Wolves could sign "electric" Cunha partner in January

Wolverhampton Wanderers won't want to add too many bodies into the building this transfer window, Gary O'Neil more than content with the fortunes of his Old Gold squad currently.

The West Midlands side let a number of first-teamers leave in the summer such as Ruben Neves and Nathan Collins but have pushed on regardless, a revitalised and fresh Wolves side 11th in the current Premier League standings after a barnstorming 3-0 win over Everton last game rounded off an up-and-down 2023.

Still, to help key figures such as Matheus Cunha continue to impress and play their part in Wolves defying expectations, an addition here and there wouldn't go amiss into the tight-knit group.

O'Neil could well look to this former Watford man as a possible incoming through the door, the West Midlands-based club linked with exciting winger Ismaila Sarr who was a constant nuisance going forward whilst with the Hornets.

Wolves transfer latest – going in for Sarr

According to reports, via TEAMtalk, last month indicated that Wolves were keen on bringing Sarr back to England, the Senegalese forward currently on the books at Olympique Marseille.

He might not be sticking around in France for much long however if rumours are correct, the Old Gold prepared to battle with Fulham this month – who are also interested – to try and win Sarr's services.

The current Marseille man wouldn't be a cheap buy though, Sarr joining the Ligue 1 club for a fee of £15.5m from Vicarage Road.

Sarr could well fancy a return to familiar territory in the Premier League after a poor spell with Marseille to date, with Wolves gaining another skilful forward in the process who could be a joy to watch alongside Cunha if signed.

Ismaila Sarr's style of play

The senior Senegal international garnered a reputation as being a tricky, daring attacker during a celebrated four-season stay with the Hertfordshire-based outfit where he played 50 times in the top flight.

He wasn't all tricks and flicks with no end product though, a dependable scorer of goals for the Hornets.

ismaila-sarr-transfer-gossip-watford-everton-dyche-arnaut-danjuma

Sarr would amass 34 goals in total for Watford before departing the club last year for pastures new, where the goals have dried up now with just four managed this campaign for his new French employers.

At one point in time, Sarr was even linked with a move to Manchester United away from Hertfordshire at the peak of his powers – described by football journalist Rob Blanchette as "electric" when quizzed in 2020 about this prospective transfer deal.

The ex-Watford fan favourite could give Wolves another dangerous option going forward away from the calm and measured approach of Pablo Sarabia, an exhilarating and off-your-seat style attacker purchased to match Pedro Neto already at Molineux.

But, with Neto still nursing a hamstring knock and not near regular first-team minutes as of yet, Sarr could come into the team and become a dream partner going forward for Cunha.

This would see Sarr take on an attacking midfield role just behind Hwang as opposed to roaming freely down the channels, but Sarr has played centrally before in his career – scoring six of his 34 strikes for Watford as an out-and-out centre forward.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

Cunha and Sarr could complement each other well, Sarr the more potent and goal-hungry forward out of the two arguably whilst Cunha is the more aggressive and creative option further back attempting to make things happen – the Brazilian Wolves man averaging 2.94 progressive carries over the last year per 90 minutes according to FBRef.

In contrast, Sarr is more poacher-like in his play with 6.08 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes over the same time period.

O'Neil will just want his Wolves team to continue growing in confidence regardless of who is picked to play or who is signed this month, but Sarr looks like he'd be a worthwhile signing to make to strengthen the Old Gold without causing major disruption.

برونو فرنانديز يثير غضب كاسيميرو في هزيمة مانشستر يونايتد أمام برايتون

تعرض فريق مانشستر يونايتد للهزيمة أمام برايتون بهدفين مقابل هدف ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وجاءت مباراة مانشستر يونايتد وبرايتون ضمن مباريات الجولة الثانية للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.

وكان الإحباط واضحًا بين اللاعبين، واتضح ذلك من تصرف البرازيلي كاسيميرو تجاه قائد الفريق برونو فرنانديز.

وأشارت صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية إلى أن تحركات كاسيميرو وردود أفعاله تجاه برونو فرنانديز، تظهر الإحباط بين اللاعبين وعدم التفاهم بينهم.

