Nottingham Forest are set to hold talks with the agents of an “amazing” player this week, in order to try and hash out a deal, according to a report.

Forest looking to achieve "big things" next season

Forest continued their preparations for the new Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Fiorentina on Tuesday evening, and Nikola Milenkovic was happy with the team’s performance.

Milenkovic said: “We played against a very good team, from Serie A, and drew so we can continue to bring our condition and be ready for the first game.”

The defender also added that new signings Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus have the ability to help the Tricky Trees have a successful 2025-26 campaign, saying: “They need also to adapt, it’s a change in the type of game from where they came,”

“I think they’re two very big players who can give us a big hand this season and help us to achieve big things.”

Nuno has strengthened his attack, following the departure of Anthony Elanga, while Jair Cunha has been brought in to bolster the backline, but the manager is yet to make any new additions to his midfield.

However, earlier this week, it was revealed that Nottingham Forest are leading the race for Juventus’ Douglas Luiz, with Edu driving the deal, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the midfielder.

According to a report from Italy (via The Daily Mail), Forest are set to hold talks with Luiz’s agents this week, in order to try and hash out a deal.

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Nuno’s side have the ‘priority’ in the race for the central midfielder’s signature, despite interest from rival Premier League clubs and a Saudi Pro League side.

The plan is to sign the Juventus maestro on an initial loan deal, which would include an obligation to buy for a fee of around £26m, although previous reports suggest the Italian club are keen to hold out for £35m.

Luiz could be "amazing" signing for Forest

Forest will once again be looking to challenge for a European spot next season, meaning it will be important for Nuno to bring in players with experience of doing exactly that, and the Brazilian was a real difference-maker for Aston Villa in the 2023-24 season.

Roy Keane lauded the former Aston Villa man as “amazing” during that campaign, with the Rio de Janeiro-born maestro collecting 14 goal contributions in the Premier League, while he is also a very impressive dribbler of the ball.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Successful take-ons

1.40 (95th percentile)

Progressive carries

2.15 (86th percentile)

Passes attempted

71.27 (91st percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.98 (93rd percentile)

Luiz has failed to establish himself as a regular starter for Juventus since moving to Italy, making just 19 Serie A appearances last season, but his previous exploits in England suggest he could be a fantastic signing for Forest.

Former captain predicts a tightly fought series as two teams in transition go head to head

Andrew Miller30-Oct-2024Jason Holder, West Indies’ former captain, says that England’s third white-ball tour of the Caribbean in as many years is a “massive boost to their survival as an international team”, and goes a long way towards repaying the ECB’s debt to his team after they helped to save the finances of English cricket during the Covid summer of 2020.Holder, 32, led the West Indies squad that played three Tests behind closed doors in Manchester and Southampton at the height of the Covid outbreak in July 2020, enduring weeks of lockdown in bio-secure surroundings to help “keep the lights on”, in the words of the former ECB chief executive, Tom Harrison.It was a tour that helped to mitigate the ECB’s losses during the pandemic, which could have been upwards of £380 million had their entire summer schedule been cancelled. Each of those three Tests was worth approximately £20 million as they helped to fulfil the board’s £1.1 billion rights deal with Sky Sports.Speaking at the end of that tour, Holder had warned that the ECB would be obliged to reciprocate the favour to help out cricket’s “smaller countries” who lacked the financial clout to stage matches during a global lockdown. Now, four years on, he believes that England have been fulfilling their side of the bargain.Related

