Tag Futebol

Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 win against West Ham United last night was arguably one of the most crucial results in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign to date.

Sean Dyche’s side came from behind after the break for the first time since promotion, subsequently building a seven-point gap to the Hammers.

However, it was a far from convincing display from the Reds, subsequently highlighting the need for investment across the squad before the end of the summer window.

Despite netting twice, none of the goals scored were from open play, with Dyche’s men having to rely on a looping header from Nicolas Dominguez and a penalty from Morgan Gibbs-White.

The attacking department is in dire need of investment in the coming weeks, which has led the recruitment team to identify numerous potential options to help bolster the first-team ranks.

Nottingham Forest in talks to land European powerhouse

Over recent days, Forest have made their intentions clear that they want to land a new centre-forward before the end of the winter, subsequently leading to rumours over a move for Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The Norwegian international, who currently plays for Wolves, has struggled for consistent form in the Premier League this campaign, as seen by his tally of just one goal in 18 appearances.

However, Rob Edwards’ side are still demanding a fee in the region of £40m for the 25-year-old this window, with Everton and Newcastle United two other sides keen to land his signature.

Strand Larsen isn’t the only forward currently in the hierarchy’s sight at present, with Napoli star Lorenzo Lucca another player being pursued to improve the number nine situation.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Reds have reached out to the Serie A outfit in recent hours to see if a deal can be agreed for the Italian international.

The report states that a deal could be tricky to complete at present, with the 25-year-old currently on loan in Naples, with a deal set to be made permanent in the summer.

However, after just 40 minutes of action since the start of November, a break in the deal could be agreed, which could see the 6’7 striker move to the City Ground.

Why Lucca would be Forest’s best striker since Wood

The striker situation at Forest is certainly an alarming one at present, but all the issues have become apparent after the injury suffered to talisman Chris Wood.

The New Zealand international catapulted the Reds to European football for the first time in a generation last season, after netting 20 league goals and breaking the club’s all-time Premier League goalscoring record.

He was even handed a new two-year contract to reflect his importance to the side, but it’s safe to say his 2025/26 campaign has been a disaster to date.

Wood scored twice on the opening day against Brentford, but has only managed seven appearances since, with his last appearance coming back in mid-October.

As a result, Dyche has been forced to use alternative options, with Igor Jesus the man he’s turned to lead the line since his arrival three months ago.

The Brazilian has only netted one league goal in 2025/26 and is currently on an eight-goal scoreless run – showcasing the lack of goals currently available in the squad.

As for Taiwo Awoniyi, it’s evident he’s no longer the man to provide the goods in the Premier League, with the Nigerian enduring an even longer drought than his teammate.

His last top-flight strike came against Wolves in January 2025, with his last effort coming 12 months ago, a run of 28 matches without a league goal.

Arnaud Kalimuendo was one of the marquee signings in the summer, as he joined in a £26m deal from Rennes after netting 18 times across all competitions last campaign.

However, he’s been restricted to just 89 league minutes, scoring twice in the Europa League, but he now looks set to join German side Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the rest of the season.

Such reasons have led the Reds to a potential move for Lucca, but it appears as though such a deal isn’t a popular one with the fanbase – based on his visible numbers.

The 25-year-old has only scored one goal in 14 league outings this campaign, but it’s safe to say such a figure doesn’t tell the whole story about his talents.

Subscribe to the newsletter for Forest transfer insight Get in-depth scouting and transfer analysis, subscribe to the newsletter for detailed looks at targets like Lorenzo Lucca and Nottingham Forest’s striker needs, including player stats, scouting context and recruitment-focused breakdowns on this topic.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Italian netted 14 goals in just 36 appearances for Udinese in 2024/25, a tally which earned him his subsequent move to Napoli during the recent summer window.

However, despite his disappointing return this season, his underlying figures showcase the talent he possesses, with many of which handing Dyche the striker he’s missed in Wood’s absence.

Lucca, who’s been dubbed a “clinical finisher” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has posted a 39% shot on target rate in Serie A this season – a tally higher than any of the aforementioned strikers.

Lorenzo Lucca – Serie A stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

14

Goals scored

1

Shot on target accuracy

39%

Pass accuracy

80%

Key passes

0.8

Take-on success

67%

Carries into opposition box

0.9

Aerials won

47%

Fouls won

2.7

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed 80% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst notching 0.8 key passes per 90 – subsequently having the tools to provide a superb link-up option between the midfield and frontline.

