Well-known English cricket figure under investigation for alleged drink spiking

A well-known figure within English cricket is being investigated by police over allegations of spiking the drinks of two women and sexually assaulting one of them.The reported on Friday that the man, in his 40s, was questioned under caution by Scotland Yard in June after a complaint at a pub in south-west London, in the SW6 area which covers Fulham and Parsons Green. The ECB declined to comment on the allegations.”We are currently investigating allegations of spiking and sexual assault against two women that took place on Thursday, 22 May at a pub in the SW6 area,” the Metropolitan Police told ESPNcricinfo in a statement.”Two women are believed to have been spiked with one also allegedly sexually assaulted. A man in his 40s was interviewed under caution on Thursday, 5 June. Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.”Chris Haward, the managing director of the Cricket Regulator – the independent body responsible for handling disciplinary cases within English cricket – said last month: “Removing sexual misconduct from the game is a priority.”The Regulator has twice charged individuals following instances of sexual misconduct in the last year.A coach was suspended for up to nine months in August after being dismissed by his county for “sexualised and inappropriate” pictures to junior female members of staff. Last November, another coach was suspended for up to six months for “inappropriate sexual behaviour” on a county pre-season tour.

Sunderland ready to bid for Ansu Fati amid Le Bris plan for Barcelona gem

Sunderland have recruited well since entering the Premier League picture and could now be set to make an ambitious yet methodical play to land Monaco loanee Ansu Fati.

The Black Cats are enjoying a steady start to the campaign under Regis Le Bris, and they have been the most exciting of the newly promoted sides to enter the top flight, attracting praise for their entertaining style of football.

Nevertheless, the Sunderland boss is simply enjoying the ride, as he told BBC Sport before their 1-1 draw with Everton that the next challenge for his group is to remain consistent in what will be a testing run of upcoming fixtures.

Wilson Isidor has stepped up to fill the Sunderland striking role, and Chelsea star Marc Guiu could rejoin the club in January after a brief stint at the Stadium of Light.

Of course, stocking up on attacking reinforcements to improve squad depth will be critical to ensuring the Black Cats survive. Early-season form is a positive indication, but the management team will keep their feet on the ground while supporters dream.

It goes without saying, Sunderland are at their most exciting point for well over a decade at the least. They are back competing at the top table and look to be thriving under the pressure, increasing their appeal to potential signings.

With that in mind, they could now go all out for an exciting international winger with the flair to add another dimension in the final third.

Sunderland could build their team around Ansu Fati

According to reports in Spain, Sunderland are keen to bring Monaco loanee Ansu Fati to the North East and see him as a figure who ‘can lead a growing project within the Premier League’ if he were to complete a move.

Aston Villa are also keen on his services, though Barcelona and Monaco have an agreement in place whereby the latter can purchase him permanently for £9.6 million next summer.

Ansu Fati’s incredible early-season form

Appearances

10

Goals

6

Assists

0

La Blaugrana can also buy him back after that for around £24.5 million. Should either agreement not come to fruition, then Sunderland would be free to pursue the Spain international.

Fotmob illustrate that he has created seven chances and has directed 6 of his 13 shots on target in Ligue 1 this term, playing into the theory that he has enjoyed a rebirth of form in the principality of Monaco.

Sunderland have a new star who's been their best signing under Le Bris – it's not Xhaka

Of course, their league finish and level of ambition moving forward may factor into matters, though it appears Sunderland could well be a match made in heaven for Fati.

Salahuddin: 'I have no ego; if someone better comes along, it's for the team'

He cut a frustrated figure at the pre-match conference when it was suggested that the team might be looking for a new batting coach

Mohammad Isam15-Jul-2025Bangladesh have had plenty of troubles on and off the field in 2025. They have suffered series defeats against UAE, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. They have also lost the Test and ODI series in Sri Lanka with one match left on the tour. Ahead of the third T20I on Wednesday, frustration within the Bangladesh dressing room spilt out.Assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin reacted strongly at the pre-match press conference when it was suggested that the BCB is looking for a new batting coach. Salahuddin was appointed last November primarily as the team’s batting coach, but the batting unit has not completely clicked over the last nine months, with some holding Salahuddin responsible.Related

