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Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon, with Ruben Amorim looking to extend his current winning run in England’s top-flight.

The 40-year-old will be leading the side into his 52nd outing, but could create history in his tenure if he can secure all three points against Fabian Hurzeler’s men.

He claimed his second successive league victory last time out against rivals Liverpool, with a win against the Seagulls potentially making it three in a row – something he’s yet to do at Old Trafford.

However, the manager will likely have numerous selection headaches ahead of him for the meeting this afternoon, with numerous players in contention for a return to the starting eleven.

One player could be brutally dropped to the substitutes bench once again, that’s despite starting each of the Red Devils’ last two outings in the Premier League.

Why Mason Mount should be dropped against Brighton

Mason Mount has massively struggled for consistent minutes at United after making a £60m switch to join the club from Chelsea back in the summer of 2023.

Injuries have often plagued the Englishman’s progress, subsequently restricting him to a total of 55 appearances across all competitions in the last 27 months.

However, Amorim has constantly stated his admiration for the 26-year-old, but he may decide to drop him from the starting eleven after his showing at Anfield.

He only featured for an hour before being withdrawn, understandably so given his measly tally of seven passes completed and zero chances created.

In Amorim’s pre-match press conference, he also stated that Mount has picked up a knock, but he should still be fit for the clash with the Seagulls this afternoon.

Regardless of his fitness, the manager needs to axe him from his starting eleven, offering one other player the chance to impress in his 3-4-2-1 system.

The United star who needs to start against Brighton

After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, Amorim has been working tirelessly to prevent a repeat – even receiving a huge boost from the hierarchy in the process.

The 40-year-old was handed over £200m worth of new additions to make the changes he needed, with such funds being used to land the signature of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian has mainly operated in a number ten role since his switch to Old Trafford, but the boss decided to utilise him in a number nine position against the Reds.

Such a decision took away from his best qualities, resulting in the 26-year-old being dispossessed six times and failing to register a shot on target for the first time in 2025/26.

As a result, Amorim must drop him back into a slightly deeper position, which should allow £74m addition Benjamin Sesko to return to his rightful position as a regular starter.

The Slovenian, who earns £160k-per-week, joined the Red Devils from RB Leipzig during the summer window and has already impressed the United faithful with his tally of two Premier League goals.

Before the clash against Arne Slot’s men, the 22-year-old, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, had scored in back-to-back matches in England’s top-flight.

Games played

8

Goals scored

2

Minutes played

414

Aerials won

4.1

Shots on target

1.3

Chances created

1.3

Touches in opposition box

4.1

Duels won

5.6

His underlying stats further indicate the immediate impact he’s had in Manchester, with his tally of 4.1 aerial duels won per 90 handing the side the needed outlet they’ve hugely lacked.

He’s also registered 1.3 chances created per 90, whilst notching the same amount of shots on target per 90 – demonstrating why he’s the perfect all-round option in the manager’s system.

Such numbers should make him a mainstay within the current first-team squad, which should see Amorim recall him ahead of the clash with Brighton today.

The boss will undoubtedly want to continue the excellent recent run in the top-flight, with the reintroduction of Sesko undoubtedly handing them a massive boost in their quest.

It's not Mainoo: Man Utd may have found the new Pogba in "phenomenal" star

Manchester United already have another talent who is on a similar trajectory to Paul Pogba.

1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 24, 2025

It’s been an excellent day for all concerned at Arsenal, following the big news today that defender William Saliba is poised to commit his future, but as one star prepares to sign an extension, another is eyeing the exit door.

William Saliba on the verge of signing new deal in boost for Arsenal

The Frenchman’s contract was due to expire in 2027, dealing a major worry for Mikel Arteta amid interest from Real Madrid.

Saliba rejected Arsenal’s initial proposal, but the Gunners have since made an improved attempt to tie the defender down, which is now on the verge of being accepted as sporting director Andrea Berta successfully thwarts Real in their pursuit of a star centre-back.

His new deal will run until 2030, and Saliba is expected to put pen to paper in the next few days, as per David Ornstein who originally broke the news.

