All posts by h716a5.icu

Thunder shower brought the day to a premature close after Boland and Cummins struck for Australia

Matt Roller18-Jun-2023Australia took two wickets for two runs in a compelling 22-ball micro-session between rain breaks to edge ahead in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, as England lost both openers within four balls of one another.England resumed their second innings on 26 for 0 after a 75-minute delay, with thick, dark clouds hanging over the floodlights. Only 20 minutes of play were possible before another thunder shower brought the day to a premature close, but that was enough time for Pat Cummins and Scott Boland to remove Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley respectively.Related

Moeen Ali feels the pain, but should the finger be pointed at England?

Australia's 'three No. 11s' in spotlight after England target tail

Australia breathe fire in the Birmingham rain: 22 balls of drama in the dark

Ollie Robinson 'doesn't care' about reaction to Usman Khawaja send-off

Usman Khawaja admits Bazball's allure but says Australia will play their way

Duckett looked longingly at the groundstaff moments before his dismissal, who were getting the hover-cover ready on the midwicket boundary as the rain drew closer. As his focus returned to Cummins at the top of his mark, he pushed away from his body at a ball in the channel outside his off stump, and Cameron Green swooped low to his left to add another brilliant gully catch to his extensive collection.Crawley had been worked over by Boland in the previous over, twice struck on the pad by good length balls that nipped in off the seam. He was forced to play at the first ball of the next one, drawn forwards to defend another in-ducker, and his thin edge flew through to Alex Carey. For the first time in the Test match, Australia’s bowlers were the protagonists.It was a stark contrast to the final stages of play before lunch, when the same players had subsided meekly to give England a seven-run first-innings lead. Australia’s innings finished with a collapse of four wickets for 14 runs, as Ben Stokes set increasingly funky fields as if to see whether the lower order would manage to pick them out.They duly obliged: Nathan Lyon pulled Ollie Robinson straight to deep backward square leg, Boland fended Stuart Broad’s bouncer to silly point and Cummins mowed Robinson down the throat of Stokes himself at deep midwicket. It felt like a waste of the work that Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey had done, adding 118 across two days to trim the deficit.Usman Khawaja gets a pat from Joe Root as he walks off after making 141•AFP/Getty ImagesCarey offered England a chance in the first over of the day, inside-edging James Anderson’s inswinger through to Jonny Bairstow as he shaped to drive through cover. But Bairstow’s difficult return to Test wicketkeeping duties continued: he dived low to his right, only to put the catch down.He edged Anderson for four in his next over, then peeled off two in a row with a cut and a flick, but fell straight after. Anderson’s wobble-seam ball nipped in from a good length, beating Carey on the inside edge and pinging into the top of the stumps.Moeen Ali’s 36th birthday celebrations started with the news that he had been fined 25% of his match fee for spraying a “drying agent” on his bowling hand and it quickly became apparent that a workload of 29 overs in his first day of red-ball cricket in 21 months had taken its toll on his spinning finger.He was thumped down the ground for six by Khawaja in his first over of the day and let two full tosses slip to Cummins, who clobbered the second of them over midwicket. Cummins slammed a second six down the ground three balls later, but Australia were dried up by England’s short-ball ploy as Moeen left the field and the seamers returned.Stokes set a subcontinent-style field for Khawaja, first deploying four short midwickets and then the close catchers in front of the wicket on either side of the ground. Khawaja skipped down, trying to squeeze the ball through point, but only managed to york himself; Robinson gave him a send-off, but Khawaja wandered off to a standing ovation.Crawley and Duckett made a busy start after lunch, ticking over the strike with Duckett deftly paddling Lyon for a single boundary before the showers started. The rain cleared up just enough for a quick burst under dark skies; England quickly wished it hadn’t.