Bangladesh look to end on a high in climactic tour finale

Shanto steps down as Bangladesh Test captain after series loss against Sri Lanka

“My role as a coach in the Bangladesh team isn’t set in stone,” Salahuddin said. “I have never had any ego about it. If someone better comes (in the role of a batting coach), it will be for the team. The Bangladesh team is not the property of my father and grandfather. I will get criticised when I don’t do well, I will get praised when I do well. It is the reality. Whether I give 100% for my team, whether I am honest or not, is the main concern.”Salahuddin’s main gripe was with recent media reports that he has heavily influenced team decisions including selection and player roles. Given his stellar record in domestic cricket for the last two decades, he has also developed long-standing working relations with many cricketers, including those in the current Bangladesh squad.”After coaching for 27-28 years, I am hearing that there are lots of complaints in the team against me. I really would like to know about those complaints. Best if it was given to me in writing. You have to provide hard evidence. It will help me correct myself.”If I feel that the team needs a change for the good of the team, I will most likely do that. Our team has been losing regularly, so how will I benefit from favouritism?”It is not the first time during this Sri Lanka tour that discord within the Bangladesh team has come out in public. Last month, Najmul Hossain Shanto resigned from the Test captaincy, stating that the dressing room had too many captains. Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are the T20I and ODI captains, respectively.

James Anderson to captain Lancashire in next two Championship rounds

Red Rose turn to veteran seamer with Marcus Harris absent to attend the birth of his child

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2025Lancashire will be captained by James Anderson in their next two County Championship matches, with the 42-year-old stepping into an interim role due to Marcus Harris returning to Australia for the birth of his child.Anderson has only played once in the Championship this season, after a calf injury ruled him out for the first six weeks, but has been in good form in the Vitality Blast. He is set to lead the side against Kent in Blackpool starting on Sunday, in what will be his first experience of captaining a professional XI.Anderson will become Lancashire’s third red-ball captain this summer, with Harris having succeeded Keaton Jennings after a difficult start to the season that also cost Dale Benkenstein his job as head coach.Related

Dal, Morley defy Anderson, Hartley as Derbyshire escape

Benkenstein leaves Lancashire as Croft takes over as head coach

James Anderson: I've missed out on T20 over the past ten years

Anderson shines again as Lancashire continue Blast revival

“Jimmy [Anderson] will lead the side and it is exciting for him and us,” Steven Croft, Lancashire’s interim head coach, told the BBC. “He has captained only once and that was in a pre-season tour T20 game in Dubai so it will be nice for Jimmy and nice for the lads.”He has obviously got a lot to offer on and off the field. It will be a proud moment for him. It is not obviously all on Jimmy but it helps and his presence, particularly as captain, is a massive boost for the rest of the lads.”Lancashire are currently second from bottom in Division Two, having drawn five and lost two of their seven games, but they have enjoyed a successful start to the Blast, winning four of six to sit third in the North Group. Anderson has played his part, returning to the format after more than a decade and taking ten wickets in four matches.The Blast will break after Friday’s fixtures for two rounds of the Championship, with Lancashire facing Kent at home before a trip to play Derbyshire at Chesterfield. Harris will miss both games, but Lancashire will be able to call on Australian overseas signings Ashton Turner and Chris Green.”The way I’m looking at it and what I will say to the team is this is a pivot in the season,” Croft said. “Seven games that have gone before we can’t do anything about. But we still have seven games to climb the ladder and there is still a chance we can go up.”We are only a few wins away from being right at the top so we can use it as pivot in the season to get in the right direction. That break with the Blast, suddenly those wins seem a little bit more attainable.”

Jayawardene: 'We lost the game when we had control of it'

Did Mumbai Indians miss a trick by handing the ball to Deepak Chahar, and not Hardik Pandya, for the all-important final over?

ESPNcricinfo staff07-May-20253:53

Abhinav Mukund: ‘MI bowlers let the game drift a bit in the middle overs’

When the rain went away and Gujarat Titans (GT) needed 15 to win off six balls, Mumbai Indians (MI) had a few options to throw the ball to. Deepak Chahar had bowled just two. Hardik Pandya had bowled just one. The spinners Karn Sharma and Will Jacks had bowled just three between them. It had to be a quick bowler, so it was between Chahar and Hardik, and MI chose Chahar. Chahar was “our main bowler” at that point, Mahela Jayawardene, the MI head coach, said later by way of explanation, but Katey Martin was sure that “you always want your skipper to step up” in such situations.But MI seemed to have made that decision before the team walked out for that one over after the last rain delay, pushing the Tuesday game into Wednesday, that it would be Chahar. A four and a six were hit, a no-ball was bowled, and GT were home off the last ball in a seesawing contest.”Deepak did that job for us when Booms [Jasprit Bumrah] was not there [for the first few games of the season],” Jayawardene said at the post-match press conference after MI’s streak of wins ended at six. “He was good, our main bowler. It’s easier for you to ask me that question and for me to say, ‘yeah, maybe Hardik’. Had Hardik gone for three sixes, you might have asked me why you didn’t bowl Deepak. I don’t like to go to that.”Related

