Thomas Tuchel has surprisingly called a Manchester United wonderkid into England training despite the 18-year-old still waiting for his senior club debut. Shea Lacey has been making waves for United’s under-21s, and was given the chance to train with England’s first team following a series of standout performances.
Chelsea have now opened talks with the representatives of Barcelona star Fermin Lopez, which comes as a shock amid their long-winded pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
Enzo Maresca’s side, amid their desperate bid to offload the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to make room in their squad, opened negotiations over signing Simons weeks ago.
Negotiations for the Dutchman have been ongoing ever since, and despite some reports to the contrary, a full agreement with Leipzig still hasn’t been reached.
Just five days remain until the transfer window shuts on September 1, and Maresca was believed to be prioritising deals for both Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and the 22-year-old before the deadline.
However, reports that Barca’s Lopez has emerged as a concrete target during this final stretch have prompted many questions.
The Spaniard, who has become a star under Hansi Flick, has been approached by Chelsea as the Blues reach out to his camp, according to multiple reliable sources, with Chelsea now eyeing a late move for Lopez who’d come as an alternative to Simons.
The 22-year-old made 46 appearances in all competitions last term – scoring eight goals and bagging 10 assists – including a brace of goal contributions against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
His quality is pretty much undeniable, as is the notion that he’d provide Maresca with a serious playmaking upgrade who’s also capable of playing on the left-wing.
Some on-lookers may assume from Chelsea’s contact that they are moving on to Lopez after contacting his entourage, but that apparently isn’t the case.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are attempting to put pressure on Leipzig to sell Simons by approaching Lopez, with the Bundesliga sensation very much still their priority right now.
If Chelsea do turn their attentions fully towards Lopez, the asking price is believed to be around £60 million.
An “impeccable” attacking player is now “keen” on sealing a move to Newcastle United this summer as their search for reinforcements up front continues.
The future of Alexander Isak at St James’ Park continues to rumble on, with nothing significant changing in the past week or so and the Swede still training away from his teammates.
Eddie Howe has now responded to claims that Isak told him he wanted to leave Newcastle back in May, downplaying it and saying other things were on his mind at that point.
“Trust me, when that final whistle went, that (Isak leaving) was the furthest thing from my mind. It was just a feeling of relief really because we were hunting that prize all season. We were in and around it after a really good run in December. I was not thinking of any individual in that moment, so I can’t really give an answer on that.”
It remains to be seen what will happen with Isak in the coming weeks, but it is a needless distraction for Howe, who will know the importance of signing at least one top-quality striker if the 25-year-old does move on.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown claimed that Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos is “keen” on joining Newcastle before the summer window slams shut.
“He is keen to make that move to Newcastle. It’s always a dilemma in football, the better the team you’ve got at your disposal, the less likely it is for somebody to break into that team. He’s always on the outside looking in from the bench while the team is getting success.
Ramsey will love him: Newcastle in talks over next 24 hrs to sign £60m CF
Newcastle are ready to close the summer transfer window on a positive note.
By
Angus Sinclair
Aug 19, 2025
“So from his point of view, the opportunity to go and play in the Premier League and Champions League with Newcastle will be inviting for him. Newcastle have been looking at a number of options across Europe. They’re probably further down that list than they would have hoped to be, but that’s what the scouts are paid for, they’ll know all about him.
“They’ve been watching him for PSG and they’ll know what he can and can’t do, where he would fit into the team and whether he suits their style. So if it all adds up and they see him as an option, maybe they’ll make a move. A lot will depend on Isak though, whether he moves on, but I think either way they want to get a striker in and he might be the one.”
Ramos would be an excellent signing for Newcastle this summer, considering he has proven himself at the highest level, scoring a hat-trick for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup.
Despite holding a €120m (£104m) release clause, the attacker is struggling to be a regular starter for European champions PSG, so the chance of being a key man at St James’ certainly looks appealing.
Howe's next Gordon: Newcastle make move to sign "exceptional" £26m star
Newcastle expect to complete a flurry of signings before the end of the transfer window.
By
Angus Sinclair
Aug 18, 2025
Ramos has been hailed as “impeccable” by PSG coach Luis Enrique, while a tally of nine goals in 16 caps for Portugal highlights his international pedigree.
