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Arsenal summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has impressed since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in a deal which could rise to £64 million, but only in certain Premier League games.

Mikel Arteta’s long wait for a prolific striker was brought to an end by sporting director Andrea Berta in the Italian’s first window at the Emirates, and supporters eagerly awaited the Swede’s debut whilst expecting big things.

Gyokeres bagged an unbelievable 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting before his switch to north London – spearheading the Primeira Liga champions to a domestic double last season – and Arteta is hoping his new number nine can replicate those heroics on British shores.

Despite Arteta’s fondness for Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal tried to sign in the summer of 2024 and in January, Berta reportedly swayed Arsenal chiefs into moving for Gyokeres instead (The Athletic).

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£5m

Martin Zubimendi

£60m

Christian Norgaard

£15m

Noni Madueke

£52m

Cristhian Mosquera

£13m

Viktor Gyokeres

£55m

Eberechi Eze

£67.5m

Piero Hincapie

Loan

Thus far, the signs have been fairly promising, but some criticism has surrounded Gyokeres’ lacklustre link-up play compared to the likes of Liverpool star Alexander Isak, who was also once a “dream” target for Arteta.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also believes that Gyokeres won’t be a big-game player for Arsenal, with the 27-year-old failing to make an impact against both Man United and Liverpool this season.

His goals so far have come in a 5-0 win over Leeds United, and most recently, the Gunners’ 3-0 dispatching of Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

Troy Deeney tips Arsenal to replace Viktor Gyokeres with Kai Havertz

Once £280,000-per-week star Kai Havertz is back from injury, talkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney is convinced that Arteta will bench Gyokeres for the big games in favour of their versatile German.

Football is often reactionary at the best of times, and we believe that Gyokeres simply needs more time to settle in Europe’s most competitive division.

Viktor Gyokeres to deliver on big stage for Arsenal in time

The striker’s lack of impact against Man United and Liverpool is a concern, but that could simply be put down to Gyokeres finding his feet at brand-new club amid plenty of pressure to deliver.

At Sporting CP last season, the Swede produced 54 goals and 13 assists across competitions, thriving under the pressure of title races and European nights. His record shows he doesn’t just score against weaker opposition, either.

Gyokeres regularly delivered goals or assists in decisive matches, including against Porto and Benfica, where his work rate, strength, and ability to lead the line stood out.

His six goals in eight Champions League games for Sporting last season, including a stunning hat-trick against Man City, also work wonders to highlight that Gyokeres can indeed deliver on the biggest occasions.

Michael Antonio is reportedly training at a Premier League club after his release from West Ham as the striker bids to battle back from a horror car crash. The 35-year-old Jamaican forward, who just months ago was battling to walk again after a devastating car crash in Epping Forest, has stunned fans by returning to training.

• Antonio's journey: From twisted metal to training ground miracle

  It’s the comeback story no one saw coming. In December last year, Antonio’s £200,000 Ferrari spiralled out of control before smashing into a tree. Emergency services were forced to cut him free from the wreckage after a 45-minute ordeal that left the striker’s femur shattered in four places. Few expected him to kick a ball again. But less than a year later, the iron-willed forward is proving everyone wrong. Antonio’s miraculous recovery saw him back training just four months after the crash, though his time at West Ham eventually came to an emotional end, after the club and player failed to agree on new terms when his contract expired in the summer.

  In August, the Hammers confirmed Antonio would still have access to their training, facilities, and medical care, stressing that discussions were ongoing over a possible non-playing role at the club. For one last hurrah, Antonio even pulled on the shirt for West Ham’s Under-21s, showing flashes of the power and passion that once terrorised Premier League defences. But now, it’s Brentford offering him a new home, at least for training.

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  Brentford throw open their doors

  The Bees have quietly opened their gates to Antonio, allowing him to train under Keith Andrews’ watch. The striker lives nearby, making it an easy arrangement, though insiders say there’s no contract on the table. It’s a lifeline nonetheless, giving Antonio the environment to rebuild his strength and form while he explores his next move. Andrews is understood to have no immediate plans to sign him, but Antonio’s professionalism and determination have reportedly impressed everyone at the club’s Jersey Road base.

