Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was left bloodied and with his sock torn during his side's intense clash with Newcastle United.
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Newcastle Utd host Man CityStriker Haaland in the wars Ankle left bloodied with torn sockWHAT HAPPENED?
During the Premier League encounter at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon, striker Haaland was in the wars after a clash with Newcastle defender Dan Burn. During the first half, the Norway international's Achilles was left battered and bruised in a physical contest on Tyneside.
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Despite being on the receiving end of some hefty challenges, Haaland arguably got the upper hand on Newcastle's defence and, ultimately, City went into the break 1-0 up thanks to Josko Gvardiol's 35th-minute opener. Anthony Gordon later equalised from the spot in a 1-1 draw.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Former Borussia Dortmund star Haaland, who was born in Leeds, is on course to have his most prolific season yet as he has 10 goals in just five Premier League games this term. The 24-year-old has scored 100 goals in 106 games for City to date.
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WHAT NEXT?
After this match, Haaland's City return to Champions League action on Tuesday night away to Slovan Bratislava in in their second game of the competition. Newcastle, on the other hand, host AFC Wimbledon on the same date in the Carabao Cup third round.
Mitch Perry and Zak Evans both struck on their first-class debuts as South Australia’s batting struggled again
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2020Making a belated start to their season, which has followed two weeks of quarantine in Adelaide where they could only train in groups of four, a young Victoria attack took the honours on the opening day as they removed South Australia for 200.Mitch Perry and Zak Evans were making their first-class debuts while Will Sutherland had five matches under his belt. They were complemented by the experienced duo of Scott Boland and Jon Holland, but the young trio did more than their share of the damage on a well-grassed surface.To cap Victoria’s day their openers, Marcus Harris and Will Pucovski, got through a testing last hour to leave them well placed to take advantage of the bowlers’ good work.Sutherland had the pick of the figures and claimed the two senior middle-order batsmen either side of lunch: Travis Head nicked an excellent delivery from round the wicket and Callum Ferguson edged a drive that he will want to forget.The first wicket of the day had been Perry’s maiden scalp when Conor McInerney top edged a pull and later Evans also got off the mark when Liam Scott edged to second slip.It wasn’t all the kids, however, with Boland getting Brad Davis caught behind and Holland’s left-arm spin doing both an excellent holding job and chipping out two wickets. Holland’s first of the day removed Henry Hunt, playing around a full delivery, after the opener had done the majority of South Australia’s run-scoring.That left the Redbacks in a hole at 5 for 76 and when Holland struck again, having Chadd Sayers caught at cover, they were 7 for 116 but they managed to haul themselves towards something respectable.Harry Nielsen produced another valuable innings while Wes Agar provided a somewhat unexpected boost with a career-best 41, adding 34 for the last wicket.
Everton are looking into potential replacements for defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the centre-back's potential exit this summer.
Everton transfer rumours
Despite their points deduction, Everton were able to stave off relegation from the Premier League this past season, finishing 15th in the league and 14 points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town. Sean Dyche must now turn his attention to the summer transfer window, where he will no doubt be keen to improve his squad and take a step closer to returning the Toffees to the top half of the table.
Everton can finally replace Coleman by signing £5m assist machine
The defender has produced some excellent attacking numbers in 2023/24.
ByEthan Lamb Jun 14, 2024
In a bid to improve their squad, Everton are said to be one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Hoffenheim forward Jacob Bruun Larsen this summer. The Merseysiders are also close to signing Ceiran Loney from Partick Thistle this summer and are believed to be willing to pay €20m (£17m) to sign former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
Elsewhere, Everton are thought to have joined Italian giants Juventus and Napoli in plotting a move for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, who has previously attracted interest from Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
Nice midfielderKhephren Thuram.
Everton eye Jarrad Branthwaite replacements
At present, however, Everton's priority is likely to be signing an adequate replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite should he leave Goodison Park in the coming months. It was reported this week that Manchester United have agreed terms with the Englishman over a contract worth between £150-160k a week, with the Toffees wanting to secure around £65m in order to part ways with their star centre-back.
