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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has heaped praise on a Spurs star who was a “real handful” against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday, alongside player of the match Xavi Simons.

Spurs’ commanding 4-0 victory marked the perfect bounce back from their bitterly disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the London derby just days earlier.

After an extremely lacklustre performance against their rivals, which was followed by Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence snubbing Frank’s attempt at a handshake after the final whistle, Spurs responded on the European stage in style.

From the off, Tottenham seized control — dominating possession and creating chances.

Xavi Simons

8.1

Micky van de Ven

8.1

Wilson Odobert

7.9

Pedro Porro

7.8

Randal Kolo Muani

7.6

via WhoScored

The team pressed Copenhagen high, denying them space and time to settle, and it wasn’t long before their pressure paid off.

One of the night’s highlights was van de Ven’s superb solo goal, which had shades of Son Heung-min’s famous Puskas winner against Burnley in 2019, and it was the perfect apology to Frank after the Dutchman’s post-Chelsea controversy.

The centre-back picked up the ball deep in Tottenham’s own half and drove forward with purpose, evading challenges and slicing through Copenhagen’s midfield before cooly slotting past the keeper in what was a world-class piece of quality and sure-fire contender for this season’s Puskas Award.

The standout performer, however, was Xavi Simons — whose man of the match display encapsulated what was a fantastic evening for the Lilywhites.

The 22-year-old has been widely criticised for his slow start to life at the club since joining Tottenham in a deal which could be worth a grand-total of £125 million, when factoring in wages, agent’s fees and other add-ons over a potential seven-year deal.

However, Simons ran the show against Copenhagen, chalking up his first assist since making his Premier League debut away to West Ham, and he could’ve had even more to show for his efforts.

Fellow summer signing Randal Kolo Muani missed a gaping free header from Simons’ exceptional cross on the half-turn which almost certainly should’ve been converted, which was after the Frenchman failed to take advantage of another close-range set-up from his teammate to make it 2-0.

Thomas Frank praises misfiring Kolo Muani after Tottenham win

That being said, Kolo Muani, after working his way back to fitness from a dead leg, is also beginning to impress.

The PSG loanee showcased why he should be considered Spurs’ new first-choice striker, at least until Dominic Solanke returns from injury, and Frank had plenty to say about Kolo Muani after the match.

Tottenham’s head coach admitted that the 26-year-old is still not ‘fully firing’ after their 4-0 rout of Copenhagen, but was adamant that Kolo Muani proved to be a “real handful” for Spurs overall.

Even if he did fail to score multiple chances that were put on a plate for him by Simons, Kolo Muani did assist Wilson Odobert with what was a phenomenal piece of composure.

The ex-Eintracht Frankfurt star took the ball down from a lofty height with deft control before laying it off to Odobert, who duly doubled the home side’s lead, and that is perhaps a sign of things to come.

Richarlison could, and perhaps should, be worried — especially after missing a last-minute penalty against Copenhagen as Solanke nears his long-awaited return.

Wayne Rooney has revealed that former Manchester United teammate Carlos Tevez was his favourite strike partner at Old Trafford, snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo. The Red Devils legend said he shared a 'special connection' with Tevez during their two seasons together, describing their aggressive, hard-working style as the perfect blend that made them a nightmare for defenders.

Rooney names Tevez as his best strike partner at Man Utd

Rooney has opened up about his favourite attacking partnership during his Manchester United career, naming Tevez as the player he most enjoyed playing alongside. The former England captain shared the pitch with a host of world-class forwards under Sir Alex Ferguson, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov, Robin van Persie, Louis Saha and Javier Hernandez. However, when asked who complemented him best, Rooney pointed to Tevez’s relentless work rate, aggression and understanding as the qualities that made their partnership click.

Rooney and Tevez spearheaded United’s attack between 2007 and 2009, forming a dynamic duo alongside Ronaldo that helped deliver two Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League trophy. The pair combined for 47 goals during that spell, embodying Ferguson’s philosophy of intensity and fluidity in attack. Though Ronaldo’s brilliance often stole the headlines, Rooney insists it was Tevez who brought out the best in his own game.

