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Sunderland have a reputation for being a hotbed that allows young talents to shine and prosper, going all the way back to Jordan Henderson’s emergence up the ranks at the Stadium of Light.

Henderson would go on to be a household name in the Premier League with Liverpool after kickstarting his career in the senior game on Wearside, whilst the likes of 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham in today’s squad are expected to go on and achieve similarly big things when leaving the Black Cats.

Bellingham also has a teammate in the middle of the park who is being tipped to be a superstar as he continues to develop, with Chris Rigg already a first-team face week in week out for Regis Le Bris’ side in the Championship at the tender age of 17.

Rigg's time at Sunderland

Rigg only being a wide-eyed teenager still must stun those looking in from the outside, considering the Black Cats number 11 has been in and around the side since early 2023.

When making his first professional appearance in January of that year, the teen went down as the second youngest player ever to don a Sunderland jersey, with the starlet never looking back as more and more first-team chances opened up.

Now, Rigg has made 40 appearances in the senior mix with six goals fired home across that span of games, as the introduction of Le Bris in the dug-out has managed to get even more out of the raw youngster.

Three of those strikes have come in Championship action under the Frenchman, including a stunning flicked finish against Middlesbrough back in September, which narrowly won his table-topping side the contest 1-0 against Michael Carrick’s men.

There could be some regret on the end of the second-tier outfit now that they didn’t try and keep another Rigg-like homegrown product over the summer, particularly considering Le Bris’ tutelage is seemingly working wonders on other young faces in the squad.

The Sunderland youngster who could have been the first Rigg

The former academy prodigy here is Ellis Taylor, who walked away from the Sunderland U21 structure in May after not being gifted a new contract at his boyhood employers.

He has since moved on to League Two Harrogate Town, but it will feel like a case of what could have been when it comes to the 21-year-old, especially when you consider how quickly Rigg has taken to Le Bris’ new managerial methods.

LB

13

3

2

LM

10

1

0

RM

8

4

0

RB

8

6

1

CF

5

2

2

CM

3

0

0

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2

0

0

RW

1

1

0

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1

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0

Playing in a staggering nine different positions for Sunderland when on the roster of their U21s, everyone at the club must have been anticipating that the Hartlepool-born youngster would eventually make a name for himself in the first-team fold.

He was even touted as having a “really bright future” at the Stadium of Light by Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman in 2021, only for him to go on to make a disappointing five first-team appearances in total before Harrogate picked him up for nothing.

He has since gone to be a hit for the Sulphurites – after being labelled as an “exciting” new signing by Harrogate head of recruitment Lloyd Kerry when the capture was announced – with the versatile 21-year-old scoring three times from 20 games, matching Rigg’s goal numbers for the season in the process.

Of course, the Black Cats ace is shining two leagues above his counterpart, but Taylor hasn’t allowed his career to fall off a cliff after departing his boyhood club.

Instead, he has taken to his new League Two environment well, with the potential there one day for Taylor to face off against Le Bris’ men down the line, if he can rise up the EFL ladder.

Chris Rigg is not the only Sunderland star being tracked by massive clubs

A concern for Regis Le Bris….

