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Barcelona and their sporting director Deco have made £120,000-per-week Newcastle United star a top transfer target, according to a recent report.

Newcastle chasing attacking reinforcements this summer

The Magpies still have plenty to play for in what has been a tremendous campaign, as they ended their long wait to lift a trophy. Eddie Howe’s side are still firmly in the race to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, and the hope will be that securing that will help them when it comes to transfers this summer.

Mega-money Harvey Barnes upgrade: Newcastle want to sign £62m forward

Newcastle are hoping to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 23, 2025

The transfer window doesn’t open until the beginning of June, but already, Newcastle are lining up potential arrivals. According to a recent report, Newcastle are interested in a move to sign Alexis Saelemaekers from Italian giants AC Milan. The midfielder has been sent out on loan to AS Roma this season, and on his return at the end of the campaign, he could be allowed to leave, with Milan looking to get around £17 million for his services. His arrival would strengthen a midfield that already has plenty of exciting options.

As well as looking at ways to improve their midfield, Newcastle are also looking at improving their forward line, especially as Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move away from St James’ Park.

According to L’Equipe, Newcastle have made Emanuel Emegha a transfer target, as the forward has been mightily impressive for Strasbourg. The striker is said to be open to a move to England and could be seen as a potential replacement for Isak, should he depart.

Barcelona now choose £120k-p/w Newcastle star to replace De Jong

However, signing a player like Saelemaekers may become more of a priority for the Magpies, as according to a report from Spain, Barcelona now want to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle as a replacement for Frenkie De Jong.

The report states that Deco is now working on a replacement for De Jong, as while the Dutchman is under contract until the summer of 2026, talks over a new deal are not advancing.

Therefore, he could be moved on by the Spanish giants, and they have identified Tonali as the perfect replacement. It claims that Barça see the Newcastle midfielder as someone who can immediately fit into their system and would be perfect to cover De Jong.

Tonali, who earns £120,000 a week at St James’ Park, has been on Barça’s radar for a while, even before he joined the Magpies. His performances in England for Newcastle have now confirmed to the Spanish giants how good he really is.

Apps

31

Starts

23

Goals

3

xG

3.53

Shots per game

0.9

Assists

2

xAG

1.35

Big chances created

2

Key passes

0.4

Tackles per game

1.5

Interceptions per game

0.9

Barça would place Tonali as essential to their midfield plans, but the fact he is under contract until 2028 and is expected to cost a lot of money are two stumbling blocks for Barcelona. However, they are confident that if De Jong doesn’t sign a new contract, it will give them an opportunity to sign Tonali, but this transfer hinges on what happens to the future of De Jong.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are on a four-match winning run in the Premier League, and they will hope to continue this when they face Manchester United this afternoon.

The Old Gold defeated the Old Trafford side 2-0 at the end of December to maintain their perfect start under Vitor Pereira, and hopes will be high that they can complete the double over the Red Devils.

Man United were taken to extra time by Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday evening and there will be a few tired legs among the squad.

This could give Wolves the advantage, while Pereira may make a few changes of his own ahead of the clash.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde played against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but it remains to be seen whether he will return to the starting XI after suffering a minor injury.

Why Pereira must axe Bellegarde for Man Utd trip

Bellegarde played 42 minutes last week against Spurs before being subbed off due to injury.

Chalkboard

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

While on the field, the attacking midfielder completed just six passes, failed with his only dribble attempt, lost possession six times and was dribbled past once.

He has been a solid signing for the Old Gold, that much is certain. Given the nature of the game, however, plus the fact that Matheus Cunha is ready to make his first start following his four-match suspension, it makes sense to bring the Brazilian back into the starting XI.

This would see Bellegarde drop to the bench. That is if he is fit enough to make the matchday squad in the first place.

How Pereira can replace Bellegarde vs Man Utd

Cunha has a decent record against Man United since joining Wolves, scoring once and grabbing two assists across four games.

His goal came in the famous 2-0 win last December, and it proved that Cunha was capable of scoring in the biggest games.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

12

14

Assists

7

4

Key passes per game

0.9

1.7

Big chances created

7

12

Successful dribbles per game

2

1.9

The £90k-per-week forward has been in sublime form for Wolves this season. A total of 16 goals and four assists have been registered by the former Atletico Madrid star, and he has arguably single-handedly kept the club floating above the relegation zone.

When compared to his positional peers in the top flight, Cunha ranks in the top 3% for non-penalty goals (0.58) per 90, while also ranking in the top 17% for successful take-ons (2.16) per 90 for the Old Gold this term.

