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Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz could hold the keys to any of Unai Emery's transfer plans this summer, it has been revealed.

UCL qualification to ease Villa's FFP woes

Though the Villans are flying in the Premier League, they are looking over their shoulder when it comes to financial fair play. The Midlands outfit posted losses of £119.6m after tax compared to a £0.3m profit last season in their latest accounts, which has sparked concerns that they may be forced to sanction departures this summer, despite reassurances from the board that 'these figures are in line with the strategic business plan'.

NSWE ready to make Aston Villa bid for "warrior" Emery has signed before

Could it be a return to the Premier League?

ByBen Browning Mar 6, 2024

Qualifying for Europe's Premium competition would certainly help, with the Champions League offering an excellent financial incentive to its participants. For comparison, the Conference League offers just £500,000 for a group stage win and £5m for winning the entire competition, which pales in comparison to £2.4m for a Champions League group stage win and £18m for winning the whole thing.

Villa are well placed to reach that competition, currently five points ahead of Tottenham in fifth and a massive 11 points clear of 6th placed Manchester United. Though Tottenham have a game in hand on the Villans, the pair meet at Villa Park on Sunday, which will give Emery's side the chance to stretch their lead even further and all but book their place in next season's Champions League.

The run in

Gameweek

Aston Villa

Tottenham

Manchester United

28

Tottenham (H)

Aston Villa (A)

Everton (H)

29

West Ham (A)

Fulham (A)

Brentford (A)

30

Wolves (H)

Luton (H)

Chelsea (A)

31

Man City (A)

West Ham (A)

Liverpool (H)

32

Brentford (H)

Nottingham Forest (H)

Bournemouth (A)

33

Arsenal (A)

Newcastle (A)

Newcastle United (H)

34

Bournemouth (H)

Man City (H)

Burnley (H)

35

Chelsea (H)

Arsenal (H)

Crystal Palace (A)

36

Brighton (A)

Liverpool (A)

Arsenal (H)

37

Liverpool (H)

Burnley (H)

Brighton (A)

38

Crystal Palace (A)

Sheffield United (A)

Sheffield United (H)- date TBC

Luiz part of NSWE's big transfer plan

With major signings planned though, even qualifying for the Champions League may not be enough to balance the books, and sales may be required. As per Football Insider, Douglas Luiz will be the man most likely to make his departure from Villa Park. Unai Emery values his midfield maestro around £100m and there is thought to be interest from Manchester City and Arsenal, with the latter having made three bids for the Brazilian back in 2022.

Should Luiz depart and Villa qualify for the Champions League, it is added that the powers that be in the Midlands would be willing to sanction a massive £200m spending spree this summer, with the ultimate aim of joining the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in the elite bracket in the Premier League.

Whether any club would be willing to splash out £100m on Luiz is another matter, with both Arsenal and City having spent extensively on their midfield in recent years.

An "exceptional" player has teased the possibility of signing for Tottenham and says a move to north London "could happen".

Spurs already planning for summer transfer window

Following a very productive and successful January, which was arguably their best winter window in recent memory, Spurs are believed to be planning for the summer already – and how best to strengthen Ange Postecoglou's squad.

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The Australian was backed pretty early on last month with quick-fire moves for both Timo Werner, who joined on loan from RB Leipzig with the option-to-buy, and defender Radu Dragusin in a £25 million deal from Genoa.

Spurs also sensationally hijacked Barcelona's deal for Swedish sensation Lucas Bergvall, with the teenager choosing N17 over a move to the illustrious Camp Nou.

All confirmed Tottenham deals for January	Transfer
Timo Werner	Arrival (loan)
Lucas Bergvall	Arrival (buy-to-loan-back)
Radu Dragusin	Arrival (permanent)
Djed Spence	Exit (loan)
Ashley Phillips	Exit (loan)
Sergio Reguilon	Exit (loan)
Japhet Tanganga	Exit (loan)
Ivan Perisic	Exit (loan)
Eric Dier	Exit (loan)
Alejo Veliz	Exit (loan)

Tottenham's growing appeal as a club, you could say, is helped by both Postecoglou turning the tide since Antonio Conte's tenure and chairman Daniel Levy spearheading the construction of state-of-the-art facilities.

