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The Ted Lasso reboot for Season 4 is set to make Jason Sudeikis “TV’s highest paid actor” as he pulls in a reported $3 million per episode.

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• Title character & writer back on board
• Lasso now coaching in women's game
• Big money deal agreed by Apple TV+

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It has been confirmed, after several months of speculation, that Apple TV+ will be returning a global audience to the world of AFC Richmond. Sudeikis, as title character and writer, is back on board and ready to take the show in a different direction.

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  THE GOSSIP

  He will be reprising his role as Lasso with a move into the women’s game having been made. New characters are ready to be introduced, while a number of familiar faces will also be returning.

• WHAT A SOURCE SAID

  A source has told : “Two years ago, Jason was telling everybody in his world that he was done with Ted Lasso, that he wanted to focus on being a dad and making movies, and that he got to end the story completely on his terms.

  “Jason also saw that even six months after Lasso ended its run, it was still Apple’s most popular show and people were asking him about the character constantly.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Sudeikis has bowed to the demands of those clamouring for more Lasso mayhem and mischief, and will be handsomely rewarded for his troubles. The insider said: “Jason is going to be TV’s highest paid actor when this show finally comes back on the air, and he should be taking home around $3 million per episode.”

Anthony Elanga is a player who has silenced the doubters in recent weeks, starring at Nottingham Forest after his recall to the side under Nuno Espírito Santo.

The Sweden international moved to the City Ground in a £15m deal from Manchester United back in the summer of 2023, a deal that now looks to be a bargain given his recent form in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old has registered six assists and three goals in his last ten games across all competitions, now setting up the most goals of any player within the current first-team setup.

Elanga now has the second-most combined goal contributions behind only Chris Wood, highlighting the huge impact he’s made to the side in their unthinkable run of form in recent months, which sees them still sit in the top four.

However, he could’ve been aided in his attempts within the final third had the Reds agreed a deal for one of their winter targets, but a deal now looks off the cards until the summer at the earliest.

Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha

A couple of weeks ago, Wolverhampton Wanderers star man Matheus Cunha was linked with a huge move to join Forest, but the Reds were in the race with some of the biggest clubs in the division for his signature.

Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United have all also been touted with a move for the Brazilian international over the course of the winter window, but no club has been able to secure a move for the 25-year-old.

At one stage, Nuno’s side were reportedly willing to make a club-record £60m to secure his services to help aid the unexpected push for a Champions League finish come the end of the season.

However, it was confirmed on Saturday that Cunha had agreed a new deal at Molineux until the summer of 2029, but that it does include a release clause that will be active from the summer – but it’s unclear how much the fee would be.

Such a decision has undoubtedly ended the Reds’ ongoing interest in the attacking star who’s scored 11 times in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, but could see Nuno target another English top-flight talent as a result.

Nottingham Forest's perfect Cunha alternative

Previously in the current window, Forest reportedly submitted a £22m bid for Brentford ace Yoane Wissa, but the Bees immediately rejected the offer claiming he wasn’t for sale.

The 28-year-old, who only has 18 months left on his contract at the Gtech, has also been of interest to Arsenal, unsurprisingly, given his record which has seen him net 11 times – potentially offering another option to talisman Wood.

It would be a potential club-record deal for the Reds should they return to the table with another bid, with Thomas Frank’s side demanding around £40m to part ways with their record Premier League goal scorer.

However, should he move to the East Midlands between now and the end of the window, it could allow the Congolese international to form a partnership with Elanga – handing Nuno an added goalscoring threat, something which they’ve been hunting for as of late.

Wissa, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, has won 45% of his aerial duels, scoring three of his goals with his head, making the most of the Swede’s burst of pace and wicked delivery.

Elanga’s eight assists could be improved further with the arrival of the Brentford star, especially considering his average of 1.5 shots on target per 90, highlighting his clinical nature within the final third.

He’s also completed 81% of his passes under Frank in 2024/25, having the skill set to fit seamlessly into the Reds’ current counter-attacking philosophy, aiding the hunt for Champions League football.

It would be a huge investment from owner Evangelos Marinakis, but he’s done it before and would undoubtedly do it again to give Nuno all of the ammunition to complete the job come the end of the season.