Tevez, who joined United on loan from West Ham in 2007, instantly struck up a connection with Rooney through their shared energy and tenacity on the pitch. Their ability to interchange positions and press defenders from the front made them one of the Premier League’s most feared strike pairings. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMan Utd legend explains why he and Tevez clicked so well

Speaking on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show, the United legend said: “Tevez, I really enjoyed playing with Carlos and I enjoyed playing with all of them, but with Carlos, there was a big thing in the papers when we were signing him saying that the two of us [were] too similar [and] we couldn’t play together.”

“And yeah, I think for the both of us, that really like, you know, we were like, ‘Okay, we’ll show you and stuff [like that],’ and we were aggressive and we worked hard and tackled as well, but then bounced off each other.”

“One of us plays the [No] 9, the other is a [No] 10 and we change it up and yeah, so he was definitely the favourite one to play with.”

Rooney’s remarks highlight how his chemistry with Tevez went beyond goals or statistics. Instead, it was built on mutual understanding, unselfish movement, and an unwavering desire to outwork the opposition. While Ronaldo dazzled with his individual brilliance, Rooney’s bond with Tevez was rooted in shared effort and relentless pressing – qualities that made them inseparable on the pitch

Rooney and Tevez once formed a formidable partnership

The Rooney-Tevez partnership was short-lived but unforgettable. Both players brought a similar intensity that made Manchester United’s attack uniquely ferocious. Their aggression, energy, and ability to constantly swap roles left defenders guessing, while Ronaldo’s presence added a devastating third dimension.

Rooney and Tevez complemented each other perfectly because neither was a traditional number nine. Both enjoyed dropping deep to link play, drifting wide to create space, and pressing from the front to recover possession. Their chemistry was instinctive – a reflection of their working-class footballing roots and shared hunger to prove critics wrong after early doubts about their compatibility.

Reflecting on his time as a central striker under Ferguson, Rooney also admitted he sometimes found the role less enjoyable despite his prolific form. “I had two seasons when I played as the No 9, scored 34 goals in both but I was bored,” he explained. “I liked to play football and be involved in the game… I was scoring goals and we were winning games, but I wanted to get involved.”

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Getty Images SportTevez and Rooney's differing paths post Old Trafford

Rooney’s admiration for Tevez serves as a reminder of an era when Manchester United’s attack embodied work ethic as much as flair. While Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest players in history is undisputed, Rooney’s reflections shed light on how footballing chemistry isn’t always about star power. Their partnership remains one of the most iconic in Premier League history precisely because of that mix.

For Tevez, who went on to represent Manchester City, Juventus, Boca Juniors and Shanghai Shenhua before retiring in 2022, the bond with Rooney remains one of the defining periods of his career.

In the absence of Stoinis and Inglis, PBKS might turn to new recruits Mitch Owen and Kyle Jamieson

