Chelsea are now pushing to finalise a deal for a “world-class” £50m star, who could be in line to join along with Jamie Gittens, according to a report.
Gittens deal now close to completion
Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting update on the Blues’ pursuit of Gittens, with the transfer expert revealing Borussia Dortmund have given the move the green light, meaning it is now a “done deal”.
At £55m, the deal for the winger will not be cheap, and the west Londoners have already been very busy in the summer transfer market, strengthening their attack by signing Liam Delap, who was on the scoresheet in the 3-0 Club World Cup victory over Esperance Tunis.
However, perhaps given Delap’s lack of experience, Enzo Maresca’s side remain interested in securing the signature of another forward, and they are now looking to finalise a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion star Joao Pedro.
That was according to The Express, who claimed Chelsea are pushing to sign Pedro, and they have since been followed by an update from David Ornstein, who reports the Blues have now agreed a deal worth over £50m to sign the Brazilian.
Maresca is now pushing Chelsea to sign £150k-per-week World Cup winner
The Italian and his staff are big fans.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025
Brighton were thought to be holding out for a fee in the region of £60m, so it could certainly be considered a coup, and signing the 23-year-old could also directly impact the futures of Nicolas Jackson and Christoper Nkunku.
"World-class" Pedro could be major Nkunku upgrade
Should Man United be willing to come forward for Nkunku, it could make sense to offload the forward, given that he disappointed throughout the 2024-25 season, picking up just three goals and two assists in 27 Premier League outings.
Pedro, on the other hand, impressed for the Seagulls throughout the campaign, collecting 10 goals and six assists, and the Brazilian has previously received praise for his “world-class” finishing and “magnificent technique” from content creator Ryan Adsett.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
Chelsea have, of course, already signed one striker this summer, with Delap arriving from Ipswich, but the Brighton marksman is more of a well-rounded forward than the Englishman, as showcased by his ability to create chances for his teammates and pitch in defensively.
Average per 90 (past year)
Joao Pedro
Liam Delap
Assists
0.28
0.07
Tackles
0.74
0.38
Interceptions
0.42
0.07
As such, Pedro would provide Maresca with a different option in attack, so it is promising news that Chelsea are now pushing to finalise a deal, but they may have to move swiftly, given the rival interest from Newcastle.
Oval Invincibles claimed the most significant scalp of their title defence so far with a six-wicket over Southern Brave in their top-of-the-table clash at The Kia Oval.Tom Curran claimed four wickets, his younger brother Sam chipping in with two, to restrict Brave to 118 for eight before a curious chase that saw Dawid Malan face 10 consecutive dot balls and Chris Jordan not concede a run from his first 11 deliveries.Jordan Cox, England’s latest call-up to the Test squad, and Sam Curran eventually broke the shackles in a 58-run stand from 27 balls to usher the hosts over the line with 15 balls to spare.James Vince was the only Brave batter who came to grips with the home attack, scoring 52 from 39 balls, as Invincibles moved a step closer to booking their place in the knockout stages.Skipper Sam Curran has been central to a run of five wins in six games, and while he would claim a third successive Meerkat Match Hero award again tonight, it was his older brother Tom who took the limelight with the ball taking 4 for 24 in front of a crowd of 23,948. The visitors slipped to 31 for four as wicket fell too regularly around Vince.Sam Curran was unfurling his airplane celebration early when he bowled Alex Davies before Tom found a regulation edge from Andre Fletcher through to Sam Billings. Will Jacks bowled Leus du Plooy and Laurie Evans top-edged Adam Zampa to leave Brave immediately behind the game.Captain Vince set about hauling his side back into the contest, sharing a 58-run stand with Kieron Pollard, who edged Sam Curran to give Billings his third catch after managing 18 from 15 balls.Tom Curran was on a hat-trick from the final ball of the innings, removing Jofra Archer and Akeal Hossein from successive balls, before Craig Overton just about avoided the field and saw the ball run away to the rope.Jacks thumped the first ball of the reply for six, only to get a leading edge to Overton two balls later, before the chase lost all momentum.Malan did manage a heaved six before he simply could not locate the ball, eventually being well held by Archer at mid-on to depart for 14 from 31 balls.But the in-form Sam Curran joined Cox and immediately set about putting the game to bed, the pair taking 23 from four Hosein deliveries to settle any nerves. Hosein did get Sam Curran, but not before he added 35 from 18 balls, as Cox finished unbeaten on 46 from 29 balls.Meerkat Match Hero, Sam Curran, said: “Huge win. The two form teams at the moment and a top of the table clash. We knew we had to win this to give us the best chance of going straight through to Lord’s (and reach the final).”We have complemented each other really well with the ball this season. Towards the end we just had a swing and hope and it worked out.”I’m really confident and enjoying the environment. I feel this team has got it right and hopefully we can do that for the rest of the tournament.”
