Arsenal FC add Eberechi Eze to transfer shortlist as Tottenham battle looms
Eze, who turns 27 on Sunday, finished the season in superb form, following up his first international goal for England against Latvia in March by scoring nine times in Palace's last 13 games of the campaign, including the match-winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City as the Eagles lifted their first-ever major trophy at Wembley.
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Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Aggie Beever-Jones dreams of Lionesses glory after 'rollercoaster' Chelsea year
Aggie Beever Jones is more than ready to make her international tournament debut at the Women's Euros in Switzerland next month, following even more success with Chelsea Aggie Beever-Jones is dreaming of becoming England's newest hero as the Lionesses look to defend their European crown. The young Chelsea striker is ready to roar after a self-confessed 'rollercoaster of a year', following her most recent set of honours with the club, which came in the form of an impressive domestic treble. With a league title and FA Cup already under her belt, the 21-year-old now has five trophies to her name and is looking to add even more this summer. Beever-Jones is one of many successful products of the Chelsea academy, having signed her first professional contract at 18 years old. Loan spells at Bristol City and Everton followed, before returning to become a concrete member of the reigning league winners' squad. But her first-half hat-trick against Portugal in July's internationals was where she may have made her big breakthrough and put her in the public eye. 'It's never as easy as it looks,' said Beever-Jones. 'When I was first told I was starting, I was like, 'I just need to get the basics right, not think too much about what's going on and if I need to score.' 'I just thought that if I do the basics well - and I think I got the first goal quite quickly - that kind of eased my nerves a little bit. It was an absolutely surreal day, I feel like it hasn't actually hit me that it happened.' Sharing her disbelief at the moment she sealed the perfect beginning to life as a Lioness, she added: 'I just try not to think about everything too much. I just keep my feet on the ground and do what I can, and everything else will fall into place. 'It was an absolute dream come true, and I can't quite believe that it has happened. I'm just trying to soak it all in and take it in my stride as I go.' Beever-Jones recently joined the rest of the Lionesses ahead of the Euros, with the aim of making a statement at her first international tournament. She admitted that preparation for this competition has been ongoing since 2021, and the squad is ready for the journey ahead. The Chelsea star, who was speaking as part of her partnership with Laser Clinics UK, said: 'For us, I think it's focusing on the task ahead, and albeit it's been a few years, we've been preparing for this moment effectively since the end of the last Euros. 'That's what I think gives England such a good [chance], and what puts us in such a great place is that we are the holders and we don't take that lightly. 'We know it's going to be a really, really big task, but the preparation has always been going on behind the scenes, and I think for us to come away from the Nations League with a big win against Portugal shows us just how good the nations are getting. 'For us, it's a good wake-up call to where we need to improve and try new things. But I'm really excited, I think there's a good team atmosphere in the squad, and we're all super excited. 'Of course, we've got a few camps before the Euros start, where we can get some more things right, and I am super excited and feel really lucky to be a part of it. Hopefully, we can go in there and have a good tournament.' Beever-Jones has had plenty of support with her transition to the senior squad, naming fellow Blues Millie Bright and Niamh Charles as her closest confidents in the team. Describing the welcoming attitude of the squad, she added: 'The girls are such a great bunch anyway, but it is a bit daunting going into it. Everyone is so welcoming, and I think for me I'm quite lucky being at Chelsea, so I have quite a few of the girls in the squad, but Niamh Charles is someone who [is a great support]. 'We always joke around that she's a big sister to me and I'm her younger sister. She's always put an arm around me and been so lovely to me. Again with Millie Bright as well, captain at Chelsea, she's always been there for me. 'I think it's been an easy transition for me because they are all such lovely girls. 'Also, having Ruby [Mace] there and a few of the girls that we've grown up with [in football], it's nice when you have a few of us all come from a similar position, being young and just trying to enjoy it and soak up as much information as possible.' Beever-Jones' shot to stardom hasn't been without its challenges, however, as she opened up about the 'fickle' side to being one of the new up-and-coming stars for England. She said: 'I think for me, I think football can be quite fickle sometimes, and sometimes you have people saying nice things about you, and then the next week, when you've had a not-so-good game, the same people are saying not so nice things about you. 'Ultimately, everyone has an opinion, and it's who you choose to listen to. Ultimately, if you are making yourself proud, focusing on yourself, listening to the people whose opinions matter, and that's just it. 