Shashank Kishore17-May-20255:39

Moody expects PBKS to pick Owen vs RR

Big PictureRicky Ponting knows the challenge of navigating a disrupted season. In 2021, when he was with Delhi Capitals (DC), he coached them to a top-of-the-table finish before a Covid-induced mid-season pause. When the IPL resumed at the time, DC maintained the momentum to finish in the top two only to stumble in the playoffs.Now with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025, Ponting has a familiar task: keeping a playoffs-bound team on track. PBKS, who are aiming for a top-two finish for the first time since 2014, currently sit on 15 points with three games left in the league stage. Two wins will guarantee qualification; they may sneak through with one, with help from other results. The abandoned game in Dharamsala against DC being replayed gives them a vital extra shot.However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for PBKS. Two key overseas players, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis haven’t returned, forcing changes in team balance. Mitchell Owen, a BBL standout known for his exploits as an opener, could debut in the middle order, given how well Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have clicked at the top.While PBKS will chase a top-two finish, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are fighting to avoid the wooden spoon. With just three wins from 12 games, their playoff hopes are long gone, and the focus has now shifted to salvaging pride and shaping the future.Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old who lit up the league with a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans last month, offers hope for the future. Riyan Parag, who had earlier stood in as captain for Sanju Samson, also showed signs of resurgence, smashing 95 in his previous innings, at Eden Gardens, as RR almost chased down 207.The batting has found some rhythm, but the bowling continues to flounder for RR. Injuries to Sandeep Sharma and the absence of Jofra Archer have left their pace attack short on quality and confidence. For context, Royals have the worst average (52.1) for a pace attack this season.Form guideRajasthan Royals: LLWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Punjab Kings: WWLWWIn the spotlight: Sanju Samson, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran SinghSanju Samson has cleared hit fitness test after a three-week absence due to a side strain. In his absence, young Suryavanshi impressed at the top with 155 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 209.45. With Yashasvi Jaiswal also back in form after a middling start to the season – he has hit four half-centuries in his last seven innings – Samson will probably have to slot in at No. 3.Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been key to PBKS’ success, consistently setting the tone in the powerplay. Their 534-run aggregate is the second highest this season, behind only Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan (634). When either scores 45 or more, PBKS have won five games (plus two no results); when neither does, they’ve lost all three.4:33

What went wrong for Rajasthan Royals this season?

Team news and probable XIIsRR are without Archer and the injured Sandeep, with left-arm seamer Nandre Burger brought in as Sandeep’s replacement. Samson will take over the captaincy from Parag.Rajasthan Royals: 1 Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Sanju Samson (capt, wk), 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Shubham Dubey, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Tushar Deshpande, 11 Kwena Maphaka, 12 Akash MadhwalPBKS will have to replace two overseas players. Owen, BBL 2024-25’s breakout star, could be playing his first game in India. Kyle Jamieson, who has replaced Lockie Ferguson, could also get a game.Punjab Kings: 1 Priyansh Arya, 2 Prabhsimran Singh, 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4 Mitch Owen, 5 Nehal Wadhera, 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Shashank Singh, 8 Harpreet Brar, 9 Marco Jansen, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal, 12 Kyle JamiesonThe big questionPitch and conditionsDay-time temperatures in Jaipur are expected to reach a high of 42 degrees Celsius. The dry heat will test the players’ fitness. RR believe the surface could be on the slower side. Since it’s a 3.30pm start, dew is unlikely to be a factor.Stats and TriviaYashasvi Jaiswal (19) and Priyansh Arya (16) have hit the most sixes in the powerplay this season. Meanwhile, Parag’s 12 sixes are the most by a batter in his first 10 balls.Arya’s strike rate of 189 is the highest in the powerplay among batters who’ve faced at least 100 balls.Despite playing two seasoned overseas spinners in Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, RR have one of the highest economy rates among teams at 9.3 and an average of 37.40.RR have won only one out of eight matches chasing so far this season.PBKS have the second-highest powerplay run rate (10.4) this season.

The IPL will allow franchises to sign temporary replacement players for the final stages of the rearranged 2025 season – but those players will not be eligible for retention ahead of the next auction.The league will resume on Saturday after its suspension due to cross-border India-Pakistan tensions, with the new dates prompting calendar clashes for a handful of players. The majority of overseas players will return to India for the rest of the season but some have withdrawn, including Jake Fraser-McGurk (Delhi Capitals) and Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings).The IPL’s regulations permit teams to sign replacements in the event of illness or injury provided it occurs during or before their 12th match of the season. But the league has taken the call to change those rules, enabling temporary replacements to be signed for the remainder of the rearranged season.Related

• FAQs – How will the last leg of IPL 2025 play out?

