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Newcastle United are believed to be in pole position to complete the signing of a "brilliant" Premier League player, according to a new transfer rumour.

Newcastle eyeing new defender

The Magpies have had injury problems throughout this season, and defensively, they have been hurt by absences to a number of players. The influential Sven Botman has arguably been the biggest loss for a chunk of the campaign, but Dan Burn has also been a key injury victim, as has Nick Pope in goal.

For that reason, it could be that Newcastle decide to target a new defender in the January transfer window, in order to find a long-term partner for Botman at the heart of the back-line, considering Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are both now in their 30s.

Two potential targets to have emerged are Goncalo Inacio and Piero Hincapie, who are exciting young talents at Sporting CP and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, while Crystal Palace ace Joachim Andersen is another player who has been linked with a move to St James' Park.

Newcastle in pole position to sign Joachim Andersen

According to an update from The Sunday Mirror [via The Boot Room], Newcastle are now the front-runners to sign Andersen, in what represents a positive update.

The Eagles are demanding as much as £60m for the Dane's signature, however, so the Magpies will have to be willing to spend a huge amount on him. It isn't specified whether a January or summer move could come to fruition, although Eddie Howe could potentially hope that it is the former, in terms of bringing in a solid option ahead of the second half of the season.

Andersen could be a wonderful signing by Newcastle if they do strike a deal in one of the next two transfer windows, with the 27-year-old a dominant aerial colossus who has been so consistent for Palace over an extended period.

Appearances

20

Goals

2

Assists

1

Clearances per game

4.9

Aerial duel wins per game

2.4

Tackles per game

1.5

BBC and Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has lauded the Denmark international in the past, too, lauding the impact he made last season:

"[Joachim] Andersen, he has been brilliant again this season. He always organises from the back. You have got [Ivan] Toney and [Yoane] Wissa, two physical guys, and he dealt with them really well."

As mentioned, finding a long-term centre-back partner for Botman may need to take precedence soon, given the age of both Schar and Lascelles, and Andersen could come straight in and make an impression for a number of years, having already racked up 117 appearances in the Premier League.

Journalist says “brilliant” Newcastle player is expected to join English club in January

Is this the right decision by the Magpies?

ByHenry Jackson Dec 31, 2023

A January move would be perfect, but Palace could be desperate to keep hold of one of their most important players until the end of the season, so it may be that a summer switch becomes more likely.

Liverpool are battling rivals Manchester United and Chelsea for the signing of an exciting young defender with "world-class" potential, according to a fresh transfer update.

Liverpool transfer news

After a quiet period in the transfer market in recent years, the Reds made genuine inroads during the summer, completing a much-needed midfield rebuild. Dominik Szoboszlai has caught the eye the most out of the all the new signings, looking like an outstanding addition, but Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo have all done their bit too.

With the midfield largely sorted, apart from a No.6 possibly being needed in the near future, Liverpool could now switch their focus to improving their defensive options and possibly looking like to bring in a top-quality long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, should the legendary attacker leave at the end of the season.

The Reds have been linked with a number of players in recent times, from Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to Bayern Munich sensation Jamal Musiala. While strong immediate options are important for Jurgen Klopp, it is also vital that they plan for the future, eyeing up some of Europe's best young talent.

Now, a new transfer claims suggests that Liverpool are planning to do exactly, as they tussle with some of their Premier League rivals for the services of a huge prospect.

Liverpool eyeing deal for Leny Yoro

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool want to sign young Lille defender Leny Yoro, but they aren't alone in expressing an interest in snapping him up – United are also thought to be in the mix to sign the 17-year-old, with Chelsea mentioned as potential suitors too.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded Yoro recently, hailing his long-term potential and saying: "Leny Yoro is a player with the highest percentage of defensive duels won in Ligue 1 this season so far according to Wyscout – 89,3%. Almost 8% more than the 2nd one Yunis Abdelhamid. 17 years of age. World-class material."

This sums up how highly he is already rated as a teenager, and Yoro's stats further show why this is the case, with 27 appearances already made for Lille's first team, 22 of which have come in Ligue 1 – he has scored twice and assisted once in that time.

Jerome Sinclair

16 Years 0 Months 6 Days

Harvey Elliott

16 Years 5 Months 21 Days

Jack Robinson

16 Years 8 Months 8 Days

James Norris

16 Years 8 Months 13 Days

Kaide Gordon

16 Years 11 Months 16 Days

Centre-back is an area of the pitch that Liverpool will look at strengthening, considering Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are both now 32 years of age, and Yoro is someone who could be viewed as a future leader at the heart of the defence, potentially alongside Ibrahima Konate.

