Daizen Maeda added another two goals to his tally in Celtic’s 3-0 win at Parkhead in their Scottish Premiership clash last weekend.

The Japan international has now racked up 30 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops so far this season, as he has proven himself to be a reliable figure in front of goal for Brendan Rodgers.

TEAMtalk recently reported that teams from Italy and Germany, as well as elsewhere across Europe, have taken an interest in the Japanese forward ahead of the summer transfer window.

The outlet did not name any of the interested clubs but did reveal that it would take significantly more than £10m to prise him away from Parkhead, which could result in him being one of the most expensive sales in Celtic’s history if he moves on later this year.

As you can see in the graphic above, an exit for more than £10m would place him among the top ten biggest sales in club history, alongside the likes of Jota, Virgil van Dijk, and Jeremie Frimpong.

Of those ten sales, Celtic may rue not being able to cash in on van Dijk for even more money than the £13m they did get from Southampton for him, given what the centre-back has gone on to achieve.

Virgil van Dijk's soaring market value since leaving Celtic

The Netherlands international joined the club from Groningen in the summer of 2013 and went on to score 15 goals in 115 first-team appearances for the Hoops across two seasons in Glasgow.

Van Dijk’s form at the heart of the Celtic defence earned him a £13m move to Premier League side Southampton in the summer of 2015, and that was a significant profit on the £2.6m that they had paid Groningen for his services.

However, it was the Saints who ended up landing the biggest profit of the Dutchman’s career as they went on to sell him to Liverpool for a reported world-record fee – for a defender – of £75m in January 2018.

This meant that Southampton made a mind-boggling profit of £62m on the central defender, compared to the £10.4m profit that Celtic made on him after two years in Glasgow.

As you can see in the clips above, Van Dijk has gone on to become a terrific defender for Liverpool over the years, racking up 311 appearances in all competitions and winning a Premier League and a Champions League trophy.

Celtic may, now, look back on their deal to sell the Dutch colossus to Southampton and wonder if they could have held out for more money, given the incredible value that he went on to accrue.

Several years after van Dijk’s departure from Parkhead, the Hoops had a centre-back on their hands who was tipped to be the club’s next version of the Liverpool superstar.

Celtic star who was tipped to be the next Virgil van Dijk

The Scottish giants had signed Leo Hjelde from Rosenborg’s academy at U18 level in the summer of 2019 and the young defender came up through the ranks before eventually getting his senior breakthrough on loan at Ross County in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.

In those five months, the Norwegian central defender, who was born in Nottingham, started ten of his 11 appearances for the club at the age of just 17.

Appearances

11

Starts

10

Interceptions per game

1.8

Tackles per game

1.7

Clearances per game

3.3

Ground duel success rate

51%

Aerial duel success rate

38%

As you can see in the table above, Hjelde got stuck in during his time at Ross County, making plenty of tackles, clearances, and interceptions each match, although – as expected at the age of 17 – he did struggle a bit with his physical duels.

Ross County manager John Hughes saw enough from the Norway youth international to compare him to Virgil van Dijk, adding that he hoped that the defender would go on to be a regular at Parkhead.

He told the Press and Journal: “One hundred percent, Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk. Trust me on that. I would love to see him make his debut for Celtic and become a regular. I would love nothing more to see him running out there.”

These quotes, and his form in the Premiership at such a young age, suggested that Hjelde had a bright future in Glasgow, but that is not how it worked out.

What happened to Leo Hjelde

Instead of getting a chance in the first-team under Ange Postecoglou, who arrived at Celtic in the same summer that the centre-back returned from his loan spell, the defender was sold.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Towards the end of August in the summer transfer window, Hjelde was sold to Premier League side Leeds United for a reported fee of £1m, without making a single first-team appearance for Celtic during his two years at the club.

Postecoglou brought Cameron Carter-Vickers, who remains a key first-team figure to date, in on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and signed Carl Starfelt on a permanent deal from Rubin Kazan, which made Hjelde’s task of breaking into the senior side all the more difficult.

Unfortunately, though, the 21-year-old defender has not had much more luck elsewhere in his career. He only played eight first-team matches for Leeds before his permanent move to Sunderland in January 2024.

Appearances

12

10

Starts

11

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.9

0.9

Clearances per game

2.6

1.2

Ground duel success rate

51%

43%

Aerial duel success rate

57%

63%

As you can see in the table above, Hjelde seemed to hit the ground running as a regular starter in the second half of last season, only to lose his place in the side in the current campaign.