The Lilywhites are believed to already be doing homework for later this year in terms of luring new players to north London, with Barcelona star Raphinha among the options being considered by technical director Johan Lange and the recruitment team (Paul O'Keefe).

Spurs' January window offers real encouragement that they can tempt both Europe's best stars and rising talents of the future, with FC Copenhagen prodigy Roony Bardghji being linked in recent months.

The 18-year-old first grabbed headlines with his scintillating display in Copenhagen's historic 4-3 win over Man United in the Champions League earlier this season. Bardghji got on the scoresheet and scored their dramatic late winner that evening, turning more heads which were already thought to be taking note of his exploits in Denmark.

Bardghji hints at Tottenham transfer and teases move "could happen"

Commenting on his links to Spurs, coming amid Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski's Swedish connection, Bardghji has said a move to Tottenham "could happen" – teasing a possible transfer.

"It's fun to think about. You never know, it could happen. Hard to say now," said the winger to Sport Bladet when asked about following Bergvall to Postecoglou's side.

Bardghji is very highly rated despite his limited league appearances for Copenhagen, with those around the Scandinavian heaping praise on his "exceptional" technique.

"He has an understanding of the game, as well as good balance and coordination," said his coach at under-17 level for Sweden, Roger Franzen (via The Mail).

"He has exceptional technique with the ball at his feet. It's incredibly difficult to take the ball off him. He is good one-on-one and has a good shot. He can shoot with both feet, even if he is basically left-footed, he can finish with the right as well."

Arsenal returned to Premier League action with a bang over the weekend, putting five past a hapless Crystal Palace side to try and quieten any talk of crisis slowly festering during the winter break.

While Mikel Arteta would have been delighted with what he saw from his side, taking off a visibly uncomfortable Declan Rice in the second half would have been a real worry for the Spaniard.

Luckily, the Englishman seems okay, but his substitution exposed a weakness in the Gunners' midfield, which they have been trying to address for over a year.

One of the players that has been touted for a move to N5 has been Douglas Luiz, but with Aston Villa's reluctance to sell, the north Londoners might be better served signing the latest midfielder linked to the Emirates.

Arteta looks for a Galactico

According to a report from Spain earlier this week, Arsenal are 'very interested' in Real Madrid's incredibly talented young midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and are prepared to 'fight' for him in the transfer market.

The report has also revealed that, alongside the Gunners, Liverpool are also keen on the French maestro and are prepared to go toe-to-toe with the north Londoners to secure the player's signature this year.

The bad news for the sides is that if a move is sanctioned, it is expected to cost in excess of €100m – £85m – and that even if a team can stump up this kind of cash, Florentino Perez does not want to sell the 21-year-old.

That said, the report does mention that while Los Blancos have faith in their young star, there is 'cause for concern' that he could leave, following in the footsteps of previous Real icons like Raphael Varane and Casemiro.

How Eduardo Camavinga compares to Douglas Luiz

Now, signing either Luiz or Camavinga would make Arsenal a more formidable prospect; of that, there can be no doubt, but there are a couple of reasons why the former Rennes gem would make for more intelligent business.

The first thing to note is that if the reports about Real demanding offers in excess of £85m are accurate, then signing the potentially less glamorous Villa dynamo would be no cheaper as Football Insider revealed last week that it would take at least £100m to secure the Brazilian's services this month.

That said, the first thing Real's "generational talent", as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has over his competition is big game experience. Despite being just 21 years old, the French international has played on the biggest stages in world football, from starting a group game in the 2022 World Cup to coming on in the final.

Moreover, he has also been there and done it for Los Blancos, making ten Champions League appearances for the side – including in the final – when they lifted the trophy in the 2021/22 season.

It was in the club's miraculous comeback against Chelsea, in which they scored a goal in extra time to secure passage into the semi-finals, that sports broadcaster and content creator Nubaid Haroon described the young Frenchman as someone who "plays with a cigar in his mouth" due to how unphased he was by the magnitude of the game.

