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Aston Villa have opened direct transfer talks with one player over joining Unai Emery next season, according to reports, as the Premier League top five contenders attempt to build upon another impressive campaign.

Aston Villa seal vital win over Tottenham in Champions League race

Nerves were rife throughout Villa Park in their crunch encounter against Tottenham on Friday night, before their opening goal 30 minutes from full-time, with defender Ezri Konsa breaking the deadlock before Boubacar Kamara doubled their advantage.

Monchi now leading Aston Villa charge to sign "exciting" Serie A midfielder

Monchi is reportedly a fan of the Argentine midfielder.

ByTom Cunningham May 16, 2025

Villa eventually ran out 2-0 victors over Ange Postecoglou’s side and cemented a crucial win in their chase for Champions League qualification.

The result means Emery’s side are still right in the thick of it, as they contend for a top five finish heading into the Premier League final matchday, and it is shaping up to be a dramatic last game with six teams involved in the battle for Europe.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Chelsea

66

5. Aston Villa

66

6. Man City

65

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Emery, speaking after their victory against struggling Spurs, heaped praise on his players for making their home ground a serious fortress.

“I’m very grateful for the supporters,” Emery said. “Here, we are feeling strong and we’re feeling comfortable. We only lost one match here in the Premier League, the first match against Arsenal. Progressively, we were getting better. Of course, we drew some matches in the way, and now we are missing some points from those moments, but we have to accept it.

“We have to accept the 37 matches we’ve played being consistent, more or less, and getting the moment we are in now, feeling good and in our best moment. We’re achieving the challenges we are facing. We enjoyed in the FA Cup and in Carabao Cup, but mostly our moment in the Champions League.

“The Premier League is the most important competition we are facing because through it we are getting again our main objective, and the objective is to be in Europe.

“We are in Europe next year, but we are in the running for the Champions League positions, and we can have chances in the last match in Manchester to get it.”

Aston Villa open talks with Axel Disasi over joining next season

The result of their Champions League chase will have direct effects on their recruitment plans off the field, but that hasn’t stopped NSWE and Monchi from making moves behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi could remain beyond 2024/2025, with the Frenchman very highly-rated by Emery, his coaching staff and Villa’s transfer chiefs.

That is according to Foot Mercato, who state that Villa have already opened talks with Disasi over joining them next season.

The 27-year-old cost Chelsea £39 million to sign from Monaco in 2023, and Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that they’re keen to sell him for profit this summer. It is unclear how much Villa would be willing to pay to keep Disasi in the Midlands, but he could be a significant addition.

The defender has been called a “leader” at times, and his experience at the top level could be invaluable for Emery.

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da aviator aposta： Mais uma vez titular do sistema defensivo do Bragantino na goleada por 4 a 0 sobre o Flamengo, na quinta-feira (23), pelo Brasileirão, o zagueiro Luan Patrick soma números expressivos com a camisa do Massa Bruta. Emprestado pelo Athletico-PR até o fim da atual temporada com opção de compra, o jovem de 21 anos completou 13 partidas pela equipe e alcançou seu maior número de atuações como profissional, superando os 12 disputados no ano passado com a camisa do América-MG.

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da dobrowin： + Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Sempre que acionado, os números mostram que o defensor tem correspondido às expectativas. Dos 13 jogos em que esteve em campo no ano, o Red Bull Bragantino saiu sem ser vazado em sete deles, ou seja, 53,8%. Já sem Luan, a equipe disputou outros 20 compromissos e não sofreu gols em apenas cinco, com aproveitamento baixo de apenas 25%.

+ Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

– Sem dúvida é muito positivo saber que tenho conseguido ajudar a equipe quando estou em campo. Meu pensamento é sempre ajudar o Bragantino da maneira que for possível, então fico feliz com esses números. Espero que se mantenha assim, com todo o grupo se ajudando e dando o seu melhor pelo bem da equipe – comemorou o defensor.