The 21-year-old, who can play at centre-back or left-back, has been an unused substitute for 25 Championship games under Regis Le Bris, which suggests that he has not done enough to impress the manager to earn more minutes on the pitch.

At his young age, there is still plenty of time left for Hjelde to turn his career around, whether that is at Sunderland or elsewhere, to deliver on the early promise he showed to earn a comparison to Van Dijk at the age of 17.

However, at this moment in time, Postecoglou’s decision to allow the promising young centre-back to move on from Celtic for £1m appears to have been a fair decision, as the Norwegian youngster is yet to prove the Australian manager wrong by fulfilling his potential.

Celtic ace left for £600k, now he's similar to a future Ballon d'Or winner

The player Celtic lost for just £600k is now similar to a star who has been tipped to win the Ballon d’Or.

ByDan Emery Apr 1, 2025

Shamim’s 20-ball fifty had helped Rangpur to a challenging score after Saifuddin and Fuller had them in trouble

Mohammad Isam28-Feb-2024Fortune Barishal will meet Comilla Victorians in the BPL final on Friday after trouncing Rangpur Riders by six wickets in the second qualifier at a packed Shere Bangla National Stadium. Mushfiqur Rahim shepherded their 150-run chase with an unbeaten 47 after Mohammad Saifuddin and James Fuller kept Rangpur in check.Only Shamim Hossain’s unbeaten 59 off 24 kept Rangpur in the game before Mushfiqur and Kyle Mayers ensured a mostly risk-free chase for Barishal.It was Mohammad Saifuddin who struck two important blows as early as the second over of the Rangpur innings. He removed Mahedi Hasan with a full, outswinging delivery, before Shakib Al Hasan’s hack across the line took the upper edge with wicketkeeper Mushfiqur pouching both catches safely.Rony Talukdar was caught at the deep square-leg boundary after scratching around for eleven balls, before Nicholas Pooran holed out to Soumya Sarkar running in from long-on off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. James Neesham got out the very next ball to Fuller leaving Rangpur struggling at 48 for five. Fuller then dismissed Mohammad Nabi and Nurul Hasan in the 15th over to press home Barishal’s advantage.Shamim Hossain smacked a 20-ball half-century to lift Rangpur at the death•BPL

At 77 for seven, there was little hope of Rangpur recovering. Shamim had other ideas, though. He played a switch-hit off Mehidy in the 16th over to get himself going, before pasting Obed McCoy for 36 off his last eight balls. Twenty-six of those came in the penultimate over – Shamim first swatted him over deep third with a switch-hit before pulling one over short fine leg for four. He then played the pick-up shot over midwicket before miscuing a scoop over the wicketkeeper’s head for a six. He finished the over with an expansive cover drive that brought up his 20-ball fifty, his first of the season.Abu Hider rocked Barishal’s chase in the fourth over by removing Tamim Iqbal and Mehidy in the space of three balls. Tamim, after hitting the left-arm quick for a four, struck one straight to mid-off. Hider then trapped Mehidy lbw for eight. Soumya and Mushfiqur steadied things with a 47-run third-wicket stand. Soumya struck a six and two fours before Mohammad Nabi had him stumped for 22.Kyle Mayers then hammered 28 off 15 balls that had three sixes and a four. One of those sixes was his famed back-foot punch six, this time off Fazalhaq Farooqi shortly before he holed out. Mayers’ burst brought down Barishal’s chase to less than a run a ball, following which David Miller (22 off 18 balls) and Mushfiqur combined for a 33-run stand to seal the win with nine balls remaining.

Setting their sights on summer reinforcement, Manchester United have now reportedly opened talks to sign a talented young forward who’s valued as high as £55m.

Man Utd set sights on future star

The Red Devils were beginning to enjoy a slight turnaround on the pitch just before the international break, earning a point against Arsenal, before battling past Real Sociedad in the Europa League and thrashing Leicester City. The argument could even be made that it was their best week under Ruben Amorim, only for the international break to arrive at a frustrating time.

However, what the break has given those at Old Trafford a chance to do is turn their attention towards the summer transfer window. It simply must be a busy one for INEOS as they look to rebuild Amorim’s side in his vision and that has already seen several rumours come thick and fast.

