Category Uncategorized

A new report has claimed that Newcastle United are among the clubs who are interested in signing an international midfielder with an “elite engine” this summer.

Newcastle plan for summer as Howe prepares for cup final

The Magpies are focusing on a massive day in their history on Sunday afternoon, as they take on Liverpool in a much-anticipated EFL Cup final. And while the players and manager are clearly putting all their efforts into winning their first piece of domestic silverware in 70 years, there are plenty of targets being linked with moves to St James’ Park already as Paul Mitchell and Co get to work off the pitch.

One individual who has been mentioned as an option for the Magpies is Liam Delap, who has been one of the few positives in a struggling Ipswich Town side this season. He has scored 10 goals in 26 Premier League appearances in 2024/25 to date, with a move to a bigger club possible this summer.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are also reportedly keen on snapping up Germany winger Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich this summer, with the club even holding talks with the player’s agents over a switch in the coming months.

Newcastle keen on signing AC Milan and USA midfielder

According to an update from MilanLive [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are keen on signing AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah at the end of the season. The Serie A giants will demand £25m for his signature and are willing to let him go, having been considered an important player last year.

Musah is a player with a high ceiling, with the 22-year-old already winning 45 caps for the USA, no doubt wanting to be a key part of his country’s World Cup chance when they co-host the tournament in 2026.

The American has made 23 Serie A appearances for Milan this term, completing 88.5% of his passes in the competition, and he has been hailed for his “elite engine” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

While Newcastle’s go-to midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton is exceptionally strong currently, having increased competition for places in that area can never be a bad thing. Musah can add quality and legs in the middle of the park, as well as being a younger alternative to those mentioned above, and there is still so much more to come from him.

Big name for £0: Newcastle now in contact with "incredible" winger's agents

He would complete their frontline…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 13, 2025

There are also doubts surrounding the future of Sean Longstaff at St James’, with Everton linked with a summer move for him, so the Milan ace could even come in as a direct replacement for the Englishman.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras venceu o Internacional por 2 a 1, no último domingo, e manteve sua vantagem na liderança do Brasileirão-2022, mesmo com o cansaço falando mais alto. No entanto, o time acaba de entrar em uma rara semana livre da temporada antes das partidas diante do Ceará, pelo campeonato nacional, e do Atlético-MG, pela Liberta.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasAno de 2022 é o com mais jogos do Palmeiras entre os 25 maiores públicos do Allianz ParquePalmeiras25/07/2022PalmeirasCom um gol em nove jogos, Raphael Veiga cai de rendimento no Palmeiras após lesão e pênaltis perdidosPalmeiras25/07/2022PalmeirasNo Brasileirão, Palmeiras volta a balançar as redes no primeiro tempo após seis jogos em brancoPalmeiras24/07/2022

GALERIA
> Confira os públicos do Palmeiras no Allianz Parque em 2022

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2022 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Para iniciar esse período peculiar, a comissão técnica deu dois dias de folga para o elenco do Verdão. Não é à toa, faz quase dois meses que a equipe não tem essa semana livre em seu calendário. A última delas foi entre o fim de maio e o começo de agosto, entre a oitava e a nona rodada do Brasileiro (jogos contra Santos e Atlético-MG). Assim, a ideia é usar da melhor forma possível esse descanso alviverde.

-Vou ficar maluco. Nem sei o que fazer, vai parecer um mês. Vamos descansar, precisamos descansar física e mentalmente por que é tudo muito desgastante. Voltamos na quarta-feira prontos para continuar a nossa caminhada. Vai ser dura, difícil. Há muitos candidatos à mesma cadeira, é procurar em cada treino nos preparar para os jogos seguintes – disse Abel Ferreira no último domingo.

O espaço nessa agenda apertada do Palmeiras se dá por conta de um raro fracasso do time na temporada, já que ficou fora das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil ao ser eliminado pelo São Paulo na fase anterior. Será essa competição a ser disputada durante esta semana, e isso permitirá com que o elenco palmeirense tenha esse fôlego.