Jurrien Timber

7

William Saliba

4

Jeremy Doku

4

Riccardo Calafiori

3

Declan Rice

2

via WhoScored

According to other previous reports, this offer could make Saliba one of Arsenal’s highest earners, with journalist Dean Jones reporting that his salary may increase to around £300,000-per-week – putting him above the likes of Kai Havertz (£280k), Gabriel Jesus (£265k), Martin Odegaard (£240k), Declan Rice (£240k) and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres (£200k).

Speaking of Jesus, who remains in rehab after tearing his ACL in January, an update has now come to light on his future.

The Brazil international picked up a season-ending injury at a terrible time midway through last season, just as he was hitting a purple patch of form, and the arrival of Gyokeres this summer has pushed him further down Arteta’s pecking order.

Once Havertz also returns from his knee problem, there will be hardly any room for the 28-year-old, who was signed from Man City for £45 million in 2022.

Gabriel Jesus ready to green-light Arsenal exit in January

According to journalist Mark Brus, via The Daily Briefing, Jesus is ready to green-light an Arsenal exit in January, and is tempted by the prospect of a return to Brazil as he looks to battle his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Everton and West Ham have made approaches for the forward too, but that is as far as it has gone thus far. Berta and Arsenal are also prepared to grant Jesus a leave, as the north Londoners want to get his sky-high wages off the salary bill.

Why Arsenal must sell Gabriel Jesus

The South American has always delivered his best effort in red and white with a ferocious work rate, but the presence of Gyokeres and Havertz unfortunately negates any need for him.

His versatility has also been valuable. However, it is hard enough for Arteta to give super subs Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard enough deserved game time without throwing Jesus into the mix, so a transfer is definitely best for all parties.

According to ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown, Berta is indeed “ready” to accept suitable bids.

حلل جو كول، نجم الكرة الإنجليزية السابق، أسباب تراجع مستوى نجم نادي ليفربول، موضحًا أن هناك سبب واحد قد يجعل اللاعب يتألق مع الريدز خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ليفربول تعاقد مع العديد من اللاعبين خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير بحثًا عن تحسين مستوى الفريق، من بينهم فلوريان فيرتز، وميلوس كيركيز، وألكسندر إيزاك، وهوجو إيكتيكي.

وكانت جماهير ليفربول تنتظر فيرتز كثيرًا، حيث تعاقد النادي الإنجليزي مع اللاعب بأكثر من 100 مليون يورو وبعقد طويل الأمد قادمًا من باير ليفركوزن.

لكن فيرتز على عكس التوقعات فشل في إثبات نفسه مع ليفربول وبقى اللاعب الشاب محل انتقادات من الجميع.

ويرى كول في تصريحات نقلتها شبكة “ليفربول إيكو”، أن بقاء فيرتز كبديل مع ليفربول خلال الفترة الماضية سيفيده كثيرًا بالفعل.

وقال كول: “نعم، لقد أربك التعاقد مع فلوريان فيرتز خط وسط ليفربول، ولكن ليس بطريقة يمكن تحميلها لـ فلوريان فيرتز”.

وأضاف: “لا شك أنه لاعب من الطراز الرفيع، لا يمكن أن تلعب كصانع ألعاب مع ألمانيا وتفوز بلقب الدوري الألماني، وتقدم ما قدمه مع باير ليفركوزن، دون أن تكون لاعبًا مميزًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا .. ديفيد فيا: محمد صلاح أفضل لاعب إفريقي في العالم

وأوضح: “نعلم أن فيرتز لاعب مميز وقد أظهر ذلك في لمحات سريعة، لا تلقِ باللوم على اللاعبين الأربعة الجدد أو اللاعبين الأربعة المغادرين أو المدرب، إنها مجرد مجموعة من كل شيء”.

وأردف: “لو كان بإمكان ليفربول استئناف الموسم لكانوا على الأرجح قد ضموا لاعبًا أو اثنين إلى الفريق قائلين أنهم سيواصلوا ما يفعلوه وسيغيرون الفريق تدريجيًا وبحلول يناير، ستبدأون في البحث عن ضم فيرتز إلى أجواء الفريق بانتظام، مع منحه الوقت الكافي للتواجد على مقاعد البدلاء”.

