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Although it’s not time to breathe a sight of relief just yet, reports have suggested that one Sheffield Wednesday candidate has travelled to Hillsborough and a bid for the club is expected.

The Dejphon Chansiri era is officially over, but the Owls entered administration as a result and were handed a 12-point deduction to turn their Championship survival push into their very own mission impossible.

The good times, however, are on their way. Fans flooded to the club shop when Chansiri’s exit was confirmed, before they packed out Hillsborough in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City. This is, at long last, a club pulling in the same direction from top to bottom and co-administrator Kris Wigfield took time to thank supporters earlier this week.

Timeline for Sheffield Wednesday takeover as candidates move to next stage

A positive sign for the Owls.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 6, 2025

The Begbies Traynor managing partner said: “Ahead of the Norwich game, we wanted to give a brief update as best we can to keep fans informed.

“Whilst we are bound by confidentiality for much of this process, it is worth saying that the fantastic support of the fans through attending matches and buying merchandise from the club shop has been vital to running the club and the ground day-to-day – this includes paying the wages of employees and players.”

Regarding prospective buyers, there’s been plenty of interest in Sheffield Wednesday. Several parties have reportedly presented proof of funds worth £50m and the likes of John McEvoy and former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley have been mentioned.

Administrators have set an loose deadline of November 21 for when they want new owners through the door and the latest update suggests that they are on course to meet that deadline this month.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidates take Hillsborough tour

As confirmed by Wigfield, an unnamed Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidate has now travelled to Hillsborough for a tour of the stadium and a look at other facilities such as the training ground. Other parties are set to follow suit and opening bids are expected to commence as the Owls move closer and closer to welcoming new owners.

The 12-point hit dealt Sheffield Wednesday an undeniable blow but with Chansiri finally gone, things are beginning to look up at Hillsborough.

Liam Cooper alert to transfer possibility as Sheffield Wednesday hold EFL talks

Leeds United fans must now be growing impatient with Daniel Farke at the helm, as another disastrous away performance was put in against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Heading into this huge tie towards the lower reaches of the Premier League, Forest had managed to collect just one home victory all season long.

Thankfully for Sean Dyche’s men, Leeds felt in a charitable mood defensively as another horror show performance on the road saw the Whites crash to a 3-1 loss, which now leaves the away side just one point above the dreaded bottom three spaces.

While the Tricky Trees have shot up to nine points after the win, and have some much-needed hope now that they can get out of their relegation mire, Leeds seem to be getting sucked more and more into a dog-fight as the season progresses, with several Whites first-teamers letting their under-fire manager down in the dreadful defeat.

Leeds' biggest underperformers against Forest

Minus Lukas Nmecha, who hammered home Leeds’ opening strike of the day before the wheels fell off, not many Leeds shirts can come away from that 3-1 loss with their heads held high.

In particular, the Leeds midfield ranks badly let the German down, as Sean Longstaff looked nowhere near his assured best when squandering possession 13 times.

Moreover, Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu also looked a shadow of his Championship best up against Dyche’s rejuvenated hosts, with the Whites captain failing to provide the away side’s defence with a stern cover, when winning just four of his nine duel attempts.

He was also at fault when Morgan Gibbs-White headed home the game-clinching second goal for the Tricky Trees, as the Welshman – alongside an equally ropey Jaka Bijol – left the England international in acres of room to become Forest’s hero on the day.

Farke will know he needs to make some alterations for Leeds’ next Premier League clash against Aston Villa in a bid to save his job.

Farke must now ditch Leeds' new Meslier-like figure

A certain Illan Meslier is now nowhere to be seen in the Leeds starting lineups, despite once being a regular week in, week out, stretching all the way back to the glory days of Marcelo Bielsa.

He was a consistent starter last season up to a point, too, before far too many error-prone moments started seeping into his game, leaving Farke with no choice but to bring in reserve stopper Karl Darlow to see out the rest of Leeds’ promotion bid.

Former Arsenal winger Perry Groves would put it down to a “lack of concentration” on the ex-Lorient goalkeeper’s end when consistently making errors, which made Leeds move for a new number one stopper in Lucas Perri in the summer.