The second reason for signing Camavinga over Luiz is the pair's underlying numbers.

Camavinga

Luiz

0.08

0.23

5.83

5.67

3.21

1.96

0.71

1.70

89.3%

85.0%

0.36

0.31

3.68

3.82

2.38

1.29

57.1%

54.1%

1.67

1.24

1.79

0.72

1.19

0.77

8.33

6.34

While the two players are relatively evenly matched in a lot of areas, such as goal and shot-creating actions, and Luiz even clears the Frenchman in things like non-penalty expected goals and assists, when it comes to the defensive metrics – the most important statistics for a number six – there is no competition.

The Real sensation trounces Luiz for tackles won, blocks, interceptions, clearances and ball recoveries, and at just 21 years old, there is no telling just how dominant he could become at the base of midfield.

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Ultimately, if Arsenal want to bolster their defensive midfield and make sure that come rain or shine, it is an area of the pitch they have locked down, then signing a player the calibre of Camavinga is a no-brainer.

More than 700 runs were scored at Trent Bridge as Australia took another big step towards the semi-finals

The Report by Daniel Brettig20-Jun-2019Crowds of people left Trent Bridge. They think it’s all over, and it probably is now. Australia battered Bangladesh with the bat and then squeezed them slowly but surely with the ball to complete a victory that more or less settled the top four places for the World Cup semi-finals, with near enough to three more weeks of qualifying games remaining.Alongside England, India and New Zealand, Australia are firmly ensconced in the semi-final placings, seeing off a Bangladesh team who, by dint of their sparkling displays against South Africa and the West Indies, had been the last of the genuine challengers from outside the top quartet.There was plenty to like about the day’s cricket in Nottingham, from a powerful century by David Warner, nifty support from Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja, a brief but spectacular display by Glenn Maxwell, and plenty of doughtiness about the chase for a distant target, earning Mushfiqur Rahim an unbeaten century and Bangladesh their highest ever ODI total. But there was not quite the sting in the finish of this match, nor now the tournament entire, that any global event should have.This is not to say that Australia should feel bad about putting on their most consistent batting display of the Cup so far. Granted a strong batting platform, they went another step further in mid and late innings acceleration than they had managed in successive games against Pakistan and then Sri Lanka, although still with enough room for improvement to occupy the coach Justin Langer and his assistant Ricky Ponting.Australia’s fielding, too, was not always their sharpest, although the return of Marcus Stoinis from injury added balance to the bowling attack and agility in the field even though there were occasional signs that he is still not exactly 100% fit after a side strain.Bangladesh will bemoan a couple of injury enforced changes on match morning, and then the early drop of Warner by Sabbir Rahman in the gully, the same place West Indies had picked him up on this ground earlier in the competition. On a friendly pitch and fast outfield they were left looking defenseless at times, but resolved in the afternoon to fight the contest out – much to the credit of Mushfiqur’s rearguard. A gap in sixes hit – 10 for Australia, four for Bangladesh – formed part of the wider picture.WATCH – David Warner’s scintillating 166 on Hotstar (India only)Finch was overdue to win a toss and this was a good one to get, the sun shining over Nottingham and the pitch looking slow and dry without undue moisture. With Stoinis, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Adam Zampa back in the side, balance looked a little more prevalent in Australia’s combination, although Nathan Lyon must wonder whether it is time to start brandishing the red Dukes ball in training ahead of the Ashes.Precious little seam or swing was on offer early for Bangladesh’s seamers, and they were to rue spurning the only chance offered early, a Warner slice through the hands of gully. Anything dropping short or floating too full was pounced on by Finch and Warner – a lusty carve over cover by the captain and a hook shot by the left-hander reaping the first sixes of the morning.Mushfiqur Rahim celebrates his century•Getty Images