'You can let everyone else have their own opinions. I think social media can be a dangerous place in terms of that kind of stuff, and one tweet can weave its way into thousands of millions of tweets about you. 'But it's just about focusing on yourself and not worrying about what people have to say, and enjoying your football.' Pre-match routines with Aggie Beever-Jones and Ruby Mace What is your pre-match routine? Ruby Mace: 'I have quite a set routine. It's not like superstition or anything, but I like to stick to the things that I like to do. First of all, I moisturise. I like to make sure that my face is hydrated, but also from having the Hydrofacials that Laser Clinics offers, that helps my skin, so that's kind of like a job already ticked off. 'I have to make sure I'm moisturised, then in terms of my hair routine, I have to make sure that I have lots of hairspray so that my hair is out of my face when I'm playing and also make sure I smell nice too.' Aggie Beever-Jones: 'I'm the same as Ruby, but I'm a bit more superstitious. I have a set routine in terms of skincare. Laser Clinics gave me an SPF, which for me is really important. I'm also told it helps with your wrinkles and whatnot when you're a bit older as well. 'Same as Ruby, the Hydrofacials, I think sometimes after you play football, I always feel like you don't get everything off your face when you're cleansing, so the Hydrofacial is so useful in stripping everything off your face and almost like giving it a reset too. 'I think the lasers, as well, are really useful in terms of it just takes hair away fast without having to shave your legs. It's just a lot easier. 'Again, same as Ruby, a lot of hairspray, and we use the same Got2B Glued stuff to keep our hair down while playing.' What are your confidence boosters before a game? Ruby Mace: 'I'm really into inspirational quotes and stuff. I feel like that really inspires me to go and do my best and be prepared. I also think that good music can pump me up for a game, but music with good lyrics as well that I can relate to. 'As Aggie said, the Laser Clinic's hair removal on the legs is so good because we have so many games that we might have a Sunday game and a Wednesday game and to not have to worry to shave, that's good. 'Just the confidence to know that when people are taking pictures on the side of the pitch, that you feel good in your skin.' Aggie Beever-Jones: 'I think I'm quite similar to Ruby again, but for me, it's the superstitions that help me keep calm, and if I do them, then I can keep a good routine. I would also say music is such a big thing for me. We are similar in that sense in having good music pumping before a game to keep me levelheaded. 'Again, talking to my family as well, knowing that they're going to be there in the stands for me, it just keeps me relaxed, and that's definitely a big part for me. 'Also, with the skincare and haircare, I always say to the girls in the changing rooms; look good, feel good, play good.' Aggie Beever-Jones and Ruby Mace were speaking as part of their partnership with Laser Clinics UK. Laser Clinics UK is welcoming new clients with 50% off Laser Hair Removal and Skin Treatments, making sure those neglected areas are all clear for summer. Discounted treatments include Brazilian & Underarms (only £27.50), Half Legs, Hollywood & Underarms (now only £70) and Back & Shoulders for men (now only £85). Create an account and apply code at checkout for discounted prices. T's & C's apply, see website for details. PROMO CODE: NEW50
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
Newport County can profit from League Two big spenders
The Exiles have had an encouraging start to the transfer window by signing three seasoned EFL campaigners and another player of potential from the Cymru Premier to go along with loanee Michael Reindorf. County have pulled off something of a coup by signing Wales midfielder Matt Smith, who at 25 will still have ambitions of representing his country. They have also brought in goalkeeper Nik Tzanev and striker Ged Garner, two players who are well versed in the third and fourth tiers. There has been a slight shift in the recruitment policy that is driven by owner Huw Jenkins, who last year brought in a raft of novices, the majority of them in their early 20s. So far, 23-year-old defender Lee Jenkins is the only player in that bracket after signing from Haverfordwest, while Cardiff forward Reindorf has arrived on loan for the season. Perhaps that is an acknowledgement that County got away with it last season with an inexperienced group. Maybe it's recognition that if they are to develop players to sell on then they need them to grow alongside some seasoned campaigners. BUILDING: County owner Huw Jenkins (Image: Huw Evans Agency) Trading remains a vital part of the Jenkins plan given that Newport are a club whose only assets are their staff. They don't own a training ground - pre-season is taking place at USW Sports Park in Treforest - and they are tenants at the Dragons' Rodney Parade. Those issues are not going to be solved any time soon and that means that new boss David Hughes arrives with three big tasks. The first is obvious – get County winning again so that they can look up the table rather than down as they were at the end of last season (albeit from a position of relative