The Frenchman hasn’t always been dismissed as an accident waiting to happen in between the sticks, though, with 21 clean sheets tallied up last season when at the peak of his powers.

Another scapegoat in the shape of Brenden Aaronson could well be becoming a new Meslier-type figure in the here and now for Leeds.

An unbelievable performance against West Ham United, which saw him bag Leeds’ opener, was then followed up by two forgettable showings against Brighton and Hove Albion and Forest to start November off on a damp note and push him back into the spotlight as an inconsistent individual who lets his side down too often, just like Meslier.

Aaronson’s performances in November

Stat

vs Brighton

vs Forest

Minutes played

90

74

Goals scored

0

0

Assists

0

1

Touches

41

38

Accurate passes

24/26 (92%)

14/15 (93%)

Shots

0

2

Successful dribbles

0/2

1/7

Possession lost

11x

10x

Ball recoveries

1

10

Total duels won

3/10

8/16

Stats by Sofascore

Across Leeds’ last two pitiful defeats on the road, Aaronson has only managed to muster up one successful dribble from nine attempts, which is a far cry from him completing all 100% of his dribbles against West Ham as a reliable livewire.

On top of that, while the American found himself in the thick of the action all night long against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, he could only amass a lacklustre 38 touches of the ball versus Forest, with the aforementioned Perri even managing more in between the sticks at 44.

These constant hot and cold performances could kill Farke in the long run as he searches for consistent form from all his players to save his skin, with Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth handing Aaronson a 4/10 post-match rating even after he had a minimal part to play in Nmecha’s early strike.

Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto are available in reserve down the right flank if Farke wants to ditch the attacking midfielder who has been so staunchly loyal to.

Related BBC commentator drops immediate verdict on Farke amid Leeds sack rumours

Leeds have lost four of their last five Premier League games.

Posts ByJames O'Reilly Nov 9, 2025

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen claims that Cristiano Ronaldo "would love" to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami as two all-time greats approach the end of their record-shattering careers. It has, however, been suggested that Hollywood would be a more likely MLS landing spot for CR7 if opportunities to join teams in Los Angeles materialised.

Ronaldo & Messi have signed new contracts in 2025

Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo is currently plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr. He has committed to a contract in the Middle East through to the summer of 2027. He recently told Piers Morgan that retirement is not too far off, with his top target of reaching 1,000 goals now very much within reach.

It has, however, been claimed that Ronaldo could play on beyond the age of 42. He has seen eternal rival Messi pen a new deal in the United States that will keep him on Inter Miami’s books through 2028.

Messi and Ronaldo spent several years on opposing sides of the fierce Clasico divide in La Liga, as they turned out for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, but have never graced the same club. Fans around the world would like to see that happen before boots are hung up for the final time.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALWill Messi & Ronaldo ever player together?

Meulensteen, who worked with Ronaldo at Old Trafford, believes such a deal could be agreed. He has, however, told of a possible move to America for a man that would generate considerable excitement in the States: "Can you imagine having Messi and Ronaldo playing in the same team in Miami? It’s a fantastic city. I think he would love to go there.

"On the contrary, it would be amazing to reignite the Messi and Ronaldo rivalry. Why not Los Angeles? I think Cristiano would probably move to LA because he'd be so close to Hollywood. That's probably his next destination.

"MLS has really taken off because they've got a soccer generation. There are kids and adults that are going to the stadiums now who grew up playing soccer, watching soccer. They're not really interested in baseball or American football and basketball.

"I think that’s the battle soccer has won in America, and that I've always advocated, it has come from not fighting those other sports. There's no reason for it. You need to try to find a place next to it. And they have.

"I don’t think Ronaldo would be interested in a move to Brazil. The language is the same but I think he would be drawn to MLS because of the exposure and everything that would come with it. You can't beat Hollywood."

Ronaldo could be a 'megastar' in the United States

Meulensteen is not the first to suggest that Ronaldo and Messi should join forces in Miami – with United legend David Beckham part of the ownership team at Chase Stadium. Ex-Germany international Dietmar Hamann has previously said: "We’ve seen that Cristiano Ronaldo’s powers are coming to an end, he is getting towards the end of his career so a move back to Europe might not be the best idea.