وتابع: “لا بأس بقول ذلك، لكن محاولة سلوت شرح ذلك للمالكين الذين اشتروا لكم لاعبًا بقيمة 100 مليون جنيه إسترليني وهو على مقاعد البدلاء ستكون عملية بيع صعبة”.

واستكمل: “إنها مجموعة من ثلاثة أو أربعة أشياء مختلفة، لكن فيرتز لاعب ذو جودة”.

واستطرد: “سواءً كان فيرتز اللاعب المناسب لليفربول أو الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عليه أن يثبت ذلك، لا يمكنه التهرب من ذلك”.

وقال: “هناك لاعبون معينون، لاعبون جيدون، ينتقلون إلى أندية لكنهم لا يناسبونهم”.

واختتم: ”فيرتز بدأ بداية سيئة، لذا تسلط عليه الأضواء وسيتعين عليه القتال وفي العام المقبل عليه إثبات جدارته كلاعب كرة قدم في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز”.

Following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Genk in the Europa League, Fabrizio Romano has shared what he’s now heard from Glasgow Rangers on the future of Ibrox boss Russell Martin.

Martin calls for "perspective" after Rangers defeat

Last weekend’s victory over Hibernian handed Martin hope, but just that. His side were returned to the reality of their situation in brutal fashion as former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu raced in behind before firing home Genk’s winning goal at Ibrox in midweek. Down to 10 men and beaten, it was yet another evening to forget for the Gers.

Martin was once again forced to come out in defence of his side and his tenure at the club, calling for “perspective” after Mohamed Diomande’s red card left Genk with a man advantage.

Truth be told, after just four wins in 14 games, it may be too late for anyone to hand the former Southampton boss the benefit of the doubt. There’s been more than one example of such a performance taking place when Rangers have kept all 11 players on the pitch.

Just where the Gers go from here is the big question. Reports before the Hibs victory last week mentioned the likes of Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti as candidates to replace Martin, only for other headlines to suggest that he still has the full backing of the 49ers.

"Whether you like it or not" – Martin demands "perspective" after Rangers defeat

It was another night to forget.

ByTom Cunningham Sep 26, 2025

Now, after yet another defeat, Romano has provided an update about what he’s hearing from Ibrox on Martin’s future.

Romano provides Russell Martin sack update

According to Romano, Martin’s position at Rangers is now being assessed and those above the manager are contemplating whether to bring his Ibrox spell to an end. The reporter told GiveMeSport:

With that said, another defeat at Livingston this weekend may well make Martin’s position simply untenable and force the 49ers into another managerial search so soon after hiring the 39-year-old.

Having his say on the matter, Rangers legend Ally McCoist told TNT Sport: “I just felt, coming into the stadium tonight, it kind of blew me away. It was nothing like a normal atmosphere of any game, never mind a European game, here at Ibrox.

“There was an apathy, there was no life about the place actually on or off the pitch, which is really, really concerning. Listen, the manager’s in trouble, the manager’s in big trouble because something has to change, and something has to change dramatically.”

The clock is certainly ticking on Martin’s tenure. Some are even suggesting that time is up, but the ball remains in the 49ers’ court as they continue to deliberate their options.

It’s incredible how quickly the mood can change in football, and West Ham United are a great example.

Following their third defeat in as many games at the start of the week, it felt like the club were destined for a dreadful season, but now, after a few brilliant signings, there is a sense of renewed optimism in some areas of the fanbase.

Now, there is still a lot of work for Graham Potter and Co to do before fans can get ahead of themselves, but the additions of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa certainly help.

Moreover, if reports are to be believed, the club are in the market for more signings, including an international compared to Jude Bellingham.

West Ham target Bellingham-esque star

Even though the transfer window comes to a close on Monday evening, West Ham continue to be linked with a host of talented players.

Transfer Focus

For example, Feyenoord’s captain Quintien Timber could be available for just £25m and would add some steel to the middle of the park, and Conor Gallagher is now being touted for a return to the capital.

However, neither one of these brilliant players has been compared to the world-class Bellingham, unlike another international the Hammers are keen to sign.

At least that is according to a recent report from German publication BILD, which claims West Ham are very interested in Patrick Wimmer.

In exciting news, the report has revealed that the East Londoners are now expected to bid for the Wolfsburg player before the window closes.