ByTom Cunningham Nov 13, 2024

Veteran Luke Wright helps add 116 for first wicket in eight-wicket victory

Aadam Patel25-Nov-2021Rahmanullah Gurbaz was just five years old when Luke Wright made his debut for England against India. After two consecutive defeats for the Delhi Bulls, the pair combined magnificently with youth and experience to carry their side up to second place in the Abu Dhabi T10, with a brutal 116-run opening partnership against the Northern Warriors.Sport has its way of telling tales and on the eve of his 20th birthday, Gurbaz took centre stage with a ruthless 70 off 32 balls as the Bulls inflicted a fifth defeat out of six on the reigning champions. Gurbaz made his debut for Afghanistan aged just 17 and it was a special knock from a special talent as he cut, lofted and slogged the Warriors bowling attack around the Zayed Cricket Ground.”On the pitch, when there is experience with you, you will be even more confident,” Gurbaz said post-match and in Wright, his partner was someone who had masses of experience. Wright himself was just playing his second game of the competition, having flown in a day before the tournament. But the Englishman showed exactly what he can do with the bat, with an unbeaten 40 off 18 deliveries. He ensured that he was there at the end alongside Eoin Morgan, who hit a six off the penultimate delivery to seal victory.For the Bulls, it was a return to winning ways. After Rovman Powell, the top scorer of the tournament thus far, blasted 56 off 22 balls to propel the Warriors to 128, they were in for a tricky chase. Yet, Gurbaz and Wright ensured that the likes of Mohammed Hafeez and Dwayne Bravo were given a night off with the bat as they smashed their way to a hundred partnership in just 38 deliveries.The 19-year-old, who was the youngest player at the T20 World Cup, played with the class and poise of a man with bags of experience, as he pierced the gaps and struck the ball beautifully in a knock which included six fours and five sixes. By the time the wicketkeeper batter, who has signed for Leicestershire next season, was dismissed, the game was all but done. He was met by joyous smiles from the Bulls dugout and a massive hug from his skipper, Bravo.For Bravo, despite the loss of Jason Roy pre-tournament and an injury to Rilee Rossouw, he was full of praise for his opening pair. “Luke Wright is a class player, he’s proved that over the years. He came in today in just his second game and showed his dominance,” said Bravo. He added, “But a big special mention to Gurbaz because that kid has a special talent and the world is getting to see what he has to offer.”Such was the confidence in Gurbaz that the first ball he faced from Imran Tahir was not defended or nudged away. Instead, the Afghanistan batter audaciously smashed the 42-year-old – who had made his first-class debut before Gurbaz was even born – over long-off for six in the second over. Asked about his mindset going into that particular battle, a buzzing Gurbaz said, “I don’t think about who is the bowler against me, I try just to wait for the loose ball and watch the ball clearly.”Oshane Thomas, who had taken the first hat-trick of the tournament the night before, was brought back down to earth by Gurbaz as he was lofted over square-leg off his first legitimate delivery, before the youngster hit him for two more sixes in the seventh over. The West Indian’s first appearance of the Abu Dhabi T10 had been one to remember as he sealed the Warriors’ first win, removing Mark Deyal, Tion Webster and Curtis Campher to claim a memorable hat-trick. Courtesy of Gurbaz and Wright however, his second appearance will be one he will want to forget in a hurry.This format allows batters to tee off to a degree rarely seen elsewhere and, after belting 30 off 10 in the opening match of the Abu Dhabi T10 against the same outfit, Gurbaz’s combined tally of 100 off 42 against the Warriors alone, highlights just how dominant he has been against the defending champions.”That’s the beauty of T10 that players really get to express themselves and showcase their talent,” Bravo said, and Gurbaz mentioned how a word of advice from his coach, Andy Flower, had allowed him to do just that.”My confidence was a bit low [after the last two games] but he [Flower] told me you have this ability, so just show it… the coach told me that the other team should be under pressure and not you, because we have some very big legends in our team” said Gurbaz. “So yeah, it’s easy for me.”

Aston Villa take on a struggling Manchester United side in the Premier League this afternoon, giving them an ideal chance to head into the international break with yet another three points.

Unai Emery will still be buoyed by the performance of his team in midweek to seal a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Given the fairly sharp turnaround in games, could there be several changes to the team?

Leon Bailey may have to rely on making an appearance from the bench against the Red Devils given his poor form this campaign.

Leon Bailey’s season in numbers for Aston Villa

Last season, the winger scored 14 times and grabbed 14 assists for Villa as he became one of the key attacking threats in Emery’s side.

So far this term, Bailey has registered just one assist across all competitions, struggling to replicate the performances from 2023/24 which brought the supporters so much joy.

The Jamaican has created two big chances in the Premier League, along with averaging one key pass and succeeding with 57% of his dribbles, yet he is failing to have much luck in front of goal, averaging only 0.2 shots on target per game.

