The agent of an "exceptional" Rangers player has held talks with a new club over a move away for his client this week, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Summer of exits at Rangers

The Gers had one of their busiest summers in recent memory when it came to new signings, with nine fresh faces brought in to add to the depth within Philippe Clement's squad. Such was the focus in incomings, however, that it's easy to forget that a number of established stars also brought an end to their time at Ibrox, heightening the need for additions.

The likes of Borna Barisic, John Lundstram and Kemar Roofe all left when their respective contracts expired, meaning Clement lost a huge amount of experience and quality in the same period.

There has also been plenty of speculation regarding the future of James Tavernier at Rangers, with the right-back linked with a move away from the club all summer long. In fact, the Scottish Premiership side are even believed to be open to the idea of selling him, perhaps feeling that now is the right time to receive a hefty amount of money for his signature.

Now, another significant claim has emerged – one that suggests the Englishman could soon be an ex-Gers player, following a magnificent spell at Ibrox.

"Exceptional" Rangers ace in talks over exit

According to Takvim [via Sport Witness], Besiktas are now looking to complete the signing of Rangers captain James Tavernier this week, snapping him up before the summer transfer window closes in Turkey on Friday.

They are believed to have held talks with the 32-year-old's agent over a move to the club, with former Gers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst now the manager of the Turkish side and wanting to get a deal over the line, telling those high up at the club to sort it over the next 96 hours.

Seeing Tavernier leave Rangers in the next few days before the Turkish window slams shut would be a sad sight for many supporters, considering what an influential performer he has been over the past nine years.

The right-back has a quite stunning record for the Scottish outfit, registering 256 goal contributions (125 goals and 131 assists) in 467, and his level of creativity and leadership will be a massive loss, weakening Clement team's significantly at a time when they are looking to get the better of rivals Celtic.

James Tavernier's Rangers career

Total

Appearances

467

Goals

125

Assists

131

On the flip side, however, Tavernier is now 32, so cashing in on him now could look beneficial further down the line, as Rangers use the funds to sign younger options in upcoming windows.

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Looking at the here and now, selling the Gers skipper feels like a monumental hit to their chances of glory – Clement has described him as "exceptional" – but the bigger picture means there is an element of sense to it, especially if he feels he wants a fresh challenge at this point in his career.

England will play a home international in front of a full-capacity crowd for the first time since September 2019 next Saturday, after the second ODI against Pakistan at Lord’s was included in the UK government’s Event Research Programme (ERP).Fans have started to return to international cricket in the UK over the last month, with around 17,000 fans attending the first three days of the second Test against New Zealand at Edgbaston and capacities of around 20-25% elsewhere, subject to government regulations.The ECB announced last week that limited-overs fixtures against Sri Lanka and Pakistan would be included in the ERP as the UK continues to work towards the total lifting of Covid-related restrictions, scheduled for July 19, and on Monday, Warwickshire announced that they would stage the third ODI against Pakistan in front of an 80% full Edgbaston.Ticket-holders over the age of 11 will be required to provide either proof of a recent negative lateral flow test, proof of full vaccination, or proof of natural immunity via a positive PCR test result taken in the last 180 days.There will be no social-distancing requirements within the ground, though fans will be encouraged to wear masks while moving around. Under-16s were not allowed to attend the first pilot event of the cricketing summer at Edgbaston, but no such restrictions will apply at Lord’s.

Manchester United have strengthened across the board this summer, but there's one prominent transfer thread yet to have been conclusively wrapped up.

Manuel Ugarte did not enjoy the most auspicious of debut campaigns, signing for Paris Saint-Germain from Sporting Lisbon in a £51m deal last summer, but the 23-year-old has attracted Old Trafford's attention due to his steely skillset and wide expanse of growth still ahead.

He no doubt has a tough journey ahead, but then Ugarte has all the properties to establish himself as a leading player in the Premier League.

Why Manuel Ugarte could succeed at Man United

As per Fabrizio Romano, United are closing in on signing Ugarte; at this stage, it would be a surprise to all parties if a deal were to fall through.

Transfer talks between the two outfits have been protracted but a resolution is indeed close, with a loan move with an obligation to buy suggested as one possible solution. Ugarte, for his part, is desperate to journey to the Theatre of Dreams.