Should Branthwaite indeed move on, which seems likely this summer, those in a position of power at Goodison Park face the unenviable task of signing a replacement for the 21-year-old.
Now, HITC has outlined some potential replacements for Branthwaite, with Manchester United and Sweden centre-back Victor Lindelof named as a potential option. The Swede, who currently earns £120,000 a week, has shown patches of quality since his move to Old Trafford and was labelled as "technically brilliant" by teammate Harry Maguire this past season.
"Victor [Lindelof] is technically brilliant," Maguire said. "You’ve seen over the years that he’s a great footballer. I’m really pleased for him, he was brilliant today. Set plays are a big part of the game and today we won from the second phase of a set play. We’ve improved this year because, in my time at this club, we haven’t been good enough at attacking set plays."
However, the 29-year-old made just 19 Premier League appearances across 2023/24, and with Branthwaite potentially going the other way, HITC suggests Lindelof may decide it is time for him to leave the Red Devils, who are thought to be open to allowing a sale.
Away from Lindelof, the aforementioned report claims Hull City’s Jacob Greaves is also of interest to Everton as they eye up replacements for Branthwaite. The 23-year-old made 43 appearances for Hull last term as they narrowly missed out on a Championship play-off place.
Joshua Zirkzee has been told he's "too slow for the Premier League" by Paolo Di Canio, who has tipped Manchester United to loan out the Dutchman.
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Di Canio suggests Zirkzee could leave UnitedAdvised Juventus to sign the Dutchman on loanAttacker deemed 'too slow for the Premier League'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Di Canio took a dig at Manchester United's transfer policies in the last couple of years as he urged Juventus to sign Zirkzee on loan from the Premier League club. The Dutch forward has so far failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford, having moved to United from Bologna in a £36 million ($47m) summer deal.
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Ex-Italy star Di Canio, who spent seven years in the English top-flight – plying his trade at three different clubs, Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Charlton Athletic – claimed that Zirkzee is "too slow" for the league and believes he should come back to Serie A – where he had an impressive outing in the 2023/24 campaign and played an important role in Bologna qualifying for the Champions League.
WHAT PAOLO DI CANIO SAID
Speaking to , the 56-year-old said: "I would loan Zirkzee from Manchester United. They’ve been making crazy choices for several years and none of them are working, not even Zirkzee who’s a bit too slow for the Premier League. Perhaps he’ll prove me wrong with goals and great performances, but in England, they attack you straight away and whistle 30% fewer fouls.
"In Italy, we saw his impact on Bologna. In the end, amidst the confusion at United, they could even loan him out. They already have [Rasmus] Hojlund, and then there’s Rashford who can play as a striker. He’d be the perfect profile for Juventus, also because it would allow Motta to have a striker with different characteristics to [Dusan] Vlahovic. Zirkzee isn’t a devastating scorer, he’s not someone who can score 25 goals, but he helps others play well."
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JOSHUA ZIRKZEE?
The forward will be back in action for the Red Devils on Saturday as Erik ten Hag's men take on Brentford in an important Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.
