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Ruben Amorim has admitted that his Manchester United side 'still have a lot to do' after their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday. Matthijs de Ligt scored a late equaliser at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League's lunchtime kick off as the spoils were shared in north London. While United can take solace from the commendable point, Amorim still believes there is more to come from his side.

AFPUnited rescued a late point at Tottenham

United went ahead on the half hour mark at Tottenham through Premier League Player of the Month for October Bryan Mbeumo, who was on hand to head Amad Diallo's cross past Guglielmo Vicario. Amorim's side went in at the break ahead, prompting the home fans to boo the players off as they looked to improve upon their dire home league form.

Spurs were level in the 84th minute as substitute Mathys Tel saw his effort deflect past Senne Lammens, the Belgian having denied both Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha earlier in the second half as Thomas Frank's side pushed for an equaliser. And the north London side thought they'd won it in second half injury time as Wilson Odobert's effort came off Richarlison's head and past Lammens.

However, United drew level in the 95th minute as De Ligt rose highest at the back post to meet Bruno Fernandes' corner to rescue a point for the visitors.

Advertisement'We have a lot to do'

While pleased with the result, Amorim believes his United side 'have a lot to do' as they look to build upon Saturday's stalemate. "During the game we felt like the three points were there to take home. But then with everything that happened, Harry Maguire and Casemiro coming off and conceding two goals… we scored again and it's a point," Amorim told TNT Sports after the game.

"When you cannot win you don't lose, once again we did that. We have so much to grow as a team, because today was our day to win this game. We need to look at ourselves, we were not pressing with the same intensity, we felt comfortable but we need to understand that if we had more bravery we kill the game. But sometimes this happens, you have a better first half than second.

"We believe in our capacity to score goals until the last minute. It's a little frustration, but also pride at the response of the players at the response to second goal of Tottenham.

"This is the tip of the iceberg, we are at the beginning of becoming a strong team, so we have a lot to do."

Getty Images SportAmorim praises Lammens after draw

Amorim also praised Lammens following the draw at Spurs. The Belgian could do little to prevent Tel and Richarlison from scoring a quickfire debut but managed smart stops to prevent Romero and Palhinha from scoring early after the restart.

"He is doing really well, he understands in a game a lot of things can happen, but as a goalkeeper you have to move on. It's a like a new game every time the ball is on the pitch," Amorim said of the summer signing.

And on Benjamin Sesko, who took a knock after a fine last ditch Micky van de Ven tackle, the United boss added: "We have to see, we think he has a problem but let's see."

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United looking to extend unbeaten run vs Everton

United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham means they are now unbeaten in five heading into the international break, though have drawn their last two at Nottingham Forest and Spurs. They return to domestic duties later this month with the welcome of Everton, before travelling to Crystal Palace at the end of November.

Tottenham, meanwhile, face a testing trip to north London rivals Arsenal when they return to league action in two weeks' time. Frank will hope to recover key men for the North London Derby as the Dane looks to improve upon a run of two wins in their last seven Premier League outings, both victories of which came away from home as Spurs beat Leeds and Everton, respectively.

Rohit Sharma confirmed that he would continue to play ODI cricket, where he is India’s captain

ESPNcricinfo staff07-May-20252:16

Kumble: Straight from the heart, that’s Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has retired from Test cricket with immediate effect, meaning India will need to name a new full-time captain almost immediately after the end of IPL 2025, with India’s five-Test series in England scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley.”Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” Rohit, who had retired from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup last year with him as captain, said in a post on social media on Wednesday evening.Rohit retires with 4301 runs in 67 Test matches, averaging 40.57 despite the poor recent run. He scored 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries over the years, with a best of 212, against South Africa in Ranchi in October 2019.Related

