The summer transfer window has been a turbulent one for Newcastle United.

Having worked tirelessly to strengthen multiple areas of the squad, the Magpies remain under pressure to solve their most glaring issue: the centre-forward position.

After a protracted saga with Alexander Isak, Newcastle have found themselves scrambling for solutions.

The opening two fixtures highlighted the depth of this crisis. Despite playing well against Aston Villa and Liverpool, Newcastle lacked a clinical edge.

The situation was made worse when makeshift striker Anthony Gordon was sent off against the Reds, leaving 22-year-old William Osula as the only recognised forward.

For a club intent on challenging at the top end of the Premier League, such frailty up front was unsustainable. That urgency forced Newcastle’s hand.

Out of nowhere, a £69m deal was struck with Stuttgart for Nick Woltemade, the towering 23-year-old who had impressed in the Bundesliga and at the European U21 Championships.

Bayern Munich had bids rejected for the forward earlier in the summer, but conversations with Eddie Howe convinced him that his future lay on Tyneside.

Now in a race against time to complete his medical and join the squad for Saturday’s clash with Leeds, Woltemade has the potential to be transformative.

Yet Newcastle’s ambitions do not stop with the German international.

Reports in Italy suggest the club tested the waters for one of Europe’s most decorated strikers – though the answer was swift and emphatic.

Newcastle make move for top-level striker

According to Calcio Mercato, Newcastle made an audacious approach to the camp of Lautaro Martínez, Inter Milan’s talismanic striker.

The response, however, was one of firm rejection. Alejandro Camaño, the Argentine’s agent, did not return the Magpies’ call – a clear indication that Martínez’s focus remains solely on the Nerazzurri.

The refusal is hardly surprising.

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Martínez is not only Inter’s captain but also he is a player adored by supporters and widely considered indispensable.

Podcaster Angelo Valdes recently described him as “the best No. 9 in the world,” a sentiment shared by many who have watched his rise since arriving in Serie A.

The timing of Newcastle’s approach is also telling.

Inter are still recovering from a bruising campaign in which they lost the Serie A title to Antonio Conte’s Napoli on the final day and fell to a humbling 5-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Letting go of their most consistent goal threat was never a realistic proposition, particularly given his contract security and market value of around €95 (£90m) million.

Strong interest remains in Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, though both clubs have shut the door firmly this summer.

In that context, the dream of pairing Woltemade with Martínez might have seemed appealing – but in reality, it was always a step too far.

Why Woltemade would have thrived with Lautaro

While the Argentine international may be out of reach, Newcastle’s recruitment of Woltemade still provides intriguing possibilities.

Standing at 1.98m, the German forward offers a physical presence that contrasts with Martínez’s dynamism and low centre of gravity.

Both, however, are effective in their own right, and a comparison of their output last season reveals the distinct qualities they could bring to a top-level side.

Matches Played

31

28

Goals

12

12

Assists

3

2

Progressive Carries

34

31

Progressive Passes

68

62

Martínez’s pedigree is undisputed. At 28, he boasts 70 international caps for Argentina, with a World Cup winner’s medal from Qatar 2022.

Across 336 appearances for Inter Milan, he has delivered 154 goals and 51 assists – a record that speaks volumes about his consistency.

Statistically, Martínez excels in areas beyond pure goalscoring.

He averaged 2.39 progressive passes per 90 and 2.70 shot-creating actions, while his defensive contribution – 1.05 tackles per 90 – illustrates his work rate out of possession.

He is not the archetypal penalty-box poacher but a complete forward capable of linking play and setting the tone with his pressing. By contrast, Woltemade is still carving out his identity.

His 12 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart last season marked a breakthrough, and his performances at the U21 European Championships confirmed him as one of Germany’s most promising attacking talents.

His statistical profile highlights his potential versatility: 1.72 progressive carries per 90, 2.89 progressive passes, and an eye-catching 4.38 shot-creating actions.

