Tag Futebol

Scott Boland claimed a 10-wicket match haul but Victoria’s batting collapsed on a tough pitch

Andrew McGlashan20-Feb-2025Jackson Bird joined an elite group of bowlers to take 400 Sheffield Shield wickets as he propelled New South Wales to a victory that put them firmly in contention for a place in the final.Bird claimed 5 for 68 on the third day, making full use of a surface that was getting tougher to bat on, as Victoria were bowled out for 154 chasing 230, the margin only narrowed by a late dip from Todd Murphy who flayed 40 off 32 balls.Related

Konstas calms himself but can't cash in as New South Wales take control

Morris turns up to the heat as WA thrash Queensland

Scott Boland had earlier finished with 6 for 46 and a match haul of 10 for 102 as NSW lost their last six wickets for 31 but a fourth-innings chase was always going to be a tall order for the visitors.Bird’s first wicket of the final innings, finding the edge of Marcus Harris, took him to his milestone as he joined Clarrie Grimmett, Michael Kasprowicz, Andy Bichel and Jo Angel as the only bowlers in the 400-club.”It probably means I’ve been around a long time,” Bird said. “It’s nice to tick off the milestones along the way, but when you have a good win like that with a team, it makes it more special. So it’s a great team effort.”It’s nice to be in that [400] group. But the goal of mine now is to win a Sheffield Shield. I’ve never won a Sheffield Shield, so that’s more important to me at the moment and it’s what’s driving me to keep playing at my age.”Bird, 38, indicated that any decision on whether he would continue his career would be made at the end of the season. “I’m just taking it game by game at the moment,” he said. “I didn’t have much left in the tank after this afternoon. I don’t want to hang on too long. Whether I can mentally do another pre-season. If I do play next year, it’ll probably look different in terms of my availability.”None of Victoria’s top five reached double figures as they slid to 31 for 5 which effectively decided the contest. Bird had Tom Rogers taken at first slip, Harry Dixon miscuing a pull and forced Peter Handscomb to fend a viciously rising delivery into the cordon. He later returned to remove Fergus O’Neill for his fifth wicket and finished the game with a season’s tally of 30 at 13.96.Captain Jack Edwards was again impressive with the ball while Liam Hatcher chipped in with a brace.The victory pushed NSW into second place in what looks like a race to play South Australia in the final. It was Victoria’s third consecutive loss leaving them a tough route to the final with games against the leaders, SA, and an away trip to Western Australia.”Dropping Ollie Davies in the first innings cost us quite a bit,” coach Chris Rogers said. “With our batting we lost a number of wickets in and around breaks and just probably not up to the standard we needed to be if we’re going to win games of cricket. We’ve got a lot of questions we need to answer.”Playing our last Shield game against Queensland before the BBL break I didn’t imagine us being in this position. We’ve only got ourselves to blame. It’s frustrating and shows how competitive this league is. We’ve let too many moments slip and we need to question why that’s happening.”

Paul Pogba is a player who massively divided opinion during his time at Manchester United, producing numerous moments of magic, but unfortunately, they were few and far between.

The French midfielder re-joined the Red Devils in a then-world record fee of £89m from Juventus, just a handful of years after he joined the Italian side on a free transfer from Old Trafford.

He racked up over 200 appearances during his second spell in the Premier League, but it was one that was full of questions about his attitude, leading to numerous bust-ups in the North West.

One of the major issues that arose for the 32-year-old was his fallout with José Mourinho, with the former United boss stripping the big-money addition of the captaincy.

He would remain at the club for three more years after the former manager’s dismissal, but he never managed to live up to his price tag, something which Ruben Amorim needs to avoid in his own pursuit of a new midfielder this summer.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer

There is no denying that Carlos Baleba has been United’s most-sought-after midfield target in recent weeks, but a deal now appears dead in the water after Brighton’s reluctance to offload the 21-year-old.

The Cameroonian hasn’t been the only Premier League star in their sights, with Adam Wharton another option under consideration – but the Englishman would be yet another expensive addition, given his current £100m asking price.

However, cheaper alternatives are currently being considered by the Red Devils hierarchy, with journalist Fabrizio Romano stating that Marseille star Adrien Rabiot is an option who could be considered.

He stated that the Frenchman is free to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer, with his representatives approaching Amorim’s side and offering the 30-year-old’s services to the club.

Romano also confirmed the Red Devils’ previous interest in the former Juventus star, which has undoubtedly played a huge part in the player’s agent reaching out once again.