He's also a high-class distributor, ranking among the top 6% of central midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as per FBref. Sure, he's not the most expansive with his passing, but a crisp and secure body in the centre is exactly what the Red Devils need.

By adding him to the mix and providing an upgrade on Casemiro, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo could operate with greater freedom, while Bruno Fernandes could be more secure in his all-encompassing creative dominance.

All this, in turn, would spill over to Ten Hag's frontline, where centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund might finally receive the service that his prolific quality deserves.

Despite a testing debut campaign in Greater Manchester, the young Dane has actually seen his market value shoot up after United paid £72m to Atalanta for his signature, and one can only imagine how far he might rise if Ugarte's arrival issues the desired chain reaction.

Rasmus Hojlund's market value in 2024

According to CIES Football Observatory's player valuation model, Hojlund currently boasts a maximum market price of £103m, bearing testament to his prodigious potential and indeed just how well-regarded he is.

This would place him some £52m above Ugarte, who might end up joining on an initial loan but would later cost a €60m (£51m) figure.

Last year, he scored ten goals from 30 matches in the Premier League despite blanking until Boxing Day, also proving to be a shining light from United's bleak Champions League campaign, bagging five goals from six outings.

To back up that point about an absence of service, Man United ranked joint-12th in the Premier League last season for big chances created, alongside Bournemouth, so Hojlund really did struggle to find the kind of support he needed to perform at his apex.

Once predicted to become a "monster" of a striker by Reading head coach Ruben Selles, Hojlund proved that he could score goals despite his young years and lack of playmaking support.

Now, United are moving up a gear or three, and he could now grow into one of the continent's star strikers.

Surprise move: Man Utd target "extraordinary" UCL winner who's like De Ligt

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 23, 2024

Spurs considered hiring the Dutchman 18 months ago before he committed to Feyenoord for another year and later succeeded Jurgen Klopp at Anfield

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Arne Slot's decision to stay at Feyenoord in 2023 for one more year has been vindicated. Having just led the Rotterdam giants to their first Eredivisie title in six years, he was linked with the vacant post at Tottenham.

However, he did not make the move to north London, and Spurs instead turned to Celtic's Ange Postecoglou. Slot would instead get his long-awaited shot at Premier League stardom a year later when Liverpool came calling in search of a worthy successor to Jurgen Klopp.

This season, the fortunes of Postecoglou and Slot have wildly differed, though there is a danger of both being left short by their respective employers. Sunday will mark the first meeting between two esteemed underdog coaches who could be heading down a similar path despite their difference in the Premier League table.

• AFP
  

  Why Slot didn't join Spurs

  There are disputed accounts of Tottenham's interest in Slot back in May 2023 when they were nearly two months into their hunt for a permanent replacement to Antonio Conte, who infamously threw his toys out of the pram in an extraordinary press conference after watching his side blow a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw at Southampton.

  It's lost to history that 90 percent of Conte's rant was essentially calling his players crap, with the minority aimed at why Spurs have only won one trophy in two decades of Daniel Levy's chairmanship. That, though, is what resonated with the masses. "Tottenham's story is this!" the Italian exclaimed at his highest octave.

  Spurs chased Julian Nagelsmann and considered Luis Enrique before they set their sights on Slot, who signed a new Feyenoord contract days after speculation over his future started. Club sources maintain they never made an approach and so weren't necessarily 'rejected', but the optics weren't great.

  Slot, meanwhile, outlined his ambitions to lead Feyenoord into the Champions League and revealed his off-field interests played a role in his decision: "It is also the way you work. It's not always that you come into the place where you can work like we can here and be happy, professional-wise but also family-wise."

  Given the upheaval at Spurs, that seemed a fair enough reason to stay.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Frantic search

  Slot's commitment to Feyenoord left Tottenham open to further ridicule. They had gone through a similar ordeal only two years prior when they took months to replace Jose Mourinho, eventually appointing Nuno Espirito Santo after his exit from Wolves.

  All the while, the club were trying to bat away suggestions Harry Kane, their all-time leading scorer and arguably best player ever, could be sold. Problems were bad enough for any new manager without the threat of the striker leaving too.