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Roger Binny, the former India allrounder and current BCCI president, paid tribute to Rohit.”Mr Rohit Sharma’s impact on Indian cricket transcends records and statistics,” Binny said in a statement. “He brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team – both as a player and as a captain. His ability to stay composed under pressure and to consistently put the team’s needs above his own made him a truly special player and leader. Indian cricket has been fortunate to have a figure like Rohit – someone who upheld the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship. He leaves behind not just a remarkable playing record, but a culture of discipline and selflessness that will inspire future generations.”ESPNcricinfo LtdAs recently as Tuesday, Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach across the three international formats, had said in response to a question on the future of senior pros Rohit and Virat Kohli that “Till the time they are performing, they should be a part of the team. When you start and when you end is your individual decision. No coach, no selector, no BCCI can tell you when you should call it quits. If you perform, then why 40, you can jolly well play till 45, who’s stopping you?”Rohit’s decision comes after poor home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand late last year and then a horror tour of Australia across December 2024 and January 2025, where he crossed 50 just once and averaged 10.93 from eight Test matches. India won both the Tests against Bangladesh, but were swept 3-0 by New Zealand under Rohit’s captaincy, and then lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia 3-1.Rohit missed the first and last Tests on that tour of Australia, the first to be at home in India for the birth of his child, and the last, in Sydney, where he “stood down”. At the time, he had stressed that it was just that, a reaction to his poor batting form, not a “retirement decision”, and that he was not “going to take myself out of the game”. Jasprit Bumrah is currently India’s designated vice-captain and led in the first and last Tests in Australia in Rohit’s absence.Speaking to ” during the Test match, Rohit had said, “I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won’t come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day.”I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time I have to be realistic as well. So life won’t change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say. They can’t decide when we should retire, when we should sit out, when we should captain. I am a sensible man, mature man, father of two kids. So I know what I need in life.”5:13

Kumble on Rohit’s Test retirement: ‘You know when it’s time and you don’t regret it’

Immediately after returning from Australia, Rohit played a one-off match for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in January after the selectors in coordination with BCCI made it mandatory for contracted players to feature in domestic cricket. Rohit’s batting woes continued as he made 3 and 28 against Jammu & Kashmir.While the selectors decided to keep him as India’s captain for the Champions Trophy, Rohit was aware success in the ICC event wouldn’t guarantee his spot in the Test format. And, so, despite his leading India to the title in March, Rohit decided to bring the curtains down on his Test career.The development comes with little over a month to go for the start of India’s five-Test tour of England on June 20. The selectors are expected to finalise the Test squad in the coming weeks, but with Rohit retiring, the biggest question for the Ajit Agarkar-led panel would be naming the next Test captain.Bumrah is an option but putting that responsibility on a fast bowler, particularly one who has just returned from injury might not be easy. He shouldered a heavy workload during the Australia tour and was diagnosed with a stress reaction on his lower back, resulting in his being unable to bowl in the second innings of the final Test in Sydney. Bumrah missed the Champions Trophy thereafter and only resumed playing since April in the IPL where he represents Mumbai Indians.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras teve mais um dia sem grandes novidades em relação ao mercado de contratações. Enquanto isso, justamente devido à pressão da torcida alviverde por reforços, a presidente Leila Pereira virou assunto na imprensa europeia nesta quinta (27). Ainda, o volante Pedro Lima, Cria da Academia, está próximo de deixar o Verdão rumo a Portugal. Por fim, o técnico Abel Ferreira parece finalmente ter chegado a um período de trégua com a arbitragem. Confira as notícias:

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+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

LEILA CHAMADA DE ‘MÃO DE VACA’

Em artigo do jornal ‘A Bola’, um dos mais conceituados de Portugal, a presidente Leila Pereira foi chamada de ‘forreta’, que na tradução para o português brasileiro seria uma pessoa mão de vaca, que não gosta muito de gastar. As críticas se devem muito por conta da pressão da torcida do Palmeiras por reforços e pela falta de ação da diretoria nesta janela de transferências do meio de temporada. (Clique e leia a matéria completa)

CRIA DA ACADEMIA PODE ESTAR DE MALAS PRONTAS

O Palmeiras está próximo de negociar o volante Pedro Lima por empréstimo ao futebol português. A informação foi dada em primeira mão pela ESPN e confirmada pelo Lance!. O clube seria o Acadêmico de Viseu, mas o negócio ainda não está sacramentado. A reportagem apurou que a confirmação deverá acontecer em breve. O estafe do jogador entende que a oportunidade é boa diante da possível falta de oportunidades no profissional. (Clique e leia a matéria completa)

continua após a publicidade

ABEL EM PAZ COM A ARBITRAGEM

Apesar dos recentes ‘atritos’ com a arbitragem e o consequente alto número de cartões recebidos em jogos do Palmeiras, o técnico Abel Ferreira parece finalmente ter chegado a um período de trégua. Cumprindo sua ‘promessa’, o treinador do Verdão não leva cartões há cinco jogos consecutivos, o que não acontece desde o início do ano. O último foi há mais de um mês, quando foi advertido com amarelo no duelo diante do Botafogo (Clique e leia a matéria completa)

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been one of the most compelling stories of the summer. After sealing promotion via the play-offs with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at Wembley, the Black Cats have wasted little time trying to prove they belong at the top level.

