New Zealand opener will strengthen champions’ squad around the start of the Test summer
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-2023
Tom Latham has played 74 Tests for New Zealand•AFP/Getty Images
Tom Latham, the New Zealand Test opener, has agreed a short-term deal with champions Surrey to play in five LV= Insurance Championship matches in June and July.Latham, who has previous experience of county cricket with Kent and Durham, will arrive in time for the away fixture at Kent starting on June 11 and be available until the trip to Taunton in the final week of July. His signing will bolster Surrey’s top-order batting options at a time when they are likely to lose Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes on Test duty.”I’m looking forward to welcoming Tom to The Kia Oval,” Surrey’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart, said. “He is an international cricketer with a wealth of experience who will add to the quality of our batting line up at a time when we are highly likely to lose players to England for the Ashes.”As we look to build on the success of 2022, it is important we can bring in quality talent when we need it. I’m confident Tom will be an outstanding addition to the squad of players we already have in place.”Latham has scored more than 10,000 runs in first-class cricket and currently averages 44.19 in the format.Latham said: “”I’m thrilled to join Surrey this summer. I’ve really enjoyed my past experiences playing county cricket and the challenge that English conditions bring.”Surrey has a rich history and having the opportunity to play at one of the world’s best cricket venues in The Oval is something I’m relishing. I’m looking forward to joining Rory [Burns], Gareth [Batty] and the team and doing as much as I can to help them successfully defend the Championship this year.”
Everton are riding a seven-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, but David Moyes will want to return to winning ways after successive draws.
At a glance, 15th-placed Everton’s trip to Molineux on Saturday evening, taking on a Wolverhampton Wanderers side sat just one place below them, could have the feel of a six-pointer with less than three months of the campaign remaining.
But the Toffees’ fine form under their new and former manager has created a comfortable ten-point buffer, unassailable save for a steep regression back toward the dismal end to Sean Dyche’s tenure.
A victory would all but cement Everton’s place in the 2025/26 Premier League roster, but Moyes will need to overcome a host of injuries. Business as usual, then.
When Everton's absentees are returning
Everton’s frontline might be depleted, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja are progressing in their recovery – albeit not in time for the weekend – as confirmed by Moyes.
Iliman Ndiaye, however, is still stuck in the infirmary for a few more weeks at the least, while the prognosis for Dwight McNeil is all the more frustrating, both facing a fight for fitness before the end of the campaign.
Despite the paucity of attacking options, Everton have made do and seen their attacking spirit enkindled by Moyes’ arrival, but Wolves are going to bring a physical and perhaps desperate challenge that could see Jesper Lindstrom return to the bench, having struggled for success all season.
Should such a move occur, Moyes may need to think outside the box.
Why Moyes should drop Lindstrom
Dyche oversaw a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves in the corresponding fixture this season, but Everton should indeed expect a different fight against an outfit facing the peril of relegation.
Chalkboard
Vitor Pereira has essayed to shape Wolves into a creative and attractive outfit, and though they’ve caught the eye in moments, there is still concern that the drop zone lingers dangerously below.
Against Everton, Matheus Cunha begins a suspension after a fracas with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in the FA Cup last weekend. Wolves’ loss...
For their part, Everton might want to unleash Charly Alcaraz and take advantage of the hosts’ setback, though with Abdoulaye Doucoure returning to action following personal leave, he may not find a place in the middle.
Everton midfielder Charly Alcaraz
Doucoure’s combative physicality and box-to-box presence will be essential for this stylistic match-up, but that doesn’t mean attacking midfielder Alcaraz can’t play from the opening too.
Indeed, Everton’s January loan recruit, 22, might principally play in Doucoure’s zone, but he’s enjoyed a measure of clinical success when fielded off the right flank, with the overarching positional fluidity making a telling comment on his ability to cover out of place when necessary.
Charly Alcaraz – Career Stats by Position
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Central midfield
74
10
5
Attacking midfield
19
4
2
Right winger
14
4
2
Centre-forward
10
2
2
Defensive midfield
9
1
0
Left winger
7
1
2
Right-back
1
0
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
It’s not like Lindstrom’s untouchable: the Danish winger, also a loanee, has failed to register a single goal involvement across 27 competitive appearances for the Toffees this term, having missed six big chances in front of goal.