Against Bayern, summer signing Jaden Philogene took his place on the right wing and performed admirably. This suggests he could retain his place in the starting XI for the clash against the Old Trafford side this afternoon.

Emery must keep faith with Jaden Philogene

The Englishman was brought back to Villa Park in the summer having spent a year at Hull City, where he registered 18 goal contributions for the club.

It looked like a shrewd move to bring him back to Villa Park, and he has played five times this season under Emery, including against Bayern in midweek.

Deployed on the right flank, Philogene delivered an assured display against the German giants. Not only did he succeed with 100% of his dribbles, but the winger also won 8 of his 13 ground duels, while making five tackles and three interceptions during the clash.

He clearly wasn’t fazed by taking on one of the best teams in Europe, and this experience will stand him in good stead for the future.

His former boss at Hull, Liam Rosenior, dubbed the youngster as a “special talent” during his spell in charge of the club, where his performances deservedly earned him a move back to Villa.

Given Bailey’s drop-off in form, it is certainly worth keeping Philogene in the starting XI for the match this afternoon, as the 22-year-old offers something different going forward, while also being able to contribute defensively, as shown against Bayern.

A win would see Emery and his side enter the international break potentially entering the top four depending on other results, which is surely a huge incentive for the club.

£140k-p/w Aston Villa star may now miss Man Utd game alongside five others

The Villans are short on options ahead of this weekend…

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 4, 2024

Liverpool reportedly remain interested in completing the signing of a summer transfer target, potentially bringing him in for less than his £68m release clause.

Liverpool transfer news

There is still some transfer news doing the rounds with the Reds, despite the window being shut, with both incoming and outgoing rumours emerging in recent weeks. Darwin Nunez is struggling to be a key man under Arne Slot and the Uruguayan has been linked with a move to Barcelona. The La Liga giants are even believed to be preparing an offer for him, potentially ending his time at Anfield in one of the next two windows.

Borussia Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi has emerged as a rumoured incoming target for Liverpool, with club scouts said to be scouting him, possibly viewing him as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, whose future continues to be up in the air.

One young player who has caught the eye in 2024 is Adam Wharton, with the Crystal Palace midfielder excelling since joining from Blackburn Rovers and even getting in England’s squad for Euro 2024. The Reds are seen as one of the clubs in the mix to acquire his signature.

Liverpool eye £50m signing of "unbelievable" ace

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are still interested in signing Palace star Eberechi Eze, having shown a willingness to snap him up during the summer transfer window.

The report states that the England international’s £68m release clause “will become available in the summer of 2025”, but with just two years left on his deal at that stage, teams are hoping to bring that price down in negotiations with the Eagles. Palace could end up with between £50-60m for him, according to this update, even though they are reluctant to sell.

Eze may not have the most earth-shattering start to the season for a struggling Palace team, bagging one goal and zero assists in seven Premier League appearances so far, but there is no denying that he would be a great addition at Liverpool.

The 26-year-old has stood out as one of the best attacking players in the league over the past 12 months or so, netting 11 times in the division last season, while Palace manager Oliver Glasner has lauded him in recent weeks.

“Who’s a better player than Eze? For me he’s absolutely top, if he was luckier this season he would have five or six goals. He’s always dangerous because he has the quality and ability at 1-1, he’s such an unbelievable finisher, in some situations he can improve, he’s a guy who can always score and he’s someone who everyone likes.”

Admittedly, Liverpool aren’t crying out for more attacking players, but with Nunez and Salah’s futures not exactly feeling secure, the England ace should be viewed as a great option to come in.

Liverpool wanted £235m star in the making but signed Szoboszlai instead

Liverpool’s midfield would have been taken to another level with this addition.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 7, 2024

The fact that the Reds could perhaps get him on the cheap – relative to his clause – is an added bonus, while his flair and versatility will surely appeal to Slot, with the Palace man capable of excelling out wide or in an attacking midfield role.