  Antonio’s emotional comeback took shape in the summer when he featured in Jamaica’s 1-0 loss to Guatemala in their CONCACAF Gold Cup opener, his first appearance since the accident. Before that, he trained with the national side during Unity Cup preparations, impressing coaches with his fitness and leadership. However, just as things were looking up, Antonio suffered another cruel blow. Jamaica boss Steve McClaren confirmed the striker picked up a calf injury during training, ruling him out for the next few weeks. 

  "Michail Antonio has been training with Brentford, doing very well," McClaren said. "Unfortunately, he has pulled a calf and will be two of three weeks out. He is still training with Brentford so hopefully something will work out with that."

• West Ham have already replaced Antonio

  Antonio’s departure has opened the door for Callum Wilson, released by Newcastle, to join the Hammers. Wilson, plagued by inconsistency and injuries himself, now inherits the role Antonio made his own for nearly a decade, leading the line with brute strength and heart. Meanwhile, Antonio has reinvented himself off the pitch, joining TNT Sports’ new punditry team alongside Gareth Bale, Fara Williams, Jen Beattie, and Anita Asante for the Premier League season. But the striker claimed that he’s not hanging up his boots just yet to focus on punditry.

  "No, definitely not," Antonio told "I'm speaking to clubs right now to see where the best offer is for me to go, and we'll just see how it goes. To be honest, there's a mixture, we're talking to clubs here, we're talking to clubs abroad, but I'm going to leave it very vague – talk to clubs in England and abroad."

  Antonio has his eyes on one last dream, representing Jamaica at the 2026 World Cup in North America. 

  "That's one thing I've not managed to achieve for myself, to be playing in the World Cup, and Jamaica are very close to it," he said. "It's not just that, I just wouldn't want my career to come to an end by a car crash, literally. So I've got something to prove to show that I can come back, I can come back and play well, which I was doing for the last 10 years. Even before I did the car crash, I was starting for West Ham, so it shows I've still got that ability about me and I can do it again."

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  A story of iron will and unfinished business

  From being cut out of twisted metal to running sprints at Brentford’s training base, Antonio’s story is pure inspiration. He could have quit, cashed in on media work, or faded quietly into retirement. Instead, he’s out there rebuilding, sweating, and dreaming of one more goal, one more roar, one more moment under the lights in the United States. However, for now, there’s no contract, no guarantees, no headlines of a new deal. Just Antonio, the man who refuses to give up, chasing one last chapter in a career forged by an unbreakable spirit.

Mikel Arteta has played down fears over Gabriel Magalhaes after the Brazilian defender was forced off during Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Olympiacos. The centre-back went down following a collision with David Raya and received treatment before being replaced, but the Gunners boss later revealed the issue was only a precautionary concern.

• Arsenal bag UCL win as Gabriel hobbles off

  Arsenal made it two wins from two in the Champions League with a 2-0 triumph over Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka sealed the result, but centre-back Gabriel’s withdrawal late in the game caused concern to Gunners fans. The defender appeared to pick up a knock following a collision and was replaced by Cristhian Mosquera; however, Arteta has offered a positive update.

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  Arteta explains reason for Gabriel's substitution

  After the match, Arsenal boss Arteta confirmed that Gabriel’s substitution was precautionary and not the result of a serious injury. “I think he’s going to be okay,” Arteta said. “He felt something, I think it was a kick, I’m not sure, in the first half, and he was a bit uncomfortable. He could carry on, but we decided not to take any risks, really, because he’s played a lot of games. He comes from a long-term injury as well, and we need to look after him.”

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  Gabriel's importance to Arsenal

  Gabriel has not just been Arsenal's rock at the back alongside William Saliba, but has also been a crucial part of their set-piece-heavy tactics. The Brazilian has contributed 14 goals for Arteta's side since the start of the 2023/24 season, and his potential injury would have been a major setback for Arsenal as they continue to fight for the Premier League title.

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• Could Gabriel play against West Ham?

  Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend with a London derby against West Ham at the Emirates. Gabriel’s availability will be assessed in the coming days, but early signs suggest he will be fit to feature. Arteta will hope to avoid further fitness setbacks as his side continue to compete on multiple fronts.

