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A prolific attacking player who Nottingham Forest tried to sign late in the summer transfer window has suffered a serious injury in training, according to a fresh update.

Nottingham Forest enjoy productive summer

It has been a solid start to the new Premier League season for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, who remain undefeated after picking up one win and two draws to date. It was a good summer overall in the transfer market too, as the Reds made significant additions to their squad.

Elliot Anderson arrived from Newcastle United in a big-money move, giving Nuno more quality and depth in the middle of the park, while Nikola Milenkovic came in from Fiorentina. There was shrewd cheaper business, too, as James Ward-Prowse sealed a season-long loan move from West Ham.

Away from incomings, Forest are also believed to be in contract talks with key man Morgan Gibbs-White, as they look to tie down arguably their most prized asset to an extension that keeps him at the City Ground for many more years to come.

The midfielder has received a call-up to England's current squad, which is richly deserved, but it does also mean that his profile continues to grow, increasing the chances of bigger clubs deciding to make a move for him in the near future.

The Reds did miss out on signing certain players throughout the summer, particularly in their chase for a new centre-forward with doubts around Chris Wood's age and Taiwo Awoniyi's fitness, but it appears they may have dodged a bullet on one of those targets.

Flamengo star Pedro suffers ACL injury

According to Globo [via Sport Witness], Nottingham Forest transfer target Pedro has suffered an ACL rupture during a training session on international duty with Brazil, after Forest saw a bid rejected late in the window.

The Flamengo striker is now expected to spend many months on the sidelines as he recovers from a serious setback, with his international colleagues sending him messages of support on social media after what is his second serious knee injury of his career.

This now feels like a massive bullet dodged for Forest, as harsh as that is in reality, with the idea of them splashing out big money on a player whose injuries look set to hold them back from their potential a nightmare scenario for any club.

It is a cruel blow for the player himself, who has made such a name for himself in his homeland, bagging 132 goals in 259 appearances for Flamengo, highlighting his relentless nature in front of goal. He has also netted once in six caps for Brazil, as well as scoring 30 goals in all competitions in 2024.

Pedro has even been given the nickname "The Finisher" by fans and pundits alike, given his goalscoring exploits in the final third, so it was understandable why Forest were so keen on bringing him to the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest plotting new contract talks for "sensational" £70m star

Forest are planning to hold contract talks with one of their key players.

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By
Brett Worthington

Sep 5, 2024

It now remains to be seen how much of a toll this ACL injury will have on him, however, given the severity of such a setback hitting for a second time, so the Reds may have to think twice about going back in for him in the future, should the opportunity arise.

A reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami, which will see the ‘MSN’ strike force reformed, is said to be “appealing” to Neymar.

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• Neymar currently in Saudi Pro League
• Contract at Al-Hilal is running down
• Move to United States speculated on

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil international forward is currently plying his trade for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. He has, however, endured more injury struggles in the Middle East and will see his current contract expire in the summer of 2025.

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  WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  Neymar has been hinting at making a move to MLS, with the 32-year-old telling : “Obviously playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible. They are my friends, we still speak to each other, it would be interesting to revive this trio. I am happy at Al Hilal and in Saudi Arabia, but who knows. Football is full of surprises.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Any switch to Florida would also see Neymar link up with ex-Barca colleague Javier Mascherano – with the former Argentina international now filling a prominent managerial post in the United States. Inter Miami have remained coy on their recruitment plans, with managing owner Jorge Mas saying of the Neymar rumours: “The key word is if he were to come available. He is an Al-Hilal player now. He’s not available to us. I have always said we aspire to bring great players to our team and to our league. We have a lot of roster limitations and restrictions, but were there no restrictions, I said it and I’ll repeat it, we have an unlimited budget. We are aspirational. If there is ever a chance to bring the calibre of a player like Neymar or others, we will not hesitate.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The claims that “the chance to experience a more relaxed lifestyle in the United States and reunite on the field with close friends is appealing” to Neymar, who continues to mull over his options. He has been a regular visitor to that part of that world over the years, with NBA action featuring close friend Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat often being taken in.

Manchester United fan Mark Goldbridge has given his reaction to what captain Bruno Fernandes did over the weekend, as he mentions the name of the club’s former captain, Roy Keane.

The Red Devils got back to winning ways over the weekend as they put in a strong performance to get past Southampton 3-0, a result that will ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

Watch out Garnacho: Man Utd may have dream challenger in "incredible" teen

The “special” gem has a bright future ahead of him.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 15, 2024

Man Utd transfer news

It is only the middle of September, and the transfer window has been shut for just over two weeks, but there is plenty of speculation circling regarding Man Utd and who they may look to sign in 2025.

