Tag Futebol

Southampton boss Russell Martin could be about to sign a talented Premier League midfielder who could be joined by another star of a 'similar mould' at St Mary's Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

What's the latest Southampton transfer news?

As per Transfermarkt, Southampton have brought in three signings this window in the form of Shea Charles, Ryan Manning and Joe Lumley as their return to the Sky Bet Championship gears into full swing.

Acquiring a striker is high on Martin's list as he aims to add more offensive depth and Swansea City striker Joel Piroe is a name of interest to the former Scotland international; however, it is said that he will cost in the region of between £15-20 million, as per Football Insider.

Presumably, Piroe could be drafted in on the South Coast as a potential replacement for Che Adams, who is garnering attention from Crystal Palace amid reports that Roy Hodgson could be set to submit a £10 million offer for the 27-year-old, according to The Evening Standard.

In terms of midfield targets, West Ham United star Flynn Downes is reportedly close to sealing a loan move to Southampton and will undergo medical examinations later this week, as per TEAMtalk.

Downes, who earns £25,000 per week on the books at the London Stadium, is available to move elsewhere following news that the Hammers have completed deals to sign James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez.

Last term, the 24-year-old was utilised mainly as a squad rotation option for West Ham and racked up 35 appearances across all competitions.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones thinks that Downes is the archetype of player Martin will look to bring to Southampton this window and he has also hinted that another arrival could be on the way to strengthen Saints' midfield.

Jones stated: “I think they can find players that have been well prepared to get to this level of football and that’s from coming through good academies and being on the verge of making a big breakthrough in the game, that’s the kind of player that they want.

“Obviously Downes, we know enough about him by now to know that he could do that. But I think that he’ll be joined by somebody else at that similar mould.”

What else could occur at Southampton this window?

Telegraph reporter John Percy has issued an update on Twitter X regarding Southampton's interest in Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis, stating: "Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis is a loan target for Championship clubs including Leicester, Leeds and Southampton. City are also open to selling the England under-21 captain at the right price before the window closes."

According to Sky Sports Transfer Centre, Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are keen on Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap; however, it is unlikely that the 21-year-old heads to Signal Iduna Park this summer.

The outlet claim that Bella-Kotchap has 'reservations' about moving to the German giants as he may not play regularly between now and EURO 2024.

As per The Evening Standard, Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is being eyed by Premier League duo Everton and Crystal Palace as they aim to strengthen their respective goalkeeping options.

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Bruno teve a oportunidade de conquistar seu primeiro título após a volta aos gramados neste domingo, ao defender o Rio Branco contra o Galvez, na final de turno do Campeonato Estadual do Acre. No entanto, o goleiro, que cumpre prisão semi-aberta após ser condenado pelo homicídio de Elisa Samudio, foi derrotado por 2 a 0 pelo time que é ligado a Policia Militar do Estado.

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Com o resultado, o Rio Branco corre o risco de ficar sem divisão para a temporada 2021, já que o Atlético-AC ficou com a segunda colocação geral do campeonato e conquistou vaga para a Copa do Brasil, Copa Verde e Campeonato Brasileiro da Série D da próxima temporada.

Caso a equipe de Bruno vencesse a partida deste domingo, conquistaria o segundo turno e faria a final do Torneio contra o próprio Galvez, que venceu o primeiro turno e foi campeão por antecipação. Bruno reconheceu a superioridade do adversário logo após a partida.

-Parabenizar a equipe do Galvez pelo jogo, os caras fizeram por merecer. Se prepararam para o Acreano, tem uma boa estrutura, talvez hoje no Acre seja o time que tenha melhor estrutura. É um título que tem seus méritos – disse Bruno à Rádio EcoAcre FM.

Um dia antes da partida, em entrevista coletiva, o presidente do Galvez,Edener Franco, destacou a ligação do clube com a PM, que já teve atletas militares, mas que optou por manter um elenco profissional nesta temporada. Perguntado se Bruno poderia reforçar a equipe, o comandante afirmou que não seria possível.

