Northants skipper’s 150 was followed by Zaib’s second century in a week, before Derbyshire rallied to lead by nine

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A career-best century for Luke Procter backed up by a blistering hundred from Saif Zaib gave Northamptonshire the upper hand on day three of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire at Derby.Procter’s 150 from 272 balls provided the launching pad for Zaib who hit three sixes to race to a second century in consecutive matches, off only 86 balls.With Justin Broad hammering 46 from 27 balls, the visitors declared on 500 for 8 with a lead of 193 but their bowlers also struggled on a pitch which has flattened out.Australian opener Caleb Jewell eased to a fifth 50 in six innings and with Wayne Madsen completing his second half century of the game, Derbyshire moved to 202 for 3 at stumps, a lead of nine.Procter faced 17 balls to get the three runs needed to complete his 9th first-class hundred but from then on, the visitors moved swiftly through the gears.When the second new ball was taken, Rob Keogh drove Luis Reece for four to bring up the 300 and the 100 stand which had come from 164 balls. Keogh reached his 50 by pulling Reece for another boundary but in the same over he went for a big drive and was bowled .Zaib survived a hard chance to second slip on one and he took full advantage as he tore the bowling apart either side of lunch.Procter passed his previous highest score , an unbeaten 144 against Warwickshire at Northampton in 2022, and then pulled Zak Chappell for his 20th four to reach 150 before cutting Blair Tickner into the hands of gully.But Derbyshire were struggling to stem the flow of runs with Zaib taking 14 off a Martin Andersson over as 139 runs came in the first session. The lead at the interval was 68 and although Lewis McManus was caught behind sweeping at Jack Morley, the game quickly ran away from Derbyshire who had to bowl spin at both ends to improve a slow over rate.Zaib and Broad tucked into the post lunch smorgasbord to plunder 85 from 54 balls before the latter was caught at deep midwicket to give Madsen his first championship wicket since April 2022.When Zaib skied Morley to long off, the declaration came giving their bowlers 54 overs to try and put Derbyshire under pressure but the batters continued to dominate.David Lloyd needed a big innings after a run of low scores and started positively, pulling Liam Guthrie for six, but then fell to a stunning catch by Broad who leapt at cover to hold on at the second attempt.But Jewell again looked untroubled and with Harry Came, reduced the arrears to under a hundred before Dom Leech trapped Came on the crease in the 27th over.Jewell responded by pulling Leech for his seventh four to reach 50 and with Madsen, set about deflating Northants’ hopes of victory.The pair added 66 from 84 balls and although Jewell cut Broad into the hands of first slip, Madsen passed 50 for the fourth time this season to put his team in credit by the close.

Ronald Koeman says he has 'difficult' decisions to make as the Netherlands coach attempts to find the right balance in his midfield with the likes of Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenbech all fighting for a spot. It was the Manchester City signing who missed out on a starting XI spot as the Dutch demolished Finland on Sunday, with Justin Kluivert getting the chance to shine in attacking midfield.

• Netherlands demolish Finland in World Cup qualifying

  Koeman chose to field Bouremouth star Kluivert ahead of De Jong and Gravenberch, placing Reijnders on the bench. The decision paid off as the 26-year-old was involved in the first and third goals as Oranje won 4-0 against Finland to remain top of the qualifying group.

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  Koeman discusses luxury problem for Netherlands

  Taking full advantage of the quality available in midfield poses a bit of a luxurious problem for the ex-Barcelona coach

  "These are choices. Difficult choices. Frenkie, Ryan, and Tijjani would play anywhere," he said to . "You keep a great player on the bench. Justin filled in well, but Tijjani can also play well there, as can Xavi Simons. I don't have a preference. Kluivert brings a different dynamic to the team. But for Spain, for example, Dani Olmo sometimes sits on the bench because Pedri is playing. Those are choices you make."

  Reijnders replaced Gravenberch for the second half duty a minor physical concern over Gravenberch. "We didn't take any risks with that," Koeman said.

• Kluivert claims he's different from his teammates

  Kluivert, who is yet to score his first goal for the national team, has started just one Premier League game for Bournemouth so far this season and came off the bench to score against Fulham last week. The former Ajax star feels he offers quality that his co-stars do not.

  "I try to give myself to the team. I do bring something different than the other three midfielders," he said. "I have slightly different qualities. The manager has more options, and that's a good thing; we need that."

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  What comes next for Netherlands?