The Red Devils were last week linked with improving in the goalkeeper department, as the club is said to be “very interested” in signing Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper Unai Simon. The goalkeeper is said to have impressed United with his performances for Bilbao and Spain, and they are now ready to pay a “considerable sum” to sign the Spaniard.

The latest player to be linked with a move to Old Trafford is Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina. The Croatian international is said to be “very high” on United’s transfer wishlist, with the club sending scouts to watch the player during the recent international break. The Premier League side is said to be keeping a close eye on Baturina, as he plays for Zagreb.

During the summer, Leeds United were linked with Baturina, agreeing to a £25 million fee, but the player ultimately chose to stay with Zagreb. As United potentially eye new recruits for January, they will have full concentration on the current ongoings on the pitch, and one player reacted to the latest weekend performances on social media, which didn’t go down well with one fan.

Mark Goldbridge reacts to what Man United’s Bruno Fernandes has done

While Man Utd claimed a comfortable 3-0 win away at Southampton, a former player of theirs, Jadon Sancho, was performing for Chelsea in his first appearance for the club since his move during the summer.

Sancho came on at half-time for Chelsea and put in a strong display, grabbing the assist for the only goal of the game, as they beat Bournemouth 1-0. Sancho took to Instagram over the weekend to react to his first appearance for the club, and in the comments, Bruno Fernandes reacted by saying: “Some player, you, keep that smile.”

This is something that didn’t go down too well with Manchester United fan Mark Goldbridge, as he took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and responded by saying:

Goldbridge mentions former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, as the Irishman set incredible standards during his time at Old Trafford, and every captain at the club will always be compared to Keane. But football then to football now is very different, and as Goldbridge refers to it, this seems to be part of the modern game now.

Randal Kolo Muani's move to Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain has been delayed due to an error the Italian have labelled 'amateurish'.

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• Kolo Muani due to join Juventus
• PSG blunder has delayed move
• Old Lady left furious at error

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  PSG outcast Kolo Muani was desperate to get away from the French capital this month but his reported move to Juventus is currently on pause due to a rookie error from the Ligue 1 club. After rejecting a move to the Premier League in favour of Serie A, Muani underwent his medical and signed his contract before being told that a deal cannot currently be completed as PSG have too many players out on loan at present.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  French outletreports that Juventus have been left furious at PSG's "absolutely amateurish" error on the same day that head coach Thiago Motta confirmed Muani's arrival in Turin. The report goes on to suggest that Cher Ndour could leave Besiktas to be sold instead, freeing up a place on the loan list for Kolo Muani.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Manchester United and Tottenham were both keen to bring the forward in this month. Reports went as far as to suggest that Spurs even had an offer on the table for the France international. However, Juventus won the race and will take the 26-year-old on a straight loan as long as they can find a solution to PSG's error.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KOLO MUANI?

  With everything in place on Juventus' end, it is simply a waiting game for Kolo Muani. The Frenchman may be in attendance for the huge clash against AC Milan on Saturday night at the Allianz Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United team-mate, Danny Simpson, has called out KSI after seeing a John Terry jibe aimed at Wayne Bridge.

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• Ex-England star Bridge lined up to face KSI
• Has withdrawn from fight after in-ring taunt
• Simpson prepared to fill void on Misfits card

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ex-Chelsea and England defender Bridge had been lined up to fight social media sensation KSI at the latest Misfits Boxing event. He has, however, withdrawn from that bout after seeing supposed pre-tussle banter “cross the line”.

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  WHAT KSI SAID

  KSI faced off against Bridge in the ring at the Misfits Boxing 20 event and, after taking the microphone, said of the affair that his opponent’s ex-girlfriend allegedly had with Chelsea colleague Terry during their time together at Stamford Bridge: “Aren't you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex? I'm pretty sure that's what you're known for.”

• THE GOSSIP

  KSI added a few expletives to his rant before breaking into a chant of “Vanessa woah, Vanessa woah” as he continued to reference Bridge’s former partner Vanessa Perroncel. His antics have not gone down well with Simpson, who was said to be sparring with Bridge ahead of his clash with KSI.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ex-United and Leicester star Simpson, who once worked alongside five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo at Old Trafford, has said in a social media message that hints at putting himself forward to face KSI: “Disrespecting the ballers. Can’t be having that @KSI @MamsTaylor @MisfitsBoxing.”