Com os problemas de lesão no setor defensivo, que teve diante do Flamengo as ausências de Leo Ortiz, Nathan, Lucas Cunha e Léo Realpe, Luan Patrick recebeu nova oportunidade do treinador português Pedro Caixinha. Agora, a meta do zagueiro formado nas categorias de base do Furacão e com passagem pelas seleções de base é se firmar de vez entre os titulares.

– Nossa equipe vem sofrendo bastante com lesões, principalmente no setor defensivo. Infelizmente nem todos estão à disposição do professor Caixinha, mas isso acaba abrindo espaço para quem não vinha atuando com tanta frequência e estamos dando conta do recado, mostrando que temos condições de vestir essa camisa e ajudar com regularidade. Me sinto pronto e sempre trabalhando para evoluir e estar à altura dos desafios – projetou.

Leeds United are thought to be “well-placed” to complete the signing of a £6.8m-rated midfielder this summer, as the Whites eye key reinforcements to stay in the top flight.

Leeds eyeing Premier League-ready signings

Daniel Farke’s men are basking in the glory of sealing promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, following two seasons in England’s second tier. It appears to be harder than ever for promoted teams to avoid the drop at the first attempt, highlighting the importance of Leeds and 49ers Enterprises nailing their summer transfer business, bringing in players who are ready to hit the ground running.

With the error-prone Illan Meslier no longer feeling like the Whites’ long-term solution between the sticks, a top-quality goalkeeper will be required this summer, and Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone is reportedly keen on moving to Elland Road. Meanwhile, FC Augsburg ‘keeper Finn Dahmen has also been mentioned as an alternative option to the Englishman.

In terms of possible outfield additions, Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a switch to Leeds, which would be an eye-catching piece of business. Granted, the Dane has struggled at Old Trafford this season, but he still has 25 goals in 90 appearances for the Red Devils overall, and seven in 22 caps for Denmark.

Leeds "well-placed" to sign Hidemasa Morita

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Leeds are “well-placed” to sign Sporting CP ace Hidemasa Morita at the end of the season, potentially snapping him up for just £6.8m.

The 29-year-old has to decide if he wants to sign a new Sporting deal this summer, with his current contract there expiring in the summer of 2026, leaving the Portuguese giants running out of time to cash in. He is believed to be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

Morita could be such a strong signing for Leeds ahead of their return to the top flight, having now racked up 112 appearances for Sporting, winning the Primeira Liga title last season. He is also a 40-cap Japan international.

At 29, he could add great experience and competition for places at the base of the Whites’ midfield, making them as hard to play through as possible, as they prepare to face some of the best teams in Europe in 2025/26.

Playing time has been more limited for Morita this term, with only 11 starts coming his way in the league, so he may feel that now is the right time for a new challenge, testing himself in the Premier League.

A sensational Meslier upgrade: PL player wants to join Leeds this summer

Leeds United could be about to land a star who can allow Daniel Farke to forget about Illan Meslier.

ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

Morita is statistically a similar player to Kalvin Phillips and Ao Tanaka, according to Football Transfers, which could excite Leeds fans, given the latter’s popularity at Elland Road and Phillips’ incredible time in Yorkshire.

حقق برشلونة فوزًا مقنعًا على نيوكاسل يونايتد مساء أمس بهدفين لهدف واحد على ملعب سانت جيمس بارك في أولى مبارياته بدوري أبطال أوروبا هذا الموسم.

ولا يملك برشلونة متسعًا من الوقت للاسترخاء والتفكير في هذا الفوز المهم، حيث بدأ استعداداته لمواجهة خيتافي يوم الأحد المقبل في الدوري الإسباني.

ووفقاً لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية فإن برشلونة تلقى أخبارًا سيئة وجيدة في نفس الوقت بشأن الوقوف على حالة لاعبيه البدنية قبل لقاء الأحد ضد خيتافي.

