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County Championship: Nottinghamshire on verge of title as Surrey’s bid wilts on day cricket pays tribute to Dickie Bid | Cricket News

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Nottinghamshire are on the brink of a seventh County Championship title after
they moved to within two points of glory on day one of their concluding fixture
against Warwickshire.

Ahead of the final matches of the season, teams across the country paid tributes to legendary umpire Dickie Bird, whose death at the age of 92 was announced on Tuesday.

After bowling Warwickshire all out for 258 – the visitors losing their last five wickets for just 14 runs – on Wednesday, Nottinghamshire will take their first championship in 15 years if they reach 300 with the bat on Thursday.

Dan Mousley top-scored with 74 runs for Warwickshire while Brett Hutton led the way for the champions-elect with four wickets.

Surrey‘s title-winning hopes are all-but over after they were skittled out for 147 by Hampshire.

The defending champions headed into the final round 14 points adrift of Nottinghamshire but Kyle Abbott, James Fuller and Washington Sundar took three wickets apiece in a commanding bowling display from the hosts.

Hampshire then recorded 154-3 to lead by seven runs in a boost to their hopes of avoiding relegation.

England bowler Ollie Robinson put Sussex in command of their match against Worcestershire after he took six wickets as the home side were dismissed for just 123.

Jaydev Unadkat also contributed with 4-43 before James Coles top-scored with 102 as Surrey finished on 228-5 to lead by 105 runs.

David Bedingham scored 93 before Ben Raine finished on 87 not out as Durham scored 322-7 in their relegation clash with Yorkshire at Headingley.

It marked a strong fightback after Durham were left on 7-2 when Alex Lees (three) and Emilio Gay (four) were removed inside the first five overs.

A minute’s applause was held in memory of Yorkshire umpire and former player Bird ahead of the match.

Josh Thomas and James Rew inspired Somerset to a commanding start in their game against Essex at Chelmsford.

Essex‘s Division One future is still yet to be confirmed but they ended the opening day off the pace after the visiting side scored 339-6.

Thomas (86 off 127 balls) and Rew (74 off 115 deliveries) laid the foundations with Lewis Goldsworthy also securing a half-century (61 not out) on an impressive first day for Somerset.

Division Two: Leicestershire mount comeback, with Lancashire in control against Glamorgan

In Division Two, Stephen Eskinazi delivered an unbeaten 150 in a Leicestershire comeback against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.

George Scrimshaw struck twice prior to lunch to reduce the hosts to 110-4 before Eskinazi powered his way to his highest Championship score in eight years as Leicestershire ended the day on 392-7.

Wayne Madsen and Luis Reece put Derbyshire in control against Kent at Canterbury after both batters recorded centuries. Madsen finished on 147 not out, while Reece ended with an unbeaten 123 as the visitors reached 389-2.

Tom Bailey starred with the ball for Lancashire as his five-wicket haul helped bowl Glamorgan out for 265 in Cardiff.

Glamorgan have already won promotion but they played second fiddle to their opponents on day one, with Timm van der Gugten (53) the only batter to record a half-century.

Keaton Jennings (39 not out) and Luke Wells (19 not out) ensured Lancashire ended the day on 55 without the loss of a wicket to consolidate their strong start.

Leus du Plooy’s brilliant 24th first-class hundred put Middlesex in the driving seat against Gloucestershire at Lord’s.

Du Plooy remained unbeaten on 171 as Middlesex scored 394-5 on an impressive opening day for the hosts.

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Liverpool Now Pushing to Complete £100m Deal to Sign ‘Elite’ Barcola

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Liverpool are now said to be planning to spend huge money on their statement winger signing. The Reds have had a pretty quiet summer so far, snapping up Victor Muñoz, while they had already agreed to sign Jeremy Jacquet to replace Ibrahima Konate, who departed at the end of his contract.

But Andoni Iraola is going to want a handful of signings to polish off his squad and ensure he has the tools he needs to play within his attack-first, largely wing-based style of play. And as luck would have if for the Spaniard, Mo Salah left this summer, leaving an almighty hole on the wing.

Liverpool are expected to address that hole as their main priority, while they could also add to the midfield before the summer is out.

Liverpool ready to spend big on new winger

Bradley Barcola Reuters/Sam Navarro

PSG winger Bradley Barcola has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer. The France World Cup star is said to have rejected a new contract proposal from PSG this summer, hoping to depart Parc des Princes to become a star elsewhere.

Barcola has played an important role in Luis Enrique’s side, winning two Champions League titles along the way, but the presence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia means a starting role on the left is not going to come any time soon. Barcola has played a supplementary role on the left, and he has had to play out of position to get more regular football.

But at 23 years of age and clearly a huge talent, he feels as though he can play a starring role elsewhere, and he is likely right. Liverpool are hoping to take advantage of the situation, and The Times say they are ready to pay £100million in a bid to make the deal happen.

But PSG value Barcola highly, and buoyed by the huge fees paid within the Premier League this summer, notably by Chelsea for Morgan Rogers and Manchester City for Elliot Anderson, they think Barcola is worth as much as £145million.

Liverpool will want to convince them to lower their fee, and Barcola can help by further pushing for a move, but it’s no secret that PSG do not need the money, and they can be a tough club to negotiate with for that reason.