The left-arm quick last appeared in 2014 although would only be available for a handful of matches this season
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Nov-2020Mitchell Starc is set to appear in the BBL for the first time in six years after signing with defending champions the Sydney Sixers while England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow has joined the Melbourne Stars.Starc, who has 142 T20 wickets at 17.78, was part of the Sixers side that won the inaugural BBL title in 2011-12, but his most recent appearance came back in 2014 and he has only played 10 times in the competition due to international commitments.This season there is a small window after the Test series against India where Starc could be available for a handful of group matches and the finals if the Sixers make it that far. The series finishes on January 19 with the Sixers playing local rivals the Thunder on January 22.ALSO READ: BBL to begin in Tasmania and Canberra hubs, talks continue over Perth matchesStarc recently said he had spent about 30 hours at home since August as he went from the England tour bubble to the Sheffield Shield hub via quarantine in Adelaide and some time with wife Alyssa Healy in Brisbane during the New Zealand series.It had been thought he would likely take the opportunity for a break, but having opted out of the IPL – and with hope that restrictions around the BBL may have loosened by January – he was keen to take part. The Sixers will hope he can have the same sort of impact as Steven Smith and Josh Hazlewood did when they returned last season.”I started at the Sixers at BBL01 and it’s nice to continue that journey at a club I’ve still been around with my wife Alyssa involved with the Sixers,” Starc said. “I was watching Steve and Josh get back involved last year, and still being around and involved with the club I saw a little bit of an opportunity to jump back in.Mitchell Starc last appeared in the BBL in 2014 and Jonny Bairstow will bring more power to the Stars’ top order•Getty Images”I’m just really looking forward to being back with some of my really close mates that play for NSW and the Sixers. There’s some great people at the Sixers behind the scenes too.”Greg Shipperd, the Sixers head coach, said: “He is a maximum impact player who is a world class T20 fast bowler as well as being in the upper echelons across the other formats.”Meanwhile, Bairstow has become the latest England player to join the tournament and is set to be available from after Christmas following the tour of South Africa and the quarantine most overseas players will need to undertake. He has been part of David Warner’s Sunrisers Hyderabad side at the IPL although was dropped towards the end of the tournament.The Stars said they expect him to be available for the remainder of the BBL. England are in talks about a brief T20I tour to Pakistan in mid-January, but if that goes ahead it is expected to be with a shadow team.”I’m glad that Jonny has decided to make his BBL debut with us at the Melbourne Stars,” Stars coach David Hussey said. “He’s been playing at the top level with England for almost a decade now and brings a real competitive fire to matches”His experience and versatility will be a valuable addition to our batting line-up, and we’ve got several ‘keeping options in the squad as well.”The BBL will begin on December 10 with matches initially played in Hobart and Canberra before heading to Queensland and Adelaide later in the month. Venues for games in January are yet to be confirmed with the hope that border restrictions will ease further.
Chicago Red Stars will be called Chicago Stars going forward, changing name that has been in place for 15 years
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Chicago Red Stars to become Chicago StarsChanged badge for the second time in 10 yearsWill continue with old name for remainder of seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
One of NWSL's oldest franchises has announced a new look, with Chicago announcing that it will drop "Red Stars" and be known as the "Chicago Stars" going forward.
The Windy City side are also planning to modify their badge – although it will have a signature red star in the middle in homage to the old name. Their change comes five years after MLS side Chicago Fire rebanded.
Meanwhile, Washington Spirit are set to roll out a new look in the coming months.
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The new look represents a wholesale change in one of the league's oldest franchises. The Stars have been around for almost 20 years, and predated the founding of the NWSL in 2013. They have undergone change in recent times, though, and were bought by Laura Ricketts last year.
WHAT KAREN LEETZOW SAID
Club president Karen Leetzow hailed the change: "As the stewards of this club, Laura Ricketts, the ownership group and the leadership team believe it is time to evolve our identity as a symbol of this new chapter. It is our intent going forward to honor the legacy made by past players, fans and associates, while carving a new path for the club and representing Chicago more authentically on and off the pitch."
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USA TODAY SportsWHAT NEXT FOR CHICAGO?
Chicago has one more regular season game remaining and will play against KC Current on Sunday. They have locked up the sixth seed in the NWSL playoffs, and will play Gotham in the first round. The rebrand, meanwhile, will take place next year.
Glasgow Rangers have begun pre-season training this week as the 2024/25 campaign looms on the horizon.
Philippe Clement will be determined to right the wrongs of last season – losing both the Premiership and Scottish Cup to Celtic – as he looks to make his mark on the current squad.