  After Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique and Slot, Postecoglou emerged as the frontrunner after two hugely successful seasons north of the English-Scottish border with Celtic. By this point, much of the Spurs fanbase were irate and disillusioned with ownership, though most were willing to attach themselves to the charismatic Aussie in hope rather than expectation.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Postecoglou left short

  Indeed, Postecoglou's job was made tougher by Kane's departure only a day before Spurs' Premier League season began. His £86m sale did, at least, fund a transformative window in which several new core players arrived, including Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven and Brennan Johnson.

  That still doesn't make up for the departure of a 30-goal striker and the captain of England, for whom a direct replacement wasn't signed until 12 months later. Postecoglou led Tottenham to a respectable fifth-placed Premier League finish when so many had predicted them to crash and burn without Kane, instead improving their final standing by three places from the previous year and instilling an enthralling style of play.

  Dominic Solanke, eventually brought in to fill the Kane-shaped void, was the only fully-grown adult brought in by Spurs permanently heading into 2024-25. That's a major reason behind their struggles so far this term, as headed into the weekend sat in tenth.

  At their best, Tottenham are the best team to watch in the Premier League and maybe Europe, but they don't have the full squad to sustain that peak. It's brought serious questions over Levy and his on-pitch ambition.

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  Anfield parallels

  To Tottenham, Liverpool are what they aspire to be. They are not bankrolled by a nation and spend well within their means, perhaps a little too cautiously at times. Their organic resurgences under Mauricio Pochettino and Klopp, respectively, led to their meeting in the 2019 Champions League final.

  Whereas Liverpool had reached a second successive European finale and boasted a history of such experience, there was little about Spurs which suggested belief of heading back to the grandest stage. Hugo Lloris' anecdote about Levy gifting watches to the squad with 'finalists' engraved on them confirmed wider assumptions that the club weren't destroyed by losing.

  Those upstairs at Anfield receive some rather harsh criticism from a minority of their supporters for a perceived lack of spending in the transfer market, at least compared to their rivals. In that sense, they are the infinitely more successful version of modern Tottenham, whose fans look over at the transformation on Merseyside and must wonder 'what if'.

  Liverpool did, however, have their own troubles initially sourcing the right man to come in for Klopp. Like Spurs, the club played down links to one of their supposed top targets, this time in Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso. Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim, now of Manchester United, was also in their thinking before Slot became the main focus.

خاض فريق برشلونة، مساء يوم الأحد، مباراة في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2024/25، وذلك ضد خصمه إشبيلية.

واستضاف ملعب “رامون سانشيز بيزخوان” مباراة الفريقين في خضم لقاءات الجولة الثالثة والعشرين من الليجا، حيث حقق برشلونة فوزًا بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف. أهداف مباراة برشلونة وإشبيلية في الدوري الإسباني

وكاد لامين يامال أن يسجل الهدف الأول لصالح برشلونة، في الدقيقة السادسة، بعد تمريرة من بيدري وصلت إلى الإسباني الذي سددها من الناحية اليمنى ولكن تصدى لها حارس إشبيلية.

وبعد ذلك بدقيقة، تمكن روبرت ليفاندوفسكي من تسجيل هدف التقدم للضيوف، بعد عرضية من رافينها وصلت إلى إينيجو مارتينيز، الذي وجه الكرة برأسه، لتجد البولندي الذي يسددها في الشباك.

ولكن برشلونة لم يحتفل طويلًا بتقدمه حيث نجح إشبيلية في تسجيل هدف التعادل في الدقيقة الثامنة عن طريق روبن فارجاس، بعد تمريرة من زميله ساؤول.

وشهدت الدقيقة 17 تدخلًا قويًا من لاعب إشبيلية ضد أراوخو حيث تعامل معه الطاقم الطبي لـ برشلونة قبل أن يستكمل الأوروجواياني اللعب، ولكن لم يتمكن من المواصلة ليتم استبداله في الدقيقة 22 ويحل مكانه باو كوبارسي.

وسنحت فرصة لصالح برشلونة في الدقيقة 42، بعد تمريرة رائعة بالكعب من لامين يامال، لتصل إلى كوندي المتواجد على حدود منطقة الجزاء، ولكنه سدد كرة قوية أعلى المرمى.

وكاد إشبيلية أن يسجل هدف التقدم قبل نهاية الشوط الأول، بعد تسديدة مقصية من لوكيباكيو، ولكن الحارس تشيزني تألق وتصدى لها على الفور بمهارة، ليحافظ على التعادل بين الشوطين.

