Dilan Markanday and Harry Leonard scored their first league goals for Blackburn to give them a hard-fought 2-1 win over West Brom in a pulsating season opener.
On their first league starts for the club, the duo did the damage in a devastating three-minute spell in the first half as Markanday slotted home from a narrow angle and within seconds of the kick-off, academy graduate Leonard hammered in his first senior goal.
The Baggies responded in the second half through Matt Phillips’ superb curling effort five minutes after the restart but they could not force an equaliser against a Rovers side that finished the game strongly.
Their frustration was summed up by Carlos Corberan being sent to the stands late in the second half.
Phillips stung the palms of Aynsley Pears in the 19th minute as the Baggies settled quickest, but were shell-shocked by a quickfire double as Blackburn went ahead a minute later when Markanday dispossessed Conor Townsend, and though Leonard could not get a shot away, Lewis Travis threaded a first-time pass to Markanday on the right and he slotted into the far corner.
Straight from kick-off, Sammie Szmodics cut out a pass and fed Leonard on the right and his rasping low drive flew in at Alex Palmer’s near post in the 22nd minute.
A neat one-touch move in the 34th minute almost gave Rovers a third but Tyrhys Dolan’s curling shot was parried away by Palmer.
Brandon Thomas-Asante almost found the far corner four minutes later when firing goalwards from the right but Pears got down well to push behind.
West Brom came out with real purpose and Thomas-Asante’s cut-back found Jayson Molumby in the area and his shot looked destined for the top corner but for a superb Joe Rankin-Costello block.
The visitors did get on the scoresheet in the 50th minute, though, as Phillips robbed Markanday and exchanged passes with Jed Wallace before curling beautifully into the right corner from 25 yards.
Thomas-Asante was wreaking havoc down the right and another teasing cross found Molumby in the 58th minute but he could not get the ball out of his feet and Rankin-Costello made a brilliant goal-saving tackle.
Rovers should have wrapped the points up 10 minutes later, though, when they cut the visitors open and Travis fed Leonard with Palmer to beat but he directed his shot past the far post.
A sensational Adam Wharton pass gave the teenager another chance minutes later but he once again fired his effort past the post.
The frustration of the afternoon got the better of Baggies boss Corberan who was dismissed for dissent, having already been booked earlier in the second half, and Darnell Furlong’s 89th-minute sensational block from Hayden Carter kept the margin of defeat to one.
Tottenham have completed the transfer of England youth international Ash Phillips from Blackburn.
Phillips, 18, made eight appearances for Rovers in the Sky Bet Championship last season and has been allowed to leave for Spurs after his £2million release clause became active this weekend.
The centre-back had been close to joining Tottenham last month before negotiations between the clubs stalled but he has now signed a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
Ex-Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray highlighted the excitement around Phillips back in the 2021-22 season when he described him as “a phenomenal young boy” before he told Lancashire Live: “If you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute.”
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Phillips earned his full debut in a Carabao Cup first-round tie against Hartlepool last August and also started Rovers’ 4-1 defeat to Premier League side Nottingham Forest in December.
The teenager had signed his first professional contract with Blackburn by this point and played 14 times in all competitions last season under Jon Dahl Tomasson, winning Championship Apprentice of the Year.
A regular in England age-group levels since he switched allegiances from Wales in 2021, Under-19 international Phillips will continue his development at Tottenham, but the club are still working on plans to further recruit in the centre-back area.
Spurs, who conceded 63 goals in last season’s Premier League, remain in dialogue with Wolfsburg over the signing of Micky van de Ven and Bayer Leverkusen regarding Edmond Tapsoba. An interest is also retained in Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham.
Blackburn have announced Joe Rankin-Costello has signed a new four-year contract at the club.
The 23-year-old has committed his long-term future to the Ewood Park outfit, having joined as a youth player in 2014.
Rankin-Costello made 24 appearances and scored twice in the Sky Bet Championship last season, as Blackburn narrowly missed out on the play-off places to Sunderland on goal difference.
The right-back, who has also played in midfield, told Blackburn’s website: “I’m buzzing. Last season was a bit of a breakthrough for me in terms of staying fit and playing well, so I’m happy.
“We were near the play-offs last year and we seem to be improving year-on-year and moving in the right direction, so hopefully we can push for the play-offs again this season.”
The academy graduate has now made 71 appearances for Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side.
Paul Heckingbottom revelled in an "unbelievable achievement" after second-tier Sheffield United twice came from behind to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.