The transfer business has been solid, if unspectacular, thus far, as five players have left while five new arrivals have joined the Light Blues.
This is hopefully just the start, as plenty of talented individuals have been linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks. The question is, does Clement have the funds to sign them all?
The Belgian will be hoping to replace some of those who departed at the end of last season, especially Abdallah Sima, who enjoyed a wonderful season in Scotland last year.
Abdallah Sima’s Rangers statistics
The Senegal international winger joined on a season long loan deal last summer as Michael Beale sought to improve his faltering attacking options.
The 22-year-old had failed to make a single appearance for Brighton and Hove Albion, yet it didn’t take him long to settle into life in Scotland.
Abdallah Sima
Between August and January, he netted 14 goals in all competitions, becoming a key member of the first team squad.
He suffered an injury while representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of the year, however, which ruled him out of 14 games, disrupting the momentum that he had built up during his first six months at the Light Blues.
Despite an injury-hit final six months, it looked as though Clement was keen on signing the winger on a permanent basis ahead of next term, yet it swung on the transfer fee that the Seagulls would demand.
A few months on from this initial interest, nothing more has materialised with regard to bringing him back to the Gers, which indicates that Clement has moved on and is seeking other targets.
Metric
Premiership
Europa League
Goals
11
3
Assists
2
0
Big chances created
2
0
Key passes per game
0.8
1
Successful dribbles per game
1.2
1.8
Shots on target per game
0.9
1.3
Could he turn to the Netherlands in order to forget about the Brighton starlet? As the Light Blues appear keen on signing a winger who shone in the Dutch top flight last season…
Rangers eye up move for Moroccan winger
It is no secret that Clement is turning to previously untapped markets in order to sign players for the club.
According to Dutch presenter and reporter Mounir Boualin (via The Daily Record), the Gers are showing interest in winger Couhaib Driouech, who starred for Excelsior in the Eredivisie during 2023/24.
His contract is set to expire in 2025 and the club are open to selling him this summer for the right fee, rather than lose him for nothing when January comes around.
The Ibrox side could face some competition, as RC Lens are keen on the youngster, while Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven are said to be sniffing around the Moroccan starlet in a bid to bolster their squad.
His performances last season have certainly grabbed the attention of some big clubs. Could he be the answer for Clement to solve his issues on the left flank?
Couhaib Driouech’s statistics last season
Despite Excelsior suffering relegation from the top flight last season, the performances of Driouech came so close to preserving their status in the Eredivisie.
Across 35 matches in all competitions, the 22-year-old scored eight goals and registered eight assists, predominantly from the left wing slot, but he was also able to operate on the right flank in several games, highlighting his positional flexibility.
Among his teammates, the winger ranked first with regards to Sofascore rating (7.18) in the Eredivisie, while also ranking second for goals and assists (12), second for shots on target per game (0.8), first for big chances created (nine) and for successful dribbles per game (2.3), which indicates that the player offers much more than just a goal threat in the final third.
Not only that, but when he is compared to his positional peers in similar leagues, the Moroccan also stands out. Indeed, he currently ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries per 90 (5.77) and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90 (2.81) over the previous 365 days in the men’s next 14 competitions.
This is further evidence of his ability to burst down the wing and take on opposition defenders with ease, something that Rangers badly need heading into the new season.
What Couhaib Driouech can offer Rangers
As mentioned, the Excelsior star offers both a wonderful attacking threat in front of goal but is also able to create a plethora of chances for his teammates due to his sublime dribbling ability and creative powers.
Clement will be looking for more players to step up and contribute goals and assists next season. Signing Driouech could be vital in this regard.
Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson praised the youngster amid the links to the Light Blues, saying: “Couhaib Driouech (good luck with that) was one of the best dribblers and most exciting wingers in the Eredivisie last season!
“Excelsior were relegated so that could mean he’s available at a cut price, one to watch.”