He would likely play second fiddle to Wood in the East Midlands, but he would provide the strength in depth needed for the club to achieve their dream of bringing European nights back to the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest must axe their flop who earns more than Cunha & Wissa

Nottingham Forest may need to shift the deadwood in the near future…

By
Joe Nuttall

Jan 29, 2025

Liverpool have posted a touching tribute to Goodison Park, as city rivals Everton prepare to say goodbye to their historic stadium.

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• Reds post tribute to Goodison Park
• Everton to say grand farewell
• Face Southampton on Sunday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool have posted a touching tribute to Everton's Goodison Park stadium, which is set to host its final ever game on Sunday, as the Toffees face already-relegated Southampton. The Reds posted a series of photos, including one with a banner reading: "The Kop thanks you all. We never walked alone."

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool also posted an image of two mascots, one in a Liverpool shirt and one in an Everton shirt, with the numbers nine and six respectively, after the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report. The pair became a symbol of the city of Liverpool's fight for justice, and their resilience as a collective.

• WHAT LIVERPOOL SAID

  Liverpool wrote on X: "An historic stadium, a place where we have fought against one another and stood with each other. Highs, lows, and so many memories. The end of an era at Goodison Park and the beginning of a new one."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Everton will move to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock from the beginning of next season. It will be called the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is now willing to sell a “superb” player to fund a summer move for a big-name defender, according to a report.

Financial issues at Old Trafford

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival as a minority owner, there have been widescale staff cut-backs as a means of cost-cutting, amid what is said to be a “challenging long-term financial picture”.

250 employees were made redundant last summer, and the possibility of sacking even more staff is now under consideration, highlighting the scale of the financial issues at Old Trafford.

The issue of making a loss of £300m over the past three years has also been compounded by Man United’s absence from the Champions League, with the lucrative European competition earning rivals Liverpool at least £83.8m already this season.

Man Utd named frontrunners for £50m star as possible Hojlund replacement

Amorim is starting to lose patience with Hojlund, and the club already have a replacement in mind.

By
Brett Worthington

Feb 11, 2025

With Ruben Amorim’s side underperforming once again this season, the new manager may have to be creative if he is going to bring in the players he wants this summer, and a report has revealed he could sanction the departure of a forward.

According to GiveMeSport, Amorim could be willing to green-light Alejandro Garnacho’s departure in an attempt to raise the funds required to pursue a move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, amongst other big-name targets.

Marcus Rashford’s departure is evidence the United boss is unafraid to get rid of big-name players, and Garnacho may also be shown the exit door in the summer.

The winger attracted interest from Napoli and Chelsea last month, at which point the Red Devils were holding out for a fee of £70m, so a sale this winter could raise more than enough funds to pursue a move for Balde.

Back in January, it was reported Barcelona would consider offers of around €55m (£46m) for the left-back.

Garnacho praised for "superb" Europa League display

Although there was a lot of speculation surrounding the 20-year-old’s future in January, he put in a solid performance against FCSB in the Europa League at the end of last month, picking up an assist and receiving praise from content creator Mark Goldbridge.

Goldbridge makes his thoughts about selling the youngster quite clear, and it is difficult to disagree that selling him for the sole purpose of paying off debt would be extremely disappointing.

Not only that, but the idea of sanctioning the Madrid-born winger’s departure to fund a move for Balde is also a little odd, given that United already brought in a left-back in January, with Patrick Dorgu arriving from Lecce.

That said, Garnacho’s performances have been by and large unimpressive this season, failing to score in the Premier League since November, so he definitely needs to show signs of improvement between now and the end of the campaign.

Aston Villa were emphatically thrashed 4-1 at the hands of high-flying Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night.

Unai Emery’s side faced the Eagles off the back of an impressive 2-1 comeback win against Chelsea, but collapsed in disappointing fashion in South London.

It was a frustrating first half for the Villans, who went 1-0 behind thanks to a goal from Ismaila Sarr. The Palace winger got on the end of a parry from Emiliano Martinez, who tipped Chris Richards’ header into his path.

Morgan Rogers had a goal ruled out in the first half after Ollie Watkins was offside in the buildup, but he did get on the scoresheet to equalise for Emery’s side. Running onto a flick on from his England teammate Watkins, the former Boro star brought the ball under control superbly with his head, before swivelling and firing home.

Things only went downhill for the Villans from that point onwards. Just seven minutes after Rogers’ equalsier, Jean-Philippe Mateta fired home after latching onto a loose ball just inside the penalty box to give his side the lead.

