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There was once a time when 22 players took to the field alongside a referee, two linesmen and a fourth official between two managers. Those days feel long gone, however, and what was once a routine game is now becoming increasingly complicated.

That said, as far as FIFA is concerned, there’s still space for some more fresh ideas with the introduction of purple and blue cards potentially on the horizon.

The problems behind VAR concern

If this was a popularity contest, then VAR would arguably be at the very bottom of the pile. The Video Assistant Referee has been at the centre of controversy ever since its arrival, whether in the Premier League, La Liga or elsewhere around Europe. Endless lines have been drawn over the years and whilst semi-automated offside calls should keep rulers in their drawers for the time being, the wait for many is still unbearable.

The technology has even received some criticism from referees. Former Premier League official Graham Scott went as far to say that working as part of the VAR team is “utterly unenjoyable” in a recent interview with talkSPORT.

For the players, meanwhile, celebrations have often been interrupted, wonder goals have been ruled out and size 15 boots have been used to call the most marginal offside calls. Scott didn’t enjoy VAR in the Premier League and it’s hard to imagine a world in which the players are fans.

So, change must take place. Problems with how long VAR takes, how many decisions it scrutinises at every angle and other issues must change. Whether that should start with purple and blue cards is another question entirely, however.

FIFA to trial purple and blue cards

According to the BBC, FIFA is currently trialing the use of purple and blue cards which hand the managers the power to request decision reviews. In an attempt to replicate the system used in tennis, the cards are currently being tested at the U20 World Cup in Chile and other small tournaments.

Described as Football Video Support (FVS), the system is “cost-effective and stable”, according to FIFA, and has been introduced in leagues that cannot afford VAR such as Serie C and the Primera Federacion in Italy and Spain. Trials have taken place in the Italy Women’s Serie A as well as in Brazil since August, but the jury is still out.

The system hands both managers a card at the start of the match – one a purple card and one a blue card – and that card can only be used by them. Managers are then allowed to submit two requests per game. Like in tennis, if the decision is not changed despite their request then one of the cards will be lost. Meanwhile, if the request results in a decision change then the card will remain intact and can be used again.

To implement the card, managers must twirl a finger in the air – yes, really – and hand their card to a fourth official to make an official review request. All requests must come directly after the incident has taken place.

Whilst it’s hard to imagine the likes of Diego Simeone twirling their fingers in the air for this request, the idea itself could yet solve football’s VAR problem.

Luciano Spalletti has addressed speculation linking him to the vacant Juventus managerial position following the sacking of Igor Tudor. Speaking at a public event in Milan, the former Italy and Napoli boss offered a cheeky but respectful response, praising Tudor’s work and admitting that “whoever replaces him will be lucky” to inherit a team ready to compete.

• Spalletti responds to Juve links with class and humour

  Former Italian manager Spalletti has reacted to reports that Juventus are eyeing him as Igor Tudor’s replacement, just a day after the Croatian coach was dismissed following a dismal run of results. The former Italy and Napoli boss, speaking at an event in Milan, didn’t shy away from the rumours but handled the subject with a blend of humour and humility.

  “I thought we were talking about something else,” Spalletti said with a grin when asked about the Juventus links. “If I had to say something about Juventus, I’d gladly say it in favour of Tudor. I’ve met him and he seemed like a serious, valuable person. I’ve seen him work well on the bench, and he gave me the impression of a person of substance, someone who goes straight to the heart.”

  The 66-year-old coach, who won the Scudetto with Napoli in 2023 before managing Italy, added that “whoever replaces Tudor will be lucky; he’ll certainly find a team he can manage. Juventus is a great club with a great history. I think anyone would be happy to coach them; it could be the fortune of any coach.”

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  Spalletti shows respect for Tudor and Juve's legacy

  Spalletti’s remarks carried both empathy for Tudor and admiration for Juve, reflecting the coach’s trademark diplomacy. He emphasised that despite the speculation, his first thoughts were with the man who had just lost his job. “When we talk about this situation, the first thought goes to Tudor, who was fired, and I know very well what it’s like to be in the shoes of the guy who’s been let go,” he explained.

  Tudor’s sacking came after Juventus failed to win any of their last eight matches in all competitions, leaving them eighth in Serie A and six points off the top. The club issued a brief statement confirming his departure on Monday: “Juventus FC announces that it has today relieved Igor Tudor of his duties as coach of the men’s first team.”

