Series five of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is “virtually guaranteed”, with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney overseeing another promotion bid.
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A high-earning big-name player is alleged to have informally agreed to join Chelsea in a late-window transfer, as head coach Enzo Maresca and co look at strengthening one key area.
Chelsea in talks for multiple new signings after Joao Felix deal
The west Londoners have already spent around £271 million, including their £51 million deal for Estevao Willian, on 12 major signings this summer – but it is believed Todd Boehly and BlueCo are still not finished as we approach deadline day.
Madueke would love him: Chelsea looking at bargain Osimhen alternative
The Blues would welcome this talented forward instead of Osimhen…
1 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 26, 2024
Chelsea have splashed out on the signings of Estevao, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Estevao Willian, Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley, Omari Kellyman, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix, with the latter being their latest high-profile acquisition from Atletico Madrid.
Their move to re-sign the Portugal international could be worth up to £46.3 million, including add-ons, with Felix putting pen to paper on a six-year contract. The 24-year-old marked his Premier League return with a brilliant finish past Jose Sa, after coming off the bench during Chelsea's 6-2 win over Wolves at Molineux.
Joao Felix's loan spell at Chelsea – 2022/2023
Appearances
20
Goals
4
Assists
0
Yellow Cards
1
Red Cards
1
It was a second debut to remember for Felix, who possibly thought he would be the last marquee arrival at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's summer of serious spending. However, that doesn't appear to be the case, as reports claim Chelsea have made recent moves for both Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
Indeed, it is believed Toney has been subject to inquiry from Chelsea, as co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley scour the market for prolific new target man who can lead Maresca's front line.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been in talks over signing Osimhen since late last month. While Napoli have finally agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign Romelu Lukaku, which may help speed the process to sign Osimhen along, it appears the Blues are looking at Toney as a cheaper alternative to the Nigerian.
There has been talk of Lukaku joining Napoli with Osimhen heading to Chelsea in a separate deal for weeks, but the cost of this transfer has been a real sticking point, and potentially why it has taken a while for the transfer to move forward.
Osimhen reaches "general understanding" on terms to join Chelsea
Luckily for Chelsea, journalist Rudy Galetti has now claimed on social media that they've made some serious headway in convincing the £179,000-per-week forward to make a move to the Premier League.
Galetti writes how Osimhen and Chelsea have reached a "general understanding" on personal terms, with the 25-year-old informally agreeing to join Maresca's side. Following this development, Boehly and co are now ready to discuss a club-to-club deal with Napoli.
The former Lille star has scored 76 goals in 133 appearances across all competitions for Napoli since joining them in 2020, with his proven goal record surely exciting a section of supporters who want to a new striker.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal spent his time "sleeping" in the Spain team bus which left a "scared" Nico Williams stunned ahead of Euro semi-final.
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Spain beat France in the Euro semi-finalWilliams had butterflies in his belly before the matchWas surprised to see Yamal taking a "nap" Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Spain’s historic Euro 2024 triumph is being celebrated in a new documentary titled A Team Called Spain: The Road to the Fourth. Premiering on Prime Video on November 29, the film offers an inside look at the team’s journey to its record-breaking fourth European Championship title. One particularly humorous and unexpected moment from the documentary has caught fans' attention — a scene on the team bus before the semi-final match against France, featuring Barcelona's Yamal and his astonishing calmness.
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While most of the team grappled with nerves ahead of their crucial clash against France, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal chose a very different approach to deal with the pressure – he took a nap while on the way to the stadium. Williams was surprised by the teenager’s relaxed demeanour and expressed his disbelief during an interview in the documentary.
WHAT WILLIAMS SAID
"We were going to play a semi-final of a European Championship. I was scared shitless and he was… asleep!" Williams said.
"But this kid, how can he fall asleep before such an important match?"
Despite his calm exterior, Yamal played a decisive role in the match, scoring a stunning equaliser from outside the box that set the stage for Spain’s 2-1 victory over France, with Dani Olmo firing the second.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign was a masterclass in skill, strategy, and teamwork. They won all seven of their matches, culminating in a dramatic 2-1 victory against England in the final held in Berlin. Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute strike not only secured the win but also marked Spain’s record-breaking 15th goal of the tournament, surpassing France’s 14-goal record set during their victorious 1984 campaign.