Despite his huge frame, the Napoli star has still managed to complete 67% of the take-ons he’s attempted to date, which could make him a real handful for the opposition.

However, his greatest asset is his aerial ability with his 47% success rate in the air handing the manager the focal point he’s craved in recent weeks.

Whilst a deal for Lucca may not be a popular one at present, there’s no denying there is a player in there – as seen with his incredible goalscoring tally last campaign.

If he can replicate such numbers in the East Midlands, along with his underlying stats from 2025/26, there’s no reason why he can’t be the man to secure survival for Forest come the end of May.

Related Dream Kalimuendo replacement: Nottingham Forest open talks to sign £40m star

Nottingham Forest have already identified a replacement for the outgoing Arnaud Kalimuendo this January.

Posts ByEthan Lamb

Arsenal have submitted a £52 million bid to sign a Real Madrid star and have even offered him a ‘leading role’ in the side, according to a new report.

Arteta vows to consider January signings for Arsenal

While sporting director Andrea Berta splashed around £270 million on eight major signings for the Gunners last summer, Mikel Arteta has still strongly suggested that they could be active this month.

The Spaniard, after coping with a lot of injuries again this term, has consistently found himself short of options in key areas and has therefore refused to rule out business mid-season.

Surprise claims from the last week have revealed that Berta and co may well raid the Bernabeu for fresh talent, no matter how unattainable they seem right now.

CaughtOffside reported before the New Year that Arsenal still hold an interest in Real playmaker Arda Güler, who they view as an “Odegarrd-style” signing on a potential loan-to-buy deal.

However, given the Turkey international has now established himself as a mainstay player under Xabi Alonso, it is highly unlikely Florentino Perez would green-light such a move.

A far more likely Real player to be available this month is Rodrygo, following numerous reports that the Brazil international could depart Madrid in search of more game time.

The 24-year-old, who Arsenal held talks over signing last May, was starting to play more regularly before the Christmas La Liga break – racking up a brace against Sevilla and a goal against Alaves just before their holiday.

Related Ozil repeat: Arsenal among favourites to sign "world-class" £75m talent

Arsenal are in a strong position and can afford to be picky in the winter transfer market.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

However, he’s still been in and out of the side far more likely than he’d have hoped, with media sources claiming that Rodrygo is desperate to leave Madrid and Arsenal are ‘most likely’ to sign him.

Now, a fresh update has provided some more key information on the Gunners’ interest.

Arsenal submit £52 million bid to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders to land Rodrygo after matching a £52 million offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal for his signature.

Arteta’s side apparently view him as the missing piece in their team, offering him a ‘leading role’ and the opportunity to spearhead their attack.

Madrid have apparently received identical proposals worth approximately £52m from both suitors, forcing Perez to seriously consider selling a player who has slipped down the pecking order.

Subscribe to our newsletter for transfer insight Get expert context on big transfer stories by subscribing to our newsletter—detailed analysis of bids, player roles, club strategy, contract context and market comparisons, plus broader football insights that sharpen your view of the game.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Arteta has identified the versatile attacker as someone capable of operating across both flanks while providing a genuine goal threat, with Rodrygo guaranteed playing time and the chance to remain competing at European football’s highest level.

Al-Hilal’s proposal includes substantially superior wages alongside their transfer fee, creating a serious financial temptation for Rodrygo’s representatives.

The final decision will largely depend on Rodrygo’s personal preference, according to this report, but he isn’t expected to make a call on this until the summer window, so a January transfer is seen as unlikely at this stage.

The £280,000-per-week winger bagged 14 goals and 11 assists for Real last term, with Jude Bellingham notably calling him their most ‘gifted’ and ‘underrated’ player.

Related Arsenal now lining up £57m Bundesliga star as possible Hincapie replacement

Arsenal have a promising defender targeted as an alternative.