Na próxima quarta-feira, às 11h, o Verdão volta a treinar na Academia de Futebol para se preparar para o duelo com o Ceará, no sábado, às 16h30, no Castelão. Serão mais dois dias de treino antes do duelo do fim de semana: um na quinta e outro na sexta, ambos às 11h. Logo após a última atividade da semana, a delegação viaja para Fortaleza.

Confira a programação completa do Palmeiras para esta semana:

DIA 25/7 – SEGUNDA-FEIRA
Livre

DIA 26/7 – TERÇA-FEIRA
Livre

DIA 27/7 – QUARTA-FEIRA
11h – Treino na Academia de Futebol [fechado para a imprensa]

DIA 28/7 – QUINTA-FEIRA
11h – Treino na Academia de Futebol [fechado para a imprensa]

DIA 29/7 – SEXTA-FEIRA
11h – Treino na Academia de Futebol [fechado para a imprensa]

DIA 30/7 – SÁBADO
16h30 – Ceará x Palmeiras, no Castelão, em Fortaleza (CE), pela 20ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro

DIA 31/7 – DOMINGO
11h – Treino na Academia de Futebol [fechado para a imprensa]

Manchester United have now made a proposal of Rasmus Hojlund plus cash to sign “the best striker in the world”, and his club would be open to a deal of that nature, according to a journalist.

Hojlund struggling in the Premier League

Hojlund has regularly found himself on the scoresheet in the Europa League, netting five times in the league phase, but the majority of the Dane’s goals came against relatively weak opposition in Bodo/Glimt and Viktoria Plzen.

The 22-year-old has struggled against tougher teams in the Premier League, netting just two goals in 23 appearances this term and failing to find the back of the net since scoring in the 3-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest back in December.

Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has also been an unreliable source of goals, scoring six in 42 games in all competitions, so it is little wonder Man United are looking to bring in a new striker when summer comes around.

Man Utd could now move for "outstanding" £84m striker instead of Osimhen

The Red Devils have identified a potential alternative to the Nigerian.

ByDominic Lund Mar 11, 2025

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has emerged as a target for the Red Devils, and journalist Luca Cerchione has now dropped an interesting update on their pursuit of the Nigerian, suggesting a proposal has already been made.

Cerchione said: “Keep an eye on the Rasmus Højlund trail, which was reported to me last week.

“United have proposed Højlund to Napoli as part of the deal that could bring Victor Osimhen to Manchester United. In order for Osimhen’s price tag to drop, they will also talk about Højlund, who Conte likes a lot. We’ll see, we’ll follow this lead. €40m, plus Højlund, would be a deal in favour of Napoli.”

Osimhen is known to have a £62m release clause in his Napoli contract, but United are seemingly keen on a deal of a different nature, which would allow them to get an underperforming striker off the books.

Osimhen could be "the best striker in the world"

It would be a shame to see Hojlund leave United so soon, considering he is still young at 22 and may go on to become a top striker, but Ruben Amorim’s side cannot pass up the opportunity to sign the Nigeria international, should Napoli be keen on a swap deal.

The 26-year-old was lauded as “the best striker in the world” by members of the media during his time with Napoli, and he has since gone on to impress on loan at Galatasaray this season, netting 23 goals in 29 games in all competitions.

There are also signs of interest on the player’s end, with previous reports suggesting the Galatasaray star is open to talks over a move to Old Trafford this summer, indicating a move could be a real possibility.

It is imperative Man United sign a striker this summer, given their current options’ struggles in front of goal this season, so it is exciting news they have now made a proposal for one of the world’s best.

As they continue their chase for Championship promotion, Sheffield United have reportedly turned their attention towards signing a second tier gem who has been in fine form as of late.

Sheffield United transfer news

The Blades have been given the tough task of keeping up with Leeds United in the race to win the Championship title this season, but they’ve done exactly that so far – defeating Middlesbrough 3-1 to stay within two points of the Whites.