The Blades prevailed 3-2 in a thrilling all-championship tie against Blackburn Rovers, becoming the first side from outside the Premier League to advance to the last four of the competition since Reading in 2014-15.
Blackburn twice led through Ben Brereton Diaz and Sammie Szmodics but were pegged back by a Sam Gallagher own goal and an Oli McBurnie effort, before Tommy Doyle's stunning 25-yard strike snatched victory for the hosts in stoppage time.
Heckingbottom saluted the character demonstrated by promotion-chasing United – who are second in the Championship – and wants his players to kick on.
"It was a fantastic game where both teams played their part," he told reporters during his post-match press conference. "The lads were brilliant to respond and credit to them to come from behind twice.
"For us to be in April and be in with a chance of automatic promotion and be in the semi-final of the FA Cup is an unbelievable achievement. It is fantastic, and it is a big pat on the back for everyone at the club.
"I'm really focused and intent on us achieving something and not just getting credit, but getting an outcome. I was hoping and dreaming of something like this and everyone should enjoy it."
Match-winner Doyle told ITV: "It feels amazing. We worked really hard. We made it difficult for ourselves at times, but to be going to Wembley is a special feeling."
Meanwhile, Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson was left to rue what might have been, telling RoversTV: "We're bitterly disappointed to not get the result that our performance deserved.
"The lads did an excellent job, and we should probably have scored the third goal to kill the game before the 80th minute.
"Football can be cruel, and I'm disappointed for the fans, who gave us great backing. The boys will look back with pride from our cup campaigns, but today they'll be disappointed."
Manchester City will reunite with club legend Vincent Kompany when they face Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-finals, while Manchester United will host Fulham.
Pep Guardiola's top-flight champions eased past Bristol City 3-0 on Tuesday, while United backed up their EFL Cup success with a 3-1 comeback victory over West Ham.
City will face former defender Kompany, who lifted four Premier League titles at Etihad Stadium, after being drawn at home to runaway Championship leaders Burnley following their late 1-0 win against Fleetwood Town on Wednesday.
United ended a six-year trophy drought on Sunday by defeating Newcastle United and will continue their quest for further silverware when they host Fulham at Old Trafford.
Fourth-tier Grimsby Town remain the shock package in this season's FA Cup after Premier League Southampton fell to a 2-1 home loss and became the Mariners' fifth victim from a higher division in the 2022-23 campaign.
The League Two side's reward will be a trip to in-form Brighton and Hove Albion, who edged past Stoke City 1-0 in the fifth round on Tuesday.
Sheffield United were another surprise winner in the last 16 of the competition, defeating Tottenham 1-0, and will host Blackburn Rovers, which ensures at least one Championship side will reach the semi-finals.
All ties are set to be played between March 17 and 19 with the quarter-final contestants one win from a trip to Wembley.
FA Cup quarter-final draw in full:
Manchester City v Burnley
Manchester United v Fulham
Brighton and Hove Albion v Grimsby Town
Sheffield United v Blackburn Rovers
Liverpool have handed a new long-term contract to midfielder Tyler Morton, who is impressing on loan with Blackburn Rovers this season.
The 20-year-old played nine times for Liverpool in 2021-22, featuring in high-profile matches against the likes of Arsenal and Milan.
Morton was then loaned out to Blackburn to get more regular first-team experience and has made 28 appearances for Jon Dahl Tomasson's side, who sit third in the Championship.
He has played in every league match so far as Rovers push for promotion to the Premier League.
After signing fresh terms with Liverpool on Wednesday, Morton expressed his excitement.
"I'm absolutely buzzing," he said. "The little dream is coming true, so I couldn't be happier.
"I've known for a little while and it's been ongoing, and I couldn't wait to get it over the line because this is the place I want to be and this is the club I want to be at.
"I'm absolutely buzzing and I can't wait for the future.
"I've been extremely proud of myself for how I've handled the loan so far. Hopefully I carry that on and take it into the next half of the season.
"I feel like I'm progressing every day and learning new things on and off the pitch.
"It's a lovely environment to learn and turn myself into a professional – and I think I'm doing that quite well. Hopefully it sets me up for what's to come in the future."
Paris Saint-Germain are weighing up their forward options given the uncertainty around Lionel Messi once his contract expires at the end of this season.
Messi has deferred all talk around his future for both club and country until after the upcoming World Cup.
The French champions also have doubts around Kylian Mbappe, who has been the subject of constant speculation despite re-signing until 2025 at the start of the season.