ومع بداية الشوط الثاني، دفع المدرب هانز فليك باللاعب فيرمين لوبيز مكان زميله جافي.

ولم يحتج فيرمين لوبيز أكثر من دقيقتين ليتمكن من تسجيل هدف برشلونة الثاني برأسه، بعد تمريرة رائعة من المتألق بيدري.

وأحرز إشبيلية هدف التعادل، بعد لحظات من تسجيل هدف تقدم برشلونة، ولكن التسلل منع احتسابه.

وعزز برشلونة تفوقه بعدما سجل الهدف الثالث في الدقيقة 55، عن طريق رافينها، بعد تسديدة قوية من جانب البرازيلي من على حدود منطقة الجزاء، بعد مراوغة للدفاع، لتهتز شباك أصحاب الأرض.

واضطر برشلونة إلى اللعب منقوصًا بـ10 لاعبين، منذ الدقيقة 62 بعد طرد لاعب الفريق فيرمين لوبيز.

جاء الطرد بعد تدخل قوي من جانب فيرمين لوبيز ضد لاعب إشبيلية، ليحصل على بطاقة صفراء، قبل تدخل تقنية الفيديو، ليقرر الحكم بعد ذلك إلغاء الصفراء واستبدالها بالحمراء.

وحصل مدرب برشلونة، هانز فليك، على بطاقة صفراء نتيجة اعتراضه على كثرة تدخلات إشبيلية ضد لاعبيه، وتحديدًا بعد سقوط روبرت ليفاندوفسكي.

وحسم برشلونة النتيجة بعدما سجل إريك جارسيا الهدف الرابع، في الدقيقة 89، بعد تمريرة من رافينها، وصلت إلى الإسباني ليسددها برأسه في الشباك.

بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد برشلونة إلى 48 نقطة في المركز الثالث، بفارق نقطة عن أتلتيكو مدريد، ونقطتين عن ريال مدريد، ليقبل هدية القطبين بعد تعادلهما في ديربي يوم السبت.

في حين تجمد رصيد إشبيلية عند 28 نقطة في المركز الثالث عشر في جدول البطولة.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians foi condenado pela Fifa a pagar 1,35 milhão de euros (cerca de R$ 8,5 milhões) ao Estoril, de Portugal, após o clube europeu ter movido um processo contra o Alvinegro pelo não pagamento do valor referente à contratação do jogador Matheus Jesus, ocorrida em 2019. A informação, divulgada inicialmente pelo GE, foi confirmada pela reportagem do LANCE!.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansBruno Mendez será o 14º jogador liberado por empréstimo pelo CorinthiansCorinthians23/06/2021CorinthiansSaídas de atletas podem abrir espaço para contratações no CorinthiansCorinthians15/06/2021CorinthiansCorinthians libera Michel Macedo para fechar por empréstimo com o JuventudeCorinthians19/04/2021

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> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2021 clicando aqui

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GALERIA
>Veja até quando vai o contrato de cada jogador do Corinthians

O volante, que atualmente está emprestado ao Náutico, tem contrato com o Timão até dezembro de 2023. Este compromisso foi firmado no final de 2019, depois de o atleta ser emprestado pelo Estoril. O acordo inicial com o clube português, que iria até dezembro daquele ano, previa a contratação do atleta em definitivo ao fim do compromisso, o que acabou ocorrendo, mas o Timão ficou devendo à equipe europeia esta quantia de 1,35 milhão de euros.

A sentença foi aplicada contra o Corinthians no dia 4 de maio deste ano pelo juiz sul-africanoJohan van Gaalen, do Comitê de Status de Jogadores da Fifa. No documento divulgado pela entidade em seu site oficial, no qual confirma a decisão que obriga o Alvinegro a pagar a dívida, o magistrado afirmou que o clube brasileiro não contestou o débito com a equipe portuguesa. E ordenou, naquela ocasião, um prazo de 45 dias para que o valor pendente fosse quitado.

Entretanto, o Corinthians recorreu à Corte Arbitral do Esporte (CAS, na sigla em inglês) contra a decisão, que está suspensa enquanto o recurso apresentado pelo clube não for julgado pelo máximo tribunal esportivo. Esta apelação ainda não consta na agenda de julgamentos listada pela CAS em seu site oficial.