Leeds United have now made an approach to sign an “incredible” goalkeeper, who has been identified as a leading target alongside Lyon’s Lucas Perri, according to a report.
Leeds looking for upgrade on Illan Meslier
It has become apparent that Leeds will look to find a replacement for the error-prone Illan Meslier this summer, and journalist Luke Entwistle believes Lyon shot-stopper Perri could be a suitable option.
Entwistle said: “He’s an interesting shout for Leeds in particular. They obviously need a goalkeeper, and I’m sure they’ll be wary of having someone who can’t use their feet, and I’m not saying that he’s in that category, but he did have a few hairy moments.
“I do think he would nonetheless be an upgrade on Meslier in that regard and also in terms of his shot-stopping.”
The Brazilian goalkeeper was identified as the Whites’ number one target to replace Meslier last week, and there have been suggestions that he could be available for a fee of around £20m, given Lyon’s significant financial issues.
Leeds want to sign "amazing" attacker who was once Europa League top scorer
The Whites have identified a new transfer target to bolster their midfield options.
ByBrett Worthington Jul 14, 2025
However, the 27-year-old is not the only option on the shortlist, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing that Leeds have also identified Angers SCO goalkeeper Yahia Fofana as a leading target alongside Perri.
Fofana may be available for a lower fee than the Lyon goalkeeper, with previous reports suggesting he could cost just £8m, and the Whites have now approached Angers to discuss a potential deal.
Angers'YahiaFofanareacts
Perri remains Daniel Farke’s first-choice target, but the Ivorian goalkeeper moving to Elland Road is deemed more likely than Nick Pope, with the 33-year-old determined to stay at Newcastle United ahead of a Champions League campaign.
There is also interest in Meslier from France and Italy, with Leeds now actively trying to get the Frenchman off the books this summer, although none of the interested parties are currently in advanced talks.
"Incredible" Fofana could be solid Perri alternative
Having previously been lauded as “incredible” by U23 football scout Antonio Mango, the 24-year-old went on to have a very impressive 2024-25 campaign at Angers, with fellow scout Ben Mattinson singling him out for high praise.
With an average SofaScore rating of 7.28 in Ligue 1, the Paris-born goalkeeper was by far the best-performing Angers player last term, and his potential availability for just £8m means he would be a low-cost addition to Farke’s squad.
As such, if Perri is unattainable, Fofana could be a fantastic alternative, with the goalkeeper clearly ready to test himself in the Premier League.
Celtic are beginning to clear the decks for new arrivals and could now be getting closer to landing a winger to bolster their pool of attacking options, according to a report.
Brendan Rodgers confirms Nicolas Kuhn set to leave Celtic
Brendan Rodgers has managed to bring in five players this window in a strong start to the summer, welcoming Kieran Tierney, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand, Ross Doohan and Hayato Inamura to Parkhead.
However, the Celtic boss also confirmed Nicolas Kuhn is leaving to join Como after his side saw off Queens Park by a scoreline of 1-0 on Friday night, revealing that only the finer touches remain before a deal is complete.