His 50% shot-on-target rate was also superior to Martínez’s, suggesting efficiency when chances came his way. The differences extend to physicality and style.

Where Martínez relies on sharp movement and explosive bursts in the box, Woltemade thrives on aerial duels, hold-up play, and the ability to bring others into the game.

At nearly two metres tall, he offers a target-man option that Newcastle have lacked, particularly useful when matches become attritional.

His weakness, however, lies in defensive contribution – registering just 0.56 tackles per 90 compared to Martínez’s 1.05.

For Howe, this presents both challenges and opportunities.

Integrating a young striker into the Premier League is no easy task, but Woltemade’s profile complements Newcastle’s existing attacking talent.

Should Isak depart – as appears inevitable – a partnership between Woltemade and another dynamic forward could provide the balance required to keep Newcastle competitive domestically and in Europe.

What this episode ultimately reveals is Newcastle’s growing ambition. Contacting the representative of one of the world’s premier strikers may have ended in rejection, but it signals intent.

Coupled with the acquisition of Woltemade, alongside earlier arrivals such as Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga, the Magpies are determined to push forward despite setbacks.

Bruno will love him: Newcastle open talks to sign "£100m-plus footballer"

Newcastle could make an ambitious late move, much to the benefit of Bruno Guimaraes.

ByWill Miller Aug 29, 2025

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Orange Cap leaderboard

You’d think back-to-back innings of 77 and 93* would put KL Rahul near the top, but he’s quite some distance away, 185 runs so far only good enough to place him at No. 8.The top three remained unchanged after Match No. 24 at the IPL.Four batters have scored runs in excess of 200 at this stage, but Nicholas Pooran of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is still going strong at the top.B Sai Sudharsan’s Player-of-the-Match knock of 82 off 53 balls for Gujarat Titans (GT) against Rajasthan Royals (RR) has lifted him to second place.In third place is Pooran’s LSG mate, Mitchell Marsh, who has four fifties in five innings for a tally of 265 runs.GT’s Jos Buttler, who hit 36 on Wednesday to take his tally to 203, is the other 200-plus batter at the moment.Mitchell Starc’s second over against RCB went for 30 runs•Associated Press

Purple Cap leaderboardThe top of the wicket-takers’ list is unchanged too, with Mitchell Starc, on nine wickets before the RCB vs DC game, still at the same number after being given a walloping by Phil Salt on his way to returns of none for 35 off three overs.The leaderboard, therefore, is still led by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad, who has 11 wickets from five games.He is followed by four bowlers who all have ten wickets – MI captain Hardik Pandya, CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed, and the GT duo of R Sai Kishore and Mohammed Siraj.Shardul Thakur, like Starc, has nine wickets.

Chelsea are now willing to pay nearly £87m to ensure they win the race for an “unbelievable” attacker in 2026, having identified him as a major target.

Blues willing to spend big on "unbelievable" attacker

With Cole Palmer recently spending time on the sidelines due to a groin injury, Joao Pedro has moved into a slightly deeper role, playing in-behind striker Liam Delap, but the Englishman has also now been ruled out for an extended period.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Delap is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, saying: “Hopefully it’s not long, but this kind of case can be six, eight weeks.”

Subsequently, the Blues have now bolstered their attacking options even further by bringing in Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the season.

However, given the nature of the deal, which does not include an option or obligation to buy, Buonanotte is unlikely to be a long-term solution in attacking midfield, and the west Londoners are now prepared to spend big to win the race for a Premier League star.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now willing to pay almost €100m (£87m) for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, with a new approach for the attacking midfielder being planned for 2026.

Rogers was identified as a target during the summer transfer window, but they were unable to prise him away from Villa, who have set an asking price of £100m to deter potential suitors, with Tottenham Hotspur also thought to be keen.

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Several elite clubs are in the race for the 23-year-old, with the west Londoners identifying him as a major target off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign, but the Villans are hoping to retain their prized asset, suggesting negotiations could be tricky.

