PSG to miss out? French champions target €30m Juventus star but teenage centre-back wants Bayer Leverkusen instead

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly targeting €30 million-rated Juventus defender Dean Huijsen but he has set his heart on Bayer Leverkusen instead.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

PSG want to reinforce their defenceReady to spend €30m on Juve starMight lose out to LeverkusenWHAT HAPPENED?

With lingering doubts over the physical conditions of key defenders Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez, and a decision not to retain Milan Skriniar, PSG's backline is in urgent need of reinforcement. As they scout for fresh talent, the focus has shifted to Huijsen, a promising young centre-back currently contracted to Juventus, according to

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After a successful loan stint at Roma, Huijsen's potential has become increasingly evident. Juventus are eager to hold on to him but will not block a sale if a club match their valuation of €30m (£27m/$33m) – a price that PSG are reportedly ready to meet.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite the interest from PSG, Huijsen seems to have set his heart on a move to the Bundesliga. According to , both Huijsen and his father are inclined to secure a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. The presence of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen's head coach, is a significant factor in this preference. Alonso is renowned for his ability to nurture young talent, making Leverkusen an attractive destination for Huijsen.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Huijsen's appeal lies in his versatility and promise. At 19, he has already shown maturity and skill during his loan at Roma, making him a coveted asset. PSG's interest in Huijsen is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate their defence. With other targets like Leny Yoro reportedly heading towards Real Madrid, securing Huijsen becomes even more critical for the Parisian club. However, it remains to be seen if they can present a convincing sporting project to Huijsen which will force the youngster to change his mind.

Newcastle interested in tough tackling midfielder who Roy Keane loves

Newcastle United are believed to be interested in signing a "very good" Premier League player who Roy Keane has praised for his ability to dictate games from midfield.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are eyeing further business ahead of the summer transfer window, at which point Eddie Howe will understandably want to bolster his squad options.

One player who has been linked with a move to Newcastle is Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, who could look to leave this summer after struggling for minutes at the Emirates this season. He is seen as an alternative to Aston Villa ace Jacob Ramsey, who the Magpies made an approach for in January.

The Magpies are also reportedly the front-runners to sign teenage Sunderland star Chris Rigg, seeing him as a hugely exciting long-term candidate who could develop into a special player over time.

Newcastle now winning the race to sign “wonderful” in-demand gem for Howe

This would be some coup…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 14, 2024

Howe could also look to improve his attack moving forward, not least because Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson struggle to stay fit for long periods, and Lille forward Jonathan David has been backed to seal a move to Newcastle at the end of the season.

Another attacking player who could move to St James' is Albert Gudmundsson, who is currently plying his trade at Genoa, scoring nine goals in Serie A this season.

Newcastle want James Garner

According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Newcastle are keen on signing Everton midfielder James Garner, being joined by a number of other Premier League clubs in showing an interest.

James Garner.

"Garner has emerged on the radar of Spurs and several other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, after catching the eye at Goodison Park over the last 18 months."

Garner may not necessarily be the elite midfielder that some Newcastle fans crave this summer, but he could still be a shrewd addition, boosting Howe's squad depth and acting as a long-term addition who should only improve.

Appearances

23

Starts

22

Goals

1

Assists

1

Tackles per game

2.8

Clearances per game

1.5

Interceptions per game

1.4

The fact that the Englishman spent so many years at Manchester United as a youth team player says a lot about his potential – he also made seven appearances for the Red Devils' first team – and Roy Keane has lauded him in the past during a spell at Nottingham Forest, saying:

"He’s very good technically and he likes to dictate the play, sit a little bit more than Yates. Tough game for him today, but this game is good for those young players to experience playing top teams like Liverpool. It’s a great way to learn."

After Miley: Newcastle have one of world football's most valuable teens

Newcastle have an abundance of teenage talent in their squad that they could use to try turn their fortunes around.

ByZak Anderton Feb 15, 2024

Garner would add to the homegrown quota at Newcastle, which would be an added bonus, and Howe could feel that he could develop an exciting young player into an even more formidable figure as the years pass, ensuring he reaches his potential.