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“I think it’s a fair way of putting it,” Holder told ESPNcricinfo, ahead of an eight-match tour that will be shown on TNT Sports in the UK. “We’ve obviously had the English coming over for the last three years consecutively. And that has definitely boosted, not only our economy within the Caribbean, but it adds a massive boost to our survival in international cricket.”We rely heavily on series between England and India, our revenues tend to come from those two teams. It’s our biggest series within any calendar year, and, yeah, it’s one that really brings the fans down to the Caribbean and creates a really fun atmosphere.”So, it’s great to have them and to see the fans packing the stadiums as well. There’s always a good banter between the West Indian public and English public. So we’re thankful that we’ve been able to have them so many times in as many years. And long may it continue.”Despite the financial disparities between the two boards, the Caribbean has been a particularly tough destination for England teams in recent years. The Test team, famously, hasn’t won a series in the region since 2004, while the white-ball squads have lost each of their last three series: 3-2 in the T20Is in both 2022 and 2023, and 2-1 in their last ODI campaign in December last year.Jason Holder has been recuperating in the UK after injury and will be a studio pundit for England’s tour of the West Indies•Getty Images”I’m looking forward to the contest,” Holder said. “Both teams are in a transitionary phase, so it’s going to be keenly contested. England have obviously got a point to prove, and they’ll be trying a few different combinations to see what works. And likewise, with West Indies, we’ve got a lot of youngsters within our cohort, and it is important for them to just gain experience, gain confidence and gain knowledge. I think these series will go a long way to developing our base at a rapid rate.”The youngest player of the lot will be Jewel Andrew, West Indies’ 17-year-old rising star, who made his ODI debut in their most recent match against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Saturday. He has played only a handful of professional fixtures, but having impressed at the Under-19 World Cup, he has been fast-tracked into the international set-up on the back of a breakout first season in the Caribbean Premier League.”The first time I saw him was when I played against him, quite recently, in the CPL,” Holder said. “He definitely stood up. He looks a very easy-going player. He’s got time, and any top-order batter who shows signs of having time is promising.”It’s important for him to learn and work hard, but the sky’s the limit for him. He’s scored runs at the levels below, and he’s coming in with some confidence. We all remember when we first came into international cricket, when we had that freedom to express yourself. And the more he expresses himself and gains knowledge and confidence, that will put us in good stead in years to come.”We’ve never been short of talent,” Holder added. “It’s just a matter of harnessing the talent and making sure that we make full use of it. There’s no doubt that he’s one for the future, and I hope that West Indies put things in place to keep him in and around the system, and make sure he develops a steady rate so that we can utilise him in years to come.”Holder himself hasn’t been involved in West Indies’ white-ball set-up since pulling out of their T20 World Cup plans through injury in June, and will instead be a studio pundit for TNT in the UK throughout the eight-match tour.”I haven’t retired, that is still a long way off,” he said, with an eye on the next 50-over World Cup in 2027. “We’ve still got a few more series to play before then. So I’m just working myself back to full fitness, to get back on the field and be able to play at full capacity.”Looking back on the T20 World Cup, in which England’s Super Eights victory in St Lucia proved critical to West Indies’ hopes of reaching the last four, Holder acknowledged it had been a missed opportunity for a strong squad to do something special in front of their home fans. But, with players such as Evin Lewis – fresh from a comeback century in Sri Lanka – and Shimron Hetmyer set to face England in the coming campaign, he’s confident there will be other chances for this team to compete for global trophies in the coming years.Jewel Andrew, 17, could feature in the series after his ODI debut last week•CPL T20 via Getty Images”When you look at our overall performance, we probably feel a little bit disappointed that we fell short. But the beauty of this squad is it’s not too old. We’ve still got a quite young-ish side that can stay together for the next two years, to fight for another trophy in 2026. So I don’t think is all is lost. We need to understand our strengths and weaknesses, and just keep improving.”In the meantime, he anticipates another high-scoring showdown between two aggressive white-ball outfits, one in which the Caribbean’s notoriously fickle winds could once again play a big part in the tactical battle that unfolds.”It’s a really crucial point,” he said. “The wind factor has always been a massive contributing factor to whether teams bat or bowl in the Caribbean, because it plays a massive part in the actual game. It tends to sway your tactics a little bit, in the sense where you feel more comfortable chasing because by then you know you’ve got a big side and a small side, for hitting with and against the wind.”It’s always 50/50 in the Caribbean when it comes to that wind factor, because you can set up a team with left- and right-handers, and just continuously use your power throughout the entire innings.”Obviously, in one-day cricket, it’s a bit longer so it’s more strategic, where you have to actually build an innings. But when it comes to going hell for leather, it’s a matter of being as spot on as possible with the tactics, because the ball can travel in the Caribbean.”England, clearly, will be no strangers to the conditions after three bilateral tours plus the T20 World Cup in recent times, and Holder acknowledged that Antigua in particular will be something of a home from home, after four matches there in the past 12 months alone.”The English have been frequenting the Caribbean as much they possibly can. They’ve got a young side, but the majority of their senior players have been to the Caribbean multiple times, and they’ll be able to guide the younger players within this squad as to how to how to get around the conditions in the Caribbean.”Tune in to England’s tour of the West Indies, starting with the first ODI live on TNT Sports 1 from 5.30pm on 31st October. Sign up to TNT Sports and discovery+