Manchester City are set to appoint their third coach of the year, with the target to take over after coaching at this summer's European Championships.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Man City close to appointing third manager of yearWill take over after coaching at Euro 2025City's last season ended without trophy or European football Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

As was the case on the men's side, last season was one to forget for Man City's women's team. Though they looked set to be Chelsea's biggest challengers for the Women's Super League title towards the end of 2024, that charge fell apart drastically in the New Year in a manner that led to head coach Gareth Taylor losing his job. Former boss Nick Cushing replaced him on an interim basis but that decision didn't pay off, with the 40-year-old overseeing a period which saw City lose the League Cup final, get knocked out of the Champions League and suffer an FA Cup exit, before eventually falling short of qualifying for European football, too.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

City's struggles have continued into the off-season, for which the main focus has been appointing a long-term successor to Taylor. It was expected that star defender Laia Aleixandri was to depart when her contract expired and that indeed transpired, with her looking set to join Barcelona, but the exit of goal-scoring midfielder Jill Roord was a huge shock. The Netherlands international has chosen to return home with Twente as she aims to rediscover her love for the game.

DID YOU KNOW?

However, City fans appear to be on the brink of receiving some good news now, in the form of that managerial appointment. reports that the club is in advanced discussions with Andree Jeglertz to take the role, after this summer's Euros. Jeglertz, who has a Champions League title on his CV from his time in charge of Swedish side Umea, has been with Denmark for the past two years but now looks set for a new challenge in England when his contract with the team expires after the tournament in Switzerland.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

While considered one of the best teams in England, Man City have now endured three trophyless seasons on the women's side and have not won the WSL title since their only triumph back in 2016. The club will hope that Jeglertz is the man capable of improving their fortunes, if indeed a deal is reached for him to take over ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Kent muster just 170 despite belligerent counterattack from Grant Stewart

ECB Reporters Network 10-Jul-2023Warwickshire 155 for 2 (Yates 53*) trail Kent 171 (Stewart 50, Hannon-Dalby 4-56) by 16 runsWarwickshire dominated the first day of their LV= Insurance County Championship with Kent at Canterbury, reaching 155 for two at stumps, a deficit of just 16. Rob Yates was unbeaten on 53, while Sam Hain was 29 not out.Earlier Oliver Hannon-Dalby took 4 for 56 as Kent were bowled out for 171, a score that would have been even lower had Grant Stewart not blasted 50 from 45 balls. The hosts’ last three wickets added 93, more than half their total.Australia’s Glenn Maxwell, originally signed for the Vitality Blast, made a rare first-class appearance and bowled five overs, taking nought for 17, having been awarded his Warwickshire cap in a short ceremony before the start.Kent chose to bat in broad sunshine at the Spitfire Ground, but approached their innings as if they were still in T20 mode. Their openers were diligent enough in seeing out the first ten overs but the loss of Ben Compton seemed to flick a switch, ushering in a spell of four wickets for 19 runs in the space of 4.5 overs. Chris Rushworth started the collapse when he found Compton’s edge and he was caught behind for 9.Joe Denly lasted just just four balls before he was lbw to Henry Brookes for 1 and Harry Finch’s first red-ball appearance of the season was even shorter as he made a three-ball duck, Rushworth finding his bottom edge and Michael Burgess taking a sharp catch standing up to the stumps.Jack Leaning had made a relatively untroubled 7, but when Tawanda Muyeye nudged the ball to mid-on he hared down the wicket and made it almost as far as the striker’s end before realising his partner hadn’t moved, allowing Will Rhodes to walk in and break the wicket.Jordan Cox nearly met the same fate and although he was spared by a misfield, he’d made just 15 before he pulled Hannon-Dalby to Alex Davies at square leg. A disastrous session for the hosts came to an end when the same bowler had Muyeye lbw for 38.If that decision was harsh, Muyeye was the only batter who could really claim he had been unlucky. Joey Evison went for 4 in the second over after lunch, victim of a tumbling catch by Burgess after he’d nicked Hannon-Dalby and it was left to Stewart to play the Stokes role. He smashed Hannon-Dalby for a six that sailed over cow corner and through the branches of the St. Lawrence lime tree and was joined by Matt Quinn for a stand of 40 that proved the highest of the innings.Quinn’s frenetic 15-ball cameo yielded a six and three fours before Brookes had him caught by the sub fielder, his brother Ethan, for 25.Arshdeep Singh hit his first ball for six, but he left the pyrotechnics to Stewart, who dumped Hannon-Dalby for successive sixes over cow corner before his luck ran out when the same bowler had him caught on the boundary.It had been an entertaining hour, but it looked a low score and lower still as Warwickshire advanced to 69 without loss. The opening stand was broken when Alex Davies was lbw for 42, perhaps unluckily, to Evison. Hamid Qadri then had Will Rhodes caught behind for 25, but Yates was on 42 when Kent missed a difficult chance to run him out and he and Hain were otherwise unflustered as they batted through the evening session.