Why United’s target would be their next Pogba

United’s midfield options at present remain sparse to say the least, with Amorim desperately wanting reinforcements in the next couple of weeks before the window slams shut.

Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly the first name on the teamsheet in such an area, but there’s no consistent partner alongside him at the heart of the side.

Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are all currently on the books, but there’s trio all have their drawbacks, which have prevented them from nailing down a regular starting role.

The Brazilian is entering the final years of his career, whilst Mainoo has struggled with fitness, but Ugarte has ultimately failed to hit the heights many expected after his £50m move from PSG.

Such situations have opened the door to added investment, leading to Rabiot being touted as one of the latest options in the hierarchy’s sights this summer.

However, caution must be taken with a deal for the Frenchman, potentially landing themselves a player similar to Pogba – but, not all aspects of such a comparison are positive.

Whilst he’s 6”3 – possessing a similar frame to Pogba – whilst also being the same nationality, it’s his actions off the pitch which have drawn the most similarities.

Rabiot, who’s been labelled “world-class” by David Trezeguet, has been allowed to leave Marseille after a bust-up with Jonathan Rowe, with controversy following him just like Pogba during his own time at United.

However, despite his off-field antics, the former Juventus star still possesses a lot of quality, as seen by his tally of 13 combined goals and assists in just 29 appearances.

Adrien Rabiot’s stats for Marseille in Ligue 1 (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

29

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

6.1

Passes into final third

5.3

Tackles won

1.8

Clearances made

1.2

Aerials won

1.2

Aerial success rate

57%

Stats via FBref

He also completed 6.1 progressive passes per 90, whilst winning 1.8 tackles per 90, possessing the perfect qualities, making him the perfect box-to-box option in Amorim’s side.

The club’s hunt for a new midfielder has been ongoing for multiple weeks now, with a solution desperately needed to be made before the September 1st transfer deadline.

Rabiot could well be the answer, showcasing the quality he possesses during his recent spell in Ligue 1, but should they sign him, they will need to keep a close eye on his off-the-field antics, which have tarnished his stint at Marseille.

Related The new Carrick: INEOS now preparing offer to sign £86m talent for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make another big-money move this summer.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 20, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a vitória do São Paulo por 4 a 2 diante do Vasco pelo Brasileirão, o técnico Dorival Júnior reclamou novamente da sequência de jogos que o calendário impõe a sua equipe, e aproveitou a oportunidade para valorizar o esforço de seus jogadores no enfrentamento ao cansaço dos jogos consecutivos.

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O treinador ainda revelou que o São Paulo deve viajar rumo à Venezuela, onde enfrenta o Deportivo Puerto Cabello pela Sul-Americana, na madrugada de domingo para segunda (22), ao melhor estilo ‘corujão’, o que aumentaria este cansaço.

+ ATUAÇÕES: ‘Crias de Cotia’ garantem vitória do São Paulo diante do Vasco pelo Brasileirão

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

– Eu acho que a gente só tem que ficar satisfeito (com o desempenho recente). Nos apresentaremos no aeroporto meia-noite, sairemos às 2h da manhã e chegaremos às 15h da segunda-feira para jogarmos na terça-feira. Para vocês verem que fica muito difícil cobrar tudo aquilo que uma equipe possa te apresentar.

Dorival também afirmou que a tabela é ‘terrível’ para todos os clubes, e que ela interfere tanto no desempenho dos times como na recuperação dos jogadores.

– O Vasco essa semana teve tranquilidade pra trabalhar, por isso tinha sempre um movimento (em jogo) mais rápido. Como eu disse, nós chegamos (de viagem do Recife) na quinta-feira às 23h aqui no aeroporto. Tudo isso aí gera um desgaste muito grande – iniciou.

+ VÍDEO: os melhores momentos da vitória do São Paulo sobre o Vasco pelo Brasileirão

O caso de Rodrigo Nestor foi citado pelo treinador como exemplo desse desgaste. O jogador deixou o campo durante o segundo tempo com um ‘início de lesão’, nas palavras de Dorival. O comandante tricolor revelou, no entanto, o que tem feito para minimizar os efeitos do calendário cheio no condicionamento físico do seu elenco.

– Isso vai acontecer com, no mínimo, um atleta a cada rodada. Não tem como como alterar esse processo todo, e nós temos que estar fortes para suportar essa condição. Vou buscando a todo momento (fazer) cinco, seis alterações pra dar uma oxigenada na equipe. É aquilo que a gente pode fazer – finalizou Dorival.