Glasgow Rangers booked their place in the next round of Champions League qualifiers after a 1-1 draw against Panathinaikos in Greece on Wednesday night.

The Light Blues rode their luck at times before they eventually went 1-0 down in the 53rd minute, only for substitute Djeidi Gassama to score his second goal in as many games for the club just seven minutes later.

Whilst it was another positive result for the Gers, who beat the Greek side 2-0 at Ibrox last week, there were some concerning moments and performances on the pitch for Russell Martin’s side.

The team news was met with some surprise as Gassama was initially left on the bench again and Kieran Dowell was selected from the start, and the former Norwich man failed to justify the manager’s continued faith in him.

Why Rangers should drop Kieran Dowell

With the Gers travelling to Motherwell for the opening game of the Scottish Premiership season on Saturday, Martin must drop the English winger from the XI.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe

Dowell started the first leg against Panathinaikos at Ibrox last week, on the right wing, and produced zero shots on target and zero key passes in 75 minutes before being taken off, whilst he also missed a ‘big chance’.

This time around, the Everton academy graduate had zero shots on goal and created zero chances in 74 minutes on the pitch on the right wing, which shows that he was equally as ineffective.

This is why Dowell, who has not offered any threat in front of goal as a scorer or a creator, should be dropped for the clash with Motherwell, but he is not the only player who should face the axe.

Why Rangers should drop Max Aarons

Summer signing Max Aarons was selected at left-back once again and looked too uncomfortable away from his favoured position at right-back for most of the match, before switching to the right for the last 17 minutes.

The former Norwich man, who was handed a 4/10 player rating by The Scotsman, made an almost costly error early on in the match when he failed to deal with a through ball and allowed their forward to race clear on goal, only for Jack Butland to make a vital save.

That mistake seemed to set the tone for Aarons for the rest of the night. He looked hesitant to be aggressive with his defending and looked uncomfortable trying to push forward on his weaker left foot, which is why he was just as bad as the ineffective Dowell.

Jefte came on, replacing Dowell, in the second half, and looked far more comfortable at left-back, as you would expect given that it is his natural position, and should be given the nod over Aarons on Saturday.

Minutes played

90

17

Tackles + interceptions

1

2

Ground duel success rate

83%

100%

Pass accuracy

89%

100%

Dribbled past

0x

0x

Error led to shot

1

0

Crosses attempted

0

2

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian defender won more tackles and attempted more crosses in 17 minutes than the Bournemouth loanee managed in 90.

Jefte, as a left-footed player, is more comfortable progressing with the ball to take up crossing positions and more confident at going in for tackles with his left foot, which is why it was not a surprise to see him put up superior statistics in his short time on the pitch.

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It is now down to Martin to ruthlessly axe his new signing from the starting XI, unless he plans to drop the captain James Tavernier from right-back, in order to have a natural left-back in the team on that side.

Nottingham Forest supporters will now be clamouring for the start of the Premier League season, safe in the knowledge that Morgan Gibbs-White will line up in the famous Garibaldi Red for the Tricky Trees’ opener against Brentford next month.

It really looked as if Gibbs-White would leave Nuno Espirito Santo’s side behind for a switch to Tottenham Hotspur, in a move that would have banked Forest £60m.

However, this controversial move would never get off the ground in the end, culminating in the 25-year-old penning a new, unexpected deal at the City Ground instead.

Forest will be on the hunt for some exciting signings now to further boost spirits in the Midlands, as a £30m attacker appears on the Premier League side’s shopping list, away from Nuno’s men also being close on a deal for Bologna forward Dan Ndoye.

Forest explore move for £30m attacker

Indeed, it looks as if Ndoye will be lining up next to the much-talked-about Gibbs-White very shortly.