Backed by ambitious ownership and a clear recruitment strategy, the club have already invested more than £135m in new players, signalling their intent to establish themselves in the division.

The Stadium of Light has welcomed a string of high-profile arrivals, each carefully selected to elevate both quality and depth across the squad.

Granit Xhaka was lured from Bayer Leverkusen to anchor the midfield, while Brighton’s Simon Adingra and Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra have injected dynamism into the attack.

Club Brugge talent Chemsdine Talbi provides further promise for the future, and Nordi Mukiele, a £12m purchase from Paris Saint-Germain, adds defensive versatility following his loan spell at Leverkusen.

The excitement was palpable when Sunderland began their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win in front of a packed-out home crowd.

However, reality struck in their second fixture – a 2-0 defeat away to Burnley at Turf Moor.

Sunderland make new transfer bid

With Brentford next up at the Stadium of Light, head coach Régis Le Bris and his recruitment team are determined to finalise what they see as the “final piece of their defensive jigsaw” before the transfer window closes.

That final piece is expected to strengthen Sunderland’s backline, particularly in central defence where the club want a reliable partner for Mukiele.

Reports this week suggest Sunderland have identified their man, and negotiations are already well underway.

According to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie, Sunderland have submitted an increased offer to Bologna for Colombian international Jhon Lucumí. The player is said to be “open to the move”.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The bid, believed to be worth £24m, reflects the Black Cats’ determination to land the 27-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his contract in Italy.

A recently expired release clause means Bologna are now free to negotiate openly, though Sunderland remain confident given the player’s openness to a Premier League move.

Lucumí has built a strong reputation in Serie A since joining Bologna from Belgian side Genk in 2022. Last season, he featured 44 times across all competitions for Bologna, including seven appearances in the Champions League – experience that would add further resilience to Sunderland’s back line.

For Sunderland, the move would underline the club’s ambition and their belief that strengthening defensively is key to building on their successful play-off campaign.

Why Lucumí could be the perfect partner for Mukiele

The potential partnership between Mukiele and Lucumí represents an intriguing blend of attributes.

Sunderland’s recruitment has shown a clear preference for complementary skillsets, and the statistical comparison between the two defenders highlights exactly why the club view Lucumí as the missing piece.

According to FBref, Lucumí’s passing stands out. His 91.1% pass completion rate last season far exceeds Mukiele’s 80.4%, reflecting his calmness under pressure and suitability for building from the back.

He also averages more progressive passes per 90 minutes (3.72 compared with Mukiele’s 3.60), suggesting he can drive play forward rather than simply passing sideways.

Perhaps most significantly, the Sunderland target’s long passing numbers are a major asset: he completed 7.14 long passes per 90, more than three times Mukiele’s 2.20, allowing Sunderland to stretch opponents and transition quickly.

In terms of defensive distribution, Lucumí also boasts a greater progressive passing distance (376.4 per 90) compared to Mukiele’s 254.4.

Defensively, the contrast is more balanced. Mukiele edges Lucumí in tackles per 90 (2.00 vs. 1.83) and in dribblers tackled (1.20 vs. 1.00), reflecting his aggression and ability to operate one-versus-one, particularly when stationed at right-back.

However, Lucumí marginally leads in blocks (1.10 vs. 1.00) and matches Mukiele almost identically in defensive-third tackles (0.79 vs. 0.80) and aerial duels won (1.55 vs. 1.60).

Together, these profiles suggest a partnership: Mukiele the front-foot enforcer, Lucumí the composed sweeper with elite distribution.

This balance could be transformative for Sunderland’s backline. In their promotion campaign, defensive lapses often placed undue pressure on the midfield and goalkeeper.

The step-up to the Premier League only magnifies those weaknesses, meaning recruitment at centre-back was always going to be decisive.

With Mukiele able to shuffle wide if needed, and Lucumí offering authority in the centre, Sunderland would gain tactical flexibility – an asset that could prove invaluable against both possession-heavy and counter-attacking opponents.

The move also makes sense financially. The defender’s current market value of £20m, as per Transfermarkt, is close to Sunderland’s £24m offer, meaning the club are not grossly overpaying despite Bologna’s leverage.

At 27, he is entering his peak years, offering immediate impact alongside resale potential should he excel in England.

His international pedigree further strengthens his profile, particularly for a squad already enriched with leaders like Xhaka and ambitious young talents such as Diarra and Talbi.