هاجم أسامة حسني، لاعب الأهلي السابق، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر للشباب أسامة نبيه، بعد تصريحاته التي أثارت جدلًا واسعًا عقب خروج المنتخب من بطولة كأس العالم للشباب.

وقال أسامة حسني في تصريحات لبرنامج “اللعيب” المذاع على قناة “MBC مصر”: “الكابتن حمادة أنور، المدير الإداري للمنتخب، قال كلمة مهمة جدًا عندما قدّم اعتذارًا للجماهير، وأوضح أن التجربة لم تكن ناجحة لأنها لم تحقق الهدف المطلوب، وهو التقدم في البطولة، هذا الموقف كان واضحًا وصادقًا، على عكس ما صدر من الكابتن أسامة نبيه، وهو ما لم يعجبني”.

وتابع: “الكابتن أسامة نبيه من الشخصيات التي أُكنّ لها كل احترام وتقدير، وكان من الأفضل أن يخرج ليعتذر للشعب المصري، خاصة أنه لم يحقق الهدف المرجو من المنتخب، وهو الوصول إلى الأدوار المتقدمة، كما فعل منتخب 2001 الذي كان يضم الكابتن أحمد سمير، وحقق الميدالية البرونزية في كأس العالم، وهو إنجاز كبير يُحتذى به”.

وأضاف: “شعرت أن تصريحات الكابتن أسامة نبيه بعد خروج المنتخب لم تكن موفقة على الإطلاق، وكنت أفضّل لو أنه لم يتحدث بهذه الطريقة، لأن الانطباع الذي وصل بعد بطولة أمم إفريقيا كان أننا اكتفينا بمجرد التأهل إلى كأس العالم دون الطموح لتحقيق أي إنجاز حقيقي، وكأن هذا هو الهدف الأقصى للمنتخب”.

طالع أيضًا | أسامة نبيه: لست مدربًا فاشلًا.. واستبعدت لاعب الأهلي لسبب فني

وواصل: “عندما تحدث عن وجود مشكلة في مركز رأس الحربة أو في الهجوم، وأشار إلى أن بعض اللاعبين لم يكونوا متاحين خلال البطولة، لم يكن موفقًا في تبريراته، فمثلًا هناك لاعب مثل حمزة عبد الكريم، مع كامل احترامي له، من مواليد 2008، أي أن الفارق بينه وبين منتخب الشباب ثلاث سنوات فقط، وهو لاعب في الفريق الأول بالنادي الأهلي ويشارك في المباريات الودية، وكان من الممكن الاستعانة به”.

واستكمل: “هناك أيضًا لاعب مثل عمر خضر، وهو لاعب مميز في فريق أستون فيلا الإنجليزي، فكرة أن يقول المدرب إن اللاعب غير جاهز بدنيًا ثم يبرر الإخفاق بذلك، أمر لا أقبله، أكثر ما يضايقني في أي مدرب هو أن يبرر الفشل بإلقاء اللوم على لاعبيه وتسليمهم للجماهير كأنهم السبب الوحيد في الخسارة”.

واختتم حسني تصريحاته قائلًا: “كنت أتمنى من الكابتن أسامة نبيه أن يحافظ على لاعبيه ويحميهم من الانتقادات، حتى لو لم يحقق الهدف المطلوب، هذا ما أحترمه دائمًا في المدرب الحقيقي، أن يتحمل المسؤولية ويحمي عناصر فريقه، لكن للأسف الكابتن أسامة نبيه لم يكن موفقًا في تصريحاته الأخيرة على الإطلاق”.

Guglielmo Vicario explained the differences between Thomas Frank's methods to Ange Postecoglou's as the goalkeeper admitted that Tottenham have a better "understanding" under the new boss. The Italian talked about the dramatic shift inside the dressing room, revealing how Frank’s pragmatic approach has ripped up Postecoglou’s ultra-attacking mantra and replaced it with discipline, structure, and grit.