Posts ByJames O'Reilly

On the third day of the sixth round, Saurashtra closed in on a semi-final spot by beating Maharashtra outright. Saurashtra now have 20 points, three more than Delhi and five more than Mumbai, whose matches are yet to be completed.In Group B, Uttar Pradesh made a late charge towards the semi-finals as they beat Bengal by an innings and 152 runs and moved to 14 points with one match to play. Punjab turned the game against Orissa on its head after bowling them out for 76 in the second innings. They look good to chase the 175 runs easily on the fourth day, a result which will give them an excellent chance to avoid relegation. They don’t play a match in the last round, having already completed their fixtures, and will have to await other results.Scorecard

The covers were on for most of the day in Chennai and Bangalore © Cricinfo Ltd

Saurashtra sailed to the top of Group A after completing an eight-wicket win over Maharashtra in Nagothane. The hosts, trailing by 117 on the first innings, resumed at 34 for 1, and were bundled out for 182, with left-arm spinner Rakesh Dhurv picking up career-best figures of 5 for 37 in 13.4 overs. Allrounder Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with three wickets, as Maharashtra once again failed to go beyond 200. Hrishikesh Kanitkar top-scored with 62, with only three other batsmen going past single figures.Needing 66 for the win, Saurashtra lost two wickets to Sairaj Bahutule before sealing the win and gaining five crucial points in the process.
Scorecard
Uttar Pradesh stretched their overnight score of 437 for 7 to 494 before bowling out Bengal for 193 to win by an innings and 152 runs at Eden Gardens. UP gained the bonus point and are now placed second behind Baroda in Group B.For Bengal, SS Paul bagged 7 for 113. Bengal’s openers put up a spirited reply in their second innings, putting up a 100-run partnership, but Praveen Gupta and Sudeep Tyagi then ran through their batting line-up as the rest folded meekly. Anustup Majumdar top-scored with 60. While it was Tyagi who broke the resistance with the first four wickets, Gupta ended with exceptional figures of 9.3-6-11-5.
ScorecardMumbai managed to take a healthy first-innings lead in Dharamsala and enforced a follow-on, but an 81-run sixth-wicket partnership between Paras Dogra (50*) and Ajay Mannu (42*) kept the game alive for Himachal Pradesh.Himachal, resuming on 180 for 7 in the first innings, were bowled out for 214. Murtaza Hussain, playing his third first-class game, finished with 6 for 57, his maiden five-wicket haul. In the second innings, Himachal’s openers Manish Gupta and Hemant Dogra led a dogged reply with an opening stand of 76.The spinners – Ramesh Powar and Iqbal Abdullah – then struck for Mumbai, as Himachal slumped to 155 for 5 before Paras and Mannu propped them to 236 at stumps.
Scorecard
VRV Singh’s hat-trick rattled Orissa in the second innings to put Punjab on the threshold of a stunning win after they had conceded a 98-run first-innings lead. Orissa were bowled out for 76, while Punjab had scored 117 of the 175 runs required for the loss of two wickets by stumps. VRV took 5 for 25 to trigger a collapse after a solid start, while Gagandeep Singh took 3 for 25. The last nine entries on the Orissa scorecard read: 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 4, 6, 0, 0*. VRV Singh became the third bowled to take a hat-trick in two rounds of the Ranji Trophy, after Kerala’s Sony Cheruvethur and Delhi’s Parvinder Awana.Earlier Punjab, resuming at 207 for 8, managed only 225, with Basanth Mohanty taking his second five-for in as many matches at the first-class level.Ravi Inder, with an unbeaten 47, had taken Punjab close to what will be their first win this season. More importantly, it will take them off the bottom of the table.
ScorecardAfter two days of grinding out the opposition, Andhra declared their first innings at 469 for 9, with former India wicketkeeper MSK Prasad remaining unbeaten on 121, but met an even more dour reply from Baroda who recovered well from two early blows.If Andhra’s run-rate of 2.53 during their innings was slow, Baroda outdid them, scoring 136 for 2 in 77 overs. Connor Williams was resolute during his 256-ball 75, and put on 133 runs for the unbroken third-wicket partnership with Rakesh Solanki, after D Kalyankrishna had struck twice to leave Baroda reeling at 3 for 2.Karnataka 0 for 0 trail Delhi 538 by 538 runs
Scorecard Continual rain dampened Delhi’s hopes of a semi-final spot as play was washed out on the third day in Bangalore. This means that Delhi have one day left to dismiss Karnataka to gain the points for a first-innings lead. They currently have 17 points, three less than Saurashtra’s 20, while Mumbai, too, have high chances of reaching 20 points at least by the end of the round.
ScorecardRain continued to play spoilsport in Chennai, as only 8.2 overs were possible on day three after day two was washed out. Rajasthan struck once in that period, with Gajendra Singh removing overnight centurion M Vijay for 123.