"Unbelievable" Rogers would provide Maresca with great depth

Buonanotte could be considered a strange signing, given that the 20-year-old has only joined on loan, but it may actually be a savvy move, given that there are few players in the world capable of displacing Palmer in the starting XI.

Consequently, it makes sense to have a younger back-up option, who may be more content with receiving limited game time, but that is unlikely to be the case for Rogers, who has established himself as a Premier League star at Villa.

Indeed, the attacking midfielder has received plenty of plaudits for his performances in a Villa shirt, with agent Hesham Bilal-Hafiz singling him out for particular praise.

Given that the England international is capable of playing on both wings, scoring 21 goals in 85 appearances on the left, he could also push for a starting spot out wide, meaning he would provide Maresca with great depth in attack.

Jamie Carragher admits that Liverpool are missing Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Reds' class of 2025-26 yet to click into gear. Arne Slot spent heavily during the summer transfer window, with record-shattering deals being completed for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. They are yet to settle in new surroundings, with the Premier League title holders considered to be missing creative and attacking sparks.

• Faultless start ended after huge summer spending spree

  Slot’s side did open the 2025-26 season in faultless fashion, with a flurry of late goals allowing priceless points to be picked up at home and abroad. Liverpool were not entirely convincing, though, and they have now suffered back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray in domestic and Champions League competition.

  Dutch coach Slot has taken to getting creative with his selections at times, delivering a mixed bag of results and performances, with the Reds still ironing out flaws in a new-look side. German playmaker Wirtz, who cost £116 million ($156m), is waiting on his first goal contribution – with the talented 22-year-old yet to deliver on lofty expectations. He is being charged with the task of picking holes in opposition defences and making Liverpool more fluid when operating on the front foot.

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  How much do Liverpool miss Alexander-Arnold?

  Carragher believes Alexander-Arnold is proving to be a big miss in that process, with the Merseyside native having stepped out of his comfort zone when running his contract down and linking up with Real Madrid. Reds legend Carragher wrote in his column for : "It sounds odd to say it, but Wirtz was signed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold – a No 10 to provide the passing range and creativity of a unique full-back. He is yet to add what Liverpool are missing without Alexander-Arnold, while at the same time the team has lost the intensity which made them so difficult to play against. It means Slot has a dilemma as he tries to defend the title going through a transitional phase that might take longer than many thought. He must decide whether to regroup and temporarily revert to the strategy of last season, accommodating Wirtz in a different role or leaving him out entirely until he is up to speed with English football.

  "Or he might persist with his vision believing more short-term pain might be necessary until it clicks. The latter would be dangerous because even with all the credit in the bank from his title win, there is immense pressure to keep winning, especially when you have spent a combined £230m on two players who are supposed to be ready-made to take a championship-winning side to the next level. Slot excelled by moulding Klopp’s signings into a better team. Now he has to repeat the trick with his own recruits."

• Why Liverpool wobble is a good thing

  Carragher is not overly concerned about Liverpool’s recent wobble, with it important for them to come through some testing times in order to prove their worth as defending champions. He went on to say: "Part of me is worried by how Liverpool have played so far. Another part of me is excited and reassured. It is exciting because I am looking forward to seeing how Slot goes about making the necessary adjustments and improvements. It is reassuring because creating and maintaining a winning team has to require much more than signing huge cheques, otherwise the chasing pack might as well give up. You need to build connections, and dedicate hours on the training pitch to ensure everyone knows what is demanded with and without the ball so the balance is right.

  "Liverpool spent nearly £450m on new players over the summer, regardless of how much they recouped via sales. For the greater good of English football, it would have been disheartening had that level of investment led to instant brilliance. Just like Chelsea have discovered after spending £1.5bn over the past three years, there should be no shortcuts to success."