اقرأ أيضًا | تين هاج: أشعر بخيبة أمل.. وكنا نستحق الأفضل أمام برايتون

ولم يتمكن كاسيميرو من السيطرة على إحباطه من قائد مانشستر يونايتد برونو فرنانديز خلال الخسارة أمام برايتون.

وأبدى كاسيميرو استياءه بعدما فشل برونو فرنانديز من الاستفادة من ركلة حرة خطيرة، وبينما تمكن البرازيلي غير المراقب من لمس الكرة، أرسلها فوق العارضة، ولكنه التفت إلى قائده لتوبيخه فيما يتعلق بتسليمه الكرة.

وتكرر الأمر في كرة كان على كاسيميرو أن يلعبها رأسية وكان بإمكانه أن يضع فريقه في المقدمة، وعقب ذلك تمكن برايتون من تسجيل هدف.

Knee injury forces Haris Sohail out of South Africa tour

Haris Sohail has been ruled out of the remainder of the South Africa tour with knee injury. The middle-order batsman had missed the Boxing Day Test in Centurion, where Shan Masood was named his replacement in the playing XI just 90 minutes ahead of the scheduled start.”Left-handed middle-order batsman Haris Sohail has been ruled out of the on-going tour of South Africa due to a right knee injury,” a PCB statement said. “Haris was not available for selection for the Boxing Day Test in Centurion while he is also out of contention for the remainder of the tour due to the same injury.”PCB will setup Haris’ appointment (if needed) with the best orthopaedic surgeon recommended by the National Cricket Academy’s panel of doctors for further assessment, analysis and treatment. The batsman will return home shortly while a replacement, if any, will be announced later.”This is the second time injury has struck Haris on a tour of South Africa. When Pakistan toured here in 2013, an ankle injury ruled him out of making what would have been his international debut. He has played just 10 Tests, 26 ODIs and nine T20Is since his international debut in 2013.Haris, who has had knee troubles for much of his career, first picked up the injury ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2015. The career-threatening injury forced him onto the sidelines for nearly two years, as he underwent an extensive rehabilitation program at the NCA following surgery in Dubai, which was reportedly unsuccessful.The PCB took over his case and sent him to England for yet another rehabilitation program, allowing him to make a comeback. He replaced Umar Akmal in the 2017 Champions Trophy squad, and was eventually handed a Test cap later that year.ALSO READ: Haris Sohail breaks through with innings of unhurried intelligenceHe was one of the players in good form across the 2018 home summer, scoring two centuries against Australia and New Zealand, accompanied by a string of medium-sized scores.

Man Utd want to sign "talented" new player in almost impossible deal

The fact that 35-year-old Jonny Evans is Manchester United's starting centre-back in 2023 paints an accurate picture as to where the Red Devils are at these days. Erik ten Hag has been forced to fight on through several injury concerns and a forward line who just can't seem to find the back of the net, culminating in some early season difficulties. Heading into the third international break of the season, however, they are the Premier League's form team despite their nervy and unconvincing performances against the likes of Brentford and Sheffield United.

Ten Hag will hope to see the performances improve like the results have and, therefore, gain a place inside the Premier League's top four to qualify for next season's Champions League. With that qualification, United could stand a better chance at landing one specific summer target.

Manchester United transfer news

It was another summer to forget for Manchester United's recruitment team. Ten Hag welcomed the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, who have all had their struggles. Out of the arrivals, Hojlund looks like the player with the most potential, scoring all five of his goals in the Champions League. If United can get the Dane firing on all cylinders in the league, then they could turn their focus towards improving their defence next summer.

Castello Lukeba

According to Sport Bild, Manchester United have scouted Castello Lukeba again and again ahead of a potential summer move. It will be far from an easy deal to get over the line, however, given that no price-tag or release clause is known and the Leipzig defender's contract doesn't run out until 2028. In fact, Bild described a potential deal involving an exit for Lukeba as almost impossible to deal United a major blow in their potential pursuit.