If Warner was still struggling for his best timing, Finch did his best to dissuade his partner from too much frustration, an effort in terms of mid-pitch support that would reap handsome rewards later. Finch himself appeared eager to accelerate sooner rather than later, moving around on the crease and sizing up the shorter of Trent Bridge’s boundaries, but just as he and Warner seemed ready to launch, Soumya got a shortish delivery to pop a fraction, causing Finch to bunt a catch to short third man.His frustration at being dismissed was added to apparent confusion about who was to come in to bat next, as Khawaja rather than Smith or Maxwell walked to the middle. For a time, Khawaja and Warner left themselves open to criticism for hastening a little too slowly, but once Warner had his hundred and Khawaja his bearings, the runs grew from a stream to a flow and then a torrent. Warner mixed perseverance with brutality, while Khawaja’s timing and placement were at times reminiscent of no less a left-hander than Brian Lara himself.With 16 centuries, Warner is now level with Adam Gilchrist on Australia’s all-time ODI list, and trailing only Mark Waugh (18) and Ponting (30). His role in this tournament has at times been difficult to decipher, given his evident struggles for timing and placement, but his determination to succeed cannot be doubted, nor the appreciation his run-making has drawn out of team-mates who had only recently been reacquainted with him.The treatment was meted out evenly across the Bangladesh attack, leaving Mashrafe Mortaza with few safe options including himself. Warner’s emulation of Finch in passing 150 at this tournament signalled further acceleration, and his exit after an innings that had been both platform and launch served only to bring Maxwell to the middle. Helped by a Rubel Hossain no-ball that allowed him a free-hit from which to unfurl an otherworldly back foot/front foot inside/outside drive over long off for six, Maxwell was rapidly in full destruction mode.WATCH – Maxwell’s blistering 32 on Hotstar (India only)Momentarily anything looked possible, capping a seven-over stretch from 40 to 46 in which the Australians ransacked 109 runs. But Khawaja’s acceptance then refusal of a quick single left Maxwell stranded in mid-pitch, and his evident anger at the manner of his run-out hastened a miniature collapse of 3 for 8 in seven balls, as Khawaja (caught behind, hooking) and Steven smith (lbw to a full toss) also exited. Rain delayed the final over for 23 minutes, but Stoinis found the boundary twice to lift Australia beyond 380.If this seemed a lot, Bangladesh had the knowledge they had been on course to run down a target even loftier in their beating of West Indies in Taunton, and for a time while Tamim and Shakib were together, anything looked possible. Soumya’s stay had been ended by a Finch direct hit when Bangladesh’s openers also became mixed up between the wickets, but the Australians were starting to look a little apprehensive when Stoinis’ off-break slower ball coaxed a front edge from Shakib and a simple catch for Warner at mid off.Sensing blood, Finch brought Starc back and was rewarded when Tamim dragged a 146kph projectile onto his stumps, before Liton Das was welcomed with a bouncer that struck his helmet and forced a replacement. Another promising union between Mushfiqur and Liton was scuppered when Zampa fizzed a quicker ball through to pin the latter lbw on the crease, and though Mushfiqur kept grinding out the runs with the hard-hitting aid of Mahmudullah, the asking rate grew evermore prohibitive, and ultimately impossible.Mashrafe’s late blow took his men to a bigger tally than any Bangladesh team before them, a fitting marker for the fight they had shown, but there could be only one winner.

USMNT star Gio Reyna shared the news of his engagement on social media with a heartwarming post.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Reyna shared a life update on social media
• Got engaged to partner Chloe Ortolano
• Spent the last six months on loan at Forest

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Borussia Dortmund winger took to Instagram to let the world know he got engaged to long-time partner Chloe Ortolano. The heartwarming social media post contained a couple of photographs of the couple who posed on a beachside while Ortolano was showing off her engagement ring.

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• WHAT GIO REYNA SAID

  In the caption, the 21-year-old wrote, "Forever" and added three emojis, infinity, a ring and a heart.

• Getty Images
  

  THE GOSSIP

  Reyna moved to Nottingham Forest on loan from Dortmund during the January transfer window, however, he did not get enough game time in England as he appeared in just 10 matches across all competitions and clocked only 230 minutes on the pitch where he scored once.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GIO REYNA?