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  Liverpool fixtures: Chelsea test for the Reds

  Liverpool, who have seen their lead at the top of the Premier League table cut to two points by Arsenal, will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Chelsea. That contest will take them into the next international break, with the likes of Wirtz and Isak preparing to head off with their respective countries.

Celtic take on Kilmarnock at Rugby Park this weekend and could now be set to hand an unexpected debut to a youngster amid a new injury concern for Brendan Rodgers.

Brendan Rodgers reflects on Celtic's summer window

Undoubtedly, dissatisfaction surrounding Celtic’s lack of efficiency in the summer transfer window has been widespread among supporters, who were left furious at the hierarchy’s inability to equip the Bhoys properly for their Champions League playoff against Kairat Almaty.

With Kelechi Iheanacho and Sebastian Tounekti arriving late on, Rodgers has been left with some solace. Still, many feel that he has been dealt a tough hand with the tools he has available relative to the rude financial health the Scottish Premiership champions possess.

Reflecting honestly on a disappointing summer, the Irishman has admitted his side weren’t ready for their vital European qualification matches, but he retains hope that his ambition can be matched by the board in windows to come.

He stated in his pre-match press conference: “I think the business model of the club is highly successful. What we have to marry that in with is the football. Not just investment, timing of investment.

“It was clear what we needed, and we needed it early. We had these qualification games. Summer 2025 was a critical window for us to get players in to be ready for these games, and we weren’t ready. That made me leave last time. This time I won’t do that, one hundred per cent.”

Coming as a surprise, Celtic are at the front of the queue to sign Yelimay Semey winger Galymzhan Kenzhebek, who is available on a free transfer come the January window.

Either way, Rodgers has to play with the cards at his disposal for the foreseeable future, and he may now be forced into offering a shock full debut to a largely untested teen.

Colby Donovan could be set for full Celtic debut vs Kilmarnock

Continuing his lengthy conversation with the media, Rodgers went on to confirm that Anthony Ralston is currently sporting a moon boot and will spend a period of time on the sidelines.

He stated: “Tony, he’s obviously unavailable and will be in a boot for a little bit longer. So, yeah, hopefully he’ll be back in a little while.”

Given that Alistair Johnston is also out of action for Celtic due to a hamstring problem, Colby Donovan could now be set for his full debut, as he is the only other option Rodgers has that is naturally a right-back by trade.

Praised for his “aggressive” qualities by the former Liverpool manager, the Scotland Under-21 defender has featured twice off the bench this term against Livingston and Kairat Almaty, though the Lennoxtown product has never started for his boyhood club.

Marcelo Saracchi may be called into an unfamiliar right-back berth. However, it seems unlikely Rodgers would utilise the loanee on his wrong side, and Donovan is now in line to start until one of Ralston or Johnston returns.

كشف أحمد حسام ميدو، لاعب الزمالك السابق، عن قرار مجلس القلعة البيضاء، برئاسة حسين لبيب، بشأن الأزمة المالية التي يعاني منها النادي.

وقال ميدو، خلال برنامجه “أوضة اللبس”، على قناة النهار: “صدرت أوامر من مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك للجهاز الفني ولجميع اللاعبين والعاملين في النادي بعدم الحديث عن الأزمة المادية وهذا قرار صحيح 100%”.

طالع|مران الزمالك | انتظام الدباغ والسعيد ودونجا وتدريبات فنية وخططية استعدادا لمواجهة ديكيداها

وتابع: “المجلس بدأ يلجأ لخطة أخرى أن يحل المشكلة المادية بعيد عن أرض الزمالك بأكتوبر، حدث اجتماع بين حسين لبيب وهشام نصر وجون إدوارد والمدير الفني، وبعد الاجتماع خرج قرار باستمرار فيريرا”.

وأضاف: “فيريرا ليس الرجل الأمثل لنادي الزمالك، ولكن تم أخذ قرار بأن يستمر، ويجب على الكل أن يدعم ويقف خلف إدارة النادي الذي يمر بمرحلة صعبة”.