The Eagles added a third in the 71st minute courtesy of Sarr once again, before second-half substitute Eddie Nketiah scored their fourth to put the icing on the cake for Oliver Glasner’s side.

It was a tough night for Villa, and Emery’s decision to switch the system perhaps did them no favours.

Aston Villa’s system change vs. Palace

After playing his esteemed 4-2-2-2 system at Villa Park for the last 18 months or so, it was arguably a surprise when Emery tinkered and played a back three against the Eagles, especially given the centre-back shortage within his squad.

The Spaniard has played a back three or back five just four times in the entirety of his Villa career so far. Perhaps he did it to better match up with Palace’s system. Glasner deploys his side in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Whatever the reason, it did not work for Villa. The Athletic reporter Jacob Tanswell said the West Midlands side “looked sturdy in the new shape” until the Eagles scored, from which point “things became loose” at the back.

In many ways, it was far too easy for Palace. The Eagles carved open Villa’s defence, shown by the stats at full-time, courtesy of Sofascore. The home side had 19 shots and created six big chances, compared to six shots and two big chances created from the visitors.

It was certainly a tough nigh at the office, with two of the back three in paruclar struggling for Emery’s side.

Performance in Numbers

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

The Aston Villa defenders who struggled most

When your side concede four goals, it is never going to be a night in which you covered yourself in glory as a defender. However, for January arrival Axel Disasi and Lamar Bogarde, it was a particularly tough game.

The centre-backs started on the right and left of Villa’s back three respectivley, but both had their own issues against a deadly Eagles attack. Bogarde had to directly defend Sarr, who was running riot all night, and Disasi came up against Eberechi Eze, who created three chances.

John Townley, journalist for Birmingham Live, gave the pair a 4/10 for their performances. They were two of seven players he gave such a rating to, showing just how tough of a night it was for the visitors.

Indeed, some of their stats from the game reflected the ratings Townley gave the centre-backs. For example, Disasi won a total of just five out of 11 duels, and lost the ball 11 times. As for Bogarde, he lost the ball five times.

Villa’s form has been awful of late, and Emery is now in a precarious position. He must find the right balance, and perhaps that does not include Bogarde and Disasi playing together in a back three again.

It is essential that they get their form back ahed of a big run in, and starting those two defenders at centre-back with ach other might not be ideal in such a key time.

Aston Villa's most expensive sales of all time

A look at Aston Villa’s record departures.

By
Charlie Smith

Oct 3, 2025

Tempers flared as Manchester United defender Harry Maguire had to be pulled away from Cristian Romero following the Europa League final

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• Spurs beat Man Utd in the final
• Brennan Johnson scored the winner
• Maguire & Romero clashed after final whistle

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Spurs claimed a narrow 1-0 win at San Mames to bring home their first trophy in 17 years and book a place in next season’s Champions League – but the post-match scenes added a fiery footnote to the occasion. With emotions already high after a cagey and tense 90 minutes, Maguire and Romero's on-field confrontations spilled over once the whistle blew, prompting staff and players to step in and separate them before things escalated.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Throughout the second half, Maguire and Romero were frequently seen grappling during corners and free-kicks. Their duel was physical, with off-the-ball jostling increasing in intensity as the game wore on. In the closing minutes, United threw bodies forward in a last-ditch bid to force extra time, even sending Maguire up front.

  In one such aerial battle, the England international collided with Romero and was penalised for a foul. Romero stayed down, buying precious seconds for his side while Maguire received a yellow card – a moment that further fuelled the defender's irritation.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Following the final whistle, Romero passed by Maguire and paused to greet United full-back Diogo Dalot with a hug. As Romero turned away, Maguire came towards the Spurs captain. Visibly animated, he gestured repeatedly, apparently referencing an incident from earlier in the match. Their confrontation quickly drew attention from the coaching staff and players. Sergio Reguilon stepped in, alongside backroom staff from both benches, to keep the two centre-backs apart.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

When Ipswich Town last suffered relegation from the Premier League, it’s unlikely they were expecting such a long exile from England’s top flight.

Indeed, the last time the Tractor Boys slipped back down to the English Football League, it took them nearly two decades to return to the big-time, having found themselves marooned in the second tier and League One season after season after dropping out of the top division back in 2002.