"I think a move to America would make sense but he’d have to do what Lionel Messi has done and impress on the pitch if he is to be a megastar out there. He might not be capable of doing that in Europe anymore but in America they love to be entertained no matter the sport, it could be a great story."

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GettyMessi in Miami or Son in LA? Options for Ronaldo

Ronaldo has also been told by former Red Devils team-mate Louis Saha that he "would’ve scored more goals in MLS than Lionel Messi has" had he decided to chase the American dream.

That could still happen, but the clock is ticking. Inter Miami will be in the market for new recruits as they prepare to bid farewell to Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, while veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez is another edging towards retirement. If Ronaldo were to pass up the chance to head for Florida, then he could link up with ex-Tottenham captain Son Heung-min in California at LAFC.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United have opened the 2025/26 season in a way that underlines both their potential and their limitations.

Their early form has mixed defensive solidity with attacking struggles.

A goalless draw with Aston Villa on the opening day was followed by a chaotic 3-2 defeat at home to Liverpool, sealed by a 100th-minute Rio Ngumoha strike.

Stalemates against Leeds and Bournemouth sandwiched a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves, leaving Newcastle searching for rhythm at both ends of the pitch.

In attack, the void left by Alexander Isak has been evident.

New arrivals Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa were brought in to fill the gap, but Woltemade is still adjusting to Premier League intensity, while Wissa was sidelined for a month after suffering a knee injury on international duty.

The lack of fluidity has shown up in the underlying numbers: Newcastle have generated just 4.6 expected goals (xG) – better only than the newly promoted clubs, Wolves and Aston Villa.

Defensively, though, the platform looks elite. Newcastle boast the league’s lowest xG conceded at 2.5, with Arsenal next-best at 3.3.

Newcastle United

2.5

Arsenal

3.3

AFC Bournemouth

3.6

Liverpool

4.0

Crystal Palace:

4.7

This means that Howe’s side already have a strong foundation from which to grow. What is striking, however, is that the tactical emphasis has shifted.

Howe, once reliant on direct transitions, has been experimenting with a more possession-heavy approach, with structured build-up play central to his long-term vision.

That shift has placed the spotlight firmly on the man in goal.

Why Nick Pope needs to be dropped

Nick Pope remains Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper and has been a dependable figure since arriving from Burnley in 2022.

Now 33, he has made over 100 appearances for the Magpies, including keeping goal in their Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool last season.

His England experience – ten caps – underlines his status as a high-level shot-stopper. So far this campaign, Pope has kept four clean sheets, leading the Premier League Golden Glove race.

His shot-stopping ability is reflected in his numbers: 3.07 saves per 90 with a save percentage of 71.7%, significantly above league average.

Yet, the flaws in his game are equally obvious.

Pope’s playing profile jars with Howe’s evolving tactical plan. While Newcastle are attempting to construct attacks patiently from the back, Pope looks uncomfortable when pressed with the ball at his feet.

Whenever the ball cycles back to him, Newcastle’s possession often stalls, with centre-backs reluctant to involve him under pressure.

It is not that Pope lacks bravery, but rather that his technical ceiling is lower.

Against teams who press high, this becomes a liability.

As Howe tries to embed a possession-first style, Pope’s skillset increasingly feels at odds with the project.

Howe already has the perfect Pope replacement

This summer, Newcastle moved to address the issue by signing Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan from Southampton.

At 27, he remains in his goalkeeping prime and was one of the few Saints players to emerge with any credit last season.

His arrival followed Martin Dubravka’s move to Burnley, giving Howe a goalkeeper with very different attributes to Pope.

Ramsdale is far more comfortable with the ball at his feet.

He touches the ball 43.8 times per 90 (compared to Pope’s 31.1) and completes passes across a much greater distance, with a progressive passing distance of 566.4 per 90 – almost double Pope’s output.

He is proactive in distribution, unafraid to break lines and feed midfielders under pressure.