Alcaraz, conversely, has started life at Goodison Park on strong footing, notching a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in February – his first start – while playing from the outset in last week’s draw at Brentford, creating three key passes, completing both his dribbles and winning six duels, as per Sofascore.
Before moving to Merseyside, Alcaraz’s exploits with Flamengo further evidence his suitability on the flank. As per FBref, the Argentina talent ranked among the top 6% of midfielders in the 2024 Brasileiro Serie A for progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90.
He’s a “special” talent – so says journalist Antonio Mango – and Everton must make this tweak. Lindstrom isn’t cutting it right now, and with Doucoure’s presence and security bolstering the attacking point of the midfield, Alcaraz could make a positive impression at Molineux.
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Wayne Rooney says football should "get rid of VAR" and that Dean Henderson should have been sent off for a handball in the FA Cup final.
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Henderson handles outside box
Palace star escapes red card
Rooney says to "get rid of VAR"
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The game's big talking point occurred in the first half when Crystal Palace goalkeeper Henderson flicked the ball away as Manchester City's Erling Haaland bore down on him, but the goalkeeper handled outside his area. After a VAR review, the officials deemed that as Haaland was going away from goal, and it was not denying a goalscoring opportunity. But ex-Manchester United forward Rooney was having none of it.
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WHAT ROONEY SAID
He said on the 's FA Cup final coverage: "It's a red card. 100 per cent. Haaland is about to knock it round him [Henderson] and as we see, he sweeps the ball away. It's a red card! How can they get this wrong? Just get rid of VAR. They've made a mistake and now they are trying to cover up for it. It's a red card! Everyone can see it's a red card. To come out with all this rubbish!"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Once again, a controversial VAR decision has taken place in a huge match in English football. While the technology has undoubtedly cut out a lot of refereeing errors in the sport, it is far from perfect and incidents like these could settle this FA Cup final.
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WHAT NEXT?
After this match, City return to Premier League action on Tuesday against Bournemouth, whereas Palace host Wolves on the same day.
Tottenham Hotspur are now “in the running” to sign a “freak of nature” midfielder this summer, having conducted scouting missions this season, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Spurs eyeing move for midfielder
Tottenham’s midfield has looked solid at times when everyone is fully-fit, with the trio of James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall performing well in the recent 1-0 victory against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Maddison bagged the winner in the narrow victory over the Red Devils, which saw the Lilywhites rise to 12th place.
However, Ange Postecoglou clearly feels some additional depth is required, given that the manager has been left short on midfield options at times this season due to the injury crisis he has had to deal with.
Several targets have been identified by Spurs, with the likes of Palmeiras’ Richard Rios and Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso on the shortlist, and there is now a feeling they are also keen on signing one of the Championship’s stars.
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Ange Postecoglou has been under serious pressure in recent weeks.
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In a recent interview with Football Insider, ex-scout Mick Brown stated Tottenham are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham, who could leave this summer if the Black Cats receive a big offer.
“Crystal Palace and Tottenham have had scouts watching him this season so they’ll be two of the teams in the running if he is going to leave. So it’ll be up to them to assess whether he’s ready to make that jump.
“From a Sunderland point of view, knowing the way the owners want to operate, I think if they get a huge bid for him then they’ll let him go.“
Sunderland'sJobeBellingham
Amid links to Arsenal last month, the Sunderland star was thought to have a price tag of £20m, but the asking price could theoretically rise if he continues to impress over the course of the next few months.
Bellingham emerging as key player for Sunderland
The Black Cats are pushing for promotion to the Premier League this season, and the 19-year-old has established himself as a key player, making 28 appearances in the Championship, during which time he has picked up four goals and three assists.
Not only is the teenager a threat going forward, but he has also done a stellar job defensively over the past year, ranking in the 90th percentile for aerials won and the 87th percentile for clearances, when compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level.
Fellow Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has lauded his teammate in the past, saying: “He’s an absolute freak of nature, physically. I have never seen a 17-year-old that size. Technically, he is a top, top, player as well.”