With just days remaining in the window, Sunderland’s pursuit of the centre-back reflects a club not content with short-term survival.

They want to consolidate their status as a competitive Premier League side.

By securing the Colombian, they would be adding a defender whose style could unlock the best of Mukiele and provide the foundations for a more balanced, resilient season.

Better signing than Disasi: £24m titan is now pushing to join Sunderland

Sunderland would pick up a better buy than landing Axel Disasi by signing this star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 27, 2025

Few transfer windows have tested Newcastle United’s resolve quite like this one.

The Magpies’ pursuit of a reliable centre-forward has stretched across the summer, with numerous targets identified but deals proving elusive.

Liam Delap and João Pedro went to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike chose a different project, and Benjamin Šeško slipped away despite strong interest.

Each missed opportunity has increased the pressure on Newcastle’s recruitment team and added urgency to their search.

The situation has been further complicated by Alexander Isak’s public desire to leave St James’ Park.

After being linked with Liverpool all summer, the Swedish striker released a statement on Instagram citing broken promises and his wish for a fresh start.

He has refused to reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s squad, missed the opening Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, and reportedly will not return to training.

That has left Newcastle without a senior striker, particularly damaging with Anthony Gordon suspended following his red card against Liverpool.

On Thursday night, a breakthrough came with a club-record £69m agreement for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, a towering 23-year-old who scored 12 Bundesliga goals last term.

Bayern Munich had been circling, but persuasive talks with Howe convinced him of the Tyneside project.

Woltemade’s arrival is significant, but Newcastle may not stop there.

Latest on Newcastle's next striker target

The other name at the heart of Newcastle’s transfer plans is Jørgen Strand Larsen.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Magpies are preparing to return with a third bid for Wolves’ 25-year-old striker after two earlier offers were turned down, the latest worth £55m.

Wolves remain determined to hold onto their “proper No.9”, as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson, who only joined permanently from Celta Vigo this summer after a loan deal was made permanent for £23m.

Strand Larsen has quickly become central to Vítor Pereira’s attack at Molineux. The forward is understood to be open to a move, particularly with the lure of Champions League football at St James’ Park.

Reports suggest he has politely asked Wolves’ hierarchy to consider Newcastle’s approach, but the Midlands club – who have already sold Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri – insist he is not for sale.

Their stance mirrors Brentford’s firm rejection of Newcastle’s advances for Yoane Wissa earlier in the window. Nevertheless, Newcastle remain undeterred.

With Isak unavailable and Wilson gone, Howe sees the Norwegian as the ideal fit for his high-pressing, direct system.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With Woltemade’s arrival all but secured, the coaching staff view Strand Larsen not as a replacement, but as an upgrade on the German – potentially giving Newcastle two very different attacking options heading into a demanding season.

How Strand Larsen compares to Woltemade

The potential of signing both Strand Larsen and Woltemade has sparked debate among supporters and analysts alike.

Both are young, tall centre-forwards with room to develop, yet their statistical profiles highlight different strengths.

Matches Played

35

28

Goals

14

12

Assists

4

2

Progressive Passes

29

52

Progressive Carries

17

32

Strand Larsen was consistent for Wolves in the Premier League last season, scoring 14 times and registering 18 goal involvements across 35 appearances.

His efficiency in front of goal is reflected in a 61.1% shot-on-target rate – impressively high for a striker taking regular attempts.

Per 90 minutes, he averaged 1.15 shots on target, underlining his ability to work goalkeepers with relatively few wasted efforts.

While not prolific in ball progression, his 0.59 progressive carries and 1.01 progressive passes per 90 demonstrate a willingness to link up play.

By contrast, Woltemade’s numbers at Stuttgart last term illustrate a more versatile and mobile profile.

Despite featuring in only 28 Bundesliga matches, he recorded 14 goal involvements and averaged a higher volume of progressive actions – 1.72 carries and 2.89 progressive passes per 90.

His overall involvement in attacking moves was greater, reflected by 4.38 shot-creating actions per 90 compared to Strand Larsen’s 1.46.

Physically taller at 1.98m, the German also excels at dropping deeper to knit midfield and attack, though his shot accuracy (50% on target) lags behind his Norwegian counterpart.

Defensively, Woltemade again offers more.

He averages 0.56 tackles and 1.28 blocks per 90, showing greater defensive contribution in Newcastle’s high-pressing style.

Strand Larsen, meanwhile, contributes less off the ball (0.35 tackles, 0.66 blocks per 90), though his aerial strength (1.93m frame) provides a different outlet.