His higher volume of completed passes per 90 (25.8) makes him far better aligned with a possession-oriented strategy.

Statistically, Ramsdale lags behind Pope in pure shot-stopping.

He makes more saves per 90 (4.00 compared to Pope’s 3.07) but his save percentage is lower at 67.6%, while his goals against per 90 (2.20) reflects Southampton’s struggles last year.

Clean sheet percentage is another weakness, sitting at just 10.0% compared to Pope’s 28.6%.

Yet, context matters – Ramsdale played behind one of the league’s most porous defences, whereas Pope has benefited from Newcastle’s defensive structure.

Ramsdale has already impressed Newcastle supporters in flashes.

During pre-season he saved a penalty against Espanyol, a reminder of his shot-stopping pedigree, while also displaying the technical quality that Pope cannot replicate.

Fans are increasingly calling for him to be given a run in the league, believing that his attributes would unlock Newcastle’s attempts to play more expansively.

For now, Howe has stuck with Pope – who he has previously labelled as “one of the best shot-stoppers” he’s worked – valuing his reliability and the clean sheets he has delivered.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

But with Newcastle increasingly defined by their ability to dominate possession and progress the ball, the pressure is mounting to hand Ramsdale his chance.

The tactical shift may eventually demand it.

Howe must now drop Newcastle flop who was worse than Willock

This Newcastle United attacker struggled as much as Joe Willock did away at AFC Bournemouth.

1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 21, 2025

انتقد مدير نادي برشلونة السابق، قائد نادي ريال مدريد، دانيال كارفاخال، وذلك على هامش تصرفات الظهير الأيمن خلال مواجهة الكلاسيكو الأخيرة بين الريال والبارسا بالدوري الإسباني.

ريال مدريد حسم قمة الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى وحقق الانتصار على برشلونة يوم الأحد الماضي بهدفين مقابل هدف على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

لكن كارفاخال دخل في مناوشات مع لامين يامال، نجم برشلونة، مما جعل الأمور تشتغل بين لاعبي الفريقين عقب نهاية اللقاء.

ويرى توني فريسكا، مدير برشلونة السابق، أن كارفاخال تصرف بجبن مع يامال، حيث قال في تصريحات إلى “الشنجريتو”: “تصرف داني كارفاخال بجبن”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيراتي عن فوز باريس بدوري الأبطال بعد رحيل مبابي: انظروا ماذا يفعل في ريال مدريد

وأضاف: ”من السهل جدًا أن تفعل ذلك عندما تفوز بمباراة في ملعبك والجميع يصفق لك، أن تذهب إلى طفل وتقول له هذا، فيرى الجميع ويحفظونه بعيدًا عن غرفة الملابس”.

فريسكا سبق وأن هاجم كارفاخال عبر “تويتر” عقب نهاية الكلاسيكو، حيث قال: “يا له من عار ألا أكون لاعبًا في برشلونة وأن يأتي كارفاخال إلي بكلام فارغ، هم لا يعرفون الخسارة ولا الفوز”.

وجعل هذا الفوز ريال مدريد يعزز صدارته في ترتيب الدوري الإسباني، وبفارق خمس نقاط كاملة عن برشلونة صاحب المركز الثاني.

وكان يامال قد ألغى متابعة كارفاخال عبر “إنستجرام”، قبل أن يعود الجناح الشاب ليتابع مواطنه أمس الأربعاء.

A manager who Jurgen Klopp once described as “incredible” is now the leading contender to replace Graham Potter at West Ham United.

Potter under serious pressure after Crystal Palace defeat

Potter would’ve been hoping the 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest could be a turning point in the season, but there has been a return to the mean since the end of the international break, with West Ham suffering defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that the West Ham hierarchy have started looking at new managers, saying: “Internal talks are taking place with eventual replacements being assessed. Decision could follow soon.”

A number of managers with Premier League experience have been identified as potential targets, including Gary O’Neil, Slaven Bilic, and Sean Dyche, but it has since emerged that a different manager is now the frontrunner for the job.