MatériaMais Notícias
O Palmeiras empatou com o Atlético-MG em 1 a 1, no último domingo (28), no Mineirão, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, mas todos os acontecimentos em campo, incluindo a arbitragem, acabaram sendo ofuscados por uma confusão em que Abel Ferreira esteve envolvido na zona mista do estádio. No local, o técnico palmeirense tirou o celular da mão de um produtor que estava gravando uma discussão entre Anderson Barros e o quarto árbitro da partida. Nesta segunda-feira (29), Abel ligou para o jornalista para se desculpar do ocorrido.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoJornalista aponta ‘excesso das duas partes’ em situação de Abel Ferreira: ‘Uma guerra que todos estão perdendo’Fora de Campo29/05/2023Fora de CampoNota de repúdio: Associação de Cronistas Esportivos do Brasil se manifesta contra atitude de Abel FerreiraFora de Campo29/05/2023Fora de CampoGlobo se solidariza com jornalista e repudia atitude de Abel Ferreira: ‘Intimidação ao trabalho da imprensa’Fora de Campo29/05/2023
+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Pedro Spinelli, produtor da Globo Minas, gravou o exato momento da discussão entre Anderson Barros e o quarto árbitro, Ronei Cândido Alves. Abel se aproximou da grade e, em seguida, tomou o aparelho e a gravação foi encerrada. O treinador do Palmeiras devolveu o celular apenas quando percebeu que estava sendo filmado por outro jornalista, da Rádio Itatiaia. Abel Ferreira virou para ele e disse: “O futebol brasileiro está assim por vossa responsabilidade”. Na sequência, o técnico, acompanhado de um segurança do clube, seguiu para os vestiários.
+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!
O ocorrido, evidentemente, tomou grandes proporções no decorrer da noite de domingo. Então, Abel Ferreira decidiu se desculpar com Pedro Spinelli e buscou seu contatou para fazer uma chamada de vídeo com o jornalista, a fim de também explicar todo o contexto do episódio. Segundo o LANCE! apurou a conversa aconteceu no começo da tarde desta segunda-feira.
continua após a publicidade
Em outubro de 2022, Abel já havia tomado a mesma atitude, quando acabou reagindo mal a uma pergunta do repórter Guilherme Gonçalves, da rádio Litoral News. O treinador, mais tarde, alegou não ter entendido o questionamento e ponderou o momento de cabeça quente para ter dado a “patada” no jornalista. No dia seguinte ao jogo diante do Botafogo, no Nilton Santos, Abel ligou para o Guilherme para se desculpar.
Despite the shellacking in Durban, Sri Lanka believe they can compete in the second Test thanks to their depth of seam resources
Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Dec-20244:28
Will Sri Lanka go in without a spinner in Gqeberha?
A fast bowler who has 25 Test wickets at 22.68 for the year (Lahiru Kumara), a left-arm swing bowler who averages 24.12 in South Africa (Vishwa Fernando), a skiddy right-arm quick with 68 career wickets at 25.97 (Asitha Fernando), and more good options on the bench.Sri Lanka have likely had better quicks than they have now – Chaminda Vaas took 355 Test wickets, and Lasith Malinga burned hot until the injuries overtook him. But Sri Lanka have probably never had the fast-bowling depth they currently command.In Durban, for example, they left out Kasun Rajitha, who himself averages 25.00 in South Africa and is probably their tallest bowler. They also omitted Milan Rathnayake, who made impressive strides – with bat and ball – in England earlier this year.Dhananjaya de Silva knows few other Sri Lanka captains have commanded these kinds of seam-bowling resources.”I’m very happy, because they know their games now, and what they need to do for the team,” de Silva said of his fast-bowling battery. “I think I need to give a lot of credit to Dimuth Karunaratne, because he was the previous captain, and it’s under his leadership that a lot of these bowlers started and developed. As captain I’m able to reap those rewards, so I’d like to give Dimuth aiya the credit for that.”Sri Lanka are about to begin a Test on a green-tinged South African surface, in Gqeberha, and although they may still choose to pick an XI that features their specialist spinner – Prabath Jayasuriya – they have the option of picking four seamers, as they had done at The Oval earlier this year, to excellent effect.Lahiru Kumara has taken 25 wickets in six Tests this year, at an average of 22.68•AFP/Getty Images
“So far we’re still talking about how many fast bowlers we will play and will only make a decision on that later,” de Silva said. “The track here is quite green.”I think in that England series we learned that we can win matches overseas with our pace attack. They’ve been improving day by day, and we saw the results of that at The Oval. We can’t blame our fast bowlers for the loss in Durban – that’s all on the batsmen, who got out for 40-odd. You can’t win a Test like that.”It was in fact in Karunaratne’s first series as captain that Vishwa took four wickets in a match that Sri Lanka won, in Gqeberha, in 2019. Vishwa isn’t the only Sri Lanka fast bowler in the likely XI for Thursday that has tasted success in South Africa, however. Kumara first burst into the international consciousness with a spectacular nip-backer at Newlands, which crashed into the stumps of no less a batter than Hashim Amla.Kumara has had more modest showings in South Africa since then, and has also been plagued by injuries, particularly with hamstring strains and tears. If he plays on Thursday, which seems exceedingly likely, he will have played seven Tests in 2024, which is his highest tally for a calendar year.”From what I see, Lahiru has been consistent in the last two years, and he’s played a lot of matches,” de Silva said. ” He’d been in and out of the team because of injuries, but now he’s been able to play consistently and learn what his strengths and weaknesses are. He’s able to back those strengths now because he’s played matches at a stretch. I think that’s the main thing that has contributed to his success.”The huge loss in Durban, de Silva said, was almost totally down to the failure of the batting group. Though he himself is a spinner, he’s been a fast-bowling captain, insisting that Sri Lanka play at least two quicks even at home, so they can be more competitive in SENA nations. He’s hoping to reap the rewards of that in Gqeberha.