If the Belgian can secure a move for the wide man this summer for a cut-price fee, it should be a deal he is all over, especially with the qualities that he could offer the club going forward.
Sima’s goals will be hard to replace next season, but if Driouech comes in and hits the ground running, he could be an instant hit among the Ibrox faithful.
It is refreshing to see Clement pursue targets who have gone under the radar of later, rather than spend massive wages on players who are seeking one last big payday before retiring.
This new strategy may be a gamble, but it is one the club need to take in order to try something different, as the same approach hasn’t gotten the Gers anywhere in recent years.
The next few weeks could be interesting indeed, especially with the amount of players Rangers have been linked with.
Imagine him & Cortes: Rangers make enquiry to sign "special" player
Philippe Clement has made contact over signing a former Spurs player on a free transfer
Hampshire left-arm seamer hopes to be an example to other gambling addicts
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Dec-2020Chris Wood, the Hampshire left-arm seamer, hopes that other gambling addicts will use his example to reach out for support, after being handed a two-month suspended ban following an investigation by the ECB’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) into his betting activities.Wood, who was this week handed a one-year extension to his white-ball contract at the Ageas Bowl, admitted back in April that he had been suffering from an 11-year gambling addiction, and was praised at the time by the PCA for being the first active cricketer to speak out about such a problem.Nevertheless, in the course of his addiction, Wood was found to be in breach of the ECB’s Anti-Corruption Code, and pleaded guilty to charges relating to a total of nine bets placed on cricket matches in 2011 (two bets) and 2016 (seven bets).However, by admitting responsibility for his actions and fully cooperating with the investigation, Wood enabled the ECB to take several mitigating factors into account in reaching an agreed sanction, which was then ratified by the Cricket Discipline Commission, chaired by Tim O’Gorman.”At the time of the offences Wood was suffering from a gambling disorder,” said an ECB statement. “He has since sought help and has spoken publicly about the issues he has faced and is providing advice and assistance to others experiencing problems with or addiction to gambling, both inside and outside of sport.””I want to apologise for the mistakes I made in 2011 and 2016, it is something I deeply regret,” Wood said in a joint statement with the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA). “While I played no part in any of the games that I placed bets on, I totally understand the rules that I am not permitted to bet on cricket, under any circumstance.”The code of conduct is very clear and the education provided from the PCA and ECB does a great job in protecting the integrity of the game.”My gambling addiction had complete control over my life to the extent I would do something I never thought I would in placing a bet on a game of cricket. I had no regard to the consequences of my actions. I want to add I had no direct involvement in any game or did I try and influence the outcome of any match.”Ian Thomas, the PCA Director of Development and Welfare, added: “The integrity of professional cricket is vital for everyone within the game and today’s outcome shows how seriously this is taken. Any breach of the anti-corruption code needs to be investigated with appropriate sanctions for perpetrators and the PCA has been involved in the process.”The PCA has been continually working with Chris on his gambling addiction and while Chris and the PCA are extremely disappointed in these indiscretions, we hope this can provide a reminder that professional cricketers are forbidden to bet on any aspect of cricket, for any amount of money.”The PCA and ECB take anti-corruption very seriously and every single player has to complete mandatory training in this area before they are registered to play professional cricket in England and Wales.”We do not want today’s news to stop players coming forward and reaching out for support. All PCA members receive no judgment from any issue they face and like Chris, will receive individual guidance to heal them. The charge relates to historical bets when Chris’ gambling disease was at its height and we are thankful for the ECB understanding the mitigating factors in his individual situation.”Wood’s two-month period of ineligibility is suspended for two years, and will be triggered should he be found to have relapsed in that timeframe. However, he insists that he has learned from his mistakes, and will be helping others to do the same.”Over the past two years through the support of the PCA, Professional Cricketers’ Trust and Sporting Chance I have turned my life around and I have not gambled for over two years,” he said. “I revealed this disease I am battling earlier this year with the aim to help others, not just in cricket but in any sport or walk of life and I hope my journey can help others reach out for support.”I recently started working with EPIC Risk Management which is the next stage of my recovery to provide a real life example to young people on the dangers of gambling and I hope this is something that will make a difference so people do not face the same challenges I have done earlier in my life.”
