Nem mesmo a eliminação da Copa Sul-Americana faz com que o meia Matías Segovia deixe de lado a expectativa de terminar o ano com uma conquista pelo Botafogo. O atacante exigiu que a equipe direcione suas forças para buscar o título brasileiro.
Após a derrota por 2 a 1 para o Defensa Y Justicia, em Buenos Aires, o paraguaio afirmou.
+ Próximos jogos do Botafogo: veja calendário com datas e adversários
– Estamos doloridos pela derrota, mas agora nos resta trabalhar e pensar no torneio que estamos vivos ainda, que é o Brasileiro. São coisas que acontecem no futebol. Vamos sair para cima sempre – disse, à Paramount +.
O jovem lamentou a eliminação alvinegra na partida com os argentinos.
– Fizemos um grande jogo, só tínhamos que aproveitar para fazer os gols. São coisas que acontecem, já aconteceu, não temos mais o que fazer. Resta o Brasileiro e vamos para cima de tudo – frisou.
O Botafogo encara o Flamengo no Nilton Santos no sábado (2), no Nilton Santos.
Momentum swings between Kent and Middlesex with 16 wickets falling on opening day
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Apr-2025
Kashif Ali bowls on Kent debut•Ian Scammell
Kent fought to 172 for 6 on day one of their Rothesay County Championship match with Middlesex at Canterbury, trailing by 50 at the close on a day when 16 wickets fell.Jack Davies’ unbeaten 47 was the highlight for Middlesex, as they scratched their way to 222 all out. Nathan Gilchrist took 3 for 43 and debutant Kashif Ali, occasionally wearing a Dennis Lillee-style headband, claimed 3 for 60, but Davies’ ninth-wicket partnership of 63 with Blake Cullen was already looking crucial as Middlesex ran through Kent’s top order.England’s Zak Crawley continued to struggle as he went for a fourth-ball duck, lbw to Toby Roland-Jones and Cullen took 3 for 51 to help reduce Kent to 79 for 6 before Harry Finch and Grant Stewart rallied the home side, finishing unbeaten on 49 and 46 respectively.Kent had prepared a lime green wicket for the benefit of Keith Dudgeon, who’d taken eight wickets in the rout of Northants, but even though he was injured in training on Thursday they had no hesitation in choosing to bowl. Dudgeon was replaced by Kashif, while Middlesex drafted in Stephen Eskinazi in place of Sam Robson.A crowd of over 1200 watched a morning session that was played out to a constant chorus of groaning from the home fielders, with almost every delivery troubling the batters.Nathan Fernandes made just 4 before Gilchrist sent his off stump cartwheeling and Stewart then cleaned up Eskinazi for 14 in almost identical fashion.Leus Du Plooy ground out 25 before charging down the wicket to Kashif and getting caught behind. Middlesex, however, made it to 89 for 3 at lunch.Gilchrist then took charge getting Ryan Higgins in the second over of the afternoon, caught behind for 14, before he strangled Max Holden for 26. Ben Geddes skied Jas Singh to Joey Evison at backward point for 13 and Zafar Gohar was bowled by Kashif for 11, playing on middle, when the ball pitched on off and hit.Roland-Jones went in almost identical fashion. He was put down twice by Ben Compton at short-leg in the 45th over, only to lose his off stump to Kashif’s final delivery.That left Middlesex on 150 for 8, but Cullen and Davies responded with a stand that was only broken when Singh bowled the former off stump for 33.The next ball to Henry Brookes was nearly caught by Finch but ended up flying through the slip cordon for four. Brookes, however, added just another single before he nicked Stewart to Jack Leaning.The suspicion that 222 might be a useful score deepened when Roland-Jones hit Crawley plumb on the knee-roll of his back pad. Daniel Bell-Drummond then went for 6, shouldering arms to Higgins.Tawanda Muyeye went for a combative 29, nicking Cullen to Eskinazi at first slip, but Leaning lasted just three balls before Brookes had him caught behind. Evison drove his first ball from Cullen for four and was caught behind off the next and Compton was strangled for 32 to the same combination.At that point it looked like the hosts might subside for under three figures but Stewart led the counterattack, hitting Roland-Jones back over his head for six and edging Kent closer to parity by stumps.
