Luis Reece takes 10 wickets for the match as Derbyshire ease to victory

Allrounder adds 4 for 45 to his first-innings 6 for 52 as Caleb Jewell’s second fifty guides hosts home

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Apr-2025Derbyshire 391 (Madsen 118, Came 83, Jewell 61) and 93 for 1 (Jewell 51*) beat Gloucestershire 222 (van Buuren 67, Reece 6-52, Dal 4-43) and 259 (Charlesworth 110, Reece 4-45) by nine wicketsLuis Reece celebrated a personal milestone to set up a Derbyshire victory over Gloucestershire by nine wickets on day three of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match at Derby.The allrounder took 10 wickets in a match for the first time, finishing with 4 for 45 to add to his 6 for 52 in the first innings.Ben Charlesworth made 110, his third first-class century, but no one else could play a significant innings as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 259.That left the home side a victory target of 91 and Caleb Jewell’s unbeaten 51 , his second half-century of the game, guided them home inside 20 overs to give Derbyshire a 22-point haul and a victory from the opening match of the season for the first time in six years.Gloucestershire needed a big partnership from Charlesworth and James Bracey to have any realistic chance but they added only 10 more runs before Zak Chappell broke through.Chappell found some late inswing in the seventh over of the morning to beat Bracey’s defensive push and give Derbyshire just the start they wanted.Gloucestershire’s hopes of setting Derbyshire any kind of challenging target rested with Charlesworth and Graeme van Buuren, who was the only batter to pass 50 in the first innings.He started positively, driving Chappell down the ground for four and cutting Anuj Dal for two more boundaries but Derbyshire soon took another step closer to victory.Martin Andersson tempted van Buuren into an expansive drive which he edged into the hands of Wayne Madsen at second slip.Gloucestershire were only seven ahead and now it was a question of how long they could delay the inevitable.Charlesworth completed a fine hundred which came off 171 balls when he turned Jack Morley behind square for a couple but the opener’s timing seemed to desert him before he became the next wicket to fall.He miscued advancing down the pitch to Morley and only just cleared mid off but when he tried to pull Reece he picked out Pat Brown at midwicket.Tom Price and Zaman Akhter prevented further setbacks before lunch but the stand was broken six overs into the afternoon session when Akhtar was lbw playing back to the spin of David Lloyd.Lloyd then had Price lbw for 26 leaving Reece to run in from the City End and polish off the tail with the second new ball.Matt Taylor edged to second slip as he pushed forward and in his next over Reece beat Ajeet Singh Dale’s swing across the line to leave Derbyshire with a modest victory target.They lost Lloyd in the fourth over to Tom Price but the main concern for Gloucestershire was improving their over rate to avoid a points deduction.Spinners Ollie Price and van Buuren operated in tandem which allowed Jewell and Harry Came to ease to the finishing line in the late afternoon sunshine.The only note of concern for Derbyshire was a worrying injury to substitute fielder Aneurin Donald who appeared to damage his shoulder diving to try and save a boundary.

Mohammad Nabi wants to play for Afghanistan with his son; may not quit ODIs yet

Afghanistan allrounder had said in November last year that he would not play ODIs after the Champions Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Feb-2025

Mohammad Nabi is happy with his preparations leading into the Champions Trophy•ACB Media

Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi may not retire from ODIs after the upcoming Champions Trophy as previously planned and harbours hopes of playing international cricket along with his son Hassan Eisakhil.In November last year Nabi, 40, said he would quit ODIs at the end of the Champions Trophy but is now “still thinking” about his future.”These might not be my last ODIs, I will probably play less ODIs and give chances to the youngsters to build experience,” Nabi told the ICC. “I’ve discussed with the senior players and in the high-level games, maybe or maybe not, we’ll see. It will depend on my fitness.”Nabi’s 18-year old son, Eisakhil, is a batter who represented Afghanistan at the Under-19 World Cup in 2024 and his father hopes they will play together for the country soon. “It’s my dream. Hopefully we can do it. He is doing very well … he is a hard worker and I’m also pushing him to do work.”I want him to make his own goals, if you want to get to be a high-level cricketer, you have to work hard. It’s not enough to make 50 or 60, you have to score 100-plus. He’s listening and pushing all the time. When he can talk to me, I try to give him advice to give him confidence for the game.”Related

Shahidi: 'We're not here to just participate, we want to win the title'

Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi to retire from ODIs after Champions Trophy 2025