Mexico share Group A with the Dominican Republic, Suriname, and Costa Rica

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Debuts on Saturday against the Dominican RepublicAims for their 10th titleCurrent champion, having won in 2023Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyMEXICO CAN WIN IF

The tough time the USMNT is going through, combined with the absence of Christian Pulisic – who declined to participate in this summer's Gold Cup – increasingly opens the door for Mexico to become the tournament’s top favorite, not to mention Canada, which is going through a strong run of form.

may not be experiencing one of their best generations – in fact, several experts predict a major failure at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, despite the team playing on home soil.

Yet, the Gold Cup should be more straightforward. Mexico share Group A with the Dominican Republic – their opponent on Saturday – Suriname, and Costa Rica. On paper, only the match against the represents a real challenge for Javier Aguirre's team. Mexico and their former manager, Miguel Herrera, will face off in a match full of intrigue, but to be honest, El Tri are significantly stronger than Costa Rica.

In the second round, they could face the United States if it advances but fails to win its group. That’s where the real test would begin for and his squad.

Mexico can win if they find defensive solidity, which appears to be their weakest point in this edition of the Gold Cup. The offense should find its rhythm quickly, as it's where the national team has the most firepower.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMEXICO WON'T WIN BECAUSE

Aguirre’s team might fail to win the Gold Cup due to overconfidence. In terms of squad depth, the national team is superior to both the United States and Canada – two sides that could nonetheless deny them the title. El Tri, which dominated in the Nations League, have already shown several weaknesses during recent friendlies against Switzerland and Turkey, especially on the defensive end.

On the road to the final, they could face tough opponents like the aforementioned teams, as well as Panama and Jamaica – sides that always make things difficult. We'll see how strong the Saudi Arabian team turns out to be, a team that could very well leave Mexico empty-handed.

Getty Images SportKEY PLAYER

In terms of form, we could say that Raúl Jiménez is currently Mexico’s most in-form player. is also close to catching up with Jared Borgetti and Chicharito, the all-time top scorers for the Mexican National Team.

But let’s be honest – it’s Santiago Giménez’s moment. Without a doubt, he is the best Mexican player in Europe right now as he plays with AC Milan. However, he’s struggled to find consistency with the national team, having scored just four goals in 34 appearances for Still, in Mexico, fans are confident he’ll shake off that bad run and arrive at the 2026 World Cup as the team’s star.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportX-FACTOR

Marcel Ruiz. Fans were loudly calling for his inclusion in the Mexican National Team, and Aguirre delivered by naming him to the 26-man roster. He had an outstanding season with Toluca, who went on to win the Clausura 2025 title. Aguirre started him against Turkey, and he left a strong impression. "He’s a star," the coach admitted after the final warm-up match ahead of the Gold Cup.

We’ll see if Ruiz gains prominence during the tournament and manages to break into Aguirre’s starting lineups. Other players who could also emerge as potential X-factors include Alexis Vega and Orbelín Pineda.