"Talented" Lukeba would solve United's problem

Going from a 35-year-old Evans to a 20-year-old Lukeba would represent significant progress when it comes to United's recruitment. The Leipzig man could transform Ten Hag's backline next to either Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire, and then Lisandro Martinez once he returns.

At the Bundesliga club this season, the Frenchman has started eight of Leipzig's 11 games, as they battle for a place in next season's top four. Lukeba's stats show that he would be more than capable of competing for a starting place at Old Trafford too.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles Won

Interceptions

Castello Lukeba

11

33

3

3

Jonny Evans

1

12

2

3

Harry Maguire

6

28

2

3

Given how young he is, Lukeba is destined to get even better from here and that could see any interest in his signature increase over time. Whether United push on with their interest remains to be seen, however. The defender has certainly impressed those at Leipzig, instantly earning the praise of former sporting director Max Eberl upon joining during the summer:

"Castello Lukeba was our number one target for the centre-back position. We have been interested in Castello for a while now. His style of play will fit perfectly into our side and he will be a key part of our squad. Despite being just 20, he’s already developed a lot and is one of the most talented young defenders in Europe."

'I need a rest!' – Rodri sends message to Pep Guardiola after rusty performance against Real Madrid as Man City star clings on to incredible unbeaten run

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has revealed he needs some time to rest after an uncharacteristically shoddy display against Real Madrid.

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  • Rodri says he needs a rest
  • Midfielder looked rusty vs Real Madrid
  • Has missed only four games this season
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Rodri was one of City's weakest performers in the heart-stopping 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. The Spaniard was unable to bring his usual sense of control in midfield amid a chaotic and enthralling match and was showing signs of tiredness amid a relentless schedule of matches. And he admitted that he might benefit from sitting the odd game out.

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  • WHAT RODRI SAID

    "I do need a rest, let's see how we deal with the situation," Rodri told reporters after the epic quarter-final first leg. "Sometimes I need to adjust but it is what it is."

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Rodri has missed just four matches for City this season and they have lost all of them. His red card against Nottingham Forest in September saw him banned for the Carabao Cup tie at Newcastle and the league games at Wolves and Arsenal. He earned another suspension in December for the visit to Aston Villa, which was City's last defeat. Rodri won City the Champions League final last season against Inter Milan and has been just as impressive this season, dominating games while scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions.

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  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The draw with Madrid saw Rodri maintain his astonishing unbeaten record for club and country, which has stretched to more than a year. He has not been beaten with either City or Spain for 65 matches, with his last defeat coming against Tottenham on February 5, 2023.

Rangers to offer another new deal to "top class" gem; he’s impressed

With new manager Philippe Clement set to take charge of his first game since taking charge of Rangers, which comes against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers have been focusing part of their attention on making sure that things go to plan off the pitch. It's undoubtedly a transitional period at Ibrox following the tenure of Michael Beale, who failed to make an impact in Scotland.

Under Clement, Rangers will hope to return to the heights that Steven Gerrard once climbed to, even with Celtic already sitting seven points clear at the top of the league. Despite their poor start to the season, however, one particular player is set to be offered a deserved reward.

Latest Rangers contract news

Glasgow Rangers defender Borna Barisic.

Whilst the transfer window doesn't open until January – limiting Clement's options when it comes to reinforcements – Rangers can at least ensure the futures of certain stars already at the club. And the latest Borna Barisic update suggests that the left-back is among those to be offered a new contract at the club, with his current deal coming to an end next summer. The Croatian is one of the more experienced players at Ibrox these days, which could be crucial for Clement.

Meanwhile, more Rangers contract news has seen reports of another player set to be offered a new deal. According to Fabrizio Romano, Ross McCausland is set to be offered a new contract, which will see him remain at the club beyond 2024. The winger has featured in Rangers' last two games, impressing in the process, and clearly doing enough to ensure his future at Ibrox.

At just 20-years-old, McCausland will be hoping to pick up where he left off after the international break, continuing his rise into the first-team, in what is a fresh start for every player under Clement.

Who is Ross McCausland?