Currently on course to achieve promotion to the Premier League, Sheffield United would be wise to keep one eye on the summer transfer window given how they’ve failed to recruit well enough to stay in the top-flight in the past.

With staying in the Premier League after promotion becoming increasingly difficult too, they simply cannot afford to get things wrong again if they secure promotion this season.

Of course, though, there is still plenty of work to do in the current campaign with just three points separating themselves and Burnley in the fight to secure automatic promotion and, therefore, avoid the unpredictability of the play-offs.

Whether they earn promotion or not, meanwhile, it looks as though those at Bramall Lane have set their sights on their first summer target. According to Football Insider, Sheffield United are now plotting a move to sign Oliver Lynch from Luton Town at the end of the season after sending scouts to watch the young forward on loan at Hemel Hempstead.

He's outscoring Hamer: Sheffield United must wish £16.9m ace never left

This former Sheffield United attacker has become even better since exiting South Yorkshire.

ByKelan Sarson Feb 11, 2025

Stealing the headlines in the National League South, Lynch has reportedly attracted the attention of scouts from the Blades, Wrexham and West Bromwich Albion in what could create quite the battle for his signature.

Standing at a staggering 6’5, the 19-year-old is one to watch when the transfer window swings open once again.

"Immense" Lynch is one for the future

With four goals in five games in the National League South, Lynch has been too hot to handle for those in England’s fifth-tier and looks destined to return to Luton Town before perhaps earning a move elsewhere. With a number of clubs seemingly interested in his signature, the teenager will certainly have an important decision to make when the summer arrives.

Full of praise for his loanee, Hemel Hempstead manager Lee Allinson recently told Hemel Today after Lynch found the back of the net against Farnborough Town: “We do our due diligence on players and Lynchy was one I kept my eye on after I’d faced him with Hendon against Dulwich.

“I like him, he’s a handful and I thought he was immense today and him and Joe [Iaciofano] worked tirelessly to give people a moment’s rest. He also scored an unbelievable goal and could have had another one just before half-time as well.”

Whilst Lynch is unlikely to make an immediate impact should Sheffield United swoop in, he is one for the future and a player who could lead the Blades’ line for years to come.

Leeds United supporters will be hoping that the club can secure a return to the Premier League over the next couple of months with just 14 Championship games remaining in 2024/25.

The Whites are currently in their second season at this level after missing out on promotion last time around in the cruellest way possible – the play-off final.

However, Daniel Farke has done a superb job of leading the club to the summit of the table in recent weeks, with their 14-game unbeaten run in the league undoubtedly aiding their cause.

If they were to secure a return to England’s top flight, the German would have to do what many teams have failed to do over the last couple of seasons and avoid an immediate return back down the ladder.

Should they secure promotion, the hierarchy would have to provide the manager with the resources to be a success once more, learning from their previous mistakes of signing players not at the level required.

Leeds United’s transfers in 2022/23

Leeds’ last season in the Premier League was a challenge from the get-go, losing Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha to Manchester City and Barcelona respectively – with the pair two of their star players at Elland Road the season.

Subsequent funds were spent across the team to provide depth in all areas, with full-back Rasmus Kristensen joining the club from RB Salzburg.

The Dane made 26 appearances during his only season as a first-team member in Yorkshire to date, leaving on multiple loan spells after relegation at the end of the season.

He was just one of nine senior additions during the course of the aforementioned campaign, but he and his teammates were unable to prevent the club from dropping back into the Championship at the end of the season.

One of the signings joined in January, offering a last-ditch attempt to turn around the dismal form, but was subsequently unable to – thriving away from Elland Road in the last couple of seasons.

The Leeds player who’s similar to a £92m talent

Weston McKennie arrived at Leeds on loan from Juventus in January 2023, looking to add the needed quality to the midfield department to fight off any lingering relegation threats.

