It will be a while before Shohei Ohtani is pitching in a major league game again.
On Thursday, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told Jim Rome that Ohtani's recovery from Tommy John surgery is ongoing. While he gave a lot of positive updates, there was a negative tossed in at the end.
Roberts told Rome that Ohtani had thrown another bullpen session and looked good.
"So, he looked great," Roberts said. "It's just easy velocity and this guy, he's a unicorn, I mean he is physical, he's big. He's throw his fastball, four-seam, two-seamer and his split. And he's kind of easy 92, 93."
L.A.'s manager then updated what's next.
"I know he's got another light bullpen today, he's got a full one Saturday and hopefully soon Romey he's going to start facing some hitters," Roberts said.
Then he dropped the bomb. "Time of return, we're still a couple of months away."
Roberts did add that he does expect Ohtani to pitch for the Dodgers this season.
Even without his work on the mound, Ohtani has been contributing this season. The reigning National League MVP is hitting .288 with six home runs and eight RBIs. He carries an on-base percentage of .380 and an OPS of .930.
Legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who is a die-hard supporter of Manchester United, has publicly pleaded with Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand to approach the team management and offer his help to fix a glaring issue. United blew a one-goal lead to draw 2-2 for the second week in a row away at Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday, missing the chance to move into the top four.
United's topsy-turvy start to the season
United staged a remarkable comeback in October after a rocky start to their 2025-26 campaign as Ruben Amorim's side won three successive Premier League matches against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton. It was finally looking like the star-studded attack that the club had assembled in the summer transfer window was finally delivering as they quickly climbed up the table.
However, the Red Devils have experienced yet another dip in form at the start of November, recording back-to-back draws 2-2 draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
AdvertisementAFP'Stressed out' Bolt reaches out to Ferdinand
Eight-time Olympic champion Bolt has admitted to being "stressed out" by United's performances this season. After the Spurs draw, Bolt reached out to United legend Ferdinand with a voice note and pleaded with the former England star to help the club fix a glaring issue.
In the voice note, played on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, Bolt said: "I just watched the United game, one of our biggest problems is when we invite pressure onto ourselves. They're always running back, all we do is invite pressure. Please (Rio), I'm begging you man. Get to the team and say something. You are one of the greatest defenders Man United ever had, please bro, it's stressing me out. I know you have nothing to do with this but tell the guys to pass the ball quicker. Oh my God, bro. They don't know how to defend one-on-one. Shaw is the only one who seems like he understand. All they know is system, lineup and play well. 'They don't know how to step up, push the defender and then go back into your line. I push up (as a defender) and the midfield slots in. Please, Rio, get to somebody."
'We're still in this rebuilding phase'
Unlike Bolt, Ferdinand was less scathing with his analysis of Amorim's side as he said: "There were times against Spurs where it (United's defence) wasn't working as a cohesive unit. We're still in this rebuilding phase and I think that's why we've got to manage the expectations of fans. I've seen some people going off on one, going crazy saying, 'the manager ruined it with his substitutions'. But if he didn't make any subs and we still got the same result, everyone would be going, 'why didn't he change it?'. He's damned if he does, damned if he doesn't sometimes. Arne Slot won the league last year, went to [Manchester] City this year and got it totally wrong. It does happen."
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AFPAmorim admits to United's flaws
Amorim agrees that there is still plenty of work to do to further improve the team's performances, as he told after the Tottenham game: "During the game we felt like the three points were there to take home. But then with everything that happened, Harry Maguire and Casemiro coming off and conceding two goals… we scored again and it's a point. When you cannot win you don't lose, once again we did that. We have so much to grow as a team, because today was our day to win this game.
"We need to look at ourselves, we were not pressing with the same intensity, we felt comfortable but we need to understand that if we had more bravery we kill the game. But sometimes this happens, you have a better first half than second. We believe in our capacity to score goals until the last minute. It's a little frustration, but also pride at the response of the players at the response to second goal of Tottenham. This is the tip of the iceberg, we are at the beginning of becoming a strong team, so we have a lot to do."