Poor weather in parts of the UAE has affected two important international fixtures on Saturday. The second ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland is called off altogether, while the ICC ODI World Cup League 2 game between UAE and Scotland has been postponed.It was announced on Friday itself that the UAE vs Scotland game in Dubai was being postponed “owing to the bad weather conditions across country” following a directive from the concerned government department. On Saturday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced that “heavy and persistent rain in Sharjah [the venue for the game]” had forced the match to be called off.”The decision to call off the game was made as the result of extensive discussions between the event’s technical committee, match officials, and ground staff,” the board said in a statement. Afghanistan currently lead the series 1-0 after a 35-run win in the first ODI in Sharjah on Thursday, and the third and final game of the series is expected to be played on schedule on March 12 at the same venue.
Reports in sections of the UAE media on Saturday said that poor weather conditions in the area had caused flights to be cancelled, and according to , a yellow weather alert had been issued, suggesting that it could get worse. has also reported thunder, lightning and heavy rain in Abu Dhabi, and the suspension of the bus service between Dubai and Sharjah, though marine transport services had resumed across Dubai after a morning of disruptions.
The former India captain will undergo a stenting procedure on Thursday
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jan-2021
Sourav Ganguly had been treated for a heart attack earlier this month•Debajyoti Chakraborty/Getty Images
Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has been hospitalised for the second time this month after complaining of “chest discomfort”. It is understood that Ganguly complained of restlessness on Tuesday evening and was admitted to the Apollo Gleneagles hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday, and will undergo a stenting procedure on Thursday.A statement from the hospital on Wednesday evening provided the following details and updates: Past history: He had pain [in the] chest on Jan 2, 2021. He came to Woodlands hospital then. Diagnosis was done as Triple vessel disease. He had three blocks in RCA [right coronary artery], LAD [left anterior descending artery], OM2 [second obtuse marginal]. Stenting was done on RCA on Jan 2, 2021. Medical Board was done with many experts including Dr Devi Shetty. The advice was the rest two blocks were to be revasculalised/stenting to be done after 2-3 weeks. Today is 25th day post PTCA [percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, a procedure to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscles]. He had chest discomfort today and he is taken to Apollo today. Dr Saptarshi Basu and Dr Saroj Mondal are attending. Dr Aftab Khan will do the stenting tomorrow in presence of Dr Devi Shetty.This came after a statement from the hospital earlier in the day, which said, “There is no change in his parameters since his last hospitalization and his vital parameters are stable”.Earlier in the month, Ganguly had been discharged from Woodlands Hospital following treatment for a similar complaint, later described as a heart attack by doctors. He was said to have recovered after the angioplasty. After being discharged, Ganguly had been on oral medication and was to be “monitored by doctors and nurses on a daily basis at home”.The MD and CEO of Woodlands Hospital, Dr Rupali Basu, had said at the time that Ganguly had no known comorbidities, but a family history of heart diseases, and that he had tested negative for Covid-19. His brother, former Bengal cricketer and current Cricket Association of Bengal joint secretary Snehasish Ganguly, underwent a successful angioplasty last week, also at the Apollo Gleneagles Hospital.One of the expert consultants, renowned cardiologist Dr Devi Shetty, had said during the discharge that Ganguly had no heart damage.”Did he have a heart damage? No. He had a blockage and he was getting some discomfort, but at the right time he landed in the right hospital and he had the right treatment,” Shetty had said at the time. “His heart is today as strong as it was when Sourav was 20 years old. I want everyone to understand that he didn’t have a major cardiac event which has damaged his heart. He has a very, very strong heart.”
As they gear up to chase their fifth title in a row, Manchester City could be set to suffer a major blow, with Atletico Madrid reportedly preparing to make their first offer to land one of Pep Guardiola's best rising stars.
Man City transfer news
Just how the Cityzens improve their side after the last two seasons, which saw them win the treble and then their fourth consecutive Premier League title on the bounce, is anyone's guess. Instead, they could become the victims of their own success, as certain players contemplate what more they've got left to do in English football and perhaps consider summer exits.