It would certainly be a surprise move, but the £33k-per-week dynamo would be an excellent addition to Potter’s squad, especially as he’s been compared to Bellingham.

How Wimmer compares to Bellingham

Before exploring some of the other reasons West Ham should sign Wimmer this summer, it’s essential to examine this remarkable comparison to Bellingham and where it comes from.

In this instance, the analysis stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League, and the Europa League.

In this case, FBref has concluded that the Real Madrid star is the second most similar midfielder to the Wolfsburg ace.

Wimmer& Bellingham
Statistics per 90	Wimmer	Bellingham
Progressive Carries	2.34	2.68
Shots	2.08	2.17
Passes into the Penalty Area	1.17	1.12
Expected Assists	0.17	0.16
Key Passes	1.22	1.52
Shot-Creating Actions	3.61	3.80
Goal-Creating Actions	0.61	0.47
Successful Take-On %	53.6%	54.7%
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

The best way to understand how that conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely.

These include metrics such as progressive carries, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-on percentage, key passes and more, all per 90.

These numbers paint the picture of an all-action player who can be a goal threat in his own right, but is also an effective creator for his team.

In addition to this incredibly encouraging comparison to one of the best players in the world, the “wonderful” Austrian international, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is also an entertainer.

This is evident when watching his highlights, and while output is always going to be the most important thing, having a player in the side who can get the stadium on its feet is also hugely important.

Ultimately, it would be a surprise deal, but West Ham should do all they can to sign Wimmer before Monday evening, as he could provide the side with that bit more x-factor.

Fernandes upgrade: West Ham to submit bid for another big-money midfielder

The experienced international would be an excellent signing for Graham Potter and West Ham.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 29, 2025

West Ham United are on the hunt for a new attacker this summer. After losing Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur for £55m, the Hammers have money to reinvest.

Graham Potter will no doubt be desperate for his side to improve on their 14th place finish, and begin ot make real strides.

Kudus might not be the only major outgoing of the summer, with star midfielder Lucas Paqueta also linked with a move away. Manchester City are said to be interested in the Brazilian, in a deal that could end up being worth just £45m.

So, the Hammers might need to strengthen in attack more than they may have initially thought at the start of the window. Already, there are a few links being banded about.

West Ham’s latest transfer targets

The Hammers are certainly looking to bring some new attacking threat to the London Stadium this summer. One player who has been earmarked for a move to the club is Southampton youngster Matheus Fernandes, who could cost as much as £50m.

Transfer Focus

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

However, it is not just the Portuguese star who could switch to East London. According to Simon Jones of The Mail, the Hammers are one of the Premier League sides who have ‘shown interest’ in signing Liverpool and Scotland winger Ben Doak before the window slams shut in just over three weeks.

However, this will not be an easy deal to do. Potter’s side are set to face strict competition with top-flight rivals Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers for the winger.

Liverpool could ask for as much as £20m to let the youngster go permanently this summer.

Why Doak would be a good signing

At just 19 years of age, Doak boasts a big reputation. The winger, who was born in Dalry, is already an international for Scotland and has six caps to his name. Last term, he spent time on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, where he thrived.

The former Celtic star, who made two appearances for the Bhoys at senior level, experienced his first full campaign of professional football for Boro. He played 24 times, scoring seven goals and grabbing three assists.

His underlying numbers from the Championship last season show just how much of a threat he was going forward.

For example, the 19-year-old averaged 2.23 key passes and 1.77 take-ons per 90 minutes, which placed him in the top 5% and 19% of wingers in the second-tier last term.

Goals and assists

0.51

84th

Key passes

2.23

95th

Shot-creating actions

4.15

92nd

Goal-creating actions

0.56

95th

Take-ons completed

1.77

81st

Progressive carries

6.78

99th

With that kind of attacking threat, he could become the most exciting player West Ham have had on their books since Dimitri Payet.

The Frenchman was “above anyone else” whom Mark Noble played with during his illustrious 18-year-long career with the Hammers.

Indeed, he was a special player, known for his quick feet, bags of tricks, and ability to score spectacular goals.

He only played 60 times for the club, but scored 15 and assisted 22 in that time, becoming a true West Ham icon.