Barcola an ‘elite’ attacker

Bradley Barcola warms up before Paris Saint-Germain match REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

PSG boss Luis Enrique is a big fan of Barcola’s, which explains why the French club offered the winger a new deal this summer. The former Spain boss said last year: “I think Barcola is one of the best dribblers in Europe. He has extraordinary qualities. We are delighted with him.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool reporter James Pearce has described Barcola as an ‘elite’ talent, saying: “Victor Munoz, earlier on in the window, was kind of with one eye on the future. He’s still kind of potential rather than the finished article. Barcola is elite, isn’t he? He’s been part of such a successful PSG team, and when you’re replacing someone of Salah’s status, it has to be someone who is ready.”

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Tottenham Tipped to Sign Marcus Rashford Next, De Zerbi Wants Him

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Tottenham Hotspur could sign Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford this summer, with an offer in the region of £30 million expected to be enough to seal a prospective deal, according to talkSPORT.

Rashford enjoyed a relatively productive stint on loan at Barcelona last term, netting 14 goals and registering 11 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. Despite this, La Blaugrana opted against purchasing the 28-year-old permanently, instead moving for the player’s international teammate Anthony Gordon, in a deal that came to £69 million with Newcastle.

This has left Rashford in limbo, with his dream move no longer on the cards, and a return to the fold at Old Trafford not said to be on the table.

Arsenal have been linked with a shock move for the Englishman, although it now appears a different North London club could be leading the charge to land the wide forward.

Marcus Rashford Could Make Shock Spurs Switch

marcus rashford

Rashford and United have cut ties completely, and thus, the player’s representatives and the north-west club are looking for a solution for him this summer.

Arsenal have long been mooted as a potential suitor for the divisive winger, but talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook doesn’t believe Mikel Arteta would approve signing a player who doesn’t fit into his dressing room culture at the Emirates.

Instead, Crook has revealed that he ‘could see’ Rashford ending up signing for the Gunners’ North London rivals, Tottenham.

“I think if he goes anywhere in London, I’m keeping an eye on Tottenham,” he told talkSPORT.

“I could see that deal happening. Roberto De Zerbi believes that he can get the best out of Marcus Rashford.

“When you say a cheap deal, I think probably an offer of £30million will be accepted by Manchester United, but you have to factor in he’s on £325,000 a week at Old Trafford, and doesn’t seem too willing to take a pay cut.”

Tottenham Should Avoid Marcus Rashford This Summer

Marcus Rashford via Reuters

Spurs have spent big on their defence and midfield already this summer, adding the likes of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke to Roberto De Zerbi’s ranks for a combined £237 million.

Thus, the Lilywhites might be looking for a market opportunity as they attempt to bolster their attack. Given Rashford could be available for as little as £30 million, Spurs would be forgiven for viewing the England international as a potential bargain signing.

However, when you factor in his enormous wage package, which Crook alluded to, then the player looks rather expensive all of a sudden. Combine this with his age and the fact that he’d likely want a lengthy contract, and the deal becomes somewhat unappealing.

Spurs continue to be linked with Manchester City’s Savinho, who would come with less baggage, a cheaper wage and many more years ahead of him.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

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Arsenal Target ‘Super Talent’ Rayan

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Arsenal fans are waiting for a statement signing in the summer transfer market as the club look to follow up their title triumph with more silverware.

The Gunners have already added to Mikel Arteta’s squad for the new season with the additions of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer and attacker Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.

Piero Hincapie has also joined on a permanent deal from Bayer Leverkusen after such a successful loan spell in Arsenal’s title-winning campaign.

Amid the club’s interest in a blockbuster move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, a report from Sky Sports on Wednesday indicated that the Brazilian will be remaining at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and the Spanish giants are confident he will agree on a new contract.

Another Brazilian to sign?

Rayan Brazil (Bournemouth) celebrates against Japan at the 2026 World Cup Action Images/REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Arsenal are one of five clubs interested in a move for Bournemouth star Rayan, according to The Sun.

The Brazilian wowed in his game time for the Cherries in the second half of last season after joining from Vasco da Gama in the January transfer window.

Signed for £24.7m with £5.6m in potential add-ons, the 19-year-old right-winger contributed five goals and two assists in 15 games as Bournemouth secured a place in Europe for the first time in their history.

Rayan was such a hit for Bournemouth that Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Arsenal are all keen on the Brazil international.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

The Sun report that the Gunners are considering making a bid but they must resolve the futures of both Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson first of all to help balance the books.

The report states that Arsenal believe moving fast for Rayan is essential, especially considering interest from the aforementioned quartet.

It is claimed that a bid in the region of £85m would represent exceptional value to Bournemouth’s owners, with the Brazilian described as a ‘world-class talent’ by Cherries teammate Marcus Tavernier.

Rayan praise

Rayan

Rayan’s first few months in England will only help him going forward and he will no doubt star in the Premier League this season.

Scoring in only his second appearance for Bournemouth in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, the teenager came in for plenty of praise and was hailed as a “super talent” by Danny Murphy when speaking on Match of the Day.

“Second half they [Bournemouth] were really good. Villa were decent in the first half, [Morgan] Rogers, [Jadon] Sancho, but Bournemouth have been on a good run recently and Rayan, the new signing who they brought in to replace [Antoine] Semenyo, he’s young, he’s 19, he goes both ways.

“His final ball sometimes didn’t work, but his positivity and his willingness to beat people and try and make things happen is always refreshing.

“He was sometimes coming in and playing and passing and making the right choices, and then when he had the space, he’d try and beat his fullback, go one-on-one.

“He grew into the game in the second half, more and more starting to get on it and try and dominate, as the whole team did actually.”

On Rayan’s goal, he added: “This is really bad defending [from Lucas Digne], but still, the pace, the power, the positivity, and the finish there on his so-called weaker foot will do him the world of good to score on your first full game for your club and get the fans on board. He looks a super talent.”

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