That includes both Ederson and Kevin de Bruyne, who have reportedly attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League. The former has even already been offered a deal, according to recent rumours, in what could leave those at The Etihad desperately searching for a replacement this summer. Meanwhile, if De Bruyne does leave, City will reportedly line up a move for Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves.
The veteran duo may not be the only players who need replacing this summer, however. According to the Spanish media, via Football Espana, Atletico Madrid intent to submit an initial loan offer to sign Julian Alvarez this summer, which will include an obligation to buy worth €70m (£59m).
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There have been developments in the last 24 hours.
ByHenry Jackson Jul 15, 2024
The World Cup winner is reportedly keen on the move and, for the right price, those at The Etihad are happy to show him the door this summer, only increasing the chances of his exit. That said, losing a player who is so capable of stepping in for Erling Haaland and more at just 24 years old would undoubtedly be a major blow for City, even if they are clearing his reported £100k-a-week wage in the process.
"Superb" Alvarez an underrated key to Man City's success
Incredible depth has been more important than ever for City in the last two campaigns as they've competed and, at one stage, won on all fronts.
When Haaland struggled on the sidelines in the last campaign, it was Alvarez who stepped up to fill in with the quality that Guardiola has come to expect. And replacing that quality wouldn't exactly be a simple task. So, whilst City are reportedly happy to show the Argentine the door, they should quickly rethink that decision.
Ally McCoist would likely be among those left surprised if Manchester City sanction Alvarez's summer switch in the coming month, having told TNT Sports last season following the forward's two goals against Crvena Zvezda: "I thought he was superb tonight. I said he went under the radar a little bit, what I meant was that when you think of Man City’s key figures you maybe think of the goalkeeper [Ederson], of [Ruben] Dias, Rodri, Haaland.
"Alvarez maybe wouldn’t immediately spring to mind, but on form like that it would be very difficult to keep him out of the side.”
The former USMNT striker, along with the ex-NBA stars, all have ties to nearby Toronto and are now in talks for a minority ownership stake
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Reporters Network service will be stripped back due to Covid-19’s financial hit
George Dobell13-Oct-2020The coverage of county cricket looks set to be hit as a result of cost-cutting at the ECB.Over recent seasons, the ECB has paid for journalists at each of the first-class counties to produce agency-style, impartial reports which are then provided free-of-charge to other media outlets. The system, named the Reporters Network, was set up to counter the reduction of coverage in newspapers at local and national level and ensure the sport retained some visibility.The reports are used by, among others, ESPNcricinfo, the PA news agency, the BBC and a host of regional publications. Up to 20 journalists have been involved in writing them.However, the ECB have now announced the decision to cut the number of reporters contracted to just six. And while they insist that every game of men’s and women’s cricket will still be covered, it is clear that journalists will no longer be expected to attend all of the games on which they report. Instead, they will be expected to monitor the live feed of some matches.ALSO READ: Could social media save the English domestic game? (2016)The ECB also believe the development of better live streams has reduced the demand for traditional match reports. They claim analysis of reading patterns suggests much shorter reports will better serve modern demands.”It has been clear through this process that the consumption of domestic cricket content is changing, especially following the advent of live streaming and video highlights, and that a necessary evolution is required for our written content,” Kate Miller, the ECB’s director of communications, wrote in an email to those involved in the Reporters Network.”The financial situation has demanded that the service must be leaner and more efficient but also, following feedback from those who use the service, it is apparent that we need to change the way our service operates.”The ECB has recently announced more than 60 redundancies as a reaction to the financial challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. They estimate the virus has cost them £106m in 2020 with the prospect of further losses to come if crowds are unable to return to games in 2021.Another ECB spokesperson admitted the cuts were “not what we want” but insisted they “are necessary as ECB embarks on significant cost cutting in order to try and withstand the financial impact the global pandemic has had”.While it was never an especially healthy reflection of the domestic game that the governing body felt the need to provide coverage – it raised questions about independence, among other things – it is a greater concern that even that governing body is now cutting that coverage.It might also be noted that matches in the Hundred will not be impacted by these cuts, which will do nothing to dispel the perception that the ECB is prioritising that competition at the expense of traditional existing domestic tournaments. The Hundred retains a separate budget.”We are cognisant of the difficulty the ECB faces in trying to maintain a valuable written content service, whilst needing to now cut its own costs,” Alison Mitchell, the chair of the Cricket Writers’ Club said in a statement to its members.”We intend to remain in contact with the ECB over the coverage of the domestic game, and will urge that the number of journalists be grown in future whenever feasible against this backdrop, or that other solutions are considered, to enable eye-witness integrity in the reportage of the domestic game and those playing it.”