Despite sinking back down and struggling to get back up, Ipswich did uncover a gem around this time in Darren Bent, who would later leave the building in 2005 for Charlton Athletic to forge a very successful Premier League career.

Darren Bent's heroics at Ipswich

Before going on to play for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, on top of an England call-up or two, Bent’s humble beginnings originated in Suffolk.

In total, the now retired centre-forward picked up 56 of his 218 career strikes at Portman Road, with the-then wide-eyed Bent very much garnering a reputation for being a deadly finisher with his boyhood club.

A move up to the Premier League with the Addicks happened at the close of his most impactful season in Suffolk, with Bent accumulating a blistering 35 combined goals and assists during the 2003/04 campaign, which then resulted in a big £3m move to the Valley occurring.

The well-travelled striker is still held in high regard at Ipswich to this day, but there is another forward in McKenna’s current ranks who possesses the same clinical edge Bent was known for and he could well make the relegation-threatened club a sizeable profit soon.

Ipswich's brand-new Bent

There are parallels to be made between the disappointing relegation suffered by Ipswich in 2002 and the Tractor Boys’ current unfolding campaign, with George Burley taking Ipswich down in 18th spot, the same position they currently occupy under McKenna’s rule.

That’s hopefully where the parallels end in terms of league positions and fates come the end of the 38-game marathon.

That said, Liam Delap in the here and now has become Ipswich’s second iteration of Bent; he’s direct, can score goals and he’s quick. What’s not to like?

Delap has definitely lived up to his bumper £20m price-tag this season with a hefty haul of ten goals and two assists next to his name in Premier League action, leading to Bent actually praising the ex-Manchester City man as a more than capable top-flight calibre attacker.

Described as a “one-man battering ram,” by Opta Analyst, his double digits in front of goal have even seen Chelsea reportedly emerge as frontrunners for his signature, with Ipswich very much facing a losing battle to keep the young forward around even if they do secure survival.

It’s safe to say that the Tractor Boys really did strike gold securing the lethal marksman’s services for a modest £20m, considering reports now suggest he’s worth an increased fee around the £40m ballpark, representing an increase in value of 100% over the course of a whirlwind few months.

Delap will hope he can further emulate Bent in solidifying himself as a reliable source of Premier League goals moving forward, whether that be with Ipswich or – as Bent had to do – having to spread his wings for opportunities elsewhere.

Ipswich must rue losing the "best CB outside of the top five leagues"

Ipswich Town would love to have this defender back on their books to replace Ben Godfrey.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 2, 2025

Ex-Manchester City and Inter striker Mario Balotelli has signed up for a Baller League UK 'Legends vs Creators' game alongside Jay-Jay Okocha.

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• More stars join Baller League project
• Balotelli & Okocha to play for Legends team
• All action to unfold at the O2 Arena

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Balotelli is set to headline a team of footballing icons in an upcoming Baller League UK 'Legends vs Creators' match. The 34-year-old Italian forward, currently winding down his time at Genoa with his contract set to expire this summer, will grace the pitch at the iconic O2 Arena as part of the highly anticipated season finale.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Balotelli will line up alongside Nigerian great Okocha, who is revered for his magical footwork and show-stopping style, bringing a dose of flair to the Legends squad. Waiting on the other side of the pitch is a dynamic group of digital heavyweights, led by none other than KSI, the YouTube sensation, boxer, and president of Baller League UK. Joining him in this high-octane fixture is popular entertainer and football content creator Chunkz, forming a formidable duo representing the Creator community.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The evening will also feature two semi-final battles — pitting the 1st and 4th place teams in the Baller League Uk against the 2nd and 3rd, respectively — leading into a climactic winner-takes-all finale that will crown the 2024 champions.

  Among the teams that have already punched their ticket to the final four are ‘Deportrio’ and ‘Yanited’. Deportrio, managed by legendary English trio Micah Richards, Gary Lineker, and Alan Shearer, currently sit at the top of the standings. Yanited, under the leadership of fan-favourite Angry Ginge, have also locked in their place in the semi-finals.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Balotelli’s career has taken him from Inter and AC Milan to Man City, Liverpool, Marseille, and beyond. Though his time at Genoa has been brief, he continues to show flashes of brilliance that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. The Baller League appearance provides him a platform to showcase those talents once more.