Giant-slayers Afghanistan are serious contenders for semi-finals

Afghanistan are in Group B in the Champions Trophy along with England, Australia and South Africa. It is their first appearance in the tournament after finishing among the top-eight teams (sixth place) at the 2023 ODI World Cup. They were semi-finalists at the 2024 T20 World Cup too.”The preparations for the Champions Trophy have been good,” Nabi said. “I’ve been busy playing in the Bangladesh Premier League, was a champion over there. I did three sessions with the national team in Abu Dhabi so I’m in good shape.”Winning the BPL gave me more confidence, from a tough position in the final. In the whole tournament, we did really well and my performances were good as well, bowling and also batting, I helped finish the job in four or five matches.”Afghanistan had to make one change to their 15-man squad for the tournament, replacing the injured AM Ghazanfar with left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote. “He’s a youngster, who has been doing really well over the last two years,” Nabi said. “He’s a very good spinner but he’s a good fielder as well. He bowled really well against South Africa and Ireland in Sharjah.”Afghanistan begin their Champions Trophy campaign against South Africa in Karachi on February 21 before travelling to Lahore to play England and Australia on February 26 and 28.

£80m Chelsea player could now leave in 24 hours after Chukwuemeka

Chelsea have raised £239 million in player sales after Carney Chukwuemeka’s £24m move to Borussia Dortmund, but another could soon be following him.

Thanks to their plethora of exit deals, Enzo Maresca’s side possess an excellent summer net spend of just £3 million heading into deadline day, so they’re under no pressure from the Premier League’s PSR rules to balance their books.

However, due to their pact with UEFA, Chelsea still need to sell certain members of the squad.

They reached a settlement with the governing body last month after Chelsea breached FFP laws, and a condition of this pact is that they must produce a positive transfer balance by the end of the window.

Failure to do so will result in them being unable to register new signings for Maresca’s Champions League squad, and only players who were involved in their Conference League squad last season will count towards viable outgoings.

This is why the sales of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson are viewed as crucial to Chelsea’s remaining transfer plans for the window.

BlueCo have been in talks over signing Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons for weeks, and reports now claim that Chelsea are also eyeing Barcelona star Fermin Lopez as an alternative to the latter.

A sell-to-buy policy appears very much in effect at Stamford Bridge, but a potentially imminent exit for Jackson could be on the cards to allow Maresca’s side to make room.

Bayern Munich are in negotiations over the Senegal international, valued at £80 million, who has also attracted rumoured interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Now, the player’s own agent has shared an intriguing update on his future.

Nicolas Jackson tipped to leave Chelsea within 24 hours

Speaking to Wiw Sports on Tuesday morning, Jackson’s representative, Diomansy Kramara, claimed that the striker is expected to leave Chelsea in the next 48 hours, so at the time of writing now, this is now 24 hours.

The former Villarreal star was a key member of Maresca’s first team last season, bagging 13 goals and six assists in all competitions, including a strike in the Conference League final.

However, the additions of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have pushed Jackson down the pecking order, and he’s not been involved in any of Chelsea’s opening Premier League games as Maresca confirms he can leave.

Mesmo com classificação na Copa do Brasil, Cuca pede demissão do Corinthians

MatériaMais Notícias

Cuca não é mais técnico do Corinthians. O treinador pediu demissão mesmo após a classificação da equipe alvinegra às oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil, nos pênaltis, contra o Remo, nesta quarta-feira (27).

A decisão foi motivada por um pedido da família e pela pressão sofrida principalmente através das redes sociais por conta da condenação por atentado ao pudor com uso de violência contra uma garota de 13 anos que aconteceu na década de 80, quando o profissional ainda era jogador e defendia o Grêmio.

+ Corinthians busca novo técnico: veja treinadores estrangeiros livres no mercado

+ Confira também os técnicos brasileiros que estão sem clube atualmente

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansLuan vai à Neo Química Arena e comemora classificação do Corinthians na Copa do BrasilCorinthians27/04/2023CorinthiansVÍDEO: Jogadores do Corinthians celebram classificação na Copa do Brasil com o técnico CucaCorinthians27/04/2023CorinthiansSob vaias e aplausos, Cuca tem primeiro contato com a torcida do Corinthians na ArenaCorinthians26/04/2023

+Róger Guedes brilha, Cássio pega pênalti e vira herói na classificação do Corinthians

A direção corintiana e os jogadores tentaram convencer Cuca a mudar de ideia, mas ele estava decidido. Segundo o treinador, mesmo com o presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves ‘comprando’ a sua permanência, ele sentia que estava prejudicando o mandatário corintiano.