Liam Scott’s brisk half-century boosted the home side’s total then the bowling attack was outstanding
AAP01-Mar-2025
Nathan McSweeney celebrates his return catch to remove Peter Handscomb•Getty Images
Nathan McSweeney’s game-changing cameo with the ball helped South Australia defeat Victoria by 64 runs to collect the state’s first one-day cricket title in 13 years.SA, with Harry Nielsen, Jake Lehmann and Liam Scott making half-centuries, posted 268 for 7 in Saturday’s battle for the inaugural Dean Jones Trophy.Victoria were bowled out for 204 in 43.3 overs in reply at Adelaide Oval as SA captured their first 50-over trophy since 2011/12.Victoria’s run chase, with Marcus Harris flying on 41 from 42 balls, was well on track at 74 for 1 in the 14th over. But McSweeney, who hadn’t taken a wicket all tournament with his gentle offspin, then provided an unlikely – and decisive – turn.Harris gave himself room to hit McSweeney through the offside, but smacked the ball straight to Jason Sangha at cover. In his next over, McSweeney dismissed dangerman Peter Handscomb for 1. The SA captain instinctively flung his right hand at a lofted straight drive, parried the ball, and completed a stunning catch on the second grab.Five overs later, Victorian opener Campbell Kellaway top-edged a pull shot from the bowling of Brendan Doggett and was caught by wicketkeeper Nielsen. Soon after, Sam Harper was taken by Nielsen when attempting a leg glance from Nathan McAndrew.Liam Scott struck an unbeaten 54 off 37 balls•Getty Images
Victoria had lost 4 for 30 in a sudden slide to 108 for 5 in the 24th over and were never in the hunt thereafter, despite captain Will Sutherland’s 50 from 52 balls.McSweeney finished with figures of 2 for 14 from four overs, McAndrew took 3 for 47 from eight overs and Henry Thornton claimed 4-27 from 9.3 overs to be named the first winner of the Michael Bevan medal as player of the final.In SA’s innings, Nielsen top-scored with 68 from 93 balls, Lehmann made 67 from 75 and allrounder Scott, the player of the tournament, finished with a flourish with an unbeaten 54 from 37 deliveries.Victorian captain Sutherland took three of the initial four wickets and veteran Peter Siddle claimed 3 for 40.SA made a solid start with openers Nielsen and Mackenzie Harvey putting on 44 runs before Sutherland struck in the eighth over. Harvey, who hit two fours and a six in his 23 from 23 balls, chopped on to his stumps when attempting to force through the off-side.Sutherland claimed Daniel Drew in the 14th over and McSweeney soon followed. When Sangha fell to Sutherland, SA were wobbling 118 for 4 in the 26th over, before Nielsen and Lehmann steadied with a 56-run partnership.Lehmann later combined with Scott for a brisk 67-run stand, with the latter reaching his half-century from 36 balls in a flurry featuring seven fours and a six.
Everton’s summer transfer window has been defined by a need to strengthen both in attack and defence.
After the addition of Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, attention has now turned to shoring up the back line.
The Toffees were caught short in their opening Premier League defeat away at Leeds, with James Garner deputising at left-back in Vitaliy Mykolenko’s absence.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury further compounds the situation, leaving manager David Moyes eager to explore options that could reinforce the defensive spine of his team.
To complement a backline that conceded only 44 times last season, the joint fourth-best defensive record in the league, Everton must identify players capable of adding both experience and quality at the back.
Against this backdrop, Everton have begun exploring defensive reinforcements who could address immediate gaps while providing long-term stability.
Everton hold talks over Manchester City defender
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have entered exploratory talks regarding a move for Manchester City defender, Nathan Ake.
Described as an “exceptional guy” by Pep Guardiola, the 30-year-old is being considered as a potential addition to help strengthen a defence that Moyes is keen to build on.
Manchester City's Nathan Ake
Manchester City are reportedly open to selling the player, largely because of the depth of their squad and recent acquisitions in defence, including Rayan Ait Nouri.
Guardiola’s known preference for a smaller squad makes a move more feasible, though any transfer is likely to require a substantial fee, with City valuing the player in the £30-35m range.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
While a loan deal with an obligation-to-buy clause could be considered, Everton cannot pursue that route due to rules that prevent them from taking two players on loan from the same club in one window, as they have already signed Grealish.