Durham 343 for 9 (Lees 125, Robinson 79, Worrall 4-49) trail Surrey 820 for 9 dec by 477 runsA brilliant three-wicket burst with the second new ball by Dan Worrall resurrected Surrey’s victory ambitions just when it looked as if Alex Lees and Ollie Robinson’s 152-run stand had raised Durham hopes of being able to force a draw at the Kia Oval.Lees scored a superb 125 and Robinson a 105-ball 79 as Durham eventually reached 343 for 9 by stumps on day three, but earlier both fell to paceman Worrall, as did New Zealand allrounder Jimmy Neesham, in a slide from 266 for 3 to 284 for 7.When Matt Fisher removed George Drissell with the last ball before tea, Durham had lost four wickets for 29 runs in 12 overs immediately before the interval. Afterwards, though, Graham Clark and Matthew Potts added 46 for the eighth wicket in 25 overs to hold up Surrey again as the Kookaburra ball lost its shine and hardness.Potts resisted 79 balls for his 23, until Dan Lawrence spun an offbreak to pin him leg-before on the back foot, and then Worrall returned to hit Clark’s middle stump with his fifth ball back to end a defiant 30.A hobbling Ben Raine, injured when bowling on day one, bravely emerged at No. 11 to keep Daniel Hogg company until the end of play, with Hogg even taking two fours off Fisher in the closing overs.Overall, however, bat has overwhelmingly dominated ball on an essentially flat pitch in a Rothesay County Championship match on which the draw still seems the likeliest outcome despite Durham, in reply to Surrey’s mammoth 820 for 9 declared, still being 477 runs adrift going into the final day.Opener Lees showed immense stamina, as well as notable skill and determination, to frustrate Surrey’s attack for almost six hours in all. The Durham captain began day three on 33, with his side 59 for 1, and forged a fine partnership with Robinson after seeing both Will Rhodes and Colin Ackermann depart before lunch.Rhodes edged the impressive Fisher to keeper Josh Blake to go for 26 in the morning’s eighth over, and Ackermann’s 24 was ended by an excellent piece of bowling from Sam Curran. Angling one across the right-hander, left-armer Curran saw Will Jacks cling on to a sharp catch at first slip.Robinson was fortunate to nick Curran between first and second slips for four, a technical but low chance, before he had reached double-figures and, after lunch, Curran had an impassioned appeal for lbw against Lees, on 64, turned down – much to the allrounder’s dismay.Otherwise, however, the fourth-wicket pair progressed serenely and successive fours off Fisher took Lees to 80 while Robinson went to a 76-ball half-century in style by pulling Jordan Clark powerfully off the front foot for six over midwicket.The 32-year-old Lees, capped 10 times in Tests by England, went to his 31st first-class hundred in the 74th over of Durham’s innings and – having been on the field in sweltering 90-degree temperatures for almost eight sessions – he was finally forced to leave it at 3.41pm on day three.Robinson had just been bowled by a full inswinger from Worrall, and the leader of Surrey’s attack made it three strikes overall in his second, third and fourth overs with the second new ball – taken with Durham on 255 for 3 – when he quickly added the scalps of Lees and Neesham.Lees, who faced 240 balls and hit 18 fours, nibbled fatally at a fine ball that lifted and left him and Neesham’s thicker edge to a similar delivery flew to Jacks at first slip.Clark survived a big lbw appeal from Fisher on 4 and then a mishit pull at Worrall on 5 dropped inches short of Curran, diving forward from the squarer of two midwickets, but Drissell top-edged a pull at Fisher to mid-on as Durham’s sudden decline continued apace.Durham’s innings was steadied, however, by Clark and Potts who made sure of a second batting bonus point while also denying Surrey a third bowling point. As batting conditions eased at the end of another long, hot day, it was noticeable that Worrall and Fisher were given only another five overs between them just before the close.Worrall has figures of 4 for 49 from 23 overs and, if anyone is searching for even one positive from the widely-condemned decision to deploy the lower-seamed Kookaburra (widely-used in Tests overseas) in four prime mid-summer Championship fixtures, it is that the newly England-qualified Australian displayed once again the skill and know-how with it that makes him an intriguing possible selection for this winter’s Ashes series Down Under.