The American would make 20 appearances but was unable to prevent the inevitable, leaving the Whites at the end of the season and moving back to Serie A, forcing himself back into the first-team picture in Turin.

The 26-year-old has now featured 64 times in the last two campaigns for the Italian giants, registering 18 combined goals and assists, with his latest strike coming in the Champions League against PSV last night.

As a result of his displays, McKennie has since been ranked as a similar player to Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard – highlighting how much he’s developed away from Yorkshire after his temporary stint with the Whites.

The Norwegian, who’s valued at £92m by Transfermarkt, has been a key member of Mikel Arteta’s side in recent times but has been unable to produce better stats than the former loanee who’s bettered the midfielder in various key areas.

How McKennie compares to Odegaard in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

McKennie

Odegaard

Games played

18

16

Goals & assists

5

5

Shot-on-target accuracy

56%

30%

Pass accuracy

85%

83%

Tackles won

1.3

1.1

Blocks made

0.8

0.3

Take-ons completed

55%

47%

Aerials won

1

0.4

Stats via FBref

The Juve star has registered the same amount of goal contributions in the league, whilst posting a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, outperforming the former Real Madrid star who’s more of an attacking option.

McKennie has also completed more of his attempted passes and won more tackles per 90, showcasing his excellent box-to-box playstyle, finally starting to fulfil his potential after his spell at Leeds.

It’s bonkers to see such a quick progression after his short spell in Yorkshire, with the American undoubtedly one of the leading talents within Juventus’ current squad under Thiago Motta.

Outperforming Odegaard is no mean feat given his own form in recent times, with it being great to see a former Whites player thrive after a difficult period in his professional career following relegation in 2022/23.

Related Saved by James & Solomon: Farke must axe Leeds dud who lost possession 15x

Leeds United took a huge leap towards Championship promotion with a huge 4-0 win last night.

Posts 5 ByEthan Lamb Feb 12, 2025

Jude Bellingham had a rough night as Real Madrid crashed out of the Champions League, joining Harry Kane and Eric Dier in exiting the competition.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bellingham struggles as Madrid lose
• Kane & Dier score for Bayern Munich
• Both teams go crashing out of UCL

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Madrid had a mountain to climb already having lost 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Arsenal, with England star Bellingham failing to impress as they went down 2-1 at home. Instead, Vinicius Junior got the goal, while strikes from Bukayo Saka, who also missed a penalty, and Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners the victory.

  Meanwhile, Kane fired Bayern to the lead in the second half, taking on a pass from Leon Goretzka, squaring up to Federico Dimarco and eventually blasting into the net, pulling the German side level on aggregate after their 2-1 loss in Munich last week.

  Inter pulled level soon after through Lautaro Martinez and then went ahead with a Benjamin Pavard header. While Kane's fellow England and former Tottenham team-mate Dier equalised for the German side, it was not enough as they went crashing out of the competition at the quarter-final stage.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  HOW DID THE MEDIA RATE KANE & BELLINGHAM'S PERFORMANCES?

  Giving him a 4.5, wrote of Bellingham's performance: "He didn't have much of an input at the start. In his first appearance, he delivered a goal-scoring ball from the left that none of his team-mates believed in. But much more is expected of him in such a demanding match. In the second half, he started getting into more trouble than advisable, which is also nothing new. More heart than head in one of those games where he's supposed to make a difference."

  "Kane had the frenzied Bayern fans in the venerable San Siro dreaming of a 'small miracle', slamming the ball through Dimarco's legs into the far corner for the much-celebrated lead," wrote .

  The outlet continued: "Dier restored hope with his header and equalized to 2-2. But another goal eluded him, and Inter held on to the tie, sealing not only the end for Bayern—but also for Thomas Muller," with the Germany legend playing his last Champions League match for the club."

  said of Dier: "Five minutes before half-time, his sluggishness was clearly noticeable. Thuram almost played him into knots, and shortly thereafter, he received a yellow card 30 meters from the opposing goal… After an hour, he saved Bayern from conceding another goal with a stunning sliding tackle. He didn't always look solid defensively, but his goal gave Bayern renewed hope."