With the talent that Doak possesses, it is easy to see how he could go on to become the Hammers’ best player since Payet departed back in 2017.

As football scout Antiono Mango once said, the forward can be a “menace” at his absolute best.

The way the play is similar, with both players looking to take defenders on and create bags of chances. Doak’s numbers from last term have already been highlighted, but Payet’s 2.2 successful dribbles and four key passes each game in his debut Premier League season, as per Sofascore, show just how deadly he was.

For just £20m, this is a hugely exciting deal for the Hammers. Signing Doak would be a big statement given his huge potential. The excitement he would bring to the London Stadium might not have been seen since the days Payet donned Claret and Blue.

Dream Fernandes alternative: West Ham in talks to sign "goalscoring CM"

West Ham could sign a dream alternative to Fernandes.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 12, 2025

Harry Kane made it 13 goals in just seven games this season as the Bayern Munich star's hat-trick secured his team a thumping 4-1 win at Hoffenheim. The striker scored one from a corner and two penalties to stretch the German giants' lead at the top of the Bundesliga. Former West Ham ace Vladimir Coufal pulled a goal back before substitute Serge Gnabry restored their three-goal cushion at the death.

• Bayern show their class

  Bayern had an uncomfortable start to the game when Fisnik Asllani's strike hit the outside of the post, before Manuel Neuer was forced into two smart stops. But the England captain dug them out of a hole again when he perfectly swept in 17-year-old Lennart Karl's fizzed-in corner in the 44th minute.

  At the other end, Wouter Burger poked wide for the hosts, and then Kim Min-jae expertly denied Muhammed Damar just before the half-time whistle. Albian Hajdari was then penalised for handball after Sacha Boey's shot hit his leg, and then his arm, and Kane scored three minutes after the interval to put Bayern in control.

  Kane was on hand again to score from the spot 13 minutes from time after Michael Olise was brought down in the box by Bernardo, before the home team grabbed a consolation when Coufal's shot hit Joshua Kimmich and past Neuer in the 82nd minute. #

  Gnabry added a fourth in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time as Bayern maintained their perfect start to the campaign.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  MVP: A masterclass from Kane

  Who else but Kane? The 32-year-old has, remarkably, been involved in 11 goals in just four Bundesliga games this season. The England ace does not appear to be slowing down despite seemingly being in the autumn years of his career.

• The big loser: An injury concern

  On a day when Bayern eased to a comfortable victory, manager Vincent Kompany may be concerned that Kim went off injured just over 20 minutes before the end. He had to be helped from the field and Dayot Upamecano replaced him. Bayern don't have a big squad so this could be a big concern.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Bayern's next fixture

  Kane and Bayern will hope they can continue this excellent start to the campaign when they host Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Friday, before rounding off the month away to Pafos in the Champions League on September 30.

أعلنت مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” منذ قليل، عن هوية الفائز بجائزة كوبا للعام 2025 والتي تمنح لأفضل لاعب شاب.

ويستضيف مسرح “دو شاتليه” في باريس مراسم حفل مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” لتوزيع جوائز الأفضل في العالم لعام 2025، اليوم الإثنين.

طالع مباشر | حفل الكرة الذهبية لعام 2025.. لامين يامال يفوز بجائزة كوبا

وللعام الثاني على التوالي يتوج لامين يامال بجائزة كوبا، حيث كان هو الفائز بها خلال العام الماضي أيضًا.

ونافس على جائزة كوبا هذا العام كل من: 

لامين يامال، برشلونة، منتخب إسبانيا.

باو كوبارسي، برشلونة، منتخب إسبانيا.

أيوب بوعدي، ليل، منتخب فرنسا.

ديزيري دوي، باريس سان جيرمان، منتخب فرنسا.

ستيفاو، تشيلسي، منتخب البرازيل.

دين هويسن، لاعب بورنموث السابق وريال مدريد الحالي، منتخب إسبانيا.

مايلز لويس سكيلي، آرسنال، منتخب إنجلترا.

رودريجو مورا، بورتو، منتخب البرتغال.

جواو نيفيز، باريس سان جيرمان، منتخب البرتغال.

كينان يلدز، يوفنتوس، منتخب تركيا.