A sentença aplicada pela Fifa ainda obrigou o Corinthians a pagar R$ 250 mil ao Estoril em uma quantia referente a 50% do que o Red Bull Bragantino pagou ao Corinthians pela contratação de Matheus Jesus por empréstimo, em 2020. O pagamento deste percentual ao clube português, em caso de transferência do volante a outro time, estava previsto em uma das cláusulas do contrato de compra do atleta, firmado quando o Alvinegro o adquiriu em definitivo.

A decisão do tribunal da Fifa também determinou que o não pagamento da dívida ao Estoril por Matheus Jesus irá provocar também a aplicação de uma punição dura ao Corinthians de ficar proibido de contratar jogadores e registrar reforços por três janelas de transferências seguidas.

E se o recurso apresentado pelo clube for recusado pela CAS, o Alvinegro ainda corre o risco de ser condenado a pagar ainda 12% do valor da dívida de 1,35 milhão de euros, um percentual que também foi estipulado no contrato do jogador em caso de não pagamento da quantia acordada na transferência.

Procurado pelo LANCE! para comentar o caso envolvendo Matheus Jesus, o departamento de comunicação do Corinthians que é responsávelpor divulgar posicionamentos oficiais do clube em relação a assuntos jurídicos ainda não havia respondido até a publicação desta reportagem na manhã deste sábado.

NOVE JOGOS DISPUTADOS E APENAS DOIS COMO TITULAR

Depois de ter sido contratado inicialmente por empréstimo em 2019, Matheus Jesus disputou apenas nove partidas pelo Corinthians naquele ano. E ele não defendeu mais a equipe depois de ter sido contratado em definitivo pelo clube, que optou por emprestá-lo ao Bragantino e depois ao Juventude e ao Náutico.

No curto período em que defendeu o Timão, o volante foi titular em apenas dois dos nove jogos que fez pela equipe em 2019 e não marcou nenhum gol. O atleta de 24 anos também defendeu Ponte Preta, Santos, Gamba Osaka, do Japão, Portimonense, de Portugal, e Oeste, que foi o último clube no qual atuou antes de ser contratado por empréstimo pelo Timão há mais de dois anos.

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Buttler injury opens door to extended run in ODI squad after luckless tour of India

Matt Roller25-Jun-2021At the start of March, Sam Billings was full of positivity about an upcoming three-match period that could have locked him into England’s T20 World Cup squad: he had not been given an opportunity in their T20I series in India, but had expected to play all three of the ODIs that followed before trying to force his way into the Delhi Capitals team in the IPL. “It’s really exciting,” he said at the time. “The strategy was always to give myself the best chance of being selected in the World Cup.”But things have not gone to plan. Billings suffered a shoulder injury diving on the boundary in the first ODI, ruling him out of the next two games, and after starting the IPL on Delhi’s bench, was in line to make his first appearance of the season against Kolkata Knight Riders but watched as the worsening Covid-19 situation caused the tournament to be postponed. That meant a flight home to the UK and 10 days of self-isolation in a hotel room, “watching the planes fly over [Heathrow] Terminal Five”.Desperate to get onto the pitch, he was the first English IPL player back in the County Championship, playing straight after his quarantine period was complete, before spending three weeks as a back-up wicketkeeper in the Test squad – dropping a tough catch at fine leg when he got onto the pitch as a sub fielder – and playing three Blast games for Kent, taking his social-media trolls to task after an innings of 30 off 30 balls on a tough Cardiff pitch proved to be match-winning.”It’s just nice to be playing, full stop,” he said on Friday morning, before England’s T20I squad travelled from Cardiff to the Ageas Bowl. “I think [last night] was my fourth innings of the summer and my fifth since January. It’s been an experience, definitely, to say the least.”It has been deflating at times, not playing any cricket and missing out on all fronts, really. It’s kind of been a close shave in all formats at the moment and it was just nice to be back out there playing last night: it’s a lot better than running the drinks.”In that light, Billings’ innings of 24 off 29 balls was more important than the numbers suggest. He put on 54 off 48 balls with Liam Livingstone for the fifth wicket, and while he chopped on against Wanindu Hasaranga with 13 runs required, their stand had secured the game after a nervous stumble to 36 for 4 in the run chase.Specifically, Billings highlighted the fact that, while in years gone by, he might have looked to play some shots and “make a statement”, he instead focused only on taking the game deep and nudging ones and twos to build a partnership on a turgid pitch.Related

