da pinup bet： Arsenal love signing a defender. Even this summer, with the Gunners’ need for more quality and depth in attack abundantly clear, it’s not stopped them from looking at more defensive options.

da luck： Dean Huijsen was regularly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after a fabulous debut campaign at Bournemouth, one that even saw him score against Mikel Arteta’s side.

Yet, he ended up heading back to his native country where the Spanish centre-back signed for Real Madrid in time for the Club World Cup.

Also on their radar is Ajax’s young superstar defender, Jorrel Hato.

Why Arsenal want to sign Jorrel Hato

Last summer, there was interest from Arsenal in signing the Dutch starlet from Ajax, but he ultimately stayed put in Amsterdam.

The Gunners turned their attention to another hybrid defender instead, signing Italian star Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

Well, a year on, the interest remains in the 19-year-old sensation. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano who reported last week that Arsenal have been in contact with the Dutch side about potentially signing him.

So, why do they want him? Well, in the words of scout Jacek Kulig, Hato is “one of the most talented centre-backs of his generation in Europe”, rubberstamping the teenager’s simply frightening potential.

Despite being a centre-back by trade, it was actually at left-back where the youngster thrived for Ajax in 2024/25, playing 46 games in that role.

From that position, he put in some seriously impressive performances. Indeed, compared to full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues and the continent’s premier competitions, he ranks among the best 9% of players for pass accuracy per 90 minutes, the top 14% for aerial duels won and the best 14% for interceptions.

As data analyst Ben Mattinson also outlined, he’s a bit of a “Jurrien Timber 2.0”. That’s not just because he can play competently in the middle and on the sides, but he’s also incredibly hard to beat.

Timber was very rarely beaten by a defender in 2024/25, only losing 0.34 challenges per 90 minutes, enough to rank him among the best 5% of full-backs in the Premier League. Hato is even better in this regard, ranking in the finest 1% of players in the top five leagues for his metric, losing just 0.10 challenges per 90.

So, he’s really one of the best in his position, even before he’s reached his 20th birthday. There wouldn’t be many better Huijsen alternatives out there, that’s for sure.

But, what would his arrival mean for those already at the club?

What Hato's arrival would mean for Arsenal

Well, it’s safe to say that Arsenal don’t have a bottomless pit of money this summer and if they are going to spend big, it surely has to be on strengthening the forward ranks.

Transfer Focus

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

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Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres continue to be linked with a move to bolster the striking ranks at Arteta’s disposal. Thus, how can they free up room for Hato, both in terms of game time and financially?

Well, with Kieran Tierney already out the exit door, heading for Celtic, there’s one less competitor for a place at left-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly could also be moved into midfield, his more natural position.

But, as far as sales go, we’re looking at Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Kiwior looked certain to leave a few months ago but after Gabriel’s hamstring injury, the Pole came in and deputised to an exceptional level.

He notably kept a clean sheet in the win over Real Madrid at the Emirates and looked the more assured of the two between him and William Saliba at the Bernabeu, where it was the Frenchman’s error that led to a Madrid consolation goal. He even scored in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Game time of Arsenal’s left-sided defenders in 2024/25

Player

Games

Minutes played

Gabriel

42

3,500

Jakub Kiwior

30

2,155

Riccardo Calafiori

29

1,497

Myles Lewis-Skelly

39

2,306

Oleksandr Zinchenko

23

789

Kieran Tierney

20

447

Data via Transfermarkt.

So, with Kiwior now more likely to stay, it will surely be Zinchenko to depart. According to new reports, he could now be ‘closing in’ on an exit.

Back in January, the £30m signing from Manchester City attracted the interest of Borussia Dortmund but a move ultimately didn’t happen.

Six months down the line and a deal could finally materialise with Dortmund once again monitoring the situation, according to Caught Offside. The same report notes that Zinchenko has a fellow suitor in the form of AC Milan who view him as a possible reinforcement.

Arsenal would now be happy to sell the Ukrainian, but only if they receive a fee in the region of £10m-£15m.

