After lots of speculation hinted at the possibility, Ryan Mason is now officially the brand-new West Bromwich Albion manager ahead of the 2025/26 campaign kicking off in the Championship.

It’s a bold next step for Mason, considering he has only ever taken the reins at Spurs on an interim basis, but his work behind the scenes has been praised in North London, meaning he could be the breath of fresh air needed at the Hawthorns to kickstart a promotion push.

The 33-year-old could well rely on these Spurs connections when looking to make some impactful summer signings, with one or two young faces at the Premier League titans already being linked to make the switch to reunite with Mason.

Mason could use Spurs connections

The Baggies had frequently utilised the loan market when the likes of Carlos Corberan and Tony Mowbray stood in the dug-out.

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

Indeed, raw gems such as Will Lankshear (0 goals in 11 games) and Lewis Dobbin (0 goals in 18 games) failed to ever get going at the Hawthorns, away from the more experienced Adam Armstrong who was also a disappointing capture, having netted three times in 16 matches.

Therefore, Mason will hope – if he’s given permission to raid his ex-side for some up-and-coming starlets – that these deals go swimmingly instead and aren’t categorised as similar failures, with Spurs attacking hotshot Jamie Donley one notable name previously linked with a move to the West Midlands.

This could go down as a big success story when you consider Donley is just fresh off collecting 18 goal contributions for Leyton Orient on loan, but Mason’s dream first Baggies signing could centre on one of the 20-year-old’s teammates.

Amazingly, if all went to plan, Mason might well win himself the club’s new Tom Fellows, with West Brom’s attacking personnel undoubtedly boosted by potential activity in the market.

Mason could sign the next Fellows

Whilst West Brom would depressingly let a playoff spot slip out of their grasp last campaign, Fellows still managed to be a bright spark for his boyhood club throughout the bumpy season.

By the close of the season, the dynamic 22-year-old had four goals and 14 assists next to his name in Championship action, with one Spurs youngster in the form of Mikey Moore wanting to follow in Fellows’ footsteps if he were to don Baggies blue and white shortly.

The time does feel right for Moore to spread his wings and gain an EFL education, with the 17-year-old now off the mark in the senior side when scoring the strike above in the Europa League earlier this year.

But, away from impressing here and there under Ange Postecoglou, the teenager needs regular minutes to fully strut his stuff with an appropriate platform surely coming his way now under Mason.

Reports do suggest that Mason has Moore on his early West Brom shopping list, and whilst the 17-year-old has lined up as a centre-forward and attacking midfielder during his fledgling Spurs career to date, he could well come into the Baggies step-up and terrorise defenders down the flanks much like Fellows.

After all, 18 of his Spurs appearances and counting have come down the left channel, with West Brom needing more numbers on the left too, owing to Mikey Johnston being the only recognised figure in Mason’s camp capable of wreaking havoc on this wing.

Moore @ Spurs: Senior and Academy level
Position played	Games	Goals	Assists
LW	18	4	6
AM	8	6	4
CF	7	11	4
RW	6	1	0
Sourced by Transfermarkt

He can even slot in down Fellows’ trusty right-hand side if needed, but based on the numbers, Moore comes into his own as a creative force – much like the assist-heavy 22-year-old – when featuring on the left.

That is perhaps his best position with James Maddison having previously described him as “fearless” and a bit like Neymar in that role.

It will be intriguing to see if the North London prodigy can acclimatise well to the instant pressures of the Championship. If he can, Mason will have pulled off a dream first buy in the Hawthorns hot-seat.

West Brom targeting "fantastic" EFL ace who could be Mason's first signing

The Baggies are set to hold talks with Ryan Mason.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 29, 2025

Sunderland supporters will be trying to hold back their excitement ahead of the new Premier League season finally kicking off.

There’s no guarantee in place that signings galore will improve your chances of staying afloat in the tricky division, with Ipswich Town picking up 14 total purchases last season and still managing to fall through the relegation trapdoor.

But, the star-studded quality of signing Sunderland is managing to attract makes being giddy quite hard to contain, with the standout £20m purchase of Enzo Le Fee getting the ball rolling this summer, whilst a £30m deal for Habib Diarra to join from Strasbourg edges ever nearer to completion.

Reinildo is also set to join the Stadium of Light ranks after allowing his Atletico Madrid contract to expire, with plenty more notable names being tipped to call Wearside their fresh home shortly.

Transfer latest at Sunderland

Most Sunderland supporters would have been initially apprehensive about all the business being conducted in this hectic transfer window, considering the window opened with both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson deserting the Stadium of Light.