The defender is reportedly eager for consistent first-team football and is understood to prefer a club competing in European competitions, which could complicate negotiations, especially considering Newcastle hold an interest.
However, Everton are determined to find a solution before the window closes.
What Nathan Ake can bring to Everton
Ake offers versatility because he is capable of playing at both centre-back and left-back and brings extensive Premier League experience.
Since joining City from Bournemouth for £41m in 2020, he has been a reliable squad player, regularly competing with the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol for minutes.
Last season, he featured 29 times in the league, showcasing his composure on the ball and technical reliability.
According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile for pass completion rate at 94.4% and the 95th percentile for progressive passes per 90 minutes, with 6.17 per match.
His progressive carries per 90 also place him in the 90th percentile, highlighting an ability to advance the ball effectively from deep positions.
Despite these attributes, the player is less remarkable in traditional defensive metrics, ranking in the bottom 20 percentiles for tackles, blocks, interceptions, and dribblers tackled.
However, at City, his role has often been more focused on ball progression and positional play than on direct defensive duels, suggesting that under Moyes, who may deploy him with different responsibilities, he could adapt and improve in these areas.
Everton’s acquisition of Grealish on loan from Manchester City has added creativity to the squad, but the limitations of the forward are clear.
At 29, he has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, missing 17 games over the past two campaigns.
In 2023/24, Grealish played just 721 minutes, starting only seven matches and making 13 substitute appearances, per Transfermarkt.
His output last season was modest, with a single goal and one assist, though his quality on the ball and ability to create chances has never been in doubt.
Thomas Tuchel has emphasised that consistent first-team football is vital for Grealish if he has plans to play at the World Cup next year.
By contrast, Ake could provide a more immediate and reliable impact in a key area of need. The contrast between these two summer moves underlines Everton’s evolving priorities.
With the squad already strengthened in attack by the likes of Grealish and Thierno Barry, the remaining requirement is to ensure defensive stability.
Injuries to Branthwaite and Mykolenko have exposed the need for experienced and adaptable players who can seamlessly slot into multiple positions. The City defender’s Premier League experience, technical quality, and leadership make him a more impactful addition relative to the immediate threat posed by injuries.
His presence could allow Moyes to maintain balance across the pitch, protect the defensive line, and build a platform from which the team can attack more confidently.
While City value him at £30-35m, the investment is aligned with the type of secure, experienced reinforcement that Everton require.
In comparison, Grealish’s loan structure provides creative options but comes with limitations on continuity and availability, particularly if injuries recur.
For a manager focused on building a resilient and balanced squad capable of competing across a demanding Premier League season, the addition of a versatile centre-back offers more tangible returns than an attacking loan.
Everton’s interest in the Manchester City defender reflects a pragmatic approach to squad building.
By prioritising defensive reinforcement over additional offensive firepower, Moyes is targeting the most pressing weakness in his side.
The player’s Premier League experience, positional versatility, and technical skill offer a solution that addresses immediate needs while providing scope for adaptation and growth.
Romano: Everton leading race to sign £40m star with same agent as Barry
He has been one of Everton’s top targets all summer.
ByCallum Kemp Aug 21, 2025
While Grealish brings flair and creativity, it is the defender’s ability to strengthen Everton’s spine that could have the most decisive impact on the club’s 2025/26 campaign.