Related West Ham now weigh up concrete approach to sign £17m England international

West Ham now weighing up concrete approach for £17m England international.

Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 21, 2025

That is according to a report from The Mirror, who reveal that West Ham are seriously considering parting ways with Potter, following their terrible start to the Premier League season, collecting just three points from their opening five games.

Nuno Espirito Santo is named as the leading contender to replace Potter, with the former Nottingham Forest boss being dismissed by Evangelos Marinakis earlier this month, despite leading the Tricky Trees to Europe for the first time in 30 years.

The upcoming fixture against Everton is likely to be crucial in deciding Potter’s future, with the Toffees set to travel to the London Stadium next Monday night.

"Incredible" Nuno could be major upgrade on Potter

Potter has experienced success in the Premier League in the past, impressing enough at Brighton & Hove Albion to get the Chelsea job, but the 50-year-old’s performance in his last two roles leaves a lot to be desired.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, the Englishman averaged just 1.42 points per match, lasting less than seven months, before going on to struggle considerably at West Ham, receiving widespread criticism from the fans after the recent defeat against Spurs.

Nuno, on the other hand, is vastly more experienced in the Premier League, with Klopp once praising the Portuguese manager for the work he did at Wolverhampton Wanderers, saying: “Nuno’s doing an incredible job. They are a talented team, the quality is big. It’s really rare, but apart from two or three games they played exactly the same three players in the last line the whole year, that’s unbelievable.”

The Sao Tome-born manager, who favours a 4-2-3-1 system, subsequently went on to be a success at Forest, averaging 1.48 points per match and guiding the Tricky Trees to a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League last season.

West Ham have spent a number of seasons in Europe in recent times, winning the UEFA Conference League in 2023, and there are clear indications Nuno could be capable of bringing European nights back to the London Stadium.

Surrey 365 (Foakes 92*, Burns 73, Harmer 4-83) and 9 for 0 trail Essex 582 for 6 dec by 208 runsBen Foakes defied his former county for four hours and 41 minutes but could not prevent Essex asking reigning champions Surrey to follow-on in the Rothesay County Championship at Chelmsford.The one-time England wicketkeeper, an Essex academy graduate, stood resolutely while wickets fell all around him to remain not out 92 as Surrey were dismissed for 365 in their first innings, 217 runs in arrears. Second time around Surrey had reduced the requirement to make Essex bat again by nine runs without loss in six overs at the end of day three.It could have been worse for the visitors. They collapsed from their overnight 109 for 1 to 180 for 6, undone by a spell of three wickets in 15 balls amid pre-lunch mayhem in which five wickets fell and the guts were ripped out of the middle-order.Simon Harmer led the way for Essex with 4 for 83 from a marathon 47 overs, 34 of them bowled in the day. It was a welcome return to form for the South African offspinner, who failed to add to his 35 five-fers and ten 10-wicket hauls for the club during an uncharacteristically disappointing 2024 season.At the start of an eventful day under clear, bright skies, Ollie Pope lasted just seven balls before he was beaten all ends up by a delivery from Porter that flicked his off-bail. It ended a 103-run stand with Burns for the second wicket.Jamie Smith made his presence felt with three quick boundaries off Porter, including a straight drive that brooked no argument. However, five balls after cutting Shane Snater’s first ball decisively to the square-leg boundary, Smith essayed a cover-drive, missed and kept walking as his off stump went cartwheeling.That brought in Foakes, but before he could settle Surrey lost their second wicket in two balls. This time Harmer induced an outside edge off Burns’s bat for a caught-behind for 73. And it became three wickets with just eight runs added as Dan Lawrence’s six-ball stay ended when Harmer got one to jump up with the resultant involuntary edge deviating to slip.Ryan Patel looked completely bamboozled by Harmer. He faced 23 deliveries from the offspinner, barely getting near any of them, let alone scoring a run, before nudging one into the wicketkeeper’s gloves.In addition to his wickets, Harmer was parsimonious in terms of conceding runs, so when Foakes pushed him through the covers it was only the second boundary he had conceded in 26 overs.The scoreboard clicked rapidly when the new-ball was taken with 40 runs coming from the first six overs, moving Surrey to their first of two batting points in the process, before Jordan Clark’s freewheeling 45 from 88 balls was ended by Cook.Foakes reached his fifty when he edged his eighth four just wide of slip off Snater. He had put on 55 for the eighth wicket with Matt Fisher before losing his fifth partner, the recruit from Yorkshire being bowled by one from Harmer that kept low.James Taylor joined Foakes in a time-consuming 22-over stand worth 50 runs before Matt Critchley switched ends for one over and removed Taylor with a googly. He then swapped back to his previous end to account for Kemar Roach lbw and end the innings.