-Aqui não caberia, mas ele tem um direito garantido de progressão da pena. Eu trabalho com tantos criminosos, vejo que as pessoas conseguem se ressocializar e ter uma vida decente. É isso o que a gente espera dele – disse.

-Nossa imagem é a mesma da Polícia Militar. Isso é inegável. A gente tenta ser o exemplo para o futebol no Acre. Pensamos na competição, claro, mas temos apoio da comunidade (de policiais), acesso ao comandante-geral (da corporação) – completou o mandatário.

Everton have entered the race to sign former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire this summer, with Sean Dyche viewing the England international as the perfect option to complete the Goodison Park defence.

How much would Harry Maguire cost?

According to TEAMtalk, the Toffees are planning to join the line of suitors for Maguire with Manchester United seeking to recuperate funds following the summer's expenditure.

The 30-year-old has plummeted down the pecking order at Old Trafford but despite this wishes to remain at the club and fight for his place, with West Ham United already seeing a £20m offer rejected.

The aforementioned report claims that Dyche is ready to offload some players himself – namely defensive duo Mason Holgate and Michael Keane – to free up room and money to bolster the ranks, and if the club is successful in this regard, discussions for Maguire could enter the next stage.

How good is Harry Maguire?

It's fair to say that Maguire has not enjoyed the most fruitful of times over the past several years; despite lifting the Carabao Cup last season and ending Manchester United's five-year wait for silverware, he has regularly been skewered for his performances and has even been branded a "walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

Despite joining the Theatre of Dreams fold for an exorbitant £80m from Leicester City in 2019, Maguire was restricted to just eight starts in the Premier League and is seemingly not currently boasting a starting berth in Erik ten Hag's team.

However, the one-time Hull City star remains an imposing and physical defender and could use a move away as a breath of fresh life onto his career, with Everton's backline pretty admirable last term despite the club's woes.

James Tarkowski and Conor Coady formed the nucleus of the side's defence for much of the 2022/23 campaign and were hailed for their "hugely important" partnership by former boss Frank Lampard, though the latter has now concluded his loan spell and signed for Leicester.

Tarkowski, in particular, was imperious throughout the term, described as "outstanding" by Dyche and finishing the campaign with an average Sofascore rating of 7.20, having started all 38 fixtures, in which he kept nine clean sheets, and averaged a whopping 5.2 clearances per game. He also won 65% of his duels.

The former Burnley titan ranks among the top 1% of centre-halves across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for blocks, the top 6% for clearances and the top 8% for aerials won per 90, as per FBref, which underscores his robustness.

Would Maguire gel well with his £100k-per-week compatriot though? That will be the question on Dyche and co's lips.

Well, given his physicality and strength, partnered with his own prowess in the air, he might just; Maguire ranks among the top 11% of positional peers for blocks, the top 12% for aerials won and the top 19% for progressive carries per 90, which would leave the Toffees backline well protected from both ground attacks and aerial balls.

The £190k-per-week titan has previously been labelled as a "world-class centre-back" by former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and while he has fallen by the wayside of late, a move to Goodison Park could allow him to become the centrepiece of a side targetting a renaissance, one that could coincide with his own resurgence as he looks to impress before the European Championship next summer.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, as Mikel Arteta assesses his midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard has already recruited Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in the bid to bolster the middle of the park, though he could add even more firepower this window.

Could Arsenal sign Douglas Luiz?

As reported by The Sun earlier this week, Arsenal are speculated to be interested in Luiz amid interest from rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The 25-year-old machine is rumoured to be on Spurs’ shopping list should they opt to sell Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, however, the Gunners are ‘eyeing a fresh move’ for the Brazilian as per the report.

Valued at €39.8m (£34.4m) by FootballTransfers, the midfielder could be a strong signing for the Gunners should other targets not prevail.