According to Fabrizio Romano via X, the deal is done, as a £35m agreement has been reached between Bologna and Forest, following on from Evangelos Marinakis’ desire to land a standout replacement for Anthony Elanga.

Ndoye isn’t the only addition Forest might be anticipating in the forward areas, however, with a report by the Telegraph now revealing that the top-flight side have ‘discussed’ a potential move for Liverpool hotshot Ben Doak.

The up-and-coming Scotsman would dent the Marinakis bank account even more, with the Reds winger allegedly available for around the £30m mark.

However, this could be a price worth paying if he develops into even more of a blistering performer at the City Ground, with the potential here for Doak to become the club’s next iteration of Gibbs-White in the process.

How Doak can become Forest's next Gibbs-White

Gibbs-White is now a household name in the Premier League, having even been speculated to be on the radar of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this summer, away from Thomas Franks’ Spurs sniffing about.

However, the 25-year-old hasn’t always been viewed in this glowing light, having struggled to ever get going at former side Wolverhampton Wanderers before embarking on a transformative adventure with Forest.

When plying his trade at Molineux, Gibbs-White would only collect a paltry one goal and one assist in Premier League action. At Forest, though, he is a beast that cannot be tamed, as seen in his ever-growing tally of 45 goals and assists at the difficult level.

Doak will hope, if he leaves Anfield behind shortly, that he can also go on to be as key as the four-time England international is at the City Ground, having been utilised sparingly at Liverpool to date, but he has still managed to show off flashes of his immense quality.

Doak’s career numbers

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Middlesbrough

24

3

7

Liverpool U21s

16

5

2

Liverpool

10

0

0

Liverpool Youth League

8

4

4

Liverpool U18s

5

2

2

Celtic

2

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Despite failing to break his goal or assist duck in the senior picture on Merseyside, Doak does have a healthy 11 goals and eight assists next to his name in the youth picture at Anfield. If given more minutes in Nottingham, he could go on to be a star in the first-team scene, away from settling for limited chances under Arne Slot’s wing.

After all, last season also saw the “special” forward – as he’s been glowingly labelled by Jurgen Klopp previously – set the EFL light on loan with Middlesbrough, as seen in his hefty ten goal contributions from 24 Boro clashes.

Coincidentally, before gaining more opportunities at Molineux, Gibbs-White was also viewed as a rising star out on loan with Sheffield United, with a mammoth ten goals and 12 assists coming his way at Bramall Lane.

At the time, he was even hailed as having “the world at his feet” by Blades teammate David McGoldrick, with similarly glowing praise heading Doak’s way too last season from Boro-based commentator Mark Drury, who stated that the Scotsman “looks like a natural” under pressure.

Doak might well finally get his big break in the Premier League with Forest, as excitement levels continue to grow and grow at the City Ground about what next season has in store.

As noted by Football scout Antonio Mango, he truly is a “menace” of a player…

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Jeffrey Vandersay and Dilshan Madushanka come in for three-match series, while Chamika Karunaratne and Akila Dananjaya miss out

Madushka Balasuriya18-Oct-2024

Chamindu Wickramasinghe made his T20I debut against India at home earlier this year•Associated Press

Uncapped fast-bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe is in line for his ODI debut after being included in place of Chamika Karunaratne in Sri Lanka’s 16-man squad to face West Indies, while legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay has been brought in for offspinner Akila Dananjaya.Karunaratne’s exclusion confirms the notion that he has simply fallen out of favour with the new selection and coaching regime. He last turned out for a game for Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup despite being part of several squads since.But his downward trajectory has coincided with Wickramasinghe’s rise following impressive showings with the bat in July’s Lanka Premier League. He played in the first game of the T20I series against West Indies before increasingly spin-friendly surfaces meant Dunith Wellalage was preferred over him.SL vs WI, men’s ODI series