Hosts complete first ever series win against Australia; Nathan Ellis’ hat-trick goes in vain

Himanshu Agrawal06-Aug-2021

Bangladesh marched to an unassailable 3-0 lead to register their first series win against Australia across formats by defending 128 in a close finish during the third T20I in Dhaka. While Mahmudullah led from the front by scoring 52 and batting deep to ensure the hosts had some firepower left late in the innings, Mustafizur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan and Nasum Ahmed combined to apply the brakes on Australia’s run chase. Debutant Nathan Ellis’ hat-trick went in vain for the visitors, for whom Mitchell Marsh continued his fine form and contributed 51, while Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa chipped in with the ball.The Fizz delivers again
Rahman followed figures of 2 for 16 and 3 for 23 in the series with an exceptional return of 0 for 9 from his four overs. In what was the joint second-most economical effort for a Bangladesh bowler in a completed spell, Rahman turned the game around when he conceded just a single in the 19th over of the Australia innings when they needed an entirely possible 23 from 12 balls with Alex Carey and Dan Christian at the crease.Shoriful reprimanded for breaching code of conduct

Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam was reprimanded by the ICC for breaching Level 1 of their Code of Conduct. Shoriful was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match”.
The incident occurred in the 18th over of Australia’s innings when Shoriful, after dismissing Mitchell Marsh, was found celebrating excessively in close proximity to the Australian, potentially triggering an aggressive reaction from Marsh. Thus, one demerit point was also added to the disciplinary record of Shoriful, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.

Two of his overs had been reserved for the death, and Mahmudullah brought him on for the 17th with the game still in Australia’s hands and Marsh on 49. Rahman utilised the slower ball to good effect and kept it tight to both Marsh and Carey, denying them a free swing of the arms. Before that, he had given away just three singles in the final over of the powerplay, mostly bowling at the stumps and with the pace off, with Marsh first dabbing uncomfortably before being beaten off the last ball of the over.The captain stands tall
Mahmudullah promoted himself up to No. 4, but was forced to start off cautiously after Bangladesh lost two early wickets on a slow pitch. He was on 11 off 17 balls – seven of those had come off singles – when he decided to go big. When Marsh pitched one in the slot on off, he swung to find the gap between long-on and deep midwicket for his first boundary, which was in the eighth over of the innings. Mahmudullah chose to play anchor and bat deep, with all of Shakib, Afif Hossain and Nurul Hossain departing after playing cameos.He was still not striking at a run-a-ball when he lofted Ellis over cover for four, after which only two overs of the Bangladesh innings remained. But with time running out, Mahmudullah chose to go after Hazlewood, whose short-of-a-length ball he scooped in the 19th over to try and push the scoring. He then brought up his fifty off 52 deliveries in the final over when he swung one down to deep square leg, before falling to Ellis next ball.Hat-trick on international debut
Ellis started by conceding eight in his first over, although a boundary came off a top edge from Shakib’s bat. Wade then replaced him, but Ellis returned with Bangladesh at 60 for 3 after the first half of the innings. He was taken off yet again after conceding 11, with Afif pulling him for a boundary this time. Three overs were left – both Zampa and Agar were bowled out and Hazlewood had only one to go – as Ellis’ captain trusted him to deliver at the death. But an over-and-a-half later, Mahmudullah had lofted and pulled him for two fours.That is when it all turned around for the debutant. First, he hit back with a very full ball on off, as the Bangladesh captain missed his leg-side heave and the ball crashed into the stumps. Next ball, the tailender Mustafizur founds Marsh at deep midwicket. Ellis had the hat-trick ball against another lower-order batter in Mahedi Hasan, who pulled straight to deep square leg, as he suddenly finished with 3 for 34 after going wicketless until the last three balls of the Bangladesh innings.Shakib, Nasum tie Australia down
Ahmed bowled the second over of Australia’s chase, and he answered his captain’s call by getting Wade and conceding only a single. Shakib then came on from the other end against Ben McDermott and an in-form Marsh. After just two singles off the first four balls, Marsh went for the big heave to one that was bowled slow and turned away from him, with the batter surviving a caught behind after he reviewed the original out decision.What followed was a maiden over by Ahmed. Although McDermott missed out on two opportunities to cut away short balls, Ahmed did not entirely have the batter in control, having squared him up first ball before inducing a leading edge four deliveries later. Marsh did smash a four and a six off Ahmed in the seventh over, but both Ahmed and Shakib never allowed the set batters Marsh and McDermott to get away, tying them down with repeated dot balls as Shakib got rid of McDermott in his final over. They were both bowled out by the 14th over, and when they ended with combined figures of 8-1-41-2, Australia needed 54 from 36 balls, which they ultimately fell short of achieving.Zampa, Hazlewood keep Bangladesh in check
Hazlewood struck in his first over when he had Mohammad Naim caught behind off the last ball of the second over, with Naim almost getting cramped for room as he got a thin edge to a fullish ball. Immediately after, Zampa struck first ball when he trapped Soumya Sarkar leg before when the batter went for the sweep. But the ball turned just enough into him to beat his bat off a full length, and Sarkar couldn’t get the decision overturned.They were both taken off after their first overs, with Zampa being brought back for the ninth after Marsh was taken for 15 in the previous one. Shakib tried to loft the legspinner down the ground first ball on his comeback, but could only get it as far as long-off, where Ashton Agar took a few steps forward to complete the catch. Hazlewood, on the other hand, returned to bowl the 14th over, where he got Shamim Hossain and conceded just two singles to keep Bangladesh on the back foot. Eventually, Hazlewood and Zampa combined with figures of 4 for 40 across eight overs to ensure the hosts didn’t walk away with a big total.