  The same outlet said of Kane: "He made a rather sluggish impression in the first half hour and didn't seem particularly quick to act. He only woke up a bit towards the end of the first 45 minutes…and in the 52nd minute, he sent the visitors' section of the San Siro into a frenzy. He received a pass on the inside right flank in the penalty area, calmly laid the ball on his right foot, forcing his opponent Dimarco to lunge, and coolly shot through Dimarco's legs into the far corner. Deliberate, composed, world-class. However, in the tighter phase, he wasn't as present as one would hope from a top star in a top game."

• WHAT ARE THE FANS SAYING ON SOCIAL?

  Arsenal fans enjoyed seeing Bellingham struggle while Declan Rice thrived once again against Madrid, with @wowzers69696 writing on X: "Declan Rice and Bellingham are on the same pitch and Declan Rice is levels above. This guy is f*cking ridiculous."

  "Rice has put Bellingham to shame over these two legs," @UtdEIIis said.

  Of course, some spectators couldn't help but laugh at the fact that two former Tottenham players were involved in their European demise.

  @NimaTavRood wrote: "Dier with a great header. Kane, Dier, Crouch, Bale etc what is it with Spurs players scoring at the San Siro??"

  @MenInBlazers asked: "Harry Kane and Eric Dier on the scoresheet for the same team in the Champions League. What in the Spurs 2019 is going on?!"

  @AldoLFC chimed in with: "Harry Kane & Eric Dier both scoring for Bayern as they are knocked out of Europe is quite funny. You can take the players out of Spurs but ………."

  @bjon_bbttr added: "So Kane really gonna not win anything when with Bayern again?"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The European dream is over for Bayern and Madrid but they are both aiming for domestic glory. Bayern have a six-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga and will be confident of maintaining that when they face Heidenheim this weekend, while Madrid take on Athletic Club on Sunday.

“Catches win matches” say the coaches and the club bores. The former know the saying is merely useful but the latter invest the words with such profundity that one might suppose they have been plucked straight from Wittgenstein’s . Rhyme has got a lot to answer for.Runs win matches, too. (See D G Bradman, J B Hobbs and S R Tendulkar etc.) And so also do wickets. See D M Muralidaran, C A Walsh and on this remarkable Friday in Cheltenham K J Abbott, whose five wickets in 12 balls set up a Hampshire win that James Vince and his cricketers will recall contentedly should the pennant be flying over the Ageas Bowl in September. Abbott’s devastating burst either side of lunch included the second hat-trick of his career and it ensured that Hampshire would be chasing a modest 82 to win the game and thereby trim Surrey’s lead at the top of Division One to 14 points.As though paranoid about the approach of thunderstorms from the south-west, Hampshire’s batters moved into full T20 mode and knocked the runs off in 9.3 overs for the loss of four wickets, three of them to Ryan Higgins, whose 115-run partnership with Miles Hammond had earlier appeared likely to delay their opponents’ victory, if not scupper it altogether. Indeed, until Abbott placed his size 13 boots on his opponents’ necks, most of the morning had been dominated by Higgins and Hammond, with the latter being dropped three times in as many overs in a bizarre passage of play. It was, in short, a quiet old day at the College Ground.Related