The likes of Xavi Simons have particularly threatened to steal the headlines this week and whilst there’s little doubt that the Dutchman would be a perfect candidate to play in one of the two No.10 roles, the Red Devils may find it difficult to attract his signature without European football.

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Instead, they’ve reportedly turned towards a rising star. According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United have now opened talks to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton this summer, making their first approach for the 19-year-old star.

In a season to forget for the Saints, Dibling provided a rare bright spark before injury disrupted his break-out campaign. Now, even amid a frustrating spell on the sidelines, it looks as though he’ll get the chance to stay put in the Premier League courtesy of United.

Dibling’s signature won’t come cheap, however, given that Southampton were demanding as much as £55m for his signature in January. And even if relegation sees that valuation dip, potential suitors could still be left paying a hefty fee.

"Creative" Dibling destroyed Diogo Dalot

Of course, Manchester United are already well aware of Dibling’s talent – as is Diogo Dalot. The full-back found himself on the receiving end of the winger’s sharp dribbling to concede a penalty against Southampton earlier this season. Ultimately, it was a game that the Red Devils won after Cameron Archer missed the resulting penalty, but Dibling certainly left a lasting impression.

Described as the “definition of a creative winger” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Dibling is a talent who needs to be playing Premier League football and he’d get exactly that by swapping Southampton for Manchester United.

Joining one of England’s biggest clubs in doing so, the teenager could yet play a large part in awakening a sleeping giant.

Who are their openers? Their third and fourth bowlers? And who might their coach be after Stuart Law finishes his term?

Varun Shetty03-Nov-2018Is there even a race for the opening spots?
Chris Gayle played in the World Cup Qualifier but has since been jetting around the world to play various T20 leagues. He has been told he won’t be an automatic pick for the 2019 World Cup, though the management indicated he would be invaluable if he made the team.West Indies have maintained that the absence of key players has opened doors for others, but they haven’t had a problem of plenty so far. Because Evin Lewis withdrew from the India tour, West Indies had two vacancies at the top of the order. Kieran Powell and Chandrapaul Hemraj had the most time there, and Rovman Powell got a shot as opener in the last game. Neither of them did enough to push either Gayle or Lewis, who, remain West Indies’ most successful opening pair in recent times. Does this mean they come back in even if they don’t have match time before the World Cup? Or will the series against Bangladesh and England throw up other contenders?What do you do with Marlon Samuels?
West Indies coach Stuart Law said Samuels’ role on the India tour was a new one: to negotiate spin in the middle overs, and to mentor the youngsters. While the second responsibility is impossible to assess from the outside, it is easy to say he failed in fulfilling his first role in this series. Samuels made only 64 runs in five innings and was out to spinners in three out of five innings.His lack of runs stood out in a middle order that was carried by Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, whose runs could have tilted more games in West Indies’ favour if they were complemented by Samuels’ contributions.The year of the last World Cup – 2015 – was among Samuels’ best; he made 601 runs in 15 innings. He had a good 2016 as well, but since the start of 2017, Samuels has made only two fifties in 17 innings. Both of those came fairly recently – at the World Cup Qualifier – but what does West Indies do with someone who has played four World Cups but averages less than 25 in the last two years?Andre Russell goes through his warm-up sprints during team training•Peter Della PennaWill Andre Russell be picked if he can’t bowl?
There is little doubt that a fit Andre Russell walks into West Indies’ XI, whether he has had match practice or not. Russell played regularly in the Caribbean Premier League this year and contributed with bat and ball; he took a hat-trick and made a 40-ball hundred in one match, what will probably be the greatest all-round performance in T20s for a long time. But Russell is not yet fit enough to play as an allrounder in 50-over games.Should that be the case in May, will West Indies still pick him? At the moment, if West Indies choose to go that way, Rovman Powell would lose his place in the middle order. Ironically, that would be almost a like-for-like replacement, considering Powell is also an allrounder who now plays as a batsman in ODIs. He was also described recently by their coach as West Indies’ most improved limited-overs player. Will he lose his place if Russell is fit enough to play as a batsman? And what happens if Darren Bravo is back in the scheme of things by then?Who are West Indies’ fourth and fifth bowlers?
West Indies will be a little worried about their recent bowling performances. Both against India and Bangladesh, they struggled to settle into a bowling combination.Jason Holder, of course, is a constant. Without being phenomenal, Ashley Nurse has done a reasonable enough holding job for him to be the main spinner, and Kemar Roach is the best active ODI bowler they have. Apart from these three, West Indies have tried Alzarri Joseph, Devendra Bishoo, Sheldon Cottrell, Keemo Paul, Oshane Thomas, Obed McCoy, and Fabian Allen. And that is across eight ODIs. Is there still time for experiments?The leadership question
West Indies are used to players backing out or being unavailable for series, but the one thing they have managed to keep constant is their captain. Jason Holder is now about four years into the role. Off the field, they have come close, with Law holding the head coach position for close to two years.However, Law has resigned and his tenure will end after the tour of Bangladesh. It will mark the end of a stint during which West Indies not only broke their freefall, but also managed to nudge upwards again. Law admitted the timing of his exit was harsh in the lead-up to such a big tournament.It will be a challenge for both the players and the new coach, particularly if the coach isn’t one who has been promoted internally. The board will have to give serious thought to how they go about the transition, which will not be easy considering all the other questions they have to ponder with just over half-a-year remaining.