Looking ahead to their first summer at the helm, The Friedkin Group are now reportedly battling to sign a young attacking sensation for Everton after sending their scouts to watch him in action.

Everton transfer news

All but safe in the Premier League courtesy of David Moyes’ arrival to signal an impressive turnaround, Everton now have the chance to set their sights on moving beyond relegation scraps once and for all. And that could see them enjoy a fruitful summer transfer window, having already been linked with moves for the likes of Hamza Igamane.

The Rangers star has enjoyed an excellent season in a struggling star and could now be on the move amid interest from Merseyside and elsewhere. There’s no doubt that the Toffees could do with an attacking boost too, given how Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jack Harrison have struggled, with the latter only finding his first goal of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

Igamane isn’t the only attacking target that Friedkin have seemingly set their sights on, either, as they look to take the Toffees back into the top half of the Premier League in their first full season in charge.

According to The Boot Room, Everton have now joined the race to sign Sindre Walle Egeli from Nordsjaelland this summer after Friedkin sent their scouts to watch the young winger in action.

Moyes has discovered his next Fellaini in "unbelievable" Everton star

David Moyes might have his second iteration of Marouane Fellaini on his hands at Everton.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 11, 2025

A rising star who would be an instant upgrade on Harrison, Egeli has found himself at the centre of interest of rivals Liverpool, Newcastle United and those at Goodison Park, sparking quite the battle between Premier League sides ahead of the summer.

Still just 18 years old, Everton would certainly be wise to act as early as possible if they want to stay within range of the winger’s price tag, which is only likely to increase over time.

"Strong" Egeli could become instant Everton starter

Whilst Egeli’s age may suggest that he would need time to settle before breaking into Moyes’ starting side, Everton’s disjointed and struggling set of options going forward means that there’s room for a rising star of his calibre. It wouldn’t be the first time that he’s been thrown into a senior role either, and last time he certainly didn’t sink. Instead, he has thrived at Nordsjaelland.

Scoring six goals and assisting another five in all competitions so far this season, Egeli has more goal involvements than Harrison and Calvert-Lewin combined, highlighting both the struggles of Everton’s attack and the potential of the young Norwegian.

Earning plenty of praise as a result, analyst Ben Mattinson described Egeli as a “tall, strong left-footed” player with “brilliant finishing and ball striking”.

All signs point towards stardom for a target that would transform Moyes’ frontline for years to come. Amid plenty of interest elsewhere, it would represent a major coup if Everton managed to secure Egeli’s signature this summer.

Having set their ambitions beyond simply maintaining their Premier League place, signing a rising star would certainly be a good way for Friedkin to commence their summer business.

Manchester United could reportedly be shock contenders to sign £60m-rated Viktor Gyokeres as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's brutal cost-cutting bears fruit.

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• Man Utd seeking attacking reinforcements
• Battling Arsenal to sign Gyokeres
• Could get their man after a drop in expenditure

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the Sporting Lisbon frontman, who is attracting serious attention this summer, could now be on his way to the Premier League with the Red Devils making a strong case for his signature. A significant overhaul in United's financial structure has freed up funds for investment, and the club appears set to challenge Arsenal for Gyokeres, who was previously more closely linked with a move to North London.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United’s latest quarterly financial statements have revealed a marked reduction in operational spending, trimming down by £41.6 million ($56.29m) to £162.1m ($219m). These savings come as part of a wider efficiency drive led by Ratcliffe, whose INEOS-led group has taken the reins of football operations at the club. Despite the club’s enormous financial burden, notably the eye-watering £1.2 billion spent servicing debt accrued during the Glazer family's ownership, the cost-cutting measures have allowed United to realign their spending with long-term sustainability in mind.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Arsenal have had their sights set on Gyokeres for some time, but with their attention also drawn to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United sense an opportunity to make their move. The striker has a release clause set at £85m ($115m), but sources suggest that Sporting would be willing to consider offers in the region of £60m ($81.19m), a figure United could now realistically meet given their reduced expenses and recalibrated financial priorities.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Gyokeres isn’t the only name on United’s summer wishlist. The club has already sealed a £62.5m ($82.5m) agreement for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and are believed to be deep in talks with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo in a deal worth around £55m ($74.5m). These moves point to a busy window ahead as Ruben Amorim seeks to rejig a squad that has grossly underperformed in recent seasons.