Whilst Nottingham Forest have secured a number of targets as of late, Rico Lewis is currently unlikely to join their list of incomings and that has forced the Tricky Trees to turn to an alternative option.

Nottingham Forest set to miss out on Lewis

After welcoming James McAtee from Manchester City, those at the City Ground were seemingly hoping to welcome a second Citizen in Lewis, only for the defender to decide to stay put at his boyhood club. Now, with the versatile defender reportedly closing in on a new deal at the Manchester club, Forest have been forced to end their pursuit and turn their focus towards other options.

What’s more, when asked about his future following last weekend’s 4-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day, Lewis told reporters: “For me, I’ve never ever seen myself leaving. I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream. When I’m playing with the kind of players that I’m playing with, it brings out the best of me. So I’m so happy.

“Everyone wants that assurance and security, but at the end of day it’s on me. It’s on me to perform. Last season I played more than the season before. So it’s always the same goal – to become an established player.”

Nottingham Forest join Dortmund in race to sign "fantastic" Chelsea talent

Chelsea have already rejected Dortmund’s offer…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 20, 2025

It’s a rare day when Evangelos Marinakis doesn’t get what he wants, but this time he’s been forced to look elsewhere for a defensive addition. As such, reports are already emerging that the Greek owner has shifted his focus towards a La Liga right-back.

Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign Carmona

As reported by ABC Sevilla and relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to sign Jose Angel Carmona from Sevilla this month. The Midlands club have reportedly tabled an opening offer worth €10m (£9m) and expect to reach an agreement with the right-back as soon as possible.

Pivoting away from Lewis and towards the Spaniard in rapid fashion, the fact that Marinakis has worked with Sevilla sporting director Antonio Cordon in the past may have helped advance the deal for those at the City Ground.

Minutes

2,942

1,893

Assists

0

2

Tackles Won Per 90

1.80

0.90

Ball Recoveries Per 90

5.02

4.52

When compared last season, Carmona is the clear standout. His ball recovery numbers were particularly impressive in the previous campaign and that’s the type of energy that could see the 23-year-old push Ola Aina all the way for a starting place at Forest.

Praised as “exciting” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Carmona has now added experience to the talent that he already had in abundance. Now, he could be about to take the Premier League by storm as the perfect alternative to Lewis for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Liverpool target Alexander Isak is extremely likely to leave Newcastle United if the Magpies secure a deal for Benjamin Sesko in the coming days, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

There have been all sorts of conflicting reports flying around regarding Liverpool’s move for Isak, after the Reds’ first formal offer was officially submitted on Friday.

Shades of Coutinho: Liverpool make contact to sign "complete" £30m star

Liverpool are ready to sign a new defender after Joe Gomez’s injury.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 29, 2025

A bid in the region of £110m was swiftly rejected by Newcastle, and news soon followed that Liverpool would not make another attempt at a deal this summer, such was the firmness of Newcastle’s stance.

However, things have since changed with the news that RB Leipzig star Sesko has chosen Newcastle instead of Manchester United, with reports from Slovenia on Friday evening all but confirming St James’ Park will be his next destination after the Magpies submitted a bid worth €75m (£65.5m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons.

Downie: Liverpool set to make improved bid for Isak

David Ornstein revealed on Saturday that while Isak is set to return to training, Liverpool’s interest remains “ongoing”, and Downie has added further fuel to the fire in a YouTube video this weekend.

Speaking on his personal channel in a video detailing the latest news around Sesko, Downie commented on the Sweden star’s future, and it certainly sounds like good news for those in Merseyside.

Commenting on Isak’s return to pre-season training, Sky’s North East reporter added more confirmation that an exit is only a matter of time.

Liverpool’s business this summer has been remarkable, already spending over £250m on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, but the sale of Luis Diaz and probable exit of Darwin Nunez means they are still one striker short.

Non penalty goals per 90 – 0.62

88th percentile

Assists per 90 – 0.20

77th percentile

Shot creating actions per 90 – 3.00

84th percentile

Pass completion – 75.3%

77th percentile

Successful take-ons per 90 – 1.37

92nd percentile

Aerial duels won per 90 – 0.85

17th percentile

Speaking about Isak ahead of his side’s return from their pre-season tour in South Korea, Eddie Howe admitted the situation is complicated: “I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it. There are people back in England dealing with the situation.

“I really don’t know what is going to happen next but, from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.

“The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say.”