Hailed as “unbelievable” by current teammate Mario Lemina earlier this season, Cunha might well be heading into his final few weeks as a Wolves player.

Cunha has sparked plenty of controversy in recent weeks, notably when hitting out at Wolves’ fans on social media who have criticised his attitude and commitment to the club.

Should a big offer arrive in the summer, it is likely he will be sold, giving Pereira plenty of cash to spend. The club might not have a player of his quality for quite some time, and he could shine against the Red Devils this afternoon.

Pereira's "sensational" Wolves star is now slowly becoming the new O’Hara

Wolves “sensational” star in danger of becoming new Jamie O’Hara

ByConnor Holden Apr 18, 2025

Everton’s nine-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League crumbled as David Moyes’ side lost to Liverpool at Anfield.

Moyes, who has never won across from Stanley Park over 22 visits, took the defeat on the chin, and fair play to him. Everton have been transformed since he waltzed through the gates in January, skipping far away from the relegation zone and instead creating a foundation from which new goals can be set for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

There’s still plenty to play for over the coming weeks, though, with the 15th-place Toffees set to welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park at noon.

The Gunners beat Fulham in midweek but were left reeling after their latest fitness blow in a season of fitness blows, Gabriel Magalhaes ruled out for the season after injuring his hamstring.

23/24

Premier League

1-0 loss

22/23

Premier League

1-0 win

21/22

Premier League

2-1 win

20/21

Premier League

2-1 win

19/20

Premier League

0-0 draw

Bukayo Saka has returned, scoring off the bench against the Cottagers. Everton will need to be on their A-game. However, Moyes will be buoyed by his thinning-out infirmary pile.

Everton team news

James Tarkowski will reprise his usual role at centre-half after escaping punishment for a lunging challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.

On the injury front, Orel Mangala is still, of course, out for the season, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil are nearing returns from respective setbacks; Saturday’s fixture might come too soon.

Armando Broja, talking of strikers, has been fit again for several fixtures and has featured off the bench in both of Everton’s recent Premier League games, but he’s unlikely to displace Beto, even if the powerful centre-forward’s Midas touch in front of goal has deserted him.

It’s unlikely Moyes will field more than one or two changes, but there is one potential tweak sure to be on the manager’s mind.

Iliman Ndiaye made his anticipated return in the second half at Anfield, fit again after being withdrawn injured in February, during the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Goodison Park.

For him to return to the starting line-up, Moyes must axe another star.

Why Iliman Ndiaye could be the difference-maker

Ndiaye’s second-half introduction was met by a chorus of cheers from the travelling Toffees under the Liverpool lights. The game might have been lost, but he’s a devastating talent, signed from Marseille for about £15m last summer.

Eight goals across 29 appearances in all competitions for Everton speak of a blooming goal threat, not least because he bagged in each of Moyes’ opening three victories before falling to injury against the Reds.

Of course, the Senegalese is hardly just a ball-striking threat. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 19% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this term for pass completion, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 14% for tackles + interceptions per 90.

Capable across both attacking flanks, Ndiaye should replace Jack Harrison on the right, allowing Charly Alcaraz to continue his journey on the left; when you compare Ndiaye and Harrison’s respective data pools across the campaign, it becomes clear as to why.

Matches (starts)

26 (18)

25 (22)

Goals

1

6

Assists

0

0

Touches*

29.8

39.2

Shots (on target)*

1.0 (0.2)

1.0 (0.4)

Big chances missed

4

2

Pass completion

75%

84%

Key passes*

1.1

0.6

Dribbles*

0.8

2.3

Ball recoveries*

2.2

5.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.2

2.5

Duels won*

2.7

5.9

Harrison’s a man of industry and energy, but he’s struggled to offer much of substance in the way of goals, assists, key contributions.

Ndiaye brings so much more to the table, with his unique brand of football sure to revive Beto at the front of the ship too. The hulking Bissau-Guinean scored five Premier League goals across four matches through February, skill set unlocked with Moyes in the driving seat.

However, the goals have dried up, with Beto now without a successful strike across four top-flight fixtures. But how exactly could Ndiaye fix his woes?

Well, while Beto’s litany of missed big chances – five since last scoring, to be exact – are a by-product of his own returned profligacy, he’s not exactly being supplied with the greatest supplementary force.

Harrison was particularly out of sorts against Liverpool on Wednesday evening, failing with both of his attempted dribbles while also losing every single one of his seven contested duels.

A loanee, he’s being outstripped by Ndiaye – who has been praised for his “dynamite” quality by Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp – and, frankly, most positional peers in the Premier League this season, and his 25-year-old teammate’s return could bear dividends for an Everton side seeking a return to winning ways.