Millwall are building for another tilt at the EFL Championship and could look to sanction a permanent deal for another talented operator in the engine room, according to reports.
Millwall set to sign Massimo Luongo imminently
Alex Neil has begun work on shaping his squad for the new campaign and successfully delivered the arrivals of Zak Sturge, Josh Coburn, and Max Crocombe, with plenty more new faces set to join up at The Den before the window closes.
Coming as a two-pronged update, Millwall are set to announce both Massimo Luongo and Fulham goalkeeper Steven Benda imminently, with the latter arriving on a loan deal from their London rivals.
On the other hand, Luongo is an experienced campaigner who spent the last two years at Ipswich Town before leaving Portman Road on a free transfer.
Former Queens Park Rangers defender Morgan Fox was on Millwall’s radar and is now a free agent, though it remains to be seen whether Neil will decide to add another left-sider after Sturge completed a move from Chelsea.
Whatever happens, Don Goodman is adamant that the Lions must retain Japhet Tanganga and Mihailo Ivanovic if they genuinely intend to earn promotion this season.
Millwall’s opening five Championship fixtures
Norwich City (A)
Carrow Road
Middlesbrough (H)
The Den
Sheffield United (A)
Bramall Lane
Wrexham (H)
The Den
Charlton Athletic (A)
The Valley
When pressed on the subject, he stated: “That would be an emphatic yes. Ivanovic and Tanganga, you could make a case to say they’re the two best players at Millwall. If they want to kick-on, and the signs are that they do, with the signings they’re making, the appointment of Neil, then keeping your best players is of paramount importance.”
Excitingly, Millwall appear to share a level of ambition that could see them enter the promotion picture if their latest reported target were to sign on the dotted line.
Millwall eyeing permanent deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur youngster Alfie Devine
According to Dan Marsh on X, Millwall are set to target a permanent deal for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Alfie Devine once Luongo completes his move to South London.
He stated: “Exclusive: Massimo Luongo is undergoing a medical ahead of joining Millwall. 32 y/o midfielder has been on trial + former Ipswich man now set to sign permanently. Lions also interested in a perm deal for Tottenham midfielder Alfie Devine”
Millwall make first move to sign "fantastic" 20 y/o on a free transfer
Millwall could land a bargain in the transfer market.
BySean Markus Clifford Apr 11, 2025
Labelled as someone who “applies himself brilliantly” by former Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Foster, Devine shone out on loan at KVC Westerlo last term, registering six goals and an assist in 32 appearances across all competitions.
With the Warrington-born man set to struggle for regular minutes at Spurs, being able to remain in London while thriving at The Den may be an ideal scenario for all parties.
The 20-year-old is highly-rated among his peers and a switch to Millwall could see the youngster tread a similar path to Tanganga, who is now courting interest from several Premier League clubs.