تحدث الدولي البرازيلي رودريجو جوس، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد عن حقيقة اقترابه من الانتقال إلى برشلونة

وأجرى الدولي البرازيلي حوارًا مطولًا مع صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تحدث من خلاله حول كارلو أنشيلوتي وعلاقته القوية به ومنتخب البرازيلي وأسرار كثيرة من كواليس انتقاله إلى الفريق الملكي.

وقال رودريجو، إنه كان قريبًا من الانتقال إلى برشلونة قبل مجيئه لريال مدريد، موضحاً: “قبل التوقيع مع ريال مدريد، كان كل شيء جاهزًا، وكنت قد وقعت لبرشلونة، هذا صحيح لكن والدي أخبرني أن ريال مدريد اتصل بنا وكان يجب أن أختار، بالنسبة لي كان الأمر سهلًا للغاية، كنت أعرف ما أريد وما هو حلمي، لم أتردد أبدًا”.

وأكمل: “كنت في سانتوس وبدأت ألعب بشكل جيد، سعى برشلونة للتعاقد معي ​​ولطالما قلت إنه نادي عظيم وأكن له احترامًا كبيرًا لكن ريال مدريد كان حلمي وكان قراري سهلًا في هذا الوقت، لم أستطع الانتظار أكثر من أجل ريال مدريد، وعندما حان الوقت، فعلنا ذلك بالطريقة الصحيحة”.

وعن القميص الذي أهداه له والده في سن السادسة: “شجعت ريال مدريد وكنت مندمجًا مع إنجازات الفريق. إضافةً إلى ذلك، كان هناك العديد من البرازيليين في الفريق، وبدأتُ أتابعهم خاصة بعد التعاقد مع كريستيانو رونالدو، تابعت جميع مباريات ريال مدريد لمجرد رؤيته، أنا من مشجعي سانتوس في البرازيل لكنني لطالما أحببتُ ريال مدريد منذ صغري، كان حلمي أن ألعب في أوروبا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رودريجو يكشف عن تعليمات ألونسو.. ويؤكد: لا أستمتع بالكرة الذهبية ومودريتش أبي

وعن الفترة الصعبة التي عانى منها في الصيف الماضي قال: “الحقيقة هي أنني مررت بوقت عصيب للغاية على المستوى الشخصي، قضيت وقتًا طويلًا دون التحدث مع أحد، لم يكن أحد يعلم بما أمر به، كانت فترة عصيبة للغاية، لم أكن على ما يرام لا جسديًا ولا نفسيًا، كان ذلك صعبًا جدًا، أولًا بفضل الله، ثم بفضل عائلتي والمدرب أنشيلوتي ساعدني على تجاوز كل ذلك”.

وأوضح: “كارلو ساعدني كثيرًا، كان يرى كل يوم أنني لست على ما يرام وأنني لست لائقًا للعب، ولا أستطيع مساعدة الفريق لكن لم يكن هناك وقت للتعافي لأننا كنا نلعب كل ثلاثة أيام، وعندها لا يمكن التوقف لحل المشكلة، رأى أنني إنسان، وأن لدي مشاكل حقيقية، لقد فهم لحظتي ووضعي المعقد، قال لي ابق هنا بهدوء، أنت لست لائقًا للعب الآن، شكرته وطلبت اللعب لكنه كان يعلم أنه يجب عليه استعادة نفسي أولًا قبل الملعب، المهم هو أن أكون في حالة بدنية جيدة”.

واستطرد: “لقد كانت فترة عصيبة للغاية في حياتي لكنني الآن تجاوزت كل شيء، وأنا بخير، كلما سنحت لي الفرصة، أشكر كارليتو وابنه دافيد والجهاز الفني، الجميع ساعدني وبالطبع عائلتي، الآن لا أشعر إلا بالفرح، أنا سعيد ومتحمس جدًا لتقديم موسم رائع”.

وعن مغادرته الصيف الماضي: “في كل صيف يحدث لي الشيء نفسه، أتلقى عروضًا من هذا النادي أو ذاك، كل أسبوع كنت ألعب في فريق إذا انتبهت لما يُنشر، بالطبع هناك دائمًا عروض ولن أكذب بشأن ذلك لكنني أوضحت دائمًا للنادي أنني أريد مواصلة النجاح هنا، أكثر مما حققته بالفعل”.

واسترسل: “الفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا مرتين في سني أمر كبير لكنني الآن أريد المزيد من الكؤوس الأوروبية بهذا القميص، أقول دائمًا طالما يريدني ريال مدريد، سأكون هنا، إذا قال لي ريال مدريد يومًا ما ابحث عن فريق جديد فسأقول حسنًا”.