  Despite appearing in the Champions League for only 20 minutes for the German side this season, the American player could get a winners' medal if Edin Terzic's side manages to beat Real Madrid in the final at Wembley on Saturday.

Allrounder’s 98 not out sets up comprehensive 36-run victory over Midlands rivals

ECB Reporters Network06-May-2019Leicestershire 340 (Taylor 98*, Ackermann 74, Dearden 69) beat Warwickshire 304 (Yates 66, Taylor 3-58) by 36 runs
All-rounder Tom Taylor made a career-best unbeaten 98, took three wickets, effected a run-out and held on to two fine catches as Leicestershire ended their Royal London Cup campaign with victory over Warwickshire.Foxes’ skipper Colin Ackermann chose to bat after winning the toss, and although triallist George Munsey went quickly, bowled off the inside edge by Oliver Hannon-Dalby, fellow opener Harry Dearden took full advantage of a series of wide and over-pitched deliveries, hitting eleven boundaries, almost all through the off side, in going to a half-century off just 34 balls.Warwickshire captain Jeetan Patel turned to spin to slow the scoring rate, and was rewarded when Alex Thomson deceived Mark Cosgrove with an arm-ball that hurried inside a defensive push to hit the left-hander’s leg stump.Patel himself then produced the delivery of the day, straightening the ball past Dearden’s outside edge to remove the left-hander’s off stump, and Warwickshire continued to make inroads, first when Lewis Hill lifted a short ball from Craig Miles high into the hands of third man, and then when Ateeq Javid was run out by Miles at the non-striker’s end after being sent back by a late call from Ackermann.Ackermann himself looked set to register what would have been his third century in the competition this season, but on 74 skied an attempt to hit Patel through the off-side, and was caught by Will Rhodes at backward point.At 222 for 6 the Foxes’ innings was in danger of petering out, but with spinners Thomson and Patel having bowled their allotted spells, Taylor ensured the momentum did not falter, launching into the seamers and hitting eight fours in going to a half-century off 34 balls.The 24-year-old received good support from Ben Mike and then Callum Parkinson as he passed his previous List A best of 59, and then charged towards three figures. With Taylor on 98 however, Hannon-Dalby deflected his straight drive on to the stumps at the non-striker’s end, running out Parkinson, and in the following over Mohammad Abbas could not get his bat on a full, straight delivery from George Panayi, leaving Taylor stranded.Warwickshire’s response began promisingly, openers Ed Pollock and Dom Sibley hitting 70 off the first ten overs before Sibley, back on his stumps, was leg before to a full, in-swinging delivery from left arm seamer Klein.Pollock hit seven fours and a six in going to his first half-century of the season in 47 balls before being bowled by left-arm spinner Parkinson, pushing forward to a nicely flighted delivery that went on to hit off stump, and Will Rhodes holed out to Taylor at long-off off the part-time off-spin of Javid.The key dismissal, however, was that of Rob Yates, who was batting with impressive maturity and assurance on debut for Warwickshire, and had gone to 66 when he turned for a tight second run and found his path inadvertently blocked by bowler Ben Mike. Dodging around Mike cost the 19-year-old Yates a vital moment and his dive to beat Taylor’s throw was unsuccessful.Thereafter there was a good effort from Liam Banks, and Craig Miles and Patel hit out bravely in the final overs, but scoreboard pressure told, and an excellent catch above his head on the midwicket boundary to dismiss Miles completed Taylor’s outstanding day.

As good as Arsenal have been at times this season, recent slip-ups could prove costly come May with the Gunners now sitting fourth in the Premier League and five points adrift of leaders Liverpool. The January transfer window could yet turn the title race on its head, however, with the chance for all sides involved to sign key reinforcements.

Ahead of a crucial few months, Arsenal could prove their transfer genius once more by strengthening Mikel Arteta's squad. And that could include a deal to sign a Bundesliga gem ahead of Premier League rivals in an arrival that may benefit Arsenal in years to come.