Coming through the Rangers academy, McCausland has been one of few positives at Rangers this season, making an appearance in both the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League. Prior to those big moments, the 20-year-old also featured in the Challenge Cup, where McCausland's stats were impressive, with one goal and one assist to his name in three games.

Now under Clement, he has the chance to impress once more, and if he can break into the new manager's plans as soon as possible, then it could be a big season for the winger.

Rangers B coach David McCallum is certainly a fan of McCausland, too, having previously told the club's official website: "You can see what Ross has got in talent, two goals tonight that were top class. But he’s not the only one. Everyone has that challenge to try to get to a level that makes the first team talk about them. We’re here to get (youth players) to the level that gets the first team staff to think of them and it’s up to that player to try to get ahead of who is already there. That’s not an easy challenge. It shouldn’t be when you’re at Rangers.”

Could quit: Everton may be forced to cash in on Goodison Park “monster"

Everton could be set to lose one of their most integral first-team players in January, with a fresh report revealing that he is being targeted by an extremely wealthy club overseas.

What players are set to leave Everton?

The Goodison Park outfit sanctioned the sales of nine players over the summer, whilst sending Neal Maupay and Mason Holgate both out on loan for the remainder of the season to Brentford and Southampton respectively, but the departures might not stop there. Ahead of 2024, Amadou Onana is on the radar of Premier League rivals Newcastle United, not to mention that he was previously a target for Manchester United, and should he complete an exit at the start of next year, he might not be alone in heading for the door.

Sean Dyche’s centre-forward talisman, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has made 216 senior appearances since putting pen to paper from Sheffield United seven years ago (Transfermarkt – Calvert-Lewin stats), but he’s caught the eye with his strong start to the season.

England’s former international has established himself as the second best-performing offensive player so far this term on Merseyside (WhoScored – Everton statistics), and therefore, the 26-year-old has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by none other than Steven Gerrard.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer update

According to Football Insider who have delivered a transfer update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton are worried the striker could quit if an off-field takeover fails to go through.

"Everton are concerned by Al-Ettifaq’s reported interest in striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as their takeover uncertainty continues, sources have told Football Insider.

"However, it is believed Everton have no plans to lose Calvert-Lewin in the coming months – but could have their hand forced if the 777 Partners takeover does not go through. A well-placed source has told Football Insider that he is seen as a big player for the future and a key man for Sean Dyche."

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

How many goals has Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored?

During his time at Everton, Calvert-Lewin has racked up 82 first-team contributions (63 goals and 19 assists) in 216 appearances, with his prolific form and threat he poses in the final third having previously seen him dubbed a “monster” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Sponsored by Nike, Dyche’s £100k-per-week earner (Everton salaries), is also an ideal target man where he’s currently averaging four aerial wins per top-flight game (WhoScored – Calvert-Lewin stats), with his height causing a problem for the opposition's defence, standing at 6 foot 1.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Style Of Play

Likes to do flick-ons

Likes to do layoffs

Does not dive into tackles

Commits fouls often (Data via WhoScored)

Furthermore, Calvert-Lewin is a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions over the grass since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even two roles in the midfield, so chiefs need to do everything they can to fend off interest and try to retain the services of their prized asset beyond January.

Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to former club Real Madrid to mark special anniversary with photo Liverpool fans won't enjoy

In honour of Real Madrid's 122nd anniversary, Los Blancos legend Cristiano Ronaldo shared a photo on Instagram that Liverpool fans won't like.

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  • Ronaldo wishes Madrid on anniversary
  • Club celebrating their 122nd birthday
  • Ronaldo spent nine years at club
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    After two decades of European football, the 39-year-old is currently at Al-Nassr. Between 2009 and 2018, the Portuguese spent nine seasons at Santiago Bernabeu, where he became one of the greatest players in history. Although Ronaldo has been away from Real Madrid for more than five years, it is evident that the team has a particular place in his heart. Ronaldo responded to theclub's 122nd "birthday" celebrations by sharing a photo of himself with Los Blancos, his fifth Champions League victory. "Congratulations on these 122 years of history, Madridista family! Hala Madrid," he wrote on X.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Over the course of their 122-year-long history, the Spanish side have been one of the most, if not the most, successful club side. They have won the Spanish league title a record 35 times and also have 14 Champions League titles to their name, six more than the closest competitors.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    For Real Madrid, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored a staggering 450 in just 438 games across all competitions and won numerous big titles. They include four UEFA Champions League and two La Liga titles.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

    The Portuguese will return to action on Thursday in the Saudi Pro League against Al-Raed. Al-Nassr then face the second leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-final tie with Al-Ain on Monday.