وأتم: “لكن هذا لم يحدث لطالما أخبرني النادي أنهم يعتمدون عليّ، وعندما واجهت مشكلة كانوا بجانبي تكهن الناس لأنني التزمت الصمت لكنني كنت أعرف ما سأفعله هذا الموسم مع مدريد، وأنني سأركز على تقديم أفضل ما عندي، لم يزعجني ذلك، كنت هادئًا، وها أنا كالعادة، هذا موسمي السابع”.

India’s regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and fast bowler Renuka Singh have been rested for the three ODIs against Ireland, set to begin on January 10 in Rajkot. Smriti Mandhana has been named captain in Harmanpreet’s absence, while Deepti Sharma is the vice-captain.Raghvi Bist and Sayali Satghare have been called up for the series, while the likes of Arundhati Reddy, Shafali Verma and Radha Yadav continue to miss out. Bist recently made her T20I debut in the T20I series against West Indies in Navi Mumbai in December last year, where she played two games and made scores of 5 and 31. Satghare, meanwhile, received her India call-up for the ODIs against New Zealand in October 2024, but did not get a game.Pratika Rawal and Tanuja Kanwar, who made their India debuts in the West Indies ODIs in Vadodara, keep their places in the squad.Mandhana also stood in as captain when Harmanpreet sat out of the last two T20Is against West Indies. Harmanpreet, however, returned for the ODIs, making 88 runs in three matches.Shafali, who was dropped for the series against Australia and West Indies late last year, misses out on selection despite finishing as the top run-getter in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy that concluded on December 30. She scored 527 in seven games at 75.29, including a 197 against Bengal. More recently, on January 5, she scored a match-winning 91 off 71 balls for Team A in the chase against Team B in the ongoing One Day Challenger Trophy.The India vs Ireland series, part of the 2022-2025 future tours programme, will be Ireland’s first-ever bilateral tour of India, and the teams’ first series against each other since 2006. Ireland have lost all of the 12 ODIs they have played against India so far. The sides last met in the T20 World Cup in 2023, when India won by five runs.

India women’s squad for ODIs against Ireland

Smriti Mandhana (capt), Deepti Sharma (vice-capt), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Raghvi Bist, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Sayali Satghare

An 11-member independent panel including existing Hall of Famers, former players and journalists voted for the inductees

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2025Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Mohammad and Saeed Anwar have been inducted into the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Hall of Fame. They join ten others in the Hall of Fame, which was launched by the PCB in 2021.”On behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board, I extend heartfelt congratulations to these four cricketing legends on their well-deserved inductions into the PCB Hall of Fame,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement. “This honour represents a tribute to their outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket and to the global game”Mushtaq Mohammad is regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest captains, known for his astute leadership and inspiring style. Inzamam-ul-Haq’s immense talent and match-winning ability have left an indelible mark on the sport. Misbah-ul-Haq took charge of the Pakistan team during challenging times, guiding it to the pinnacle of Test rankings and achieving a historic series win in the Caribbean. Saeed Anwar, with his natural grace and classical technique, redefined the role of an opener and thrived against some of the world’s best bowlers under all conditions.Inzamam, who helped Pakistan win the 1992 ODI World Cup, played 120 Tests, 378 ODIs and a lone T20I. He scored 8830 Test runs and 11,739 runs in ODIs. His 329 against New Zealand in 2002 is the second-highest Test score by a Pakistan batter, eight short of the record held by Hanif Mohammad.”I owe immense gratitude to my fellow cricketers, dedicated support staff and my family, without whom this journey would not have been possible,” Inzamam said. “Representing Pakistan during an era with such high-caliber players was a privilege and their influence played a vital role in my growth and development as a batter.”Inzamam’s induction into the Hall of Fame means the internal conflict of interest inquiry initiated by the PCB administration of Zaka Ashraf against him in 2023 when he was chief selector is over with no consequences against him.Anwar amassed 4052 runs in 55 Tests and 8824 runs in 247 ODIs. His 194 against India in 1997 was the highest ODI score at the time.”It’s humbling to join the ranks of my childhood heroes and team-mates with whom I shared and celebrated some of the most defining moments of Pakistan cricket,” Anwar said. “As an opening batter, I was privileged to play in an era graced by some of the most talented and accomplished cricketers who represented Pakistan. I cherished every moment of laying the foundation for our team, taking on the world’s best bowlers, and partnering with match-winners to bring joy to our fans.”Misbah is among Pakistan’s most successful Test captains. He took over the captaincy after the spot-fixing scandal in 2010 and led Pakistan to the No. 1 ranking in 2016.”Representing Pakistan was an absolute privilege, captaining the team was a profound honour and this recognition by the Pakistan Cricket Board serves as the perfect crowning achievement of my journey,” Misbah said.Mushtaq made his Test debut at the age of 15 in 1959 and remained the youngest debutant in Test cricket until 1996. He scored his first Test hundred at the age of 17 and went on to play 57 Tests and ten ODIs. He memorably led Pakistan to their first Test win in Australia.”To be honored and recognised 45 years after playing my last match for Pakistan is truly humbling,” Mushtaq said. “Joining a small group of some of the finest cricketers, including my legendary brother Hanif, is even more gratifying.”The inductees were voted in by an 11-member independent panel that included existing Hall of Famers Wasim Akram Zaheer Abbas, former Pakistan players Azhar Ali, Bismah Maroof and Nain Abidi, and six cricket journalists and analysts.