TOP STORY – PSG WEIGH UP SON HEUNG-MIN MOVE
Paris Saint-Germain are considering a move for Tottenham forward Son Heung-min , reports El Nacional.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi will try to speak to Son during the World Cup, where he has been selected by his country despite a fractured eye socket sustained a fortnight ago.
The report claims Real Madrid had previous interest in Son, but president Florentino Perez has moved on given the €80million (£70m) asking price for a 30-year-old.
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– Chelsea and Manchester United are both keeping a close eye on Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez , according to the Sunday Mirror. That comes in light of a Daily Star report that claims David de Gea will need to accept a £100,000 pay cut to stay at United.
– Chelsea are Palmeiras' 16-year-old Endrick 's preferred destination amid interest from numerous clubs, reports ESPN Brazil. Palmeiras have declined an offer from PSG already.
– Juventus held talks this week with Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic 's agent about a move to the Bianconeri, claims Calciomercato. The report claims Juve have made him a priority but will likely need to wait until the end of the season.
– L'Equipe reports talks between Marco Verratti and PSG on a new deal are well advanced. The Italian midfielder is contracted until June 2024.
– Villarreal are ready to offer a deal to Blackburn's Chile international forward Ben Brereton Diaz , claims The Sun. Brereton Diaz's contract expires at the end of this season.
With the transfer window closing on Thursday, some clubs will be scrambling to assess their options.
There may be some movement of free agents still, while clubs who missed out on targets will be weighing up their chances in January with contractual situations evolving.
Inter defender Milan Skriniar is one player who was heavily pursued without success and who will have only six months left on his contract at the turn of the year.
TOP STORY – PSG TO PERSIST IN SKRINIAR PURSUIT IN JANUARY
Paris Saint-Germain will revive their failed pursuit of Milan Skriniar in January, according to L'Equipe.
PSG made three offers for the Slovakian defender which were rebuffed by the Italian giants, including one worth €50million.
Skriniar is into the final year of his Inter deal and PSG boss Christophe Galtier had been eager to bring him to the French capital.
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– Napoli will try to sign PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas again in January after missing out on him, reports L'Equipe. The report claims the Costa Rica international and PSG may opt to terminate his contract by mutual consent before January.
– Marco Asensio had been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks but he has committed to seeing out his Real Madrid contract which expires in mid-2023, according to Mundo Deportivo.
– The Telegraph reports Blackburn Rovers will be open to pre-contract offers to their hot property forward Ben Brereton Diaz in January after rejecting bids from Fulham and Everton. The Chile international has less than 12 months remaining on his deal at Ewood Park.
Chelsea are expected to be one of the major players on deadline day, having completed a deal for Wesley Fofana on Wednesday.
The Blues have been one of the big spenders during the transfer window and owner Todd Boehly is eager to bolster his squad after a slow start to the season.
Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with the Blues, along with Anthony Gordon, although Everton boss Frank Lampard insists he is not for sale.
TOP STORY – CHELSEA OFFERED CHANCE TO SIGN PSG'S NEYMAR
The Daily Mail claims Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Neymar, but the Times reports that Paris Saint-Germain are now refusing to sell him in an apparent U-turn.
The 30-year-old Brazil international had been linked with a move away from Paris during the off-season, although nothing substantial materialised.
Chelsea were approached about Neymar, with PSG potentially open to letting him go as they seek to avoid any issues with UEFA's Financial Fair Play guidelines.
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– Chelsea have made a €50 million (£43m) bid for Ajax centre-back Edson Alvarez, according to the Telegraaf. The Blues have already added Fofana but want more reinforcements, with the Mexican able to also play in midfield.
– Chelsea are also interested in Aubameyang, with Fabrizio Romano claiming negotiations are progressing with Marcos Alonso involved in a deal with Barcelona. The Blues have also been linked with Milan's Rafael Leao, according to The Times.
– Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona and Inter have agreed to a deal for full-back Jordi Alba to join the Nerazzurri on loan. The deal is on the basis that Robin Gosens leaves Inter for Bayer Leverkusen.
– Milan are set to win the race to sign Barcelona's Sergino Dest, beating out interest from Manchester United, claims Gianluca Di Marzio. Dest will join the Rossoneri on a season-long loan with the option of a permanent deal.
– Newcastle United are in the race to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, claims the Mail. Arsenal are also interested in the Belgium international.
– Fulham have submitted a bid for Blackburn's Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz according to The Athletic. Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has said he would cost a lot of money, with Fulham's offer not disclosed.
– PSV have opted against selling 23-year-old Netherlands international Cody Gakpo amid interest from Leeds United and Southampton, reports The Athletic.