– Quem fala coisas indevidas também, quem julga também pode ser julgado, mas o mais importante é agradecer o presidente. É uma pessoa maravilhosa. Eu conversei com ele, já tinha tomado essa decisão ontem. Ele vive ali dentro, como se fosse mais um, humilde, e eu estava prejudicando ele. A pressão que ele está sofrendo é enorme. Então não é justo deixar eles sofrendo por um problema que é meu. É nisso que foi baseado essa minha saída. Agradecer aos jogadores nesses sete dias que estive aí, me abraçaram, compraram o meu barulho, minhas ideias. Se Deus quiser, volto um dia para poder fazer um trabalho do começo ao fim – disse em pronunciamento à imprensa após a partida.

+Assine o Star+ por apenas R$32,90 por mês e acompanhe o Timão na Libertadores quando e onde quiser!

Cuca disse que realizou um sonho em dirigir o Timão, mas os dias que antecederam foram de pesadelo. Ele reforçou que entregará as acusações aos seus advogados e agradeceu ao carinho dos jogadores. Após a confirmação da classificação corintiana, todos os jogadores foram até o banco de reservas comemorar com o técnico.

– Venho aqui na emoção do jogo, um jogo que foi demais, pela primeira vez eu pude sentir o pulsar da Arena, o pulsar do Fiel a favor, foi maravilhoso, com a conquista dessa vaga. Foi um dia vivido com um sonho, foi maravilhoso. E antes desse sonho se realizar tiveram três, quatro dias de pesadelo. Foi quase que um massacre, o que acabou acontecendo. E eu estava muito concentrado nessa decisão e não queria tirar o foco. E isso acaba levando para os jogadores, hoje eles me emocionaram, estou aqui há quatro, cinco dias, e me ofertaram com algo que eu não pedi. Mas os jogadores sentem – destacou Cuca em outro período.

Cuca deixou o clube deixando em aberto a possibilidade de voltar um dia, mas concentrará as suas energias em permanecer com a família.

رجل مباراة برشلونة وخيتافي في الدوري الإسباني

حقق فريق برشلونة فوزًا جديدًا في منافسة بطولة الدوري الإسباني لموسم 2025-2026، على حساب خصمه خيتافي، مساء الأحد.

واستقبل برشلونة نظيره خيتافي في إطار مباريات الجولة الخامسة للدوري الإسباني “الليجا” على ملعب “يوهان كرويف”.

ونجح برشلونة في تحقيق الفوز أمام خيتافي بثلاثة أهداف دون مقابل، وسجل له فيران توريس وداني أولمو.

وحصل فيران توريس على جائزة رجل مباراة برشلونة وخيتافي بعد أدائه المميز خلال اللقاء، وقد أحرز هدفين في الدقائق 15 و34.

اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني بعد ثنائية فيران توريس وهدف مبابي

ويملك فيران توريس 4 أهداف في رصيده منذ بداية بطولة الدوري الإسباني ويأتي خلف الفرنسي كيليان مبابي مهاجم ريال مدريد، الذي يملك 5 أهداف.

ويحتل برشلونة المركز الثاني في ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 13 نقطة، ويتصدر ريال مدريد الترتيب بـ 15 نقطة.

Rashford upgrade: Monchi looking to sign £68m "superstar" for Aston Villa

The countdown to the start of Aston Villa’s pre-season schedule is very much on.

The Villans’ will commence pre-season against neighbours Walsall at the Bescot on 16 July, taking on Hansa Rostock in Germany three days later, before a trio of friendlies stateside, meeting Eintracht Frankfurt in Louisville and then a pair of MLS outfits, namely St. Louis City and Nashville.

The Claret and Blue Army’s campaign begins for real on 16 August, welcoming Newcastle United to Villa Park on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with supporters also eagerly awaiting the Europa League draw, coming up at the end of that month.

However, before Villa are back in action, will fans have a new signing to be excited about?

Aston Villa looking to bolster their forward line

According to widespread reports, including by Jacob Tanswell of the Athletic, it is widely expected that Monchi and Co will need to sell a key player before Monday 30 June to avoid breaching the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules.

This was a key reason why Jhon Durán was sold to Al-Nassr for a reported £71m in January, but, as documented by Chris Weatherspoon of the Athletic, Villa’s finances remain precarious, given that they have the highest wages-to-revenue ratio in the division.