ويأتي الخبر السار أن المدافع الأساسي باو كوبارسي سيكون متاحاً لمواجهة خيتافي على ملعب يوهان كرويف، بعد أن اضطر صاحب الـ18 عاماً للخروج في الدقيقة 70 أمس ضد نيوكاسل بسبب شعوره ببعض الانزعاج في ركبته.

أقرأ أيضاً.. سبورت: ما فعله خوان جارسيا وضع دي لا فوينتي في موقف محرج

وشوهد كوبارسي وهو يضع الثلج على منطقة الإصابة أثناء جلوسه على مقاعد البدلاء ضد نيوكاسل، وتدرب على انفراد عن الفريق في تدريبات صباح اليوم مما أثار مخاوف بشأن جاهزيته لمباراة الأحد.

وأجرى كوبارسي فحوصات أشارت إلى أن ما تعرض له مجرد كدمة وبالتالي من المتوقع أن يكون جاهزاً لمباراة خيتافي التي سيغيب عنها لامين يامال بسبب معاناته مع ألم العانة.

ويواصل لامين يامال جلسات إعادة التأهيل اليومية في المدينة الرياضية، لكن الجهاز الطبي واللاعب متفقان على أن الأولوية هي تجنب المخاطر وبالتالي سيغيب عن مباراة خيتافي، على أمل أن يعود في مباريات قادمة في الليجا وكذلك مباراة باريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

This summer is another opportunity for boss Enzo Maresca to make the desired changes he wants to his Chelsea squad to help in their ambitions of edging closer to a Premier League title.

The Italian took the reins last summer and has so far done a commendable job at the helm, still having the opportunity to claim a Champions League place for 2025/26.

He could also secure the club another European title in the coming months, currently in the semi-final of the Europa Conference League, with a clash with Djurgarden on the horizon.

However, regardless of whether they achieve their goals between now and the end of the campaign, the 45-year-old will want new additions to help strengthen his first-team squad.

The hierarchy have already been laying the foundations for the summer transfer window, undoubtedly looking to back the manager in his quest to take the Blues back to their glory days.

An update on Chelsea’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, endless names have been thrown into the mix over a summer move to Stamford Bridge, but as of yet, no deals have yet been completed.

The likes of Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Benjamin Sesko have all been high up on their shortlist as Maresca desperately craves added quality within the final third.

However, another name has now been linked with a switch to West London in the form of Morgan Rogers, with The Independent reporting the club’s interest in the Aston Villa sensation.

They claim that Unai Emery’s side are reluctant to part ways with the 22-year-old, but could be forced to sell to maintain their current PSR standing and avoid a potential points deduction.

The report goes on to state the club’s keen desire to increase firepower, with Rogers doing just that given his record of 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.

Why Morgan Rogers would revive Palmer at Chelsea

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s go-to attacker in the final over the last couple of seasons, thriving beyond all imagination after the hierarchy forked out £40m for his signature in 2023.

The England international has notched a staggering 62 combined goals and assists in his 85 appearances for the Blues – with no other first-team member getting near such a record.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for the 22-year-old in recent months, certainly enduring his trickiest period since moving to the Bridge, undoubtedly having an effect on the club’s form.

He’s now gone 16 matches without a goal in all competitions, dating back to the middle of January – by far and away his biggest drought since arriving in West London.

A move for Rogers in the summer window could allow the former Manchester City star to recapture his previous form, linking up with one of his former academy teammates.

His stats at Villa Park this campaign have been nothing short of sensational, undoubtedly enabling Palmer to hit the heights he’s previously demonstrated under Maresca.

Rogers, who’s been labelled as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League” by podcaster and content creator Jamie Kent, has registered 1.5 chances created per 90, along with 3.7 progressive passes per 90 – handing his compatriot the chance to thrive in the final third.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

16

Chances created

1.5

Progressive passes

3.7

Successful take-ons

2

Progressive carries

3.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

37%

Goal per shot-on-target rate

0.5

He’s also completed two successful take-ons per 90, whilst posting a staggering 3.3 progressive carries, showcasing his excellent ball-carrying ability in moving into attacking areas.