• Rain prevents Somerset victory charge against Yorkshire

• Umeed becomes first SACA graduate to sign long-term county contract

• Washington guides Lancashire home after Bohannon's ton

• Matt Milnes stars as defending champions slide to heavy defeat

• Surrey consolidate top spot after Overton's 'day-hawk' gambit

The morning had begun more or less as Hampshire might have wished. In the fourth over of the morning Graeme van Buuren half-drove at a ball outside his off stump and edged a shoulder-high catch to Vince at first slip. Not for the first or last time, one was quietly amazed at the ease with which county cricketers snaffle balls that are travelling at 80mph/130kph. The professionals may view such catches as regulation; many of their club counterparts certainly don’t.But no cricketers, regardless of their level of expertise, regard keeping wicket to spinners as straightforward, so there may have more understanding seven overs later when Ben Brown dropped a feathered chance from Hammond off Dawson when the Gloucestershire left-hander had already reached a career-best 124. Five minutes later, the left-arm spinner had his head buried in his hands once again after Vince had put down Hammond at slip, the sharp chance going waist-high to the skipper’s left.Those errors, though, were merely preludes to the absolute dolly put down in Dawson’s very next over, when Hammond top-edged a reverse-sweep and Felix Organ at backward point muffed a gentle, lobbed catch to which he had to make little ground before diving comfortably forward. The fielder was plainly aghast, the bowler frustrated beyond words. It was a chance which most serious club players would have taken. But two balls later, Nick Gubbins trotted across from short leg to console Organ and pat him on the hip. Such simple acts of encouragement often mark out successful sides from the rest. They are also a good way of identifying decent people.For an hour or so afterwards, Hammond and Higgins batted as if fate could not touch them. Hammond continued to stroke the ball around with classical ease, reaching his 150 off 235 balls with 23 fours and three sixes. “It’ll come, it’ll be better when it does,” shouted Hampshire’s fielders but by now there were strains of doubt in their yells. At the other end, Higgins played in a manner antithetical to his irresponsibility on Thursday. Of course there were attacking shots – seven fine boundaries in his 79-ball 50, indeed – but there was balance and judgement as well. Runs came easily and a lead that had once seemed impossible grew: twenty, thirty, forty…Miles Hammond works into the covers•Getty Images

On the stroke of lunch Hampshire got the wicket they craved. Hammond drove at a pitched-up ball from Abbott but only edged a catch to Vince at slip. He led the players off having made 169 off 278 balls. It had been a chance-littered innings to be sure but one that was revelatory of character and studded with fine strokes.Over lunch there was talk of rain in Bristol. On the resumption Abbott bowled as if half a dozen of the plagues of Egypt were about to descend on Cheltenham. His first ball was slanted across Zafar Gohar but compelled the shot; the batter nicked the catch to Brown. Abbott’s next ball was full and straight and quick. Tom Price missed and Graham Lloyd’s tumultuous week drew to a close with an easy decision. Abbott was mobbed by his team-mates and this in itself was a fine effort; in case you have not noticed, there is rather a lot of Kyle Abbott to mob.Suddenly Gloucestershire were 316 for 8. As though refusing to display such grim tidings, the scoreboard conked out. Cheerily undaunted by such mechanical non-compliance, Abbott continued his merry dance. In his next over Higgins swung him to deep square leg and was caught by James Fuller for a fine 63; ten minutes later Josh Shaw swiped him to Gubbins at midwicket.Even in a place as strange as the College Ground, the only threat to Hampshire was now the weather. Vince came out to open but watched as Organ drove Higgins for three fours in the first over. Organ eventually fell for an eight-ball 17 but Vince hit 24 off 16 deliveries in what became a race against the approaching elements. That was a sprint Hampshire won and they now go to Scarborough on Monday after the sort of week that defines a season.

Williamson has only played two ODIs since the 2019 World Cup final, while Southee’s last one was in February 2020

Andrew McGlashan17-Aug-20220:58

Looking forward to moving into ‘life after cricket’ – Trent Boult

It’s 10 years since New Zealand have played an ODI in West Indies but they could, depending on final selection, field five players who were part of that team in St Kitts in July 2012.Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Tim Southee and Trent Boult are back as part of this tour – a mark of their longevity and success as international cricketers – as the side gears up for next year’s ODI World Cup which, for some, might be their last global tournament.For Boult there is even a question mark over that after his recent decision to step away from his central contract. Beyond this tour (and the upcoming T20 World Cup which he appears set to play) the criteria around his future selection remains to be decided.Related