Nevertheless, despite the need for cost-cutting, Unai Emery still wants to bolster his attacking options, hence why TEAMtalk documents Villa’s interest in Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze, facing competition for his signature from Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and others.

They claim that Eze’s entourage are ‘working hard and are talking to numerous suitors’, with Spurs currently leading the race to sign him, as new manager Thomas Frank targets a statement signing, following his recent appointment.

Transfer Focus

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

David Hytner of the Guardian notes that Eze’s contract contains a £68m release clause, suggesting he is unlikely to remain at Selhurst beyond this summer, with Adam Keys describing the England international as “phenomenal” and data analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as a “superstar”.

So, could Villa convince the 26 year old to move to the Midlands?

Why Eberechi Eze would be an upgrade on Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, very much reinvigorating his career, scoring four goals and registering six assists in 17 appearances.

He also started both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, underlining that he certainly got into Emery’s good books.

However, Rashford’s reported £40m price tag is putting off a lot of potential suitors, with Jamie Jackson of the Guardian claiming that Barcelona would only be open to a loan deal, something Manchester United certainly are not keen on.

Either way, it appears very unlikely that Rashford will be donning a claret and blue shirt at Villa Park next season, so would Eze be a significant upgrade?

Appearances

41

45

Minutes

2,428

3,322

Goals

11

15

Assists

8

11

Shots per 90

2.63

3.25

Chances created per 90

1.2

2

Take-on success %

31.58%

51.94%

Shot-creating actions per 90

3.63

4.69

Touches per 90

45

55

Touches in the box per 90

4.5

3.6

As the table outlines, Eze comes out on top for pretty much every attacking metric last season, namely when it comes to goals, assists, chances created, dribbling and touches.

Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines believes Eze is ‘thriving as the talisman’ at Crystal Palace, a mantle he could take up at Villa, while Daryl Gouilard of Total Football Analysis asserts that he is ready to take his game to the next level.

Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup

Thus, as outlined earlier, Aston Villa face plenty of competition for Eze’s signature this summer but, if they are able to sign him, it would certainly be a statement addition.

He pocketed Rogers: Aston Villa keen to sign "talented" £8.5m midfielder

He could be on his way back to the Premier League.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 25, 2025

Could be better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "insane" winger

Newcastle United are finally making headway in the summer transfer window, with their long-game efforts to sign Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga finally coming to fruition.

The Tricky Trees don’t want to sell the right-sided forward, whose pacy and creative style of play has proved so instrumental in qualifying for European football against the odds, but then Newcastle have tabled a series of offers and are getting close to sealing the deal.

Though Eddie Howe will have been delighted with his side’s Premier League campaign last term, winning the Carabao Cup besides, there’s no question that improvements are needed. Newcastle have been trying to add some depth, but have been foiled in recent weeks.

Newcastle pushing to complete deals

Newcastle have been buffeted by setbacks in recent weeks, failing to convince Chelsea-signed Joao Pedro to join them after missing out on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Mbeumo

The latter has signed for Manchester United, while Brentford’s talisman has expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer.

However, that could all change with Elanga. Although saying that, PIF won’t want more misery, and according to Sky Sports, are exploring a move for PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko as a contingency.

Johan Bakayoko for PSV

Bakayoko, 22, was wanted by Liverpool in a £43m deal last summer, and bears the thrilling approach which could see Howe hit the jackpot with a right-sided signing.

Why Newcastle want Johan Bakayoko

Though Elanga has established himself as one of the most exciting young wingers in the Premier League, he’s only scored 11 times across 82 matches for Nottingham Forest, assisting 21 further goals.

In Bakayoko, Newcastle could sign themselves a player of greater sharpness in the final third, one who could yet reach a much higher level.

PSV Eindhoven's JohanBakayokoin action

The Belgium international has made 131 appearances for PSV since graduating from the club’s youth academy, scoring 33 goals and supplying 22 assists for his teammates.

His recent Eredivisie campaign left something to be desired, but he has still demonstrated over the past couple of years an aptitude that puts him up there with the world’s most exciting prospects.

Matches (starts)

33 (29)

30 (17)

Goals

12

9

Assists

9

1

Shots (on target)*

2.9 (1.0)

2.0 (0.9)

Big chances missed

7

6

Pass completion

87%

86%

Big chances created

12

4

Key passes*

2.1

1.2

Dribbles*

2.8

1.6

Ball recoveries*

3.4

2.0

Tackles + interceptions*

1.3

0.9

Duels won*

4.7

2.8

Bakayoko’s development might have been stunted somewhat over the past year, but there’s no doubt that he’s one of the most exciting young wingers around, with a prolific potential which could see him eclipse Elanga, who is a talented player in his own right.