Oct 20 – 1st ODI
Oct 23 – 2nd ODI
Oct 26 – 3rd ODI

Mohamed Shiraz, who was a late inclusion in the squad to face India – as one of the replacements for the injured pair of Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka – retains his place, though Madushanka is also back after having missed the T20I series against West Indies. However, Pathirana, who had played all three T20Is against West Indies, misses out. Asitha Fernando rounds out the pace options.On the spin-bowling front, a strong attack will be led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, with Vandersay and Wellalage providing options.Sri Lanka’s batting remains unchanged. Skipper Charith Asalanka heads a formidable unit containing the likes of Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Nishan Madushka.The three-match series will start on October 20. All three games will be played in Pallekele.Sri Lanka ODI squad for the series against West IndiesCharith Asalanka (capt), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz

Amad Diallo is a player who has had to switch up his game over the last couple of months due to the implementation of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian has largely operated in a right wing-back role when fit, having a huge impact on the side and arguably taking his career to the next level as a result.

He managed to register eight goals and six assists in the Premier League last season, potentially having to feature in such a position once again throughout 2025/26.

The addition of Matheus Cunha and the potential signing of Bryan Mbeumo would likely see the pair operate in the number ten positions, which could see Amad drop back into a deeper position.

However, the hierarchy could land numerous targets this summer, with many of which benefiting the former Atalanta star in his quest for success at Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been named as a possible addition for the club throughout the current window.

The 32-year-old may be allowed to depart Unai Emery’s side ahead of 2025/26, with the player himself wanting a move, but he could cost in the region of £40m.

However, he’s not the only defensive option currently on their radar, with PSG star Lucas Beraldo a key target for Amorim’s side, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Brazilian centre-back could be allowed to depart the French outfit during the off-season, opening the door to a move to the Red Devils.

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It also states that Jason Wilcox and Co are preparing a bid for the 21-year-old in the coming days, potentially adding further depth to the backline, but also providing quality elsewhere in the squad.

He could be available for a fee of around £25m, according to reports in France.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Amad

Whilst injuries somewhat plagued his progress throughout last season, Amad managed to produce numerous impressive moments in what was a huge year for the star personally.

He was seen as a squad player by former boss Erik ten Hag, but the arrival of Amorim saw him become a key member of the side, as seen by his assist for Marcus Rashford in the 40-year-old’s first game at the helm.

Other key outings saw him register a hat-trick against Southampton, whilst also netting the winner against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.

Undoubtedly, given his setbacks with various injuries, he will be hoping to put a run of games together and replicate his best form in the club’s charge up the table next year.

If he is to be a success, he could be aided by defender Beraldo, who could hold the keys to the Ivorian reaching the next level despite his current defensive role.

When delving into his stats from the previous campaign in Ligue 1, the Brazilian thrived in and out of possession, offering a real top-level talent to Amorim’s side as a result.

Beraldo, who’s been labelled “incredibly eye-catching” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to complete 95% of the passes he attempted last season, 5.9 of which per 90 were progressive – subsequently handing Amad the chance to impress when he receives the ball.

Games played

25

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

95%

Progressive passes

5.9

Passes into final third

7.5

Passes into opposition box

0.6

Tackles won

1.4

% of tackles won

62%

Aerials won

2.1

Aerial success rate

68%

The youngster’s impressive ability on the ball is further reflected by his tally of 7.5 passes into the final third per 90, a figure that puts him in the top 2% of the division – having the ball-playing ability to allow Amad to torment the opposition.

However, the defender has also been a key defensive option for the Parisians, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 along with a 68% aerial success, which could massively bolster the options currently on the books at Old Trafford.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for his signature would cost this summer, it’s evident that any deal would be a superb one, having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

If he can transfer his skillset to England, he would have the quality needed at both ends to impress, potentially allowing Diallo to reach the next level as a result.

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Atual vice-campeão do Paulistão Sub-20, o Corinthians estreou na competição com empate por 2 a 2 com o São Caetano, no Anacleto Campanella. O Azulão abriu o placar com Enzo, de pênalti. Kayke e Arthur Sousa viraram o jogo para o clube alvinegro, mas Enzo igualou o placar aos 34 minutos do segundo tempo.

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Os times estão no Grupo 12 da competição, que conta com Água Santa, União Suzano, União Mogi e ECUS. As duas melhores equipes de cada grupo avançam ao mata-mata, além dos seis melhores terceiros colocados.