Taken together, these statistics explain Newcastle’s thinking. In Woltemade, they gain a forward comfortable carrying and distributing the ball, useful against teams who defend deep.

In Strand Larsen, they would secure a more clinical, penalty-box striker, adept at punishing defensive lapses and capitalising on crosses.

Having both options would give Howe tactical flexibility, allowing for different styles depending on the opposition.

The reality is that Newcastle’s hopes of re-establishing themselves as Champions League regulars rest on finding a reliable source of goals.

Isak’s impending exit has created a void, and while Woltemade’s signing has eased immediate concerns, the addition of Strand Larsen would truly transform their attacking department.

Whether Wolves can be persuaded before the deadline remains to be seen, but Newcastle’s persistence suggests they are ready to push hard.

Bruno will love him: Newcastle open talks to sign "£100m-plus footballer"

Newcastle could make an ambitious late move, much to the benefit of Bruno Guimaraes.

ByWill Miller Aug 29, 2025

Darwin Nunez continues to trundle toward the exit door at Liverpool, leaving behind him a pre-season of preparation in red that has been rich with goals.

But the Uruguayan started only once in the Premier League after Boxing Day last season and scored just seven goals across 47 matches in all competitions. Given that he scored a brace against Brentford, the 25-year-old blanked 41 times under Arne Slot’s wing last year.

So then, Liverpool will need to sign a new striker, even having purchased Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69m fee.

Given that Luis Diaz was sold to Bayern Munich for £65.5m last month, you might think a new electric-paced left winger would be at the top of sporting director Richard Hughes’ agenda.

But Rio Ngumoha may well have changed that narrative.

Liverpool's latest prodigy

A star is born. Ngumoha cannot be denied now: this is an up-and-coming player with the potential to go right to the top.

But let’s park our excitement for a moment; Ngumoha is only 16 after all, and must be dripped into life on the professional circuit, not poured right in and exhausted before he has had the chance to develop his remarkable technical and athletic faculties.

Still, his goal-and-assist performance against Athletic Bilbao on Monday afternoon was quite the Anfield debut. Friendly though it was, the attacking midfielder played with such gusto and slickness on the ball, striding forward and unleashing a confident looping strike from outside the area to turn the limelight onto him.

Is it any wonder he has been described as a “special” talent by journalist Bence Bocsak, who said the teenager “has completed more dribbles (14) than any other #LFC player in pre-season.”

Slot will be keen to placate the mounting noise around his name, but you can’t help but think that Liverpool have spawned a custom-built Diaz replacement, one who might play quite the important role in the years to come.

Nguomha’s ball-carrying ability and capacity for goal contributions of all shapes and sizes suggest he could form a dangerous partnership with Ekitike over the coming years, but the same stands for another centre-forward Liverpool are interested in signing this summer.

Liverpool lining up another striker

No, it’s not Alexander Isak we’re on about here. The Newcastle United number nine is Liverpool’s dream target, but the Magpies are playing hardball and might not even find a fitting replacement.

Thus, Caught Offside have revealed that Liverpool have entered the race for Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos, who has fallen out of favour in Luis Enrique’s system.

PSG would hope to recoup something in the ballpark of €65m (£56m) for the Portugal international, who, aged 24, hopes to take the next step in his career and become a focal point for his side.

Though Liverpool want to sign Isak above all others, Ramos would hardly be a poor fallback, and he’s also wanted by Aston Villa, Manchester United, Juventus and Napoli.

What Goncalo Ramos would bring to Liverpool

Ramos cut his teeth in his homeland with Benfica before signing for PSG in an €80m (£70m) deal in 2023, coming off the back of a breakout World Cup campaign in Qatar 2022.

Though the Iberian forward has only scored 33 goals across 86 matches for the French giants, assisting eight goals besides, he’s rarely featured as the star man, starting ten Ligue 1 fixtures in 2024/25. Still, he scored ten times.

And the underlying data is in his favour too. As per FBref, Ramos ranked among the top 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goals scored, the top 11% for assists, the top 9% for pass completion and the top 2% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

The steady rate of prolific performances across Ramos’ senior career thus far suggests that Slot could shape into one of the world’s foremost forwards, proving the perfect long-term dance partner for an up-and-coming talent like Ngumoha.