As such, it is exciting news that Tottenham could be in the race to sign Bellingham in the summer, and they should continue to monitor his performances between now and the end of the season.
Vinicius Junior has snubbed Saudi Arabia and will sign a new contract with Real Madrid that will be announced towards the end of the season.
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Saudi clubs willing to offer huge deal
Vinicius set to sign new contract at Madrid
Brazilian could extend for three years
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WHAT HAPPENED?
It has been reported that a €1 billion offer was awaiting the Brazilian winger in the Saudi Pro League, but he still feels that his future lies in the Spanish capital. Vinicius is now set to commit to fresh terms at Santiago Bernabeu.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 24-year-old has agreed to sign a new deal with the Spanish giants, reports, having rejected the offers from the Middle East. Vinicius' new contract will be confirmed at the end of the campaign, with the ex-Flamengo star signing on for two or three more years on his current deal that expires in 2027.
DID YOU KNOW?
Madrid crashed out of the Champions League this season and may miss out on the league title in Spain – a massive drop from their double success last term. Vinicius and Madrid were left apoplectic after the attacker missed out on the Ballon d'Or last year, but their underwhelming 2024-25 campaign means he is unlikely to be in the running for the prize this time around.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?
Before the new contract is announced, Vinicius will attempt to build on the 20 goals and 14 assists he has under his belt this season when Madrid face Getafe in a crucial La Liga clash on Wednesday.
كشف أشرف عبد العزيز، محامي رمضان صبحي، لاعب فريق نادي بيراميدز، حقيقة ما تردد في الساعات الماضية، عن ظبط شاب يؤدي اختبار بدلًا منه وبمواجهته اقر بتقاضيه مبلغ مالي من اللاعب.
وغاب رمضان صبحي عن مباراة فريقه أمام الزمالك، التي أقيمت مساء أمس الثلاثاء، ضمن مواجهات الجولة السادسة من عمر المرحلة النهائية لمنافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، انتهت بفوز بيراميدز 1-0.
وقال عبد العزيز على صفحته الخاصة بموقع التوصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك”: “في ضوء ما تم تداوله خلال الساعات الأخيرة من أخبار تتعلق بالقبض على أحد الأشخاص أثناء تأدية امتحان بإحدى المعاهد التعليمية، وما أُشيع من ارتباط اسم اللاعب رمضان صبحي بتلك الواقعة ، نود أن نوضح بصفتي محامي اللاعب بالآتي:-
أولًا، ينفي اللاعب رمضان صبحي نفياً قاطعاً أي صلة له بالشخص المذكور أو بالواقعة محل التحقيق.
ثانيًا، لم يتم إخطارنا بأي استدعاء رسمي من أي جهة تحقيق أو جهة أمنية، ولم يتم توجيه أي اتهام للاعب حتى تاريخه.
ثالثًا، نؤكد أن رمضان صبحي لم يكن على علم مطلقًا بما تم تداوله، وأنه لا تربطه أي علاقة بهذا الشخص من قريب أو بعيد.
طالع | مصطفى عبده يُعلن توقيع لاعب الأهلي لـ بيراميدز.. ويصرح: الزمالك صعبان عليا
ونهيب بجميع وسائل الإعلام تحرّي الدقة قبل نشر أو تداول أي معلومات تمس سمعة وشرف لاعب محترف كبير له مسيرة مشرفة داخل وخارج مصر، ونحتفظ بكامل حقوقنا القانونية تجاه من يروج أو ينشر أخبارًا كاذبة تمس اللاعب وعائلته.
Despite stumbling to a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Day, Leeds United remain top of the Championship ahead of what will surely be another entertaining year in the rollercoaster division.
Nothing is ever guaranteed in the second tier, with just five points separating Daniel Farke’s men at the very summit from nearby challengers Sunderland in fourth spot, as a heated automatic promotion race now kicks into gear.
LeedsUnitedmanagerDaniel Farke celebrates after the match
To help boost their own chances of returning to the Premier League, the West Yorkshire titans will want to use January as a time to add in a couple of new additions here and there.
Of course, there are also a number of players already at the club who will be key to Leeds getting over the line, including Pascal Struijk who was the goalscoring hero versus the Riversiders.