• IPL 2025 scenarios: GT and RCB one win away from playoffs, MI in control of their fate

• IPL 2025 to resume on May 17, final to be played on June 3

• DC announce Mustafizur signing after Fraser-McGurk exits IPL 2025

However, any temporary replacements signed after the league’s suspension will not be eligible for retention ahead of next season. The move is seemingly designed to avoid a situation where franchises are effectively incentivised to sign replacements as a way of circumventing the auction process, rather than for legitimate reasons.The IPL told franchises in a memo that it had “reassessed” the replacement rules. “Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments or personal reasons or any injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament,” the league said.”This decision is subject to the condition that the Temporary Replacement players taken from this point forward will not be eligible for retention in the following year. Temporary Replacement players will have to register for the IPL Player Auction 2026.”The IPL also clarified that any replacements which were approved before the league’s suspension remain eligible for retention ahead of next season. Four players were signed in the 48 hours before suspension: Sediqullah Atal (Delhi Capitals), Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Nandre Burger (both Rajasthan Royals).Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have brought in Blessing Muzarabani, the Zimbabwe fast-bowling spearhead, as temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi, who will leave to join South Africa for their preparations ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The replacement will be effective from May 26, the day before RCB’s last league-phase game, against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) away in Lucknow. An IPL statement said that Muzarabani would be joining RCB for INR 75 lakh.

It would be an understatement to say that West Ham United have not had the start to the season they’d have been hoping for.

For example, the East Londoners aren’t taking part in the League Cup this week after losing to the equally terrible Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

It’s somehow been even worse in the Premier League, with the Irons losing to Sunderland, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace in their first five games.

In short, things need to change, and it now looks like the club are going after a manager who’d be a massive upgrade on Graham Potter.

West Ham target Potter upgrade

The last few weeks have seen West Ham be linked with a host of potential Potter replacements, with one of the more prominent ones being Slaven Bilic.

Manager Focus

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The former Hammers boss left the club in 2017, and has since managed Al-Ittihad, West Bromwich Albion, Beijing Guoan, Watford and Al-Fateh.

In other words, he’s not done much to suggest he’d bring in a new era at the club.

Bilic’s recent jobs

Team

Joined

Left

Al-Fateh

07/23

08/24

Watford

09/22

03/23

Beijing Guoan

01/21

01/22

West Brom

07/19

12/20

Al-Ittihad

10/18

02/19

All Stats via Sofascore

Likewise, while he’s doing a reasonable enough job with Coventry City, the links to Frank Lampard aren’t going to excite fans.

Fortunately, there is another coach on the club’s radar, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Potter.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Claret and Hugh, which claims West Ham are very interested in Nuno Espírito Santo.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Portuguese manager is now one of three names on a shortlist for the role.

It remains unclear whether West Ham will be able to secure their man, but they should certainly keep trying, as he’d be a colossal upgrade on Potter.

How Nuno compares to Potter

The good news is that there are several reasons why we think Nuno would be a significant upgrade on Potter.

The most important of all, and the one that encompasses many of the others, is his track record.

More specifically, his track record in English football and the Premier League.

For example, although he had a fairly dire stint in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, the Portuguese coach has more than proven himself capable of managing at the top level with both Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

He took over the former when they were still in the Championship, led them to promotion in his first campaign and then, within a few years, had them playing Europa League football.

Likewise, when he took over at Forest, it was viewed as something of an impossible job, but he led them from relegation candidates to European football in a season and a half.

On the other hand, while Potter did a pretty good job with Brighton & Hove Albion, he proceeded to fail with Chelsea, and it would be hard to find someone who’d claim he isn’t failing at the London Stadium today.

Finally, you only need to compare their records in the top-flight to see who is the better manager.

The “outstanding” Portuguese coach, as dubbed by commentator Adam Summerton, has taken charge of 184 games in the Premier League, of which his teams have won 72, lost 67, drawn 45 and averaged 1.42 points per game.

Nuno vs Potter in the PL

Manager

Nuno

Potter

Games

184

164

Wins

72

47

Draws

45

55

Losses

67

62

Points per Game

1.42

1.20

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the Englishman has taken charge of 164 games in the competition, of which 47 have been wins, 55 draws, and 62 losses, which comes out to a points per game average of just 1.20.