أجرى نجم فريق ليفربول، محمد صلاح، حوارًا مع شبكة “سكاي ألمانيا” اليوم الجمعة قبل مباراة الأحد المرتقبة ضد مانشستر سيتي، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويلتقي الفريقان على ملعب “الاتحاد” في قمة منافسات الجولة السادسة والعشرين من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2024/25.

ويتصدر ليفربول جدول الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 61 نقطة، في حين أن مانشستر سيتي لديه 44 نقطة في المركز الرابع.

وتُعد تلك المباراة الأولى بين محمد صلاح ومواطنه عمر مرموش، الذي انتقل إلى مانشستر سيتي قادمًا من فرانكفورت في يناير الماضي.

تغيير المدرب والنجاح السريع

قال محمد صلاح: “لم أتوقع حدوث ذلك بهذه السرعة، ومع ذلك لم يغير المدرب الكثير بالنسبة لنا، إنه يحب الضغط عن طريق الهجمات المرتدة، نحن نواصل اللعب على الهجمات المرتدة، لكنه يريد منا الاستحواذ والسيطرة على الكرة بشكل أكبر، لذلك الأمر مختلف بعض الشيء لكنني لا أرى فرقًا كبيرًا”.

التواصل مع يورجن كلوب

أوضح محمد صلاح: “نعم، هناك تواصل مع كلوب أكثر من ذي قبل، التواصل بيننا جيد، لقد تبادلنا الرسائل كثيرًا في الأشهر القليلة الماضية، سألني عن عائلتي، وهنأني على المباريات وعلى الوصول إلى نهائي كأس كاراباو، أشياء من هذا القبيل، وأخبرني متى سيأتي إلى هنا مرة أخرى”.

مواجهة مانشستر سيتي في الدوري الإنجليزي

أشار: “مانشستر سيتي سيبقى دائمًا كما هو، لديهم واحد من أفضل المدربين على مر العصور ولديهم لاعبين رائعين، لقد لعبوا على أعلى مستوى لسنوات عديدة، لقد فازوا بكل شيء في النادي”.