A departure this summer would be unsurprising, particularly given his waning minutes over the season that’s just concluded.

Indeed, the 28-year-old has gone from one of the first names on the teamsheet back in his debut year in London to someone who can barely get a game.

He revolutionised the style Arteta’s side played with, inverting from his left-back position but the manager has now found fresher blood capable of doing that, chiefly Lewis-Skelly.

Zinchenko only played 23 games in all competitions in 2024/25 and only started five league games all season long. It’s safe to say it wasn’t the finest year of his career, even if he did score a Champions League goal against PSV Eindhoven.

So, if the former City title-winner does move on, not only will it free up funds for more transfer business but it would also free up a space in the squad for Hato to fill.

For Andrea Berta, this is surely a no-brainer if the stars align.

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The visitors sensed victory before rain wiped out 17 overs and they ran out of time

AAP26-Nov-2024

Cameron Bancroft fought his way to a century•Getty Images

Cameron Bancroft produced a breakthrough Sheffield Shield century but rain and a stubborn knock from Liam Scott ended Western Australia’s bid to secure victory against South Australia.Bancroft struck an unbeaten 105 off 255 balls as WA set South Australia a victory target of 364 off 90 overs. They were precariously placed at 170 for 5 after 60.1 overs – with debutant Keaton Critchell taking three wickets – when a rain break wiped out 17 overs.Related

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The loss of Harry Nielsen in the first over after the rain break meant WA needed just four more wickets with 12.2 overs remaining. But Scott (33 not out off 106 balls) and Ben Manenti survived before the game was deemed a draw with three balls remaining.There was unexpected drama late in the match when Hilton Cartwright was forced off the field after being accidentally struck in the head by the ball. Cartwright wasn’t looking when Bancroft tossed the ball to him from five metres away, but luckily the impact was only minor.Bancroft started the season as a genuine chance to win the vacant opener’s spot in the Test side following two mammoth years with the bat. But his form turned to mush so quickly over the past two months that critics even started questioning whether he deserved to keep his spot in the WA side.Bancroft opened the Shield campaign with scores of 0, 0, 8 and 2. In his two matches for Australia A, which effectively doubled as a bat-off for the vacant top-order spot in the Test team, Bancroft scored 0, 16, 3 and 0.Nathan McSweeney ended up winning the Test call-up, and Bancroft went on to make 12 and 11 in his next Shield match against Victoria, before opening the current Shield clash with a first-ball duck, despite not appearing to have edged the ball.It continued a rotten run of luck for Bancroft, with a number of his dismissals this season appearing to be umpiring errors. But his luck finally changed.Bancroft made it to stumps on Monday unbeaten on 71, and he had one edge fall short and another edge fly too high for the fielder on Tuesday on the way to reaching his 30th first-class century.The 32-year-old raised his bat and helmet to the sky upon reaching triple figures, with the knock an important step in his bid to get back in the conversation for a Test call-up.WA young gun Jayden Goodwin was named player of the match for his scores of 139 and 69.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney admits he's taking a back seat when it comes to his son Kai's budding career as a footballer.

Kai Rooney playing for Man Utd's Under-16sIn the goals during summer tournamentFamous dad taking refreshing approachFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kai Rooney is on Manchester United's books and has been catching the eye with the Red Devils. The 15-year-old has been on target for Manchester United's Under-16 team at the SuperCupNI as he continues to make his way through the youth ranks.

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Dad Wayne has been in Northern Ireland to support his son but is well aware of the pressure and spotlight the famous Rooney surname brings. Indeed the former Manchester United and England star says he does his best to take a step back in a bid to ensure that Kai can simply enjoy the sport he loves without having any added pressure on his young shoulders.

WHAT ROONEY SAID

He told BBC Sport: "I just let him play. I think they started the competition well, they won 3-0, he scored the penalty and got an assist. So I think he started OK. He just plays and that's all he's done during his time playing.

"I think it's very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds. He's just playing, he's a 15-year-old boy playing his football, enjoying it. Of course he gets different attention to a lot of his team-mates but I think he handles that really well.