24/25 – PSG

46

19

6

23/24 – PSG

40

14

2

22/23 – Benfica

47

27

8

21/22 – Benfica

46

8

4

20/21 – Benfica

12

4

–

19/20 – Benfica

1

2

–

Hailed as an “outrageous” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ramos’ wide range of offensive instruments bespeaks his suitability in Slot’s system at Liverpool. He’s fast, powerful and nimble, suggesting he could operate across a variety of roles for a coach who has displayed a preference for forwards who are willing to be fluid in their roles.

But if Ngumoha’s fast-developing potential has anything to say, it’s unlikely that Slot would be seeking to convert the right-footer into a left-sided forward, whose pace would be used to swerve inside, ready to strike on goal.

Furthermore, Ekitike has indeed already signed on and will bring to the Premier League a more refined and expansive game as a frontman. In any case, the Frenchman is a mean and still-improving goalscorer himself, thus apt to dovetail right into the Slot machine.

But Ramos would bring the icing on the cake, ensuring Liverpool have enough firepower to compete across multiple fronts this season, even if the concerted effort to sign Isak falls flat.

FBref record that both Isak and Ekitike are statistically comparable players to the PSG star, so he’s certainly got the right skill set.

And with Ngumoha already making waves within the Liverpool first team, there’s no reason why these two stars couldn’t strike up a mesmerising partnership in the years to come.

Ekitike repeat: Liverpool prepare £50m offer for "monster"; it's not Isak

Liverpool are still hoping to complete several signings before the end of the transfer window.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 5, 2025

Leeds United could be in the market for further reinforcements in the attacking areas of the pitch before the summer transfer window officially slams shut.

Lukas Nmecha, who signed on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, is the only attacker to have joined the squad so far, and the Whites are set to miss out on a deal for Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao.

Their pursuit of the Brazilian dynamo suggests that they are in the market to sign a new left winger, after Manor Solomon returned to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season.

The Whites are also looking for a new centre-forward to lead their line in the Premier League, as Football Insider reported earlier this summer that the club have doubts over Joel Piroe’s ability to make the step up.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Leeds are looking to cash in on wantaway forward Mateo Joseph in order to fund a new bid to sign Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz.

What Rodrigo Muniz could bring to Leeds

The Brazilian striker could bring a proven presence at the top end of the pitch in the Premier League, as he has been there and done it in the division with Fulham.

Muniz has showcased his ability to find the back of the net efficiently in the league in the last two seasons, outperforming his xG in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns for the Cottagers.

Rodrigo Muniz (Premier League)	23/24	24/25
Appearances	26	31
Starts	18	8
xG	8.72	5.81
Goals	9	8
Minutes per goal	179	121
Big chances created	2	1
Assists	1	1
Duel success rate	39%	52%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the striker has not yet hit double figures for goals in a Premier League season, but he has rarely been a starter for his side.

The 24-year-old star would not need any time to adapt to the league or the country, as he is a proven quantity, and that could appeal to Leeds in their search for a new number nine.

However, Muniz has never scored more than nine goals in a single league season in his career, and there may be doubts over his ability to deliver consistently over the course of an entire campaign.

That may be why the Championship champions are now reportedly looking at an alternative centre-forward option, who could be even better than the Fulham marksman if they can get a deal over the line.

Leeds eyeing move for Serie A forward

According to RomaPress, Leeds United are one of a number of teams interested in a deal to sign Roma number nine Artem Dovbyk this summer.

The report claims that the Whites and fellow Premier League side West Ham United are both lining up moves to sign the Ukraine international to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It adds that Roma are looking for a fee within the region of £30m in order to part ways with the left-footed centre-forward, although it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are prepared to spend that much on him.

RomaPress also note that fellow Italian outlet Leggo have reported that Turkish giants Besiktas have made contact with Roma to discuss a potential deal for Dovbyk.

It is now down to the 49ers and Daniel Farke to push to beat the likes of Besiktas and West Ham to his signature this summer, because he would be an even better signing than Muniz.

Why Leeds should sign Artem Dovbyk

The 28-year-old attacker is a striker who has the potential to deliver goals at an impressive rate in the Premier League, as a star who has proven his quality in multiple top European leagues.

Dovbyk, who was described as “dominant” in the air by analyst Ben Mattinson, has impressed in both LaLiga and the Serie A since he moved away from Ukraine in the summer of 2023, after scoring 38 goals in 47 games in his last two seasons in the Premier Liga.

The £30m-rated star has hit double figures for goals five times at league level throughout his career, including in each of the last four seasons, whilst Muniz is yet to do it once.