The duo strike fiftes to take their side to a record 201 before Topley’s three-for restrict Brave to 141

Matthew Luddington06-Aug-2023Quick half-centuries from Harry Brook and Matthew Short guided Northern Superchargers to a 60-run victory over Southern Brave as the visitors piled up a record score.Brook smashed 63 off 27 in his first innings since the Ashes as the Superchargers racked up 201 for 3 – the second-highest total in the men’s competition’s history and the highest by the Superchargers team.Short began the free scoring as the Australian clubbed 73 off 36 in a first-wicket partnership of 97 with Tom Banton, who added 44 as only Rehan Ahmed and Tymal Mills picked up wickets.Reece Topley took 3 for 30 as Superchargers continued their unbeaten start, and Brave suffered their second defeat in three matches.Short overturned an lbw decision on 4 before unleashing an astonishing assault of drives, pulls, flicks, and punches on the Brave bowlers in his incredible innings of 73.When Short finally holed out to deep midwicket off Rehan, Banton took on the mantle of big hitting, targeting Leus du Plooy and Mills with some sensational shots.Craig Overton dropped a simple chance at long-on with Brook on 12, and this proved costly as the Yorkshireman took Tim David for three consecutive sixes. Overton partially redeemed himself by taking the catch to dismiss Banton for 44 after he skied a Mills slower ball.David Wiese was run-out. However, Brook continued to inflict punishment on the bowlers, and Adam Hose’s six off the final ball of the innings took Superchargers to a record score.Brave did not get off to a quick start in the chase as they only reached 11 off the first 10 balls, and lost opener Finn Allen who drove straight to mid-on.James Vince started well, latching on to two wide deliveries from Wayne Parnell and helping consecutive leg-side deliveries from Topley behind square for boundaries.But the run rate slowed down as spin dominated, especially left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson, who varied his pace effectively and found turn off a sticky pitch, and England leg-spinner Adil Rashid who used his full repertoire of deliveries.Devon Conway was caught in the deep off Parnell while Vince top-edged Rashid to point on the ring. Soon after, Du Plooy was bowled by Topley. David put on some fireworks for the 12,569 Ageas Bowl crowd with four sixes in his 40 off 19 balls, but it was not enough. He was caught attempting a fifth, as Superchargers secured a dominant victory.

All you need to know about Argentina's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Crowned champions of the world in 2022, Argentina will be defending their coveted title in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.

The Albiceleste defeated France in a thrilling final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar to lift their third World Cup title, and their first since Diego Maradona’s iconic triumph in Mexico in 1986. Kylian Mbappe’s brilliant hat trick nearly stole the game from Lionel Scaloni’s side, but Emiliano Martinez’s heroics in the penalty shootout sealed the win for the men in blue and white for the crowning moment in Lionel Messi's illustrious career.

They comfortably secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup by topping the CONMEBOL qualifiers, beating arch-rivals Brazil both home and away along the way.

The Albiceleste are a force to be reckoned with, having won two Copa Americas and one World Cup in just four years. They will once again enter the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting quality players in every position – including the legendary Messi, who is set to play in his final World Cup. Despite his age, Messi continues to perform at a high level in MLS and remains capable of changing games single-handedly.

Ahead of the 2026 showpiece, GOAL takes a look at the possible squad that could travel to the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

(C)Getty ImagesGoalkeepers

Barring any surprises, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is expected to start in goal for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. Martinez has played a crucial role in Argentina’s recent success, delivering match-winning performances in both their Copa America and World Cup triumphs. He is nearly unbeatable in penalty shootouts, using mind games that can shake even the best strikers at the biggest moments.

Geronimo Rulli of Marseille is expected to serve as the backup goalkeeper in the squad, with former PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez likely to complete the group of goalkeepers, even if Juan Musso will not have given up hope of making it just yet.

Player Club

Emiliano MartinezAston VillaGeronimo RulliMarseilleWalter BenitezCrystal PalaceJuan MussoAtletico MadridAdvertisementGetty Images SportDefenders

The Argentines are well covered in the defensive department, with numerous quality options in every position. The center-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez is arguably among the best in the world, with both players leading the backline and defending with aggression and composure.