How good is Douglas Luiz?

Registering an impressive average match rating of 7.10 in the Premier League last season, Luiz ended the campaign as Villa’s best-performing player, as per Sofascore.

The midfielder is highly valued by the Villans, where he has cemented himself as a key player in Unai Emery’s set-up for his defensive strengths and technical swagger in the engine room.

Having once been lauded as a “midfield enforcer” by journalist Ashley Preece, the 25-year-old could be the perfect acquisition for Arteta, as he puts together the puzzle of how to line-up his side next season.

Recently, it was rumoured that the Gunners could chase Ajax star Mohammed Kudus, however, it has since been reported by David Ornstein that Chelsea are close to agreeing personal terms with the 22-year-old.

Despite occupying a more attacking role in Amsterdam, Arsenal could make a more efficient move in chasing Luiz over the Ghanaian, who would be of better use to Arteta at this time.

Signing a player from abroad is always a gamble, with the Premier League possessing such a demanding physical strain, making the Brazilian a strong player to pursue considering his expertise in the league.

In 37 appearances, the Villa ace made 12 goal contributions, scoring six and assisting six in an impressive display in the final third from his allocated role in deep midfield.

Kudus managed 14 contributions in last season’s Eredivisie, showing the slight gap between the two in an attacking sense, with Luiz possessing the expertise in a more defensive role in an area Arsenal require added depth.

As per FBref, the 25-year-old averaged an impressive 2.24 tackles and 1.23 interceptions per 90 last term, as well as winning 52% of his total duels with an average of 4.4 per game.

The Rio de Janeiro-born ace could be integral to Arteta building the depth of his midfield, offering an option of an experienced and Premier League-savvy individual with strengths in areas required at the Emirates.

With an average of 1.38 key passes per 90, the Brazilian would suit the Spaniard’s demands of his midfield, with an eye for a good pass and the ability to execute it to the benefit of those around him.

Considering the importance of him in Villa’s squad, it could be an audacious move for Arsenal to enquire over the £67k-per-week star, who at 25 has his best years still to come.

Nottingham Forest are keen on Dean Henderson and a move back to the City Ground for the England international may now 'accelerate' due to Manchester United capturing Andre Onana, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

Is Dean Henderson coming back to Nottingham Forest?

According to journalist Rudy Galetti on Twitter X, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United are in talks over a deal that would see Henderson move back to the Tricky Trees.

Galetti stated: "Following the signing of Onana, the talks between Nottingham Forest and Man Utd for Dean Henderson are progressing with confidence. Personal terms already agreed, it's up to clubs. MUTD targeted Zion Suzuki (Urawa) as the new possible 2nd GK."

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also taken to the social media platform to reveal that Nottingham Forest have submitted a 'loan deal proposal' for Henderson rather than a permanent arrangement.

Last term, £100k-a-week ace earner Henderson featured 20 times for Nottingham Forest in all competitions and managed to keep six clean sheets in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Sky Sports News understand that talks between Henderson and Nottingham Forest are 'progressing' smoothly and it is expected that the England international will move in the same direction as Anthony Elanga, who has recently joined Steve Cooper's men for an undisclosed fee.

Nottingham Forest moved to acquire Nigeria international Ola Aina on a free transfer last weekend as their summer recruitment starts to take shape in the East Midlands.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports journalist Sheth has indicated that talks over Henderson could be set to 'accelerate' in the near future.

Sheth stated: "Erik ten Hag always wanted to bring in Onana. Now Onana has come in, I think that will then maybe accelerate a potential move for Dean Henderson to go to Nottingham Forest.

"Nottingham Forest are definitely still interested. They are in talks over what we believe to be a loan deal at the moment.

"Dean Henderson is still with Manchester United on their US tour. He will stay with Manchester United on the US tour until that deal is agreed between the two clubs, and then he'll be given permission to travel back to the UK and resume those talks with Nottingham Forest."

What other business could Nottingham Forest conduct this window?