Nicklas Bendtner has backed Rasmus Hojlund to thrive under Antonio Conte at Napoli, praising the Italian’s "killer mentality and relentless desire to win". The former Juventus forward believes Conte can unlock his compatriot’s full potential as the young striker rebuilds confidence following a mixed spell at Manchester United.
Hojlund resurging under Conte at Napoli
Hojlund’s time at Napoli has quickly become a story of redemption. After a disappointing season at United, where he managed just 10 goals in 52 appearances, the Danish striker’s move to Italy has reignited his career. Joining on loan in the summer, he has already scored four times in six matches, rediscovering the sharp movement and finishing touch that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects.
The 22-year-old has adapted well to Conte’s high-intensity system, showing better link-up play, sharper pressing, and improved composure in front of goal. His resurgence has impressed the club hierarchy so much that they are now pushing to make his transfer permanent as early as January, despite the original clause that tied the €44 million (£38m/$51m) deal to Champions League qualification.
Hojlund’s current spell on the sidelines caused by a minor thigh injury has slowed his momentum, but he is expected to return in Napoli’s upcoming clash with Lecce, where fans hope to see him pick up where he left off.
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Bendtner hails Conte’s ‘killer mentality’ and winning culture
Few players know Conte’s methods better than Nicklas Bendtner, who played under him at Juventus during the 2012-13 season. The former Arsenal striker, who won his only league title that year, spoke glowingly about the Italian manager’s influence and believes his compatriot Hojlund will benefit enormously from working under him.
“I immediately thought he was a fantastic coach, very loyal and very honest," ex-Arsenal and Denmark striker Bendtner said in an interview with . "I admired his killer mentality and relentless desire to win. He knew how to get the best out of his players, and I think he can do the same today with my compatriot Rasmus Hojlund.”
Bendtner also reflected on his own short spell in Turin, admitting he regretted not being able to show more under Conte’s leadership.
“I really enjoyed my time at Juventus, but unfortunately, I had an injury at a very unfortunate time that kept me out for much of the season. I would have liked to stay longer and prove myself more, because I felt we were a really good fit, Juventus and I.”
Conte’s system proving a good fit for Hojlund
The ex-United strikers' athleticism, pressing instinct, and direct approach make him an ideal fit for Conte’s vertical, fast-paced brand of football. Under Conte, Hojlund has looked sharper in transition and more confident attacking space between defenders. His early success alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay reflected how seamlessly he has slotted into Gli Azzurri's dynamic frontline. However, De Bruyne’s recent thigh injury sustained while scoring a penalty against Inter has disrupted that partnership, forcing Conte to rethink his attacking combinations.
Still, Hojlund’s impact has been enough to convince both clubs to move quickly. The Partenopeiand the Red Devils are already in talks to finalise a permanent deal in January, a move that would allow the Premier League side to move on and the Serie A outfit to secure their long-term striker.
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What’s next for Hojlund and Napoli
Hojlund has already resumed training and is expected to be back in action soon, with Serie A leaders Napoli carefully managing his return. His comeback will be crucial as the team navigates a busy run of fixtures in the Italian top flight and the Champions League, where they hope to cement their place among the continent’s elite.
Conte’s belief in structure, mentality, and tactical discipline could prove invaluable for Hojlund’s development. The Italian has a history of moulding forwards into complete players from Diego Costa and Romelu Lukaku to Lautaro Martínez and his track record suggests Hojlund could be next in line.