"He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand off approach. I speak to him, but for me it's all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it – that's the main thing for me."

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY?

Rooney will no doubt be watching on again when Kai and his Manchester United team-mates play their next fixture against Co Tyrone on Wednesday.

The batter, whose career was most notable for his opening partnership with Tamim Iqbal, played the last of his 39 Tests in 2019

Mohammad Isam13-Nov-2024Imrul Kayes has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket. He said in a video message on his Facebook page that his last red-ball match will be Khulna Division’s National Cricket League (NCL) match against Dhaka Division at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka next week. He will, however, continue to play white-ball cricket.”On November 16, I will retire from Test and first-class cricket. It is the most difficult and emotional decision of my life,” he said.Imrul played the last of his 39 Tests at Eden Gardens in 2019, in the first day-night Test match in India. Batting mostly at the top of the order and occasionally at No. 3, he made 1797 runs at an average of 24.28, with three centuries and four fifties.Imrul’s Test career was however more about his opening partnership with Tamim Iqbal. They remain Bangladesh’s most prolific opening pair by far, having added 2336 runs in 53 innings. The next-highest aggregate for a Bangladesh opening pair currently is 665 runs between Javed Omar and Nafees Iqbal. Imrul and Tamim’s average first-wicket partnership of 45.80 is also the best of any Bangladesh opening pair.They put on four century stands, the first of them a 185-run partnership at Lord’s in 2010, and the last a world-record 312 against Pakistan in Khulna in 2015. It helped Bangladesh save the Test match after conceding a 296-run first-innings lead, and remains the only 300-plus opening stand in the third or fourth innings of a Test match. The last time they opened together was in the 2018 home Test series against Sri Lanka.Imrul is now 70 runs short of the 8000-run mark in first-class cricket. He will have a chance to complete the feat in Mirpur, where his farewell game begins on November 16.

Chasing 185, Bangladesh need another 143 with all ten wickets intact

Ashish Pant02-Sep-2024Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana combined to pick up nine wickets as Bangladesh took a big stride in their quest towards a 2-0 series sweep over Pakistan on the fourth day of the second Test in Rawalpindi.Mahmud, who picked two wickets at the fag end of the third day, added three more to his tally on the fourth afternoon to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with 5 for 43 in 10.4 overs in his third Test. Rana also registered his best Test figures – 4 for 44 – as Pakistan were bowled out for 172 in their second innings, setting up a target of 185. With Taskin Ahmed taking the other wicket, this was the first time in Bangladesh’s Test history that all ten wickets were picked up by fast bowlers.Zakir Hasan then came out with a positive intent and scored 31 not out off 23 balls with two fours and two sixes as Bangladesh wiped 42 runs off the target in just seven overs. He had Shadman Islam for company on 9 when bad light and then rain forced an early finish to the day shortly after tea. Bangladesh require another 143 runs on the final day to secure just their third overseas Test series victory and first since their 1-0 win in Zimbabwe in 2021.Related