O próximo jogo da ‘tabela terrível’ do São Paulo está marcado para terça-feira (23), às 21h30 (hora de Brasília) diante do Deportivo Puerto Cabello, da Venezuela. O jogo é válido pela 4ª rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana.

Liverpool have held a meeting in Paris with a Premier League player and his representatives over a move this summer, according to journalist Sebastien Denis.

Who will be Liverpool's starting No.9 next season?

The Reds have already made so much progress in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Florian Wirtz in a British record deal, as well as Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez bolstering Arne Slot’s full-back options.

A new striker needs to be a forefront of Liverpool’s thinking now, though, with Darwin Nunez not seen as the solution there, despite scoring in Sunday’s 3-1 win away to Preston in a pre-season friendly.

There are plenty of options to have been mentioned this summer, from Alexander Isak to Hugo Ekitike, and now RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko has been linked with a move to Anfield. The 22-year-old has also been seen as a target for Arsenal, but it now looks as though the Gunners will sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres instead.

Now, another name has been thrown into the hat for Liverpool, as the likes of Slot and Richard Hughes look to bring in the ideal No.9 option ahead of the defence of their Premier League crown next month.

Liverpool hold Paris talks with Premier League striker

According to Foot Mercato journalist Denis on X, Liverpool had a meeting with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and his agents recently: “French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and his representative met with Liverpool in Paris last days.”

In the report itself, it states that the Reds have been “checking the water” for the 28-year-old, adding that as much as £52m may potentially be needed to snap him up. That said, a fee of £43m is also far from out of the question.

Mateta is a good striker who has proven to be an excellent option for Palace, helping them win the FA Cup last season and being hailed by Eagles manager Oliver Glasner.

“We don’t always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box. He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us.”

At 28, though, Mateta may not feel like the right choice for Liverpool, considering his peak could pass relatively quickly and there are younger options out there.

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1

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Henry Jackson

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He has scored against the Reds in the past, netting in a 2-1 defeat for the Eagles in 2023, and while he could do a good job for Slot after scoring 30 goals in the last two Premier League seasons, he arguably doesn’t feel like the right pick when nailing the new striker is so essential for the Premier League champions.

Chelsea are showing no sign of slowing down in the transfer market this summer, despite having already spent millions on fresh faces.

Chelsea now "advancing" talks to sign £70m star, formal bid expected soon

The Blues are making progress in their pursuit of an “exceptional” player, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed.

ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

Enzo Maresca saw £145 million trio Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro join the club most recently, when the west Londoners were successfully tackling their Club World Cup campaign, but the Italian is set to be backed even more.

Financially, the Blues are in excellent stead, having raised around £100 million through player sales already, which is due to rise to around £126 million through João Félix’s move to Al-Nassr.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

The Saudis agreed an initial £26 million deal for Felix, plus hefty add-ons, and Chelsea could even bank close to £43 million in future thanks to a sell-on clause.

Chelsea’s £87.5 million financial windfall from winning the CWC, not to mention Champions League revenue, also contributes to Maresca’s side being comfortably far away from breaching the PSR threshold.

While Chelsea remain keen to balance out their squad by selling more players, partly due to pressure from UEFA, there is scope for BlueCo to seal more squad upgrades in time for the 2025/2026 season.

Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea over a move to Stamford Bridge, and talks are at an advanced stage to sign the Dutchman, who could come in as both cover for Marc Cucurella and as another centre-back option.

Another Netherlands international could also join Hato in London pretty soon – RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons.

The 22-year-old has been on fire for Leipzig since signing for the Bundesliga side on an initial loan in 2023/2024. His move was made permanent in January, with Simons bagging a total of around 21 goals and 23 assists in all competitions over the last two seasons.

Leipzig even made Simons the highest-paid player in their history on a contract worth around £192,000-per-week, but the attacker is already prepared to seek pastures new.

Chelsea to submit opening offer for Xavi Simons

Chelsea talks for Simons, according to some sources, are advancing in quick fashion (Simon Phillips), but they’re yet to place an opening offer.

Journalist Ben Jacobs, sharing another update for talkSPORT and on X, claims Chelsea are poised to submit their first bid for Simons after positive club-to-club talks.

Interestingly, Jacobs reports for talkSPORT that Bayern Munich have called Simons “several” times in an attempt to convince the playmaker to join Vincent Kompany’s side, but he much prefers a move to the Premier League with personal terms agreed.

Leipzig are prepared to green-light Simons’ sale for around £61 million, but there is a belief within Chelsea that they could strike a deal for less.