James Anderson ruled out of Ashes, England call up Craig Overton

James Anderson has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes after suffering a recurrence of his calf injury while playing for Lancashire’s 2nd XI in a bid to prove his fitness. England had been hoping to add him to their squad for the Old Trafford Test, but have instead called up Somerset allrounder Craig Overton as bowling cover.Anderson played in the first Test against Australia but only managed to bowl four overs before suffering pain in his calf, having picked up the problem playing for Lancashire. England were heavily beaten at Edgbaston but came back to level the series at 1-1 with two to play after Ben Stokes’ heroics at Headingley.Having featured for Lancashire’s seconds in a three-day friendly against Leicestershire, Anderson stepped up his recovery programme this week, bowling 20 overs on the first day against Durham 2nd XI at Chester Boughton Hall. However, while delivering his ninth over on Thursday, he felt pain in his right calf and was subsequently assessed by England’s medical team.The most-prolific fast bowler in Test history, Anderson has in all likelihood made his final Ashes appearance. He has never hinted at setting a retirement date, but will be 39 by the time England next tour Australia in 2021-22.It is possible he has played his final Test altogether, although the lure of becoming the first fast bowler to 600 wickets might encourage him to push for a return on the winter tours to New Zealand and South Africa. Anderson is currently fourth on the all-time list of Test wicket-takers, with 575.His partnership with Stuart Broad is the most-successful in Tests between two quicks – they have taken more than 850 wickets in games together. In Anderson’s absence, Broad has led the way during the Ashes with 14 wickets at 25.35, although the emergence of Jofra Archer has given England an additional cutting edge.The selectors have otherwise stuck with the same players that helped secure a one-wicket win in Leeds, despite some speculation about the top-order batting after England were bowled out for 67 in the first innings. Overton, who featured twice in the 2017-18 Ashes, is likely to join Sam Curran in vying with Chris Woakes for the No. 8 spot.The Old Trafford Test begins on Wednesday, with England needing to win at least one of the two remaining Tests – and avoid defeat in the other – in order to regain the Ashes.England squad: Joe Root (capt), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes

Barcelona offered shock Jadon Sancho transfer as Man Utd desperately try to offload English winger after Erik ten Hag decision – with final asking price set

Manchester United have reportedly offered Jadon Sancho to Barcelona after making a final decision on Erik ten Hag's future.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Sancho offered to Barcelona
  • Catalan giants unlikely to pay a transfer fee
  • Man Utd want to offload winger after Ten Hag decision
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Sancho was banished from the Manchester United first team for nearly six months after his public fallout with Ten Hag last season. He spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Borussia Dortmund but the winger is now due back at Old Trafford, where he is still under contract until 2026.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The Red Devils, however, are all set to offload the English star after deciding to stick with Erik ten Hag as their head coach. The Dutchman is unlikely to work with the attacker until he apologises to him for their fallout. Now reports that United want to sell Sancho outright and have set a €60m (£50m/$64m) asking price, but Barcelona are unwilling to pay a fee, meaning they will have to consider another loan deal.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The Premier League giants reportedly held talks with Barcelona two months back over the possibility of Sancho's transfer, however, the Catalan giants rejected the idea after baulking at their valuation. Borussia Dortmund and Juventus have also cooled their interest in Sancho due to his price tag, with a permanent transfer away from United this summer looking unlikely.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • getty images

    WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

    With Hansi Flick on board now after an underwhelming season under Xavi, the Blaugrana are planning to bolster their attack by signing a winger. They have also been linked with a move for Luis Diaz or Nico Williams but to sign one of those players, they would have to sell Raphinha first. In the case of Sancho, if the player is available on loan, they could consider making a move as Flick reportedly admires the 24-year-old.

Man City want to sign versatile £239k-p/w star who Erling Haaland loves

Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing a versatile world-renowned player who is admired by Erling Haaland, as they look to beat Real Madrid to his signature.

Man City transfer news

Pep Guardiola's side may be one of the strongest squads in Europe, if not the strongest, but it is always important to be planning new signings for the summer. A freshness could be needed at the Etihad, even if City once again win trophies this season, and a host of players have been linked with moves.

A primary transfer target could be West Ham and Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who was strongly backed to make the move to City last summer, only for the transfer to fall through after betting allegations emerged against him. It does look as though the Citizens are still interested in him, however, and he would surely jump at the opportunity to move to the reigning Premier League champions.

Lucas Paqueta for West Ham.

Troyes youngster Savio is set to join City in the summer, with the 19-year-old currently on loan at La Liga side Girona, scoring five goals and registering seven assists this season.

There are also important current players who need to be tied down to new deals, and a recent report has claimed that Ederson is someone they hope will sign an extension in the near future.

Man City want Achraf Hakimi

According to AS [via Sport Witness], Manchester City are lining up a move for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi, looking to beat Real Madrid to his services.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi.