da winzada777： Chelsea haven’t been in the same high-flying form they started this Premier League campaign with, losing four of their last eight games in all competitions, including a 1-0 loss against Arsenal, a 2-1 loss against Aston Villa and back-to-back losses against Brighton.

da bet7k： However, despite their poor run of form, Enzo Maresca’s side still find themselves fourth in the Premier League table with nine games left to play as they enter the final stretch for UEFA Champions League qualification.

Chelsea are the Premier League’s joint-fourth top scorers, netting 53 times in 29 games so far, but whilst their defensive numbers have improved this season, Maresca will still be keen to refine this area of the pitch next season, looking to add personnel that fits his tactical ideas both on and off the ball.

Chelsea want to sign Premier League defender

Having kept a clean sheet in three of their last six games in all competitions, signing a new defender may not top Maresca’s bucket list this summer but they are on the lookout for a new centre-back, nonetheless.

Transfer Focus

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

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The Blues have been linked with a move to bring Marc Guehi back to Stamford Bridge from Crystal Palace but he’s not the only Premier League star on the club’s radar.

Indeed, according to reports from Spain, via SportWitness, Chelsea are in the race for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, and will challenge the likes of Real Madrid for the 19-year-old defender’s signature in the summer transfer window.

The report mentions that Maresca will be a key figure in this deal, with the Italian reportedly being in “direct contact” with the defender’s entourage for “years” after playing for Malaga in Spain, the same academy Huijsen was with from 2015-2021.

Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that the Spanish defender has a £50m release clause, which will become active in the summer, valid for all clubs with no limitations around the deal. Romano also stated, ‘movements around the defender have already started.’

How Dean Huijsen compares to Fofana & Colwill

Bournemouth made the signing of Huijsen for a fee of around just £12.6m, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to a total of £15.2m.

That has proven to be a bargain with the 19-year-old making 27 appearances for the Cherries this season, scoring twice and contributing to six clean sheets in his 2,093 minutes played.

The number of minutes he’s played is particularly important here. That’s because no other teenager in the top-flight this term has played more often than him.

So, what could he offer to Maresca’s set-up and how would he improve the make-up of this Chelsea backline?

Well, when comparing Huijsen to both Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, you can see the Bournemouth defender is a combination of the two.

Huijsen vs Wesley Fofana & Colwill in 24/25

Stats (per 90 mins)

Huijsen

Fofana

Colwill

Goals + Assists

0.12

0.00

0.07

Progressive Carries

1.38

1.46

0.37

Progressive Passes

4.20

2.46

4.04

Pass Completion %

83.5%

90.2%

89.6%

Passes into Final Third

5.80

4.15

4.70

Tackles

1.49

1.00

1.26

Blocks

1.70

1.08

1.07

Interceptions

1.92

1.08

1.04

Aerial Duels Won

2.55

2.08

2.52

Stats taken from FBref

Indeed, Huijsen provides the aggressive duel qualities to win aerial and ground battles, make tackles and blocks, but also has the on-ball silk to pick passes, making 5.80 passes into the final third per 90 minutes.

Notable scout Jacek Kulig has labeled the 19-year-old as a “phenomenal” young centre-back who has “maturity far beyond his years” and it is clear to see why he has such a long list of suitors with these qualities.