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IPL 2025 scenarios: KKR in serious danger of missing out on playoffs

Hardik on MI's three no-balls: 'A crime in my eyes'

“Throughout the game, we made some good decisions with the ball when we had to attack. Deepak’s execution – a couple of balls he missed, they hit some good shots, we bowled a no-ball as well on top of that – and we still came down to the last ball.”It was not the decision; it was the execution. That’s where we lost the game. My thinking is we lost the game when we had control of it and that was disappointing.”On the question of why not Hardik, Martin, speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show, said, “He typically bowls the crucial over. And I understand that he went for a few earlier. But yeah, you always want your skipper to step up.” Hardik’s only over in the game had gone for 18 runs, with three wides and two no-balls.Martin and her co-panellist Abhinav Mukund agreed that MI had taken their foot off the pedal in the middle overs of GT’s chase.”I felt they just let the game drift a little bit in that middle phase,” Abhinav said. “Because they have a set plan – like how Gujarat Titans have a set plan with their top three – when it comes to their bowling, they like using Bumrah to the back end of the powerplay, then maybe one in the middle overs and then maybe one at the death, or maybe even two at the death.2:06

How crucial was Gill’s 43 from 46 balls?

“They were forced to change the plan because of Gujarat Titans. But if you see the number of runs that were leaked in between the Bumrah overs – so Bumrah went three and five, and then you had that sudden surge of 37 in three overs [six to eight]. And then another surge [28 runs in overs 13 and 14] before Bumrah did eventually come back on. So… I know, cheat code and all of that, but you’ve got to manage your other bowlers as well. They got lucky with Ashwani Kumar, 2 for 28 in four.”As it transpired, Bumrah and Trent Boult had to bowl out by the 17th over as MI went in search of wickets, leaving Chahar, a powerplay specialist normally, and Hardik as the main options for the last over after rain decided the chase to a 19-over affair. Ashwani played his part well, coming on as a concussion sub for Corbin Bosch and picking up two wickets and bowling economically.At many levels, it was Bumrah or bust for MI in the phase leading up to the death overs, and he didn’t disappoint. Over No. 15 was 1 for 6. Over No. 17 was 1 for 7. Shubman Gill and Shahrukh Khan gone. Bumrah did swing the game, and the DLS equation, MI’s way there.The Gill wicket was a beauty. And Shahrukh was probably just not up to the task.”That’s the thing with Bumrah, right, he has the extraordinary skill and capability to change his length based on the batter,” Abhinav said. “And he went slightly full, he missed the yorker – which I think he’s not too confident about even now, seven games after injury – and went for four. And then he decided, ‘Let me go back to lengths, let me cramp them because that’s what I did the first two overs of the spell to Shubman and Jos Buttler.’ So he went there again. And that’s the ball he nails time and again.”It wasn’t sensible from Shahrukh to keep going, but I have seen him do it multiple times to try and just boss the game. You don’t boss the best in the world, right?”2:04

‘Bumrah can make the best batters look silly’

Till he got out, Gill was playing an ODI-style innings, going at under a run a ball, but doing just what GT needed to stay ahead of the DLS par score in a game where batting was far from easy – it was swinging around more than halfway into the second innings.”The unbelievable part is that you can look so good and elegant as Gill has throughout the whole IPL, and the ball deviated a lot and nipped back in quite a bit, and he was literally nowhere,” Martin said of Bumrah knocking Gill over with one that nipped back in and zipped off the surface. “It was just all about his [Gill’s] hands trying to get the bat on the ball, there was concrete in his feet.”That’s what Bumrah does; he can make the best batters in the world look silly by just the intelligence in where he bowls, the extra pace, and the fire – he’s just got the fire in the belly for Mumbai to get the side across the line. And I think the back-up over from Trent Boult [the 16th, which took Sherfane Rutherford out] and then another wicket [Ashwani getting Rashid Khan]. Ashwani wasn’t even meant to be playing this game, he’d come in at the halfway mark as a concussion sub, and to be able to pick up a couple of wickets, economical too, I think the way Mumbai Indians bowled just shows they are never out of the game.”They weren’t. Till that last over. Poor decision? Poor execution? We’ll never know what might have happened if Hardik, more used to bowling in the death overs, had bowled instead of Chahar.