واختتم: “كل أولاد النادي في مشكلة أرض 6 أكتوبر معظمهم وقفوا خلف النادي ودعموا وقاموا بعمل مناشدات للدولة، ولكن في مواقف بعد ذلك تظهر من لديه أجندات وأعتقد أنهم أصبحوا مفضحوين لكل جمهور الزمالك”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos faz movimentações para se reforçar para o resto da temporada de 2023. Um dos nomes na mira do Alvinegro Praiano é o de Roberto Pereyra, que está sem clube desde o fim do seu contrato com a Udinese, da Itália.

+ Até 70% OFF em produtos do Peixe para os torcedores fanáticos!

Revelado em 2009 pelo River Plate, o atleta teve grande parte da sua carreira fora do futebol Sul-Americano. Em 2011, o jogador partiu para sua primeira passagem pela Udinese. Depois, passou pela Juventus e, em sequência, tentou a sorte no futebol inglês. Após quatro temporadas no Watford, o meio-campista voltou a defender a camisa da Udinese.

+ Federação Internacional atualiza top 50 de melhores times do mundo; ranking tem brasileiros

Todos títulos conquistados pelo argentino foram com a camisa da Juventus. O atleta foi bicampeão do Campeonato Italiano, bicampeão da Copa da Itália e vencedor da Supercopa italiana de 2015.

Pela Seleção Argentina, o atleta teve poucas partidas disputadas. Em 19 jogos com a camisa dos ‘hermanos’, o meio-campista fez dois gols e disputou duas Copas Américas.

PEREYRA NA TEMPORADA 2022-2023

– Dados do Sofascore

36 jogos (34 como titular)

5 gols

8 assistências

32 chutes (17 no gol)

51 passes decisivos

85% acerto no passe

27% acerto no cruzamento

40 dribles certos

166 bolas recuperadas

OUTRO GRINGO NA MIRA!

Além do argentino, o uruguaio Rodrigo Zalazar atrai o Santos. Disputado com Vasco e São Paulo, o Alvinegro entra na briga e, de acordo com apuração do L!, encaminhou uma proposta para tirar o jogador do Schalke 04.

Pelo time alemão, o meio-campista realizou 22 jogos na temporada, anotou um gol e fez seis assistências.

Tottenham have rejected Romania's bid to call up injured defender Radu Dragusin national team for their fixtures next month. Dragusin sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear during an Europa League match in January and has not played competitive football since then. Romania are scheduled to face Moldova in a friendly match, before taking on Austria in a World Cup qualifier.

Dragusin suffered dreadful injury in January

The 23-year-old sustained a serious knee injury during Tottenham’s 3-0 victory over Elfsborg in the Europa League in January this year. Coming on as a substitute at half-time, Dragusin landed awkwardly while trying to clear his lines and in the process damaged his knee.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRomania named Dragusin on preliminary list of overseas-based players

Romania manager Mircea Lucescu kept Dragusin in his preliminary list of overseas-based players for their two October international games, first a friendly against Moldova on October 9 and three days later a World Cup qualifier at home against Austria. If Romania lose against Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina also beat Cyprus, their dreams of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will be shattered. 

Spurs reject Romania's plea

Tottenham, however, are not keen on releasing the defender for international duty as the Premier League side want Dragusin to focus on his day-to-day rehabilitation plan, training and building his fitness steadily under the scrutiny of their medical team.

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Getty Images SportRomania accept Spurs' decision

While Romania could force the issue under FIFA rules, they have accepted Spurs' decision and won't push for Dragusin. Speaking to , Lucescu said: "I spoke with him. He was very happy for the national team comeback but I don't think I will call him. Tottenham wasn't so happy to let him come now at the national team. He needs one more month to play again. Radu wants to come, but others warned us it is better to let him train with Tottenham now."