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Resuming on 9 for 2 with a lead of 21, it was shaping up to be a good morning for Pakistan, with Shan Masood and Saim Ayub looking positive. Masood began by punching Taskin down the ground before Ayub clipped the pace bowler off his pads. There were a few plays and misses, and tight leaves, but the duo largely looked untroubled as they collected 34 runs in the first 6.2 overs of the day.But soon after that came a loose drive from Ayub and Bangladesh came galloping back. Taskin bowled one full outside off stump and Ayub went for a drive on the up only to find Najmul Hossain Shanto at mid-off. Babar Azam started with a cracking a square cut off Taskin but was far from his usual self. He missed a straight ball from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and was hit on the pad. Bangladesh reviewed the on-field decision of not out, but replays suggested the ball was missing the leg stump.Nahid was brought into the attack in the 17th over, and it took him all of three balls to strike. He sent back Masood, whose half-hearted attempt at a drive only found the outside edge for a simple catch to the wicketkeeper. Nahid then had Babar edging to first slip with a good-length ball that bounced a touch more than what the batter expected. He should have dismissed Mohammad Rizwan first ball but Shadman, who had taken a catch the previous delivery, spilled an almost identical chance.Zakir Hasan stared briskly in a chase of 185•AFP/Getty ImagesEven when he was not taking wickets, Nahid caused plenty of trouble. He consistently bowled over 140kph and generated awkward bounce with his high-arm action. He threatened both edges and even hit Rizwan on the helmet with a nasty bouncer. Rizwan, visibly shaken, called the physio a few times but carried on.Nahid picked up his third wicket when Saud Shakeel hung his bat out, offering a simple catch to Litton Das as Pakistan slipped from 47 for 2 to 81 for 6. Rizwan and Salman Agha, though, made sure Pakistan did not lose another wicket till lunch while extending the lead to 129.With Rizwan still feeling fuzzy and looking for quick runs, Bangladesh stuck to their plan, making sure there were no easy runs. Mahmud, who wasn’t as incisive in the first session, stuck to the channel outside off stump. That brought about a false shot from Rizwan, playing away from his body and getting a thin edge to the wicketkeeper. The very next ball, Mahmud had Mohammad Ali edging to first slip.While the hat-trick was averted, Abrar Ahmed lasted only 12 balls and became Rana’s fourth victim with the scoreboard reading 145 for 9. But a swift end to the innings was delayed by Agha, who added vital runs with the lower order for the second time in the match. He stitched a 27-run stand with Mir Hamza before Mahmud claimed his fifth wicket. It came via an inside edge onto the pad with the ball lobbing to Mehidy at second slip. Mahmud bowed to the turf before leading the team off the field with the ball raised high.Pakistan needed early wickets but their hopes were quashed by Zakir, who was on the move early. He was aggressive with his footwork, often charging at the bowlers early. He clipped Khurram Shahzad for a six over long leg before pulling him for another six, this time over deep-backward square leg as Bangladesh moved 37 for no loss in six overs at tea.Only one over was possible after the break before it got too dark for play to continue.

Glasgow Rangers appear to be closing in on their next head coach as Russell Martin is being heavily touted with a move to Ibrox ahead of next season.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Scottish manager has accepted the project in Glasgow and is ready to join the Light Blues this summer.

Martin, who had a loan spell at Ibrox in the second half of the 2017/18 campaign, has been out of work since he was relieved of his duties by Premier League side Southampton at the end of 2024.

Whilst supporters may be concerned by his sacking in the top-flight in England, the ex-Norwich City centre-back also did a lot of good work in the Championship with the Saints, and has been backed to be a success by a former teammate.

As you can see in the clip above, Steven Naismith believes that Martin would bring a clear style of play to Ibrox that has been lacking with recent managerial appointments.

The style of play Russell Martin could bring to Rangers

If you look at the way his Southampton team played in the Championship, as a team expected to challenge at the top of the table, you can get an idea of how his Rangers team could look in the Scottish Premiership.

He coached a ball-dominant team that constantly wanted to control the game whilst also being progressive and creative in possession, rather than just having possession for the sake of having possession.

Martin wants his side to play with a purpose – to create chances and score goals – and his Southampton team did that effectively in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

Pass accuracy

87.7%

1st

Passes into the penalty area

594

1st

Progressive passes

2556

1st

Shot-creating actions

1255

1st

xG

79.8

2nd

Points per game

1.89

4th

As you can see in the table above, the Saints ranked first in the league for progressive passes and passes into the penalty area, which shows how forward-thinking and incisive they were with the ball.

Southampton typically started matches in a 4-3-3 formation in that campaign, often with one winger who can drift infield to form a front two with the striker and one more traditional wide man on the other side.

This means that Rangers, should they go through with appointing Martin, should look to recruit players who would suit his ball-dominant and positionally flexible system in the summer transfer window.

With this in mind, the 49ers could land the Scottish head coach a dream first signing at Ibrox by swooping for a Leeds United star who has been linked with a move to Glasgow.