Duckett scored 149 after Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped him on 97, the latter’s third drop of the match
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2025
Shardul Thakur struck back-to-back•Getty Images
Tea Shardul Thakur blew the first Test back open with two wickets in two balls to keep India’s hopes alive after Ben Duckett set England on their way to another famous Headingley run chase. Thakur had been a passenger for the first four-and-a-half days of the Test but was thrown the ball by Shubman Gill, and dismissed Duckett and Harry Brook off consecutive deliveries.Duckett and Zak Crawley added another 71 in quick time after batting through the morning session, with Duckett racing to his hundred – his sixth in Tests, and his first in England’s second innings – off 121 balls. He was reprieved on 97 by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dropped his third catch of the match – this time on the square-leg boundary – as Duckett punched the air on reaching three figures.After a brief interruption for rain, Crawley pulled Prasidh Krishna through wide mid-on for four but fell to his next ball, edging to slip for 65. England’s first-innings centurion Ollie Pope followed soon after, chopping Prasidh on to his own stumps, but Duckett continued to cruise; his most outrageous shot was a reverse slap for six over cover off Ravindra Jadeja.But Thakur’s reintroduction gave India a foothold, as he struck with two innocuous balls. Duckett slapped the first, a wide half volley, straight to substitute fielder Nitish Kumar Reddy at extra cover; Harry Brook strangled the second, a freebie angling a long way past leg stump, through to Rishabh Pant behind the stumps, becoming only the fifth man out for 99 and 0 in the same Test.Ben Stokes started scratchily against Jadeja, missing a pair of reverse sweeps – the first of which Shubman Gill unsuccessfully reviewed for a catch at short leg, only for replays to confirm the ball had hit him on the biceps. Stokes and Joe Root will resume with 102 more runs required after the tea interval, which arrived early due to another rain shower.
Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa looks to be a matter of when and not if, with the Englishman following Marcus Rashford in moving to the Midlands side from Old Trafford.
It has not been made clear whether there will be an option or obligation to buy the winger at the end of the season, but he will spend 2025/26 in the West Midlands.
He might not be the only creative player who joins Villa before the window slams shut at 7pm today, either.
Aston Villa exploring another deal alongside Sancho
With the deal to sign Sancho on loan all but confirmed, Villa will move on to their next target. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Villans are now closing in on a move for Harvey Elliot to join Unai Emery’s ranks.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Liverpool star is set to sign on a season-long loan deal, although it would include an obligation to buy as part of that initial temporary switch. According to Ornstein, the Reds are looking for a fee in the region of £35m, should such a clause be included.
Why Elliot would be a good signing
Described as a “diamond” by football scout Antonio Mango, England under-21 international Elliot has impressed for Liverpool. However, with the quality they have in creative areas, such as Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz, it is hard for him to break into the side.
However, his quality is undeniable. He has made 149 appearances for the Reds, with 15 goals and 21 assists to his name. His best campaign came in 2023/24, which was Jurgen Klopp’s final season. Elliot scored three goals and assisted nine in 33 Premier League games.
The former Fulham player shone in the recent under-21 European Championships, too. He was a pivotal part of England retaining their title, scoring five goals in six games and even skippering the side in their final group stage clash.
It is easy to see how Elliot could become the second coming of Morgan Rogers at Villa Park. The newly-crowned PFA Young Player of the Year winner has been sensational under Emery since his move to the West Midlands.
In 73 appearances so far, he’s found the back of the net on 17 occasions and has also chalked up the same number of assists.
Last season in the Premier League, he scored eight times and created 11 goals for his teammates.
It is easy to draw comparisons between the two players. Both are young English talents who excel at operating between the lines and creating chances.
On top of that, they’ve each played for huge clubs, with Rogers coming through the Manchester City academy, and Elliot, of course, at Liverpool.
Liverpool's HarveyElliottcelebrates
Statistically, you can compare the players and see the similarities. In the last two Premier League campaigns, Elliot has averaged 2.46 key passes and 2.83 progressive carries per 90 minutes.
As for Rogers, he’s played an average of 1.44 key passes and completed 3.26 progressive carries on average each game.