Highlights from Day 3 of the sixth round of Ranji Trophy matches

Shashank Kishore25-Jan-2025

J&K players pose after beating Mumbai in their backyard•PTI

J&K beat Mumbai after 11 years
Eleven years after they first beat them in the Ranji Trophy, Jammu & Kashmir pulled off another heist against Mumbai to strengthen their knockouts hope. Chasing 205, they wobbled at different times with Shams Mulani picking up four wickets, but starts from each of the top five helped J&K win by five wickets. Opener Shubham Khajuria top-scored with 45, while Abid Mushtaq, who had minimal contribution with the ball, hitting a crucial 32 not out to seal victory.Gill century in vain as Karnataka stay aliveShubman Gill struck a combative 102, but couldn’t prevent Karnataka from running through Punjab for a second time in three days. After being bowled out for 55, Punjab batted out a little more time in the second dig to make 213, but still went down by an innings and 207 runs. Outside of Gill’s innings, the second highest from the top seven was Anmolpreet Singh’s 14. The bulk of the damage was done by young seam-bowling allrounder Yashovardhan Parantap, who picked up 3 for 37.Related

Ranji round-up – TN close in on knockouts; Maharashtra stun Baroda

Accuracy in, pressure off: How J&K took down mighty Mumbai

Gill rediscovers red-ball gears in 'satisfying' century for Punjab

Rahane lauds J&K seamers, admits he misread the conditions

Patidar, Venkatesh Iyer put Madhya Pradesh on topHaving conceded the first-innings lead, Madhya Pradesh responded strongly in the second innings, declaring on 369 for 8 to set Kerala a target of 363. Rajat Patidar top scored with 92, while Venkatesh Iyer hit an unbeaten 70-ball 80 at No. 8 as MP recovered from 247 for 6. MP picked up one wicket by stumps to keep themselves in line for an outright win.Vijay Shankar scored a century•PTI

Vijay Shankar century powers Tamil NaduIn Salem, Vijay Shankar’s 14th first-class century, his second of the season, helped Tamil Nadu put themselves in line for six points against Chandigarh. Having taken a 97-run lead, Vijay Shankar helped extend TN’s lead with an unbeaten 150 after N Jagadeesan set the foundation of the innings with 89. By stumps, Chandigarh had slumped to 113 for 5, still needing 290 with the left-arm spinning duo of S Ajith Ram and R Sai Kishore picking up two apiece.Gaikwad among the runsBatting at No. 4 with an eye on being a top-order batter, instead of just playing a specialist opener, Maharashtra captain Ruturaj Gaikwad hit 89 in a marathon Maharashtra innings – they were 464 for 7 in the second innings, extending their lead to 616 by stumps against Group C toppers Baroda. This is only the third game Gaikwad has featured in this season, as he was away during the first half of the tournament to play for India A in Australia. With them out of knockouts contention, it remains to be seen if Maharashtra declare overnight and try for an outright.Wadkar leads Vidarbha’s fightVidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar hit an unbeaten 102 to revive a floundering innings. Vidarbha, who conceded a lead of 100, went to stumps with a lead of 258 with three wickets still remaining. At one stage, they had effectively been reduced to 44 for 5, before Wadkar stood tall to play a typically gritty knock to help last year’s runners-up take the fight into the final day. Vidarbha are currently Group B toppers and are primed to Mae the knockouts.Haryana through to knockoutsA game that was fought on an even keel in the first innings turned decisively in Haryana’s favour thanks to a massive second-innings batting effort, led by half-centuries from Himanshu Rana and Nishant Sindhu as they opened up a 32-run lead into a 369-run target. Bengal, sans the injured Abhimanyu Easwaran, were bowled out for 85 in 21.4 overs, with Wriddhiman Saha, playing in his penultimate first-class match, unbeaten on 25. Anshul Kamboj, who earlier in the season picked up a perfect ten, finished with four wickets./

Tottenham Hotspur have made a new bid worth £43m to sign an attacking midfielder similar to former target Eberechi Eze.