Let’s not forget, the Blues have now gone five games without a win in the league, albeit only losing one of those matchups. Still, it’s clear that Moyes needs more firepower from varying angles to overcome tough opponents.

Arsenal have conceded the fewest number of goals in the Premier League this season, with David Raya also boasting the second-best save percentage in the division this term at 76.5% (FBref).

It’s going to be difficult, even if Everton have a stentorian Goodison crowd behind them. The players will need the 12th man, but they will also need Ndiaye in their starting mix, for he adds so much flavour and could elevate Beto up top.

Moyes may have found the new Gareth Barry in Everton's £100k-p/w "leader"

Everton went punch for punch with Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 3, 2025

Newcastle United have now joined the race to sign a “future Ballon D’or winner”, who has 18 assists to his name already this season, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, according to a report.

Newcastle keen to strengthen in attack

A new striker may be required at St. James’ Park this summer, should Alexander Isak make it clear he wants to leave, with recent reports suggesting the forward wants to sign for Arsenal.

Fiorentina’s Moise Kean and Lille’s Jonathan David are among the targets at centre-forward, but in truth Newcastle will be hoping a new top striker is not required, given that it would be very difficult to replace Isak.

That said, Eddie Howe may feel some more options are required in wide areas, with the Magpies recently joining the race for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, although the winger will not come cheap, as the Saints are set to demand as much as £100m.

Newcastle now eyeing £25m Leeds target who Howe called "magnificent"

The Magpies are in the race for a Premier League player, who is set to leave his club in the summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 1, 2025

Contact has also been made over a deal for AFC Bournemouth winger Dango Outattara, with a number of options from within the Premier League being considered.

However, there are also some targets from further afield, with a report from The Boot Room revealing Newcastle are now interested in signing Lyon winger Rayan Cherki, who is set to be available for a bargain fee this summer.

Lyon are set to sanction Cherki’s departure for less than £25m, and there is no shortage of interest in his signature, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Aston Villa also keen.

The 21-year-old is viewed as one of the most talented youngsters in Europe, and his performances this season mean he could be in line for a big move to the Premier League this summer.

Cherki wowing for Lyon this season

The Frenchman has been in simply incredible form for Lyon this term, collecting eight goals and 18 assists in all competitions, having shown serious signs of development.

Given his ability to set up his teammates, the starlet ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for assists per 90 over the past year, while also placing very highly on some other key metrics.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.68 (99th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

7.26 (99th percentile)

Progressive passes

9.75 (99th percentile)

Successful take-ons

3.17 (96th percentile)

Such is the Lyon star’s ability, The Athletic’s Alex Barker has made the bold claim he could win the Ballon D’or at some point in the future.

If Cherki is able to replicate his current numbers in the Premier League, Barker’s bold prediction is not completely out of the question, so it is very exciting news that Newcastle are in the race for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur are now pushing hard to sign a “powerful” midfielder who has been likened to Manchester City star Rodri, and his current employers could be willing to sanction a move for £30m…

Tottenham looking to strengthen in midfield after Fulham setback

Tottenham remain without a home win since the opening day of the season in the Premier League, having succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham on Saturday afternoon, and Danny Murphy has since criticised the lack of creativity in the middle of the park.

As such, Spurs may need to enter the market for some new signings in the January transfer window, and bringing in a new forward may be of key significance, given that Thomas Frank has decided he no longer wants Richarlison.

However, signing another midfielder could also be a savvy move, given the lack of creativity, and there has now been a new update on the north Londoners’ pursuit of Anderlecht maestro Nathan De Cat.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange is now pushing hard to sign De Cat, who has impressed scouts from across Europe, with Aston Villa, Brighton and Bayern Munich also keen.

The Belgian club had been hoping to keep hold of the 17-year-old until 2027, but they could now be willing to cash-in on the youngster, who has been compared to Manchester City star Rodri, for £30m.

"Powerful" De Cat could be future star

Likened to Rodri due to being a deep-lying playmaker, the teenager has been praised for his creativity by scout Ben Mattinson, who said he is able to unlock defences “from deep or as creator in the final third”, while also describing the starlet as “powerful.”

Fellow scout Jacek Kulig also clearly believes the Anderlecht ace could be destined for big things, having praised his performances at youth level back in July.

Since then, the Belgian has gone on to become a key player for the Anderlecht first team, making 20 appearances in all competitions this season, which is an impressive feat as such a young age.