Meanwhile, the experienced Nicolas Otamendi remains a reliable choice for Lionel Scaloni’s side as well, while World Cup-winning penalty scorer Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina are strong options off the bench, providing valuable depth and flexibility in case of injuries.

Promising youngsters such as Valentin Barco, Julio Soler and Mariano Troilo will also be hoping to make the cut, but have their work cut out to break into the final roster.

Player Club

Juan FoythVillarrealValentin BarcoStrasbourgFacundo MedinaLensLeonardo Balerdi MarseilleCristian RomeroTottenham HotspurNahuel MolinaAtletico MadridNicolas OtamendiBenficaLisandro MartinezManchester UnitedNicolas TagliaficoMarseilleGerman Pezzella River PlateGonzalo Montiel SevillaNehuen PerezPortoMarcos AcunaRiver PlateMariano TroiloBelgranoJulio SolerBournemouthGetty Images SportMidfielders

Alongside a strong defense, the Albiceleste are also well equipped in midfield. Scaloni will have a blend of experienced players and exciting young talents to choose from for the 2026 World Cup.

The likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Leandro Paredes played key roles in Argentina’s 2022 triumph and remain vital figures in the squad.

Emerging talents such as Franco Mastantuono and Claudio Echeverri have been performing brilliantly for their respective clubs and could offer fresh options for Scaloni heading into the tournament, while someone like Thiago Almada has also impressed in Scaloni’s system and could play a significant role to play at the World Cup next year.

Player Club

Leandro ParedesAS RomaRodrigo De PaulAtletico MadridEnzo FernandezChelseaThiago AlmadaLyonExequiel PalaciosBayer LeverkusenNicolas PazComoFranco MastantuonoReal MadridGiovani Lo CelsoReal BetisAlexis Mac AllisterLiverpoolClaudio EcheverriManchester CityGuido RodriguezWest Ham UnitedENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesAttackers

Argentina are also well stacked in attack. In fact, it is in the attacking department where the Albiceleste are arguably at their strongest. Led by none other than Lionel Messi, fans will be hoping for yet another magical campaign from the legendary number 10.

Messi is well supported in attack by the likes of Julian Alvarez, who played a key role in the 2022 triumph, while Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez has also been at the peak of his game, playing an important role for both his club and the national team. Martinez was the top scorer of the 2024 Copa America, even netting the winner in the final against Colombia.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone’s son, Giuliano Simeone, has also been impressive for the world champions and could emerge as a potential option to start at the World Cup.

They will be without the legendary Angel Di Maria though, who announced his retirement after their 2024 Copa America title victory.

Player Club

Julian AlvarezAtletico MadridLionel MessiInter MiamiNicolas GonzalezJuventusGiuliano SimeoneAtletico MadridLautaro MartinezInter MilanAngel CorreaAtletico MadridPaulo DybalaAS RomaMatias SouleAS RomaAlejandro GarnachoManchester United

Captain lashes out at star opener after World Cup squad omission

Mohammad Isam27-Sep-2023Shakib Al Hasan, has launched a scathing attack on Tamim Iqbal ahead of the World Cup, calling him “childish” and criticising Tamim for putting himself ahead of the team’s needs.Tamim has been in and out of the Bangladesh side, battling a persistent back injury, which on Tuesday was cited as the reason for his exclusion from the World Cup squad. Except, earlier today, Tamim took to Facebook to insist he would have been fit enough to take part in the tournament and that the reason he won’t be travelling to India is because he had grown weary of the BCB creating roadblocks for him. One of which, he said, was a top board official asking him to bat down the order.”I am sure someone who is authorized had said this (to Tamim),” Shakib, the Bangladesh captain, told the Dhaka-based TV channel T-Sports in an interview that was aired on Wednesday night. “I am sure whoever has said it, he thought of the team. A lot of things go into building a combination for a match. So if someone has said this to him, was it wrong? Or we can’t make such a proposal? I am just going to tell someone that you can do whatever you want. Is the team first or the individual?”Related