comfort). The second is to produce the goods in cup competitions to boost the coffers. The Carabao Cup doesn't actually bring in much cash so there won't be too many tiers if County lose at Barnet in the preliminary round and miss out on a round one tie against Millwall. The prize money is pretty good in the EFL Trophy and excellent in the FA Cup, which provided much-needed boosts under Michael Flynn and Graham Coughlan. That's partly down to luck of the draw – James Rowberry landed then League One Morecambe away, Nelson Jardim faced League One Peterborough in Newport – and the 2023/24 run showed that it's not just about the plum tie. Coughlan's squad had already brought in plenty of cash before the Manchester United tie thanks to three wins over National League opponents in Oldham, Barnet and Eastleigh (with a TV pick of the Bees replay earning £30,000). Last season the first round winners got £45,000 (losers £15,000), second round winners £75,000 (£20,000), third round winners £115,000 (£25,000). County might not have used cup money particularly wisely in the past but another reasonable run – it doesn't even have to feature a Premier League fixture – would ease some of the financial pressure as the club works towards some sales. The Exiles need to sell players to invest and not many clubs actually make a success out of such a policy. However, the willingness of League Two clubs and National League clubs to start spending money - Milton Keynes and Gillingham being the most eye-catching so far - presents more opportunities if County get it right. On that front, new boss Hughes and Jenkins need to make some pretty swift decisions to stop players of potential leaving on frees next summer. TALENTED: Cameron Antwi has shown glimpses of his ability for County (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency) Sell now or get a new (and improved) contract sorted. Winger Bobby Kamwa and centre-back Matt Baker were the relative stars of last season, rangy right-back Joe Thomas has shown promise and midfielder Cameron Antwi, who clearly has the ability but needs consistency and focus, seem to be the main assets. Centre-back Ciaran Brennan could push on, perhaps energetic but slightly wild midfielder Kai Whitmore will come back with more on-field discipline. Defenders Jaden Warner and Tom Davies were brought in from clubs higher up the pyramid for a reason in January but fitness/injury means we've not seen much of them. County need to start making decisions if they are to avoid a repeat of recent Dom Telford, Priestley Farquharson, Cameron Norman situations. There is money in the National League and League Two, which makes County's on-field task tougher but also presents more summer and January opportunities if they get their talent ID and development spot-on. SWITCH: Nick Townsend has signed for Eastleigh after leaving County (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency) 2025 LEAVERS WITH NEW CLUBS NICK TOWNSEND: Eastleigh. The goalkeeper was in contract talks with County but opted for a fresh challenge with the Spitfires, who look to be having a real crack at promotion. AARON WILDIG: Gloucester City. The midfielder, who is on the comeback trail from ruptured knee ligaments, opted to quit full-time football to drop down the levels as a player-coach as he starts to look to the future. KIBAN RAI: Aldershot. The forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Merthyr only to suffer injury misfortune. Will play in the National League with the Shots, aiming to finally rack up games to fulfil his potential. NATHAN WOOD: Penybont. The attacking midfielder/forward returned to Cymru Premier contenders Penybont last season on loan so it was no surprise that he made the move permanent. KIERON EVANS: Eastleigh. The midfielder spent the season on loan from Cardiff but was released by the League One Bluebirds. Followed Townsend to Eastleigh, with the Spitfires claiming they had beaten EFL competition for the signing. DAVID AJIBOYE: Carlisle. The winger spend the second half of last season on loan from Peterborough and was, as expected, released by the Posh. Will hunt National League promotion with Mark Hughes' Carlisle. DESTINATION UNKNOWN Lewis Webb, Josh Seberry, Kyle Jameson, Josh Seberry, Josh Martin, Geoffroy Bony, Luke Jephcott, Hamzad Kargbo, Kyle Hudlin (has left Huddersfield after returning from loan). (Shane McLoughlin a likely leaver despite being offered a new deal but yet to be confirmed)
Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
Al-Hilal Captain Al-Dawsari Out of Club World Cup with Hamstring Injury
June 28 (Reuters) - Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari will miss the remainder of the Club World Cup with a hamstring injury, the Saudi club said on Saturday. "Medical tests have confirmed that Salem Al-Dawsari has suffered from a hamstring injury. He will be undergoing a treatment and rehabilitation program that will last between four to six weeks," Al-Hilal said in a statement via X. This means Al-Dawsari will miss Monday's round of 16 clash against Manchester City. Al-Dawsari played a pivotal role in Al-Hilal's campaign in the club world cup, after scoring the opening goal in the team's 2-0 victory over Pachuca on Friday in the third round of the group stage. The win against Pachuca secured the four-times Asian champions qualification for the last 16 after they finished second in Group H behind Real Madrid.