  Koeman's side will be back in action on November 14, when they face Poland in their seventh qualifier. They are the only unbeaten team in Group G, having accumulated 16 points in six games, with five wins and a draw. 

Ronald Koeman has outlined his plans for the Netherlands’ upcoming World Cup qualifier against minnows Malta. The former Barcelona head coach confirmed that Memphis Depay, the Oranje’s all-time leading scorer, will not be in contention to start after arriving late to the national team’s training camp. The ex-Manchester United forward reported that his passport was stolen while in Brazil, causing a delay in his travel.

Depay arrives late to Netherlands camp due to bizarre reason

Depay reported to the Netherlands training camp in Amsterdam on Tuesday, later than the date initially requested by head coach Koeman. The reason behind the ex-United flop's delayed arrival has now been revealed. According to , the striker phoned team manager Brecht Kramer in the middle of the night to inform him that he had missed his flight from Brazil to Schiphol after his passport was stolen.

AdvertisementAFPKoeman reveals change of plan with Depay

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Koeman said: "Memphis couldn't find his passport in Brazil. He went to the airport without one, but that didn't work, even if you're Memphis. Was anything else stolen? No, just his passport. Does it feel like an excuse, like a bridge being open or a flat tyre? No, we have too good a relationship to doubt his story. Now he's flying later on an emergency travel document. Normally, he would arrive in the Netherlands at 9:30 on Tuesday morning. What does it mean for his availability? I do have my thoughts about that – the plan I had in mind will have to change. He won’t start, no. Being late means [going to] the bench? Everyone has the right to be late once in a while. No, it’s not a punishment.”

Donyell Malen roped in as Depay's replacement

Malen, who has scored 11 goals in 45 games for the Dutch, will likely start in place of Depay on Thursday. "He can also play as a striker. He's a permanent part of my group," Koeman added. 

"Mexx Meerdink is also someone we're looking at with the future in mind. His development will determine how long it will take. Emanuel Emegha is also in the back of our minds. I hadn't yet made a final choice between him and Meerdink, but Emegha was already dealing with hamstring issues and was therefore unavailable.

"Meerdink has been a bit off in recent matches, but he now has a chance to show what he can do. I have a few players in mind who I’ll occasionally call up to take a closer look at. Whether [Brian] Brobbey and [Joshua] Zirkzee are still among those? If they get more playing time, they’ll be options again. And Sem Steijn? I think he needs to take the next step at the very highest level."

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Getty Images SportWho are Netherlands going to face during this international break?

Koeman's troops have a relatively straightforward set of fixtures in the upcoming international break. They will face Malta on Thursday, whom they defeated 8-0 in June. It's a fixture they can navigate without any hassle, even in Depay's absence, their all-time top goal scorer. Then, they will host Finland on Sunday. The Oranje are currently at the top of Group G in World Cup qualifying, with 10 points from four games.

علق رونالد أراوخو مدافع برشلونة بعد الخسارة أمام ريال مدريد بهدفين لهدف واحد، في الكلاسيكو ضمن منافسات الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم.

وكان كيليان مبابي قد افتتح التسجيل لصالح ريال مدريد في الدقيقة 22، قبل أن يتعادل فيرمين لوبيز في الدقيقة 38 لصالح برشلونة.

وقبل نهاية الشوط الأول خطف جود بيلينجهام هدف الفوز لصالح ريال مدريد في الدقيقة 43، وشهدت المباراة العديد من الأحداث المتوترة وحصل بيدري على بطاقة حمراء.

وقال أراوخو في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “نشعر بالحزن لخسارتنا أمام غريمنا الأكبر، أمامنا بعض الأمور يجب إصلاحها”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. دي يونج منتقدًا لاعب ريال مدريد: يمكنك الاتصال بـ لامين يامال.. ولم أسمع شيئًا عن “السرقة”

وأضاف: “لكن لا يزال أمامنا الكثير لنلعب من أجله، لامين يامال؟ لن أتحدث عن لامين يامال اليوم”.

وواصل المدافع الأوروجواياني دفاعاً عن زميله الشاب: “لامين لاعب محترف رائع وأحد أفضل لاعبي العالم، إنه في سن الرشد ويعرف ما عليه فعله، لا يهمني، لا أعرف كيف استقبلوا الأمر”.