Tahlia Wilson and Tahlia McGrath ensured a comfortable chase for the home side
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Aug-2024
Grace Parsons claimed four wickets on her Australia A debut•Getty Images
In a show of the player depth on offer, legspinner Grace Parsons and quick Nicola Hancock both starred on their Australia A debuts as the home side claimed the T20 series against India A with an eight-wicket victory.The pair had come into the Australia A side in place of Maitlan Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck and combined to finish with 7 for 44 from eight overs. Tahlia Wilson then made it back-to-back half-centuries to control the chase which was completed with ten deliveries to spareFor Parsons, the 20-year-old who is part of Brisbane Heat’s WBBL squad having missed out on a chance to play last season due to injury, it was her T20 debut having only previously featured for Queensland in the WNCL. She bagged four wickets, including the key scalp of Priya Punia who had played superbly in the opening match and top-scored in this innings with 29 off 26 balls. Parsons then closed out her spell with two more wickets in the space of three balls.”I’ve never actually played a T20 before, apart from at [my] club so today was very nerve wracking,” Parsons said. “But my plans don’t change too much.”It was pretty special. I’m always nervous at the start, especially when I haven’t played cricket for quite a few months, but it was nice to get the first game out of the way and take a few wickets. It was a pretty special thing to get the call up into the Aus A team and then to be playing today, it’s pretty awesome.”Hancock, who was a late addition to the squad when Courtney Sippel was ruled out through injury, had claimed the first wicket when she had Shweta Sehrawat taken off a top edge – Nicole Faltum taking an excellent running catch – and conceded just 14 from her three overs.The regular loss of wickets meant India A struggled for momentum and at one stage lost 3 for 10 between the 11th and 13th overs.The target didn’t stretch Australia A despite the early loss of Katie Mack as Wilson continued her impressive early-season form. Captain Tahlia McGrath, who had fallen first ball in the opening match, helped her side speed to target with a flurry of boundaries in an unbroken stand of 69.
Amid rumours that Rayan Ait-Nouri could be on his way to Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly tracking an “interesting name” who could replace the left-back.
Having already lost Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, Manchester’s other club are now aiming to deal Wolves a second transfer blow. According to Fabrizio Romano, City are now advancing their deal to sign Ait-Nouri from the Midlands club with talks already held and the left-back already approving the summer switch.
Given that they spent a large part of the 2024/25 campaign flirting with relegation before Vitor Pereira’s arrival turned things around, there should be major concern around Molineux that Wolves could suffer their worst nightmare without Cunha and Ait-Nouri.
They must get things right in search of replacements this summer. Losing Cunha was always expected after his £63m release clause came to light, but whether Wolves had the same expectation in Ait-Nouri’s case is the big question.
Whether caught by surprise or not, they must commence the difficult task of replacing their influential left-back if he joins Manchester City in this summer’s transfer window.
|
Rayan Ait Nouri in the Premier League |
2024/25 stats (via FBref) |
|---|---|
|
Starts |
37 |
|
Assists |
7 |
|
Key Passes |
46 |
|
Ball Recoveries |
145 |
If the Algerian’s influence wasn’t clear, then his numbers should highlight just how important he’s been going in both directions for Wolves. Already without Cunha’s goals, Pereira may now have the task of replacing Ait-Nouri’s creativity and could yet turn towards an “interesting name” to do exactly that in the coming months.
According to Molineux News, Wolves chiefs are now actively tracking Clement Bischoff who sources described as an “interesting name” when speaking to the outlet about the Midlands club’s transfer activity.
The Brondby teenager may be one for the future, but his versatile ability to play as both a left-midfielder and a left-back mirrors that of Ait-Nouri’s. That alone should ensure that he’s among the top candidates to replace Wolves’ star defender in the event that he joins Manchester City.
Described as an “excellent” two-way dribbler when one-on-one by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bischoff looks set to be one to watch this summer. For Wolves, a deal to sign the teenager would represent smart business which considers the short-term needs of Pereira’s side as well as the long-term aim that the manager may have in place for his side.
Romano: Wolves make approach to sign "highly rated" gem wanted in Europe
The Old Gold are making moves for the future…
By
Sean Markus Clifford
May 30, 2025
In terms of replacing Ait-Nouri’s output too, the fact that Bischoff has managed 10 assists in all competitions for Brondby this season suggests that he would be more than capable of replicating the Algerian’s influence.
Leeds United are now showing interest in signing a £21m striker who’s been likened to legendary centre-forward Filippo Inzaghi, according to a reporter.
Leeds set sights on new striker
Joel Piroe was the top scorer in the Championship last season, netting a total of 19 goals, however, it may be wise for Leeds to bring in a striker with more Premier League experience if they are to avoid an instant return to the second tier.
As such, a number of different strikers have been identified as potential targets ahead of the summer transfer window, with Jamie Vardy and Callum Wilson set to be available on free transfers upon leaving Leicester City and Newcastle United.