He stated: “We’ve virtually agreed between the club and Como, so it looks at this point that he’ll be on his way, but we just have to wait for confirmation.
“I think it’s very clear, the model of Celtic. He’s come in and in the 18 months he’s done absolutely fantastic for us. He was aware of interest towards the end of last season and that sort of followed through.”
Buy low and sell high is a model that has worked for the Bhoys in recent years, and it will come as no surprise to hear they are plotting to land some quality reinforcements before beginning the mission of defending their Scottish Premiership title.
Bigger loss than Kuhn: Celtic have set huge asking price for "special" star
Celtic have slapped a huge price tag on the head of one of their star players.
ByDan Emery Jul 5, 2025
Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton has been linked with a move to Celtic, though it is hard to envisage the reigning champions paying £15 million to land the England Under-21 star.
With Kuhn set for the exit, Rodgers has now identified someone who could come in as a direct replacement for the Serie A-bound star.
Celtic set sights on £3m Rapid Vienna winger Isak Jansson
According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic now want to sign Rapid Vienna winger Isak Jansson, who has also attracted interest from Lazio, Fiorentina and Paris FC after an impressive season in Austria.
Isak Jansson in action for Rapid Vienna.
The 23-year-old is a Sweden Under-21 international and valued at £3 million after scoring nine goals and providing six assists in 33 appearances across all competitions during 2025/26.
Capable of playing on either flank or through the middle as a centre-forward, Jansson has been labelled “technically clean” by former boss Robert Klauß and is renowned for his pace and ability to go at defenders.
Rapid know they will struggle to keep hold of the Kinna-born man this summer, which could present an opportunity for Celtic to put their case forward using Kuhn’s development and eventual move as a blueprint.
Similarly, the German star was brought in for £3 million from the exact same club, so there is plenty of proof that a switch to Parkhead can lead to opportunities within Europe’s top-five leagues.
Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi have been called up; Aiden Markram will lead South Africa in the first Test
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2024
Temba Bavuma is expected to be fit for the second Test of the series•AFP/Getty Images
Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first Test in Bangladesh after scans revealed a muscle strain in his left triceps. Aiden Markram will lead South Africa for the first Test, in Dhaka from October 21. With Nandre Burger earlier ruled out of the series because of a lumbar stress reaction, Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi have been added to the squad.A CSA statement said that Bavuma will “travel with the squad to Dhaka on Tuesday and continue his recovery under the supervision of the Proteas medical team in preparation for the second Test”, which will start in Chattogram on October 29.On October 6, Bavuma was ruled out of the third and final ODI against Ireland with what was understood to be an elbow injury. He had retired hurt during the second ODI, on October 4, and didn’t field in that match. Rassie van der Dussen led South Africa in Bavuma’s absence, with Markram rested for that series.Brevis, CSA said, has been called up “as cover” for Bavuma. He hasn’t played a Test match yet – he has only played two T20Is so far – but has played 12 first-class matches, most recently for South Africa A against Sri Lanka A in Benoni, where he scored 49 and 74 in a five-wicket loss.Ngidi, who played all three ODIs against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, picking up two-fors in the first two matches, now completes the fast-bowling department which also has Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder, the allrounder.South Africa Test squad for Bangladesh tourTemba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram (capt for first Test), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Kyle Verreynne (wk)
Chelsea are showing no sign of slowing down in the transfer market this summer, despite having already spent millions on fresh faces.
Chelsea now "advancing" talks to sign £70m star, formal bid expected soon
The Blues are making progress in their pursuit of an “exceptional” player, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed.
ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025
Enzo Maresca saw £145 million trio Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro join the club most recently, when the west Londoners were successfully tackling their Club World Cup campaign, but the Italian is set to be backed even more.
Financially, the Blues are in excellent stead, having raised around £100 million through player sales already, which is due to rise to around £126 million through João Félix’s move to Al-Nassr.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
The Saudis agreed an initial £26 million deal for Felix, plus hefty add-ons, and Chelsea could even bank close to £43 million in future thanks to a sell-on clause.