Celtic agree imminent deal for 8th signing with player travelling to UK

Celtic now look to be closing in on their eighth signing of the summer transfer window, in another boost for manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers "very pleased" with his Celtic side

The Scottish Premiership champions maintained their 100% winning start in the league this season on Saturday, sealing a routine 3-0 victory at home to Livingston. Speaking after the game, Celtic manager Rodgers was in positive spirits, with his side already six points clear of rivals Rangers after just three matches.

“I was very pleased. I thought the performance was really good. We started well and with the tempo that we wanted. There were a lot of changes but the fluidity in the team was very good and we got in to some good areas in the first half. In the second half, we had a good flow in the game and scored three very good goals.

Brendan Rodgers

“Defensively we’re strong, we’ve conceded only one goal in four domestic games. And today, against a team that are very compact and tight, we showed some really good moments of football.”

Now, the positivity appears to be continuing at Celtic, with the Hoops looking to be on the verge of completing another summer signing, following a new update.

Celtic close to completing 8th summer signing

Taking to X on Monday morning, Anthony Joseph reports that Celtic are closing in on the signing of Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Royal Antwerp, with a medical scheduled in the UK this week.

This is brilliant news for anyone of a Celtic persuasion, with Balikwisha a long-time transfer target who could make them even more of an attacking force.

The Belgian has scored 30 goals in 145 appearances for Antwerp, predominantly shining from the left wing, but also being able to do a good job on the opposite flank and in more of a central role.

Muscle injury

2024/25

21

3

Muscle injury

2024/25

57

9

Torn thigh muscle

2024/25

127

17

Knee surgery

2023/24

49

10

Muscle injury

2022/23

44

2

Torn thigh muscle

2022/23

59

12

Hip injury

2021/22

33

7

Hamstring injury

2021/22

18

3

That said, the one slight concern for Rodgers will be Balikwisha’s injury history, with the 24-year-old suffering plenty of absences during his career.

Talks open: Celtic in "negotiations" to sign full-back similar to Johnston

The Hoops could be busy before the deadline.

1 ByCharlie Smith Aug 24, 2025

But hopefully, he has rid himself of those fitness woes, coming in and being an immediate key man for Celtic, giving the Scottish champions the additional firepower that they have craved throughout the summer window.

Leeds on "alert" for star loved by Jurgen Klopp, he'll pick new club "soon"

Leeds United may have seen the transfer window slam shut, but they are still in the race to bring in a former Premier League star who is on the free agent market, according to a report.

Leeds United miss out on Josh Brownhill

Despite the Whites showing an interest in Josh Brownhill, the former Burnley midfielder won’t be moving to Elland Road after leaving Turf Moor for a new challenge elsewhere. Instead, the Warrington-born man is set for a surprise move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab, with Graeme Bailey detailing on X that he has knocked back advances from several Premier League clubs to sign a lucrative deal in the Middle East.

He stated: “Josh Brownhill has agreed terms on his move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Shabab. Brownhill shunned interest from Wolves, Everton and Leeds whilst also rebuffing a late approach from Brentford. He is now due for his medical ahead of penning a two-year-deal worth £100,000-a-week.”

Injuries to Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu have left Leeds light in midfield. At the same time, Joe Rodon recently pulled out of Wales’ double header against Kazakhstan and Canada, albeit he is expected to recover in time to face Fulham.

Nevertheless, a disappointing end to the window has left Leeds a body or two short from middle to front, factoring in circumstances, something that Chelsea’s late hijack of their move for Facundo Buonanotte didn’t help.

Leeds had deal agreed to sign "important" ace who once silenced Elland Road

It was a day to forget for the Yorkshire club…

2 ByTom Cunningham Sep 2, 2025

Senne Lammens was also approached by Leeds before choosing to move to Manchester United, capping off a frustrating final few hours of the market.

Nevertheless, there could still be some out-of-window action at the Whites, with Daniel Farke set to fight to strengthen their engine room with the arrival of a renowned free agent.