  Despite the downturn, Spalletti insisted that Tudor had done good work. “He seemed like a good person to me, a tough guy, a true professional, and whoever is lucky enough to go and coach Juve will surely find a motivated, well-coached team because it was clear that he did his job to the fullest,” he added.

• Juventus step up up talks with Spalletti after Tudor's exit

  According to , Juventus have accelerated their pursuit of Spalletti following Tudor’s dismissal. The club’s directors, led by Damien Comolli, are reportedly planning direct talks with the 66-year-old, who is currently out of work following his sacking from the Italy job earlier this year.

  The proposed deal is said to be short-term, valid until the end of the season, with an automatic extension clause if Juve qualify for the Champions League. Spalletti, for his part, is understood to be “open” to the challenge but is seeking a longer commitment. Juventus’ offer could therefore evolve into a one-and-a-half-year deal to satisfy both parties.

  If negotiations fail, Juventus have reportedly lined up alternatives including Roberto Mancini, recently linked with a Serie A return, and Raffaele Palladino are on standby. However, the reports in Italy suggest Spalletti remains the clear frontrunner.

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  How Spalletti's Juve could look?

  The coming days could prove decisive in determining Juventus’ managerial future as talks between the Bianconeri hierarchy and Spalletti are expected to intensify this week, with the club eager to secure stability before their next Serie A fixture against Udinese.

  Should Spalletti take the Juventus job, his tactical setup is expected to differ markedly from Tudor’s 3-4-2-1 formation. The veteran coach has traditionally favoured a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, systems that prioritise quick transitions and creative interplay between midfield and attack. The flexible shape mirrors the one Spalletti used successfully at Napoli, where he crafted one of Serie A’s most fluid and entertaining teams, powered by Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

  Juve have struggled for goals and consistency, failing to score in four consecutive matches and sitting outside the European qualification spots. The appointment of a proven tactician like Spalletti could reignite their campaign and restore belief among supporters.

  As for Spalletti, the Juventus job represents both risk and redemption, a chance to return to Serie A after his abrupt Italy exit and to rebuild one of the country’s most iconic clubs. Whether he accepts the challenge remains to be seen, but his words alone have already captured the respect of Turin and beyond.

تحدثت مصادر داخل نادي ليفربول عما يمر به نجم الفريق محمد صلاح، في الفترة الأخيرة، وحقيقة وجود مشكلة تخصه، وما إذا كان ذلك سيؤثر على مستقبله في ملعب “الأنفيلد”.

ويواجه محمد صلاح فترة عصيبة رفقة ليفربول، حيث لم يقدم مستواه المعهود عنه منذ بداية الموسم، 2025/26، وحتى الآن، مما جعله عرضة للانتقادات من مختلف النجوم السابقين، والجماهير كذلك.

وأثار رد فعل محمد صلاح بعد مشاركته كبديل في مباراة الأربعاء ضد آينتراخت فرانكفورت، الكثير من الغموض حول سبب قيامه بذلك، حيث حذف صورته الشخصية كلاعب ليفربول عبر حسابه الشخصي بموقع إكس.

وقال الصحفي جرايم بيلي في تصريحات لشبكة “rousingthekop” الإنجليزية: “أخبرني مصدر في ليفربول أنهم لو لم يعتقدوا بوجود أي مستقبل لصلاح، لكانوا قد حرموه من اللعب على أي حال، مما قد يؤثر كليًا على لياقته واحترافيته، لكنهم لن يفعلوا ذلك، إنهم يفكرون في الأمر على المدى البعيد، إذ لا يزال بإمكانه البقاء لمدة عامين في النادي”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أسطورة ليفربول يرفض الهجوم على محمد صلاح

وأضاف: “الوضع الحالي مؤقت، في حين أن التألق أمر دائم، هذا يلخص موقف محمد صلاح دائمًا، من المحتمل أن يبدأ ليفربول في دراسة الأمر مع بداية العام الجديد، هل من المخطط أن ينتقل محمد صلاح الصيف المقبل؟ قد يحدث ذلك، بكل تأكيد قد يحدث”.

وواصل: “لقد قلل ليفربول من شأن ما يُثار على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي بشأن محمد صلاح، كان من المتوقع أن يكون الاعتماد على صلاح أقل هذا الموسم، لم يقدم موسمًا جيدًا حتى الآن، لكن هذا كان الحال كذلك مع العديد من لاعبي ليفربول”.