Tottenham hold talks with Arsenal target as Frank 'craves his progressive passing'

Spurs need more creativity.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 28, 2025

At just 17, De Cat is likely to need more time to develop before being able to slot into Tottenham’s starting XI, but he clearly has a lot of potential, and £30m could end up being a bargain in the long run.

The Blue Jays are one game away from winning the 2025 World Series after beating the Dodgers in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Following a brutal loss in Game 3's marathon thriller, Toronto quickly rebounded with a win in Game 4 to even up the series at two games apiece. Heading into Game 5, each team knew that the result could heavily tip the scales in one side's favor—as Dodgers minority owner Magic Johnson so astutely put it before first pitch.

On Wednesday, the Blue Jays played spoiler for the second straight time during the Dodgers' homestand with rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage's historic start and Toronto's big-time bats helping to secure a pivotal 6-1 win, and now they stand on the precipice of their first World Series title since 1993. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are teetering on the brink of elimination, their first taste of do-or-die baseball since the 2024 NLDS.

If history is any indication, the odds are very much in Toronto's favor.

In a best-of-seven series tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 has won the series 46 of 68 times (67.6%), according to MLB's Sarah Langs.

In series which have a 2-3-2 format (like this one), teams who take a 3-2 lead by winning Game 5 on the road before returning home for Game 6 and 7 have gone on to to win the series 20 of 27 times (74.1%).

The Last Time Winner of Game 5 Clinched the World Series

The last two World Series were decided in five games, so they don't apply in this situation. In the 2022 Fall Classic between the Astros and Phillies, with the series tied 2-2, the Astros took Game 5 in Philadelphia before going on to clinch the title two days later at home in Game 6's 4-1 win.

With Game 6 at Rogers Centre on Friday night, the Blue Jays own the clear advantage and will also get to hear their home fans cheering them on in the same building they won their repeat championship in '93. Facing a Dodgers team that doesn't seem to have any answers at the plate this series, the Blue Jays will have sole control of their destiny.

South Africa left-arm spinner’s celebration of a wicket lands her in trouble

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2025

Nonkululeko Mlaba picked up 2 for 46 in South Africa’s win over India•BCCI

South Africa left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was handed a demerit point for breaching the ICC’s code of conduct during the match against India at the Women’s World Cup.The incident occurred in the 17th over of India’s innings, when Mlaba, after dismissing Harleen Deol, waved goodbye to the batter, which an ICC release on Saturday noted, “could have provoked an aggressive response”Mlaba was judged to have breached Article 2.5, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”Related

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On-field umpires Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton, third umpire Candace le Borde and fourth umpire Sue Redfern levelled the charge. Mlaba admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Trudy Anderson. The sanction also included an official reprimand.Mlaba will carry this demerit point into a 24-month period. When a player reaches four or more demerit points within this period, they can be suspended for one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first.South Africa clinched a thriller against India on Thursday, chasing down 252 to post their second win in three games of the World Cup. Mlaba picked up 2 for 46 in the game.

Arsenal have identified a marquee Nottingham Forest star as one of their top transfer targets heading into 2026, according to a report this week.

Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta splashed nearly £270 million on new recruits last summer, and the Italian’s investments have paid dividends thus far.

This was evident in the North London derby last weekend, when Arsenal put arch rivals Tottenham to the sword in a 4-1 win, piling pressure on Thomas Frank and cementing Mikel Arteta’s side as the overwhelming Premier League title favourites.

A hat-trick from summer signing Eberechi Eze, who was once on the verge of joining Spurs before Berta hijacked the deal, and Leandro Trossard’s strike saw Arsenal claim all the bragging rights on Sunday while extending their lead at the top of the table to six points.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Another new recruit, Piero Hincapie, was also handed his first Premier League start by Arteta with star defender Gabriel Magalhaes sidelined due to a thigh injury.

The Ecuadorian shone in Gabriel’s stead, with Arteta hailing his exceptional display against Spurs on the eve of their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Arsenal’s water-tight backline is one of the major reasons why they’re top of the pile and unbeaten in all competitions since August, with Arteta very well-stocked in defence after both Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera’s arrivals in the summer.

Both men have performed exceptionally when called upon, but according to Spanish media sources, Berta and co are still planning to reinforce their backline in future windows.

Arsenal identify Nottingham Forest star Murillo as top target

Indeed, it is now believed that Arsenal have identified Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo as a priority transfer target, entering a three-way battle with Chelsea and Barcelona for the Brazilian’s signature.

Arteta has apparently earmarked the young defender as crucial to strengthening his backline for the long term.

The Spanish tactician particularly values Murillo’s ball-playing prowess, ability to break defensive lines and his left-footed profile, which Arteta believes would bring even more balance to Arsenal’s central defence.