Goals and assists
0.63
0.53
Key passes
2.46
1.44
Progressive passes
9.01
3.62
Progressive carries
2.83
3.26
Ball recoveries
4.87
3.6
Signing Elliot could be a huge addition for Villa. He is certainly similar to Rogers, given the playmaking ability he possesses in the final third. For a fee of around £40m, this could be a bargain for Emery and for Monchi on deadline day.
Their own Isak: Aston Villa target £15m “poor man's Haaland” after Sancho
Aston Villa are still searching for new attackers, even amid Jadon Sancho’s impending move to the Midlands
MS Dhoni might be 43 but he’s still at his best, especially behind the stumps. That’s what Matthew Hayden felt after watching him complete a lightning-quick stumping of Suryakumar Yadav when Noor Ahmad beat his outside edge during the IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk.”He [Dhoni] was on fire,” Hayden, the former Australia batter and Dhoni’s team-mate at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) till 2010, said on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time Out. “I mean Noor Ahmad was firing down the leg side and it was just a movement across the ball. You know, they’re difficult when you when you’re sitting there sort of partially obscured by the batsman. Then the stumping was just superb, just such quick timing, great hands, good vision. He’s still got it.”Suryakumar was dismissed for 29, and with his wicket, CSK got back into the game, breaking a 51-run stand and restricting MI to 155 for 9.Related
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Noor Ahmad's wristspin is art in fast forward
While CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation that he hardly sees Dhoni doing keeping practice, Piyush Chawla, who has bowled for India and CSK several times with Dhoni behind the stumps, said he would have probably trained to keep for Noor during pre-season camp.”It does happen, it is a challenge if you have not kept against somebody,” he said. “But I’m sure in the camp, he must have kept a lot of balls because if he’s keeping for somebody new, he especially takes that person to the stumps and says, you bowl a few balls.MS Dhoni stumps Suryakumar Yadav•BCCI
“[It has] not [happened] with me because I have bowled against him so many times and bowled to him in the nets also. But whenever somebody new comes, especially a wristspinner, he just makes sure he’s keeping 10-12 balls so that he gets used to the wrist position.”Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Dhoni has changed the way wicketkeepers react to stumping chances.”Traditionally keepers tend to receive the ball,” Aaron said. “He’s just removed that receive completely. It’s just that stumps are here, [he gathers it close to the stumps] and it’s just from there to there [takes his hands forward to finish the stumping].”Hayden gave the example of Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen missing a stumping of Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson in the afternoon game on Sunday.”Klaasen sort of missed, right? I think everyone commented on it at the time that if that was Dhoni, it would have been gone.”
Prime Bank became the first team in Bangladesh to score 400 in the List A format
Mohammad Isam10-Mar-2025Key takeawaysThere is already evidence that the 46th edition of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League will be the most open competition of the last 15 years. The top seven teams – all on four points each – have already dropped points in the first round that began on March 3. Defending champions Abahani Limited are among the top six teams, although many felt that they would have financial constraints in the 2024-25 season, given their political links with the Awami League.Prime Bank Cricket Club have begun the league spectacularly, becoming the first side to reach a 400-plus total in a List A game in Bangladesh. There have been two other 300-plus totals in the first three rounds, but there have been also been two sides getting bowled out for under 100 runs.Coming hot on the heels of Bangladesh’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign, the spotlight will be on if the Dhaka Premier League, known as the country’s most important domestic competition, can provide some new performers.Best battersMohammad Naim continues to be the standout batter of the season in domestic cricket. He struck a career-best 176 against Brothers Union in the game in which Prime Bank racked up 422 for 8 in 50 overs. Naim has limited his strokeplay, concentrating mainly on three or four shots to get him the runs. The most impressive factor is his growth as an accumulator, picking ones and twos regularly.Best bowlersLeft-arm spinner Tanvir Islam has taken three