A big development has emerged regarding Manchester United's pursuit of a "complete" player alongside fellow target Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.
Man United closing in on Zirkzee signing
As things stand, it looks highly likely that Zirkzee will be the Red Devils' first signing of the summer transfer window, with the Dutchman expected to arrive from Bologna in the near future. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have been working hard on getting a deal over the line, with a deal agreed for the 23-year-old, who is expected to arrive on a long-term deal.
Assuming the move is completed this summer, Zirkzee has the potential to be a hugely exciting signing for United, considering he has impressed in a Bologna shirt, scoring 14 goals and registering nine assists in 58 appearances for the Serie A.
Joshua Zirkzee for the Netherlands
The hope is that those numbers only increase at Old Trafford, once he is playing alongside superior players, from Bruno Fernandes to Rasmus Hojlund, and former Bayern Munich teammate David Alaba has said of him in the past: "Joshua has integrated well into the team from day one. He picks things up quickly and he always wants to learn. It is very nice that he is being rewarded. He is a boy with a lot of potential. He has a talent that not everyone has."
Now, it looks as though United have decided who they potentially want to come in alongside Zirkzee this summer, with a significant development emerging regarding another Dutch target.
Man Utd make offer for "complete" player
According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Man Utd News], Manchester United have tabled a huge offer for PSG midfielder Xavi Simons, having been linked with a double deal for Simons to pair with Zirkzee in recent days.
The Red Devils have now "stepped up" their efforts to acquire the £25,000-a-week Dutchman's signature in the "last few hours", although the money that has been offered isn't mentioned.
Simons could be a fantastic signing for United ahead of next season and beyond, with the 21-year-old's ability outlined by his stunning opening strike in the Netherlands' eventual 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The attacking midfielder has showcased his talent on a regular basis on loan at RB Leipzig, too, registering 19 goal contributions (eight goals and 11 assists) in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, and teammate Dani Olmo has called him a "complete" footballer who "has an amazing dribbling technique, finishing as well".
Still only 21 years of age, there is so much more to come from Simons in the coming years, and he could add so much in attacking midfield areas at United, as well as being able to shine out wide, too. Signing him as well as Zirkzee feels like a no-brainer, and it is encouraging to see this fresh bid tabled.
Xavi Simons' Euro 2024 stats
Total
Appearances 6 Starts 5 Goals 1 Assists 3 Key passes per game 2.0 Shots per game 1.7 Tackles per game 1.3
Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their efforts to sign Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies but Real Madrid are leading the charge for him.
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Davies out of contract in 2025Man Utd step up efforts to sign himMadrid lead the way for Bayern aceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Canada international is into the last year of his contract at Bayern and now claims negotiations over a new deal there are 'stalling'. The report adds United made an enquiry about the 23-year-old earlier this month and their interest is becoming more concrete. However, Los Blancos still seem the favourites to recruit the left-back when his contract expires next summer.
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Davies has, arguably, proven to be one of the best left-backs in the world over the past few years and his contract situation has attracted the interest of Madrid, United, and Barcelona, too. At the end of this season, he will be a free agent and will have a wealth of enticing options to choose from.
WHAT HIS AGENT SAID
Davies' agent, Nick Huoseh, told recently: "I will not throw insults around when discussing Alphonso's future. My priority is Alphonso's future. I have always said: If Bayern want to discuss something, we can talk about it in the boardroom."
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gettyWHAT NEXT?
Aside from transfer speculation on Davies' future, his Bayern side – who sit top of the Bundesliga – travel to basement team Bochum on Sunday afternoon, before rounding off October away at Mainz next Wednesday in the DFB-Pokal.