Ultimately, West Ham need a new manager, and Nuno looks like the best man for the job.

Related Manager "close to agreeing" West Ham contract after Sullivan and Brady talks

He’s being lined up if Graham Potter is sacked.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 23, 2025

Torrent Group, an Indian business conglomerate with headquarters in Ahmedabad, is set to buy a majority stake in 2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans (GT). ESPNcricinfo has learned that Torrent will buy a 67% stake in GT from CVC Capital Partners (Irelia Company Pte Ltd), who bought the franchise in 2021.At the moment, further details, including the valuation of the stake divested by CVC, could not be confirmed. It is understood the IPL is processing the paperwork before a final nod is given by the league’s governing council. Subject to the final approval, GT’s new owners could likely be involved from the 2025 season, which starts on March 21.CVC, a global private equity fund, had paid INR 5625 crore (US$ 750 million approx.) in 2021 to buy GT, who won the IPL in their first season (2022), made the final the following year (2023) and finished eighth in 2024. GT’s home base is the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium with a capacity of over 100,000.Incidentally, Torrent Group’s subsidiary, Torrent Sports Ventures Private Limited, was among the final nine bidders at the walk-in auction conducted by the BCCI in 2021 to add two new franchises to the original eight.The bidders then could bid for six cities, which included Indore, Dharamsala, Guwahati and Cuttack along with Ahmedabad and Lucknow, the eventual winners. Torrent bid for Ahmedabad (INR 4653 cr) and Lucknow (INR 4356 cr). In 2023, Torrent bid unsuccessfully for three of the ten cities put up for bidding by the BCCI to start the five-team WPL.As per the company’s website, Torrent Group has a valuation of about INR 41,000 crore and is among one of the top multinational companies in India, spearheaded by two prominent subsidiaries: Torrent Power and Torrent Pharma. It is understood that Jinal Mehta, director of Torrent Group, will oversee the IPL investment.”With the acquisition of a majority stake in the Gujarat Titans, we are excited to have the opportunity to elevate our fan experience and unlock new growth avenues in the years to come,” Mehta said. “We are committed to nurturing the Gujarat Titans team and creating a lasting legacy for everyone involved – our fanbase, the players and our employees. With a proven track-record of delivering high quality products and services across multiple sectors, Torrent is well-positioned to set new standards of excellence in the Sports industry through the acquisition of Gujarat Titans”.The GT investment was CVC’s first successful foray into cricket. The global fund manager, which has offices across the globe, had previously bid for Delhi Capitals in 2018 after GMR Group divested stake in the franchise, which eventually was bought by Jindal South West (JSW) for INR 550 crore approx. at the time.GT are led by India batter Shubman Gill and also have Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, England white-ball captain Jos Buttler and India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj among others.

Aston Villa’s usual top performers have been out of sorts across their side’s opening two Premier League clashes.

Both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have fired unconvincing blanks, as Villa drew 0-0 on the opening day versus Newcastle, before then tasting a narrow 1-0 defeat away at AFC Bournemouth to further pile on the early misery for Unai Emery’s men. Watkins, who was on fire in pre-season, has been particularly absent in those matches.

Emery will hope this rust isn’t visible for much longer as the games come thick and fast in the challenging division.

But, whatever does occur during his side’s next outing in the tough league, he will surely be eyeing up some new attacking additions in the transfer market to improve his team’s chances of getting out of this mini rut.

Aston Villa in pole position to sign £60m star

The West Midlands underperformers will have to get deals done at a quick pace, with September’s early deadline fast approaching.

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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In a hectic window that has been dominated by departures – with the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey leaving Villa Park behind recently – it would be a much-needed change of narrative if Villa could tempt some standout last-ditch additions through the door.

A reported deal for Marco Asensio might well be a last-gasp incoming that gets fans back on side, having previously impressed on loan at Emery’s side last season, while there is also notable interest on Villa’s end about obtaining Chelsea flop Christopher Nkunku to enhance their attacking options.