Puthur, who made an impressive debut this season, has had bone stress reactions in both shins

ESPNcricinfo staff01-May-2025Mumbai Indians’ (MI) left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur has been ruled out of IPL 2025 with bone stress reactions in both his shins. The franchise has signed uncapped legspinner Raghu Sharma as Puthur’s replacement.Puthur had a memorable debut earlier this season, picking up three wickets against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In all, he took six wickets in five games at an economy rate of 9.08.”Vignesh will continue to be with the team to focus on his recovery and rehabilitation with the Mumbai Indians medical and S&C team,” the franchise said in a statement.Related

Auto-rickshaw driver's son latest entrant to MI's talent club

Raghu, 32, was part of MI’s net bowlers and joins the main squad at his base price of INR 30 lakh. Just like Puthur, this will be a maiden IPL stint for him.He has represented Punjab and Puducherry in domestic cricket over the years. In 11 first-class matches, he has 57 wickets at an average of 19.59. He has 14 wickets in nine List A games and three in three T20s.MI had a slow start to the tournament with one win from their five games. Since then, they have stacked five wins in a row and are currently third on the points table with 12 points from ten games.

Lewis McManus made 95 as Northamptonshire posted 496 all out – their highest-ever total at Old Trafford – and then took four wickets to consolidate their advantage on the second day of this Rothesay County Championship match.Justin Broad took two wickets to have Lancashire in early difficulties before Keaton Jennings and Marcus Harris steadied matters with a partnership of 84 before the latter fell just before the close followed by nightwatcher Anderson Phillip in the final over to leave Lancashire 139 for 4, trailing by 357 runs.Jennings, whose lowest effort in his three early season innings is 49, looked in great touch, pulling consecutive deliveries from Broad for four and six on his way to his half-century and he ended the day on 60 not out. It feels that a lot will rest on their skipper if Lancashire are to make progress towards Northamptonshire’s total tomorrow.Broad struck twice following his introduction to the attack in the 11th over, his fourth delivery finding just enough movement to trap Michael Jones lbw for 14 with the score on 22 before removing Josh Bohannon for 5 with a delivery that ripped out the batter’s off stump.Harris played some free-flowing drives in making 43 but fell to a great diving catch at midwicket by Broad off Raphy Weatherall five overs before stumps.At the start of the day, Saif Zaib could only add five runs to his overnight 111 before edging behind off Phillip attempting to repeat the drive that had earned him four runs the previous ball.Broad helped McManus boost the total by 48 runs until he was run out for 19 by Tom Bailey’s direct hit from midwicket as the visitors reached the 110-over mark on 405 for 7.McManus, who had reached his fifty earlier from 97 balls, marshalled the lower order superbly during the first half of the day and found a willing assistant in Calvin Harrison. The loan signing from Nottinghamshire gave steady support in an 81-run partnership inside 30 overs for the eighth wicket that included reverse sweeping Hartley for four to reach his half-century from 87 balls.It proved to be a frustrating passage of play for Lancashire who bowled spinners Tom Hartley and Luke Wells in tandem for the final 33 overs of the innings in an attempt to dry up the run scoring and exert some pressure.The innings ended abruptly with the final three wickets falling for 12 runs, starting when McManus became the second Northamptonshire batter to fall agonisingly short of a hundred in two days. Having seen David Sales perish for 92 yesterday, McManus departed in similar fashion on 95, top-edging a front-foot slog off a Wells delivery pushed wider that went high to Bohannon at mid-off. Hartley (3 for 91) then wrapped things up bowling both Liam Guthrie for a duck and Harrison for 56 via inside edges.

Celtic are set for a busy deadline day, and Brendan Rodgers could now be set to bring a winger into the equation after identifying a new target.

Celtic's dire Glasgow Derby display emphasises need for reinforcements

Despite plenty of anticipation ahead of the first clash between Glasgow’s big two this season, Celtic claimed a point away to Rangers at Ibrox in a 0-0 draw that won’t live long in the memory.

Rarely has a derby match-up between the pair passed without any real incident, though the Bhoys were flat in attack and registered only five shots, two of which were on target, as they remain top of the Scottish Premiership on goal difference.

Post-match, Rodgers hinted that his side could be in for a busy deadline day in order to land the offensive reinforcements he needs at the top end of the field.

He told reporters: “It’s been so clear what the team has needed and what’s required. I really hope that in this period we can do that.

“Celtic’s DNA is around about our attacking intent, mentality and that bit of quality. You arrive into the final third and you’re creating chances.”