Tamim Iqbal to 'wait till January' before deciding on his international future

Hathurusinghe deflects Shakib vs Tamim talk, wants focus to be on making final four

Shakib Al Hasan outlines his retirement plan

Tamim hits out at BCB; claims he would have been fit in time for World Cup

In a sustained and unsparing critique, Shakib said Tamim was being selfish in not thinking of the team.”Someone like Rohit Sharma built his career from No. 7 to opener, scored 10,000-plus runs. If he sometimes bats at No 3 or 4, would it be a big problem? It is totally childish. It is my bat, I will play. No one else can play. A player should bat at any position for the team. Team first. It doesn’t make any difference if you have made 100 or 200, and the team loses. What can you do with personal achievement? You want to make a name for yourself?”You are not thinking about the team at all. People don’t understand these things. Why was the proposal given to him? It was for the team. What is wrong in that? You are a team man when you agree to such a proposal. Unless you are thinking along those lines, you are not a team man. You are playing for individual records, success, fame, and name. Not for the team.”Tamim’s troubles began in July during a home series against Afghanistan, where he said he was playing through a back injury, the same one that he is currently managing. It led to his missing the Asia Cup and the final match of his comeback series as well, against New Zealand, earlier this week.Shakib said he didn’t want to carry a player with a fitness question mark over him into the World Cup and even went to the extent of saying anyone playing without being 100% fit is cheating the team.Tamim Iqbal did not like being asked to bat down the order•AFP/Getty Images”I didn’t discuss the subject with the particular player, medical team or selector. It is definitely the board’s decision. People might doubt my capability or capacity but someone like MS Dhoni, who has won everything and has the knowledge and sense, once said that the unfit player who is playing is cheating his team and country. I think we should accept it, and not just Tamim but every player (that you have to be fully fit when playing for the team or country).”Other teams have similar concerns, like New Zealand have named their captain Kane Williamson for the World Cup despite him not being 100% after an ACL injury. But there has already been clarity around the extent of his participation and the lack of certainty when it comes to Tamim appears to be a sticking point.”Kane Williamson won’t play the first two matches, but then he will start playing,” Shakib said. “If I knew something like this, I wouldn’t have any problems. But if I know that there’s uncertainty about him playing the seventh or the third or the first game, or that I will only know in the morning of the game, it will be difficult for me to select the team. I don’t think we need such a player.”There has been speculation that Tamim was only fit enough to play five matches at the World Cup and though the opener has refuted them as lies, not everyone is convinced.”I certainly heard that he will play selectively,” Shakib said. “A journalist can’t really tell you that he will come to the office an hour before he wants to come to office. If you ask me personally, if I was the company CEO, I won’t keep that employee. Although I never had any discussion about this matter.”Shakib also took a dim view of Tamim choosing to resign as ODI captain just two months out from the World Cup. “I have often heard in the dressing room that he is leaving the captaincy. Even a player once told him that ‘, leave it early so that the new captain gets a bit of time’. Exactly that’s what happened. The one who came in, didn’t get the time. Each and everyone knew including the selectors and board officials. Papon (BCB president Nazmul Hassan) certainly knew about it.”I don’t know why he didn’t leave it (earlier). He can tell you. It is like, your commander takes you to war but (Shakib mimicking a solider) after he has got you ready, the commander isn’t telling you to fire or retreat. Where will you go? We were in this situation in the last two matches against Afghanistan (in July).”The captain wouldn’t have changed ahead of the Asia Cup and the World Cup, unless he himself announced that he was resigning or retiring. It would have happened 18 months ago, when everyone knew what was about to happen.”

Aston Villa have officially rejected the chance to take up their option on Marcus Rashford, who wants to leave Manchester United for an overseas club.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Aston Villa reject Rashford dealForward due to return for Man Utd pre-seasonWants a move abroadFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Villa had the chance to sign Rashford for £40 million as part of the loan agreement that brought the forward to the club in January, but the club have confirmed his departure, thanking him for his "amazing efforts and contributions".