Manchester City are described as an "interested party" in the report, with the £239,000-a-week star seen as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker last summer, prior to the Englishman staying put at the Etihad instead.

City are considered a "rival" to Madrid when it comes to the race to sign Hakimi in the summer transfer window, with a move away from PSG looking on the cards.

Achraf Hakimi's Ligue 1 stats this season

Total

Appearances

16

Starts

13

Goals

3

Assists

4

Key passes per game

1.6

Tackles per game

1.2

Pass completion rate

89.1%

The 25-year-old could be a wonderful signing by Guardiola if he manages to entice him to the club, with the Moroccan a perfect long-term replacement for Walker, who is now 33 years of age.

He has 30 goal involvements (13 goals and 17 assists) in 105 appearances for PSG, highlighting the attacking quality he provides from right-back, and Kylian Mbappe has called him the best "in the world" in his position in the past. He can also play in midfield, with his versatility an added weapon in his armoury.

There are arguably very few negatives against City signing Hakimi, apart from the fact that he will likely cost a huge amount of money – Haaland has also spoken of his admiration for him – saying when asked who are the best players he's played with in 2022:

"I think the best is Achraf Hakimi and Riyad Mahrez. They were both high level."

Man City chiefs readying new contract talks with Pep's “world class” star

This has to be seen as priority business.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 24, 2024

The lure of Madrid could be great for the Morocco international, considering Mbappe is seemingly going there and they are building a stunning team around the likes of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, but working with Guardiola will also hopefully be a massive draw for him.

ديشامب عن زيارة مبابي لملهى ليلي: يمكنكم سؤال ريال مدريد

علق ديديه ديشامب، المدير الفني لمنتخب فرنسا الأول لكرة القدم، على زيارة كيليان مبابي المثيرة للجدل لملهى ليلي، خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الجاري.

لاعب ريال مدريد المنضم في الصيف الماضي من باريس سان جيرمان، عانى من إصابة مؤخرًا، وعاد قبل الموعد المحدد، ولكنه لم ينضم لقائمة منتخب بلده في دوري الأمم الأوروبية خلال معسكر أكتوبر الجاري.

طالع أيضًا | الكرة الذهبية وراء تمرد مبابي على منتخب فرنسا.. وقرار سيعجب ريال مدريد

ديشامب اعترف بأن مبابي شارك مع ريال مدريد ضد ليل وفياريال وهو يعاني من إصابة ولم يكن جاهزًا 100%.

غياب مبابي أثار الجدل الذي تزايد بعدما شوهد في ستوكهولم عاصمة السويد، أثناء ذهابه لملهى، في الوقت الذي كان يحتاجه المنتخب الفرنسي.

ديشامب في تصريحاته لوسائل الإعلام قال: “أنا لا أتابع أخبار اللاعبين غير المتواجدين هنا. كيليان الآن يكمل برنامجه مع ريال مدريد وليس معنا، يمكنكم سؤال ريال مدريد”.

وأضاف: “لا أعرف حالة مبابي حاليًا وما هو برنامجه، يتعين علي إدارة الحاضرين في المعسكر، لقد أرسل كيليان لي رسالة بعد المباراة الماضية”.

واختتم: “بالنسبة لي إذا كان مبابي في راحة من برنامجه في ريال مدريد، فهو حر في فعل ما يريد، أي لاعب في أيام الراحة يمكنه فعل ما يريد”.

Sem sustos, Ceará bate Vitória e está na final da Copa do Nordeste

MatériaMais Notícias

O Ceará está em mais uma final da Copa do Nordeste. O Vozão derrotou o Vitória por 2 a 0 – com gols de Vina e Messias – na tarde deste sábado, em jogo na Arena Castelão.

Com um primeiro tempo superior – onde anotou os dois gols – os comandados por Guto Ferreira confirmaram o favoritismo e agora aguardam o adversário da decisão – Fortaleza ou Bahia.

Primeiro tempo:

O início do jogo foi dominado pelo Vitória – que chegou ao menos em duas oportunidades com perigo ao gol do Ceará, mas a grande chance veio aos 4 minutos. Em ótima troca de passes, Soares acionou David pela esquerda, que invadiu a área e obrigou Richard a fazer uma excelente defesa.

A resposta dos donos da casa demorou, mas chegou aos 17 minutos e com juros e correção monetária. Em bom contra-ataque, a bola sobrou na entrada da área do Vitória. Na tentativa de cortar, Raul Prata acertou a própria trave. Na volta, Vina cabeceou livre para abrir o placar e contou com o apoio do VAR para comemorar o gol – a decisão do campo foi de impedimento do camisa 29 cearense.