Becoming the Bhoys’ main target at a late stage in the window, Anderlecht striker Kasper Dolberg is wanted to lead the Celtic line and could be set to replace Adam Idah, who is on his way to Swansea City as things stand.

Reports suggest the Bhoys have also made an approach for Bristol City forward Fally Mayulu, albeit he won’t be the last forward to be linked with a move to Parkhead before the deadline passes.

Admittedly, Celtic have left their business late, though they could now be about to step up their efforts to land a winger after showcasing a lack of creative ideas at Ibrox.

Celtic submit loan bid for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has confirmed that Celtic have submitted a loan bid for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi ahead of tonight’s deadline.

Intriguingly, Rangers, Lyon and Leicester City have also put forward proposals for the 22-year-old, who will now have a decision to make based on the amount of minutes he will earn away from Selhurst Park.

Dubbed “wonderful” by former Charlton Athletic boss Ben Garner, Rak-Sakyi spent last season out on loan at Sheffield United and enjoyed a successful spell at Bramall Lane, registering seven goals and two assists in 36 appearances.

With two years left on his contract, it remains to be seen if any option to buy would be included in a deal for the England Under-21 international. However, supporters of Celtic, Rangers, Lyon and Leicester City won’t need to wait too long to find out the £10 million-rated star’s chosen destination.

After three games without a win, Everton now reportedly want to address one of their concerns by signing a talented forward when the January transfer window arrives.

Everton's early Premier League concern

The Toffees initially got off to a positive start and even saw summer signing Jack Grealish pick up the Premier League Player of the Month award in August. Since then, however, David Moyes’ side have stuttered for the first time – failing to win in three games.

Defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup was a particularly disappointing game for the Merseyside club, but one that they must bounce back from when West Ham United come to town on Monday night.

Everton’s biggest concern in their recent run has come in attack. They’ve scored just once in their last three games, which was Idrissa Gueye’s Anfield strike, and have watched on as Beto has particularly struggled.

The forward was taken off at half-time for Thierno Barry in the Merseyside derby and the Toffees went on to enjoy a much-improved second period. Whether that will be that for Beto’s starting place will be interesting to see.

Moyes didn’t hold back when delivering his verdict on the forward earlier this season, telling reporters: “I’ve been a bit disappointed with Beto and I’ve told him.

“We’re needing a bit more and he can do more and he has done more. So we’re hoping we can get a bit more from him, but he’s a really honest working lad and I’m sure he’ll try and prove that tonight.”

Whilst Barry gets up to speed, there’s still a chance for Beto to prove his worth. But Moyes’ patience won’t last forever and speculation is already arriving over a potential move that the Toffees could make to replace their forward in January.

Everton eyeing move for Norwich striker Josh Sargent

As reported by Graeme Bailey and Everton News, Everton now want to sign Josh Sargent in the January transfer window and are keeping tabs on the Norwich City striker, who has been in fine form.

Everton launch first enquiry to sign £265,000-a-week Premier League star in 2026

The Toffees could land a rival star…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 25, 2025

The American has been linked with a move away from Carrow Road for some time and could finally earn a route back to the Premier League in January. After scoring six goals in seven Championship games too, it’s clear that he’s good enough to step up.

The Friedkin Group proved that they’re not afraid to spend big in the summer transfer window and could do so once again when the winter window swings open.

It’s been a pretty good start to the season for Arsenal so far this year.

Mikel Arteta’s side may have lost to Liverpool before the international break, but they did so due to a freak free-kick.

Moreover, they’ve won their other three Premier League games without conceding a goal and came out 2-0 winners from their Champions League opener last night.

Moreover, the team was seriously strengthened over the summer, with stars like Eberechi Eze coming in, although he ended up costing more than three other stars of the squad did combined.

Eze's start to life at Arsenal

While his £67.5m price tag means he is still some distance away from being Arsenal’s most expensive signing, there was still an expectation that Eze would be able to make a quick impact at the club this season.

After all, he’s Premier League proven and racked up a brilliant tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 games for Crystal Palace last season.

Unfortunately, although he did a couple of good things on his debut away to Liverpool, he was only given 20 minutes of action; therefore, it’s hard to take anything from that game.

However, he was handed his first start on the weekend, and considering he received an 8/10 match rating from Sam Tabuteau, it would be fair to say he made quite the impression.

His standout contribution came when he provided a brilliant assist for Viktor Gyokeres in the first minute of the second half, but he did so much more than that.

For example, he completed three dribbles, was accurate in 100% of his long balls, won two fouls and was generally a threat and positive outlet whenever he had the ball at his feet.