Leeds United battling to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

According to Football Insider, Leeds United are looking to sign former Premier League midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer after he was released by Besiktas.

Pete O’Rourke explained the situation: “Now that he’s left Besiktas, clubs have been put on alert by his availability. There’s interest from clubs in the Premier League, Championship and across Europe as well, with Leeds and Birmingham among them. So I’m sure he’d be ready to return to England after a couple of years away, and I expect there will be some movement on his future soon.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Premier League record

Appearances

235

Goals

20

Assists

24

Titles

PL winner in 2019/20

Praised by Jurgen Klopp for his double against Genk in the Champions League back in 2019, the former England international is now 32 years of age and scored once in 20 appearances across all competitions last season.

Now looking to get back to familiar surroundings, he may find a home at Elland Road due to Farke’s shortage of midfielders, offering leadership and experience if the Whites can beat Birmingham City to his signature.

Radhakrishnan digs in to give Tasmania hope in big chase

The left hander was unbeaten on 53 from 189 balls with the visitors chasing an imposing 381

AAP20-Feb-2025

Nivethan Radhakrishnan built patiently for Tasmania•Getty Images

Precocious talent Nivethan Radhakrishnan posted a half-century as Tasmania faced a final-day fight for 217 more runs to defeat Sheffield Shield leaders South Australia.Set 381 runs to win, Tasmania were 164 for 3 at stumps on the third day at Adelaide Oval. Radhakrishnan, an Indian-born 22-year-old who can bowl spinners with right and left arms, has underpinned the chase with an unbeaten 53. He will resume on the last day with Jake Doran, who was 19 not out.Related

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Tasmania lost Jake Weatherald early when the left hander didn’t play a shot to a Nathan McAndrew delivery which cut back to clip off stump.Radhakrishnan and Tim Ward took the score to 70 but the latter fell just after tea. Like Weatherald, the left-handed Ward failed to offer a shot to McAndrew bowling around the wicket but was unlucky to be adjudged lbw, given the ball hit his thigh pad and appeared to be tracking over the stumps.Radhakrishnan, who has represented Australia in Under-16 and Under-19 ranks, then featured in a 66-run partnership dominated by stalwart Jordan Silk. Silk made 43 from 66 balls but was bowled by legspinner Lloyd Pope – he chopped on attempting a drive through the off-side an hour before stumps.Earlier, SA were all out for 388 in their second innings. After resuming at 272 for 6, McAndrew and Ben Manenti quickly prospered as they struck five boundaries each and featured in a 78-run partnership.Allrounder Liam Scott returned to the crease after retiring hurt on 43 because of a migraine late on day two, pushing his score to 69 not out. Tasmania quick Riley Meredith was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 81.

He'd be Nwaneri 2.0: Arsenal agree fee to sign "technically gifted" star

It would be fair to say that, overall, last season did not go entirely to plan for Arsenal.

Partly due to injuries and partly due to a lack of form, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to secure the Premier League title.

However, there were still some positives to come from the campaign, notably in the shape of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.

The two Hale End talents burst onto the scene around the winter period, and while the former ended up with more of a permanent role in the team, both look to be sensational prospects.

For example, Nwaneri was able to rack up 11 goal involvements in just 1,378 minutes, and so fans should be seriously excited about links to someone who could be Arteta’s next version of the 18-year-old.

Appearances

37

Starts

16

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

Points per Game

1.95

Arsenal close in on the next Nwaneri

While most headlines and fan attention have focused on the new additions Arsenal have made to the team this summer, such as Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and now Viktor Gyokeres, the contract renewals have arguably been just as important.

Transfer Focus

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

First, it was man-mountain and fan favourite Gabriel Magalhães who put pen to paper on a new four-year deal, then a few weeks later it was Lewis-Skelly’s turn to do the same with a five-year deal, and most recently, it was Nwaneri who committed the next five years of his career to the project.

The contract for the dynamic teenager came as something of a relief for many fans, as just a couple of weeks ago, there were murmurings that talks were not progressing as well as some at the club would have liked, and that game time was supposedly an issue.

Fortunately, none of those rumours appear to have been accurate, and now, in even more good news, the North Londoners look to have secured another highly-rated youngster who could be the next Nwaneri.

At least that’s according to a recent report from The Athletic, which has confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Salford City youngster Will Wright.