He, of course, isn’t the only Stamford Bridge asset being eyed up by Emery and Co, with a recent report from Football Insider suggesting that Villa are now in pole position to snap up Blues reserve forward Nicolas Jackson.

Jackson previously featured under Emery at Villarreal, and so the ex-Arsenal boss will hope he can get his former attacker firing at Villa Park, knowing full well that this close-knit link with the hit-and-miss 24-year-old could seal a late £60m deal.

How Jackson can become Emery's next Aubameyang

With 24 Premier League goals under his belt in West London, it’s clear that there is a lethal goalscoring gem waiting to be uncovered, and with Emery’s sublime track record, which saw him get the very best out of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Gunners, a match made in heaven might soon come to fruition.

Just before Arteta took on the Emirates reins, Emery was tasked with trying to bring success to Arsenal right after Arsene Wenger’s esteemed two-decade stretch.

While his time in North London was fraught with bumps, with a costly 20 losses suffered across 78 contests, it goes without saying that he created a clinical machine out of Aubameyang when situated in the Gunners’ dugout.

The now Marseille veteran would collect a blistering 41 goals and eight assists under the Spaniard’s wing, with 22 of those coming in league action during the 2018/19 season, which saw him share the golden boot accolade with esteemed company in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Emery would even go as far as to label Aubameyang a “killer” in front of goal off the back of these Arsenal heroics, and while it is somewhat unrealistic to expect Jackson to hit golden boot level numbers donning Villa claret and blue, the 53-year-old’s caring arm around the Senegalese forward could be just what is needed to allow him to move on from his up-and-down Chelsea ordeal.

After all, he displayed signs of raw promise under Emery’s tutelage in Spain, with six goal contributions coming his way from 27 clashes for the Yellow Submarine.

Moreover, the well-travelled manager has even gone on to hail Jackson’s attitude as “exceptional” when trying to cut his teeth at the La Liga side.

He could finally be able to get the very best out of him at Villa Park, away from just being an early believer in his potential, with Emery again working his exceptional magic on forward players in the West Midlands, as seen in Watkins powering home a mighty 58 goals during his Villa reign to date.

Jackson’s PL numbers for Chelsea

Stat

Jackson

Games played

65

Goals scored

24

Assists

10

Big chances missed

43

Stats by Sofascore

Of course, the main worry will be that even in an environment more suited to him, Jackson will still regularly fluff his lines, having missed a staggering 43 big chances for the Blues over two Premier League seasons.

But, there does seem to be something in the water when it comes to Emery developing red-hot strikers, having also made Jhon Duran into a temporary animal in the West Midlands.

Therefore, landing the “unbelievable” star – as he has been previously dubbed by Peter Crouch – could be a stroke of genius, particularly if he goes on to be as potent as Aubameyang was during his Arsenal heyday.

Related New Rogers: Aston Villa make late bid to sign "spectacular" £25m star

Aston Villa interested in La Masia market opportunity similar to Morgan Rogers

Posts ByWill Miller Aug 24, 2025

Coleen Rooney has poked fun at her husband Wayne after he revealed a cheeky prank she pulled on him during Liverpool’s 2020 Premier League title celebrations. The Manchester United legend admitted he locked Coleen out of their house after returning home to find it draped in Liverpool flags. Now, Coleen has responded with a tongue-in-cheek post on social media.

Coleen shares hilarious dig at Wayne

Wayne shared on his podcast that Coleen had hung Liverpool flags around their home when Jurgen Klopp’s side lifted the Premier League trophy in 2020. The Manchester United legend, who grew up an Everton fan, was furious and locked his wife out when she climbed out to remove them. Coleen has since hit back by sharing a photo of the flags, alongside laughing and winking emojis.