However, Forest have set a large price tag for their defensive jewel, and Evangelos Marinakis could charge up to £79 million for Murillo to ward off potential suitors like Arsenal.

Since arriving from Brazil, Murillo has become a cornerstone of Forest’s backline.

The 23-year-old’s links with a move away are nothing new, and Arsenal have been named as suitors for Murillo even before now. Despite their many options at the back, Berta’s admiration for the South American hasn’t gone away, and it is clear to see why.

Murillo ended 2024/2025 as Forest’s best-performer by average match rating in the Premier League last season, according to WhoScored, with only Matz Sels and Nikola Milenkovic playing more minutes than the ex-Corinthians sensation.

Kotian and Kamboj shared seven wickets between them in South Africa A’s second innings

Shashank Kishore01-Nov-2025India A 234 and 119 for 4 (Pant 64*, Patidar 28, Moreki 2-12, van Vuuren 1-20) need another 156 runs to beat South Africa A 309 and 199 (Hamza 37, Senokwane 37, Kotian 4-26, Kamboj 3-39)A few hundred fans lined the boundary wall of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, peering through barbed-wire fences for a glimpse of Rishabh Pant in action. Spectator entry was barred, but that didn’t deter them as a lot of them spent hours watching from outside.Their patience was richly rewarded as Pant made a fluent and an unbeaten half-century that carried the promise of much more to come on Sunday. His third-wicket stand of 87 with Rajat Patidar steadied India A after a top-order wobble in pursuit of 275 in the first four-day fixture against South Africa A.But with nine minutes left for stumps, left-arm quick Tiaan van Vuuren prised out Patidar as he attempted an upper cut but only managed a tickle through to the wicketkeeper. India A finished on 119 for 4, with South Africa A visibly unhappy with Pant taking his own time to receive treatment for cramps from the physio. This helped shave off four minutes from the clock. Ayush Badoni then played out six nervous deliveries, surviving a sharp bouncer that lobbed off the glove and had short leg scrambling a dive to almost pull off a stunner off the final ball of play.For the early part of the final session, this wasn’t the typically belligerent Pant innings. After starting with back-to-back boundaries off his third and fourth balls on walking in at 32 for 3, he settled into a period of restraint, defending solidly and dead-batting his way through the next 24 deliveries.Zubayr Hamza followed his first-innings 66 with an attractive 37 in the second•PTI Even with mid-off and mid-on up, Pant resisted the temptation to go aerial against offspinner Prenelan Subrayen, who was spitting venom in the first innings while picking up a five-wicket haul. Then, just when South Africa A seemed to have contained him, Pant broke free, skipping down the track to loft Subrayen inside out for a majestic six.Once he found his rhythm, Pant’s big hits became a regular feature through the afternoon. This change in approach offered South Africa A a golden chance when a half-flick, half-sweep off van Vuuren went straight to Okuhle Cele at fine leg. But Cele went low with his palms facing upward, and the ball slipped through.Pant, on 46 at the time, made the most of the reprieve, soon bringing up his half-century off just 65 balls when he crashed Subrayen on the up to the extra-cover boundary. And in what seemed like the biggest indication that he was well and truly back, he danced down a ball later to whip him from outside off to the deep midwicket fence.Like Pant, Patidar too had a very early reprieve soon after the tea interval. On 7, he should’ve been out poking to second slip, where Jordan Hermann put down a sitter off Cele. For much of the final session, Patidar quietly accumulated runs, and denied himself even when opportunities to drive were there with cover open.His only real flourish came when he leaned into a crisp on-the-up drive through cover off van Vuuren, during a spell when Pant was already taking the attack to the bowlers. But with stumps approaching, an ill-judged attempt at a cheeky upper cut brought his downfall.Tanush Kotian finished with eight wickets in the match•PTI Earlier, India A had been in deep trouble. Ayush Mhatre, fresh off a first-innings half-century, chopped on while attempting a cut; Devdutt Padikkal was bowled neck and crop by an in-ducker; and Sai Sudharsan fell lbw playing across the line. That was when Pant arrived, first to weather the storm, and then to seize control with trademark flair.While Pant impressed with the bat, Anshul Kamboj and Tanush Kotian shared seven wickets between them in the second innings, where South Africa A were bowled out for 199 after pocketing a 74-run first-innings lead.Zubayr Hamza was the only batter to display any kind of flair, hitting an attractive 30-ball 37, which included five fours in a single over off pacer Gurnoor Brar. Kotian, who picked up a four-for in the first innings, finished with a match haul of 8 for 109.