وشدد: “ليست مشكلة كبيرة داخل النادي، ولم يُستبعد لفترة طويلة، بل تغيرت المنظومة بأكملها، لذلك ستكون هناك أوقات يُمكن فيها إراحة صلاح ولاعبين آخرين أيضًا”.

Everton make the trip to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby this weekend and defender James Tarkowski has fired a warning to the Blues rivals.

Everton preparing for trip to Liverpool

David Moyes’ side drew 0-0 at home to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, in what was a respectable result, but also one that could have been better for the hosts.

Next up for Everton is a huge game against local rivals Liverpool at Anfield this weekend, as they look to be the first team to take points off the Premier League champions this season.

The early signs in 2025/26 suggest that the Blues could cause the Reds problems, with Moyes and his players having all week to prepare, while Liverpool have midweek Champions League commitments.

Memories of Tarkowski’s unforgettable late equaliser for Everton at home to Liverpool last season are still fresh, and it appears as though the Englishman is raring to go ahead of a massive occasion.

Tarkowski bullish ahead of Liverpool-Everton clash

Speaking to the club’s official website, Tarkowski fired a subtle warning to Liverpool ahead of this weekend, saying Everton are only “going to get better” this season.

“I think we’re going to get better. We’re going to keep progressing, keep improving with the players we’ve got here – there’s some very good players on the bench who haven’t been used today who I think can be very exciting for us.

“We’ve took on Villa and I know they’ve not had a great start to the season, but I think they’re one of the best teams around. So to put a performance like that, to sort of dominate for most of the game, just despite we didn’t get the goal in the end.

“[We’re] slightly disappointed that we didn’t win, but as a defender, it’s a clean sheet – and I thought as a team we defended really solidly well throughout the game and kept a team with very, very good forward players to very little chance.”

Tarwowski has every right to be in positive mood ahead of the Liverpool match on Saturday, considering the promising start Everton have made to the new season.

After losing to Leeds United on the opening weekend, the Blues have responded impressively with seven points from three games, with Jack Grealish flourishing on loan from Manchester City and Moyes continuing to thrive in his second spell in charge.

Form can so often go out of the window in Merseyside derbies, with Everton taking points off Liverpool plenty of times in recent times, and while they will clearly be underdogs this weekend, Blues supporters should feel confident heading into the game.

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The Reds may have maximum points, but they have needed late goals in all four matches to win their games, and if Moyes’ men can quieten the Anfield crowd early, they will have a good chance of picking up a positive result.

Since taking the job over five years ago, Mikel Arteta has got plenty of things right at Arsenal.

He’s turned a club that was spiralling down the Premier League table into perennial challengers, and while he hasn’t quite got the team over the final hurdle yet, there is every chance he does this season.

Alongside the change in tactics and philosophy, something else he has generally got right is transfers, with the likes of David Raya, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber all key members of the first team.

However, when it comes to the very best addition made under Arteta’s stewardship, it’s hard to look past Declan Rice, who has been a midfield monster from his very first game.

So, fans should be very excited about reports linking Arsenal to a player who could just be the club’s best signing since Rice.

Arsenal target best signing since Rice

In all, it’s been a good summer for Arsenal so far this year, as they won three of their five pre-season games and have already made six additions to the first team squad.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The two stand-outs are undoubtedly Viktor Gyokeres, who could finally be the striker the fanbase has been crying out for, and Martin Zubimendi, who has looked sublime at the base of midfield so far.

Yet, instead of resting on their laurels, the club appear keen to complete at least one more addition to the team before the window slams shut next month.

At least that is according to a recent report from David Ornstein, who on the latest episode of the Sports Agents confirmed that Arsenal are still interested in Eberechi Eze.

The respected journalist revealed that while signing the Englishman has become less of a pressing concern following Ethan Nwaneri’s new deal, the Gunners are still in the conversation for the Palace ace, and that he himself is “in favour” of a move to the Emirates.

It remains to be seen how much the 27-year-old will ultimately cost as his release clause of £68m is reportedly set to expire tomorrow.

It could therefore be a costly and complicated deal to get over the line, but given Eze’s immense ability and experience, he’d be worth it and quite possibly Arsenal’s best signing since Rice.