Chelsea are hoping to raid Leicester City for both Wesley Fofana and Jamie Vardy during this transfer period, with the former reportedly telling the club he wants out, while the latter's contract is set to expire in 12 months.
Fofana, 21, has emerged as one of the most valuable young defenders in the Premier League despite missing most of this past season with a broken leg. He has represented France's Under-21s, and appears on track to a long international career at the senior level.
Vardy, 35, has scored at least 13 goals in each Premier League season since 2014-15, and if he indicates he has no interest in signing a new contract to stay in Leicester, this transfer window will be their last opportunity to cash-in on the club legend.
TOP STORY – CHELSEA SET SIGHTS ON DYNAMIC LEICESTER DUO
While Vardy will likely have a significant say in his future due to his contract situation, the same cannot be said for Fofana, who recently signed an extension that ties him to the club through 2027.
90min reports both Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring Vardy's situation, with the thought that he could potentially be a relatively cheap replacement option after Romelu Lukaku was shipped out on loan to Inter, as well as Timo Werner having one foot out the door.
There is no word about an asking price for Vardy, but according to ESPN, Leicester are adamant Fofana is not available at any price, despite previous rumours that they value him at £85million.
Meanwhile, the Mirror claims that since the Stamford Bridge side's interest became clear, the centre-back has been actively pushing for the move to Chelsea, and he has removed any mention of Leicester from his social media pages.
ROUND-UP
– Sky Sports is reporting that Sampdoria have accepted Brentford's £16.7m bid for 22-year-old Danish midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard.
– According to 90min, if Tottenham cannot secure Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo, they will switch attention to Wolves winger Adama Traore.
– Football League World is reporting Sevilla and Wolves will battle it out for the signing of 23-year-old striker Ben Brereton-Diaz from Blackburn Rovers.
– Fabrizio Romano claims Sevilla are also interested in United full-back Alex Telles, who is said to be behind both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in the club's pecking order.
– The Guardian is reporting Chelsea are interested in Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters, and that an offer between £35m and £40m could get the deal done.
Following their exit at the hands of Roma in the Europa Conference League semi-finals, Leicester City are at the fork in the road that faces every club their size following some success.
History says that sustainable progress will have to come at the expense of selling the players who got the club to such heights.
While James Maddison and Wesley Fofana have long been on the wish lists of bigger clubs, Youri Tielemans reportedly looks set to leave also.
TOP STORY – ARSENAL, REAL MADRID SET ON TIELEMANS
Arsenal are closing in on a £40million transfer for Leicester City and Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans, The Sun is reporting.
Real Madrid are waiting to pounce, however, if Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.
Leicester are now reportedly resigned to selling the 25-year-old, whose goal won the Foxes the FA Cup last term.
Tielemans has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football, meaning Manchester United have dropped out of the race.
ROUND-UP
- Fernandinho appears set to leave Manchester City, despite having a year remaining on his contract, citing a personal decision, per Fabrizio Romano.
- Tottenham are looking to sign Villarreal's Pau Torres for a fee below his release clause of £55million (€64.3m), Football Insider reports.
- The Daily Star are reporting Nemanja Matic, who will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, is set to join Juventus.
- West Ham are leading the race to sign 23-year-old Chile international Ben Brereton-Diaz from Blackburn Rovers, according to The Sun.
Manchester United's search for a new permanent manager continues.
The Red Devils parted ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last year after an underwhelming campaign despite the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ralf Rangnick has taken over on an interim basis, buying United time to get the right man for the job.
TOP STORY - MAN UTD 'SOUND OUT' TEN HAG
Manchester United have "sounded out" Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag through intermediaries with no formal approach yet, claims Sky Sports.
Ten Hag along with current Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino are believed to be the two lead candidates for the top job at Old Trafford.
The report claims the Dutchman would be keen to speak to United if they make a formal approach.
ROUND-UP
- Italian champions Inter are ready to allow Alexis Sanchez to exit the club in mid-year reports Calciomercato. The 33-year-old's contract at San Siro runs until 2023 but Inter are keen to get his hefty wages off their books.
- England international Joe Gomez will seek a move away from Liverpool at the end of this season, claims 90min, as he seeks more regular game-time, having been a bit-part player this term. Leicester City, Tottenham, Newcastle United and West Ham are all interested.
- Brighton and Hove Albion are leading the race to sign Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz from promotion hopefuls Blackburn Rovers, claims TEAMtalk. Crystal Palace, Everton, Leeds United and West Ham are also interested.
