking private information to the media. In a calculated social media sting operation, Rooney posted false stories visible only to Vardy’s account and watched as they later appeared in the press. Her final post concluded dramatically: "It’s ………. Rebekah Vardy’s account." The resulting courtroom showdown became a national sensation.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Initially, Rooney’s lawyers filed a claim of £1.83m for legal expenses – over three times the original cost estimate. That figure has since been reduced to £1.65m following a previous ruling. In another decision made on Thursday, Mr Justice Cavanagh rejected Vardy’s appeal against the claim that Rooney had understated her legal expenses before the trial began. Vardy argued that Rooney had intentionally downplayed her costs in an effort to protect herself from bearing higher expenses if she lost. However, the judge concluded that while there was a "misjudgment" in transparency, it did not amount to serious misconduct.

  Justice Cavanagh said: "There had been a misjudgment in the form of a failure to be more transparent about the basis upon which the defendant’s figures for incurred costs had been prepared, but that was as far as it went."

  Judge Wharton’s ruling also acknowledged significant procedural and evidentiary shortcomings from Rooney’s legal team. While these issues didn’t derail her overall victory, they did lead to scrutiny over how some of her legal costs had been reported and reclaimed.

  The main issue stemmed from VAT errors made by her legal and agency representatives. Brabners, the celebrity law firm representing Rooney, was found to have mistakenly sought a VAT rebate on behalf of CWR 2021 Limited – a media company run by Rooney and her husband, Wayne. This company was involved in production work, including her Disney+ docuseries, The Real Wagatha Story. Rooney’s agency, Triple S Group, also wrongly submitted VAT claims after contributing payments to the legal expenses. According to Rooney’s barrister, Robin Dunne, the errors were "unfortunate" and steps are being taken to repay the amounts.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Although Thursday’s rulings went largely in Rooney’s favour, the case is not yet fully resolved. A further hearing is scheduled to begin on May 6, during which each line of the remaining disputed legal costs will be scrutinised in detail.

  As the legal wrangling continues, what began as a social media accusation has spiralled into one of the most drawn-out celebrity court cases in recent memory, with legal bills and reputations still hanging in the balance.