Madson vive maior sequência como titular desde que chegou ao Santos

MatériaMais Notícias

O lateral-direito Madson está vivendo o seu principal momento desde que chegou ao Santos, no início da temporada. Contra o Bahia, neste domingo (01º), na Vila Belmiro, pela 19ª rodada o Campeonato Brasileiro, que marca o encerramento do primeiro turno, o atleta tem tudo para completar o seu quinto jogo consecutivo como titular no Peixe.

Embora o camisa 13 corresponda quando entra em campo, tendo marcado três gols e dado três assistências no ano, ele vive a sombra da concorrência da posição com Pará, que é uma das referências de liderança no elenco. O camisa 4 ficou e fora dos últimos dois jogos por conta de um edema muscular na coxa esquerda, que tende a tirá-lo também do duelo contra o Tricolor de Aço, neste fim de semana.

RelacionadasSantosAinda sem Pará e Alison, elenco do Santos realiza atividade regenerativaSantos29/10/2020SantosLateral do Santos B volta a treinar depois de passar por cirurgia e UTISantos29/10/2020

As seis participações diretas em gols na temporada já fazem com que Madtcheka, como ficou apelidado pelos seus companheiros, tenha 33% a mais de envolvimento em tentos santistas em relação a Pará, que registra apenas duas assistências em 2020. Além disso, a versatilidade de Madson tem ajudado muito o técnico Cuca, que já utilizou o jogador como atacante e zagueiro pela direita num mesmo jogo, por exemplo.

Defensivamente, Madson é driblado em média 0,5 vezes a menos que Pará no Brasileirão, de acordo com o “SofaScore”, enquanto referente aos passes o “novato” cria cinco vezes mais grandes chances de gols que o “veterano”.

Portanto, embora Cuca tenha sofrido com a escassez do elenco, mesmo com a maratona intensa de jogos, intercalando Campeonato Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil e Libertadores, a lateral-direita é uma posição que o treinador santista está bem servido, com atletas de perfis diferentes mas boas entregas dentro das suas características. Inclusive, a ala é o único setor que o Peixe não tem se utilizado do jogadores oriundos da base.

* Sob supervisão de Vinícius Perazzini

Schutt takes top spot in ICC WT20I bowlers' rankings

Australia swing bowler Megan Schutt has become the top-ranked bowler in the ICC’s T20I rankings for women after emerging as the highest wicket-taker in the recent T20 tri-series in India. Australia clinched the title by by beating England in the final in Mumbai, where Schutt was named Player of the Series for her nine wickets from five matches, and the best economy rate in the series (minimum five overs) of 6.28.Schutt had briefly held the top spot last year too, but only for three days in November. She is now on 669 rating points, followed by New Zealand offspinner Leigh Kasperek (630) who picked up 10 wickets in the four home T20s against West Indies. Kasperek jumped seven spots to overtake Hayley Matthews, Jess Jonassen and Poonam Yadav. Poonam went up six places to her career-best fifth spot while her team-mate Jhulan Goswami returned to the top-20 list by taking 15th place.Among the batsmen, Australia captain Meg Lanning moved up one spot to No. 3 after not being dismissed even once during the tri-series while scoring 175 runs, including her match-winning 88* off 45 balls in the final on Saturday. West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor is still at the top while Suzie Bates is second. Australia opener Beth Mooney moved up to fourth place and India’s Smriti Mandhana from 20th to seventh.In the women’s team rankings, which take into account results across formats, Australia are at the top, followed by England, New Zealand and India.

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