One theme across both Bakayoko’s league terms has been his keen-edged striking skills, with journalist Antonio Mango singling out his “clinical” qualities.

Partner this with his athleticism and playmaking and you’ve got yourself a winger who could become one of the finest in the business, worldwide.

Praised for an “insane” amount of talent by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bakayoko might be an unpolished gem but he is still a diamond of a prospect, one who could prove to be an upgrade on Elanga in the long run.

After all, he ranked among the top 6% of positional peers in the Netherlands’ top flight last year for goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

With Jacob Murphy playing so industriously for Howe, this might be the perfect move to make, adding depth and competition with a player who could skyrocket over the coming years.

Howe's next Tonali: Newcastle preparing bid for £43m "monster"

Newcastle may need to sign a midfielder this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 4, 2025

Talks held: Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign £67m striker before Arsenal

Chelsea are “really pushing” to sign a powerhouse striker ahead of their Premier League rivals Arsenal, with both sides holding negotiations and laying groundwork over a deal as we fast approach the summer window.

Chelsea gifted striker boost after vital win over Nottingham Forest

Enzo Maresca’s debut season as Chelsea manager, regardless of the debate prior to Sunday’s kick-off, can now surely be deemed a success after their all-important 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.

Chelsea make "formal" bid to sign £84m Liverpool target in "ambitious move"

They’ve apparently submitted an offer.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025

Levi Colwill’s second-half goal was enough to confirm Chelsea’s spot in the Premier League top-five and subsequent Champions League qualification for next season, gifting BlueCo an almighty boost when it comes to their summer recruitment strategy in the process.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

Maresca himself confirmed that qualifying for the Champions League would have a profound effect on their plans for the looming transfer window, and reliable reports in the build up to Sunday echoed this theme.

While Chelsea are reported to be prioritising the addition of a new striker, centre-back and winger, it is believed they could also go for a versatile attacking player, goalkeeper, full-back and second centre-back, depending on player sales and their European status (Simon Phillips).

Supporters are very eager to see Chelsea bring in a prolific number nine in particular, and the Blues’ fourth-placed finish is now set to boost their hopes of signing a 25-plus goals-per-season striker who can deliver the goods up front.

“I’m not thinking about next summer, to be honest,” said a coy Maresca after Chelsea’s win over Forest, in his post-match press conference.

“Today is a day that we have to be happy because we brought this club where this club has to be in the most important European competition. And we did today and this is the most important day for them. Now from tomorrow we start to prepare for Wednesday final, and then we have days to see for next season.”

Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko

According to journalist Simon Phillips, while Maresca refuses to get drawn in on the club’s transfer activity behind-the-scenes, they’re in fact making a serious move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko

Chelsea have Sesko on their list of striker targets, as previously claimed, but they’re now believed to be competing with Arsenal for the 6 foot 5 Slovenia international’s signature after his 21-goal season at Leipzig.

His contract includes a £67 million release clause, and Chelsea are now seriously pressing to sign Sesko after holding talks and laying the groundwork for his signature.

“The new info I have is that Arsenal are now really pushing for Benjamin Sesko as well as Chelsea,” wrote Phillips.

“Both clubs have held talks and laid down some groundwork to sign him. Arsenal also really like Viktor Gyokeres, but there’s a split internally there as to which striker they want to push for.”

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes Arsenal’s talks for Sesko are “concrete” as well, so Chelsea do face stiff competition from Mikel Arteta’s side. Interestingly, both sides made a proposal for the 21-year-old last summer, which he rejected in favour of signing an extension at Leipzig (Fabrizio Romano).

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoheads at goal

However, the Premier League duo haven’t appeared to have thrown the towel in when it comes to tempting Sesko with a move to England, and it will be very intriguing to see how this one develops.

Chelsea are badly in need of a centre-forward, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku scoring just two top-flight goals between them this calendar year.

Everton: Toffees open to shock move for £47.5m star who's won 17 trophies

Everton are now open to a shock move for an “unbelievable” star, having set out to make one or two statement signings in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

New era on the horizon for the Toffees

The Premier League season is now approaching its climax, and the Toffees have just one game remaining at Goodison Park, ahead of making the move to Bramley-Moore Dock prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

The long-anticipated move to a new stadium marks the start of an exciting new era for the Blues, with David Moyes no doubt hoping to compete for major honours on a long-term basis, but the manager may need to overhaul his squad in order to make that dream a reality.