Instagram (@coleen_rooney)

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWayne's bitter rivalry with Liverpool

The incident highlighted the light-hearted but very real football rivalry within the Rooney household. Wayne spent 13 years at Manchester United and two stints at Everton, both fierce rivals of Liverpool, making Coleen’s stunt all the more provocative. Despite the mischief, the couple have continued to laugh off their divided loyalties, even as Liverpool chase further glory under Arne Slot.

Getty Images EntertainmentColeen and family support Liverpool

Rooney’s Everton roots remain strong, with the 39-year-old still openly cheering on the Toffees. He featured in seven Merseyside derbies against Liverpool during his career, and the rivalry remains close to his heart. Coleen, however, has never hidden her allegiance to the Reds, a difference that continues to spark playful clashes between the pair.

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Liverpool succeeding, while Man Utd and Everton faltering

Liverpool are pushing to build on last season’s record-equalling 20th league crown under Slot. Everton, led by David Moyes, head to Anfield this Saturday as they look to upset their bitter rivals. Wayne's former side, Manchester United, meanwhile, look like they may be fighting relegation if results don't improve.

Lancashire’s batters made title-chasing Somerset work for every wicket on the second day of the Vitality County Championship match at Old Trafford and had built a formidable 292-run lead at close of play.Josh Bohannon’s 60 and Luke Wells’ unbeaten 78 enabled the home side to finish on 298 for 7 in their second innings of a match both sides desperately need to win, Lancashire to preserve their hopes of avoiding relegation, Surrey to stay in touch with Surrey at the top of the table.The difference between the first day’s play and the second was immediately apparent during a morning session in which Lancashire scored 90 runs in 27 overs for the loss of only two wickets.On a pitch that had dried out and lost much of the greenness, bowlers had to work harder for their successes and the only batsman dismissed in the first hour was the nightwatchman, Will Williams, who was leg-before wicket to Craig Overton for 7 in the third over of the morning.Harry Singh then added 85 for the third wicket with Bohannon, who batted beautifully to make 60 off 76 balls. However, it was indicative of the problems Bohannon has encountered this season that his half-century was only his fourth innings over fifty in 22 Championship innings.None of which diminished Somerset’s joy in the penultimate over before lunch when Bohannon tried to pull a ball from Kasey Aldridge but only succeeded in diverting it via the toe of the bat to Tom Abell in the gully.On the resumption, Singh and Rocky Flintoff defied Lewis Gregory’s bowlers for 50 minutes until Singh thin-edged a catch to James Rew off Brett Randell to give the New Zealander his first wicket for Somerset.Singh had faced 142 balls during his 260-minute innings of 30 but his patient resistance was not copied by Matty Hurst, who hit three breezy fours in 19 runs before attempting to drive Randell and nicking a catch to Overton at second slip.In the next over, Flintoff was bowled by Jack Leach’s arm-ball for 27 but Well and George Bell saw their side through to 214 for 6 at tea, when Lancashire’s lead was 208. And on the resumption, Wells and Bell extended their seventh-wicket stand to 83 before Bell was bowled for 23 when trying to pull a ball from Gregory that kept low.Wells shifted down into the middle order for this match, having struggled in his usual opening role in recent weeks. Batting as low as No. 7 on account of Williams’ deployment as a nightwatchman, he went on to emulate Bohannon’s feat in passing fifty for only the fourth time this season but his strokeplay was impressive, most noticeably when he hit three off-side boundaries in one over from Gregory.And the day ended with Lancashire in the ascendant. Wells was unbeaten on 78 and Somerset’s fielders appeared aggrieved that George Balderson had not been adjudged run out on 5 when apparently run out by Overton’s throw from slip. The visitors had earlier been penalised five runs for fake fielding.

Those of a Liverpool persuasion appear to have come down with a nasty case of Alexander Isak fever, and well, who can blame them?

The bombshell news emerged on Tuesday that, after months of whispers and speculation, the Premier League champions are finally ready to firm up their interest in the Newcastle United man, amid the prospect of a potential £120m bid for the Swede.