However, the Villa star has also thrived in front of goal, getting 37% of his shots on target, along with a 0.5 goal per shot-on target rate, subsequently allowing Palmer to increase his own assist tally.

Palmer’s lack of form in recent weeks will be a concern for many, with their chances of success between now and the end of the season potentially falling onto his shoulders.

If he is to recapture his best form in 2025/26, a move for Rogers would be the perfect solution, with a familiar face allowing the England international to resurrect his recent slump.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Emery’s star man would set the hierarchy back, but given his form this campaign, it’s a deal they have to pursue – having the opportunity to develop further given his tender age.

Big upgrade on Gittens: Chelsea plan to enter talks to sign £55m winger

Chelsea could seriously boost their attacking options with this statement buy.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 29, 2025

Man United boss Ruben Amorim has already shared Sporting CP starlet Geovany Quenda’s one major weakness, with Chelsea now putting pen to paper on a £42 million deal for the winger.

Chelsea reach agreement to sign Geovany Quenda for 2026

News broke early this morning that Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Quenda from Sporting, but he is set to remain in the Primeira Liga next season before eventually making the switch to Stamford Bridge in 2026.

Enzo Fernandez stance on joining Real Madrid as Chelsea eye £67m replacement

The club captain is attracting Carlo Ancelotti’s serious interest.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 14, 2025

The Portuguese is also expected to sign a seven-year deal at Chelsea as BlueCo add yet another very promising youngster to their books (Kaveh Solhekol), and one who has even drawn comparisons with Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka.

“Geo is so demanding with himself in the defensive moments,” said former Sporting academy coach, Fabio Roque, to Sky Sports.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures	Date
Arsenal (away)	March 16th
Tottenham (home)	April 2nd
Brentford (away)	April 5th
Ipswich Town (home)	April 12th
Fulham (away)	April 19th

“To close, to recover fast, to win the defensive duels for his teammates. It reminds me of Bukayo Saka at the beginning of his career when he played as a full-back.

“There is only one Geovany Quenda. He is different from any other player I trained. He can create a mark on football that is totally different. We are talking about, with Lamine Yamal and Estevao Willian, probably the best players in that generation born in 2007.”

This is high praise indeed for the 17-year-old, who’s been a mainstay for his side throughout 2024/2025 with an impressive 43 appearances in all competitions, despite being at such a young age.

In that time, Quenda’s racked up 10 goal contributions (two goals, eight assists), and he was given the starting nod in almost all of Sporting’s Champions League games before they were knocked out by Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea also hijacked Man United’s expected deal for Quenda, with the Red Devils missing out on his signature to their English rivals.

What Ruben Amorim thinks about new Chelsea signing Quenda

However, he is by no means the finished product, and Amorim has already shared the one main weakness in Quenda’s game.

Speaking in an interview with O Jogo late last year, Sporting’s ex-head coach explained that the teenager really needs to work on his end product, as he has a very real tendency to shoot over the crossbar.

“I’ve already said everything I had to say about Quenda,” said Amorim. “He’s a very talented kid, very strong physically, very focused, with his feet firmly on the ground. That’s very important for a young player.

“I didn’t know he was the youngest ever to score. Congratulations. I think he has to improve a lot in his finishing. The amount of times he comes inside and shoots over the bar. He doesn’t put the ball in the goal well, that’s a detail he has to improve.

“He showed up well there. But that’s what I said at the beginning of the season. He had the opportunity and there was no chance to take him away, to have doubts, nothing. I think he’s going to be a great player, but let’s give it time.”

The Portugal Under-21 international can play on both wings and is seen by many as the “biggest wonderkid” in his country right now (Joao Paiva), but this bad habit of blazing the ball over will need to be worked on if he is to be successful in the Premier League.