Tottenham move on from Eze with 2-0 win at Man City

Spurs were dealt a major transfer blow last week when Eze decided to snub a move to Thomas Frank’s side in favour of heading to north London rivals Arsenal.

Eze actually phoned Gunners boss Mikel Arteta in order to return to his boyhood side, with Tottenham being forced to look at other attacking targets before the deadline.

However, on the pitch, Spurs put their Eze transfer blow behind them to seal an impressive 2-0 at Manchester City. First-half goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha were enough for Frank’s side to make it two wins from two without conceding a goal.

Talking after the game, Frank was only interested in talking about those that had joined Tottenham.

“I think it’s fair to say that we’ve got a few questions about the transfer market yesterday – a lot about why not, and what if, and all that. What is 100 per cent sure is that we brought two top players into the club, (Mohammed) Kudus and Palhinha. Both of them performed very well, which I’m very pleased with.

“And Palhinha, wow. You know, sometimes players need confidence, and they need to be on top. “I actually don’t think he’s fully fit yet where I want him to be, but very pleased with his performance and he’s definitely helping the team.”

Asked if he had used the Eze situation as inspiration, Frank said: “I think that’s very, very easy – never ever use one word about anything that is not in our club.”

Tottenham hold talks to sign £40m+ UCL winner who Son called "incredible"

The Lilywhites are scrambling to attempt a late move.

1 ByTom Cunningham Aug 24, 2025

With Spurs not back in action until Saturday 30 August, Daniel Levy and co have plenty of time to make progress with a number of alternative targets, and it looks as if they are getting straight to work with one attacking midfielder.

Tottenham make improved Nico Paz offer

According to Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, Tottenham have made an improved offer for Como’s Nico Paz.

Spurs had an initial €40m (£34.6m) bid turned down, with those in north London now raising their offer to €50m (£43m). Como or Paz are yet to respond to Tottenham’s latest bid, with the Serie A side previously valuing the 20-year-old at €70m (£60m).

Di Marzio adds that Paz remains a top target for Tottenham, with talks continuing. Should the Argentina international sign for Frank’s side, they will be getting a talent called “incredible” by Lionel Messi.

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

Bruno Fernandes

Man Utd

Eberechi Eze

Arsenal

Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest

Maghnes Akliouche

Monaco

As can be seen, FBref have also likened Paz to Eze and other star names in the last 12 months, making his potential move to north London one to watch before the deadline.

حقق منتخب العراق فوزًا غاليًا على نظيره إندونيسيا، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026 بهدف نظيف.

واستضاف ملعب “الإنماء” بمدينة الملك عبد الله الرياضية في جدة، مباراة منتخب العراق مع نظيره الإندونيسي، ضمن الجولة الثانية من المجموعة الثانية في الملحق الآسيوي المؤهل إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026 المقررة في الولايات المتحدة وكندا والمكسيك.

طالع.. المنتخبات الآسيوية المتأهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026

وجاء هدف العراق والمباراة الوحيد في الدقيقة 76 من عمر المباراة عن طريق زيدان إقبال، ليحصد 3 نقاط غالية قبل مواجهة السعودية.

ويلتقي منتخب العراق في مباراته المقبلة مع السعودية، من أجل حسم المتأهل إلى المونديال.