Now, however, the mood has flipped, with the likes of Georgian superstar Georges Mikautadze being tipped to join Le Bris’ enthused ranks alongside those already named, on top of an alleged £17m bid being lodged by the Black Cats to snap up Nantes attacker Matthis Abline.

The most intriguing purchase of them all could soon come in the form of Almeria goal-machine Luis Suarez moving to England, with reports from Spain now suggesting that Sunderland have enquired about landing the explosive attacker.

Such a deal would result in the Black Cats having to fork out £21m, with the La Liga 2 side upping their transfer valuation off the back of Suarez’s impressive 2024/25 offering.

It could even be argued that snapping up the clinical Colombian would see the newly promoted side land an even bigger talent than Diarra, despite the Senegal international costing Sunderland a club-record £30m to snap up.

Why Suarez could be a bigger talent than Diarra

After all, whilst Diarra was able to boast four goals and five assists from the midfield areas last season for Liam Rosenior’s men, Suarez’s numbers up top for Almeria in another demanding European setting are an even more majestic sight to take in.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the “crazy” South American – as he was once labelled by talent scout Jacek Kulig – would take La Liga 2 by storm with his devastating goalscoring prowess.

That was seen in him collecting 27 of his bumper 31 strikes in the second division, away from also netting four of those efforts in the challenging Copa Del Rey when facing off against opponents from La Liga.

Games played

41

Goals scored

27

Scoring frequency

135 mins

Assists

8

Big chances missed

27

Staggeringly, Suarez would also chip in with eight assists across his 41 La Liga 2 outings, which is three more assists than Diarra managed in the heart of Strasbourg’s midfield, with the hope that the dangerous Almeria marksman can offer up similarly deadly displays when leaping up to the Premier League.

He could instantly displace Wilson Isidor on his arrival, therefore, considering the Frenchman blew hot and cold last campaign with just 13 Championship goals next to his name, away from Suarez wreaking havoc in the Spanish second division.

On the contrary, it doesn’t feel as set in stone that Diarra would instantly dive into Le Bris’ XI – irrespective of his lofty price tag – with Dan Neil already at the Frenchman’s disposal centrally who collected five goal contributions himself last season in league action, alongside Le Bris also possessing the star-quality of Le Fee who could kick on even more up a division.

Whilst Diarra will no doubt go on to be a success story under the ex-Lorient manager’s wing if Le Fee’s trajectory is anything to go off of, it does appear as if Suarez could really burst into life even more as a terrifying goalscorer on Wearside, with his blistering introduction into the English game perhaps helping the Black Cats to maintain their fraught Premier League status.

Better signing than Diarra: Sunderland now targeting "fantastic" £18m star

Sunderland’s rapid summer business is showing no signs of slowing down as a new target now appears on their shopping list.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 1, 2025

Napoli may be about to exact a "small revenge" on Nottingham Forest after missing out on forward Dan Ndoye.

Nottingham Forest eye €20m signingBeat Napoli to one transferCould lose out in anotherFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to journalist Ciro Venerato on RAI, via Napoli Magazine, Forest, Wolves, and Napoli have been vying to sign Sevilla star Juanlu Sanchez. Although Forest have reportedly offered €20m (£17.3m) for the 21-year-old, Venerato claims that the player either wants to join Conte's team or stay in Spain. This comes just over a week after Napoli target Dan Ndoye joined Nuno Espirito Santo's side in a deal worth up to £34m ($46m). 

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'A SMALL REVENGE'

Venerato said on the matter: "Sevilla received an excellent offer from Nottingham Forest (who beat out Wolverhampton) of close to €20 million. But they recently had to deal with the player’s extremely tough position. Juanlu Sanchez was peremptory. Either Sevilla sells him to Napoli, or he stays in Spain! There’s no middle ground. Now that Napoli have decided to make the move, the player is fully committed. Nottingham are out. A small revenge for the Neapolitans, after the English side prevailed over the Campanian side for the Bolognese player Ndoye."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite talk of a "small revenge", Fabrizio Romano reports that Sevilla have rejected Napoli's €17m (£14.7m) offer for Juanlu, so a switch to the Serie A champions is far from certain. He adds that the Spanish team wants €20m plus a sell-on clause – something Wolves have 'already offered'.

@sevillafcWHAT NEXT?

The extremely versatile Juanlu – who can play at right-back, as a central midfielder, or as a winger – is likely to be the subject of more transfer bids from these teams ahead of the summer window shutting in just over three weeks.

Las Águilas make their tournament debut Wednesday against Real Salt Lake at America First Field.