Sem muita criação de ambos os times, a melhor jogada resultou em mais um gol. Em ótima jogada ensaiada, Vina cobrou uma falta e Messias – que estava fora da área e invadiu a mesma no momento da cobrança – cabeceou com estilo no ângulo direito de Ronaldo, aos 40 minutos, para fazer 2 a 0 para o Ceará.

Segundo tempo:

Precisando de gols, o Vitória teve a primeira chance de perigo da etapa complementar aos 4 minutos. Em boa jogada pela direita, Soares invadiu a área do Ceará e cruzou para o meio, mas Klaus cortou antes que a bola chegasse em Samuel.

Sem tempo para perder, o Vitória foi ao ataque e levou perigo de novo aos 9 minutos. Em jogada pela direita, Soares cortou para dentro e chutou para mais uma boa defesa do goleiro Richard.

Com muitas dificuldades para criar, o Vitória só levou perigo novamente ao gol do Ceará aos 38 minutos. Em cobrança de falta pelo lado esquerdo, Eduardo chutou direto e obrigou Richard a fazer mais uma boa intervenção.

Priorizando a marcação e sem pressa no segundo tempo, o Ceará teve sua chance de aumentar o placar na etapa complementar aos 40 minutos. Em confusão dentro da área entre o goleiro Ronaldo e o lateral Pedrinho, a bola sobrou na entrada da área para Fernando Sobral, que chutou, mas sem perigo ao gol do Leão.

Já nos acréscimos, saiu o capítulo mais polêmico da partida. Em disputa de bola pelo lado direito, o lateral do Ceará, Gabriel Dias, se envolveu em uma confusão com Wesley e foi expulso com auxílio do VAR em lance que deixou o defensor do Vozão inconformado ao ponto de precisar ser contido pelos companheiros de time.

Decisão:

Com a vaga garantida na final, o Ceará vai assistir de camarote a definição de seu adversário na decisão, já que Fortaleza e Bahia se enfrentam ainda neste sábado (24) – também na Arena Castelão – pela segunda vaga.

FICHA TÉCNICA

CEARÁ 2 X 0 VITÓRIA
Local: Arena Castelão, Fortaleza (CE)
Data-Horário: 24/04/2021 – 16h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Zandick Gondim Alves Junior (RN)
Auxiliares: Vinicius Melo de Lima (RN) e Francisco de Assis da Hora (RN)
VAR: Wagner Reway (PB)
Cartões amarelos: Gabriel Dias (CEA); Vico, João Pedro (VIT)
Cartão vermelho: Gabriel Dias (CEA)
Gols: Vina (17’/1ºT), Messias (40’/1ºT)

Ceará: Richard; Gabriel Dias, Messias, Luiz Otávio (Klaus, aos 0’/2ºT) e Bruno Pacheco; Charles (Fernando Sobral, aos 24’/2ºT), Pedro Naressi, Vina (Marlon, aos 34’/2ºT) e Lima; Mendoza (Saulo Mineiro, aos 24’/2ºT) e Felipe Vizeu (Jael, aos 34’/2ºT). Técnico: Guto Ferreira.

Vitória: Ronaldo; Raul Prata, João Victor, Wallace Reis e Pedrinho; João Pedro, Cedric (Eduardo, aos 25’/1ºT) e Vico (Wesley Pionteck, aos 0’/2ºT); David (Caique Souza, aos 19’/2ºT), Soares e Samuel (Ygor Catatau, aos 19’/2ºT). Técnico: Flavio Tanajura

RelacionadasCorinthiansOrganizada do Corinthians estende faixas de protesto em frente ao CT: ‘Salário grande, futebol pequeno’Corinthians24/04/2021Futebol InternacionalNa briga pelo título espanhol, Real Madrid empata sem gols com o Real BetisFutebol Internacional24/04/2021Atlético MineiroDa dívida de R$ 1,2 bilhão do Galo, R$ 435 milhões são débitos com Rubens Menin e Ricardo GuimarãesAtlético Mineiro24/04/2021

Wolves may be forced into massive sale this summer – journalist

Wolves didn't make any signings in the January transfer window, which may be a source of frustration for Gary O'Neil. They came close on at least two occasions, backing out of a deal for Yuri Alberto over the demands of his agents and competing for the loan signature of Armando Broja before he chose to join Fulham.