Manchester United’s need for new additions this summer is evident, falling way below the expectations demanded by the fanbase throughout 2024/25.

The Red Devils ended the year in a measly 15th in the Premier League, subsequently missing out on any form of European football and resulting in a huge financial loss.

Ruben Amorim’s side will have to recruit well during the off-season if they are to have any chance of rising up the table and pushing for a place among the top four once again.

Sales will likely need to take place, with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho just two first-team talents touted with respective moves away from Old Trafford.

Any funds generated will likely go a long way in their pursuit of new attacking talent, something which is desperately needed if the Red Devils are to reach the next level under the current management team, overseen by Jason Wilcox.

The latest on United’s hunt for new talent this summer

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s been firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of months, with Wilcox and co placing two separate offers for the Brentford star.

However, the two sides are no closer to agreeing a fee for the Cameroonian international this window, putting doubt over any potential deal for the 25-year-old star.

He’s not the only star being considered by the hierarchy, with Boca Juniors’ midfield sensation Milton Delgado another player in their sights, according to Argentine outlet Canal 26.

They claim that the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the 20-year-old this week after racking up 30 senior appearances across the last two campaigns.

It also states that the offer is in the region of €11m (£9.5m), a deal that could prove to be a potential bargain if he can replicate the levels produced by one of Europe’s leading talents.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s answer to Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been a player constantly on United’s radar over the last couple of years, but they have missed out on his signature at every opportunity to land the youngster.

The Englishman even met higher-ups at the club during his time at Birmingham City, but decided to make a move to join Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund back in 2020.

The Red Devils also tried to land the 21-year-old before his subsequent switch to Real Madrid, with the youngster undoubtedly now one of the best players in the midfield department within Europe.

He’s registered 38 goals and 27 assists in his 99 appearances for the LaLiga giants, with Amorim certainly wishing he had such a talent at his disposal at Old Trafford.

However, he could land his own version of the Englishman with a deal for Delgado this summer, as the Argentine has similar qualities of breaking up the play and being able to control possession, as seen by his stats from the recent campaign.

The youngster, who’s been labelled “complete” by one South American journalist, has managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, along with more passes into the final third per 90 – showcasing the quality he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He’s also thrived without the ball at his feet, winning more tackles and making more interceptions per 90 – handing Amorim that added defensive quality he’s craved at the heart of the side.

Games played

20

31

Minutes played

847

2488

Pass accuracy

89%

86%

Passes into final third

4.8

4.7

Tackles won

2.1

1.2

Interceptions made

1.8

1.1

Clearances made

1.2

0.8

Take-on success

67%

54%

Recoveries made

7.8

3.5

When regaining the ball, Delgado has further demonstrated his talents, completing more take-ons than Bellingham last season, potentially being the perfect deep-lying midfielder for the Red Devils.

Whilst the 20-year-old may have a lot of work to do if he is to match the levels produced by the Real Madrid star in Europe, he’s already demonstrated that he has the ability to star in key areas.

£9.5m for a player of his talent and potential could prove to be an excellent pickup for Wilcox and the United hierarchy, having the chance to land a leading midfield talent, whilst also having the chance to develop further, given his tender age.

Their own Zubimendi: Man Utd in talks to sign "strongest DM in the world"

Manchester United are looking to sign a central midfielder this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 8, 2025

Chelsea want to wrap up even more summer deals in time for their Club World Cup campaign, but BlueCo have just five more days to do so.

Chelsea sign Liam Delap for £30 million with more signings anticipated

On Wednesday, the Blues officially announced their signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, who joins in a £30 million deal after Chelsea triggered his release clause.

Chelsea make "official offer" to sign "promising" striker after 20-goal season

The west Londoners are the first club to submit a bid.

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Emilio Galantini

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Delap will wear the number 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge and is also eligible to take part in the CWC later this month, giving Enzo Maresca a boost as Chelsea take FIFA’s competition pretty seriously.

Liam Delap’s best Premier League games for Ipswich last season	Match Rating
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea	8.08
Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town	8.05
Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa	8.04
Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton	7.83
Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town	7.55
via WhoScored

£97 million worth of prize money is up for grabs if Chelsea go on to win the tournament, so it is believed that the west Londoners want to add one or two more signings to the squad after Delap as they look to take advantage of this mini-window, which is open until June 10.

Chelsea recently opened talks with AC Milan over a deal for goalkeeper Mike Maignan as well, but as things stand, there is a massive gap in valuation between the two clubs, even if the Frenchman has reportedly approved a switch to the Premier League, as per Football Italia.