It won't be easy for the Reds to beat the likes of United and Chelsea to the French teenager's signature, but the lure of playing under Klopp is an advantage that they will always have over others, and that could sway his thinking.

Christian Pulisic has responded to the questions of his character after being accused of being a “bad sport” in AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Lazio.

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American drew two dismissals in RomeAccused of unsporting behaviourAdamant that he did nothing wrongWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international was heavily involved in that contest, drawing two red cards from opponents that lost their composure in the heat of Serie A battle. The first of those, when Luca Pellegrini was dismissed, saw Pulisic brought down after Lazio thought the ball was being played out so that Taty Castellanos could receive treatment for an injury.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT PULISIC SAID

Pulisic was blasted by those in the Italian capital for a supposed display of “unsporting behaviour”, with Lazio picking up two more dismissals deep into stoppage-time after seeing Noah Okafor snatch an 88th-minute winner – with Pulisic hauled down by Mateo Guendouzi prior to the former Arsenal midfielder being ushered down the tunnel.

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Pulisic has told of the criticism that he has attracted: “For me, this was not a question of being a bad sport. I saw nothing behind me, I play to the whistle and I was brought down. I had no intention of doing anything like that, the whole situation got out of control. People who know me will know that, people outside can say whatever they want, but I didn’t mean anything against Lazio.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC?

Milan had Pulisic to thank again in their latest outing – as he grabbed the winner in a 1-0 victory over Empoli – and the USMNT star admits that he is producing the best form of his career after posting personal bests in 2023-24, while still having the promise of more to come.

Callum Ferguson has two centuries in his first two knocks for Worcestershire and, with the help of another hundred for Joe Clarke, it kept them in the higher reaches of North Group

ECB Reporters Network03-Jun-2018
ScorecardWorcestershire Rapids took a sizeable step towards the Royal London One-Day Cup knockout stages as centurions Joe Clarke and Callum Ferguson powered them to a 34 run success over Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Blackfinch New Road.The pair plundered 239 runs in 37 overs for the second wicket as the Rapids amassed 348 for 5 in their 50 overs.Then Northamptonshire, despite half centuries from Rob Newton, Adam Rossington and Rob Keogh, were bowled out for 314 in the final over as the Rapids secured a fifth win in seven games and ended the North Group with a 100 per cent home record from the four matches at their headquarters.Victory moved the Rapids level on points with leaders Warwickshire who they meet in a crunch derby encounter under the Edgbaston floodlights on Thursday.Ferguson is having a start to remember for his adopted county as the Australian batsman followed his record-breaking 191 against Leicestershire Foxes with an unbeaten 159.Worcestershire elected to bat on what was the same wicket used for the highest successful run chase in English one-day cricket against Leicestershire on Tuesday.England all-rounder Moeen Ali was bowled for a second ball duck by Ben Sanderson, but the visitors had to wait another 37 overs for their next success as Clarke and Ferguson dominated proceedings with the bat.It was the county’s highest second wicket partnership in List A cricket, surpassing the 208 by Vikram Solanki and Phil Hughes against Lancashire at Old Trafford in 2012.England Lions batsman Clarke and then Ferguson in turn went past Worcestershire’s previous best individual List A score versus Northamptonshire – 120 by Graeme Hick at Northampton in 2007.Clarke reeled off a succession of fine drives and went to his fourth List A century from 105 balls with a hook for four off Rory Kleinveldt. It included one six and eight other boundaries.Ferguson soon followed him to three figures in four balls less than Clarke with the aid of 10 fours and he celebrated by twice lofting Sanderson for straight sixes.The stand was finally broken when Clarke (122 off 117 balls with one six and 12 fours) holed out to deep mid wicket off spinner Graeme White and in the same over he accounted for Ross Whiteley lbw for a duck.But Ferguson continued to score freely and was given excellent late order support by Ben Cox (39) and Brett D’Oliveira (22).The 33-year-old left the field to his second standing ovation in five days after plundering three sixes and 13 fours from 136 balls.Northamptonshire List A debutant Ricardo Vasconcelos clipped Worcestershire skipper Joe Leach to mid wicket with 34 on the board.
Newton and Ben Duckett scored freely in a second wicket stand of 79 in 12 overs with the former pulling Pat Brown over mid wicket for six to reach his half century from 45 balls.But Moeen made a crucial breakthrough when Duckett went for a reverse sweep and top edged a catch to keeper Cox.Then Newton, after making a run a ball 61 with two sixes and six fours, aimed a pull at Brown and also perished at mid wicket.
Skipper Alex Wakely (40) and Rossington (63) kept the Steelbacks hopes alive when adding 95 in 12 oversBut three quickfire wickets swung the game decisively in the Rapids’ favour. Ed Barnard bowled Wakely and had Rory Kleinveldt caught off a skier at point while in between Rossington miscued D’Oliveira into the hands of Leach running back from cover.Saif Zaib and Graeme White perished as the run rate rocketed and in the final over Keogh (51) and Nathan Buck holed out on the boundary off Charlie Morris.