Prince: ‘I try and play one ball at a time. I try not to get myself out to a loose shot’ © Getty Images

Ashwell Prince has been South Africa’s batting star in the first two Tests against India, scoring 97 in a lost cause at the Wanderers before coming up with a matchwinning 121 at Kingsmead. A player capable of playing most shots in the book, Prince has reinvented himself as a Test player, opting for an attritional approach that’s been mighty effective even if it hasn’t always been easy on the eye. And on the eve of a Test match on home turf, he made it clear that that was how it would be for the foreseeable future.”Over the last few years, I’ve more or less sorted out the game plan that I need to take into the Test arena,” he said. “I try and be a little bit more tight, especially in the first hour or so. Later on, I can play a bit more freely. A lot has been said about my style recently, but I’m happy to play the way that I am.”In 2006, that new style fetched him 905 runs at 47.63, and three centuries. “Sometimes you feel like you want to play more freely,” he admitted. “But you the open yourself up to play a few more rash shots.” Prince has worked with Paddy Upton on his mental conditioning, and his approach is based on the very basic – “I try and play one ball at a time. I try not to get myself out to a loose shot.”Prince filled in as captain in Sri Lanka when Smith was out injured, and it was clear that he relishes responsibility. “If the team is under pressure, it takes a couple of partnerships to get out of it,” he said. “We have a thing in the team where if it’s your day, you have to take responsibility. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. When I feel good, and the wickets are falling around me, I take responsibility because I know that the next time, it will be somebody else.”He went for a duck in the second innings at Durban, a beautiful delivery from Sreesanth that angled away and took the edge to slip. “If anything, I prefer to get nought with a delivery like that,” said Prince, expanding on his batting philosophy. “Like I said, if I’m not playing a loose shot or throwing my bat outside off stump, then I don’t mind. Getting out to a good delivery when I haven’t settled at the crease, if I’m going to get outin any way, that must be it.”No team has made more than 328 in the two Tests, with South Africa’s batsmen troubled by an inexperienced Indian pace attack where only Zaheer Khan has played more than 10 Tests. “Sreesanth has been bowling quite well,” he said. “For the right-handers, with the ball swinging away, he’s been very dangerous. But he’s also got a few lefties out with the ball swinging in to get lbws. Every now and then, one has held its line or gone away.”Zaheer Khan has also been bowling well. He’s been getting the ball to swing. Those two guys have been the in-form bowlers. Having said that, the pitches at the Wanderers and Durban didn’t suit the spinners much. I think Anil [Kumble] might play a bit more of a role in this game.”For the moment, Prince is an integral part of the Test side, and a fringe player in the one-day scheme of things. And with a trip to the Caribbean mere months away, Prince admitted that it wasn’t always easy to stop thinking ahead. “At the moment, I’m not focussing much on one-day cricket,” he said. “This match is vital for the series, and then we have three against Pakistan.”At this stage, I’m not looking too far ahead. Obviously, every guy’s probably got one eye on the World Cup, but I’m trying to focus on one game at a time.”That attitude has served him well in recent times, and if India are to breach South African defences at Newlands, they’ll first have to get through a man whose batting now has a reassuringly solid Wall-like feel to it.

Stephen Fleming will look forward to a different kind of celebration this weekend © Getty Images

Stephen Fleming, the New Zealand captain, has pulled out of the opening one-day international against Sri Lanka to be with his wife Kelly in Wellington as the couple prepare for the birth of their first child.He has been replaced by Nathan Astle, the out of form opener who was originally dropped from the Sri Lanka series after a disappointing time during New Zealand’s recent series against Australia.According to Lindsay Crocker, New Zealand manager, Daniel Vettori will captain the team and Astle will join them after a provincial match on Friday. Fleming will return later in the series.Fleming joins Andre Adams on the absent list, the latter already out having broken a bone in his right hand. James Franklin, who like Astle had been dropped after a poor showing in Australia, has been drafted in as a replacement for Adams.An earlier version of this story with information from NZPA said Fleming’s wife had given birth already. She has not.John Bracewell, the New Zealand coach, meanwhile played down the effect of key absences in his side. He was quoted by www.stuff.co.nz as saying, “It’s something you have to get used to. I think over the last two years we have got used to guys coming in and out. We lost Shane (Bond) almost on the morning of the (first) match (against Australia), and lost Stephen. All sorts of little things happen and we have to get used to it and react to it. Especially when we’re as far away as the West Indies in the (2007) World Cup. We can’t just fly somebody in. We have to become an adaptable squad.”Bracewell also spoke about the inconsistency that has dogged the team recently. “We seem to get one part of our game right and have two fall away. We need to pick up some rhythm from what we did in the last series. We started to grow as a team. That’s really the main focus for me over these next four games is trying to continue some sort of rhythm.”