Moyes’ side hold a strong interest in Ipswich Town forward Omari Hutchinson, who could be available for £30m this summer, while there is also a desire to strengthen in midfield and defence, with Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer and Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck of interest.

Everton in advanced talks for "complete" star who is similar to Kyle Walker

The Blues are progressing in discussions…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 5, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Everton are keen to make one or two statement signings ahead of their move to Bramley-Moore Dock, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey going on to say a shock move for Manchester City’s John Stones could be a possibility.

Bailey said: “Stones has interest from the Saudi Pro League, but in England there are clubs who would be willing to take him including West Ham and his former club Everton to name but two.

Manchester City'sJohnStonesreacts after the match

“The issue is with his injury record, less than 10 starts in the last two seasons, it would be a risk for anyone. If he does indeed hit the open market, I believe that Everton would be open to the prospect.”

Stones could be "unbelievable" signing for Toffees

As pointed out by Bailey, Stones’ injury record should be a major concern, given that the Englishman has featured just 11 times in the Premier League this season, having suffered a number of setbacks which have kept him on the treatment table.

However, if the 30-year-old is able to put his injury problems behind him, there is every sign he could take Moyes’ defence to the next level, having gone on to achieve great success since joining City from the Toffees for £47.5m back in 2016.

The former Everton man has lifted silverware 17 times during his time with Pep Guardiola’s side, with teammate Jack Grealish lauding him as “unbelievable” after their FA Cup final triumph against Manchester United in 2023.

It would be a gamble to make a move for Stones, in light of his concerning injury record, but it could be a risk worth taking, depending on how much City demand for the £250k-a-week defender, given his top-level experience.

He won't start again: TFG must finally axe Everton's new Phil Neville

Ask an Everton fan what their club’s priority should be as they step into the looming summer transfer window, they will tell you that David Moyes’ side need more quality in the final third.

Recent losses in the Premier League have highlighted the Toffees’ deep-rooted offensive issues that need sorting out if the 2025/26 season is to promote a new breed of success.

New owners, The Friedkin Group, ran the gauntlet when bringing Moyes back to the club in January, but it certainly seems to have worked out, Everton leaping away from the relegation fodder.

Everton manager David Moyes

The seeds have been planted, but Everton need to fix some playing-squad issues in offence. However, defensive problems also simmer under the surface, with plenty set to change this summer.

The state of play in Everton's defence

Last time out at Goodison Park, Everton fought hard to get something from their match against Manchester City but ultimately fell short in the second half, losing 2-0.

Compounding the defeat, James Tarkowski was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury, since confirmed to be a muscular tear that will require surgery. The unflappable centre-half will miss the rest of the season, his recovery creeping into pre-season.

James Tarkowski injured for Everton

With Jarrad Branthwaite’s future reportedly not necessarily at Bramley Moore, there’s plenty of uncertainty around Moyes’ backline.

Furthermore, Everton’s contractual situation is going to have a marked impact on the defence, with Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young all out of contract this summer.

Moyes recognises skipper Coleman’s value and would allegedly like to extend his deal for the leadership and experience benefits, but Young is not a spring chicken anymore and must leave, having become the Scotsman’s new version of Phil Neville.

Moyes must ditch Moyes' new Phil Neville

Neville is fondly remembered for his time at Everton, and Young will depart with a similarly positive legacy, having arrived as an ageing veteran – previously of Manchester United’s parish – but putting in a shift and a half during his time.

However, the 40-year-old needs to leave when his contract expires in the coming months.

Like Neville, Young formerly played for United and was capped by England, working industriously even earning praise from Antonio Conte for being a “machine” of an athlete when plying his trade with Inter Milan.

The 48-year-old completed 385 appearances for the Red Devils before moving to Everton for a fee in excess of £3m. He was 28 at the time, a further similarity to Young given he spent a good chunk of his prime years in red before moving to Inter Milan, then back to Villa, then finally settling at Goodison.

Man United

261

19

33

Aston Villa

247

38

53

Watford

110

22

9

Everton

66

2

4

Inter Milan

59

5

9

Not just walking the same pathway toward Merseyside as Young, Neville was also a versatile defender, chiefly placed as a right-back but wandering over to the alternate side and even featuring in a deep-lying midfield position.

Since starting Moyes’ first game of the (second) Moyes era, a home defeat against Aston Villa, Young has been consigned to cameos ever since.

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ByAngus Sinclair Apr 28, 2025

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