Why Eze would be Arsenal's best signing since Rice

Since completing his £105m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2023, Rice has been almost faultless in red and white.

He was sensational in both the six and eight roles in his first season, and then took another step forward, primarily in the left eight last year.

He made 52 appearances across all competitions, in which he racked up a brilliant haul of nine goals and ten assists, and seemed to play a part in everything that well – like those free-kicks against Real Madrid.

So, while the likes of Kai Havertz, Raya and Timber have all been important players since joining the club, it would be hard to claim any have been as transformational as the former West Ham United captain.

Likewise, while the club have made some positive additions this summer, we think Eze would be the best since his compatriot, and the reason why is a simple one: he is Premier League-proven and makes things happen.

For example, in his 43 appearances for the Eagles last season, totalling just 3303 minutes, the 27-year-old “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

In other words, the Greenwich-born dynamo managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, for a team that finished in mid-table.

Eze in 24/25
Appearances	43
Minutes	3303′
Goals	14
Assists	11
Goal Involvements per Match	0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement	132.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

On top of that, the former QPR gem scored in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup, showing that he has what it takes to step up in the biggest and most pressurised moments.

Finally, while some might make the argument that Gyokeres will be the best signing since the former Irons ace, as he scored far more than the Palace star did, it’s important to remember that he did so in a league ranked as only the eighth toughest in the world, behind the Championship and Belgian top-flight.

Ultimately, while Arsenal have made plenty of good signings over the last few years, they could make their best since Rice if they can get their hands on Eze.

Arsenal can forget Eze by signing "one of the best LW's in Europe" for £87m

Arsenal would be wise to move on from Eze and sign this Champions League winner instead…

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 14, 2025

Without Bumrah, India’s hopes faded away as Australia wrapped up the win within three days

Deivarayan Muthu05-Jan-20253:19

Cummins on making WTC final: ‘It’s huge, we talk about it a lot’

Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the silverware that had eluded them for a decade, and confirmed their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final alongside South Africa, after finishing off India inside three days at the SCG.India’s hopes of staying in contention for the WTC final rested on Jasprit Bumrah, but without him those faded away. For someone who had a massive influence on this series, with the most wickets by an India bowler on a tour of Australia, it was a shame he couldn’t play a part in the final act, though he had still done enough to be the Player of the Series.Related

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India find other heroes with Bumrah forced to the back seat