• Clean sheets are the new currency

  Tuesday night’s 1-0 triumph over Villarreal in the Champions League wasn’t just a statement win. It was another defensive masterclass. That shutout made it four clean sheets in their first five matches under Frank. Compare that to the same stage under Postecoglou a year ago, when Spurs had just one clean sheet to their name. The difference couldn’t be starker. Vicario insists the team now have a far deeper understanding of how to manage games from back to front.

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  Learning to read the fight

  Talking to reporters, Vicario said: "What has changed is being able to recognise the different phases of the game, understanding when we need to press high with intensity and when we need to cover the pitch better. In general, there’s more focus on defending the box, also because we have more clarity about the different movements without the ball."

  But the keeper wasn’t blind to the flaws, either. He admitted Spurs gave Villarreal too many opportunities on the break and warned they need to “take away hope” from teams trying to hit them on the counter.

  “Against Villarreal, we allowed a few too many transitions, and we need to take away a bit of hope from the opponents when they go on counterattack. Overall, it was an excellent defensive performance as a team, and we have to keep going this way," he added.

• A club reborn by silverware

  Vicario believes the biggest transformation has come from the Europa League triumph last season, a moment that broke Tottenham’s infamous cycle of near-misses. 

  “Winning surely gives you a different dimension, probably even in the eyes of others and a bit of healthy respect. We used to have this thing, even within the club, of being the ones who always got there but never managed to win,” he said.

  “But now we’ve done it. That’s freed us up a little. We’ve taken a weight off our shoulders, so we can now move forward, aware of our strengths. And also with some goals, which we’ll keep to ourselves, but we absolutely want to achieve.”

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  Flying start proves the point

  Tottenham’s early-season form suggests Frank’s blueprint is already paying off. Three wins from their opening four league matches have them planted firmly in the mix at the top end of the table. The next challenge comes on Saturday at the Amex, where Brighton will test Spurs’ newfound defensive steel.

The 20-year-old seamer impressed on recent tour of South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-20242:19

Jon Lewis: MacDonald-Gay has ‘real steel in her character’

Ryana MacDonald-Gay has earned her place in England’s Women’s Ashes Test squad after making a successful debut in South Africa this month.MacDonald-Gay, the 20-year-old seam bowler, has played two ODIs and one T20I after making her international debut on England’s tour of Ireland in September.She impressed both captain Heather Knight and South Africa’s star allrounder Marizanne Kapp in taking 2 for 50 during South Africa’s first innings, though she was only required to bowl one over as the hosts were bowled out for 64 in a 286-run victory for England.ESPNcricinfo LtdShe joins allrounder Freya Kemp and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, who are both part of England’s T20 squad only, in earning maiden Ashes selections, along with wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath, who returns from a fractured thumb which ruled her out of the South Africa tour and has been named as part of the T20 and Test squads. Fellow seam bowler Mahika Gaur will travel with the group as she continues her return to bowling from injury.Though Lauren Bell took the match award against South Africa for her four wickets in each innings, MacDonald-Gay arguably made the critical breakthroughs in the first innings, as she struck twice with the old ball – first, to break Kapp’s 99-run stand with Sune Luus, and then to dismiss the dangerous Nadine de Klerk for a duck.MacDonald-Gay had not previously played any professional red-ball cricket prior to her elevation to the Test team, as a replacement for the injured Kate Cross. Jon Lewis, England Women’s head coach, admitted that her selection had been made on an assessment of her character, rather than any genuine insight into her abilities at Test level.Related