In fact, the report goes even further, revealing that the Gunners have already agreed on a fee with the League Two side, although personal terms still need to be finalised.

While the report makes no mention of how much the teenager is going to cost, stories from earlier this month claimed that the fee is around £200k, which is £100k more than Liverpool supposedly offered.

It might sound like a lot of money for a 17-year-old, but given the ability he has already shown and the potential he has, it could prove to be a bargain years from now, especially as he could be the next Nwaneri.

Why Wright could be the next Nwaneri

Now, comparing a youth product from a League Two side to one of the most exciting youngsters in the Premier League last season might sound like a lot, and that’s because it is.

However, with what Wright has already achieved in Salford’s youth sides and the way those in the know have been speaking about him, we see no reason why he too couldn’t develop into one of the most exciting prospects at Arsenal in the coming years.

Let’s take a look at their numbers for their club’s respective youth sides.

For example, in 52 appearances for the Gunners’ junior teams, Nwaneri managed to rack up a massively impressive tally of 27 goals and ten assists.

In contrast, the Salford gem scored over 40 goals in the academy last season, which is undeniably impressive, and strongly suggests he could be something seriously special.

On top of that, those with a good understanding of junior football are very excited about what the “technically gifted” gem, as dubbed by analyst Bence Bocsak, could develop into.

For example, Total Football Analysis, who take a look at some of the best wonderkids in world football every season, claim he has ‘many of the characteristics to be a top-level centre-forward’ and that, on top of being a prolific goalscorer, he’s also someone who ‘has the ability to connect play.’

Finally, despite being just 17 years old, the sought-after gem is already 6 foot 2, which means he can already physically dominate many of his opponents, and may grow to be even more imposing in the coming years.

Ultimately, it’s notoriously difficult to predict the future careers of young players, but as things stand, Wright appears to be on track to become a future star and potentially emulate Nwaneri’s breakthrough in the coming years.

Medical soon: Arsenal due to sign their new Ian Wright "within 24 hours"

The supremely dangerous attacker could break records at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 22, 2025

Everton prioritising move to sign "fantastic" PL gem as part of £150m spree

Everton are now reportedly prioritising a deal to sign a Premier League gem as part of The Friedkin Group’s impressive plan to splash as much as £150m this summer.

Friekdin planning £150m spending spree

The Toffees have already seen a glimpse of Friedkin’s spending when they secured deals for Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Carlos Alcaraz. But they may just be getting started.

As Everton enter a new era at The Hill Dickinson Stadium, the new owners are reportedly keen to make a statement with a spending spree that will hit the £150m-mark this summer and several targets have already entered their radar as a result.

After recently welcoming Barry and Travers, Everton have reportedly made their first offer to sign Douglas Luiz on loan with an obligation to buy from Juventus. The Brazilian endured a nightmare first season in Turin and now desperately needs a return to the Premier League just one year on from leaving Aston Villa.

It would be quite the move from Everton if they managed to win the race for the midfielder’s signature, especially after losing Abdoulaye Doucoure at the end of last season. Luiz, meanwhile, would undoubtedly be keen to get back to his best at long last.

Luiz isn’t the only name who’s threatened to steal the headlines as of late, however. The Toffees have also reportedly set their sights on West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.

Like Luiz, the latter needs a fresh start this summer if he is to get back to his best. But even as a serial winner at The Etihad, it’s actually Grealish’s City teammate who sits top of Everton’s shortlist of targets.

Everton now prioritising McAtee move

As reported by The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Everton are now prioritising a move to sign James McAtee as part of their £150m spending spree this summer. The midfielder was often left frustrated at Manchester City last summer, as Pep Guardiola opted for other options even as his side faced some of their worst form of his incredibly successful tenure.

Everton bang in the race to sign "terrific" star who Moyes personally wants

He’s on the move this summer.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 18, 2025

Now, in search of the game time that he requires, McAtee is likely to be on the move. And it’s not just Everton who are interested. The talented midfielder has also attracted the interest of Entracht Frankfurt and others from around European football, handing the Toffees a difficult battle to land his signature.

Previous reports have suggested that the 22-year-old will be available for just £25m, but whether competition for his arrival increases that price remains to be seen.

Praised for a “fantastic” start to 2025 by scout Jacek Kulig, McAtee could yet find himself in new surroundings by the time that the year comes to an end and the new season is well underway.

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