After finishing 15th last season, Manchester United required a major squad overhaul which they got, well in two specific areas of the team anyway.

On deadline day, the Red Devils signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for a reported fee of £22m including add-ons, certainly a big fee for a 23-year-old who has made just 64 senior appearances for the Belgian club.

Nevertheless, goalkeeper was certainly a position of need, given André Onana’s calamitous performance at Grimsby last Wednesday, as they were dumped out of the EFL Cup by fourth-tier opposition for the first time ever, while Altay Bayındır has not covered himself in glory during his three Premier League appearances either.

This late move aside, the only other new additions to Rúben Amorim’s squad have all been attackers, splurging a combined £207m to sign an entirely new-look front three.

However, could one of these forwards ultimately prove to be a bargain, especially when compared to the prime target Man United missed out on?

Manchester United's midfield situation

To the surprise of many, Manchester United have not signed a new midfielder this summer, leaving a situation that is a complete mess.

Earlier in the window, it was reported that Manchester United had held initial talks with Brighton over the possibility of signing Carlos Baleba, but the Seagulls would only be willing to sell for around the £115m Chelsea paid to sign Moisés Caicedo two years ago, which quickly ended this as a possibility.

As the Cameroonian international did not arrive at Old Trafford, it would appear likely that Bruno Fernandes, alongside Casemiro will remain Amorim’s first-choice midfield combination, much to the chagrin of Kobbie Mainoo.

Having seen zero minutes during the first two Premier League fixtures, he was introduced at halftime against Burnley on Saturday, the England international submitted a loan request last week, but this was unequivocally rejected by the club.

Considering Man United’s next fixture is away at the Etihad, bringing Mainoo into the team appears to be a no-brainer, given that the 20-year-old has the capabilities to solve a lot of problems, as he did for England during their run to the Euros final.

So, perhaps the Red Devils didn’t need Baleba after all, not willing to smash their transfer record to secure his signature, but could one of their summer signings prove to be a bargain?

Manchester United's shrewd investment

At the start of the window, Old Trafford certainly did not appear to be Benjamin Šeško’s most likely destination.

After RB Leipzig finished seventh in last season’s Bundesliga, thereby failing to qualify for any European competition, it was clear that the Slovenian would depart Saxony.

Arsenal appeared to be the front-runners to secure his signature but, partially put off by Leipzig’s humongous asking price, elected to sign Viktor Gyökeres instead.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Then, as the Alexander Isak saga escalated, Newcastle agreed a fee to sign Šeško before, after the Magpies had done all the legwork, Manchester United swooped in and convinced him to sign for them instead of moving to Tyneside.

Upon his arrival, Man United’s sporting director Jason Wilcox asserted that the striker “possesses a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders”, believing he will fulfil his “world-class potential” at the club.

The final fee paid for Šeško is £66.3m plus £7.4m in add-ons which, even if all met, is still below his estimated transfer value of £108m, according to the CIES Football Observatory.

Meantime, they also believe that Baleba is worth around £75m, supporting the decision Man United made in not progress any further with that deal, given Brighton’s sky-high demands.

So, even though Šeško is yet to get off the mark, time is on his side, considering he’s just 22 years old, while he has proven himself to be a reliable goalscorer, bagging 39 across two seasons at Leipzig, on top of the 14 he’s netted for Slovenia.

Thus, while Manchester United have not been particularly smart in the transfer window for a decade and more, they might have just struck gold here, certainly improving their existing options.