Knott took 4 for 14 and Smith claimed 3 for 13 as England A were bowled out for 136 chasing Australia A’s 261 for 8, set up by 68 from Wilson

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-2025Spin duo Charli Knott and Amy Smith took seven wickets between them as Australia A took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match 50-over series thanks to a crushing 125-run over England A in Sydney.Knott took 4 for 14 with her offspin while Smith claimed 3 for 13 with her legbreaks as England A slumped from 81 for 1 to be bowled out for 136 chasing Australia A’s target of 262.Earlier, opener Tahlia Wilson made 68 for the hosts while five other Australia A batters made between 22 and 35, with Hannah Darlington smashing 26 not out from 14 balls to finish the innings and help post a competitive 261 for 8.England A took wickets at regular intervals with Kirstie Gordon and Issy Wong claiming three apiece but Australia A kept the momentum going throughout with a series of 40-plus partnerships that started with Wilson and Georgia Voll and ended with Smith and Darlington clubbing an unbeaten 43 from the final 21 balls of the innings.England A’s chase started well with Grace Scrivens striking six boundaries to reach 45 while sharing 35 and 46-run stands with Seren Smale and Hollie Armitage to have the visitors on track at 81 for 1 in the 18th over. But Smith sparked a huge collapse, removing Scrivens and Alice Capsey in consecutive balls. Hayward chimed in with a wicket, as did Tess Flintoff before Knott claimed the last four. Armitage was the only other batter aside from Scrivens to reach 20 as England A lost 9 for 55.Australia A had already won the opening game of the series thanks to a century from Voll after England won the lone T20I. The third 50-over match will be played on Monday before the unofficial four-day Test begins on April 12.

Leeds United ended the window in frustrating fashion, but could now be ready to make amends with a statement signing in January.

Leeds miss out on late window targets

Supporters at Elland Road will feel a sense of frustration at the closing stages of the market period, where the Whites missed out on a number of targets that would’ve helped Daniel Farke to shape his squad for the bulk of the campaign.

Despite Leeds lodging a late move for Gustavo Hamer, Sheffield United made it clear that he wouldn’t be sold for under their valuation of the playmaker, hence why he remained at Bramall Lane.

Report suggest that the Whites also missed out on Fulham star Harry Wilson, while Pete O’Rourke has signalled that Farke has to carry a level of frustration amid the club being unable to bring Manor Solomon back to Yorkshire from Tottenham Hotspur.

He told Football Insider: “There will be a hint of frustration for Daniel Farke – they missed out on some targets. They are still lacking a bit up front, Leeds and he fears for them on that front – not getting the deal done for Manor Solomon will be a blow to Farke and the Leeds fans, because he had such a great impact there on loan last season.

“They tried to sign Harry Wilson on deadline day from Fulham and weren’t able to get that deal over the line as well, so they were looking to add some creativity in the final third.”

Joe Rodon’s injury scare has issued a reminder that there is still work to do at Leeds to bring in the depth required to handle Premier League football, and they may now look to add to their backline once the transfer window opens.

Leeds plotting January move for Nico O'Reilly

According to CaughtOffside, Leeds are plotting a January move to sign Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly, who is also said to be in the sights of Brighton & Hove Albion, Lyon, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. Capable of playing at left-back or central midfield, the 20-year-old has registered five goals and two assists in 23 appearances across all competitions for the Sky Blues.

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Dubbed “awesome” by Mark Kennedy, Bayer Leverkusen saw two bids rejected for the England Under-21 international during the summer window, and he may be set to pen new terms at the Etihad Stadium on a long-term basis.

Nevertheless, Leeds could look to offer first-team guarantees before that scenario becomes a reality. The outlet claim nothing has been signed yet, offering a chance for Farke’s men to sell a vision before January comes around, when Leverkusen will again be in the mix.

Acquiring promising talent could be one avenue to securing Premier League survival, but it remains to be seen whether the 49ers could push such a statement deal over the line.