Durham have secured their first win in the Royal London Cup for 2018 defeating Worcestershire by nine runs

ECB Reporters Network25-May-2018
ScorecardDurham have secured their first win in the Royal London One-Day Cup in the 2018 campaign, defeating the Worcestershire Rapids by nine runs via the Duckworth/Lewis method.Michael Richardson scored a half-century to guide his team to a total of 209 after losing the toss, while Gareth Harte also impressed with 48. Charlie Morris claimed figures of 4 for 33 to give the visitors hope of earning their third win on the bounce in the competition.However, a clatter of early wickets put the home side in command as Chris Rushworth, Matt Dixon and Nathan Rimmington struck, handing Tom Latham’s men the narrow victoryDurham were inserted by the visitors and were immediately pegged back in the first over as Josh Tongue removed Graham Clark lbw for four. Richardson and Cameron Steel dug in to see off the opening burst and put on 50 for the second wicket before Steel was caught on the fence by Ross Whiteley off the bowling of Ed Barnard.Latham made a brisk 21 off just 19 deliveries, only to be dismissed by a straight delivery from Patrick Brown. Morris put the home side on the back foot with further inroads, removing Will Smith and Stuart Poynter in the space of three balls. Harte, making his List A debut, battled well with Richardson to guide Durham out of trouble.Richardson seem well placed on 64 to kick on towards three figures, but he was caught on the boundary by Whiteley off the spin of Brett D’Oliveira. Ryan Pringle then followed from his first ball to leave Durham 147 for 7.Fortunately for Durham, the tail wagged as Rimmington and Rushworth provided valuable runs down the order. Although the end was to come abruptly as Morris returned to the attack to wrap up the innings, claiming career-best figures of 4 for 33.Worcestershire’s reply began poorly as Daryl Mitchell edged a Rushworth delivery behind to Poynter in the first over. Travis Head and Tom Fell departed in quick succession as Durham continued their surge into the middle order. D’Oliveira scored three boundaries on the spin to stem the tide, but the Rapids then lost Joe Clarke for 17 when he was removed by Rimmington.Cox scored his first boundary by edging the ball over the top of the slips. However, he quickly found his stride, finding his rhythm at the crease, blasting Harte over extra over for a six.Due to the fall of early wickets, the Rapids had to bat with aggression to reach the Duckworth/Lewis target of 92 in the 15th over. Even their onslaught against Harte was not good enough, falling just short before the rain came and ended the contest.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to attack the January transfer window, and if Thomas Frank gets it right, he might just land a new forward who could turn his debut season at the helm into a successful one.

However, while incomings are anticipated down N17, Spurs are also expected to push one or two of Frank’s first-team players to the exit, with Yves Bissouma, who has not played at all this season after being dropped in August, expected to leave after being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide, again.

However, for less transgressive reasons, Brennan Johnson could also be on his way out, having fallen down the pecking order after poor form.

Spurs consider swapping Brennan Johnson out

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is the talk of the town, but ENIC Group are also keeping an eye on another high-performing winger in Europe.

The versatile Cherries forward has been in fine fettle in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals and supplying three assists for Andoni Iraola’s side.

He is far more consistent than Johnson, who bagged 17 in all competitions last season – including the winner against Manchester United in the Europa League final – but has regressed under Frank’s wing.

Crystal Palace are interested in signing the Wales international on loan this winter, and that could free up room for a Semenyo alternative who is turning the heads of some of the Premier League’s top clubs.

Indeed, according to Sky Germany, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is on Tottenham’s shortlist ahead of the New Year, albeit with top-flight rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City also in the mix.

The 19-year-old joined the Bundesliga club this year and has quickly established prolific form, combining that sharpness with frightening physical faculties.

Leipzig know they have a gem on their hands and have priced him at a jaw-dropping €100m (about £87m). This would make him the most expensive player in the Londoners’ history.

Why Spurs should sign Yan Diomande

Diomande moved to Germany after cutting his teeth with Leganes in Spain, and he has wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the brightest young wide forwards in the game, having scored seven goals and four assists across 16 outings this season.

That includes a recent hat-trick over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, and it’s his natural sharpness in the danger area that has led journalist Bence Bocsak to hail him as a “generational talent”.