تعرض نانت الفرنسي بمشاركة المهاجم المصري مصطفى محمد، للهزيمة الثانية على التوالي، بعد الخسارة ضد ستراسبورج بهدف نظيف في الجولة الثانية من الدوري الفرنسي لكرة القدم.

وجاء هدف ستراسبورج الوحيد في المباراة عن طريق إيمانويل في الدقيقة 81 من أحداث الشوط الثاني من اللقاء.

اقرأ أيضاً.. تقييم مصطفى محمد في مباراة نانت وستراسبورج بالدوري الفرنسي

وحافظ لويس كاسترو مدرب نانت على مصطفى محمد طوال الـ90 دقيقة، رغم أنه لم يحالفه الحظ للمساهمة في تسجيل أي هدف لفريقه.

وكان نانت قد تعرض لهزيمة في الجولة الأولى أمام حامل اللقب وبطل الدوري الفرنسي الموسم الماضي باريس سان جيرمان على ملعب لابوجوار، بهدف نظيف.

وبحسب شبكة “سوفا سوكر” العالمية، فقد حصل المهاجم المصري مصطفى محمد على تقييم 7.2 في المباراة، ويعد هذا التقييم هو الأعلى بالمقارنة مع كل زملائه في الفريق.

ويأتي مصطفى محمد كأفضل لاعب في نانت خلال مباراة اليوم، وبإجمالي تقييم اللاعبين من الفريقين، فإنه يأتي رابع أفضل لاعب في المباراة بعد 3 لاعبين من جانب فريق ستراسبورج.

ولم يسجل أو يصنع مصطفى محمد في المباراة وقام بتسديدة واحدة خارج المرمى ولمس الكرة 30 مرة وقام بـ10 تمريرات صحيحة من أصل 17 وبتمريرة مفتاحية واحدة وفاز بـ6 صراعات أرضية وهوائية من أصل 9 صراعات وارتكب ضده أربعة أخطاء وقام بمنع تسديدة واحدة. ملخص لمسات مصطفى محمد في مباراة نانت وستراسبورج

Consortium’s offer will be ratified at EGM next month, as former chair prepares for controversial return

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2024Colin Graves’ return as Yorkshire chairman looks set to be ratified next month, after the club’s board approved a restructured loan agreement from the consortium that he heads up.The prospect of Graves’ return to the role that he held between 2012-15 comes after Yorkshire this week claimed that it had spoken to more than 350 interested parties, but that his offer was the only one capable of warding off the financial peril faced by the club in the wake of the racism crisis that has engulfed it in recent seasons.In a statement, the club said: “The board of Yorkshire County Cricket Club has tonight agreed to recommend the loan agreement from Mr Colin Graves.” This is expected to involve an immediate injection of £1 million, followed by new investment worth £4 million.”The club will be sending a notice to members tomorrow [Thursday, 11 January] ahead of an EGM [extraordinary general meeting] which will outline the details of the offer as well as the resolutions and rule changes that are required to be ratified by members at the EGM.”Graves’ impending return is controversial, given that he was at the helm for some of the period that came under scrutiny during Azeem Rafiq’s testimony about his racist experiences at the club, for which Yorkshire was fined £400,000 and docked points for the 2023 season.Despite denying any knowledge of racism on his watch, Graves was last year criticised by the ECB for suggesting that some of the incidents raised had been “banter”.His involvement with Yorkshire began in 2002 when, as the founder of the Costcutter supermarket chain, he stepped in with another financial bail-out to save the club from bankruptcy. In March it was announced that the club had a £3.5 million shortfall and needed to repay approximately £14.9 million to the Graves Family Trust, which is managed by independent trustees.Speaking to talkSPORT on Tuesday, Graves said: “The ball is in the Yorkshire board’s court to make a decision, but my interest is real. It’s absolute, and that’s for one reason and one reason only, and it’s to save Yorkshire County Cricket Club. None of us wants to see that institution disappear.”Other potential sources of investment had included Mike Ashley, the former owner of Newcastle United, and the Saudi national investment fund.Writing in The Observer on Sunday, Rafiq criticised the “broken promises” that had paved the way for Graves’ return, and called for the club’s sponsors to reconsider their involvement – as had been the case when the scandal originally erupted in November 2021, when a raft of partners including Emerald, Adidas and Yorkshire Tea all withdrew their support. One current sponsor, local tiling company Al Murad, is believed to be monitoring the situation closely.The development has also attracted criticism from a local MP. Alex Sobel, the Labour member for Leeds North West, said he was “very concerned” by Graves’ return, and called for him to offer “not just a statement recanting his views but full commitment to create a club for the whole community.”