Nottingham Forest manager Cooper will be hoping to add some extra steel to his side as he looks to build on their successful survival mission in the Premier League last campaign.

According to The Daily Mail, Leicester City midfielder Wilfried Ndidi is a target to come into the engine room at the City Ground potentially; however, the Foxes are believed to want £20 million for the enforcer before sanctioning an exit from the King Power Stadium.

El Futbolero via Nottingham Forest News claim that the Reds could sensationally land former Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at French giants Marseille.

Sheffield United attacker Iliman Ndiaye is also on the radar at the City Ground and is reported to be available for a fee in the region of £15 million, according to The Athletic.

It has been a summer of significant change for Celtic since they beat Inverness at Hampden to secure the domestic treble for the 2022/23 campaign at the start of June.

Australian head coach Ange Postecoglou decided to depart shortly after the end of the season to join Tottenham Hotspur and has been replaced by Brendan Rodgers, who is now in his second spell at Parkhead.

There have also been alterations within the squad as Jota completed a permanent move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, whilst Aaron Mooy confirmed his retirement from football.

The club have reacted to those departures by completing deals for a host of fresh faces, including Hyun-jun Yang, Marco Tilio, and Odin Thiago Holm who bolster their options in midfield and out wide.

Another change that could take place heading into next season is a switch from Postecolou's preferred 4-3-3 system to Rodgers' favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

This could open up the door for Scotland international David Turnbull to return to prominence as the 24-year-old, who is a number ten by trade, only started six Scottish Premiership matches throughout last season.

The ex-Motherwell ace averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.47 – the highest at the club – during the 2020/21 campaign as he produced nine goals and 12 'big chances' created whilst mainly being deployed in his favoured position.

Further to this, the 4-2-3-1 set-up could also provide a pathway for B Team star Rocco Vata to make his breakthrough at first-team level as an attacking midfielder and ultimatelly Turnbull's heir.

What is Rocco Vata's style of play?

The 18-year-old maestro, who has been capped by Ireland's U19 side, is a number ten who likes to find the back of the net on a regular basis, whilst also being able to play out wide or through the middle as a number nine.

Vata has been in senior training with Celtic this month and Rodgers commented on his talent by stating: "He's strong, quick, he wants to score goals."

This is backed up by the teenage wizard's form for the academy team last season. He racked up nine goals alongside one assist in 16 Lowland League matches, which proved that the promising technician can compete against senior professionals, albeit at a fifth-tier level.

His B Team form caught Postecoglou's eye as the Australian handed him four Scottish Premiership appearances last term, in which the Hoops prodigy was able to showcase his creative ability with two 'big chances' created in just 44 minutes of action.

Youth coach Dara O'Dea claimed that Vata has a "killer attitude that never stops" which bodes well for his chances of eventually breaking into Rodgers' squad on a regular basis with it looking as though he boasts the mentality ito keep pushing himself to develop.

Therefore, the Irish youth international, who talent scout Jacek Kulig stated has an "exciting future", could grow into a dream Turnbull heir for Rodgers at Celtic.

Indeed, the potential is there for Vata to be an attacking midfielder who can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch as a crative magician possessing the quality to score goals and create 'big chances' week-in-week-out for his side.