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil

O'Neil knew that as Wolves worked to ensure their compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, he had a very limited budget available, but he was under the impression that loaning out Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic to Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively would free up the necessary funds.

Looking ahead, there's a feeling that Wolves' summer business may be dictated by the level of interest in their star players, a group that includes winger Pedro Neto.

Neto interest may force Wolves' hand

According to Pete O'Rourke and Football Insider, Wolves may have to sell Neto this summer to raise money for incoming transfers. Fosun know that they must part with "one or two top players" in the off-season, and Neto is expected to be the most coveted.

While Wolves would ideally like to keep him at Molineux, he's already being targeted by teams both in the Premier League and in Europe, and they're in a position where they have to "sell to buy big".

"Incredible" Neto could be a lucrative sacrifice

Neto's output in the league this season has been nothing short of amazing when you consider his limited minutes. In just 14 Premier League games (13 starts), he's set up eight goals, which is unsurprisingly enough to rank him top of the leaderboard for assists per 90. He also sits fifth for goal-creating actions per 90, further highlighting the extent of his impact.

1

Pedro Neto

Wolves

0.63

2

Leon Bailey

Aston Villa

0.53

3

Pablo Sarabia

Wolves

0.53

4

Jeremy Doku

Man City

0.51

5

James Maddison

Spurs

0.51

O'Neil has unsurprisingly been raving about the Portuguese, praising not only his quality but also his discipline and tactical awareness. Speaking in September, he said: "He has been absolutely incredible for the six or seven weeks I have been here. I am really pleased with where Pedro is at. His work rate, the way he trains, playing within the shape and structure and taking information on board. He is incredibly talented and physically very gifted as well."

Out-of-shape striker Wolves wanted now upsetting people at new club

Wolves may just have made a lucky escape in the transfer market.

ByDavid Comerford Feb 10, 2024

The big question, then, is how much Wolves could get for Neto. It's previously been suggested that they'll demand £60m for his services, which would represent the most lucrative sale in the club's history. Manchester City, who initially broke that record by signing Matheus Nunes last summer, are thought to be keen, as are Arsenal, so Fosun may hope they can drum up a bidding war.

Mitchell Starc polishes off Derbyshire to push Old Trafford case

Australia completed their tour match promptly on the third day in Derby, wrapping up an innings win

Daniel Brettig at Derby31-Aug-2019Heavy rain was forecast to arrive in Derby in early afternoon but it was far too late for Derbyshire as the Australians wrapped up an innings victory before lunch on day three, allowing them the luxury of an early bus trip to Manchester ahead of the fourth Ashes Test.Needing seven wickets when the day began, they enjoyed early success when Michael Neser – excellent all match – found a nip-backer to bowl Alex Hughes off the inside edge, before Harvey Hosein was turned around by a perfectly pitched Peter Siddle delivery that was neatly taken by Alex Carey behind the stumps.Mitchell Marsh struck twice•Getty ImagesMitchell Marsh then got the Dukes ball swinging to deceive Leus du Plooy with a delivery that curled back down the line for an lbw verdict, and when Alfie Gleadall was bowled off his thigh pad in similar fashion to Matthew Wade’s first innings demise at Headingley, the game looked set to be over in a matter of minutes – Tony Palladino being absent with a ankle complaint.Hamidullah Qadri and Matt Critchley lasted a few overs before the former fenced at Mitchell Starc and was well held by Wade at first slip, and first ball an around-the-wicket yorker was much too good for Dustin Melton, as leg stump went flying. Starc finished the match with seven wickets and a strengthened case for inclusion at Old Trafford.

Batting in spotlight as Australia plot resurrection of their own

Justin Langer concedes batsmen haven’t produced as tourists head for Derby with questions aplenty