Leeds United missed out on promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking as they lost the play-off final to Southampton at Wembley last month.
The Whites could now lose some of their key players as teams from across Europe start to eye up their stars ahead of possible moves during the summer transfer window.
One player who has already been linked with an exit from Elland Road is left-back Junior Firpo, who was Daniel Farke's first-choice left-back during the second half of the season.
Last month, Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, reported that Spanish side Real Betis are one of the teams interested in a deal for the former Barcelona man, but that a deal could be too expensive for them at this moment in time.
Leeds United's interest in young full-back
According to Dutch outlet VI, Leeds are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Anselmo MacNulty from PEC Zwolle this summer.
The report claims that Leicester City, who were successful in their efforts to earn promotion out of the Championship, are also keen on the versatile star, who can play at centre-back or left-back.
It adds that Real Betis have been linked with a move for the player in the past but that Zwolle are not keen to cash in on the 21-year-old battler.
It, therefore, remains to be seen whether or not a deal is viable for the Whites at this moment in time as there is no price tag mentioned or whether or not the English side are prepared to make an official offer for his services.
If they do manage to secure a transfer for the left-footed titan, though, then they could land a strong replacement for Firpo, should he depart before the end of the window.
Why Anselmo MacNulty could be a good Junior Firpo replacement
Firstly, the Spanish-born star is almost seven years younger than the Dominican Republic international, who is 28 in August, and has plenty of time left to develop and improve over the years to come, which could make him a better long-term option for Farke.
His potential was highlighted by a list of 'future champions' that was curated by CIES Football Observatory, via The Irish Mirror, which included the Irish colossus alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, who is now a star for Real Madrid and England, Jamal Musiala, and Rico Lewis, and others.
It included the young players who had played the most minutes at first-team, and youth international, level during the 2023 calendar year, which the Leeds target qualified for through his time on the pitch in the Eredivisie and Bellingham qualified for through his performances for Borussia Dortmund, England, and Real.
MacNulty was once hailed as "physically strong" by former Zwolle director Marcel Boudesteyn and his defensive work is why he could arrive as an excellent replacement for Firpo.
Appearances
31
26
Tackles per game
2.4
2.3
Interceptions per game
1.2
1.0
Ball recoveries per game
3.6
3.0
Duel success rate
57%
58%
Aerial duel success rate
63%
54%
As you can see in the table above, the Ireland U21 international has the edge over the Leeds man in a host of key defensive metrics, albeit slightly.
The 21-year-old ace also produced two goals and two assists but that was not as impressive as Firpo's zero goals and seven assists from left-back in the Championship.
These statistics suggest that MacNulty could be a 'strong' replacement for the current Whites full-back from a defensive perspective but could need to add more to his game as a creator to make up for the attacking threat that the club would lose should they decide to sell the ex-Barcelona man.
Leeds could sign a Struijk partner who's a lot like "Busquets"
The Whites have been touted with an interest in the impressive central defender.
ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2024
Overall, though, the young Zwolle star appears to be an impressive prospect who could potentially improve Farke's defence, with his superior defensive numbers in comparison to Firpo, and that is why they should swoop to sign him this summer.
Glasgow Rangers could be set for a major summer exodus at Ibrox if Philippe Clement has his way.
Not only are six players out of contract in Glasgow when the season finishes, but there are several first team players who will likely be sold by the Gers in order to raise funds for the Belgian to bring in his own transfer targets, thus improving the team in the process.
Much will depend on how much money he can get for the vast amount of deadwood which has lingered around Ibrox for too long, yet he should free up plenty of the wage bill with the six who are set to leave upon the expiry of their contracts.
Jon McLaughlin, Borna Barisic, Leon Balogun, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe and Ryan Jack earn a combined £91k-per-week in wages, which could give Clement some leeway once the summer transfer window opens up.