Arsenal transfer news

After splashing out to sign Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and David Raya in the summer transfer window, it would be incredibly disappointing for those at The Emirates if Arsenal failed to win the Premier League title. The Gunners came so close last time out before Manchester City swooped in on their way to a historic treble win. Hoping to avoid that feeling of defeat for a second consecutive campaign and also in years to come, Arsenal could welcome one particular future star from the Bundesliga this month.

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal have been "informed" about a deal to sign David Odogu. The journalist posted on X:

With the potential to get one over on the likes of Chelsea and Brentford and sign a player with plenty of potential in the process, Arsenal could certainly be a club to watch in pursuit of Odogu. Given that the centre-back's contract will turn professional when he turns 18 on June 3, however, the Gunners may need to act quickly this month.

Odogu is an in-demand "top talent"

It speaks volumes that Wolfsburg are keen to keep hold of Odogu. The 17-year-old is yet to make his first-team debut but could take his opportunity with both hands when his first professional contract arrives in June. Before then, however, Arsenal could swoop in and hand the German the opportunity that he so desperately craves. Given Arteta's proven ability to work with young players too, having excelled with William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and others, Udogu could be wise to choose Arsenal over elsewhere in the Premier League.

Odogu is a player who's already caught the eye, including from Plettenberg, who described the Wolfsburg teenager as a "top talent" on X. As the January window progresses and Odogu's desire to leave Wolfsburg remains, he'll certainly be one to watch, especially if Arsenal make their move. Whilst the Gunners have one eye on the Premier League title, they could sign a player capable of playing a part in cementing Arteta's future legacy at The Emirates in years to come.

Glasgow Rangers will be aiming for their first ever victory in Seville as they need to defeat Real Betis in order to reach the Europa League knockout stages.

Philippe Clement will be buoyed following three victories in the Scottish Premiership over the previous ten days and this should give the Gers plenty of confidence heading into the crunch clash in Spain.

Rangers team news

The 3-1 win over Dundee followed by Celtic’s shock defeat to Kilmarnock on the weekend narrowed the gap at the top of the table to just five points and the Light Blues are certainly in contention for the title.

The only downside was Jose Cifuentes being sent off on the stroke of half-time and despite appealing this red card, it was rejected, and he will miss the League Cup final and the Premiership tie against St Johnstone.

He will be available for the clash against Betis, however, but Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz will not be, as Michael Beale didn’t register them for the squad back in September.

Clement rested Connor Goldson for the visit of the Dens Park outfit on the weekend, but he must be thrust back into the starting XI against the Andalusian side this evening to replace the unavailable Nigeria international.

Connor Goldson’s season in numbers

Balogun has started seven domestic matches since the Belgian arrived at Ibrox and his experience along with his pace have been valuable assets for the 49-year-old.

His exclusion means he will be fresh for the final against Aberdeen and Goldson will make his return to the squad and this will give Clement a boost.

The Englishman has been a colossus at the back for the Gers this term, winning a staggering 69% of his total duels – 5.7 per game – in the Premiership, while being dribbled past only 0.3 times per match, demonstrating his impressive physical attributes and having him at full fitness is imperative to their ambitions this season.

Goldson also ranks second among the squad for accurate passes per game (67.2) along with ranking first for accurate long balls per game (6.4) and fourth for clearances (2.5) domestically.

In the three matches that the centre-back has missed this season, Rangers have conceded a goal in two of them, and it showcases just how much they rely on him.

The £37k-per-week titan has made nearly 300 appearances for the Glasgow side since joining in the summer of 2018 under Steven Gerrard, and he soon emerged as a mainstay at the heart of their defence.

Remarkably, across his five full seasons in Scotland, Goldson has missed just 17 matches through injury and this reliability has made him a firm favourite among a succession of managers.

The Gers know they will play European football of some sort after Christmas, yet it remains to be seen whether this will be in the Europa League or the Conference League.

Clement could repeat Rangers' Davies howler in move for £70k-p/w gem

Rangers are interested in signing another centre-back in the January window.