Struijk's importance this season
That goal was coolly dispatched from the penalty spot by the 25-year-old, who has bounced back from injury difficulties to become an almost everpresent this season under Farke.
Indeed, the reinvigorated Whites number five was only present for 23 league clashes all of last campaign, whilst he now boasts 24 league appearances this time around, from a potential 25 outings.
Amazingly, he has three league goals next to his name away from just this golden contribution against John Eustace’s visitors, with his defensive hard work also making him a firm fan’s favourite.
From his six Championship clashes in December, Struijk would help his team pick up three clean sheets, with his showing against Stoke City on Boxing Day even seeing him win an imperious nine aerial duels.
Whilst Farke is clearly pleased with how much his Leeds captain has kicked on, he might well be on for a swoop this January – as per rumours – that sees him pick up a fresh partner for the 6 foot 3 ace to play alongside.
Leeds could land a dream Struijk partner
As per a recent report by GIVEMESPORT, the Championship high-flyers are interested in securing a deal for Borussia Monchengladbach star Nico Elvedi this January, but there could be some hurdles to overcome.
The same report further reveals that although Leeds are ahead of other parties in their interest in the Swiss defender, a deal could well be delayed until the summer for the £10m target owing to the 28-year-old’s hesitancy to play in the second tier.
Still, with Farke reportedly prioritising some fresh bodies in defence, Leeds will pray they can convince Elvedi – who has been dubbed a “tremendous player” by German football expert Chris Williams – to make the leap this month regardless.
After all, he could strike up an imposing partnership with Struijk if everything aligns correctly, based on his impressive showings in the Bundesliga.
Stat – per 90 mins*
Struijk
Elvedi
Games played
24
9
Goals scored
3
1
Assists
0
1
Touches*
99.6
76.2
Accurate passes*
80.6 (91%)
58.2 (91%)
Ball recoveries*
4.2
3.3
Clearances*
3.3
5.2
Total duels won*
5.0
4.1
Looking at the table above, both Struijk and Elvedi could go on to form an intimidating duo for the division, with the Gladbach man comfortable with the ball at his feet much like the 25-year-old, alongside getting stuck in and winning his fair share of duels.
Elvedi won’t come cheap for the Whites, however, when you glance at his excessive £55k-per-week salary on top of his £10m fee, meaning he would want plenty of game-time on his statement arrival to West Yorkshire.
Wolves transfer target Nico Elvedi
This could see Joe Rodon lose his concrete starting spot, therefore, with the Welshman struggling at points this season after returning to Elland Road permanently, winning a lesser 3.7 duels on average in league action when weighed up next to Elvedi.
Having previously worked with him at Gladbach too, Farke – who managed the centre-back on 34 occasions – would be over the moon if a switch like this was sanctioned, with the hope that moves like these will see his side finally leap back up to the Premier League.
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The NWSL side has stirred up excitement and amusement with their April Fool's Day announcement of plans to change their pitch’s color
Current claims they will install a teal-colored playing surface
Announcement aligns with team's "Teal Town" identity and new kit
Fans react with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism to the bold prank
Getty Images
WHAT HAPPENED
Kansas City Current sent shockwaves through social media on April 1, 2025, with a truly game-changing announcement: they were turning the pitch at CPKC Stadium a bold, unapologetic teal. The club insisted this dazzling new look was a perfect match for their "Teal Town" branding and their fresh 2025 kits – because who doesn’t want to play on a field that looks like a giant minty-fresh gum strip?
Of course, reality eventually set in when the team admitted it was all an April Fool’s prank, masterminded by their social media squad. But by then, the internet had already had its fun, and "Teal Town" had never felt more real.
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WHAT KANSAS CITY CURRENT POSTED
THE BIGGER PICTURE
While the teal pitch announcement is a prank, it reflects a trend of sports teams seeking unique ways to stand out and connect with fans. The Current's joke plays on the growing importance of brand identity in women's soccer and the NWSL's efforts to increase fan engagement and league visibility.
Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
WHAT’S NEXT?