The Spain international has the ability to partner either one of Colwill or Fofana next season, possessing both the on-ball qualities needed in Maresca’s back line – usually acquired by Colwill’s inclusion – and also having the defensive capability to step up, defend high and win his duels.

Having these three as centre-back options next season could give Chelsea and Maresca a much better chance of taking that next step and eventually challenging for a title.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Mar 27, 2025

In recent seasons, Manchester City’s academy has been a conveyor belt of talent.

Current Premier League stars including Cole Palmer, Roméo Lavia, Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and many more have represented the Sky Blues at youth level, before being sold for huge fees, and that’s not even mentioning those who have stayed and are key first team figures.

However, did the best of the lot leave for free when he was just 16, making him the biggest mistake of the lot, considering he’s now outscoring Phil Foden at one of Europe’s biggest clubs?

Phil Foden's continued struggles

As recently as last season, Phil Foden was presented with both the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year awards, having scored 27 goals across all competitions, on top of 13 assists.

In recognition of this amazing form, teammate Rodri asserted that Foden “has the ability to be the best English player in history”. Now, however, even a starting berth is not guaranteed, with the 24-year-old only introduced late on in the 2-2 draw with Brighton.

The City academy product has accumulated just ten goals and six assists to date in all competitions, with James Ducker of the Telegraph stating that his end product has ‘fallen off dramatically’.

Andy Hampson of the Independent adds that he ‘endured a slow start to the season’, thereby unable to ‘regain his rhythm’, according to Sam Lee of the Athletic, with Jonathan Wilson of the Guardian believing he has merely ‘flickered’ all campaign.

Foden himself stated that he’s been suffering from “burnout” and has been carrying “a few niggles” after a long season, featuring a run to the Euros Final, with Pep Guardiola pleading with supporters to “be patient” as his players “are human beings”.

Put succinctly by Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, Foden was ‘the best player in the Premier League’ but is now enduring the ‘roughest campaign of his career’, having been usurped by January arrival Omar Marmoush behind Erling Haaland.

Thus, with the England international struggling for form and fitness, will Man City rue allowing an attacker outperforming Foden to leave for free?

Man City's forgotten academy superstar

Even before being old enough to vote, drink or drive, Michael Olise was something of a journeyman, given that he spent time at Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City’s academies, before departing the latter for Reading at the age of just 16.

The winger made his senior debut against Leeds in March 2019, racking up 73 appearances for the Royals, before being snapped up by Crystal Palace, who paid his £8m release clause in 2021, really bursting onto the scene in South London.

In 90 outings for the Eagles, Olise racked up 16 goals and 25 assists, earning rave reviews; Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout described him as “superb”, Matt Woosnam of the Athletic labelled him one of world football’s ‘brightest talents’, while former Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke noted that his performances for Palace were both ‘incredible’ and ‘elite’.

As a result, Bayern Munich paid around £50m to secure his services last summer, with Seb Stafford-Bloor of the Athletic noting how this move to Bavaria has taken Olise’s stardom to a whole new stratosphere.

The 23-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists for the run-away Bundesliga leaders so far, also earning his senior international debut for France against Italy earlier this season, choosing to represent Les Bleus, despite also being eligible to represent Algeria, Nigeria and England.

So, let’s analyse how his statistics compare to Foden’s this season.

Statistics

Olise

Foden

Appearances

39

38

Minutes

2,540

2,605

Goals

13

10

Assists

11

6

Shots on target %

37.5%

32.2%

Progressive carries

126

69

Progress passes

203

141

Pass completion %

80.3%

84.9%

Shot-creating actions

157

120

Goal-creating actions

18

15

Take-on success %

51%

40.7%

Touches per 90

70.3

52.3

As the table outlines, Olise and Foden have played a near-identical number of minutes this season, there’s under an hour in it, making comparing the pair about as fair as it can be.

The Frenchman comes out on top for pretty much every metric featured, pass completion percentage the sole exception, with Olise outperforming Foden when it comes to goals, assists, chances created, dribbles and pretty much everything else.

Thus, it’s pretty indisputable that Man City would be better off if they had the 21-year-old in their ranks, a rising star that, as Ryan Taylor of the Daily Mirror reports, those at Bayern believe is now worth £100m.

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1 ByRobbie Walls Mar 13, 2025

Liverpool are cantering towards a second title of the Premier League era and now look set to press ahead with some exciting transfer plans, including a pursuit of one of Europe’s most high-profile stars, per a report.