After missing out on defender Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Chelsea remain in the market for alternatives, with versatile Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato said to be high on their agenda.

Jorrel Hato keen to join Chelsea with talks ongoing

The Netherlands international was predominantly a left-back under Francesco Farioli, impressing in that position, but the natural centre-half could also fill in at the heart of Maresca’s backline.

Signing an alternative to Marc Cucurella and an extra body in the middle, all in one go, will undoubtedly appeal to the west Londoners, amid reports that Hato could leave Ajax for just £40 million.

Journalist Simon Phillips, sharing an update on their links to the Dutchman, says that Chelsea are pushing in talks to sign Hato, ideally before the Club World Cup, and the 19-year-old is equally keen on joining.

“Chelsea are in talks to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax and are working on the fee at the moment,” said Phillips.

“Personal terms not an issue and Hato is interested in the move. New talks were held early this week.

“I don’t have any further details yet on this one but it’s going on behind the scenes and Chelsea are pushing to get him to the Club World Cup if they can.”

No Ajax player featured over more Eredivisie minutes than Hato last season, with ex-Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson previously suggesting the sky is the limit for his career.

“It’s crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch,” said Henderson about Hato in 2024.

“He’s a very mature person, works hard, fantastic player, and yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I’m sure. I think he just needs to continue to do what he’s he’s been doing.”

Crystal Palace are now plotting a move for a £20m midfielder, and they are looking to get a deal over the line quickly, according to reporter Alan Nixon.

Palace eyeing new midfielder after FA Cup triumph

May 17th, 2025 will be a date forever etched into Palace history, having won their first ever major trophy courtesy of a shock 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, which also secures qualification for a maiden Europa League campaign next season.

Midfielder Will Hughes spoke about what it meant to win the first major honour of his career after the game, while admitting it will take some time to sink in.

Hughes has been an important player for Oliver Glasner this season, making 31 appearances in the Premier League, but with a Europa League campaign now on the horizon, the manager may have to bring in some more depth in midfield this summer.

According to a report from Nixon on Patreon (via Football League World), one of the midfielders Crystal Palace have set their sights on is Mateus Fernandes, with a quick deal for the Southampton midfielder now being plotted.

With the Saints suffering relegation from the Premier League, they could be at risk of losing some of their key players, and Fernandes is valued at roughly £20m, amid interest from both Palace and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest.

Fernandes deserves another chance in the Premier League

Southampton have endured one of the worst seasons in Premier League history, collecting just 12 points throughout the campaign, but the youngster has shown he deserves a second chance in the top flight with some of his performances.

Despite being just 20-years-old, the attacking midfielder has been a regular starter for the Saints, making 35 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has managed to amass three goals and two assists.

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ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025

Former manager Vasco Seabra has also praised the starlet in the past, describing him as a “very strong and aggressive player with a great ability to cover a lot of ground”, and he has performed extremely well across some key defensive metrics, including tackling, over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

2.81 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

0.83 (96th percentile)

Blocks

1.31 (89th percentile)

Clearances

1.12 (85th percentile)

Having stood out defensively, when compared to other attacking midfielders, Fernandes is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, who is capable of playing slightly deeper, and he could be a shrewd acquisition for Crystal Palace this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur could reunite with ex-managing director Fabio Paratici once his worldwide ban concludes on June 30, and it is now believed the transfer chief may end up playing a vital role in signing a “top-level” Liverpool player.

Fabio Paratici tipped for Tottenham return this summer

The ex-Juventus man, who gained popularity among the Spurs fan base after sealing deals for the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Romero, Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr during his time there, could well be coming back to N17.

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ByEmilio Galantini May 8, 2025

Paratici was forced to resign as managing director in early 2023, after he was slapped with a 30-month worldwide ban from FIFA. The 52-year-old was found guilty of false accounting during his time at Juve, with Paratici unable to work in any official footballing capacity since then.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

That isn’t to say he hasn’t been of use to Spurs since then, though, as it is known that Paratici has been advising the club on an unofficial consultancy basis.

However, with his ban due to end on June 30th, reports from Italy are adamant that an official Tottenham return for Paratici could be nearing (Corriere della Sera).

The official held extensive talks with AC Milan over becoming their new sporting director, but those negotiations broke down, which has freed up a move to N17 as a result.

Daniel Levy has publicly praised Paratici’s work ethic and “tough” negotiating style in the past, and it is believed by some that the Lilywhites chairman has been working hard to tempt him with a return to the club.