The announcement of West Indies’ final squad for the VB Series has been delayed pending the findings of the arbiter who has stepped in to settle the contract dispute between the players and the board. According to the Barbados-based Nation newspaper, there was a 14-player squad, but an additional four players were put on standby in case four of those selected initially do not sign the proposed contracts.Although it is not apparent what is causing the current delay, Dinanath Ramnarine, the president of the West Indies Players’ Association, indicated that some concerns still remained. “We agreed to attend the training camp. We also agreed to wear the Digicel clothing during the camp,” he said. “But the players are entitled to be compensated for this, and while they won’t be paid during the camp, we will negotiate their fees with the board ahead of the Australia tour and include it in the tour payments.”Adrian Saunders, who is Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is the arbitrator of the dispute. His conclusions are expected to be released at the weekend.

Ashley Giles: time for a break? © Getty Images

While the majority of the nationals’ sports pages were filled with reports of an unconvincing win for England against Samoa in the rugby World Cup, the same story applied for the cricketers. Even though they beat Bangladesh by a comfortable seven wickets in the end, all the papers whistled to a similar tune: credit to the seamers, but concern for the spinners, and Ashley Giles in particular.In the , Simon Wilde pointed out that, “England have suffered some gross humiliations on foreign soil, but defeat to Bangladesh would have invited total ridicule. Even Canada have beaten Bangladesh.” Well, they managed to avoid the embarrassment of losing, but the fact that they now “move on to Chittagong having in the end sustained no more than superficial grazes is largely down to their new-ball bowlers.”England’s new-ball pair, Matthew Hoggard and Stephen Harmison, received all the plaudits. In the , Angus Fraser said that although “the performance was nowhere near as convincing as the seven-wicket margin suggests …Harmison’s match figures of 9 for 79 in 46.5 overs rightly won him the man-of-the-match award.” And Gus added that “the steadying influence of Hoggard cannot be underestimated. On a pitch which was supposed to favour spin bowling, the pair took 16 for 182 in 96.5 overs. The remainder of England’s attack took 4 for 256.”Simon Briggs, in the , agreed that Hoggy and Harmo almost single-handedly spared England’s blushes: “If Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard had not bowled with such stamina and perseverance in this Test, these tourists would now be firmly installed in the sporting Chamber of Horrors, nestling somewhere between Tyson-Douglas and Devon Loch’s last furlong.”But that’s where the praise ends. “Tourists are spinning out of control” roared the headline on David Gower’s column in the . “With Ashley Giles and Gareth Batty talked of in not particularly flattering terms by the commentators out in Bangladesh, already there is talk that one of them might not play at Chittagong.” And he pointed out that although “It’s easy to malign English spin bowling, probably too easy,” Gower added that England have not had “a top international spinner in the fullest sense of the term” since Derek Underwood. And then there’s the lack of legspinners. “We don’t have a leggie. We haven’t had one since, er, well, you tell me!”And the ineffectiveness of the spinners did not go unmissed elsewhere. As Fraser wrote, “A first-rate display from England’s opening bowlers was undermined by the worrying lack of penetration shown by Ashley Giles and Gareth Batty on a surface which offered the Bangladesh spinners a lot of assistance.” Indeed, Richard Hobson in said: “England head south to Chittagong today with the embarrassment of defeat averted, but with a principal decision over selection waiting to be addressed. The second and final Test begins on Wednesday and there is no guarantee that Ashley Giles will be involved. They need help and if that means England changing the strategy devised back home of playing two spin bowlers, so be it.”So what should England do now? Well, Briggs was convinced that “the management team must decide which of the two slow bowlers should be dropped to accommodate an extra seamer.” He continued, “But the question is which spinner remains. Giles is a key figure in this squad, but should he be working on his new approach in the nets or the middle?”Fraser insisted that the extra seamer should be his old Middlesex team-mate Richard Johnson, but Ian Ridley, in , thought otherwise. “England have to give Giles and Batty a chance to improve. If England wish to play an extra seamer in Chittagong, it would be better to replace Rikki Clarke, but the English management, chastened by their experiences during this match, will be reluctant to weaken their batting.” But Ridley is largely outvoted. Hobson was another in favour of dropping Giles: “It would be doing Giles a favour to remove him from the spotlight while he takes a step backwards to go forward in the longer term.”Poor old Ashley was also the hot topic in in Bangladesh. “Giles’s gamble may backfire,” read the headline. Referring to the reworking of his bowling action, a sports reporter said: “Giles has opted to make those changes now by working with bowling coach Mike Watkinson despite the risks of disrupting his current action and possibly losing his place. Fletcher was happy with Giles’s contribution in stages at Dhaka. But both he and Watkinson are attempting to restore his rhythm and confidence so he can return to the form which enabled him to be such a key player during England’s victories in Pakistan and Sri Lanka three winters ago.”And the unnamed reporter noted that: “Attempting to change this is all well and good but it is dangerous in the middle of a Test series. Marcus Trescothick tinkered with his technique during last winter’s tour of Australia with disastrous effects.”So problems for England then, but at least Ridley was still upbeat: “Under Whatmore’s guidance, Bangladesh are improving. They will beat someone soon, but it is more likely to be Zimbabwe in Harare in February than England in Chittagong this week.” It seems that not everyone is quite so sure.