After having left the SCG on the second day for scans on his back, Bumrah returned to bat at No. 11 on the third day but wasn’t fit to bowl. All the early visuals had portended Bumrah’s absence. He didn’t warm up with the other bowlers and only did a bit of shadow-bowling. Then, after becoming the last India batter to be dismissed, for a duck, he didn’t take the field at all for India’s defence of 161. Given his history of back issues, India had to wrap him in cotton wool.The target was a substantial one for Australia, especially on this spicy SCG surface, but it did appear a whole lot smaller when Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna sprayed the new ball around. The pair conceded 12 runs via wides and byes down the leg side in the first two overs. Though Prasidh tightened up and took three wickets, including that of Steven Smith, Bumrah’s absence hung like Coleridge’s albatross around India’s neck.The batters didn’t make it any easier for India’s depleted attack. They lost 4 for 16 in 7.5 overs on the third morning to fold for 157. Scott Boland, who might not have played this series had Josh Hazlewood been fit and might not be a certainty for Australia’s next Test assignment in Sri Lanka, bagged his first ten-wicket haul in professional cricket to hasten India’s collapse. Having taken four wickets on the opening day at the SCG, Boland added six to his tally – his second five-for in Test cricket since his 6 for 7 on debut, which was just as glorious.The Australians got their hands on the trophy after a long gap•Getty ImagesBoland had started the day with a maiden and continued to stalk both the edges by hitting a perfect length. He had Siraj caught at first slip and castled Bumrah in the 40th over to wrap up India’s innings. Boland then, fittingly, held the ball aloft and led Australia off the field, with the SCG crowd giving him a rousing reception.His captain Cummins had earlier accounted for Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Jadeja had been dropped by Smith in the slips on 6 on day two, but it cost Australia just seven runs, with Cummins going much fuller to kiss Jadeja’s outside edge. He then nipped one through Washington’s gate to expose India’s tail to Boland.Australia capitalised on the wayward new-ball bowling from Siraj and Krishna, running away to 39 for no loss in the fourth over. Prasidh provided India with the breakthrough when he had Sam Konstas miscuing a slog to mid-off for 22 off 17 balls.After the second day’s play, Prasidh spoke of how he shifted from his stock back of a length plan to a much fuller one after a chat with the analyst. However, on Sunday, with the harder, newer ball, he gleaned more bounce and seam movement with his natural length. After smacking Marnus Labuschagne on his elbow, Prasidh had him steering a catch to gully.For the second time in two days, more than 40,000 fans at the SCG were poised to celebrate Smith scaling 10,000 Test runs, but Prasidh had other ideas and snared him one shy of the landmark with a prancing delivery. Smith will now have to wait until the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle later this month for his next opportunity to become the 15th Test batter in the 10,000 club.India had to wait until after lunch to get rid of Usman Khawaja. The opener misjudged Siraj’s length, bottom-edging a pull to Pant for 41 off 45 balls. India felt that they were on to something after that. Siraj roared while Virat Kohli, who stood in as captain, charged towards his bowler from the slips and animatedly pumped his fist.Beau Webster, the debutant, roars after hitting the winning runs•Getty ImagesTravis Head and debutant Beau Webster, however, changed the mood and the game quickly. When Nitish Kumar Reddy offered up a wide half-volley in his first over, Head stayed leg side of the ball and unleashed a rasping blow through the covers. At the other end, Webster was less adventurous, but still scored at a fast clip, thanks to his long reach, which messed with the lengths of the bowlers.Webster, who had made his first-class debut back in 2014, might have wondered if his time at the top level would ever come. When it finally did, the 31-year-old made it a memorable one. He top-scored for Australia with 57 in their first innings – only Pant scored more runs than him – and dismissed Shubman Gill to go with some excellent catching in the slips.On Sunday, Webster struck an unbeaten 39 off 34 balls and provided the when he stepped out to Washington and pumped him straight of mid-off for four. Australia chased down 162 in 27 overs.Prasidh and Siraj bowled 24 of the first 25 overs in the chase. Their only respite – besides a lunch break – came when Australia were three hits away from victory. Jadeja didn’t bowl at all in the final innings and Washington bowled just one over, bringing India’s selection into sharp focus once again. While Australia had immense depth in their attack, India lacked it and Bumrah’s injury only compounded their troubled tour of Australia.

Less than a week after smashing the fastest T20 century by an Indian, off just 28 balls, Gujarat’s Urvil Patel blitzed an unbeaten 115 off just 41 balls in an eight-wicket win over Uttarakhand in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy game in Indore. This vaulted Gujarat to the top spot in Group C with five wins in six matches, with one league fixture still remaining.Urvil got to his century on Tuesday off just 36 balls – his second consecutive T20 hundred – as Gujarat made light work of Uttarakhand’s total of 182, getting there with 41 balls to spare. Urvil hit eight fours and 11 sixes in his innings. Along the way, he overtook Hardik Pandya to be the tournament’s highest six-hitter (25) at this stage.

Red-hot Saurashtra flex batting muscle again

Hot on Gujarat’s heels are Saurashtra, who have joined them on 20 points in Group C. Saurashtra followed their 266 for 6 against Baroda with 235 for 5 in their 59-run win over Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, courtesy three half-centuries: Harvik Desai’s 55, Ruchit Ahir’s 56 and Sammar Gajjar’s 55 not out.Ahir was particularly impressive, hitting his second straight T20 half-century in just his third game. Desai, too, carried on from where he left off against Baroda (where he made a 39-ball 76). Tamil Nadu were at no stage up to challenging the target as they finished 64 short with Chirag Jani and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja among the wickets.It was a fourth defeat in six games for Tamil Nadu, who won the championship in successive seasons, 2020-21 and 2021-22.Shivam Dube was in form in his first game since September•AFP/Getty Images

Dube returns in style; Shardul redeems himself

Mumbai gave their knockout aspirations a fillip as they secured a comfortable 39-run win over Services in Group C. Their win was fuelled by key contributions from Shivam Dube, Suryakumar Yadav and Shardul Thakur.Dube, who has been out of action for the past three months following a back injury, made an impact upon his return straightaway. He top-scored with a 37-ball 71 that was the cornerstone to Mumbai’s 192 for 4. Dube put on 130 for the fourth wicket with Suryakumar, who made 70 off 46.Prithvi Shaw, who has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons for a while now, made a three-ball duck.But there was redemption for Thakur, another Mumbai player – like Shaw – who went unsold at the latest IPL auction. A week after returning the most expensive figures in SMA Trophy history, Thakur finished with an impressive 4 for 25 off his four overs to help Mumbai defend their total.Shreyas Gopal’s hat-trick included the Pandya brothers•Maharaja T20