Leeds striker links
Current club
Potential cost
Jamie Vardy
Leicester City
£0
Callum Wilson
Newcastle United
£0
Troy Parrott
AZ Alkmaar
£21m
Semih Kilicsoy
Besiktas
Loan
Moves for Vardy and Wilson could make sense, having proven themselves over a number of years in the Premier League, but there may be some concerns over the fact that both strikers are now likely to be in the latter stages of their careers.
As such, there may be a temptation to take a gamble on a younger centre-forward in the summer, and reports in Europe, via The 72, claim that Leeds are interested in signing Lecce star Nikola Krstovic.
A deal for Krstovic is unlikely to break the bank, with the Italian club willing to listen to offers of at least €25m (£21m), which could be a bargain, given the level of some of his performances in the Serie A last season…
Inzaghi-esque Krstovic impressing in Italy
Indeed, the Montenegro international performed very well in the Serie A throughout the 2024-25 campaign, picking up 11 goals and five assists in 37 outings, while he has also received praise from former manager Roberto D’Aversa in the past.
D’Aversa said: “Every ball in the box seems to magnetically find him. His style, his hunger for goals, it all reminds me of the great Pippo Inzaghi.”
“The club’s decision to bring him to Lecce during the transfer window has been vindicated. He’s not just a goal-scorer; he’s integral to our build-up play and brings a physical presence up front.”
Leeds could land their own Florian Wirtz by signing "outstanding" £33m star
Leeds could secure their own version of Florian Wirtz by signing this £25m transfer target.
ByDan Emery May 25, 2025
D’Aversa also lauded the 25-year-old for his “impressive” goal record during his time in Slovakia, and the way in which he has adapted to life in the Serie A suggests he could now be ready to make a move to the Premier League in the near future.
As such, while signing Wilson or Vardy on a free transfer would be more of a low-risk move for Leeds, it may be worth taking a gamble on Krstovic, who could be capable of leading the line for Daniel Farke’s side for many years to come.
Leeds United have registered their interest in signing a £20m+ star who has been called “the best” in his league, as per a new transfer report.
Leeds transfer targets ahead of Premier League return
The Whites ended their campaign earlier this month by winning the Championship title on the final day of the season, with Manor Solomon’s injury-time winner against Plymouth Argyle taking Leeds to 100 points.
Daniel Farke and his side don’t have to worry about the playoffs and can instead prepare for a Premier League return, with the 49ers Enterprises looking to splash the cash ahead of the 2025/26 season.
It hasn’t taken long for a number of players to be linked with moves to Elland Road, with Leeds looking to make several signings who have Premier League experience.
Leeds can now sign Rooney-like striker on loan after club's transfer talks
He’s been compared to the former Man Utd striker.
ByCharlie Smith May 15, 2025
In recent days, Leeds have reportedly been moving to sign Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who is out of contract with the Saints in the summer.
West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal is another who will be available on a free and is being eyed by the Whites, seen as competition for Jayden Bogle following his brilliant first season as a Leeds player.
Further forward, Man City’s James McAtee is wanted by Leeds, however, plenty of other Premier League sides are keen on the attacking midfielder including clubs who can offer European football.
Something the 49ers could potentially use to their advantage is links with Rangers with a takeover close to being completed at Ibrox. Nicolas Raskin, valued at more than £20m, is one player who was linked with swapping Glasgow for Yorkshire last month, and a new update has emerged.
Leeds register interest in signing Rangers star Raskin
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Leeds have seemingly made an approach by registering their interest in signing Raskin from Rangers.
It is stated ‘that a serious bid could be lodged in the coming weeks’, with Aston Villa also keen on the midfielder, however, Rangers are preparing to offer Raskin a new contract to keep him in Scotland.
Rangers Technical Director Nils Koppen recently hailed the 24-year-old, who can play as a holding or box-to-box midfielder, calling him “the best midfielder in Scotland”.
“With his big warrior’s heart, he has made himself enormously popular with our fan base. After his strong performances in the Old Firm against Celtic and in Europe against Manchester United, Tottenham and Fenerbahce, he is seen by our supporters as the best midfielder in Scotland.”
Games
94
Goals
5
Assists
13
Yellow cards
16
Minutes played
6,730
RTBF also praised the midfielder following his debut for Belgium earlier this year. “Nicolas Raskin was fantastic for his debut. If there’s one player who scored points today in the eyes of Rudi Garcia and his staff, it was him… [He] has the ability to play forward and build the game. I can’t see how Rudi Garcia could do without him in the next match.”
Should a move to Elland Road materialise, Raskin could rival Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu, star man Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev for a starting spot in the Premier League.