“I had a lot of luck didn’t I? Jesus.” Harry Brook was under no illusions that his seventh Test century was riddled with fortune.But having been gifted five lives by New Zealand, Brook did not waste them with a hearty 171 that lifted England to 499. A score which, at this stage, puts them in the box seat, with New Zealand closing day three just four runs ahead and with only four second innings wickets remaining.Brook resumed day three on 132 not out – having bagged the accolade of being England’s second fastest batter to two thousand Test runs, in his 36th innings – adding 39 from 34 deliveries. A sixth-wicket stand with Ben Stokes (who finished with 80) took England past New Zealand’s first innings score of 348.Related
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That partnership would eventually be broken on 159, when Brook feathered an edge through to Tom Blundell off Matt Henry. The relief in the field was palpable, and not just because Brook had begun to free his arms, which included planting Tim Southee onto the roof of the Pavilion for his third six.New Zealand, who shelled eight chances in all, had dropped Brook four times on Friday (on 18, 41, 70 and 106) before another on 147 on Saturday morning. Brook looked to the heavens, as he did when he reached three figures, though he was laughing to himself this time.The last was the easiest of the lot; straight to Glenn Phillips at gully, who was also culpable for the costliest miss on 18. The Yorkshire batter did cede not all of his chances were straightforward – not least because of how hard he strikes the ball, as evidenced by most of his 18 boundaries.”That first drop, especially, I’m not sure many people are catching that to be honest,” Brook said. “I hit that very hard.”I do throw my hands at it quite hard sometimes and it is going to be a good catch if you catch one at gully there, especially with the viewing. Just go out there and watch the ball and try and hit it really.”Phillips had redeemed himself somewhat on Friday with a stunning effort diving full-length to his right to remove Ollie Pope for 77. Brook, who had been given three lives at that point, went over and apologised to Pope as he was walking off.Harry Brook went past 150 for the fourth time in Tests•Joe Allison/Getty Images
Nevertheless, it was still an innings of substance from Brook, his second of the winter after the blockbuster 317 against Pakistan at the start of October. He was out in the middle at the Hagley Oval for five hours 23 minutes, having arrived at the start of the second session of day two with his side reeling on 45 for 3.A charging lofted cover drive off Southee – from his 186th ball – took him past 150 for the fourth time. The career average is now a shade above 60, the average against New Zealand a crisp 100.00.Brook now has two centuries and two fifties in five innings against New Zealand – with the only failure a duck when he was run out without facing in the fourth innings of 2023’s famous Wellington Test.”I just think I’ve gone out there and just tried to play the ball, really,” Brook said, at a loss to explain why he found the hosts such amenable foes.”The pitches have been fairly good with a bit of pace and bounce, and if you get it past the infield most of the time it’s four. I’ve tried to use the pace, ride the bounce and had quite a bit of luck in there this week.”
Sharjah, 2pm local timeEngland squad: Heather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni WyattScotland squad: Kathryn Bryce (capt), Chloe Abel, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce (wk), Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Saskia Horley, Lorna Jack, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey, Rachel SlaterTournament form guide: England have won both matches they’ve played so far – against Bangladesh and South Africa – while Scotland are coming into the match having lost all three of their games.News brief: These teams will be facing each other for the first time in T20Is. England are coming into this match after a gap of five days, having last played against South Africa on Monday.Scotland are out of the semi-final race. The Group B table has three teams – England, West Indies and South Africa – still in contention for the semi-final, with England having the lowest net run rate among them. England will be looking to improve their NRR with a big win.”There was a little bit of illness at one point but I think hopefully everyone will be available,” England captain Heather Knight said of player availability ahead of the match.This will also be Scotland wicketkeeper-batter Lorna Jack-Brown’s last international match.Player to watch: Danni Wyatt-Hodge has been solid at top of the order for England. Chasing a tricky target of 125 on a slow Sharjah pitch, with left-arm spinners bowling from both ends, she dropped anchor after the early loss of Maia Bouchier and stitched a 64-run stand with Nat Sciver-Brunt. She finished with 43 in as many balls, which followed her Player-of-the-Match performance of 41 against Bangladesh.Harmanpreet Kaur’s 52 took India to a win against Sri Lanka•ICC via Getty Images
Australia vs India