Chelsea’s £87.5 million financial windfall from winning the CWC, not to mention Champions League revenue, also contributes to Maresca’s side being comfortably far away from breaching the PSR threshold.
While Chelsea remain keen to balance out their squad by selling more players, partly due to pressure from UEFA, there is scope for BlueCo to seal more squad upgrades in time for the 2025/2026 season.
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates withChelseamanager Enzo Maresca and teammates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup
Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea over a move to Stamford Bridge, and talks are at an advanced stage to sign the Dutchman, who could come in as both cover for Marc Cucurella and as another centre-back option.
Another Netherlands international could also join Hato in London pretty soon – RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons.
The 22-year-old has been on fire for Leipzig since signing for the Bundesliga side on an initial loan in 2023/2024. His move was made permanent in January, with Simons bagging a total of around 21 goals and 23 assists in all competitions over the last two seasons.
Leipzig even made Simons the highest-paid player in their history on a contract worth around £192,000-per-week, but the attacker is already prepared to seek pastures new.
Chelsea to submit opening offer for Xavi Simons
Chelsea talks for Simons, according to some sources, are advancing in quick fashion (Simon Phillips), but they’re yet to place an opening offer.
Netherlands'XaviSimonscelebrates scoring their third goal
Journalist Ben Jacobs, sharing another update for talkSPORT and on X, claims Chelsea are poised to submit their first bid for Simons after positive club-to-club talks.
Interestingly, Jacobs reports for talkSPORT that Bayern Munich have called Simons “several” times in an attempt to convince the playmaker to join Vincent Kompany’s side, but he much prefers a move to the Premier League with personal terms agreed.
Leipzig are prepared to green-light Simons’ sale for around £61 million, but there is a belief within Chelsea that they could strike a deal for less.
Next season feels like it’s set to be a massive one for Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca’s side will be going into it as Conference League and World Champions, and while they won’t be the favourites to win the Premier League, there will undoubtedly be an expectation that they will challenge for the title.
Fortunately, the board are properly backing the team so far this summer, with exciting signings like Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro
Moreover, the Blues have even been linked with Eberechi Eze, although, based on reports, it now appears they’re turning their attention to someone who’d be a far better signing.
Chelsea target big Eze upgrade
It’s been a busy summer of business for Chelsea so far, and one of the players who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge has been Eze.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Crystal Palace star has also been heavily touted for a move to London rivals Arsenal, but reports from earlier this month revealed that the Blues have been in contact with the player’s representatives.
The England international has a release clause worth £68m in his current deal and would undoubtedly bring some real quality and flair to Maresca’s squad, but it now looks like BlueCo are rapidly advancing towards a deal for another attacker, who’d be an even better signing.
Eberechi Eze for Crystal Palace
At least that’s according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who claims that Chelsea are incredibly keen on signing Xavi Simons.
In fact, Plettenberg has revealed that personal terms are not an issue as the player is “open to the Chelsea project” and that “very good talks also took place with RB Leipzig yesterday.”
The German journalist claims that the Bundesliga side are now just “waiting for an offer” for the player they value at around £52m, per other reports.
While that’s still a lot of money to spend on one player, Simons has proven he’d be worth it over the last couple of seasons, and a better signing than Eze to boot.
Why Simons would be a better signing than Eze
So, while both players are brilliant, there are several reasons why Simons would be the better signing for Chelsea this summer, and the first is their output in the league, which is ultimately their bread and butter.
Appearances
25
34
Minutes
2157′
2603′
Goals
10
8
Assists
7
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.68
0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvement
126.88′
162.68′
In his 25 Bundesliga appearances last season, totalling 2157 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem scored ten goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.47 league games, or every 126.88 minutes.
In contrast, the Eagles star scored eight goals and provided as many assists in 34 Premier League appearances last season, totalling 2603 minutes, which comes out to a lacklustre average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 162.68 minutes.