The Leeds star Rangers have been linked with

Earlier this month, TEAMtalk reported that Rangers have emerged as a potential suitor for Leeds forward Largie Ramazani ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The outlet claimed that the Premiership giants are ‘monitoring’ his situation at Elland Road, a year on from his £10m move from Almeria to England.

Transfer Focus

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

It stated that Ramazani aligns with how the club want to recruit talent in the transfer market, as they are looking for young and dynamic players who can thrive in the Premiership and European competitions.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not the £10m-rated forward will be available for a move this summer because Daniel Farke is yet to make a final decision on his future in West Yorkshire.

The 49ers and sporting director Kevin Thelwell should, though, push hard to agree a deal for the Belgian forward because he would be a dream first signing for Martin at Ibrox, should he be appointed in the coming days or weeks.

Why Largie Ramazani would be a dream signing for Russell Martin

As aforementioned, the Scottish coach’s Southampton team typically had a traditional, direct, winger on the left and more of a central player on the right in the Championship.

Ramazani would be a perfect fit for Rangers on the left in Martin’s system as a natural wide player who likes to take players on and make things happen in the final third, using his dribbling and pace to cause opposition teams problems.

In fact, talent scout Jacek Kulig once described him as a “mini Vinicius”, referring to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, because of his “electric” and “explosive” play style, and the fact that they are both nimble and dynamic right-footed left wingers.

Whilst he may not have racked up 21 goals and 15 assists like Vinicius Jr did for Real in the 2024/25 campaign, Ramazani’s form in limited minutes for Leeds suggests that the potential is there for him to be an exciting addition for the Gers.

Non-penalty xG

0.53

Top 1%

Non-penalty goals

0.68

Top 1%

Assists

0.23

Top 18%

Non-penalty xG + Expected Assisted Goals

0.69

Top 1%

Progressive passes

4.29

Top 18%

Progressive carries

4.63

Top 8%

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old attacker ranked highly among his positional peers in the league for scoring and creating goals, whilst also progressing the ball consistently through carries and passes.

This suggests that he would be an ideal fit for Martin’s system, which requires players to constantly progress the play, whilst also having the quality in the final third to be a difference-maker in matches.

Ramazani ended the season with six goals and two assists in the division, despite starting just seven of his 29 appearances, which shows that he can be productive in front of goal.

Now, imagine the Belgian winger in a Rangers team managed by Martin that could consistently create chances for him to score, whilst starting week-in-week-out.

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Ramazani would be a dream first signing for both Martin and the 49ers because of the potential he has to be a game-changing addition on the wing, whilst also suiting the potential new manager’s style of play perfectly.

Manchester United appear to be making huge strides in their move to land Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after a second offer was made in recent days.

The Cameroonian has been one of the club’s key targets over the course of this window, as boss Ruben Amorim looks to improve his frontline at Old Trafford.

Such interest is hardly a surprise given his form in the Premier League this campaign, netting 20 times in his 38 appearances – the best return of his professional career to date.

It’s been reported that the latest bid is in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old, but it remains to be seen if such an offer will be accepted, with the player himself wanting the move this window.

However, even if Mbeumo does complete a switch to join the Red Devils this summer, it appears as though he won’t be the last attacking addition, with numerous other names still on their radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A striker has been high up on United’s radar, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović the latest name mentioned over a potential switch to join Amorim’s side.

Viktor Gyokeres has been another player hugely linked with the Red Devils, recently stating his desire to leave current side Sporting CP ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, another name has remerged on their shortlist, with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku again a key target, after previously registering interest last summer, according to L’Equipe.

They claim that United have entered talks with Enzo Maresca’s side over a deal for the Frenchman forward, who cost a staggering £52m back in the summer of 2023.

It also states that current Red Devils star Alejandro Garnacho could be used to lower the fee in any deal with the Argentine expected to depart throughout the off-season.

Why United’s £52m target could be perfect alongside Mbeumo

As previously mentioned, a deal for Mbeumo appears to be heading in the right direction, with his goal tally showcasing the talent he possesses within the final third.