وأضاف: “سيكونون دائمًا فريق قوي ويمكنهم دائمًا الفوز بالمباراة، لذلك أعتقد أن المباراة ستكون صعبة للغاية، لديهم ميزة اللعب على أرضهم ولديهم كذلك لاعبون من ذوي الخبرة، علينا فقط أن نتحلى بالهدوء ونحاول الفوز”.

عمر مرموش

قال محمد صلاح: “نأمل أن يكون هناك قريبًا العديد من اللاعبين (المصريين المحترفين) على أعلى مستوى، لدينا ثقافتنا ولدينا العديد من اللاعبين الموهوبين، يمكنهم اللعب على أعلى مستوى لكننا نحتاج فقط إلى تغيير عقليتنا قليلًا والتكيف مع الثقافة الأوروبية لأنها مختلفة تمامًا عن ثقافتنا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | قمة مصرية.. جوارديولا يتحدث عن محمد صلاح ومرموش قبل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وليفربول

وأكد: “سعيد جدًا من أجل مرموش وآمل أن ينضم إلينا العديد من اللاعبين الآخرين”.

واسترسل: “علاقتنا جيدة، إنه بمثابة الأخ الصغير لي، أخبرته أنني موجود دائمًا إذا احتاج إلى أي شيء، لقد كتبنا لبعضنا عدة مرات وكنا نتحدث دائمًا سويًا في منتخب مصر، علاقتنا جيدة حقًا”.

مقارنته بـ إيرلينج هالاند

قال محمد صلاح: “لا، أنا لا أفكر في هذا الأمر، أنا أحترمه كثيرًا، ربما تحدثنا مرة واحدة فقط بعد المباراة الأخيرة، لكنه مهاجم، لذلك فإن حياته أسهل (على صعيد التسجيل)”.

وأضاف: “أتمنى له كل التوفيق بكل تأكيد، لكن حياته سهلة لأنه يلعب كمهاجم، تحقيق هذه النوعية من الأرقام (السجل التهديفي) كجناح أمر صعب للغاية، يمكن لأي جناح أن يخبرك بذلك، لهذا السبب أرى الأمر بشكل مختلف بيننا، لأنه مهاجم وأنا جناح”.

A Manchester United player who Jurgen Klopp has described as "world-class" is the subject of talks with another huge club this summer, according to a new update.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils have less than a week to do more summer transfer business as Erik ten Tag hopes to see at least one more fresh face added to his squad. There have already been excellent signings made, including Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, but further quality is needed, particularly in midfield.

United are believed to be in talks to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre, who was once a transfer target for Liverpool and is a Brazil international. He could be viewed as an alternative option to Manuel Ugarte, with the club still pursuing a move for the Paris Saint-Germain ace.

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has also been linked with a move to United as they look to provide more backup for Luke Shaw, who continues to be a hugely injury-prone player. Granted, the Blues defender has had fitness issues of his own down the years, but less so than Shaw, and the fact that he isn't wanted at Stamford Bridge could mean he would be open to a move to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Juventus winger Federico Chiesa is reportedly being looked at by the Red Devils in the coming days, potentially arriving as an upgrade on Jadon Sancho, whose time at the club has been far more underwhelming than was expected when he arrived.

Man Utd in talks over "world-class" player's exit

According to a fresh claim from HITC, Juventus "have engaged in talks" with Manchester United over the signing of Sancho, which could mean he heads in the opposite direction to Chiesa this summer.

The Englishman doesn't appear to be part of the Red Devils' plans moving forward, so a switch away from Old Trafford looks on the cards. However, Nico Gonzalez and Francisco Conceicao are also wide targets for Juve, so there is no guarantee that they will sign the United man.

Sancho has been a disappointment for United, given his reputation when he arrived, never getting going and finding himself loaned back to Borussia Dortmund last season. 12 goals and 6 assists in 83 appearances is such a poor return.

Quite why the 24-year-old has struggled so much is up for debate, and only the player himself will know the full reasons behind it, but he has had long enough to prove himself, and it feels like a move away is the best outcome for all concerned.