In addition to performing better in the league, the Flying Dutchman also shares some statistical similarities with the incredible Cole Palmer, which can only be a good thing.
For example, Squawka ranks them very closely for key metrics such as goals, assists, chances created, take-ons completed and more, all per 90.
These numbers help convey that the Amsterdam-born “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is someone capable of impacting the game in more ways than just goals and assists, as evident in some of his highlight reels.
Finally, and this is especially important when it comes to the Blues, the former PSV Eindhoven monster is still just 22 years old, and therefore, he’d be able to develop and continue improving alongside the likes of Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Joao Pedro and then hit his peak around the same time as them.
Ultimately, while Eze would be a good signing for Chelsea, Simons would simply be the smarter one with more upside a few years from now, and therefore, they should do all they can to get him to West London this summer.
Chelsea star says yes to joining Madrid; his exit can fund Simons & Rodrygo
Losing the international star would be far from ideal for Chelsea.
Glasgow Rangers play their first competitive game of the 2025/26 campaign on Tuesday night as they prepare for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier at Ibrox.
The Light Blues will be hoping to take an advantage back to Greece the following week in their bid to make the next stage of the qualifying process, as they look to qualify for the league phase of the competition.
Russell Martin may not have the perfect squad to choose from on Tuesday night, though, as new signing Thelo Aasgaard is a doubt through injury.
The Scottish head coach has also confirmed that fellow new signing Djeidi Gassama will not be fit to start the game because of a “disrupted” pre-season, but the Frenchman will be a part of the Rangers squad.
Gassama recently signed for the Scottish Premiership giants from English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent deal, but supporters look set to have to wait to see him from the start.
That is a shame for Martin, Rangers, and the fans because his performances for the Owls in the 2024/25 campaign suggest that he is a very exciting player.
What Djeidi Gassama could bring to Rangers
On paper, supporters may look at Gassama’s numbers from last season and think that he is a goalscoring winger who does not create much for his teammates.
That is because he ended the campaign with a haul of seven goals and one assist in 43 outings in the Championship, which suggests that scoring goals is his biggest offensive attribute.
Whilst that may still be true, Gassama’s underlying numbers suggest that his teammates were the reason why he only had one assist to his name, rather than because of a lack of quality or creativity on his part.
24/25 Championship
Gassama
Percentile rank vs wingers
xG
5.92
Top 16%
Goals
7
Top 14%
Shots on target
23
Top 14%
Chances created
38
Top 23%
xA
2.54
Top 32%
Assists
1
Bottom 27%
Touches in the opposition box
153
Top 6%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, his teammates only finished one of the 38 chances he created for them, and he underperformed his xA by almost two assists.
These statistics suggest that the 21-year-old starlet is a winger who will provide goals and creativity down the left flank, which is why he could be an exciting player for Rangers supporters to watch.
The Light Blues need a quality centre-forward to make the most of his creativity, though, and they are reportedly interested in a star who would fit the bill.
Rangers ready to pursue prolific forward
According to Football Insider, Rangers are eyeing up multiple experienced players to come in and improve the leadership within their dressing room this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report claims that Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady and free agent centre-forward Luuk De Jong are both being lined up to be ‘huge figures’ in the dressing room next season.
It states that the Gers are ready to step up their pursuit of both players, as Martin looks to bolster the quality within his side, and De Jong is available as a free agent.
Luuk de Jong in action against Juventus
The Dutch centre-forward left PSV at the start of the month, after his contract with the Dutch team expired, and this means that the Light Blues could sign him for nothing this summer.
Rangers want to sign De Jong, as well as Coady, to bring leadership and experience to the squad, but the 34-year-old star would also bring quality and could be the perfect striker for Gassama.
Why Luuk De Jong would be perfect for Djeidi Gassama
The former Barcelona marksman would be the perfect centre-forward for Gassama for multiple reasons, not least because he is a prolific goalscorer.