Levy held private talks with Paratici over re-joining Spurs as far back as late March, and there has been no sign of this potential appointment slowing down since then.

Fabio Paratici could sign Federico Chiesa for Tottenham

Now, CaughtOffside report that he could play a vital role in luring £150,000-per-week Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa to north London.

The Italy international’s debut season in England hasn’t exactly been a dream for him, and Arne Slot’s side could choose to part ways with Chiesa for as little as £13 million.

Tottenham are emerging as potential contenders for Chiesa, and Paratici’s excellent relationship with his agent, Fali Ramadani, has been described as a “crucial” factor which could give them an edge in the race for his signature.

CaughtOffside also back up previous reports that Paratici is expected to come back, and he could now mount an assault for Liverpool’s attacker after he returns.

Despite Chiesa’s lack of luck at Anfield, the ex-Juve star has shone on the biggest occasions in past seasons, including Euro 2020, and he’s still just 27-years-old. For just £13m, Chiesa would be an arguable snip, with the only real sticking point financially being his salary.

Chiesa has also been called a “top-level” talent since making the move to Merseyside last summer, having impressed on the odd occasion for Liverpool, and perhaps he’d have more luck earning game time down south.

Patrick Dorgu has become a key player at Manchester United since his January move from Lecce. The Dane, who cost the Red Devils £25m up front, has already played ten times for his new club this term, although he did miss three games due to suspension.

The 20-year-old is yet to score or assist for the first time in a United shirt. However, he did win a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted in the Europa League Round of 16 against Real Sociedad, showing just how deadly he can be.

With that being said, it has not all been smooth sailing for the wing-back. Aside from his red card, he was recently rotated out of the team for United’s 4-1 loss away to Newcastle United, with Harry Amass stepping into his shoes.

Amass’ full debut for United

For a football fan, there probably aren’t many better birthday presents than making your professional debut, and for Man United, nonetheless. Well, that was the case for Amass, who made a substitute appearance away to Leicester City in the Premier League on his 18th birthday.

Just weeks later, the youngster, who was born in London and played for Watford’s academy originally, made his first start in the top flight. The youngster was selected to start ahead of Dorgu at left wing-back.

Indeed, it was an impressive showing from Amass, as the stats on Sofascore reflect. The 18-year-old had 31 touches of the ball, completed 85% of his passes and won two duels. He certainly performed well.

That was certainly a sentiment that football statistician Statman Dave seemed to agree with. He was full of praise for Amass, explaining that he “didn’t look out of place in senior football” at St James’ Park last weekend.

There is certainly no worry about squad depth for the Red Devils at left-wing back, with the emergence of Amass and the signing of Dorgu. Incredibly, they are adding to that depth over the summer with another new signing.

United’s latest left wing-back signing

One of the continents where big European clubs tend to find hidden gem players is South America. Well, United may have pulled off a masterclass of their own in that sense, with the signing of youngster Diego Leon.

In the middle of January, it was confirmed by BBC Sport that the 18-year-old undertook a medical at United’s Carrington training ground. The reported fee is £6m, with the left-back set to join in the summer.

Now, United are not just signing a player without first-team experience who could one day break into the fold at Old Trafford. No, Leon has actually had years of experience at first-team level for Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno.

He has already played 26 times for the club over the past couple of years, and has even managed three goals in that time, from left-back. His 2092 minutes so far equate to 23 full 90-minute games, showing his importance to the Cerro Porteno side.

In fact, his underlying stats via Sofascore from his time in professional football so far are impressive. For example, Leon played nine key passes last term, and five this season, as well as making 45 tackles and interceptions in 2024, and 11 in 2025.

Leon key stats in 2024 & 2025

Stat

2024

2025

Minutes

1643

450

Key passes

9

5

Pass accuracy

71.5%

76.8%

Tackles and interceptions

45

11

Aerial duels won

21

11

Stats from Sofascore

One person who rates the youngster highly is football analyst Ben Mattinson. Discussing Leon in December 2024, just one month before his United medical, the analyst said he “runs like a steam train”, highlighting the physicality he will bring to Old Trafford.

Leon certainly seems like a player United fans can get excited about. The 18-year-old will bring first-team experience with him to the Premier League, and he clearly has final-third flair. He could be the perfect player for Amoirm to add to his wing-back options.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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Both Amass and Dorgu may well need to watch out…

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Posts ByJoe Nuttall Apr 16, 2025