Real Madrid strolled past a much-changed Sociedad side as two Bernabeu legends marked their farewells with three points

Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Luka Modric received a wonderful farewell as Real Madrid strolled to a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad that will be remembered more for the occasion than the result. Carlo Ancelotti was also able to deliver a victory in his final game in charge before he leaves the Liga giants and takes over as Brazil head coach.

Indeed, the game felt like a procession from the first minute. Madrid had nothing to play for, and it showed. They had most of the ball, without doing much with it and it was a stroke of luck that gave them the lead after a VAR-aided decision saw Los Blancos handed a very soft penalty. Mbappe stepped up, had his first effort saved but tucked the rebound home with ease – his 30th goal of the league season.

It was otherwise a relatively quiet affair. Madrid probed for opportunities, the excellent Arda Guler finding pockets of space and sharp angles. La Real, who benched some of their main men, occasionally threatened without ever truly looking like they would score.

Mbappe made it two after 84 minutes, smashing one in at the near post after a fine pass from the returning Vinicius Junior but the game will ultimately be remembered for the man who was subbed off late on, a guard of honour greeting Modric as he strolled off the Bernabeu pitch for the final time.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players following their final game of the 2024-25 La Liga season…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Andriy Lunin (6/10):

Made one good save and pretty much had nothing else to do.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

In the XI for what will likely be his last game at the Bernabeu. Enjoyed a nice send-off from the home fans.

Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

A solid shift at centre-back, where he looks more and more comfortable. He will hope he won't have to play there much next season, though.

Raul Asencio (5/10):

Not the best afternoon at the back, as he was rather dragged around. He will have to fight for a spot next year.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Sprinted up and down the right with ease, and got involved in some creative stuff, too. Is he first choice next year? Time will tell.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Sat at the base of midfield in the first half, drove forward a bit more in the second. Spent a lot of his time dumping the ball off to Modric after winning it back.

Luka Modric (7/10):

Completed 106 passes, did some lovely stuff on the ball, and marked his Bernabeau finale with a wonderful send-off.

Dani Ceballos (6/10):

Made 18 passes into the final third but was badly exposed defensively at times.

AFPAttack

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Had some energetic moments, created a couple of chances, then exited due to injury.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

Buzzed around without Vinicius Jr, missed a penalty, but then grabbed his goal. Added a second goal to take his tally to 31 and is now pretty much assured of claiming the European Golden Shoe.

Arda Guler (7/10):

Found all sorts of pockets of space and created chances. He's got real attacking quality.

Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Jesus Vallejo (6/10):

Another 40 minutes for the forgotten man.

Vinicius Jr (6/10):

On the ball a lot but did a good job of losing it in his half hour of action. Assisted Mbappe's second.

Gonzalo Garcia (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Chema Andres (N/A):

Will be remembered as the guy who replaced Modric on his Madrid farewell.

Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):

Said goodbye to Madrid with three points. An appropriate scoreline for a club legend.