• América comes into the match with one win and two draws in the Apertura 2025
• Last year, they were eliminated in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals
• Javairo Dilrosun was not registered

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  América begin their 2025 Leagues Cup journey on Wednesday at America First Field against Real Salt Lake. André Jardine’s side returns to the international stage, still seeking a breakthrough under the Brazilian coach. Despite dominating Liga MX in recent years – eaching four straight finals and winning three consecutive titles prior to their finals loss to Toluca – the club has struggled outside domestic competition.

  Last year, despite being heavy favorites, América suffered a painful exit in the quarterfinals, falling to Colorado in a penalty shootout. Jardine acknowledged that disappointment still lingers, but said his team arrives hungry for redemption.

  "I really like the Leagues Cup" said Jardine in a press conference. "I feel it’s a competition with a lot of potential. We want to break barriers. We already won the Campeones Cup, which is an important title, but we want more, and América will fight for the title. Once again, we come in excited and willing to give everything."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The team finds itself in its worst stretch in years, having missed out on every major trophy it has contested in 2025 so far. Still, Jardine urged patience. Fans are beginning to demand results – something that has always been part of Club América’s DNA. After years of glory and getting used to winning every tournament, supporters now expect the team to climb back to the top.

  "Maybe we’re going through a rebuilding phase, like I’ve said before, but with the confidence and certainty that we’ll once again be a strong, solid team capable of reaching the decisive stages and fighting for titles," he explained. "The group is focused and committed to working hard every day to achieve that. Sometimes you just have to get through rough patches like this one."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT JOSÉ ZÚÑIGA SAID

  New América striker Jose Zuniga, who has already scored his first goal in Liga MX with the club, stressed the importance of a good start.
  "It’s very important to start with three points. This is a tournament that gives us opportunities. We’re going to play a great match and come out victorious."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CLUB AMÉRICA?

  América’s Leagues Cup group is far from easy. After facing Pablo Mastroeni’s Real Salt Lake tonight, will take on Minnesota United and the Portland Timbers in their remaining group matches.

After submitting a fresh bid to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United have already reportedly turned their focus towards their next top target.

Newcastle "optimistic" after fresh Elanga bid

Having seen their first offer turned down for the Swede, it always seemed possible that Newcastle could return with a second attempt to sign Elanga. And soon enough, that has proved to be the case with reports now suggesting that the Magpies have submitted a second bid worth around £55m to sign the Swede.

Now reportedly optimistic that they’ll reach an agreement with Forest, Newcastle could be about to kickstart their summer business by adding the final part to what could be a scintillating front three alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Minutes

2,501

2,756

2,434

Goals

6

23

6

Assists

11

6

5

Successful Take-ons

25

42

38

One of the quickest trios that the Premier League is likely to see next season, Newcastle could yet retain their Champions League place and more in the next 12 months.

Nottingham Forest will be well aware of the quality that they will be losing if Elanga completes a summer switch to Newcastle, with Nuno Espirito Santo full of praise for his winger throughout the last campaign.

When asked about Elanga after the Swede scored an incredible solo goal against Manchester United in April, the Forest boss told reporters: “He’s a special boy and he gives this team his speed. He does it by himself and we are delighted.”

PIF believe 22-cap international will join Newcastle as £55m bid submitted

They could get their man at long last…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 4, 2025

That said, Elanga is unlikely to be the last through the door this summer. If reports are anything to go by, Newcastle and PIF have already turned their focus towards another top target even as negotiations continue over the winger’s signature.

Newcastle now prioritising Scalvini deal

According to The Times’ Martin Hardy, Newcastle are now prioritising a deal to sign Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta once their deal to welcome Elanga is completed this summer. The 6’4 defender is reportedly valued at just £30m and is now among the Magpies’ top targets as they look to add another centre-back to their ranks.

Dubbed a “magnificent” centre-back alongside countryman Riccardo Calafiori in the 2023/24 season by scout Jacek Kulig, Scalvini could now join the Arsenal man in the Premier League.

Since the 23/24 campaign, the towering Italian has only pushed on and could hand Newcastle a bargain deal at just £30m. Given that Fabian Schar is now 33 years old too, it should be seen as a very real possibility that 21-year-old Scalvini could break into Eddie Howe’s best side if he completes a summer move.

Alongside Elanga and James Trafford, the Atalanta defender would make it three impressive signings for the Magpies in a summer which initially looked destined to be full of frustration.