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

It has now been reported that Rashford is seeking a move away from the Premier League this summer. Journalist David Ornstein claims the England international is keen to win titles overseas.

DID YOU KNOW?

The same report states that Rashford is open to another loan move from Old Trafford, with a swap deal also a possibility. It has been claimed that Barcelona is his dream move, with the La Liga champions giving some thought to the idea.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

Rashford may have to wait until late in the summer to seal a transfer to Barca. The club are intent on signing Nico Williams as a first-choice winger but could make a loan move for Rashford once they know their financial situation at the end of the window. For now, he is due to report for pre-season at United on July 7.

Rangers boss Russell Martin has kept the door open for a potential move to bring Jamie Vardy to Ibrox following the veteran striker's Leicester City departure. The former Southampton manager refused to confirm or deny interest after Rangers’ 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with Club Brugge, teasing fans that the truth behind the transfer talk would become clear in the coming weeks.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Martin refuses to deny Vardy links with RangersGenoa failed in move for free agent Vardy this weekRangers boss promises “real” targets will emerge soonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Martin was quizzed about Rangers’ interest in Vardy but gave a deliberately vague response. He acknowledged that rumours were circulating but refused to confirm whether Vardy was a genuine target. The 38-year-old forward recently left Leicester after scoring nine goals in the Premier League last season.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT MARTIN SAID

Speaking to the media, Martin said: "I think I've been asked about so many players.

"Some miles away, some on the money. So basically, I'm not going to give you an answer on that.

"But I guess you'll find out who's real and who's not in the next few weeks."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Vardy, who netted 200 goals in 500 appearances for Leicester, is a free agent after ending a storied 13-year spell at the King Power Stadium. His availability has sparked interest across Europe, with Genoa reportedly rejecting the chance to sign him. Rangers are eyeing reinforcements as Martin prepares for a major squad reshuffle this summer.

The Rangers boss added: "I think we definitely want to do more, for sure and also probably some players need to move on as well at some point because the squad's going to start looking very big and very heavy."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Martin hinted that several new signings could arrive soon while also suggesting current players may depart to trim the squad. Alongside Vardy, Rangers have been linked with Conor Coady and Nasser Djiga as part of their rebuild.

The Victoria attack toiled in Mackay but Mitch Perry picked up three wickets

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff15-Oct-2023Matt Renshaw gave his hopes of a Test recall an important boost after scoring a century in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria in South Mackay.In reply to Victoria’s sub-par 253, Queensland reached 297 for 4 by stumps on day two courtesy of Renshaw’s 135 from 262 balls.Renshaw struck seven fours and three sixes during his patient knock, combining with Bryce Street, in an opening stand of 139 which spanned 52 overs, and Joe Burns to thrust the hosts into the box seat.Related

'I've paid my dues' – Bancroft confident the past won't impact Test future

Short's hundred salvages Victoria's opening day against Queensland

South Australia stumble after McSweeney's fighting fifty

Renshaw’s century was a timely one. With David Warner to retire from Test cricket after the third Test against Pakistan in January, the race is on to replace him.Last season’s leading Shield run-scorer Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris are among the contenders that Renshaw will have to battle against.Renshaw has an average of 29.31 from his 14 Tests, with his most recent appearance coming in India in February this year.The 27-year-old returned scores of 0, 2 and 2 during that tour, and he’ll be aiming to make amends for that low run of scores if he gets another chance in the baggy green this summer.Mitchell Perry was the pick of Victoria’s bowlers on Sunday with 3 for 46, but the day belonged to Queensland.Renshaw’s big knock was finally brought undone when he edged Perry through to the keeper. Test offspinner Todd Murphy had earlier broken the opening stand when he got one to turn and bounce against Street.Victoria lost their opening Shield clash of the season to Western Australia by an innings and 53 runs, and they were deep trouble against Queensland after slumping to 41 for 4 on the opening dayMatt Short’s 100 off 175 balls ensured they reached a somewhat respectable total, but Queensland took complete control of the match courtesy of Renshaw’s innings.