wickets in each of the first three matches for Legends of Rupganj. His 3 for 15 (against Shinepukur Cricket Club) and 3 for 23 (against Gazi Group Cricketers) were impressive spells. Tanvir couldn’t quite do well in the BPL, so he must be eager to bounce back in the Dhaka Premier League. Tanvir reached 150 List A wickets, and completed 100 matches in the format on March 10.Best matchPrime Bank started the season with a tight contest, beating Rupganj Tigers by three wickets. Batting first, Rupganj were bowled out for 216 in 48.4 overs. Prime Bank, however, slipped to 23 for 4 in the third over. Openers Naim and Sabbir Hossain were dismissed for ducks, before Zakir Hasan fell in the second over. When captain Irfan Sukkur was run-out, Prime Bank were in big trouble.But Shamim Hossain held things together with an unbeaten 98 off 83 balls that included ten fours and four sixes. He added 110 runs for the unbroken eighth-wicket stand with Khaled Ahmed, who contributed with 28 from 37 deliveries. Shahadat Hossain also struck a quick fifty from No. 4.Points to ponderApart from the top seven teams all reaching four points each, Gulshan Cricket Club, Partex Sporting Club, Shinepukur and Brothers Union have two points each. Rupganj Tigers remain the only team yet to open their account after three losses.Players to watchBrothers’ 21-year-old batter Mahfijul Islam struck a century and a half-century in the first three games to be the top-scorer at this stage of the competition. Parvez Hossain Emon, having returned from the Champions Trophy, also struck a century and a fifty.
Newcastle United remain without Alexander Isak, with the Sweden international still refusing to play for the club this season. It meant Eddie Howe had to get creative in their Premier League opener, with Anthony Gordon leading the line and Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga operating out wide.
For Isak’s Sweden teammate Elanga, it was an impressive debut. According to the stats on Sofascore, he made 23 sprints and showed his electric pace, clocking in at 35.3km/h as his quickest speed. He also created two chances and was a bright spark going forward for Newcastle.
However, their attack feels unbalanced with Gordon up front. They are still targeting a striker this summer, with Isak’s future still very much hanging in the balance.
Newcastle’s striker target
There have certainly been plenty of names bandied about when it comes to Newcastle’s search for a striker. One of the latest targets is Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen, with fellow Premier League centre-forwards Yoane Wissa of Brentford and Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea also viable options.
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However, another name from within the Premier League has once again cropped up. According to a report from TBR Football, the Magpies are said to have made Aston Villa and England star Ollie Watkins a ‘prime target’ ahead of the final ten days of the window.
The former Brentford attacker could leave Villa Park if they themselves can sign Jackson from Chelsea. Given Waktins is ‘one of the names high on their list’, Newcastle could pounce.
As for the price, it was reported earlier in the window that the Villans would demand as much as £50m for the 29-year-old.
Why Watkins would be a good signing
There is no doubt that, if Watkins makes the move to Tyneside this summer, his potential new club would be signing a ready-made Premier League striker. He has garnered a reputation as one of the Premier League’s biggest threats in front of goal.
Watkins has become an incredibly potent Premier League striker. Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley described the England star as a “dangerous” number nine, and it is easy to see why. He has 75 goals in 185 games in the English top flight, assisting a further 36.
Consistency has been key for the Exeter-born attacker. In the five full seasons of Premier League football he has played, Watkins has reached double figures for goals in all of them. The 2023/24 season was his best, a campaign in which he scored 16 top-flight goals.
2020/21
37
14
2021/22
35
11
2022/23
37
15
2023/24
37
19
2024/25
38
16
Well, Watkins might be a player that Elanga loves playing with. Newcastle’s new recruit, who signed from Nottingham Forest, had an impressive season in Garibaldi Red in 2024/25, scoring six goals and assisting 11 in 38 Premier League appearances.
Newcastle’s number 20 had a big role to play in their 0-0 draw against Watkins’ Villa last weekend.
His line-breaking pass on the counterattack to Gordon led Villans defender Ezri Konsa to haul down the makeshift striker, with the result a red card for the centre-back.