O próximo compromisso da equipe comandada pelo técnico Danilo é no sábado (22), contra o União Mogi, pelo Campeonato Paulista da categoria.

+ Guia Corinthians: onde assistir, análise dos adversários e tudo sobre o Timão na Libertadores

Sem o goleiro Kauê, o meia Biro e o atacante Giovane, que estão com a Seleção Brasileira Sub-20, o Corinthians entrou em campo com diversos reservas: Felipe Longo; Vitinho, André, Cressi e João Vinicius; Thomas Argentino, Thomas Lisboa, Kayke, Higor, Wesley e Arthur Sousa.

Depois de um primeiro tempo morno, o São Caetano abriu o placar após pênalti cometido por Vinícius Cressi. Enzo converteu a cobrança e colocou o time da casa em vantagem.

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Porém, o Timão esboçou reação e chegou ao empate com Kayke. Higor cruzou para o meia, que estava bem posicionado e carimbou para o fundo das redes. Aos 11 minutos da etapa final, Arthur Sousa recebeu ótimo lançamento de Caipira e colocou o Alvinegro em vantagem.

O Corinthians não conseguiu sacramentar a vitória, e Enzo aproveitou vacilo da defesa corintiana e empatou novamente a partida, aos 34 minutos do segundo tempo.

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Manchester United head scout Christopher Vivell is now pushing for Ruben Amorim to sign a “phenomenal” Viktor Gyokeres alternative, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Man Utd set to miss out on Gyokeres

Man United had been given renewed hope of potentially winning the race for Gyokeres, with it being revealed they were closing in on an agreement over a transfer fee last week, but they are now set to miss out on the striker.

In fact, journalist Duncan Castles has played down reports that United even made a move for the Sweden international in the first place, stating: “I’m told by sources at Manchester United that that’s not true, and also by people close to Gyokeres that it’s absolutely not true, and even if it were true, Gyokeres would not go to Manchester United.

“He has chosen to go to Arsenal, and he will continue to force that move.”

With the Sweden international set to move to the Emirates Stadium, Amorim will now have to move on to alternative targets, and Vivell has now given his backing to a striker he knows well.

That is according to Bailey, in an interview with The Boot Room, who states Man Utd’s head scout is now pushing for Amorim to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. It is claimed that Amorim was previously sceptical about Sesko, however, Vivell has now eased those concerns.

Bailey said: “Despite Amorim’s uncertainty due to his age, Christopher Vivell – who knows Sesko from his Red Bull days – has given his backing internally. I am told that he firmly believes that he is actually very mature – not dissimilar in his mentality to Erling Haaland and this has really eased some concerns United might have had.

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The transfer expert also reveals that talks have been held with Sesko’s entourage, saying: “His people, along with intermediaries, have been gauging the interest and talking to clubs to assess their situation, and clubs in England have been spoken to, including Manchester United.”

"Phenomenal" Sesko could be ideal Gyokeres alternative

Arsenal deliberated over whether to sign Sesko or Gyokeres for quite some time, indicating that little separates the two centre-forwards, and the Slovenian has proven he could be the ideal alternative option.

The Leipzig star has maintained a solid goal record across the past three seasons, impressing for RB Salzburg in the 2022-23 campaign before going on to establish himself at Bundesliga level.

Season	Sesko’s league appearances	Goals	Assists
2022-23	30	16	4
2023-24	31	14	2
2024-25	33	13	5

Not only that, but scout Antonio Mango clearly holds the 22-year-old in very high regard, having lauded him as “phenomenal” in the past, while Fabrizio Romano praised his ability to carry on delivering despite Leipzig enduring a tough 2024-25 season.

A deal for Sesko will not be cheap, with it being claimed a deal could amount to €80m (£69m), but there are clear signs he could go on to be a top striker.

أجرى الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم مراسم قرعة دور الـ16 من منافسات كأس رابطة المحترفين الإنجليزية لموسم 2025-2026.

وكان نيوكاسل يونايتد قد كان آخر من توج بلقب هذه البطولة بعد أن حقق الفوز ضد ليفربول بهدفين لهدف واحد في مباراة جرت على ملعب ويمبلي في لندن.