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“It’s incredibly hard,” he said. “You’ve got to go with your cricket knowledge and your understanding of the person. Ryana’s got real steel in her character. She seems really unflappable at times and she’s really logical in how she thinks about a cricket match. She is able to see a task and go and do it.”I’ve been involved in professional cricket for over 30 years now, so you’re backing your understanding of what you think cricketers can do. You’re putting your finger in the air a little bit, I’m not going to lie, like we did Lauren Filer in the Ashes Test last year. But what I would say is that Ryana, in time, will have the tools to play all formats and be a really good competitor for England.”Maia Bouchier, who scored a century on Test debut in South Africa, was named in all three squads for the Ashes.The hundred was Bouchier’s second in professional cricket, both of which have come for England. Despite making a duck in the second innings at Bloemfontein, Lewis said the confidence boost she’ll have taken from that experience will stand her in good stead across formats in Australia.”It’s really important for Maia,” Lewis said. “She’s had some really big match-winning scores for us across this last period, so it’s great for her confidence. It was fascinating to watch how she prepared for a Test match, having never played a multi-day game before, and a really special day for her and her family when she got a hundred in the first innings there.”She came down to earth with a bump in the second innings but, again, that’s brilliant learning for her, to understand the ebbs and flows of Test cricket and the different roles that you have to play throughout the game. She’s a really talented cricketer and I’m really hopeful that she can go to Australia and score some match-winning runs.”Ryana MacDonald-Gay took two wickets on her Test debut•ECB via Getty ImagesEngland travel to Sydney on January 2 and will play a warm-up match against a Governor General’s XI on January 9 ahead of the multi-format Ashes series, consisting of three ODIs and three T20s, worth two points each, and a four-day Test, worth four points.Lewis added: “We have named balanced squads for this Ashes series, with a good mix of youth and experience. Ashes series are always special. We want to go there, play our way, and are all excited about the challenges ahead.”Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart will host the ODIs from January 12 before the T20Is in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide. The day-night Test at the MCG will close the multi-format series for the first time since it was introduced in 2015.During the last Ashes, in England in 2023, Australia won the Test match, which opened the series at Trent Bridge, before England triumphed in both white-ball formats resulting in an eight-all draw overall.England Women ODI squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women T20I squad: Heather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women Test squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge2025 Women’s Ashes schedule (UK dates and times)
CommBank Women’s Ashes ODI Series
11 January: North Sydney Oval, Sydney (11.30pm)13 January: Junction Oval, Melbourne (11.05pm)16 January: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (11.05pm)CommBank Women’s Ashes IT20 Series
20 January: SCG, Sydney (8.40am)23 January: Manuka Oval, Canberra (8.40am)25 January: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (8.10am)CommBank Women’s Ashes Test Match
30 January-2 February: MCG, Melbourne (3.30am)

Having agreed a deal to sign Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente, Sunderland are now reportedly preparing a fresh offer to sign another Serie A star for Regis Le Bris this summer.

Sunderland closing in on Lauriente

To say that Sunderland have made a survival statement this summer would be an understatement. The Black Cats have welcomed as many as six fresh faces and there seems to be more on the way.

According to Fabrizio Romano, next on their list is Lauriente. Those at the Stadium of Light have reportedly agreed a deal worth as much as €20m (£17m) to sign the French winger, who looks set to join the likes of Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra on Sunderland’s list of incomings.

It’s been quite the overhaul for Le Bris’ side as they prepare to become the first side in six promoted teams to survive in their first season back in the top tier.

Lauriente should play an important part in achieving that too. The 26-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out as Sassuolo earned promotion from Serie B. And whilst stepping up to the Premier League will be no easy task, last season’s 19 goals and six assists in all competitions suggest that he’s more than ready for the move.

Sunderland now submit formal bid for £17m "technician" who scores "worldies"

It is a big development at the Stadium of Light.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 18, 2025

Despite already spending as much as €115m (£100m) with €20m (£17m) to come on Lauriente, Sunderland’s spending looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now indicating that the Black Cats are already preparing a fresh offer to sign a third Serie A star ahead of next season.

Sunderland now preparing fresh Lucumi offer

As reported by Corriere di Bologna and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now preparing a fresh €20m (£17m) offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. The newly-promoted side have already seen one offer turned down, but are seemingly set to edge closer to Bologna’s €25m (£22m) valuation in hope of advancing their move.

Minutes

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2,614

Progressive Passes

229

108

Tackles Won

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Ball Recoveries

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Last season’s numbers indicate that Lucumi would push the versatile Luke O’Nien all the way for a starting place in Le Bris’ side, with his experience in Italy’s top flight likely to eventually pay dividends.

Described as “composed” and “ridiculously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Lucumi would join a growing list of excellent arrivals at the Stadium of Light if he swapped Bologna for Sunderland in the coming weeks. The club may also have a smooth path to negotiations on the personal side of things, given they already have dealings with the player’s agency through their representation of Dennis Cirkin.