وحصل على الجائزة، لامين يامال لاعب فريق برشلونة الإسباني، عن أدائه المميز مع فريقه الكتالوني ومنتخب بلاده.

وساعد يامال فريقه برشلونة في التتويج بالدوري الإسباني وكأس ملك إسبانيا وكأس السوبر الإسباني، على حساب الغريم ريال مدريد.

شارك يامال الموسم الماضي في 55 مباراة بجميع المسابقات، وسجل 18 هدفًا وساهم في صناعة 25 هدفًا بتمريراته الحاسمة.

وقال يامال عقب تتويجه بالجائزة: “يشرفني أن أكون هنا مرة أخرى، أود أن أشكر برشلونة والمنتخب الوطني، وكذلك عائلتي، لا أريد أن أنسى زملائي في الفريق، مثل كوبارسي ورافينها، اللذين نراهما هنا أيضًا”.

وسُئل إذا كان على استعداد للوقوف على المسرح مرة أخرى اليوم (إشارة للتتويج بالكرة الذهبية)، ورد: “لا أعرف إن كنت مستعدًا للجائزة الكبرى (يضحك) ربما نلتقي لاحقًا”. Myles Lewis-Skelly#TrophéeKopa #ballondor pic.twitter.com/pYRe4DltsF

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025

South Africa earned a consolation win to end their three-match series against Afghanistan 2-1 as they completed their ninth successful chase in 22 matches since 2021. After being outplayed in the first two games, South Africa finally arrived in the contest via their bowlers and fielders who dismissed Afghanistan in 34 overs and left their batters a small total to chase.Aiden Markram scored his first ODI fifty in 10 innings and shared a 90-run fourth-wicket stand with Tristan Stubbs. Stubbs’ ODI career is only four matches old and importantly for him, he was able to bat time and finish the match.In the absence of Rashid Khan, who tweaked his hamstring in the second match, and Fazalhaq Faooqi, who was rested, Afghanistan’s attack lacked some intensity but they did not have as much to work with as they would have liked after the batting blunders. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the only member of Afghanistan’s top eight who scored more than 10, once again holding their innings together. He fell 11 short of a second successive ODI century and extended his lead at the top of the series run-scorers charts. AM Ghazanfar, batting at No.9, contributed 31 off 15 balls to give South Africa a target of 170. They got there in 33 overs.South Africa’s energy came from a good new-ball combination of Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin, and in the field. Run-outs accounted for three of the first five Afghanistan wickets and gave South Africa an edge they lacked in the previous two matches.Ngidi was excellent upfront, with his range of cutters and slower balls and got an early breakthrough when debutant opener Abdul Malik played all around a straight delivery and was pinned on the pad. Arguably, Ngidi made a more important breakthrough in his next over, when Gurbaz drove him aerially, he stuck out his right hand and the ball clipped his finger and ricocheted off Rahmat Shah and onto the stumps. Rahmat, at the non-striker’s end, was short of his ground.While Rahmat was sloppy in getting back in time, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s lack of urgency was worse. He hit Markam behind square and called for two but ran the second too slowly and veered off a straight line to give Stubbs enough time at sweeper cover to throw to Kyle Verreynne and run the Afghanistan captain out. Things got worse in the next over when legspinner Nqaba Peter bowled Azmatullah Omarzai.Rahmanullah Gurbaz waged a lone battle at the top•ACB