Lost the ball 15x: Man Utd's 8/10 ace is already looking like another Bruno

Bruno Fernandes’ last-gasp penalty secured a valuable win for Manchester United at home to Burnley…

1 ByRobbie Walls Aug 30, 2025

Everton are now going to step up their efforts to complete the signing of a “magnificent” attacking player this summer, according to a fresh transfer report.

Everton suffer Dibling transfer blow

Late last week, the Blues saw a £27m bid for Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling rejected, having been linked with him during the summer transfer window.

Everton clearly see the 19-year-old attacking midfielder as an exciting long-term option, with the Englishman catching the eye for Saints in the Premier League last season, despite their eventual relegation to the Championship. He scored twice in the league and generally looked like a class act who was playing with a maturity beyond his years.

It remains to be seen if the Blues will table an improved offer for Dibling in the coming days, but it would be a surprise if he didn’t leave Southampton before the window closes on September 1st, considering he is too good to be playing in the Championship.

Everton will know that alternative options are needed for the Saints ace, though, should they miss out on him, with Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo one right-sided player who has been mentioned as an option for David Moyes. Now, another winger has been touted as a target.

Everton step up efforts to sign "magnificent" ace"

According to Football Insider, Everton will now push to sign Lyon star Malick Fofana this summer, seeing him as an alternative option to Dibling.

While a move to a Champions League team is the 20-year-old’s preference, with Liverpool linked with a move, their focus on signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United means that the Blues “could seek to use that to their advantage” and snap him up instead.

Fofana is a player who has been backed to join Everton earlier in the summer, and it is easy to see him being a fantastic signing, having been described as “magnificent” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Fofana can flourish on both wings, immediately giving Moyes extra attacking depth in key areas, and his end product is far superior to Dibling, averaging 0.47 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, almost five times more than the Saints gem’s rate of 0.10.

At 20 years of age, the Belgian is still raw, but six goals in the Europa League last season shows what he is capable of. He could prove to be a cheaper option than Dibling because he isn’t a young English player, but one who has just as much potential moving forward.

Teen prodigy Sam Konstas has a chance to score his third century of the summer, after helping NSW navigate a wet day at the SCG

AAP07-Dec-2024

Sam Konstas has helped New South Wales survive a tricky 20-over session, taking the Blues to 137 for 1 at stumps on a wet day two of the Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia.After rain washed out the opening five hours of day two at the SCG, NSW were asked to contend with an 80-minute period before stumps on Saturday.The Blues lost one wicket, Blake Nikitaras edging speedster Lance Morris to Cameron Gannon in the gully on 38.Otherwise NSW got through unscathed, with Konstas 80 not out and the Blues moving closer to Western Australia’s first-innings total of 211.After Konstas rocketed to 55 by stumps on Friday, he was far more circumspect in Saturday’s shortened period.The opener squeezed out two boundaries behind point in one over against Gannon, and used his feet to hit Corey Rocchiccoli back down the ground for four.He offered one half-chance late, sweeping Rocchiccoli in the air to deep square leg, only for a tough diving chance to be put down by Brody Couch.Tanveer Sangha also navigated through 28 balls, after being sent in as a nightwatchman at No.3 following the fall of Nikitaras.Konstas’ runs continued a serious purple patch for the opener, who scored 107 against a Test-quality Indian attack for the Prime Minister’s XI last week in Canberra.He also began the summer with twin Shield tons against South Australia, shooting him into the conversation for a Test debut.The 19-year-old has made no secret of the fact he feels ready for the game’s toughest level, keen to challenge himself as soon as this summer.A century on Sunday will only strengthen his case, with he or Josh Inglis likely to be next in line if Australia make changes to their top order.Tasmanian allrounder Beau Webster is also in Australia’s squad after three sparkling years with the bat in the Shield, but his chance is more likely to come if a vacancy opens up at No.6.Konstas’s runs have also come at a good time, with this the last round of the Sheffield Shield before the BBL break.It means he and other hopefuls will not play another Shield game until February, by which time Australia’s Test side will be in Sri Lanka for a two-match series.