He wasn’t quite able to replicate this in Bilbao, though, as even though he didn’t put in a bad performance, he did struggle to have as much of an impact on the game.

In fact, in his 71 minutes of action, the Greenwich-born ace amassed a paltry combined expected goals and assist figure of 0.14, didn’t take a single shot on target and failed to create a big chance.

In short, we’ve seen what Eze can do at his best in the game against Forest, but we’ve also seen how starting out wide can sometimes cause him to fade out of games.

Arteta will be hoping to see more of the former for the price the Englishman cost, although the price of players doesn’t always reflect their ability, as a trio of Arsenal stars somehow cost the club less than Eze combined.

The Arsenal trio who cost less than Eze

Arsenal have made more than their fair share of bargain signings over the years, from Gabriel Martinelli to David Raya and even arguably Jurrien Timber.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, in this instance, we are talking about the defensive trio of William Saliba, who cost around £27m, Gabriel Maghalese, who cost £23m and Cristhian Mosquera, who cost just £13m.

In other words, the Gunners formed one of the best centre-back pairings in world football and signed an incredibly exciting prospect for a combined price of just £63m.

Let’s start with Saliba and Gabriel, as even though the North Londoners team is full of important players, an argument could be made that they are the most important.

They’ve now played 118 games together, winning 77 of them, drawing 18, losing 23 and averaging 2.11 points per game.

Moreover, the outrageously impressive pairing has only conceded 113 goals in that time, and it feels like they could let in even fewer this season.

Moving on to the young Spaniard, and while it is early, he’s already shown enough to convince some fans that he is going to be a superstar.

For example, in the game against Bilbao, the defensive “monster,” as dubbed by one analyst, made six clearances, took 93 touches, made one tackle and was accurate in 75 of 79 passes.

Moreover, FBref already rank him in the top 7% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for ball recoveries, meaning he can be relied upon to put out fires.

Ultimately, Arsenal have managed to sign two of the best defenders in the world and one of the most exciting up-and-coming defenders for less than Eze’s transfer fee, which is business that should be applauded.

Fewer touches than Raya: Arteta must drop 4/10 Arsenal star after Bilbao

Arsenal came through a tough clash with Athletic Club in the Champions League.

6

By
Matt Dawson

Sep 17, 2025

Ousmane Dembele has asked Paris Saint-Germain for a new contract and a pay rise worthy of his new status as a Ballon d’Or winner. The French winger, currently earning €18 million per year and tied to the club until 2028, wants a salary that reflects his global standing, but PSG are unwilling to return to the extravagant wage structure of the Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi era.

Dembele demands new deal after Ballon d’Or triumph

Fresh off winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Dembele believes his performances merit a significant contract upgrade. The PSG star’s representatives have already approached the club to renegotiate terms, arguing that his current €18m (£15m/$19m) annual salary no longer matches his world-beating form. Under contract until 2028, Dembele remains calm but expects recognition for his new status.

AdvertisementAFPNo Ballon d’Or clause, but big ambitions

As with his Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona contracts, Dembele demanded a his PSG deal include a clause that would entitle him to a pay rise should he win the Ballon d’Or clause. While the French side deny such an agreement, reports that it is indeed in the contract and his entourage are now pushing the club to honour it. They believe the forward’s individual success and Champions League-winning exploits justify higher pay. PSG, however, have responded cautiously, open to negotiation but unwilling to mirror the financial excesses of the past.

PSG stand firm after lessons from the past

Inside the PSG hierarchy, there is firm resistance to repeating the mistakes of the Neymar-Mbappe-Messi era. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos have established a stricter financial policy, with a focus on sustainability and team balance. Although the accounts are back in the black after a record year, the club's room for manoeuvre remains limited, particularly due to the drastic drop in television rights, reports. PSG are constrained by financial fair play and does not want to fall back into its old ways. PSG recognise that Dembele’s current salary does not reflect his new status, but they do not intend to break the bank. The club’s financial fair play obligations also make them cautious.

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GettyComparing the numbers, and the message

At €18m per year, Dembele is already PSG’s highest earner, tet the figure pales compared to Neymar’s €30m or the staggering €70m Mbappe once earned. Dembele isn’t asking for those sums, but wants a deal reflecting his image, consistency, and leadership. PSG, though, fear that raising his wages could spark a ripple effect in the dressing room, reopening old wounds from the club’s spendthrift years.