NZC agrees to release Boult from central contract

Ben Sears replaces injured Matt Henry in squad for West Indies ODIs

Stead hails 'pretty special' Phillips and power-packed middle order

Hetmyer, Paul and Motie ruled out of New Zealand ODI series

Boult’s previous ODIs came in March 2021 – they have been a scarce format for New Zealand until recently which has left them a lot of catch-up series to play over the next few months – but for some, it’s even longer since an appearance in the format.Southee is no longer a first-choice pick in ODIs, but it is still remarkable to think that his last appearance was before the pandemic was a reality – against India in February 2020.Williamson’s most recent outing came just a month later, in the first behind-closed-doors game at the SCG just as sport around the world was being shut down. That is one of just two matches he has played since the 2019 World Cup final owing to injury and rotation.Kane Williamson has not played an ODI since March 2020•Getty ImagesBarring Matt Henry’s injury which has ended his tour, New Zealand are at full strength for the series having explored their depth on the recent tour of Europe and over the last couple of years. A number of players have emerged during that time and some find themselves on this tour: opening batter Finn Allen, allrounder Michael Bracewell who produced some stunning performances in Europe, and pace bowler Ben Sears who has replaced Henry.”Sears [has] that bit of extra pace which is always nice to have in your side. Finn who has done really well in the Super Smash and over in Europe he played really well,” Latham said. “Both those guys are youthful and play an exciting brand of cricket.”With spin expected to play a significant part, there may only be room for two frontline quicks in New Zealand’s XI.”It will be interesting to see what the surfaces are like,” Latham said. “Looking at some of the scores in recent times here in one-day cricket they do vary a little bit so sure spin will play a part but we also have a bit of pace in our squad as well.”Having played just three of their World Cup Super League series, New Zealand have more ODI cricket than most between now and next March. After this series they head to Cairns in northern Australia in early September and after the T20 World Cup host India before heading to Pakistan. They wrap up their home season against Sri Lanka.”With the big picture of the World Cup not too far away so for us it’s about getting used to different conditions,” Latham said. “Somewhere here like West Indies, it might be similar to what we are faced with in India.”Any time you get the opportunity to play on different surfaces to home it’s important you take all the learnings and try to adapt the best you can. That’s something our squad has done really well of late, we’ve played over in Europe and here with the T20s so it’s all about trying to adapt as quickly as you can.”New Zealand ODI squad Kane Williamson, Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee

With the January transfer window well and truly underway, Manchester City have unsurprisingly wasted no time before turning their attention to some much-needed reinforcements for Pep Guardiola.

Man City transfer news

Sat outside the Premier League’s top four and entering 2025 off the back of just their second win in 13 games in all competitions courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Leicester City, the Citizens are enduring their worst-ever campaign under Guardiola. They’ve been hit from all angles, with an ageing squad catching up to them and injuries piling higher than they’ve ever done in the last nine years.

Man City renew interest in "genius" star who's far better than Grealish

Manchester City are interested in signing a player from Barcelona in 2025.

ByBen Gray Jan 2, 2025

For the first time in what feels like forever, Manchester City are desperate for reinforcements in order to turn their season around once and for all. Signing a replacement for the injured Rodri will undoubtedly sit top of their list of priorities, with the likes of Martin Zubimendi already threatening to steal the headlines as a result, but Guardiola needs more than one reinforcement this month.

All it takes is one glance at the Spaniard’s defensive options to realise just how much Manchester City could do with an overhaul. Kyle Walker is 34 years old and has shown signs that he could be past his best, John Stones remains injury-prone and is also now in his 30s, and the same will be able to be said about Nathan Ake this time next year.

So, one particular transfer rumour should come as little surprise. According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have now joined the race to sign Abdukodir Khusanov from RC Lens in the January transfer window.

Competing against a number of other top clubs, Guardiola and Manchester City will hope to convince the young central defender, valued at £25m, and commence a much-needed rebuild in the process.