The winger loves to play with space ahead of him, as he said in an interview last season. He explained after a stunning solo effort against Manchester United that “attacking the space” is a key part of his game.
The fact that he can exploit that so well must be music to Watkins’ ears. The England striker has previously said himself that “running in behind and causing the defence trouble” is his “bread and butter”, as this goal against Everton last season showed.
It is easy to see why Elanga and Watkins could work so well together. Elanga is a player who loves to carry the ball and find runners in behind, and with Watkins’ ability to stretch play, this could play into his hands perfectly.
For a fee of £50m, pairing up a deadly Premier League striker and a proven assist-maker could be the perfect move for Howe.
He's Isak 2.0: Newcastle in race for £56m "future star" who wants the move
Newcastle are still searching for a striker if Isak leaves
There has been some concern from sections of the Celtic fanbase in recent weeks about the role that Paulo Bernardo is going to play for Brendan Rodgers this season.
The Portugal U21 international has been an unused substitute in both of the club’s Scottish Premiership matches so far this term, with Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Benjamin Nygren, Arne Engels, and Luke McCowan all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Paulo Bernardo
Bernardo played 28 times in the league for the Hoops in the 2024/25 campaign, but only started 13 of those matches, and produced two goals and three assists, per Sofascore.
Rodgers has seemingly decided that he is his last option in the middle of the park, though, as five other central midfielders have been used ahead of him in the opening two matches.
Celtic told asking price for midfield target
It could get even worse for Bernardo before the end of the summer transfer window, as the Hoops appear to be looking at signing another player in his position.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Claret & Hugh, West Ham United central midfielder Andy Irving is a target for Celtic, as they look to further bolster their options in the coming weeks.
The report claims that the Scotland international is not going to get regular football under Graham Potter at the London Stadium, and is on an unofficial transfer list for the Hammers.
It adds, though, that the Hoops will have to pay a fee of around £3.5m to land a deal for the left-footed maestro, who they have already turned down a bid of £2.2m for this summer.
Celtic now have to decide whether or not they want to splash the cash to bring the Scottish midfielder to Parkhead before the end of the window.
Why this is bad news for Paulo Bernardo
The news of the club’s interest in Irving, and the relatively reasonable asking price, will come as bad news to Bernardo because the arrival of another midfielder would send him even further down the pecking order.
It seems unlikely that the Hoops would want to bring in another midfielder, much less one for £3.5m, if they did not plan for the player to play a key role in the side, which means that they would be signed with the view to playing instead of the Portuguese star.
This means that the arrival of Irving could leave Bernardo as the seventh choice central midfielder for the Hoops, meaning that he would not even make the starting line-up if Rodgers switched his midfield three up completely.
Appearances
31
28
Goals
5
9
Big chances missed
0
1
Big chances created
10
7
Key passes per game
1.4
1.2
Assists
6
4
As you can see in the table above, Irving played regularly in Austria in the two seasons before the 2024/25 campaign, when he only started one game for West Ham in the Premier League, as per Sofascore.
These statistics suggest that the Scottish midfielder could provide a big threat at the top end of the pitch from the middle of the park as both a scorer and a creator of goals for his side when given the chance to play week-in-week-out.
The 25-year-old, whose football journey was described as “fascinating” by reporter Barry Anderson, could be an exciting addition to the squad as a homegrown, Scottish, talent who could provide quality depth behind the starters.
However, not everyone would be delighted by his arrival at Parkhead because it could force Bernardo to consider his short-term future at Parkhead with the summer transfer window due to close at the start of next month.
Rodgers could axe Adam Idah by sealing Celtic move for "explosive" £6m star
Celtic can drop Adam Idah from the starting line-up with a move to sign this £6m-rated star.
1 ByDan Emery Aug 12, 2025
The former Benfica starlet will not want to be the seventh choice in midfield for the 2025/26 campaign, as it may see him rarely feature on the pitch, and that is why the possible signing of Irving could result in the Portuguese talent moving on from Celtic.