Somerset all rounder Mike Burns is back in full training after undergoing an operation to rectify an ankle injury earlier in the New Year.The thirty two year old who joined Somerset from Warwickshire in 1997 enjoyed his best ever year in 2001, and played a major part in the county’s most successful season.At the indoor nets in the week Mike was showing that he has lost none of his batting ability and was striking the ball in the same way that earned him nearly nine hundred championship runs last season including a double century at Bath, which is still being talked about by those who were present.Head of injury prevention Darren Veness, who has been working closely with the player told me: “Burns is back with the bat in the nets for the first time since his ankle injury. He looked comfortable and next week he will be able to bowl flat out as well.”Mike Burns told me: “The ankle feels pretty good, and next week I’ll be back to bowling at full pace. I was batting with a new Gunn and Moore bat and it is a real belter.I’ve used their bats for nine years and now they’re available from Boundary Sports at the County Ground. Several of the others use Gunn and Moore as well.”The following morning Mike Burns was back at the County Ground, and after a session at the Indoor School was being put through his paces on the new weights that have been set up in a separate area , away from the Academy Fitness Centre.Daren Veness told me, “Mike is a natural athlete and incredibly fit.He’s a great example for the youngsters to follow. It’s good for them to see someone who is a number of years older than them working as hard as he does at training.”

Vikram Solanki’s century (113) and debutant James Pipe’s half century(54) helped Worcestershire to move to 231 for 5 in 64 overs afterbeing 8 for 3 against Warwickshire at New Road today.James Pipe, reserve wicketkeeper to Steve Rhodes, was included as aspecialist bat due to impressive performances in the second XI. He wasquick to gain attention with a wide range of shots in his 64 ballinnings. But it was Solanki, who took the centre stage with his secondcentury of the season off 140 balls after being dropped on 81.Worcestershire after winning the toss made a disastrous start, losingPhilip Weston and Graeme Hick for ducks and Paul Pollard for five bythe eighth over of the innings. Then Solanki and David Leatherdalestemmed the rot with a fourth wicket partnership of 67 runs in 23overs.

Crystal Palace haven’t made contact over a summer move for Flamengo striker Pedro, according to recent reports.

The Lowdown: Palace interest in Pedro

Journalist Guillem Balague said that the Eagles are in the chase for the 24-year-old Brazilian striker, who is valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt.

Brighton, Southampton and Wolves have also been name-checked with an interest, with Palace shareholder John Textor recently purchasing a large stake in Brazilian club Botafogo.

Rumours have claimed that Textor could buy Pedro for Palace before loaning him to Botafogo, who are Flamengo’s local rivals.

The Latest: No contact for Pedro

Sport Witness relayed an update from journalist Jorge Nicola, who asked Pedro’s staff about Palace.

They claimed that there hasn’t been any contact from Selhurst Park so far, with Pedro’s current contract not expiring until 2025.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Although there hasn’t been any contact as of yet, it could still be one to keep a close eye on heading into the summer transfer window.

If the signing is made, Palace fans may want to keep hold of Pedro instead of loaning him back to Brazil due to the fact that he has scored 56 goals during his club career.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Reports have hinted that Christian Benteke could leave Selhurst Park this summer, and if he does, Pedro could turn out to be a shrewd replacement for the Belgian.

In other news: Textor now lining up big Crystal Palace move for ‘phenomenal’ 152-goal star this summer