Dovbyk has also scored 24 goals in a league season twice in his career, once in Ukraine and once in Spain, which suggests that he has the potential to be an incredibly prolific figure in front of goal for Leeds if he can adapt to English football.

Artem Dovbyk	23/24 LaLiga (Girona)	24/25 Serie A (Roma)
Appearances	36	32
Starts	32	27
xG	24.29	12.25
Goals	24	12
Minutes per goal	109	203
Big chances created	10	5
Assists	8	2
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Ukraine international has scored 36 goals in Europe’s top five leagues in the last two seasons, whilst Muniz scored 17 goals for Fulham in the Premier League in that time.

Muniz also managed just three ‘big chances’ created and two assists in the league in that time, which suggests that Dovbyk is also more likely to provide a big threat as a creator, based on his 15 ‘big chances’ created in the last two campaigns.

These statistics suggest that the Roma star has the potential to offer far more to the team than the Fulham centre-forward, as he has delivered more as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the last couple of years.

It would be a bit more of a gamble for Leeds to take, as he has yet to prove himself in the Premier League, but they can be assured by the fact that he has scored goals at an impressive rate in the Spanish and Italian top-flights already.

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Therefore, if it gets to a point where the club have to decide between pursuing Muniz or Dovbyk, they should look to swoop for the Ukraine international to lead the line for Farke next season.

Reece Topley, the England fast bowler, is to return home from the Caribbean after jarring his right knee in the first T20I against West Indies in Barbados*.The left-arm seamer picked up the injury in his delivery stride during the fifth over of the series opener on Saturday, and though he attempted to continue to bowl after a short rain delay, he left the field after one more delivery, and took no further part in the match.The injury was sufficient for him to miss England’s second match in Barbados, a seven-wicket win on Sunday to give them a 2-0 series lead. Topley will have a scan in London on Friday to determine the extent of the damage.It was the latest cruel setback in a career that has been littered with injury, and as he walked up the steps to the players’ pavilion, Topley was seen picking up a chair and smashing it on the staircase handrail. The reaction earned him a fine from the ICC amounting to 15 percent of his match fee.It was a similar reaction to that which Topley had produced in Mumbai during the 50-over World Cup in October 2023, when he had swiped another chair out of his path after leaving the field with what would later be revealed as a tournament-ending break to his left index finger.The 30-year-old’s damaged knee joins a list of unfortunate issues, including a career-threatening stress fracture of the back, and a rolled ankle – sustained on a boundary sponge during a practice match in Brisbane – that ruled him out of England’s successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2022.Topley escaped punishment for the 2023 incident, but this time, he was found guilty of a Level 1 breach of the ICC’s Code of Conduct, with Article 2.2 relating to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”Topley admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson, the ICC’s match referee, so there was no need for a formal hearing.In addition to his fine, one demerit point has been added to Topley’s disciplinary record. When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned. However, this was Topley’s first such offence within the time period.*November 14, 8.45pm GMT – This story was updated with news of Topley returning home

Liverpool came into their pre-season clash with Milan full of optimism.

They’ve arguably had the best transfer window of any team this summer, namely signing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

Arne Slot’s team looks set to pack a firmer punch even than they did during their Premier League-winning campaign and things could get even better.

Indeed, the Reds are favourites to land Alexander Isak after the Swede made the hierarchy at Newcastle know that he’d like to explore an exit this summer.

That positivity, however, was not enough to carry them to a win over Milan who defeated Slot’s side 4-2.

Work to do then, largely at the back where options look sparse centrally for Liverpool. Still, they seem intent to taking steps to add more to the forward line.

Who could replace Nunez and Diaz at Liverpool

Any moves Liverpool complete between now and the end of the summer are likely to depend on what happens to Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.

It’s largely been expected that the former takes his leave but where he ends up feels a little uncertain right now. As for Diaz, his future will be in Munich with Bayern having agreed to sign the Colombian winger for a fee of around £65m.

Should Nunez leave alongside Diaz, then the Reds could turn their attention to a record-breaking bid for Isak.

Yet, with Ekitike already through the door, signing an out-and-out replacement for Diaz would make a great deal more sense.

That’s where Liverpool’s wide options come into the equation. Another Toon star in the form of Anthony Gordon has been linked but that feels unlikely.

What’s more likely is concluding a deal for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. That’s according to reports in Spain.

Reports a few weeks ago noted that Liverpool had begun talks to sign the Brazilian and now they are said to be leading the race to sign him.