وتساوى منتخب العراق مع السعودية برصيد 3 نقاط، فيما يتذيل المنتخب الإندونيسي الترتيب بدون نقاط. هدف فوز العراق على إندونيسيا

شوف الهدف|
العراق يتقدم 1-0 إندونيسيا .. بواسطة زيدان اقبال في الدقيقة 76.#العراق_إندونيسيا#تصفيات_كأس_العالم2026 #قنوات_الكاس || #منصة_شوف pic.twitter.com/E43yCuQttY — قنوات الكاس (@AlkassTVSports) October 11, 2025

Conway, Ravindra, Santner, Phillips and Ferguson were not available for selection because of IPL commitments

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2025

Michael Bracewell is set for his second opportunity as New Zealand captain•Associated Press

Allrounder Michael Bracewell will captain a different looking New Zealand T20I squad for the five-game series against Pakistan at home that starts on March 16. Seven members of New Zealand’s silver-medal winning Champions Trophy squad have been selected for the series while those with IPL commitments were not considered.The series will mark Bracewell’s second series as New Zealand captain, having led the side during the tour of Pakistan in April 2024.”Mitch Santner’s done a great job since taking over as white-ball captain and I’ll really just be trying to build on his good work and create an enjoyable environment for the guys to perform in,” Bracewell said in an NZC statement. “Pakistan are always a dangerous short-form side with lots of power and pace and we know they’ll be hurting after an early exit in the Champions Trophy.”Among the players selected for the series are Ben Sears, the fast bowler who has recovered from his hamstring injury, and Ish Sodhi, who missed the recent home series against Sri Lanka. Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke have been included for the first three games only, with the selectors managing the workloads of the pacers from the Champions Trophy.In a glance: New Zealand’s T20I squad for home series against Pakistan•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Matt Henry, who injured his shoulder in the Champions Trophy semi-final, has been selected for the last two T20Is – subject to fitness – while Finn Allen, James Neesham and Tim Seifert have also been included after confirming their availability, if selected, for the build-up series to the 2026 T20 World Cup.Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman will have a bigger responsibility with the bat as Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips are all unavailable due to the IPL. Lockie Ferguson and Santner will also miss the series with the IPL starting March 22. Kane Williamson opted out of selection; he has PSL commitments, starting from April 11, with Karachi Kings.From the recent series against Sri Lanka, top-order batter Tim Robinson, fast bowler Zakary Foulkes (only last two games) and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay are in the squad.”We’re certainly starting to narrow our sights on the ICC T20 World Cup in India next February and March,” selector Sam Wells said. “Half of this squad is only returning from the Champions Trophy on Wednesday and so we’re going to need to manage those players really carefully.”The Pakistan series will provide an opportunity for all players to put their best foot forward and push their case for selection in the 15-player squad for next year’s major global tournament.”Each game of the five-match series will be played as a double-header with New Zealand Women facing Sri Lanka and Australia on the same day at the same venue.New Zealand squad T20Is against PakistanMichael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes (games 4 & 5), Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

Following Glasgow Rangers’ humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Club Brugge, the 49ers have reportedly opened talks to sign a Premier League forward.

Martin apologises to fans after "painful" defeat

The pressure is increasing on Russell Martin. Some may even say that things have already reached breaking point at Ibrox. The former Southampton boss is yet to win a game in the Scottish Premiership and saw his problems extended by a Club Brugge side in no mood to offer him some kind of mercy in Belgium.

Update shared from Rangers on Russell Martin's Ibrox future before Celtic

The 39-year-old is under huge pressure.

1 ByCharlie Smith Aug 28, 2025

It was a disaster from the off for the Gers, who were instantly a man down when Max Aarons received his marching orders inside 10 minutes. An uphill battle was quickly made an impossible task and Club Brugge took full advantage, scoring five goals in the first half to take an 8-1 lead on aggregate before adding a sixth to hand Rangers an embarrassing 9-1 defeat.

Simply put, it could not have been worse for Martin, who could not hide his humiliation.

It doesn’t get any easier for those at Ibrox, either. A trip to face Old Firm rivals Celtic awaits this weekend in what may only compile Martin’s misery or perhaps even be the final nail in the coffin of what has been a nightmare stint in Scotland.

That said, the transfer window could still act as a crucial turning point for the Englishman amid reports that the 49ers are now “in talks” to sign a Premier League forward.

Rangers "in talks" to sign forward Chermiti

According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, the 49ers and Rangers are now “in talks” to sign Youssef Chermiti on loan from Everton this week with just days remaining of the window.

The young forward could replace Hamza Igamane, who is set to join LOSC Lille not long after refusing to come from the bench in the Gers’ last-gasp draw against St Mirren last weekend.

Replacing a talented forward like Igamane will be no easy task, but it appears that Chermiti has emerged as a leading candidate. Whilst the Everton forward has struggled with injuries during his time in the Premier League, there’s no denying that he’s still a player full of potential at 21 years old.

Praised as “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig during his time at Sporting Club, Chermiti is also represented by the same agent as Rangers’ summer arrival Thelo Aasgaard, which could make any deal far more routine.