Daniel Brettig in Leeds26-Aug-2019

Headingley rises as one to applaud Ben Stokes•Getty Images

After the grief, comes the post-mortem. Australia’s contrivance to lose the Headingley Test and an Ashes-sealing series lead was the source of enormous pain for the tourists, not least the coach Justin Langer. He had watched, as impassively as he could, from the sidelines as months if not years of carefully laid plans were torn up by a combination of Ben Stokes and Australian folly.”We’re all feeling it. My gosh,” Langer said. “You have no idea how much that hurts, losing today. You have no idea. So we’re feeling it but leaders – whether you’re the captain, coach or senior player – you have to get up. You’ve got to – we’ll be disappointed for a day or night. We probably won’t talk much for a day or a night or so. Then when we get back into it tomorrow, we’ll review it like we do every game. We’ll review it together and make sure we get it better next time.”So in the minutes, hours and days to come before the fourth Test of the series at Old Trafford, Langer will look not only at the collective loss of composure that allowed Stokes to take control, but also the performances or lack thereof that allowed England to be chasing 359 in the first place. Chief among these is the fact that Australia’s batting returns in this series have not been those worthy of a team securing a 2-0 Ashes series lead.ALSO READ: Farrell: Do you remember how it started?Only Steven Smith and his substitute Marnus Labuschagne are scoring their runs at an average of better than 40. Only Travis Head, barely, has joined them in averaging better than 30. David Warner, Headingley first innings aside, has struggled mightily; Usman Khawaja has fared little better; Matthew Wade made near enough to all his runs in one dig, the second-innings century at Edgbaston; Tim Paine’s captaincy is facing pressure on the basis of his decision-making at the end of the Headingley Test, compounding questions already writ large across his batting.”There’s actually going to be some big questions,” Langer said. “One thing I do know is we’re not batting well enough at the moment. I said at the start of the series that the team that bats best will win the Ashes. We’re certainly not at our best with our batting at the moment. We’ve got some real questions to ask for the practice game then the fourth Test match.”I think there’s a number of guys who will be looking to play well. Not just Uzzy. Uzzy’s played a lot of cricket, he averages over 40 in Test Match cricket. He got a Test hundred seven innings ago I reckon. We know he’s a very good player and he, like the rest of them, will be working hard to be ready for the fourth Test.”We can’t fit them all in. That’s one issue we’ve got. We’ve also got to work out after a long summer, we’re going to have to rest some players. Just to give them a mental freshen-up more than anything. The other thing, we’ve got two back-to-back Test matches to win or lose the Ashes. And we’ve talked from day one that we’re going to have to give guys chance to freshen up – they’ve been here for Australia A or the World Cup. And sometimes the mental break is as important as anything.”The major permutation will be how to make room for Smith’s return from concussion while retaining Labuschagne. A possible solution will be to move Khawaja up to open with Warner, placing Labuschagne at No. 3 and Smith at No. 4 ahead of Head and Wade. But that would force the dropping of Marcus Harris after only one match, since he himself was recalled at the expense of Cameron Bancroft, who had demonstrated more than enough technical flaws for England to exploit in the first two Tests.At the same time, Langer and the rest of the support staff need to lend a supportive ear to players who will be having nightmares about Leeds for a long time to come. “It was an unbelievable game of cricket,” Langer said. “Everyone remembers the ’81 Botham game. I hate to say it, but for the game of cricket, that was an unbelievable game. Ben Stokes, that was extraordinary. We are obviously very, very disappointed up in the change rooms. But we have to shake ourselves up and get ready for the next one.”We had our chances, we had three or four. He played like a man with nothing to lose, and you’ll never see a better innings than that. At lunch we knew it was game on. I thought the first hour today was as good Test match bowling as you will ever see. Then when the new ball came, which probably surprised a few people, we maybe tried a little bit too hard, bowled a little bit too short. Then we pulled it back after lunch, and they had lost 5-30 at one point. But we just couldn’t finish it off, and we’ll have to get better at that.”There is, at least, some consolation in the fact that the bowling unit is functioning well, the Stokes episode apart. Josh Hazlewood might easily have taken the match award for an Australian victory, with nine wickets across a succession of high-quality spells. Pat Cummins’ fitness is holding up, so too James Pattinson’s, while Peter Siddle and Mitchell Starc wait in the wings. For the marathon of a five-Test series, Australia should have the cattle to go the distance, provided they do not let their minds cloud over into negativity.”We’ve been on the right side of a lot of wins too. We haven’t been on the right side of winning overseas for a while now,” Langer said. “That’s why games like this are so important for us. What can we take from it – we fought so hard. We bowled them out for 67. It was brilliant. We bowled fantastically well yesterday – as good a Test match bowling as you’ll ever see. We’ll win a lot more games than we lose if we bat well – and with the bowling depth we got. Unfortunately it didn’t happen today.”We’ve got 10 days, we’ve got a game in Derbyshire to play, we have plenty to play for. It’s 1-1 in this series, we have been so close, I mean one more wicket and we are 2-0 up and feeling pretty good about ourselves. But that’s sport. We’ll pick ourselves up.”

Game
Register
Service
Bonus