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“Last night was really pleasing from my point of view,” he said. “In the past I would have tried even harder to make a bit more of a statement as opposed to just getting the job done. It was a real shame to get out but to get stuck in and play the role that was needed for the team: it wasn’t pretty from Liam and I at times but ultimately it’s about getting the side over the line.”In the past, I’ve put way too much pressure on myself, but I think last year for me was a huge turning point. I put myself under a lot of pressure, of course, when I got that opportunity initially, but the consistent run of games against very good attacks in Australia and Pakistan really give me confidence just to back my own game, and it was a consistency more for me that was really pleasing last year.”[Last night] was my fourth game in about six months so for me the pressure was actually off a little bit in that I just concentrated on doing the basics really well. When you haven’t played in a while, you just strip it right back and concentrate on those kind of things. And I’m 30 now – I’m no spring chicken anymore – so I’ve got a bit of experience behind me. The age thing definitely helps in giving you some perspective.”Billings was likely to continue in the middle order during the ODI series against Sri Lanka regardless, but Jos Buttler’s injury – confirmed on Friday to be a calf tear, which had opened up a spot for Billings in the second T20I – effectively locks him in as a middle-order batter. While Ben Stokes is certain to come back into the side when fully fit, Billings will have an opportunity to build on an impressive run last summer against Ireland and Australia, which included his first international hundred, and force some tricky selection decisions further down the line.”In terms of ODIs, I had a really good summer last year and averaged 83 [78.75] throughout that summer in that format so I would be pretty disappointed if I didn’t get a gig. But this team is a very hard one to get into to.”[England] have two of the best white-ball batsmen and wicketkeepers in the world [in Buttler and Jonny Bairstow] but at the end of the day, you never know with injuries. You have just got to try and offer as much as you can to any side you go into. The more options you can give any side, it definitely helps your case; I’m working on the offspin as we speak…”

Manchester United are already planning ahead for the 2025 transfer window, and have identified a key position to strengthen with two new faces next summer, according to reports.

Ten Hag under fire

It has been an all-too familiar three games under Erik ten Hag to kick off Manchester United's Premier League campaign. Scraping a 1-0 win against Fulham, they were then beaten late on by Brighton at the AMEX stadium before being thrashed by Liverpool.

Three points after three games with no discernible style of play taking shape at Old Trafford has understandably set alarm bells ringing in the north-west once more, just two months after the club's hierarchy handed Ten Hag a contract extension in the wake of his FA Cup success, which rescued a season in which they finished eighth with a negative goal difference.

Speaking ahead of Manchester United's clash with Southampton, Ten Hag continued to fight bullishly: "We're in the transition period, we have to integrate a lot of young players in the team.

"We have to bring the injuries back in the team. Before anyone thinks about excuses, we have to win every game, I know that, the team knows this. We will focus on every game and have the mindset we have to win," the United boss told the media.

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"Of course, when we see the scores nobody is happy. But the players have a very good sense of the process. We are in a good position. But we have to improve and we have to step up."

The Red Devils boss will be boosted by the availability of deadline day addition Manuel Ugarte, who arrived from Paris Saint Germain to bolster Manchester United's midfield ranks. But if reports are to be believed, United are already making preparations for next season behind the scenes.

Man Utd eye up two midfielders

That comes as GiveMeSport claim that the Red Devils are eyeing up two midfield additions next summer as they look to remedy what remains a problem area. Casemiro's age and form, combined with the lack of gametime for Christian Eriksen, means that Ten Hag has been forced into using Kobbie Mainoo virtually every game since he broke into the first team.

Manchester United's midfield options

Player

PL starts since start of 23/24

Casemiro

27

Kobbie Mainoo

27

Christian Eriksen

12

Manuel Ugarte

0

The arrival of Ugarte will help add more options in midfield at Old Trafford, but with both Eriksen and Casemiro likely to have left by next season, fresh blood will be needed. Now, the report details that "they want to strengthen their options [in midfield] with up to two signings in 2025", one who is "is ready to challenge" and another "emerging star".

In the latter category, they are keeping a close eye on Sverre Halseth Nypan, who currently plays for Norweigian side Rosenborg BK. The 17-year-old has previously admitted that joining Manchester United would be a "dream" and now his form is ensuring that a move could well become a reality.