Sharjah, 6pm local timeAustralia squad: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia WarehamIndia squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, D Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, S SajanaTournament form guide: Australia have three wins in three matches and are coming into this contest having comprehensively beaten Pakistan. With that win, they also all but sealed a semi-final spot thanks to their net run rate of 2.786. India have two wins in three games. In their previous match, they posted the highest total of the tournament so far – 172 for 3 – and in return bundled Sri Lanka out for 90 to post their biggest win by runs at the T20 World Cup.Related
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Lorna Jack-Brown, Scotland cricketer and crime fighter
Alyssa Healy feels pain as Australia face World Cup depth test
Vlaeminck dislocates shoulder on T20 World Cup return
News brief: Australia have major injury concerns heading into the crucial clash. Just four balls into the match against Pakistan, Tayla Vlaeminck was out with a right shoulder dislocation. To make things worse, captain Alyssa Healy suffered “an acute right foot injury” while batting on 37 as she hobbled off the field with Australia needing 14 runs to win. Both players went for scans on Saturday.India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who had hurt her neck in the match against Pakistan, turned up with a pain-relief patch on the right side of her neck during the Sri Lanka match. She also didn’t take the field during the chase. Fast bowler Pooja Vastrakar bowled full-tilt before the Sri Lanka game but didn’t play.India will want a big win against Australia. If they win by more than 61 runs, they will move ahead of Australia, thereby automatically qualifying for the semi-final. In a case where India win by fewer than 60 runs, they will hope New Zealand win by a very small margin against Pakistan on Monday. For instance, if India make 150 against Australia and win by exactly 10 runs, New Zealand need to beat Pakistan by 28 runs defending 150 to go ahead of India’s NRR. If India lose to Australia by more than 17 runs while chasing a target of 151, then New Zealand’s NRR will be ahead of India, even if Pakistan beat New Zealand by just 1 run while defending 150.Overall, India have won just eight out of 34 T20Is they’ve played against Australia. Two of those wins came in the group-stage games of previous T20 World Cups, in 2018 and 2020.Players to watch: Two of their best batters finding their form bodes well for India heading into the big game. Harmanpreet and Mandhana’s collaborative effort against Pakistan boosted India’s NRR with the semi-final race heating up. Mandhana, after a cautious start to her innings, changed gears and took on Sri Lanka’s spinners to make 50 off 38 balls. Harmanpreet, continuing from where she’d left against Pakistan, played a classic, hitting eight fours and a six on her way to a 27-ball 52. It was just what India needed to reinvigorate their T20 World Cup campaign.
فاز نادي الهلال السعودي على الدحيل القطري، بنتيجة هدفين مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي أقيمت اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة.
الهلال واجه الدحيل، على ملعب المملكة أرينا بالسعودية، في إطار الجولة الأولى من مرحلة الدوري لمواجهات بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للموسم الحالي 2025-2026.
وتقدم نادي الدحيل، بواسطة لاعبه الجزائري عادل بولبينة في الدقيقة 37، وعاد فريق الهلال وسجل هدفين متتاليين، عن طريق ثيو هيرنانديز وداروين نونيز في الدقائق 57، 67. أهداف مباراة الهلال والدحيل اليوم في دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة
أهداف المباراة | الهلال السعودي 2 – 1 الدحيل#دوري_أبطال_آسيا_للنخبة#قنوات_الكاس | #منصة_شوف pic.twitter.com/UKBDBEUacu — قنوات الكاس (@AlkassTVSports) September 16, 2025
وبتلك النتيجة، يحصد فريق الهلال، 3 نقاط أولى في دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا ويحتل المركز الثالث في ترتيب مجموعة الغرب، ويتساوى مع الثنائي المتصدر بنفس عدد النقاط الأهلي السعودي والشارقة الإماراتي.
بينما فريق الدحيل القطري، يحتل المركز العاشر في ترتيب نفس المجموعة لأنية “غرب” في دوري أبطال آسيا بدون نقاط.
طالع.. فيديو | الأهلي السعودي يحقق ريمونتادا مثيرة أمام ناساف الأوزبكي بمستهل مشواره في دوري أبطال آسيا
بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة، تقام بنظام مرحلة الدوري (دور المجموعات) من 24 فريقًا مقسمين إلى 12 فريقا لأندية الشرق ومثلهم لأندية الغرب (التي تمثل المنطقة العربية).
ويخوض كل فريق 4 مباريات على أرضه و4 مباريات خارج ملعبه، في مواجهة ثمانية أندية مختلفة، وتتأهل 8 أندية من كل منطقة (شرق وغرب) إلى دور الـ16، والذي تقام مبارياته من ذهاب وإياب، لتتأهل الأندية الفائزة إلى ربع النهائي.
واعتبارًا من دور الثمانية (ربع النهائي) تلعب مباريات البطولة بنظام التجمع (التأهل من مباراة واحدة) في دولة واحدة تم اختيار دولة السعودية لاستضافة تلك المباريات.
Tottenham Hotspur are set for a very intriguing summer transfer window, which has been made all the more important after their qualification for the Champions League next season.
Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter
Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025
Spurs were handed a monumental boost both on and off the field after their triumphant Europa League final win in Bilbao last month, with Thomas Frank set to reap the rewards as he prepares for his first-ever job managing an elite-level club.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
The financial windfall gifted to Tottenham, not to mention the greater player-pull they now possess as a result of competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition, will play an absolutely pivotal role in attracting the club’s top transfer targets to N17.