It is a huge shame that the £250,000-a-week Sancho hasn't been the superstar signing that so many thought he would be back in 2021, with Klopp hailing him as "world-class" and saying he "has all the things you need to become one of the best players in the world in the future," but it simply hasn't worked out.

Man Utd hit gold on "monster" Ten Hag signing who's worth more than Ugarte

He’ll be hoping to make a significant impact this year…

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 24, 2024

United can still receive good money for the winger considering he is relatively young and rated by many, using the funds to sign a superior option in wide areas instead.

Newcastle United are now believed to be considering using the Marc Guehi money to sign a £100m-rated midfielder, according to a recent transfer update.

Newcastle transfer news

The summer transfer window may now be closed, meaning the Magpies can't make new signings until January, but that isn't stopping Paul Mitchell and Co from getting their ducks in a row for 2025, identifying targets after what many fans believed to be a disastrous summer window.

One such figure is Kevin Zenon, with Newcastle linked with a move for the Boca Juniors midfielder, considering him an exciting long-term prospect. They have even made an initial approach for the 23-year-old winger, whose left foot has been described as "magical".

Meanwhile, Barcelona winger Raphinha continues to be touted as a possible target for Newcastle in the coming transfer windows, as they look to snap up an upgrade to Miguel Almiron. The Brazilian has been linked with a switch to St James' Park numerous times in the past, and they are believed to be willing to match Barca's £52m valuation of him.

It is always important for Eddie Howe and Mitchell to be looking into the future and eyeing signings for the summer of 2025, and it looks as though one exciting player has been identified as an ambitious option.

Newcastle interested in "outstanding" midfielder

According to The Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, Newcastle are interested in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton next summer, with Liverpool and Manchester City also mentioned as being in the mix. The Magpies of course have money in the coffers after failing with a near £70m deal for Wharton's teammate, Marc Guehi, whose position as Palace captain could now stifle a future move as well.

It has been claimed that the Eagles value the young midfielder at over £100m, and while Newcastle's interest is only thought to be "tentative", he would surely be viewed as a long-term successor to Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park.

Wharton could be a fantastic signing by Newcastle in 2025, having enjoyed a meteoric rise this year, joining Palace in January and then being named in England's squad for Euro 2024. It would be a shrewd way to use the Guehi money if a deal for the centre-back is indeed dead in the water.

A gifted young midfielder with elegance to his game, the 20-year-old was lauded by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer earlier this year, who said of him after an eye-catching performance away to Liverpool.

In Wharton, Newcastle wouldn't only be signing a player who could mature into something great as the years pass, but they would also be getting a footballer who is ready to shine in the Premier League for them from the off, having proven himself at Palace.

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Granted, the lure of Liverpool and City acts as a real threat to the Magpies' chances of getting their man, but they should be willing to break the bank for him, having averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the league this season, as well as one key pass per match.

There's only so much you can take away from friendly games from the perspective of a fan, with poor results before the season starting never reading well, but the cobwebs could then be blown straight off back in the bread and butter of Championship action.

Leeds United have performed well so far this pre-season, overcoming League Two opponents Harrogate Town 3-0 in comfortable fashion, before venturing out to Germany for a training camp and the opportunity to test themselves against tricky opponents from further afield.

Mateo Joseph has particularly impressed those watching on this off-season, with the young Spanish hotshot potentially now kicking down the door for more first-team chances this campaign to come, after netting two quickfire goals against Hannover 96 last time out.

Joseph's performances so far this pre-season

Away from firing home two second-half goals in that behind closed doors 4-1 win against Leeds' Bundesliga 2 opponents recently, Joseph also shone back in Yorkshire when facing off against Simon Weaver's men.

He wouldn't get on the scoresheet against the lower league hosts, but he would set up Junior Firpo for the opening strike of this contest at the Exercise Stadium, after quick feet from Daniel James played the bright 20-year-old into space, for the ex-Barcelona man to then convert from close-range.