That mammoth offer – which would eclipse the Reds’ recent club-record capture of Florian Wirtz – could put the icing on the cake for the Anfield side’s summer business, with Isak fresh off the back of a season that saw him score 23 top-flight goals.

Unsurprisingly, the Magpies are hell-bent on keeping hold of their star man for a little while longer, albeit with Richard Hughes playing the trump card after rivalling Eddie Howe and co in the pursuit of Isak’s heir apparent, Hugo Ekitike. Checkmate?

Either way, it would appear that the Merseysiders are in a strong bargaining position, with optimism growing that the division’s “best striker” – as described by Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson – could be lining up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah next season.

Isak, as stated, might well be the delicious icing, but Hughes could also sprinkle a little cherry on top by sealing yet another high-profile deal in the coming weeks…

Latest on Liverpool's transfer pursuit

Wirtz. Jeremie Frimpong. Milos Kerkez. Isak next?

It may now be a waiting game to see if the Newcastle marksman will agitate for a move, albeit with Liverpool no doubt keen to pounce on the 25-year-old’s contract uncertainty, with the Daily Mail’s Dominic King outlining that talks have ‘stalled’ over a new deal at St James’ Park.

According to King, Hughes and his recruitment team will officially move for the former Real Sociedad striker if they ‘receive encouragement’, with this game of cat and mouse likely to have a few twists and turns to come.

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Elsewhere, meanwhile, Football Insider have reported that Liverpool are expected to soon seal a deal for Crystal Palace skipper, Marc Guehi, with that move looking ‘increasingly likely’ amid developments at Selhurst Park.

Indeed, the report outlines that with the Eagles seemingly closing in on the £45m signing of Sporting CP centre-back, Ousmane Diomande, it would pave the way for Guehi to depart.

The suggestion is that with the England international having just a year left to run on his Palace contract, the south Londoners are keen to cash in this summer, rather than lose him on a free in 12 months’ time.

Why Liverpool could be set to seal another Isak-esque signing

It’s fair to say that after sitting out the recent friendly win over Preston North End, excitement is brewing over finally seeing the aforementioned Wirtz in action in a Liverpool shirt, with the 22-year-old German signing off his time at Bayer Leverkusen with 122 goals and assists in 97 games in all competitions.

That capture is a statement deal, no doubt, but if Isak were to arrive, it would truly take the biscuit, with the 6 foot 4 sensation a Premier League-proven talent, having scored 44 league goals across the last two seasons combined.

The man who helped steer Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory over Arne Slot’s side earlier this year, the £63m goal machine could now be the figurehead of a new era at Anfield, with the rest of the division likely to already be quaking in their boots.

As for Guehi, while such a deal would almost go under the radar amid the current circumstances, there would be shades of Isak about that acquisition, with Liverpool in line to poach another key figure from a fellow Premier League outfit.

Currently captain at Selhurst Park, the 25-year-old has already made 132 appearances in England’s top tier to date, having notably skippered his side to shock FA Cup glory in 2024/25.

Minutes played

61

Touches

17

Pass accuracy

75%

Key passes

1

Possession lost

2

Ground duels won

1/2

Aerial duels won

1/4

Tackles

1

Clearances

4

Like Isak, the in-demand defender – who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer – has more than proven himself against Premier League opposition, with both men also seemingly at the perfect point of their careers. Indeed, with both men still only 25, they have gained notable experience at the top level, but may not yet have entered their peak.

Described as a “monster” of a centre-back by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi – like Isak – is also “one of the best in the country” in his position, as per scout Mick Brown, with Liverpool able to acquire a player who would slot straight into their starting lineup.

Much like with Isak, there would be no period of transition or adaptation, this is a player who could well hit the ground running on Merseyside.

This is a man who ranks in the top 10% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for key passes per 90, as well as in the top 10% for through balls, as per FBref. In essence, he is a master at playing out from the back.

Having romped to the title at a canter last season, Liverpool are at a point now where they can poach the very best that the Premier League has to offer. In their respective positions, Isak and Guehi would be just that.

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ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025