The ECB has privately indicated that it has retreated from proposals to downgrade the 18 county academies in favour of creating “regional training hubs as opposed to county programmes” as part of a plan to “define a new pathway for English cricket”.ESPNcricinfo revealed last month that independent consultants had concluded in a confidential report, commissioned by the ECB, that the much-vaunted eight-team T20 tournament could “impact on the future structure” of the professional game in England and urged the ECB to take the chance to “reorganise the geographical structure of county cricket”.The revelations caused immediate disquiet within several counties as they prepared for a meeting at Lord’s on March 27 which will further examine plans for the new T20 tournament. If given the go ahead, the tournament will have major ramifications for the professional game in England and Wales.When the potential implications of the independent report became clear, Andrew Strauss, England’s director of cricket, was forced to undertake a ring round of the counties to assure them that the ECB had no intention of adopting it in its most radical form.Strauss gave private assurances that the 18 county academies will remain the chief pathway for professional cricket in England – and that there would be no attempt to drain county academies of revenue to concentrate coaching resources upon the regional hubs that will stage the envisaged new T20 tournament.There is appetite for some change, however. The ECB will advocate a limited centralisation of services, with counties encouraged to share support that, for financial reasons, might not otherwise be available to them, such as specialist coaches, psychologists or expensive technology.One recommendation of the report has been implemented already, with the appointment of Alun Powell to the new position of national talent development manager. Powell will join from the RFU and work alongside Andy Flower and Andy Hurry – the Lions and U-19 coaches – to identify and develop players below international level.It remains to be seen whether the counties will be appeased by Strauss’ intervention. Throughout the process towards an eight-team T20 tournament, many have sought to suppress the underlying fear that in the medium term they might be signing their own death warrant.The details of how such an arrangement might work – and which grounds might host such facilities – remain in their infancy. The ECB has yet to comment openly upon the plans.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered talks to sign Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and could hijack Inter Milan, according to journalist Michele Criscitiello.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

The north Londoners, buoyed by the arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou, are seeking to strengthen their ranks in many different areas before next season.

One of the major positions Spurs could reinforce is the goalkeeping position, especially after long-serving number one Hugo Lloris recently declared that he is seeking a new challenge.

The Frenchman, who has been at Tottenham for over a decade since signing from Lyon in 2012, told Nice-Matin that an exit is very much on the cards – a year before the expiry of his current contract.

“We have reached an important moment, whether it be for the club or me,” said Lloris.

“It’s the end of an era. I have a desire for something else. I will carefully study what is possible. However, I haven’t forgotten that I have a year left on my contract at Tottenham, and in football, it’s always hard to predict what will happen."

As a result, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly been targeting Brentford's David Raya, though despite agreeing personal terms, it is believed there is an impasse on his £40 million asking price.

Alternatives who have been in the frame include Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, but according to reports in the lasr 24 hours, Tottenham have set their sights on a new target for in-between the sticks.

Indeed, Empoli's Vicario is now of serious interest, with Italian reporter Criscitiello telling SICafè on Sport Italia that Spurs are in talks for the 26-year-old.

They could also hijack Inter Milan, who apparently had the 6 foot 4 Vicario "in their grip" but are "wasting time" – meaning Tottenham are swooping in.

"The Nerazzurri had Vicario in their grip," said Criscitiello.

"But now they are wasting time and as a result the goalkeeper has fallen heavily in these hours, with important money, at Corsi's house. Tottenham. Empoli are negotiating with the English, I don't know the figures."

Who is Guglielmo Vicario?

The Italian starred for Empoli last season under Paolo Zanetti, even standing out as their second-best performing player by average match rating according to WhoScored.

Off the back of his national team call-up last year, BBC journalist Moseph Ekine was also effusive in his praise for the shot-stopper, calling him one of Serie A's "very good" keepers who has been "superb" for Empoli.

If Spurs can get a deal done, they may well have an excellent Raya alternative.

Manchester United are in the midst of an ownership battle at Old Trafford and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani's fifth bid to try and acquire the Premier League giants will also offer an 'exit route' if he isn't successful, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest ownership news involving Manchester United?

As per Sky Sports, Sheikh Jassim is understood to have submitted a new and improved fifth bid to try and secure control of Manchester United and has indicated that this will be the final offer on the table for the Glazer family to consider.

The Qatari businessman and his Nine Two Foundation want to buy 100% control of the Premier League giants and has set a deadline of this Friday, in a proposal that would see £1 billion of club debt wiped alongside a separate ring-fenced fund to improve infrastructure around Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex.