Liverpool set for exciting window after taking step towards Premier League title

Relief was the overriding emotion at full-time on Wednesday night as Liverpool saw off a stubborn Everton side courtesy of Diogo Jota to reclaim their 12-point advantage over Arsenal at the summit with eight matches left to play.

While the Premier League title is all but certain to head to Merseyside, Arne Slot is likely to already have an eye on potential market activity this summer to strengthen his bid for more silverware down the line.

In light of Virgil Van Dijk’s contract situation, Piero Hincapie has been lined up as a Liverpool defensive reinforcement and it remains to be seen if the Reds will meet his £42 million valuation. Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is also on their list after winning plenty of plaudits, signifying that the backline may be a key priority to firm up before 2025/26.

Xavi Simons is also in the sights of Liverpool and could offer Slot a degree of versatility to bolster his attacking options. There has been no confirmation over Mohamed Salah’s future, while rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave for Real Madrid would produce a creative void needing to be filled.

Top 1% for take-ons: Crystal Palace racing to sign "explosive" £30m forward

The Eagles have set their sights on a forward, with Oliver Glasner keen to strengthen his squad this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 3, 2025

Either way, Liverpool aren’t expected to let up once the market opens for business and have now turned their attention to an exciting target as a marker of their future ambitions.

Liverpool set to intensify talks to sign Barcelona's Ronald Araujo

Per reports in Spain, Liverpool are set to intensify negotiations to sign Barcelona star Ronald Araujo, who has cropped up on their radar due to Van Dijk being at risk of departing Anfield on a free transfer.

The La Liga giants are battling with economic issues that need to be resolved to comply with financial fair play, which may embolden the Reds in their pursuit of the Uruguay international.

Ronald Araujo’s key La Liga statistics in 2024/25

Appearances

6

Tackles won

6

Duels won

23

Pass completion rate

92.2%

Goals

1

Assists

1

Valued at just over £42 million by Barcelona, Araujo has endured terrible luck with injuries this campaign and has only managed 14 outings across all competitions, with Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen among others limiting his involvement.

Nevertheless, Liverpool have spotted an opportunity to offer a new challenge to the 26-year-old, albeit it remains to be seen whether he views the prospect of a move to Anfield as a positive during the peak years of his career.

One thing is for certain, there will rarely be a better time to join the Reds following their recent success. Now, all supporters can do is sit back and wait to see if negotiations prove successful.

Scorchers captain also takes two wickets with the ball after Mooney chipped in with a fifty

Tristan Lavalette09-Nov-2023Captain Sophie Devine blazed a century before taking two wickets in a domination of Brisbane Heat as Perth Scorchers claimed a pivotal WBBL victory at Allan Border Field.After being sent in, Scorchers’ imposing total of 192 for 3 was built on Devine’s blistering 106 from 62 deliveries in her fourth WBBL century. She capitalised on ragged Heat fielding after being dropped three times. Devine batted through the innings having earlier compiled a seventh century partnership with Beth Mooney.After being left to rue such a sloppy fielding effort, Heat still maintained confidence having almost chased down 205 against Sydney Thunder in their last match.Opener Grace Harris, who is coming off a record 136 not out, loomed as the key wicket. She hit a boundary against teenaged quick Chloe Ainsworth on her fourth delivery before falling lbw next ball after being struck on the foot by an inswinging yorker that appeared to be missing the stumps.Devine in the next over continued her starring role to remove Amelia Kerr with a return catch and then almost dismissed Mignon du Preez, who was dropped by wicketkeeper Mooney in a diving, one-handed effort.Du Preez threatened to make Scorchers pay until she holed out on 22 to quick Piepa Cleary as Heat slumped to 57 for 3. It wasn’t long before Devine was back in the action with the wicket of Charli Knott and Heat never threatened despite an attractive half-century from Georgia Redmayne.The result leaves the teams locked on 5-3 records as Scorchers rebounded impressively after a last-ball home defeat to Adelaide Strikers.Nat Sciver-Brunt’s season debut against Strikers had meant a reshuffle for Scorchers’ top-order batting with Devine moving back to her customary role as an opener alongside Mooney having previously batted at four.Devine and Mooney again showed their liking for batting together, but they had to initially counter seam movement from quick Nicola Hancock in a cautious start.Hancock reverted to a short-pitched length, but the plan backfired with Devine executing the pull shot superbly to smack a couple of boundaries in the third over.She sought an aggressive approach against the spinners and used her feet with confidence. Devine unleashed brutal power in contrast to a scratchy Mooney, who wisely focused on turning the strike over.Devine decided to put the foot down after the drinks break and she lived dangerously, but was dropped by Georgia Voll at long-on off left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen.Jonassen’s frustrations grew when Devine smashed the next delivery for a boundary and she shortly after whacked another through midwicket to notch her half-century in style.Having scored the most power surge runs in the competition, Devine was unstoppable after it was taken in the 14th over as Mooney also registered her half-century with a boundary.But Mooney was dismissed on the next ball after a delivery from Hancock thumped into her pads and fell onto the stumps. Sciver-Brunt was promoted to three, but completely overshadowed by a rampaging Devine who clubbed a six off Jonassen over long-on to complete her century.Devine was run out on the last ball of the innings, but her standout performance wasn’t yet over as she led Scorchers to a crucial win.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has hit back at Deco's open admiration for Luis Diaz by suggesting his own interest in two Barcelona stars.