Diomande is not just more talented than Johnson: he ruthlessly outstrips him across a vast range of metrics, and his developing goalscoring may soon see him overtake the 24-year-old’s standout quality.

When you look at how Diomande ranks up against someone like Johnson, it perhaps becomes clear why there is such a vested interest being focused, with the Welshman simply not offering enough in the build-up and when against the run of play, that and the desertion of his potency in front of goal.

Matches (starts)

13 (6)

14 (10)

Goals

2

6

Assists

0

2

Touches

17.8

44.0

Shots (on target)*

0.4 (0.2)

1.6 (0.9)

Accurate passes*

6.7 (70%)

21.6 (83%)

Chances created*

0.4

1.0

Dribbles*

0.2

3.0

Ball recoveries*

0.9

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.4

Duels won*

1.8

4.8

There’s no question that Johnson has a natural ability to work his way into promising positions and chalk his name onto the scoresheet, but his overall play has hardly been good enough this season. For example, he’s not dribbling enough – look at his efforts in comparison to Diomande’s – and he’s only succeeding with 33% of his infrequent efforts.

Diomande, for sure, is one of the most exciting dribblers in Europe. He is fleet-footed and instinctive with his output when carrying the ball forward. He has been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for “having a sensational debut season” in Germany.

Tottenham need to get this one done. If they are serious about becoming major, consistent players both domestically and abroad, this is the kind of statement signing needed, not just boosting output but reshaping the general threat of the team.

ENIC could fund the Semenyo move by selling Spurs' £55k-p/w "liability"

Tottenham are planning to get rid of some of the deadwood this January.

ByAngus Sinclair 2 days ago

Nottingham Forest are set to scout an exciting new player in January, but a reliable journalist has revealed that there are two other clubs who are also looking to bring him to the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest's season so far

Steve Cooper’s side have made an extremely mixed start to the new campaign having won three, drawn four and lost five of their opening 12 games, meaning that they currently find themselves 15th in the top-flight table. The Reds suffering relegation at the end of the season is highly unlikely given the poor start that the three newly-promoted teams, Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town have had, but nonetheless, it’s better to be safe than sorry by bringing in fresh faces.

Ahead of January, Evangelos Marinakis will be assessing his options in the market, and he’s set his sights on a potential move for Universitario’s attacking midfielder Piero Quispe, who has made a total of 88 senior appearances across all age levels in his homeland (Transfermarkt – Quispe statistics).

However, Peru’s international was already on the radar of Reds chiefs over the summer alongside Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion, but with a deal failing to come to fruition before the deadline, the 22-year-old is set to be the subject of a second approach from the Midlands.

Nottingham Forest set sights on Piero Quispe

According to Christian Martin (via Todo Sport and Sport Witness), Nottingham Forest are expected to send representatives to watch Quispe in January as they consider making a fresh move based on his performances, whilst the Bees and the Seagulls are also set to deploy their chiefs once again.

“We had already reported the polls and from our source we found out that he was on the books of Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Brentford. These last two share scouting reports.

"Wonder Kid, that’s what they call him and mention him as one of the most promising wonder boys. The good foot reminds us of Nolberto Solano. We understand that ‘Nobi’ Solano is sometimes consulted by him, especially Nottingham Forest is looking for a player in that position and we know that in January there will be a new survey from these three clubs.”

Cooper could land a real star in Quispe

According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Quispe is naturally an “advanced playmaker”, and he loves to get involved with the action in the final third having posted 19 contributions (11 goals and eight assists) in 88 outings since the start of his career.

The Lima native is also a versatile operator having been deployed in four different positions over the pitch following his arrival on the professional scene, including two roles in the centre of the park and out wide on both the left and right flanks.

Furthermore, Quispie has already had a taste of what it's like to be successful having been crowned Peruvian Champion for 2022/23, so he will possess a much-needed winning mentality which is something that he could pass onto the rest of the squad should he sign a deal at The City Ground.

Manchester City are tussling with a number of Premier League clubs for the signing of a "superb" midfielder, a fresh transfer rumour has claimed.

Man City transfer news

Pep Guardiola's side were in imperious form on Sunday afternoon, heading to Manchester United and comprehensively outplaying their rivals in the derby. In the end, City cruised to a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and Phil Foden also finding the net, further suggesting that they are again very much the team to beat in the Premier League title race.

Guardiola did plenty of transfer business during the summer window, bringing in the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Jeremy Doku, among others, while players such as Ilkay Gundogan and Aymeric Laporte left the club for pastures new. City always look willing to do some interesting transfer business at any opportunity, and January isn't too far away, giving them another chance to bolster their squad.