As per ESPN, his rival bidder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS want to buy a 69% stake in Manchester United instead of immediately seeking full authority at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe is said to be the leading candidate to buy Manchester United and has put forward a deal that could see Joel and Avram Glazer stay on in minority stakeholder positions, as per Sky Sports.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has said that by submitting a fifth bid, Sheikh Jassim and the Nine Two Foundation has given them a platform to 'control the narrative' of the situation.

Jacobs told FFC: "I think the last thing to say is that with Nine Two Foundation, they were always going to have to improve, as I previously reported, and they have done now. They were always going to try and control the narrative. What the fifth bid does is not only gives them obviously a better chance of winning because their bid is higher, compared to the fourth one, but also an exit route too and that's another important point. If they are successful in beating Ratcliffe, even though the Ratcliffe group remain cautiously optimistic, then they are trying to force the issue."

Will Manchester United be able to conduct transfer business in the process of a sale?

Despite being in the process of potentially changing hands at ownership level, Manchester United and their boss Erik Ten Hag look to have taken a proactive approach in the transfer market and are already making inroads on potential summer additions.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils ahead of a move to Old Trafford; however, both clubs are still yet to come to a compromise over a fee for the England international, as per Football Insider.

Il Mattino via The Sun also claim that Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is also a target for Manchester United and is preparing for a move to the Premier League.

Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has also cropped up on Manchester United's radar, according to talkSPORT. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Red Devils conclude many deals despite being in the process of a takeover.

Chelsea's long search for a new holding midfielder may be coming to a conclusion after opening talks with one of their Premier League rivals.

After being linked with a number of players in the January window, Chelsea were unable to bring in Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion, nor Amadou Onana from Everton.

The need to strengthen in that position is even more paramount now following strong reports that N'Golo Kante is on his way to Saudi Arabia this summer.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Chelsea are now back in for one of their former targets, having held talks with Everton over a potential £55m deal for Onana.

Is Amadou Onana a good option for Chelsea?

Onana arrived at Everton from Lille in a £33m deal last summer and featured in 33 of their 38 Premier League matches, starting 29 of those.

In what was a hugely disappointing campaign for the Toffees as they narrowly dodged relegation, Onana came in for praise for his midfield displays.

Indeed, Daily Mail reporter Dominic King described the Belgium international as a "colossus" for his performance in February's 1-0 win over Arsenal.

Onana had a team-high 47 touches that day, intercepted the ball a game-high two times and passed the ball 30 times – the most of any outfield Everton player.

That was not even necessarily Onana's best display of the season, either. With a 94% pass accuracy, six ball recoveries, five tackles won and even a key pass, Onana's first-half display against Newcastle United in April was described as "wonderful" by football analyst Statman Dave.

With a reported valuation of £55m, Onana is considerably cheaper than Caicedo, who is also aged 20 but is said to cost in the region of £70m. That is due to the Brighton ace signing a new deal earlier this year, shortly after handing in a public transfer request.

Both men are very similar in terms of their defensive numbers last season, with Onana tackling 2.61 players per game, as per FBref, compared to 2.87 for Caicedo. Interestingly, the latter fared better in terms of his success rate when it came to challenging players – 71.4% v 58.8%.

However, Caicedo did edge things in terms of blocks per 90 minutes (1.23 v 0.91) and interceptions (1.60 v 1.34). Unlike Caicedo, though, Onana made zero mistakes leading to an opponent's shot, whereas his positional peer was guilty of doing so three times in the Premier League last season.

Onana also won more aerial duels per 90 minutes (2.17 compared to 1.06), while it was Caicedo who came out on top for passing accuracy – 88.5 v 83.3.

Ultimately, the two men have strengths in different departments, but they are both solid holding midfielders that have proved themselves in the Premier League, albeit with contrasting fortunes for their respective teams.

Chelsea may yet have the funds to sneer Caicedo from Brighton. Otherwise, bringing in Onana from Everton is far from a bad alternative.