Karnataka knocked out despite Shreyas hat-trick

Shreyas Gopal’s hat-trick wasn’t enough to help secure a victory for Karnataka in a must-win game against Baroda. Shreyas, who finished with 4 for 19, accounted for Bhanua Punia, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya (both for first-ball ducks) as Baroda slumped from 102 for 1 to 102 for 4 in the 11th over in response to Karnataka’s 169 for 8.But the good work done by Shashwat Rawat up top (69 off 37) and Vishnu Solanki (28 not out in 21 balls) lower down helped Baroda win by four wickets with seven balls to spare. The win left Baroda on five wins from six games and level on points with Gujarat and Saurashtra, while Karnataka have been knocked out of contention.

Andhra dent Kerala’s knockout hopes

Kerala’s hopes received a massive dent as they suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Andhra to round off their league fixtures. Andhra are now top of Group E with five wins in as many matches, while Kerala finish with four wins in six matches. To progress to the knockouts, Kerala must hope Andhra beat Mumbai in their final league fixture.Andhra’s win was set up by their bowlers, who made use of the early morning conditions in Indore to skittle Kerala for 87. Fast bowler KV Sasikanth was the pick of the lot, with 3 for 23. Andhra’s chase was set up by KS Bharat, who hit a second straight half-century. He remained unbeaten on 56 in 33 balls.

Manchester United have submitted an offer for a former Premier League striker, who has release clause of £44m, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on Gyokeres alternatives

Fabrizio Romano has now made it clear that Viktor Gyokeres is “only” thinking about signing for Arsenal this summer, with the Swedish striker refusing to turn up for Sporting CP training, meaning Man United will likely have to move on to alternative targets.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is among them, with Rio Ferdinand recently insisting securing the Nigerian’s signature would soften the blow of missing out on Gyokeres, saying: “He’s a centre-forward, he’s experienced, he knows how to score goals at the top level. I’ve seen today that Galatasaray have put a £50m bid in.

“I mean, £50m to get a top-class striker, one of the top strikers in the world, is absolute peanuts in today’s market. I’ll be disappointed if he goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a No. 9.

“I’ll be disappointed to miss out on Gyokeres if we don’t get a No.9 in. But if we got Osimhen, then I wouldn’t be too concerned.”

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness) United are also battling Galatasaray for the signature of a different striker, namely Fiorentina’s Moise Kean, with both clubs making contact over a potential deal.

In fact, it is claimed the Red Devils have even gone as far as submitting a bid, although it is unclear whether they are willing to match the €52m (£44m) release clause in the striker’s Fiorentina contract.

Serie A winners Napoli are also in the race for the centre-forward, who is in two minds about his future, with the next six days said to be ‘key’.

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The former Everton man’s previous stint in the Premier League didn’t go exactly to plan, scoring just two goals in the competition for the Toffees, but the Italian has really kicked on since returning to his home country.

Last season was the Fiorentina star’s most impressive campaign to date, scoring 25 goals in all competitions as his side finished sixth in the Serie A and reached the semi-final of the Europa Conference League.

Competition 24/25

Appearances

Goals

Serie A

32

19

Conference League

9

3

Italian Cup

1

1

UECL qualifiers

2

2

Football writer Mina Rzouki was also left impressed by the Italy international’s displays, describing him as a “king of kings” after bagging a brace in a 3-0 victory over Inter Milan back in February.

That said, it would be a big gamble for Man United to sign Kean, given that the forward struggled during his previous spell in England, so it may be wise to turn their attentions to Osimhen, who bagged 37 goals in all competitions last term.

Both SL and their most prolific batter have struggled in Sharjah; they will hope that improves in their bid to beat India in Dubai

Shashank Kishore08-Oct-2024

Chamari Athapaththu has taken three wickets this World Cup but has scored only nine runs•ICC/Getty Images

“Chamari, are we going to see some shots?”