However, should he move to United this summer, it’s unclear which position he will regularly feature in, having operated in the right-wing position at the GTEC this season.

The 25-year-old has also started in a central role when needed, something which he will likely do on a regular basis at Old Trafford considering Amorim operates with a 3-4-2-1 system which uses two central attacking midfielders.

His versatility could be key to any future success endured by the club in the near future, but he could also strike up a key partnership with fellow potential addition Nkunku.

The 27-year-old has struggled for minutes with the Blues this campaign, starting just nine times in the league but still posting a respectable tally of three goals and two assists.

He’s capable of playing as a central striker, or even as a number 10, but he will likely operate in the former, with the Cameroonian handing him the ammunition from a deeper role.

The Chelsea star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has averaged 1.1 shots on target per 90 this campaign, putting 44% of his efforts on target, subsequently able to provide the needed threat the side have lacked.

Games played

27

Goals & assists

5

Shots on target per 90

1.1

Pass accuracy

90%

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

Key passes made

1.4

Aerials won

42%

He will certainly be bolstered in the final third by Mbeumo’s creativity, with the Cameroonian registering 3.7 progressive passes per 90, having the tools to hand those in front of him with key opportunities.

Nkunku’s talents don’t end there, also posting a superb tally of 90% of passes completed, with 1.4 of his passes per game being defined as key passes, subsequently able to return the favour to Mbeumo.

He may not be the tallest centre-forward, but he’s managed to win 42% of the aerials he’s entered, having the tools to get on the end of crosses provided by Mbeumo, who ranks in the top 9% of attackers in the division for such a category.

The prospect of the pair linking up together at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, having the chance to lead the club back up the table throughout 2025/26.

Whilst it’s unclear how advanced a deal for Nkunku is, he has proven that he’s capable of being a success in the Premier League, subsequently weakening a rival in the process.

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Turning their focus towards summer arrivals, the Friedkin Group have now reportedly made their first contact in the race to sign an award-winning Championship star for Everton.

Everton confirm departures

After their season ended with an unexpected victory over Champions League-chasing Newcastle United, who qualified nonetheless, Everton confirmed the news that a number of stars will be leaving the club next month. The Toffees have said farewell to Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic, Joao Virginia and, most surprising of all, Abdoulaye Doucoure ahead of the summer transfer window.

Doucoure came as a surprise following how important he became under Sean Dyche and then David Moyes, but it is a decision that Everton have decided to make. The French midfielder announced his departure, saying: “I am going to leave the football club at the end of the season. After five wonderful years, my time at Everton came to an end.

“Everton means a lot to me, the past five years have been hard but I will always remember my time as a dream for me to play for Everton Football Club. Obviously I am sad to leave the club but I feel the time has come for a new chapter for me and the club as well.

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“I will be always grateful for what the club did for me. My best memory will be the goal I scored against Bournemouth to keep the club in the Premier League. This is something I will always be proud [of]. It was a wonderful moment for me and my family and the club as well.”

As one key man departs, it will be important for Everton to get their recruitment right in the coming months. So far, reports have certainly been positive on that front too, with rumours linking them to Liam Delap and now a Championship award winner.

Everton make first enquiry to sign Sheffield United star Hamer

According to Ben Jacobs, Friedkin have now made their first enquiry to sign Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United this summer. The midfielder won the Championship’s Player of the Season award, but ultimately missed out on promotion in heartbreaking fashion against Sunderland in the playoff final. If ever there was a player who deserves a place in the Premier League, however, it is Hamer.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is one of many who is well aware of the quality that Hamer possesses and knows that quality is always bound to attract other suitors.

He told reporters at the end of April: “When Gus speaks, everybody listens. And rightly so, there should have been interest in him in the summer, because of how outstanding he was in an incredibly disappointing campaign for us.

“He cleaned up in the Player of the Year awards, so there was always going to be interest in him. I’m okay with stuff like that, because he’s a good player, and I would not expect anything different off the back of that.”