Joseph has very much taken his chance in the spotlight so far, with Patrick Bamford nowhere to be found in and around Daniel Farke's teams picked so far owing to injury concerns, with his impact against Hannover steering the Whites to a second friendly win on the trot.

His positive showing in that behind closed doors friendly even saw Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross reward the tenacious youngster with a 9/10 rating in his post-match thoughts, describing the academy product's performance as 'so impressive' and yet another top display that could see him push for a more prominent first-team spot when competitive football comes into view.

Linking up with new signing Jayden Bogle for the final goal of the afternoon versus Hannover will surely excite Leeds fans, but there might well be less of a need now for the Championship promotion hopefuls to pursue any more lethal finishers in the form of Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics, if Joseph has a breakout campaign to come.

Joseph's importance next season

The in-demand Riversiders attacker could well fancy a move up to the Premier League over another season in the second tier anyway, as Ipswich Town attempt to get the on-fire forward in through the door this summer, having bagged a ridiculous 27 league goals from 44 games last season.

Joseph won't be as prolific in front of goal, you imagine, and that would be an unnecessary expectation to burden the homegrown gem with, but he could still play an important role in Leeds' attacking game going forward, away from Farke and Co having to splash cash lavishly.

Stat

Joseph

Games played

20

Games starting

0

Average minutes played

12

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Scoring frequency

239 mins

Big chances missed

3

Only averaging 12 minutes on the pitch in the second tier last campaign, there could be some regrets from Farke's end that he didn't chuck Joseph into games more often, over a leggy Bamford who struggled in the latter stages of the season to add to Leeds' firepower.

When Joseph was on the pitch, he looked lively and brave, showcased in his whirlwind showing away at Watford in March, where he needed just a minute of action on the Vicarage Road turf to fire home.

Stating that he hopes this season to come sees him explode even more in the men's game, Leeds fans would love to cheer on another young star straight off their production line, as promotion is eyed up once more.

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Leicester City are in "advanced talks" to complete the signing of an "amazing" player who has been rated highly for many years, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Leicester transfer news

The Foxes are about to start their return to the Premier League, opening their account with a home clash against Tottenham next Monday evening, and they have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window. Steve Cooper has come in as Enzo Maresca's replacement as manager, while the likes of Issahaku Fatawu and Caleb Okoli have arrived, among others.

It is still a tumultuous period at the King Power Stadium, however, with the threat of a points deduction hanging over them, and Cooper will hope that some more new faces will arrive before the end of the month, aiding his squad if they do have a deficit to recover from.

One player who has been linked with a move to Leicester this summer is Wilfried Zaha, with the Foxes looking to hijack Crystal Palace's efforts to bring him back to Selhurst Park, where he enjoyed so many good years before joining Galatasaray.

Tottenham winger Manor Solomon has also emerged as a reported target for the Premier League newcomers, with the 25-year-old told that he can leave north London before the transfer window reaches its conclusion. He made just two league starts in the whole of last season for Spurs, highlighting his squad status.

Leicester in "advanced talks" with "amazing" player

Taking to X on Monday, Romano claimed that Leicester are in "advanced talks" to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Adam Hlozek this summer, just working on personal terms having agreed a loan-to-buy deal with his club.

Hlozek is a player who has been highly-rated for some time, having been such an exciting talent during his Sparta Prague days, bursting onto the scene as a prodigious teenager. The attacking ace scored 40 goals in 132 appearances for the Czech side, not to mention also registering 36 assists, and 25 more goal contributions (14 goals and 11 assists) have come his way in 80 outings for Leverkusen.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as "amazing" in the past, pointing out that he was the "youngest player ever to score a hat-trick in the Czech League". With Jamie Vardy not the force he once was, which is understandable considering he is now 37, and Kelechi Iheanacho moving on to pastures new, another striker feels essential for Leicester this summer.

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Hlozek fits the bill perfectly, coming in as a young player who has already achieved so much in the game, and who should only improve further in the coming years. In fact, if the 34-cap Czech Republic international reaches his potential, he could be a magnificent addition to Cooper's squad.