Offspinner Todd Murphy is likely to play the Oval Test after missing out at Old Trafford

Andrew McGlashan24-Jul-20231:48

Pat Cummins admits it’s a ‘bit of a strange one’

Mitchell Marsh’s fitness could determine whether Cameron Green is dropped for the first time in his Test career for the final Ashes Test at The Oval.Marsh, who helped Australia negotiate 30 overs on Saturday at Old Trafford alongside Marnus Labuschagne, was nursing some soreness during the game and did not bowl on the third day.He and Green, whose absence from the Headingley Test because a minor hamstring injury opened the door for Marsh to flay a century, were both accommodated in Australia’s XI for the Old Trafford Test by the omission of Todd Murphy – the first time Australia had not fielded a specialist spinner in 11 years – but he is likely to return for the last Test.Related

Australia retain the Ashes, but can they close out the series?

'Cry me a river, England' – Australian press reacts to the turn of events at Old Trafford

Moody calls for Murphy to replace Green for final Ashes Test

Switch Hit: Ashes to Splashes

If Marsh is unable to bowl Green’s position might be safe although Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald said runs were the most important factor for whoever bats No. 6. However, having that extra pace option has been vital in managing the workload of the main quicks.”The team has played three quicks and one spinner and we have gone that way numerous times in the past,” McDonald said. “We have had the luxury of allrounders, or in particular Cameron Green, that’s changed the shape of the team over time. Runs were premium first and foremost.”Green’s challenging AshesGreen has struggled to find fluency with the bat on this tour, where he has averaged 19.14 against India and England and was again tentative at Old Trafford, though he got a borderline lbw decision against Chris Woakes in the first innings.So far in his 24-match Test career, the only games Green has missed have been through injury – a broken finger suffered against South Africa last December which also ruled him out of the start of the India series, then the hamstring niggle on this tour.Mitchell Marsh followed his Headingley hundred with more runs at Old Trafford•Clive Mason/Getty Images Green has only had two nights at home in almost six months, having followed the India tour with a full IPL for Mumbai Indians. It was after that campaign that he squeezed in a brief trip back to Perth and joined Australia’s training camp in the UK a couple of days later than others.”He’s had a different experience,” McDonald said. “He’s had the IPL, and people probably draw some conclusions that that’s affected the way he’s gone about things here. But…I think he’s in a good space. I think you’ll see a lot of our batters are working on the right things, and the way they go about it runs are just around the corner.”IPL adds new layer for all-format GreenIn the last 12 months Green has become an all-format player and secured a huge AUD$3.15 million deal at the IPL, where he went on to score his maiden T20 hundred when he smashed 100 off 47 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad.”He’s still young, he’s still learning his trade, this is his first time in these conditions,” Labuschagne said during the Old Trafford Test. “With the IPL there wasn’t heaps of time to adjust but I think he’s doing a good job.”Last year Green spoke about the challenge of switching between formats when he was part of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad and then had a slow start to his Test season. On that occasion the lack of time in the middle was a factor with him being largely unused during the World Cup, only playing the final game against Afghanistan. He was also unable to play any Sheffield Shield cricket.It’s a situation that may confront him again this year with the ODI World Cup in October and November, though there is a possibility he won’t be selected for the T20 series in India which follows that tournament and may be able to get some Shield cricket for Western Australia ahead of the Test series against Pakistan.However, there is a good chance that Marsh now has the lead in the allrounder pecking order after his impressive return to Test cricket – a thrilling century at Headingley and two important innings at Old Trafford.Neser could come into consideration for The OvalAlongside Marsh, Australia will also assess the fitness of Mitchell Starc after he landed heavily on his shoulder during the second day’s play, though he was able to resume bowling the following morning. What appeared to also be a leg problem has been attributed to cramp.If there was a need to change the pace attack, Michael Neser could play his first match of the series ahead of Scott Boland, who has largely been dominated by England.”[There were] two separate incidents where he dived and landed on the point of his shoulder…then the other one he slipped down on the rope and sort of extended the shoulder joint,” McDonald said of Starc. “So he’s looking worse for wear and a little bit sore. All indications are that he’ll be right to go but that’ll be assessed.”Everyone’s on the table, every selection. And Michael [Neser] knows that. He was a serious consideration here and he was under consideration at Leeds also, so you’re always sort of balancing those who are up and running in the series versus freshness.”