Not 18-years-old until the end of the year, Nypan has featured 19 times in 2024 for Rosenborg in the Norweigian top flight, scoring five goals and grabbing 6 assists in that time.

With Manchester United's new-found desire to gamble on youth with the likes of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, he could be a very savvy addition if he is able to sustain his form across the next 12 months, though United are unlikely to be the only interested party.

Signings are boost to Hundred’s pulling power amid overseas withdrawals

George Dobell23-Jun-2021

Devon Conway and Quinton de Kock have signed for Southern Brave as overseas replacements for Marcus Stoinis and David Warner for the inaugural season of the Hundred.The news sustains an incredible few months for Conway. The New Zealand batter only made his international debut in November but already has a double-century on Test debut at Lord’s to look back on. With an ODI average of 75 and a T20I average of 59, he also has the game for limited-overs cricket and looks set to become a regular feature on the franchise circuit. He has also signed to play two LV=Insurance County Championship matches and some T20 Blast games for Somerset, starting immediately after the World Test Championship final.But it is the addition of de Kock that is more significant. The South Africa keeper-batter is indisputably one of the world’s most exciting players at present and, at a time when the Hundred has been beset by withdrawals, his signing is a real boost to the pulling power of the competition. He will link up with Southern Brave men’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene again after working with him previously at Mumbai Indians in the IPL.”I can’t wait to get going with Southern Brave,” de Kock said. “I’m also really excited to be working with Mahela again. Hopefully we can have plenty of fans in to support us and we can give them something to cheer about.”Related

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Warner, Stoinis, Devine pull out of the Hundred

As revealed by ESPNcricinfo, Stoinis and Warner pulled out due to conflicting schedules and travel challenges due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”While we are disappointed that David Warner and Marcus Stoinis will not be available for our men’s team, we are delighted to welcome both Devon and Quinton to the side,” Giles White, the general manager of Southern Brave, said. “They are both quality cricketers who will add power and excitement up the top of the order for us.””I’m gutted to have to pull out of The Hundred at this stage,” Warner said. “I was really excited to be a part of it. However, with current restrictions and playing schedules I need to stay in Australia and focus on my family.”The Hundred runs for a month and starts on July 21. While Conway is expected to be available throughout, de Kock is likely to miss at least the opening fixture due to South Africa’s T20I series in Ireland. Andre Russell, the men’s team’s third overseas player, is set to miss a handful of games while on international duty and the Brave are looking for a short-term replacement.

Manchester City are reportedly ready to sell half of their regular starters in 2025 as Pep Guardiola ushers in a “new era” at the Etihad Stadium.

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Premier League champions stuck in a rutAlready planning rebuild for 2025Senior stars will be moved on in that processFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Sweeping change is being mooted as the reigning Premier League champions find themselves stuck in a rut that has delivered just one win from their last 12 games in all competitions. No questions are being asked of Guardiola, after committing to a new contract, but underperforming players are facing the threat of being axed.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

City resisted any urge to splash the cash in the summer of 2024, but their approach to recruitment could be markedly different 12 months on. That is because the Blues are being tipped to part with a number of supposed stars as they look to freshen up their ranks and rebuild.

WHAT BALAGUE SAID

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has said in the : "They are generally achieving their targets and something that gets the renewed target of this season is top four. That is what City want to do. That is the target they have all put I their head. I think they will achieve that. They are not that far away at the moment. You are talking about an achievable target.

"They want to recover the essence of the team, the look of the team. But quite clearly Pep Guardiola is going to use the last two years of his contract – which are probably be the last two of his career as a club manager – to prepare a new Manchester City. I have got a very clear idea that they will want to get rid of five or six regular starters for Manchester City and bring five or six new starters. Half of the team. It is a new era. The end of this one and a new era starting.

"The cycle is over but remember that only a month-and-a-half ago they had not lost a game and were top of the table. But that in my eyes is what is happening. That is what they are going to do next."

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Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will be out of contract in the summer of 2025, while Kyle Walker is seeing a move elsewhere speculated on at the age of 34. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson has suitors in Saudi Arabia, Bernardo Silva has been linked with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain for some time, while City will reportedly listen to offers for Portuguese centre-half Ruben Dias.