Much like their social media team, the KC Current have been in excellent form this season, having won all three of their NWSL league games so far. That puts them only behind Orlando Pride FC on the league table, with the reigning champions only ahead on goal difference. The CPKC Stadium side face the Houston Dash next in the NWSL on April 19 post the international break and then go on the road to play North Carolina Courage on April 26.
A “fantastic” Derby County gem is now set to leave the club in the January transfer window, according to a new update from journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Latest Derby news
The Rams continue to have a solid season back in the Championship, sitting 16th in the table heading into Christmas and six points clear of the all-important relegation zone.
This was always going to be seen as a season of consolidation at Derby, having only earned promotion from League One last term, and so far, Paul Warne and his players are doing a good job and should be content with their efforts. They have lost four of their last six league games, however, and will be wanting to put an end to that slump over the festive period.
The Rams could look for new signings in the January transfer window, in order to boost their hopes of finishing as high as possible in the Championship, with Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry linked with a move to the club.
That said, Middlesbrough have been touted as the front-runners to complete the January signing of the 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at Stockport County from his permanent club.
"Fantastic" Derby player set for January exit
Taking to X on Monday, journalist O’Rourke claimed that Derby youngster Ben Radcliffe will leave the club permanently in January, sealing a move to Crawley Town in the process, with a deal already being agreed.
This feels like the right decision for all parties, with Radcliffe seemingly not considered an important part of Derby’s future moving forward. He is currently on loan at Gateshead, with former manager Rob Elliot lauding the young midfielder in the past during their time working together, saying:
“He was absolutely fantastic. He’s a powerful lad and a really confident boy. He’s come in and done really well in difficult circumstances. He came on against Barnet and won headers. At Dagenham, he came on in a really difficult position but did well for the team and then I think the big thing for me is his mentality to keep going and keep going, his mentality and his defensive work.”
Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season
Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.
ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025
At 20, Radcliffe has reached a point in his career where he will want to play regularly, in order to mature as a footballer and ensure that he reaches his potential, but it’s hard to see that happening at Derby, with more senior players around who are more important to Warne.
For that reason, allowing him to join Crawley on a permanent basis is the right call and he will hopefully flourish there and go on to enjoy an excellent career.
“It was good for my confidence to spend time in the middle, and put in a good performance early in the season”
04-Apr-20220:59
Jos Buttler: Samson is pretty level-headed irrespective of we are winning or losing
Fresh from a match-winning hundred in Rajasthan Royals’ second match of IPL 2022, against Mumbai Indians, Jos Buttler is in no mood to slow down.”It was good for my confidence to spend time in the middle [against Mumbai], put in a good performance early in the season, and that, hopefully, can give me the confidence to take into the rest of the season,” he said ahead of Royals’ next game, against Royal Challengers Bangalore.There is a certain method in Buttler’s madness, which makes him one of the top batters in the T20 format. It was visible against Mumbai: the first 14 balls of his innings yielded just 12 runs as he got a look and feel of the surface; once he did, Buttler teed off.”Powerplays are always a time that you are trying to look to score,” he said. “I think initially you are trying to understand the conditions, maybe in the first and second over, and then try and take advantage of the fielding restrictions.”
“At certain times in T20 cricket, you are always looking for that one over that you can really target and go for, and that was when I decided I had to try and be really aggressive”Buttler on targeting Basil Thampi
Buttler targeted the fourth over of the innings, bowled by Basil Thampi, smashing him for three sixes and two fours, collecting 26 runs in the process. That was all the momentum he needed as he lay into the Mumbai bowlers.”At certain times in T20 cricket, you are always looking for that one over that you can really target and go for, and that was when I decided I had to try and be really aggressive,” Buttler said. “I had been a bit quiet up until that point in the powerplay. So I wanted to try and make use of it and try to attack.”I certainly felt like that gave me some good momentum into my innings.”Against Mumbai, Buttler scored a 68-ball 100 to lead his side to 193 for 8, and the bowlers then did their bit as Royals recorded their second win of the season in as many games.But how about back-to-back centuries? Only five batters have scored two or more centuries in an IPL season, and Shikhar Dhawan is the only one to hit back-to-back ones, a feat he achieved in 2021.”I hope so,” Buttler said when asked the question. “Every game you want to do that, but I just want to contribute.”