Alyssa Healy’s wisecrack from behind the stumps during the Australia game has been playing on Chamari Athapaththu’s mind over the past few days.It’s because Sri Lanka, coming off a historic first-ever series win against England and a maiden Asia Cup triumph, are now on the brink of elimination following big losses to Pakistan and Australia. Athapaththu’s own contributions in those games? Scores of three and six.On Wednesday, Sri Lanka will play their first game in Dubai with everything on the line. While it’s likely even two wins from here may not be enough to make the semi-finals, they’re approaching the India game with more questions than answers.”We can’t complain about the conditions as batters,” Athapaththu stated emphatically when asked about the prospect of playing in Dubai after two straight games on Sharjah slow-burns. “We have to play our best cricket, and we have to adapt; that is the most important thing.”I saw Nat Sciver-Brunt, how she played [against South Africa] and even Laura [Wolvaardt] and South African batters. So, we can’t blame anyone. Actually, I ask same question to myself: why can’t I play? I have to answer it myself how I can play in the next game. As a batter I love that challenge. I challenge myself and I want to play my best cricket in the next two games.”Wanting to emulate Sciver-Brunt is a conversation not just for Athapaththu, but the entire batting unit. Barring Nilakshika Silva, who made 23 and 29 in the two games, none of the other batters have even given themselves a chance to get in. This reflects in Sri Lanka’s 85 for 9 and 93 for 7 in their two innings – disappointing even after factoring in tough batting conditions in Sharjah.Related

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“First, I asked myself in my room why I can’t play, because I always see the games and I always analyse them,” Athapaththu said. “The next day, I talked to a few batters, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on them.”I talked to a few, and because they have good experience, so I said to them: ‘if Tazmin Brits can play, if Laura can play, why can’t we play?’ So I said we have to rethink, and adaptation is most important. And we have to ask from each and every one why we can’t play that cricket.”I saw South Africans adjust to these conditions, really good. The important thing is how we play. To be at our best, we have to play fearless cricket. And the most important thing is one ball at a time. If we take too much pressure on our shoulders, if we take too much information, it’s too hard to play cricket. So we have to keep it simple and play fearless cricket.”SL will hope they can emulate their Asia Cup final performance against India, where they won emphatically•Sri Lanka Cricket

Athapaththu will have happy memories from her previous meeting with them: a 43-ball 61 in Sri Lanka’s historic chase of 166 to win the Asia Cup. But going into Wednesday’s clash, Athapaththu admits indecision has hampered her own game and hopes she’d be able to take on the role of an aggressor, like she usually does.”Actually, in the first game, the first over I scored a boundary against Sadia Iqbal. When I just hit the ball and it went so fast, I felt, ‘oh, the wicket is so good.’ Because when Pakistan played, the wicket was a little bit slow and low. But when I played that first shot, I felt, ‘no, the wicket is really good.'”I think that thing affected me [her thinking] and I lost my wicket in the next over. Because when Fatima Sana bowled, I felt ‘okay, so the wicket is good, I can trust the wicket and I just play’ but I’d made the mistake.”In the next game [against Australia], I felt the wicket was a little bit slow, so I took my time. Then I felt, ‘okay, I will take time’, and suddenly it was different. So, I just want to play my natural game freely.”Athapaththu was asked if this was Sri Lanka’s best opportunity to sting an Indian team that has had its own share of batting struggles that could potentially leave them in a net run rate scenario in a tight Group A. She chose to look inward.”Yeah but same thing for us,” she said of the batting struggles. “We are not scoring many runs either. So, yeah I think the both teams have struggled. I feel like the Indian team is so good on wickets with pace and bounce, even my team.”Because we don’t have big arms, big bodies to hit the ball so hard, we need some kind of pace and support from the wicket, because we are really good with timing the ball compared to other teams So, I feel both teams are struggling.”I know it’s big pressure for both teams, but our team has nothing to lose. We are going with the underdog tag all the time. So we [want to] keep it simple and I want to play my best cricket and fearless cricket all the time.”

There was a point last season when Liverpool had established a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League yet still failed to earn the respect and, perhaps, fear, of their closest title rivals.

You might have traced it back further. Before a ball had been kicked, BBC Sport’s 30 experts had a go at naming their pick for the league champion. Each of the pundits failed to choose Liverpool, who won the Premier League at a canter, ten points ahead of Arsenal at the finish despite loosening standards across the final four fixtures.