However, that isn’t to say that they’re guaranteed to keep their best players.
Son Heung-min may well have already played his final game for Spurs, with sides in Saudi Arabia expressing a serious interest in the South Korean, while Atlético Madrid continue to sniff around star defender Cristian Romero.
The 27-year-old was crowned UEFA’s official Europa League Player of the Season and was vital for Ange Postecoglou throughout the tournament, helping Spurs to end their 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware.
Romero is also a leader in the dressing room, according to teammates like Micky van de Ven, who showered praise on the Argentine for helping his transition to Premier League football.
“For me, he is world-class. He is a leader. He is always one hundred per cent. He is a top-class player with the ball and without the ball when defending,” said van de Ven to Optus Sport.
“I can promise you he is not scared of anyone. He keeps going every game. From day one here he has helped me. He is just a world-class player.”
With Tottenham facing the prospect of losing their imperative defender, who’s reportedly told chairman Daniel Levy he’s keen to leave the club this summer (Marca), reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold has taken a look at who could replace him.
Tottenham could replace Cristian Romero with Marc Guehi
As per Gold, Tottenham have been fans of Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi for a “long time”, and he’s a potentially “obvious” candidate to step into Romero’s shoes.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Spurs made a very public £70 million bid for the England international in January, which was rejected out of hand by Palace chairman Steve Parish, who had precious little time to source a replacement for the defender.
Gold warns that, while Tottenham could offer Guehi Champions League football, any move would depend on defensive sales as Frank is currently stocked with centre-backs, and by the time they agree to some sales, the 24-year-old may have already found a new club.
Arsenal are believed to be “very keen” on Guehi, as are Liverpool, so Spurs may even have their work cut out for them in this instance. He’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at Selhurst Park, but Palace will still demand around £50 million, according to GiveMeSport.
On their re-entry to the Premier League, Leeds United will know that their defence will have to be much firmer than when they last struggled in the top division.
Relegation at the close of the dismal 2022/23 season saw the Whites give up a league-worst tally of 78 strikes, with their respectable haul of 48 goals scored completely pushed to one side by their constant dire displays at the back.
Daniel Farke must be worried that his side will be equally as porous on their return to the top-flight, with Udinese centre-back brute Jaka Bijol now reportedly closing in on a deal to join the growing Elland Road ranks.
However, Leeds might not be done there with standout defensive additions, with a fresh report now linking the newly promoted side to a Premier League-ready left-back.
Leeds interested in move for £5m defender
Responding to the news that Junior Firpo won’t stick it out at Leeds, with the full-back heading in the direction of Real Betis, Farke and Co could now win a new left-back.
Well, according to Football Insider, they have revealed that Aston Villa figure Alex Moreno is now interested in the prospect of signing for Leeds.
While the player is seemingly keen, the Whites should be too, particularly because he’d tick plenty of boxes as they hunt down a cheap replacement for the departing Firpo.
Aston Villa defender Alex Moreno.
It has been widely reported that Moreno could be available for around the £5m ballpark this summer, with Real Betis, Real Sociedad, and Sunderland all also keen on the 32-year-old, according to Football Insider.
This is a signing Leeds must persist with because Moreno could be an even better buy than Bijol walking through the door in terms of bolstering their defensive numbers, alongside the ageing full-back also being a major threat in attack like Firpo.
Why Moreno could be a better signing than Bijol
Whilst it’s paramount that Leeds find a suitable Firpo replacement, it’s arguably not the most pressing concern that the Whites hunt down plenty of new centre-backs.
After all, Farke already has Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu, and Joe Rodon at his disposal in this position, with the imposing trio just fresh off collecting a combined clean sheet total of 55 during last season’s whirlwind promotion success.
Joe Rodon
Of course, there’s no harm in adding Bijol to the building, considering the intimidating Slovenian just shone in a top-five European league, notably winning a high 4.8 duels per game, but Leeds only have a waning Sam Byram to call upon in the left-back spot as Firpo heads for the exit door.
Therefore, snapping up Moreno for only £5m feels like a no-brainer move to make and could perhaps be seen as a more urgent deal to get over the line than Bijol’s due to Leeds’ depleted options otherwise.