Roma are targeting 18-year-old Barcelona talent Marc Bernal, who was once hailed as the heir to Sergio Busquets.

• Roma are interested in Bernal
• Suffered an injury that sidelined him last season
• Betis also eyeing the teenager

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Serie A side are keen to bring the 18-year-old to the Italian capital this summer, according to , having already made contact regarding a possible transfer. However, La Liga side Betis are also eyeing him.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bernal, a La Masia graduate, made his La Liga debut last season when he started in their opening game of the season against Valencia. He then started in the next two matches before a cruciate ligament injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign. His exceptional technique earned him a reputation as the natural successor to Barcelona and Spain's legendary midfielder Busquets.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Roma have officially completed the signings of Evan Ferguson and Neil El Aynaoui and are now close to signing Wesley from Flamengo.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BERNAL AND ROMA?

  Roma will hope to land the youngster as they look to reinforce Gian Piero Gasperini's team before the start of the season and a change of scenery may appeal to the youngster after his horrific injury.

Liam Dawson enjoyed a Saturday to remember at Emirates Old Trafford as Hampshire defeated Lancashire by an innings and 37 runs with a day to spare in their Vitality County Championship match.Having dismissed Lancashire for 200 in their first innings and enforced the follow-on, the visitors bowled Keaton Jennings’ side out a second time for 152. Dawson took five for 52 to finish with match figures of 10 for 99, alongside his first-innings century, and Mohammad Abbas bagged three for 18. Luke Wells offered the only significant resistance for the home side with 53.Hampshire gain 22 points whereas Lancashire collect just three.The victory is only Hampshire’s third by an innings in 158 matches against Lancashire, the complete sequence of games stretching back to 1870. The other two hammerings were achieved at Bournemouth in 1922 and Southport in 1973.And following their loss at The Oval last week, this defeat marks the first time since 1907 that Lancashire have lost successive County Championship matches by an innings.More seriously for the Old Trafford side’s immediate future, the home defeat leaves them still ninth out of the ten teams in Division One and plainly in danger of being relegated to the second tier of English domestic cricket.At the start of the day, it had taken Hampshire’s bowlers just nine balls to claim Lancashire’s last two first-innings wickets. George Bell was caught behind by Ben Brown off John Turner for 35 and Tom Aspinwall was leg before to Dawson for a five-ball duck, leaving the slow left-armer with season-best figures of five for 47 from 28.3 overs.Empowered by their 189-run first-innings lead and with thunderstorms possible on Sunday, Hampshire opted to enforce the follow-on and were almost immediately rewarded with two prime wickets.Having been deterred from coming down the wicket by Brown standing up to the stumps, Jennings was pinned on the crease by Abbas and was lbw for one. Three overs later, Josh Bohannon was lbw to John Turner for a 12-ball nought and Lancashire were 12 for two.Wells and Rocky Flintoff shepherded Lancashire to 34 for two after 25 overs at lunch, only for the home side to lose two wickets in just over half an hour of the afternoon session. Flintoff, having resisted for all but an hour, was caught by Brown off Abbas for eight, and five overs later Matty Hurst swiped at Dawson and was bowled for a 19-ball duck.Bell and Wells then settled for the attritional approach, adding 44 runs and thereby doubling the score in 20 overs of dogged resistance before Bell was caught at short leg by Fletcha Middleton off James Fuller for 21 and Wells was bowled for 53, five balls after reaching his half-century, when he played a slower ball from Dawson down and into the stumps.George Balderson and Venkatesh Iyer adopted a more attacking approach either side of tea but Dawson struck back on the resumption when he dismissed Iyer for 36, the Indian chopping the ball into his stumps.Next over, Balderson was caught at slip by Tom Prest off Abbas for seven and seven overs later Tom Hartley was bowled by Liam Dawson for 10. The match ended when Bailey skied Dawson to Abbott at midwicket to complete a remarkable game for the all-rounder, who had taken ten wicket and also scored a century, a feat he also achieved only last season against Middlesex.