It’s alleged that Arsenal are now out of the race for the Madrid star, making the Reds firm favourites. That being said, they will have to sell in order to find a move for a player being valued at around £87m.

That’s certainly a lot of money, but for a player compared to Wirtz, it’s easy to see why they’ve cast their eyes in the direction of the 24-year-old.

How Rodrygo compares to Florian Wirtz

Described as the “best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, it was some coup to get Wirtz to Anfield this summer.

Many think the classic number 10 has died out but in Wirtz, you sense Liverpool have signed the heir to Kevin De Bruyne’s throne.

He’s a creative machine, having assisted 15 goals last season, but he’s also more than competent in front of goal, netting 16 times in all competitions.

Not just capable of playing through the middle, Wirtz has also found a home in wide areas, just like Rodrygo.

The Brazilian isn’t much of a number 10, however, like Wirtz, he’s played as a false 9 and out wide. His statistical data is also very similar.

Indeed, according to FBref, the German is the seventh-most similar attacking midfielder and winger to Rodrygo in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year. Here’s why.

Rodrygo vs Wirtz in 2024/25 (league only)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Rodrygo

Wirtz

Goals

0.28

0.38

Assists

0.23

0.46

Shots

2.52

2.84

Pass success %

85.9%

78.3%

Shot-creating actions

4.95

5.66

Key passes

2.29

2.18

Progressive passes

5.05

6.74

Successful take-ons

2.29

3.14

Progressive carries

5.28

5.02

Progressive passes received

11.8

11.8

Stats via FBRef.

While Wirtz’s output is supremely better – Rodrygo scored 14 and assisted 11 in all completions – their data was comparable in other areas.

Looking at the numbers, it was actually the Real winger who bettered Wirtz for key passes per 90 minutes, although only marginally.

In the dribbling department, their ability to manipulate the ball in tight areas and advance beyond the defence is uncanny.

They’re dazzling with possession at their feet, something that’s backed up by the fact that they both average over five progressive carries per 90.

Teammates clearly recognise that too, as they receive an identical number of progressive passes, underlining their ability to be given the ball between the lines where they can impact proceedings in the final third.

While Rodrygo did go 17 games without a goal at one stage in 2024/25, his ability is obvious and if you’re a player earning comparisons to Wirtz, it’s clear you’re a very talented footballer. After all, he is a “world-class superstar” in the words of Luka Modric.

For Liverpool, this would be a great move if Diaz departs.

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Looking to add to their South American contingent, Nottingham Forest have reportedly sent representatives to watch a big-money midfielder at the Club World Cup this summer.

Nottingham Forest's first 5 Premier League fixtures

Preparation for the 2025/26 Premier League season is officially underway. The fixtures have been released, the nerves are already building up and potential points calculated. For Nottingham Forest, the forthcoming campaign represents the chance for them to become an established top-half side and pick up where they left off in an excellent season last time out – starting at home against Brentford.

Nottingham Forest first 5 games	Date
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford	16/08/2025
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest	23/08/2025
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United	30/08/2025
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest	13/09/2025
Burnley vs Nottingham Forest	20/09/2025

As far as starts go, the Tricky Trees could have been handed far tougher. Their trip to Crystal Palace may yet have an extra bit of tension if Evangelos Marinakis is successful in his attempt to take their Europa League spot should the Eagles be kicked out of Europe this summer.

Meanwhile, Forest’s early trip to Arsenal should give Nuno Espirito Santo the chance to gauge where his side are at in the battle for European football and whether they’ll find themselves causing the same shocks as last season.

With the fixtures now in place, the task for those at the City Ground will be to build a squad ready to enjoy the best possible start. On that front, it already looks as though Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano will arrive in the coming weeks, whilst rumours continue to arise over a potential move for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

Adding to their South American contingent seems to be the priority, however, after club chiefs were sent to watch an £85m midfielder at the Club World Cup this summer.

Nottingham Forest join Richard Rios race

According to GiveMeSport, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras this summer. The Midlands club reportedly sent representatives to watch the Colombian midfielder in action at the Club World Cup as he starred to help his side to an opening game 0-0 draw against Porto.

A deal to sign the talented South American won’t come cheap, though, amid reports that Rios has a release clause worth as much as £85m in his current contract at Palmeiras. Whether Forest are willing to or are even able to pay such a price is the big question and competition from the likes of Manchester United certainly won’t help their pursuit.

Praised for his “relentless work-rate” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Rios will be one to watch this summer at both the Club World Cup and potentially beyond if he completes a move to the Premier League.