Games played
55
Goals scored
2
Assists
4
Big chances created
5
Wins
27
Goals conceded
46
Clean sheets
7
Tackle success %
67%
Whilst Moreno hasn’t always been the most stable defensive option in the top-flight with only seven clean sheets collected from 55 appearances to date, he has consistently shown off his class in attack to be a fitting stand-in for the loss of Firpo, with six goal contributions also picked up.
The ex-Barcelona defender did amass a far heftier 14 goal contributions last season, but the Dominican Republic international had struggled in the big time previously, with a lesser four goal contributions tallied up from 43 overall clashes.
Aston Villa's Alex Moreno
Therefore, it could be deemed vital that Leeds seal a deal for the “pure class” left-back soon, as he was once glowing labelled by journalist Lee Clarke.
On the contrary, whilst Bijol would definitely boost Farke’s men in the heart of defence, they are already strong here. Whereas, Moreno would really enhance the Whites’ options on the left channel in the wake of Firpo’s expected exit.
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Newcastle United are in the box seat to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League. The Magpies, who lost their most recent outing 1-0 away to Arsenal, currently occupy third spot with one game to go.
With 66 points to their name, a win would guarantee Eddie Howe’s side a place in next season’s premier European club competition, although a draw might not be enough, given they are just one point clear of seventh-place Nottingham Forest. It is in their hands, so they must beat Everton at home.
If they do return to the competition next term, attacking reinforcements would certainly strengthen their case to help them go on a run in the competition.
Newcastle’s latest attacking target
Newcastle seem keen to add strength and depth to their forward line this summer, and one player who has been constantly linked with a move to St James’ Park is Bryan Mbeumo who has been excellent in 2024/25.
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Now, according to a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Magpies ‘are firmly in the race’ to bring Mbeumo to the club this summer.
Manager Howe, who brought silverware to the club this term after 56 years, views the attacker ‘as a standout target for Newcastle’ this summer.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
However, this is not a deal that will come cheap. The report suggests that the Cameroon international will cost the North Eastern side £60m, with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal all interested in signing the attacker, too.
Why Mbeumo would be a good signing
It has been a really strong season for Brentford in 2024/25, who themselves are pushing for a European spot. It is perhaps no coincidence that the Bees’ excellent campaign has aligned with a personal year to remember for Mbeumo.
The 25-year-old, who came through French side Troyes’ academy, has been one of the Premier League’s standout players this term. He was nominated for the Player of the Season award, which he described as a “crazy” feeling.
Well, the stats don’t lie, and Mbeumo’s goal and assist numbers are exceptional. He’s managed 19 goals and eight assists in 37 games, playing 3,327 minutes. That leaves him with an average of one goal involvement every 123 minutes.
Should the Magpies bring the winger to the club, he could prove to be a wonderful addition to an attack that includes Anthony Gordon. It has also been a terrific campaign for the England international, who has managed nine goals and seven assists in 41 games across all competitions.
One of Gordon’s biggest contributions came in the Carabao Cup. Although he was suspended for the final, the Merseyside-born winger scored in both semi-final legs against Arsenal to help guide Newcastle to Wembley, where they ultimately lifted the trophy.
Well, perhaps Mbeumo can become the right-sided Gordon in this Newcastle side. They play on opposite flanks, and with Gordon being right-footed on the left and the Brentford man left-footed on the right, both like to cut inside on their stronger foot and look to get a shot off.
They are also statistically similar via FBref from this season. For example, the Brentford attacker averages 1.84 key passes and 0.54 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Newcastle’s number 10 averages 1.92 key passes and 0.45 goal-creating actions each game.
Mbeumo and Gordon key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Mbeumo
Gordon
Goals per shot on target
0.39
0.32
Key passes
1.84
1.92
Progressive passes
3.74
3.58
Goal-creating actions
0.54
0.45
Take-ons completed
1.38
1.40
Stats from FBref
Football statistician Statman Dave described Mbeumo as a “deadly” attacker, and with the numbers he has put up this season, it is easy to see why. There is no doubt, he would enhance the Newcastle attack, and could well become the second coming of Gordon.
Brentford's BryanMbeumolooks dejected after the match
Although £60m is a large fee, the winger is seemingly worth the money, so perhaps the Magpies should take the plunge and bring Mbeumo to St James’ Park next season.
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