وتنطلق مباريات دور الـ16 من كأس رابطة المحترفين الإنجليزية يوم 27 أكتوبر المقبل.

اقرأ أيضاً.. الفرق المتأهلة إلى دور الـ16 من كأس كاراباو

وكانت العديد من الأندية قد حسمت تأهلها إلى دور الـ16 من كأس الرابطة، ويأتي من أندية القمة الخمسة الكبار ليفربول وتشيلسي ومانشستر سيتي وآرسنال وتوتنهام.

وتأهل أمس ليفربول وتشيلسي على حساب كل من ساوثهامبتون بهدفين لهدف واحد، ولينكولن سيتي بهدفين لهدف واحد، على التوالي، وصعد اليوم مانشستر سيتي بعد فوزه على هدرسفيلد تاون بهدفين نظيفين، وتوتنهام هوتسبر بعد فوزه على دونكاستر بثلاثية نظيفة، وآرسنال بعد فوزه على بورت فالي بهدفين نظيفين.

وإلى جانب هذه الأندية تأهل كل من برينتفورد، برايتون، كارديف سيتي، كريستال بالاس ، فولهام، جريمسبي، سوانزي سيتي، وولفرهامبتون، ريكسهام، ويكومب، نيوكاسل نتائج قرعة دور الـ16 من كأس الكاراباو

أرسنال ضد برايتون

جريمسبي تاون ضد برينتفورد

سوانزي سيتي ضد مانشستر سيتي

نيوكاسل يونايتد ضد توتنهام هوتسبر

ريكسهام ضد كارديف

ليفربول ضد كريستال بالاس

تشيلسي ضد وولفرهامبتون

ويكومب ضد فولهام

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stressed once again that “whatever happens must be on the basis of equality”

Danyal Rasool30-Nov-2024

India and Pakistan last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup•Getty Images

A day after a virtual ICC board meeting concluded without finalising the venue for the Champions Trophy in 2025, a final decision remains elusive. The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was in Dubai today, and while he took in Pakistan’s Under-19 victory over India, there was greater intrigue over whether the PCB, the BCCI and the ICC have been able to come to an arrangement over next year’s tournament.As he did in the early hours of Thursday morning, Naqvi did not categorically rule out a hybrid model for the hosting of the tournament, something he has done in the past. “We will do whatever’s best for cricket,” he told reporters in Dubai. “If we adopt any other formula [except hosting the tournament in Pakistan], it will be done on the basis of equality. The most important thing for Pakistan is its respect; everything else is secondary.”Once more, Naqvi repeated what he stated multiple times at the Gaddafi Stadium earlier in the week. “A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be the case that we continue to go to India, but they do not visit Pakistan. Whatever happens must be on the basis of equality.”Related

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What form such an arrangement might look like, remains uncertain. Sources told ESPNcricinfo Pakistan are looking for an equitable solution across a three-year period where any arrangement made for the Champions Trophy is replicated for tournaments held in IndiaNaqvi’s repeated comments around “equality” have raised speculation that the PCB will seek to earn some concessions should they acquiesce to a hybrid model in any form. That could entail an agreement to have India play their matches outside Pakistan, but a decision that any future tournaments India hosts will offer provisions for Pakistan to play their matches outside India. There is also the possibility of some financial recompense for the PCB in addition to such an arrangement, though Naqvi did say earlier this week that decisions would not be based on money.ESPNcricinfo understands a decision should be reached in the next couple of days, though Naqvi’s comments suggest there remain significant loose ends to be tied up. In all likelihood, any proposal will have to be run past the governments of both India and Pakistan before it is presented to the ICC for approval; India was refused permission to travel to Pakistan by the Indian government and the PCB has said repeatedly, as a result, that any action they take will have to be approved by their government.”We need to settle this once and for all,” Naqvi said. “And whatever happens must see everyone treated equally. Any agreement will not be just for the Champions Trophy, but for the long term.”The tournament is due to begin in less than 90 days, on February 19. Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are the venues scheduled to host the games, though if a hybrid option is chosen, that will involve another venue outside Pakistan. The UAE, where Naqvi met ECB officials earlier today, is the frontrunner in such a scenario.