By then, Gurbaz had already brought up a 47-ball 50, laced with his characteristic clean hitting down the ground and on the leg side. He dealt with the wickets by batting as normally as possible, even as he grew frustrated with his partner’s mistakes. Ikram Alikhil was next to misjudge when Gurbaz bottom-edged a pull off Markram to midwicket, leaving no time for a single. Alikhil was halfway down the wicket when Gurbaz sent him back but Temba Bavuma was onto the ball and ran Alikhil out.Mohammad Nabi was Afghanistan’s last recognised batter and South Africa kept him quiet and should have him out for 5 when he missed a Bjorn Fortuin arm ball. South Africa didn’t review but replayed showed he would have been out lbw. In Fortuin’s next over, he got his own back when Nabi edged him to Verreynne and Bavuma reviewed successfully.Gurbaz’s push for a century ended when he tried to hit Andile Phehlukwayo over extra cover and was well caught by Reeza Hendricks diving forward to leave Afghanistan 133 for 7. Phehlukwayo took a second wicket in three balls before Ngidi and Peter got rid of the tail. Afghanistan left 16 overs out there and will be disappointed with their capitulation after two dominant performances earlier in the week.South Africa’s batting has been their downfall throughout the series and although improved, did not always look convincing. Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi were tentative against left-armer Naveed Zadran at first and Bavuma almost chopped on in the third over. But when they got hold of the 19-year-old, they capitalised. De Zorzi smashed him past mid-off for the innings’ first boundary and Bavuma pulled him through mid-wicket later in the same over. He also took on Ghazanfar to suggest South Africa had done some work on their approach to spin, but de Zorzi underlined the old problems. He hit a sweep off Nabi straight to Hashmatullah at square leg and the captain put it down and then sent the next ball to cover, where Omarzai could not hold on.In the next over, Bavuma played Ghazanfar down the wrong line and was bowled and the over after that, de Zorzi gave Ghazanfar a return chance but the ball bounced just in front of him. Just when it seemed de Zorzi’s charmed life knew no end, he stayed back in his crease against Nabi and was trapped lbw.Reeza Hendricks’ lean run continued when he top-edged Fareed Ahmad to depart for a third score under 20 this series. In his last 15 white-ball internationals, Hendricks has only gone past 20 three times.Markram took it on himself to anchor the rest of the chase and also provided experienced counsel for Stubbs. The pair built slowly at first and minimised risk but also picked their moments to attack. Markam scored the first boundary in 10 overs when he slog-swept Nangeyalia Kharote and then drove him through the covers. Then it was back to singles until Stubbs pulled Fareed behind square. Markram’s aggression against spin came out when he hit Nabi for two sixes in an over. He brought up 50 off 54 balls and ended unbeaten on 69 off 67 balls. Stubbs reviewed successfully when he was given out lbw to Fareed on 18 and saw South Africa through to the end.

Southampton are now “interested” in signing a £400k+ defender who has been likened to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has revealed.

Still overseeing major rebuild at St. Mary's

The Saints came from behind to defeat National League side Eastleigh in their first pre-season friendly, with Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer getting on the scoresheet, but new manager Will Still has insisted he is still very much in the process of a rebuild.

Still said: “I think there are a lot of things to learn. We’re going to have to work incredibly hard and we’re not going to walk over any opposition, you can see that it’s a team in the middle of a complete reconstruction.

“We’re restructuring the identity and style of play and after 10 to 11 days training we’ve seen a lot of positive things as well as things we have to work on.”

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Of course, Still’s main ambition next season will be to lead his side to promotion from the Championship, but he may have to bolster his backline if they are to achieve that goal, having shipped 86 goals in the Premier League last term.

Southampton have already made one new addition at centre-back, securing the signing of Joshua Quarshie from Hoffenheim, and they have now joined the race for another, according to an update from Joseph on X.

The Sky Sports reporter claims the Saints are now “interested” in signing Volendam centre-back Xavier Mbuyamba, and there are positive signs that a deal could be possible, with the Dutch club “keen” to cash-in on the defender this summer.

However, Watford are also interested in the centre-back, while Fabrizio Romano has revealed the likes of Gent and Rangers could also provide competition for his signature, and the transfer expert believes his price tag will be around the €500k (£434k) mark.

"Dominant" Mbuyamba could excel at St. Mary's

Earlier on in his career, the Volendam defender was often compared to Van Dijk, perhaps given that he is a “dominant” figure in defence, according to scout Jacek Kulig, who also praised him for his tackling and heading ability.

However, after coming through the youth ranks at Barcelona, before going on to sign for Chelsea, the Dutch defender’s career probably hasn’t panned out how he would’ve hoped, but there are signs he is now ready to test himself properly in England.

During his time with Volendam, the Maastricht-born ace has established himself as a key player, making 62 Eredivisie appearances across the past two seasons, and showcasing his attacking threat by scoring ten goals.

At 23-years-old, Mbuyamba still has plenty of time to fulfill his potential, and for a fee of around £434k he could be a bargain signing for Southampton this summer.