- Mundo Deportivo reports that West Ham are interested in signing former Barcelona, Milan and Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu from Udinese.
- Fichajes claims Wolves are in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk's Pedrinho about a move to England, with players from Ukrainian clubs able to seek free transfers.
Sweden striker Alexander Isak's reputation continues to grow at Real Sociedad.
The 22-year-old has netted eight goals in all competitions this season after 17 strikes in LaLiga last term.
Isak is contracted with Sociedad until 2026, meaning they are under no pressure to cash him in.
However, there appears to be plenty of interest among clubs who want to test La Real's resolve to keep him.
TOP STORY – BLUES AND RED DEVILS ENTER ISAK RACE
Chelsea and Manchester United have both joined the race to sign Real Sociedad forward Alexander Isak, according to The Mirror.
Arsenal have been keen on the 22-year-old Sweden international, who has a £75million buyout clause in his contract.
United are said to view Isak as an ideal replacement for veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo whose future at Old Trafford is unclear.
ROUND-UP
- Juventus are bullish that they can beat Tottenham in the race to sign Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo, claims La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Bianconeri view Zaniolo as a replacement for Paulo Dybala, whose contract is running down.
- Manchester United and Liverpool have joined Real Madrid and Barcelona in keeping tabs on Serge Gnabry's contract situation at Bayern Munich, reports The Mirror. According to Sky Germany, Bayern and Gnabry are having a stand-off in discussions over an extension.
- Liverpool's deal to land Fulham's Fabio Carvalho is not dead, says Football Insider, with the two parties set for new talks with a view to an off-season switch. Calciomercato claims that Milan have also reached out to Carvalho's representatives.
- The Sun reports that Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea are monitoring 16-year-old Blackburn Rovers defender Ashley Phillips, with Everton and Tottenham also keeping tabs on the teenager.
The race to sign Erling Haaland may have taken another turn.
Norway forward Haaland is a hot property being pursued by a host of top clubs, with Manchester United among them.
Borussia Dortmund retained his services at the start of this season but the race is expected to heat up in the off-season.
TOP STORY – UNITED HOPEFUL OF HAALAND EDGE
The Mirror reports that the imminent appointment of Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United can give them the edge in the race for Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland.
Rangnick and Haaland worked together previously at Salzburg and United believe that relationship can propel them to the front of the queue.
Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are all in the race to sign the 21-year-old.
ROUND-UP
- PSG will not let head coach Mauricio Pochettino exit the club during the season amid links with Manchester United's vacant managerial role, reports Goal. The Argentine may be allowed to leave at the end of the season.
- Marca report that Real Madrid will not be signing Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba in the off-season despite widespread speculation about a move.
- Sevilla are leading the race to sign Blackburn's Chile international Ben Brereton, according to The Sun. Rovers want £20m for his services.
- West Ham are set to launch a £7m bid to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski, report The Sun.
Where will Lionel Messi land?
Barcelona's shock announcement of his departure set rumours flying.
Will it be Paris, Manchester or somewhere else?
TOP STORY - MESSI ON THE MARKET
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are rumoured to be the top suitors for Lionel Messi.
The French giants have already made contact with Messi's representatives, according to Fabrizio Romano, and are seen in many quarters as the favourites to land the Argentine forward.
It remains to be seen wherher PSG can take on Messi after making several major moves during the transfer window, while City may be in a similarly difficult situation after finalising their £100million deal for Jack Grealish on Thursday.
A reunion with Pep Guardiola may still be a possibility, though, especially if Tottenham refuse to engage in talks around a Harry Kane deal.
Major League Soccer could also be a possibility, though Messi is expected to remain in Europe for at least a few more years.
ROUND-UP
- Manchester United have not given up on a move for Kieran Trippier, though they have not come close to Atletico Madrid's £34million demands for the England international, The Sun says.
- West Ham are in talks with Fiorentina for centre-back Nikola Milenkovic, Fabrizio Romano reports, with the Serie A side eyeing Matija Nastasic of Schalke as a replacement.
- Arsenal have bid £17m for Lazio striker Joaquin Correa, claims Corriere dello Sport.
- Juventus are interested in bringing back Barcelona's Miralem Pjanic on either a loan or a permanent deal, says Calciomercato.
- Roma are lining up a £21m bid for Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, says Gazzetta dello Sport.
- Crystal Palace are among multiple clubs hoping to lure Adam Armstrong from Blackburn, with the Daily Mail saying they are favoured ahead of Norwich City and Southampton.
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