De Jong scored at least 18 goals in each of the last three seasons for PSV, scoring 18 in the 2022/23 campaign, 38 in the 2023/24 season, and 18 last term, showing that he has not slowed down in front of goal despite his age.
This suggests that he has the goalscoring pedigree and knack for finding the back of the net to make the most of the creativity that Gassama has the potential to provide on the left flank.
De Jong could, therefore, be a dream number nine for the French winger because his goalscoring quality in the final third could result in the former Sheffield Wednesday man racking up way more than one assist next season.
As aforementioned, though, Gassama is also a winger who has the quality to provide goals on a fairly regular basis from the left flank, as shown by his seven-goal haul in the Championship last season.
De Jong would also be perfect for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain youngster in that respect because he is a number nine who has the ability to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates.
Luuk De Jong (Eredivisie)
22/23
23/24
24/25
Appearances
24
34
31
Goals
14
29
14
Chances created
20
67
55
xA
3.16
7.35
5.92
Assists
4
15
8
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman racked up 23 assists in the last two Eredivisie seasons with PSV, which shows that he has the potential to provide Gassama with plenty of chances to find the back of the net.
Whereas, Dessers, for example, has only assisted six goals in 70 matches in the Scottish Premiership for Rangers in the last two seasons, since his move to the club from Cremonese in 2023.
Rangers' CyrielDesserscelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
De Jong, who was described as an “exemplary” professional by Xavi during his time at Barcelona, is a complete number nine who offers experience, goals, and assists.
This is why he could be the perfect signing for Rangers, as they look for quality and leadership, as well as being the perfect signing for Gassama, who would have a striker to finish the chances he creates as well as a forward who can create chances for him to score.
Creates room for Rak-Sakyi: Rangers want to sell Dowell & "blistering" flop
Rangers can create space for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi as they look to sell several first-team players.
“We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” says Prabath Jayasuriya
Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Sep-2024If you’re a batter, your first Test at one of the most trying venues on the planet tends not to go well for you. Rachin Ravindra, though, is proving across formats, that he’s not your run-of-the-mill batter out of New Zealand.His fourth-innings vanguard, which by the end of day four has brought him 91 not out off 158, and pushed New Zealand into a spot where they still have an outside chance of victory, has been full of bravado.Sri Lanka’s offspinners attacked him outside off stump, figuring that as he likes to play shots out there, there will eventually be an edge that comes off his bat. The edge never materialised but plenty of runs did – 40 of his runs coming in the arc between backward point and cover, Ravindra’s shot-making frequent and consistent even when the pitch was spitting towards the end of the day.Related
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“I’ll be honest, the pitch isn’t easy – but there were periods there when Rachin made it look very easy,” said Ajaz Patel, who partnered Ravindra through the last few overs of the day.”He’s a phenomenal player. I think he’s world class. With his batting out there today, you saw him sticking to a solid plan for long periods, and trusting his skills. He’s got an amazing future in front of him. I’m grateful he’s on our team. He’s a headache to bowl to in first-class cricket.”When Sri Lanka switched to bowling straighter at him, Ravindra was no less proficient through the legside. He was ruthless when the bowlers erred even slightly on length, preferring the pull to the sweep as his main run-scoring option on the legside.In fact, four of his nine fours, and his one six all came through midwicket, with the six coming off a full toss.Opposition left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya had serious praise for Ravindra too.”I mostly tried to bowl into the rough to him and turn it into him. Sometimes he was very good at latching on to the short balls.”There was some little chances that came off him. But he kept his patience and batted nicely. He hit the loose balls away and kept the good ones out. He played like someone who understood his game, and was sticking to a game plan. Sometimes we tried to take his wicket and bowled aggressively, but he turned those into scoring opportunities.”Sri Lanka now need two more wickets to win, while New Zealand need 68 for victory. Ravindra has to score those runs in the company of No. 10 Patel, and No. 11 Will O’Rourke. If he gets through that challenge, it may be the finest moment of his career to date – in Tests, at least.”We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” Jayasuriya said. “We have to take those two wickets.”