Jack and Roofe, in particular, have seen injury issues gnaw away at their impact this season, and the duo should receive their well-wishes from Clement before leaving with their heads held high.
While previous managers acted on sentiment and gave those who have struggled to remain fit new and extended contracts, it appears as though Clement isn’t one to follow in that direction.
Truth be told, the club’s injury crisis this season should have made the Belgian’s job much harder, but it proves how impressive he is as a boss that he managed to lead the club to a League Cup triumph, as well as contend in the Premiership until the final few weeks.
|
Players who are out of contract at Rangers this summer |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Wage |
Age |
|
John Lundstram |
£22k-per-week |
30 |
|
Leon Balogun |
£8k-per-week |
35 |
|
Ryan Jack |
£8k-per-week |
32 |
|
Jon McLaughlin |
£6.1k-per-week |
36 |
|
Kemar Roofe |
£26k-per-week |
31 |
|
Borna Barisic |
£21k-per-week |
31 |
|
Via Salary Sport |
||
Throughout the entire campaign, Jack has played just 22 times this season, including only 12 starts, as his injury woes appear to be catching up with him.
With just four games remaining, it is unlikely that Jack returns to the starting XI given he has been missing since the start of February.
Having made 210 appearances for the Light Blues, it would be an underwhelming way to bow out at the club, but he has enjoyed plenty of highs across the previous seven seasons which allowed him to become a key member of the squad under Steven Gerrard.
This summer is the right time to move on, however, as Clement will need every member of his playing squad available for the majority of games next term if he looks at taking this team to the next level.
It isn’t only Jack who should be departing, as Roofe has also endured a frustrating time since the start of the 2022/23 season, and he will be leaving on a sour note.
The £26k-per-week centre-forward joined from Anderlecht in the summer of 2020 as Gerrard was looking to build a team that could end Celtic’s dominance and claim their first league title in a decade.
Roofe had plenty of experience in England and on the continent, making the initial £4m investment seem like a wise one by the former Liverpool captain.
Indeed, during his maiden season at Ibrox, Roofe added something different to the Rangers attack. Not only could he score with ease, but he was able to drop deep and even create width in order to lure defenders out of position, allowing the likes of Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi to move into the vacated space.
Across 36 games in all competitions, the striker scored 18 goals and provided four assists, a decent start to life in Scotland.
Gerrard even hailed the former Leeds United frontman as a “Duracell bunny” due to his seemingly limitless energy which allowed him to pull defenders out of position on a regular basis.
His second season saw Roofe add another 16 goals to his tally, including an extra-time winner against Braga in the Europa League quarter-final, but he could only play mere minutes in the final following a recovery from a knee injury.
Despite a solid enough season, the next two years would see the player suffer injury after injury and struggle to really keep fit.
Roofe only scored twice throughout the whole of last season, an extra-time winner against Aberdeen in the League Cup semi-finals and an effort against Livingston in the top flight, yet he played just six games.
A knee injury kept him out for the vast majority of the campaign and while he was fit to come off the bench for the first league match against Kilmarnock, it was clear Roofe wasn’t 100% fit.
A goal and assist against Ross County and Real Betis within a few weeks of each other looked as though he was on the right track, but these would be his last goal involvements until the striker netted the winner against Betis to send the Light Blues through to the last 16 of the Europa League.
The 31-year-old certainly knows how to perform in the most pressurised of moments, but 28 appearances since May 2022 tell its own story.
Indeed, since arriving at the club four years ago, Roofe has missed 96 games through injury, playing only 100 times, yet it should have been much more, that’s for sure.
This season, the Jamaican has started eight times in all competitions, which has cost the club a staggering £169k per start – when considering his £1.352m yearly wage. With only two goals in that time, it is hardly money well spent, and perhaps it is a good thing that Clement will let him leave when his contract expires.
Clement could kickstart new Rangers era by cashing in on £37k-p/w gem
Rangers could potentially sell one of their highest earners this summer…
By
Ross Kilvington
Apr 26, 2024
When fit and firing, Roofe was arguably one of the finest forwards at the club, being able to adapt to different tactics while dropping deep whenever required. Paying £26k-per-week for a player who is never fit is poor business, however, and this should be rectified during the summer.
Hopefully, he can enjoy a wonderful send-off with another trophy or two.