In fact, Stephen Warnock and Fara Williams were the only BBC Sport pundits to declare Liverpool would finish in the top two. Make no mistake, the Reds were hardly expected to challenge for the title after losing Jurgen Klopp, but Klopp left an incredible, dynamic team behind, and FSG bagged Slot gold, having barely dipped into the transfer market.

Is it any wonder Liverpool have attacked the market with such vicious intent? The Merseysiders have spent around £200m this summer and more is yet to come, with striker Hugo Ekitike and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi both fixed at the top of the shopping list.

In Guehi’s case, Eagles chairman Steve Parish might prove to be too tricky a negotiator, pricing his captain at £50m despite their being just one year remaining on his contract.

But should Liverpool push ahead all the same?

Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi

Liverpool could wrap up their transfer window right now and be content. Who wouldn’t after signing Florian Wirtz for a British-record £116m fee? The German talent, plucked from his heralded position in the Bundesliga, could revolutionise the Anfield side.

But Liverpool would like to pack more quality across other positions. Sporting director Richard Hughes tried and failed to convince Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen to join from Bournemouth in May, but in Guehi, Liverpool might find the perfect alternative.

His leadership and composure, technical qualities and combativeness all see him align with Slot’s vision, especially if a breakthrough cannot be found with Ibrahima Konate, who has 12 months left on his own deal as Los Blancos look to pilfer more talent from Liverpool’s chest.

Jarell Quansah has also been sold to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35m.

Liverpool want Guehi, and they want him bad. However, they are open to a variety of options and could hit the jackpot with a certain alternative hailing from the German scene.

Liverpool in race for Bundesliga star

Liverpool have registered their interest in RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba, who, according to Foot Mercato, is being chased by the Reds, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.

With a €90m (£77m) release clause, Lukeba wouldn’t come cheap – although it’s unlikely that the suitors would pay such a figure.

However, with the France international open to leaving, Leipzig would be willing to cash in for a more modest sum, for they finished sixth in the Bundesliga last term and thus have no European football to look forward to in 2025/26.

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Expand Collapse What Castello Lukeba would bring to Liverpool

When previously discussing Lukeba’s potential transfer to Liverpool, analyst Ben Mattinson said that Anfield would represent the “perfect move” for the defender.

Indeed, Lukeba’s “freak profile”, positively spoken in regard to his athleticism and versatility, bespeaks his suitability in Slot’s system.

And have Liverpool not hit the jackpot many times when raiding the Bundesliga for exciting young prospects?

Wirtz, indeed, is a fine example of this; he might not have kicked a ball on Merseyside yet, but the 22-year-old is destined for greatness.

Lukeba is only 22 and has already demonstrated his qualities superbly across the 2024/25 campaign, ranked among the top 13% of central defenders in Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted, the top 20% for progressive passes, the top 12% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as well as the top 15% for aerial duel success rate, as per FBref.

His energy and hunger to win duels and fend off opposing forwards blends with a sharp technicality that Slot would use to instil calm through Liverpool’s backline. The progressiveness that we can observe through his attacking metrics only emphasises his wide-ranging skill set further.

Bundesliga Stats 24/25 – Castello Lukeba

Stats (* per game)

Lukeba

Matches (starts)

23 (18)

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches*

65.4

Pass completion

87%

Key passes*

0.2

Dribbles*

0.9

Ball recoveries*

3.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

Clearances*

3.0

Duels (won)*

4.0 (65%)

Data via Sofascore

This “leader”, as he’s been described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would follow Wirtz in being a young Bundesliga talent stepping into Slot’s squad to plug a gap and potentially rise toward the uppermost level of the game.

He has the potential, to be sure. Having already completed 72 appearances for Leipzig after transferring from French side Lyon, where he played 68 times after cutting his teeth in the club’s academy, there’s a wealth of experience which Liverpool could build upon.

Moreover, Lukeba has rebounded from injury setbacks throughout his youthful career in a similar vein to Wirtz, whose ACL injury as a teenager preceded his invincible domestic campaign of 2023/24 with Bayer Leverkusen, when he was crowned the Bundesliga Player of the Year.

Lukeba might not carry quite the same stock, but he’s an immensely talented defender targeted by one of the best clubs in the world.

Following Konate, Joel Matip, Bobby Firmino and more from making his way from Germany to Anfield, this young centre-half could define the coming era on Merseyside, along with Wirtz.

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