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• Slot hits back at Deco
• Barcelona chasing signing of Luis Diaz
• Liverpool closing in on Wirtz

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Barcelona sporting director had told media that the club were plotting moves for Diaz and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, but then claimed talking about a deal for either player was disrespectful to their respective clubs. The Catalan giants want to strengthen their already-ruthless attack with another wide player to complement the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha who have had to play close to 50 games each this season. However, the public declaration of interest in Diaz has been laughed off by Slot.

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  WHAT DECO SAID

  Speaking about potential incomings, Deco said: "Talking about players who have contracts with other clubs is complicated out of respect. We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players. When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team."

• WHAT SLOT SAID

  Firing back at Deco, Slot said in a press conference: "Every club has its own way of doing things. You are used to the fact that I don't talk about players from other clubs that we haven't signed.

  "I understand he is a big admirer of Lucho Diaz – because I am a big admirer of him as well. He is a great player, having a great season. He [Deco] admires a few players, which we all do. I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha a lot as well!"

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool will be hesitant to let Diaz depart without recouping more than the £50 million ($67m) outlay they sent in Porto's direction to bring the Colombian to Anfield just three years ago. The Reds are reportedly seeking to tie Diaz down to a longer-term contract, but with just two years remaining on his current deal, may be forced to cash in now. They will be desperate to avoid losing another star player for no fee with Trent Alexander-Arnold walking out the door as a free agent this summer.

The home side had a productive day amid stoppages as they push to get into the Shield final

AAP02-Mar-2024Western Australia 310 (Goodwin 115, Whiteman 79, Bartlett 5-64) and 16 for 0 lead Queensland 170 (Wildermuth 41, Rocchiccioli 4-54) by 156 runsWestern Australia’s bid for a hat-trick of Sheffield Shield titles was back on track after producing a sizzling bowling display against Queensland at the WACA Ground.In reply to WA’s competitive 310, Queensland were skittled for 170 in 54.5 overs in overcast and windy conditions on Saturday. WA reached 16 for 0 in their second innings before nearby lightning forced players off the ground late in the day.Related

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It capped a stop-start day in which rain interrupted play several times as Queensland slumped to 54 for 4 and 108 for 7 in the tricky conditions.Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli played a key role in cleaning up the tail, while Joel Paris continued his hot form with figures of 2 for 15 off 12 overs. Charlie Stobo and Cameron Gannon were also among the wickets.WA had slipped to third spot on the ladder after posting two draws and a loss from their previous three Shield encounters. But with second-placed Victoria on track for defeat against ladder leaders Tasmania, WA now have an excellent chance to soar into second spot ahead of the final round. WA take on Victoria at Junction Oval in the final round, meaning their fate will be in their own hands if they can secure victory here.Cameron Bancroft and Sam Whiteman will be aiming to form a big second-innings partnership when play resumes on Sunday.Queensland’s top order struggled in the overcast conditions, with Paris snaring the breakthrough when he found the edge of Bryce Street for a 14-ball duck. Gannon produced the highlight of the day when he pulled off a diving one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Angus Lovell.Jack Clayton, Jimmy Peirson and Jack Wildermuth all made starts, but none was able to go on with the job as wickets fell at regular intervals.Queensland added 46 runs for their last two wickets, but WA were well and truly in the box seat with a lead of 156.