With the Premier League campaign set to get underway in around one month’s time, Sunderland have until then to ensure that Le Bris’ side is perfectly suited to end the trend of promoted sides suffering instant failure. And Lucumi should be among their final priorities as a result.

Manchester United are now keen on signing a “talented” PSG defender who is free to leave the French capital in search of more playing time, according to a new report.

INEOS identify new transfer targets for Man Utd

There are still over 40 days remaining in this transfer window, and given what was reported of what United would like to do this summer, it could be a busy few weeks for the Red Devils as they look to wrap up a deal for Bryan Mbeumo and many more.

Man Utd now in formal talks with Aston Villa to sign "world-class" £40m ace

Man Utd have finally begun official talks.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 16, 2025

The Premier League giants have now made contact with Aston Villa over the signing of Emiliano Martinez, who appears to be a top target when it comes to replacing Andre Onana, but he is not the only deal the club are working on.

Ben Jacobs reported on Tuesday evening that United hold a genuine interest in Pervis Estupiñán and have held talks with the representatives of the defender.

Meanwhile, a new report has revealed that the Red Devils have registered their interest in signing Andre from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Brazilian impressed for the Midlands side last season, and now he is wanted by United as well as Liverpool, who could sign him for just £30 million.

Man Utd keen on signing "talented" £25m+ defender

Estupiñán may not be the only defender to arrive at Old Trafford this summer, as according to a report from Spain, Man United are now interested in signing Lucas Beraldo from PSG.

It was previously reported that the defender has handed in a transfer request, as he wants to play regular football, and given the French champions want players who are 100% committed to the club, they have agreed to part ways.

PSG are ready to replace the young defender and United are very keen, as they believe he still has time to develop in a new environment. The 21-year-old joined the Champions League winners back in January 2024 and has gone on to play 62 times for the club in all competitions.

It had previously been reported that PSG would look to get at least €30 million (£25 million) for Beraldo, who has been dubbed “talented” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Beraldo played 25 times in Ligue 1 last season, 22 of which came as a starter, but the defender only appeared in four Champions League games, as the club went on to claim victory. Beraldo did have more of an impact in the Club World Cup this summer, as he played five times and made three starts, but it now appears he could have played his last game for the club.

His potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him come up against Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martínez in a bid to be a regular starter in Ruben Amorim’s back three.

Lancashire bowled out for 204 with no one making fifty, Surrey reply at 83 without loss