"Excellent" Khusanov would ease Man City's defensive issue

Whilst it’s unlikely that Khusanov would come straight into Guardiola’s starting side if the likes of Stones and Ake were passed fit, recent injury issues open the door of opportunity for the young defender to instantly make his mark if he completes a January switch. At just 20 years old, he’d certainly solve City’s problem of an ageing backline in a deal focused on a future star who could play a part for years to come.

Khusanov has already earned plenty of fans throughout what is still a young career, including Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, who described Lens star as “an excellent” centre-back and “the future legend of Uzbek football” at the end of last year.

City have had no trouble in convincing players in the past and they may now look to use that pull power once again to win the race for Khusanov’s signature this month.

Things haven’t exactly been plain sailing for Arsenal in the Premier League this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side have suffered from poorly timed injuries to key players, questionable suspensions in big games, and an overall downturn in form just when Liverpool seem to have found theirs.

However, the last week or so has seen the Gunners get back to somewhere near their best with three impressive wins on the bounce and brilliant performances from defence to attack, particularly out wide.

Bukayo Saka has been utterly sensational, and Gabriel Martinelli has found himself on the scoresheet a couple of times to boot, so fans should be particularly excited about reports linking them to a player who’s been compared to the pair of them.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Steve Kay of Football Transfers, Arsenal are interested in Paris Saint-Germain’s incredibly exciting Bradley Barcola.

The report claims that the Gunners are keen to add another dynamic winger to their ranks in 2025, and the young Frenchman is one of the players they have identified.

Interestingly, while the report claims that a transfer for the 22-year-old looks unlikely at the moment, rumours of a growing split between him and manager Luis Enrique could provide the North Londoners with an opportunity to strike in the future.

In all, signing Barcola could prove complicated, but given his ability, potential, and comparisons with Saka and Martinelli, Arsenal should still try to get it done.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Barcola's comparisons to Saka and Martielli

So, before looking at Barcola’s performances for PSG over the last few seasons, let’s examine these comparisons to Saka and Martinelli and where they come from, for that matter.

While there are apparent similarities in the fact that all three are young and exciting wingers, the comparison in question actually stems from FBref.

The statistical hub compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the third most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Frenchman this season, while the Brazilian comes in fifth.

Non-Penalty G+As

1.20

1.29

0.66

Progressive Passes

3.20

3.89

1.97

Expected Assists

0.40

0.47

0.22

Shots

3.91

3.60

1.72

Live Passes

35.0

33.1

27.2

Goals per Shot

0.26

0.10

0.23

Goals per Shot on Target

0.53

0.29

0.43

Key Passes

1.80

3.33

1.58

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.50

2.04

1.32

Tackles

1.20

1.57

1.18

Aerial Duels Won

0.80

0.56

0.92

We can see this similarity best by looking at the underlying metrics in which the players rank closely. For example, the PSG ace and Hale End dynamo rank closely for statistics such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, expected assists shots, live passes and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Likewise, the former Lyon ace ranks closely with the former Ituano gem in metrics such as goals per shot and per shot on target, key passes and passes into the penalty area, tackles and aerial duels won, all per 90.

So, with it clear that the 11-capped international shares clear statistical similarities to both Arsenal stars, does he have the raw output to suggest he’d be able to keep up with them on the pitch? Absolutely.

In just 18 appearances this season, the Lyon-born dynamo has scored ten goals and provided two assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.5 games and lending credence to analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that he’s “one of the best LWs in Europe.”

Moreover, in 42 appearances last season, only 29 of which were starts, the 6 foot phenom scored five goals and provided nine assists, which is made all the more impressive by the fact that he was just 20 years old at the start of the campaign.

Ultimately, while it could prove complicated, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Barcola next year, as he already looks like a superstar at just 22, and with players like Saka and Martin Odegaard around him, the sky would b the limit for his potential.

Saka loves him: Arsenal must unleash amazing star who Man Utd nearly signed

The incredible star is undroppable for Arsenal ahead of their match with Manchester United.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 4, 2024