With Kevin De Bruyne still absent through injury, and Kalvin Phillips potentially leaving the club at that point, it looks as though they are eyeing up one impressive midfielder to come in.

Man City want Exequiel Palacios

According to an update from TNT Sports [via Sport Witness], Manchester City are keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacio in January, but they face competition for his signature. Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also in the conversation to snap up the Argentine, in what is described as a "tantalising opportunity" for the player to head to the Premier League. It is also stated that all three English sides are "seriously considering the possibility" of signing Palacios.

While some may feel that City already have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal in midfield, Palacios could be an outstanding signing if their interest proves to be genuine. The 25-year-old is now a World Cup winner, having tasted glory with Argentina last year, and Palacios' stats show that he featured three times in the tournament, doing his bit for his country. He appears to be a key man for a Leverkusen side currently who are top of the Bundesliga ahead of German giants Bayern Munich, featuring in all nine league games this season and starting eight of them.

Journalist Zach Lowy once heaped praise on Palacios back in 2019, at a point when he was a big young talent, saying of him:

"Hard to believe Exequiel Palacios is only 20. Kid's got it all – a superb weight on his final ball, pausa, nonstop running from box to box, great decision-making – and he's learning from one of the best managers in the world in Marcelo Gallardo. Florentino missed out on a gem."

At 25, Palacios is seemingly at a great point in his career, having enough experience under his belt was also still being a relatively young player, and he is someone who could be a great understudy for Rodri, also earning plenty of playing time because Guardiola likes to shuffle his lack so often. As mentioned, Phillips could head out somewhere else on loan, having struggled to make the grade at the Etihad, and the Leverkusen ace could even prove to be an upgrade on the England international.

Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has been added to the latest England squad after his stellar display in the FA Cup against Liverpool.

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• Midfielder brought in to Gareth Southgate's setup
• Initially part of Three Lions' U21 squad
• Made 14 Premier League appearances for Man Utd this season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gareth Southgate has responded to the widespread clamour for the teenager to be brought into the England setup, with the Three Lions announcing that he will be part of the squad for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Mainoo turned in a star performance as Erik ten Hag's United beat Liverpool 4-3 in an instant classic FA Cup quarter-final encounter on Sunday.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mainoo's call-up comes as an apparent U-turn from Southgate, who preached patience around the teenager as recently as last week, when announcing his initial squad for the March camp. The manager had previously called up Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher and Jordan Henderson, who all play in the same position, with Mainoo initially named in the U21s squad.

• WHAT GARETH SOUTHGATE SAID

  Southgate highlighted Mainoo's quality last week: "He's doing really well for a young player. He's a good footballer – you can see that. And he's getting some fabulous experience with Manchester United at the moment. And he looks a really good character."

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  WHAT'S NEXT FOR MAINOO?

  The midfielder will join the England setup ahead of Saturday's meeting with Brazil and will hope to make his senior international debut before attention turns to the game against Belgium three days later. After that, he will return to club duty for the Red Devils, when they take on Brentford in the Premier League on March 30.

Marco Silva says Erik ten Hag was correct to stand behind Bruno Fernandes after Fulham mocked the Manchester United star on a TikTok video.

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• Fulham mocked Fernandes on social media
• Outraged Ten Hag demanded apology
• Silva understands counterpart's fury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fulham's social media account posted a video that mocked Fernandes for going down following a tackle from Sasa Lukic, pleading for a free-kick and then getting up to continue the match during last week's Premier League clash between the two teams at Old Trafford. United issued a statement in response to the video and Ten Hag subsequently demanded an apology from the Cottagers.

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  WHAT MARCO SILVA SAID

  Fulham boss Silva was asked on Friday about his United counterpart's reaction to the post and he is sympathetic to the Dutchman's stance. He said: "Ten Hag defends his player, I can understand that. When a manager defends one football player, I think it's a normal situation, I think if it's one of our players I am going to defend him until the last."

  The Portuguese coach was also full of praise for Fernandes, saying: "He is the captain of Man United, he is a player I know really well and he is a top player, he is a top professional. You are not a Man United captain if you don't have all the package to be in the same box to be a Man United captain and to be so important."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fulham went on to claim the three points away at United last week, taking the lead through Calvin Bassey midway through the second half. Harry Maguire popped up with an equaliser for the Red Devils after 89 minutes but Alex Iwobi fired in a stoppage time winner for the visiting team.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FULHAM AND UNITED?

  Fulham sit 12th in the Premier League and will hope to build on last week's win when they host Brighton on Saturday. United face a much more daunting task a day later when they visit reigning champions Manchester City.