ECB Reporters Network22-Aug-2024Rocky Flintoff made a creditable 32 on debut, as Lancashire’s youngest first-class cricketer at the age of 16 years and 137 days, but it was champions Surrey who ruthlessly took first-day honours at the Kia Oval.Put in, Lancashire were bowled out for 204 inside 59 overs, with no one making it to 50, and Surrey then replied with 83 for no wicket before bad light ended play 15.4 overs early. Skipper Rory Burns was 44 not out, including straight driving George Balderson’s medium pace for successive fours, and Dom Sibley unbeaten on 37.Jordan Clark (4 for 57) and Dan Worrall (3 for 31) continued their fine red-ball seasons by spearheading a five-pronged seam attack in which Conor McKerr also took two wickets and Sam Curran one in what was, for both, their first Vitality County Championship appearance of the summer.Matty Hurst, with 46 from 64 balls, played Lancashire’s best and most assertive innings, while Balderson’s 33 and Josh Bohannon’s 26 were other worthy efforts in seam-friendly overhead and pitch conditions.But most eyes were on Flintoff, who made 167 runs in seven Metro Bank One-Day Cup innings after becoming his county’s youngest player in any format last month, and who came in at 33 for 2 in the 11th over after both Luke Wells and Keaton Jennings had fallen to the new ball.Wells went in the fourth over for 9, dragging an attempted off drive into his stumps against Clark, while Jennings looked aggrieved to be given out leg-before for 12, pushing forward to an inswinger from Worrall.Off the mark first ball, clipping Worrall confidently for two off his pads, young Flintoff was soon living up to his reputation as one of the best players of his age to emerge in recent decades – on a day when most 16-year-olds around the country were more concerned about getting their GCSE results.Uncannily like his father Andrew in build and mannerisms – the former England captain and television celebrity was watching proudly from a hospitality box – the young Flintoff saw off Worrall’s fine opening spell of 7-3-9-1 and helped Bohannon to add 40 for Lancashire’s third wicket in tough, overcast conditions.He did have some moments of good fortune, being dropped at third slip on 13 when he edged Tom Lawes and later also flailing a returning Worrall just over the cordon for four as lunch approached, but otherwise he looked comfortable at the crease and mature beyond his years as Lancashire reached lunch on 98 for 3.Bohannon had gone by then, chopping on to McKerr for 26, and unfortunately for Flintoff he sliced a drive at the first ball after lunch, and his 64th – from Clark – and saw Sai Sudharsan dive forward at backward point to scoop up a brilliant catch.Jordan Clark celebrates a wicket•Getty Images for Surrey CCCHurst played some superb shots but was dropped by Clark from a skier on 45 before McKerr dived to his right to hold a magnificent low catch at leg slip in Curran’s next over and from 155 for 4 the Lancashire first innings fizzled out as Worrall, McKerr and Clark combined to overpower the tail.Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, on his Championship debut, played one memorable cover drive before optimistically jumping down the pitch to swing at Worrall and edge behind while Balderson, playing defensively, nicked the same bowler to first slip.McKerr’s pace and lift did for Tom Hartley, caught at the wicket for 5, and only some defiance from Tom Aspinwall – who hooked McKerr for six and extra cover drove him for four in a bright 23 not out – took Lancashire past 200 before they lost both Josh Boyden, who lifted a simple catch to mid off on 5, and Will Williams, caught behind, from successive deliveries from Clark.

Manchester City are headed to the Club World Cup and expect to bring in a proven Premier League operator to strengthen their ranks before the tournament commences, according to David Ornstein.

Manchester City close to landing double midfield deal

With Kevin De Bruyne moving on to a new challenge elsewhere, Manchester City have wasted no time in finding a replacement for the Belgian icon and look set to wrap up a double deal in midfield before they jet out to the United States.

Pep Guardiola is closing in on AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon star Rayan Cherki. The latter is set to arrive for a fee of £34 million after Florian Wirtz opted to move from Bayer Leverkusen to reigning champions Liverpool.

In the case of Reijnders, the final details of a transfer worth £50 million involving the Netherlands international are being ironed out before he officially links up with his new teammates at the Etihad Stadium.

Legendary defensive midfielder Rodri is also back after injury, creating a new-look engine room to take the Premier League by storm next term as the Citizens aim to reclaim the title.

Cementing what he wants his midfield to look like after a period of instability, Guardiola is also set to offer Rodri a new Manchester City contract to stave off interest from heavyweights Real Madrid – that could be worth £300,000 per week.

Man City now in contact for £29m DM who is Switzerland's "greatest talent"

City have stepped up their pursuit of a new midfielder, who just won a Player of the Season award.

By
Dominic Lund

May 28, 2025

Pressing on in their hunt for reinforcements, City are now closing in on another addition elsewhere on the pitch to equip themselves ahead of their Club World Cup endeavours.

Man City expect to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers

Taking to social media platform X, reputable journalist Ornstein has reported all parties involved – from both clubs to the player’s camp – ‘expect’ a deal to be done that would see Rayan Ait-Nouri arrive at the Etihad Stadium from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There is still work to be done before a final agreement can be reached, but they appear to be in pole position to land their main left-back target relatively quickly.

Labelled “incredible” by Gary O’Neil, Ait-Nouri has registered five goals and seven assists in 41 appearances across all competition for Wolves this campaign.

Creating 24 chances on Premier League duty this term, the Algeria international provided a regular threat in forward areas for the Old Gold as they managed to secure their top-flight status.

Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake have both shouldered the left-back burden at Manchester City, though bringing in a natural in that position could gift Guardiola the added bonus of being able to move one of them to a central role once all paperwork is completed.

Deemed to be worth around £51 million on the market, signing Ait-Nouri appears to be a shrewd addition by the Citizens ahead of the new campaign.