They chased down a tricky target of 125 on a slow pitch in Sharjah with ease in the end

Andrew Fidel Fernando07-Oct-2024Nat Sciver-Brunt produced one of the innings of the Women’s T20 World Cup so far to guide England home in the final over, against South Africa. Her 48 not out was not only the most substantial of the match, it was also the most aggressive, coming off 36 deliveries.It was Sciver-Brunt’s 64-run stand with Danni Wyatt-Hodge that swung the match decisively in England’s favour, as they pursued a target of 125.South Africa’s spinners had been valiant, particularly Nonkululeko Mlaba, who took 1 for 22 from her four overs. But with England’s strong batting line-up, they needed more of the chances the bowlers created to be taken. South Africa could not capitalise on two half-chances offered by Wyatt-Hodge, and though Sciver-Brunt rode her luck to some extent too, none of the mis-hits went to fielders.The win leaves England in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals, with two wins from two and a solid net run rate of 0.653. South Africa have more work to do.Sciver-Brunt shakes things upAlthough England had been careful not to lose wickets early on, they required an injection of energy through the middle overs to set them properly on course for victory, and Sciver-Brunt was the woman to provide it. She was immediately dynamic at the crease, hitting her fourth ball for four behind square on the offside, before settling into her usual rhythm of picking runs through the legside.She would frequently shuffle to off and target the square leg boundary against the spinners, even if, on such a slow surface, she didn’t always find the timing. She hit 32 of her runs in the arc between fine leg and deep midwicket, scoring four boundaries in that direction.Though Wyatt-Hodge was stumped with 11 still to get off 12 deliveries, Sciver-Brunt struck a four in each of the last two overs, and iced the game.South Africa had a couple of half-chances but couldn’t make the most of them•Getty ImagesEngland’s spinners keep a lid on South Africa’s scoringBetween them, left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, legspinner Sarah Glenn, and offspinner Charlie Dean bowled 12 overs for 58 runs, and took four wickets. Linsey Smith, also a left-arm spinner, took 1 for 32 off her four overs too.But it was the tight, varied bowling of Ecclestone and Glenn that really kept the scoring down through the middle overs. Ecclestone got the two biggest opposition wickets – bowling Laura Wolvaardt in the 16th over, before crashing another one into the stumps of an advancing Marizanne Kapp int he 19th over. She finished with figures of 2 for 15 from her four – the best returns in the game.Wolvaardt’s mixed dayShe’d started so strongly. South Africa’s captain won the toss in what was an obviously bat-first situation, and looked excellent in the powerplay, in which she scored 22 off 15 balls, helping take South Africa to a healthy 37 for 1. But then England’s spinners applied the brakes, and she was unable to find the boundary for the remainder of her innings, which went until the 16th over. She maintained a decent scoring rate thanks to her singles and twos, but against a batting order of England’s quality, South Africa needed a score in the vicinity of 150 to feel safe.Then, in the field, she let two half-chances off Wyatt-Hodge slip through her outstretched fingers, the first of those let-offs coming when the batter was on only 8.Still, Wolvaardt’s was the most substantial of South Africa’s individual contributions – she made 42 off 39.

Ajaz also bowled a higher percentage of overs than any spinner in the first innings since 1952

S Rajesh04-Dec-20214:11

Daniel Vettori: ‘Rare’ Ajaz Patel 10-wicket haul is greatest individual feat in NZ Test cricket

3 – Instances of a bowler taking all ten wickets in an innings. Ajaz Patel joins Jim Laker (10 for 53 against Australia in 1956) and Anil Kumble (10 for 74 against Pakistan in 1999) in this exclusive club. The two previous instances came in home Tests, and in the second half of the game: Laker’s ten came in the third innings, and Kumble’s in the fourth. Ajaz also overtook Richard Hadlee as the bowler with the best figures for New Zealand; Hadlee had taken 9 for 52 against Australia in 1985.ESPNcricinfo Ltd43.55 – Percentage of deliveries bowled by Ajaz in India’s first innings: he sent down 47.5 out of 109.5 overs. Since 2000, there have been only three instances of a bowler bowling a higher percentage of overs in an innings which lasted at least 100 overs. Two of those were by India spinners: R Ashwin bowled 52.5 overs out of 119.5 (44.09%) against Australia in Adelaide in 2018, while Ravindra Jadeja bowled 44 out of 100, also against Australia, in Ranchi in 2017. Saqlain Mushtaq bowled 47 out of 105.1 (44.69%) in England in 2001.Watch live cricket on ESPN+ in the US

India vs New Zealand is available in the US on ESPN+. You can subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to highlights of day two of the 2nd Test in English or in Hindi.

All three efforts were in the team’s second innings, though. If we filter this to the first two innings of a Test (with a 100-over cut-off), then the last time a bowler a higher percentage was way back in 1977, when Australian seamer Mick Malone bowled 47 out of 101.2 overs against England.To get the last instance of a spinner bowling a higher percentage in the first two innings of a Test, you would have to go back all the way to 1952, and India’s second Test victory, when Vinoo Mankad bowled 47 out of 104.3 overs in Pakistan’s first innings.