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 13, 2023

Many supporters may argue that they would rather the club win the League Cup on Sunday as opposed to securing victory tonight.

The truth is, Rangers should be doing everything they can to win both games, laying down a marker to Celtic in the process.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo fez uma nova testagem no elenco antes do clássico contra o Santos, às 16h, no próximo domingo (10), no Morumbi. O clube não identificou novos casos de Covid-19 na equipe e não terá desfalques por esse motivo para a partida pela 29ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Repetiu o desempenho deste ano? Veja a colocação do São Paulo após a 28ª rodada do Brasileirão desde 2003

Havia uma preocupação devido ao teste positivo do atacante Toró, diagnosticado antes do jogo contra o Red Bull Bragantino. O jogador está assintomático, permanece isolado e fora dos treinamentos com o restante dos companheiros.

VEJA A SITUAÇÃO DO SÃO PAULO NO BRASILEIRÃO E SIMULE OS RESULTADOS

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O São Paulo deve ter alguns retornos importantes para o jogo diante do Santos. O volante Luan volta de suspensão e o lateral Juanfran, que foi desfalque por problemas particulares deve retornar. Arboleda é outro que pode ser titular contra o Peixe, após fadiga muscular.

Entre os desfalques, estão o zagueiro Bruno Alves e o volante Tchê Tchê, suspensos. O São Paulo é o líder do Campeonato Brasileiro, com 56 pontos, seis a mais que o Internacional, vice-líder da competição.

Newcastle United's interest in an "incredible" attacker is now "more and more concrete", according to a transfer update from journalist Christian Falk.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies will surely make at least one new signing in the January transfer window, with funds seemingly available to spend and injuries decimating Eddie Howe's squad. Nick Pope's shoulder problem is going to keep him out of action for many months, so it could be that a new goalkeeper is acquired as soon as possible.

It looks as though much of Newcastle's focus could be on signing a top-level midfielder to make up for the absence of the suspended Sandro Tonali, however, with Kalvin Phillips looking like the standout candidate to come in and make a big difference in the middle of the park. He isn't the only option in that position, however, and there is still time for the club to find other choices.

The Magpies have also been linked with defensive and attacking reinforcements, however, with VfB Stuttgart attacker Serhou Guirassy potentially heading to St James' Park. Meanwhile, Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio could be brought in to bolster the back-line, should he demand a move from the Portuguese giants midway through the season.

Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding one of the individuals mentioned – one that suggests a move to St James' could be happening next month.

Newcastle interest in pole position to sign Guirassy

According to Falk on X, Newcastle's pursuit of Serhou Guirassy has made significant progress, with "concrete" talks taking place with the 27-year-old.

"The interest of Newcastle in Serhou Guirassy (27) @VfB become more and more concrete. Manager Eddie Howe has the striker on his shortlist. Man Utd is also still interested."

Meanwhile, another update from Football Insider has stated that Newcastle are now in pole position to sign Guirassy, further suggesting that he could be on his way to the club.

This is an exciting update for Newcastle supporters, considering what an amazing start to the season Guirassy is enjoying in a Stuttgart shirt. The Magpies transfer target has scored a remarkable 16 goals in just nine Bundesliga starts in 2023/24 to date – 11 appearances in the competition overall – and teammate Chris Fuhrich has said of him:

"He's incredible. He just keeps at it week after week, and we are delighted to have him."

The Guinean could provide such great competition for both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson from the off, both of whom have been injury-plagued this season, while the latter is now 31 years of age.

Newcastle identify "world-class" star as potential Pope replacement

This could be an eye-catching addition by the Magpies.

ByHenry Jackson Dec 4, 2023

Guirassy may give Newcastle the lift that they need in attack, with performances and results still largely good at the moment, but that added firepower could immediately improve their chances of recording back-to-back top-four finishes in the Premier League.

The hope is that the Magpies manage to entice the Stuttgart star to the club, but also sign a goalkeeper, defender and a midfielder, in order to truly make up for this incredible bad luck in the injury department, so it could be a busy few weeks.