Glasgow Rangers have now won all three of their games since returning from the international break, scoring six goals while failing to concede during that spell.

Philippe Clement will be pleased with these results, and the display against Malmö was one of, if not the best, of the season so far.

Summer signings Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo were given their full debuts for the Light Blues, with both new arrivals shining for the Gers during the game.

It was Bajrami who impressed the most, scoring after just 55 seconds to give the club an early lead and went from strength to strength throughout the 90 minutes.

Nedim Bajrami’s game in numbers vs Malmö

The Albanian slotted into a slot on the left-wing during the Europa League win. Aside from his goal within the first minute, the 25-year-old offered a wonderful attacking threat in the final third.

Throughout his time on the field, Bajrami made four key passes, created four big chances and attempted two dribbles, proving that he was the man to make things happen for the Light Blues in Sweden.

He is clearly the player Clement needed to add some dynamism into his side and the former Sassuolo gem could be a wonderful signing.

This creativity could perhaps be better utilised in a number ten role against Hibs this afternoon. This could see Clement deploy another one of his summer signings in a slightly new role on the left flank…

The player who could start on the left vs Hibs

Jefte has been excellent during the embryonic stages of his spell in Scotland, playing seven matches already, although he was suspended in midweek.

Against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League qualifiers, the young Brazilian played slightly further forward, which means Clement shouldn’t have any qualms about utilising him on the left wing domestically.

In the Premiership this term, the youngster has succeeded with 1.7 dribbles per game – a success rate of 71% – along with winning over 50% of his total duels. It is his attacking qualities which will be of greater use to Clement against the Easter Road side this weekend, however.

Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson hailed the Brazilian amid the links during the summer transfer window, saying: “Jefté looks like he will be a quality attacking threat. He’s tall and quick while still remaining agile on the ball.

“He always looks to drive at the opposition defence and is comfortable going outside or cutting inside. He’s also not afraid of having a pop at goal and has a thunderous strike in his arsenal.”

In his first couple of months in Scotland, he has settled in fairly well, giving Clement a solid option on the left side of the pitch.

With Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo injured, it opens up a space for the 20-year-old on the wing, and it could prove to be a chance for him to showcase his attacking qualities even more.

GvB wanted "special" star at Rangers, now he's worth £37m more than Jefte

The former Light Blues manager had the impressive defender on his “list” at Ibrox.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 25, 2024

Carlo Ancelotti's side cruised to victory in France, but results elsewhere mean they face a potentially tricky route through the knockouts

Real Madrid took care of business on the final day of the Champions League league phase as Rodrygo bagged a brace and Jude Bellingham also grabbed a goal in a 3-0 win over Brest. However, results elsewhere meant the defending champions missed out on a place in the last 16 and must make do with a play-off spot.

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo both had chances early on, but neither found the mark – the latter denied by a fine save from Marco Bizot. The Brazilian did, however, net the opener after 27 minutes, ducking and weaving his way through the Brest defence before arrowing a shot into the bottom corner.

The hosts thought they hand an equaliser after 50 minutes when Ludovic Ajorque poked the ball into the bottom corner under pressure, only to see his effort ruled out for a narrow offside. Madrid capitalised soon after as Bellingham started and completed the move, dribbling from the halfway line before working the ball wide, and ghosting into the box to slot the return pass into an empty net.

Rodrygo provided the third, reacting first to Mbappe's parried shot with a clever flick into the back of the net. Victory means Carlo Ancelotti's side finish 11th in the table, and will face either Manchester City or Celtic in the next round.

GOAL rates Madrid's players from Stade du Roudourou…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Thibaut Courtois (8/10):

  Pulled off a nice save early on. Made a few others to keep a clean sheet. A fine evening's work.

  Lucas Vazquez (7/10):

  Can't be faulted for his energy getting up and down the right, but seemed relieved to be replaced.

  Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

  Very obviously targeted by the Brest attack. Had to make a couple of key interventions.

  Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

  Didn't have loads to do defensively. Pinged a few long balls and made one ridiculous clearance with his head.

  Ferland Mendy (6/10):

  Solid at left-back after a spell out of the side. Might have lost his spot to Fran Garcia, however.

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  Midfield

  Federico Valverde (6/10):

  Struggled to assert his authority on the game. Looked tired.

  Luka Modric (7/10):

  Graceful in the middle of the park, and played a few incisive passes to Mbappe.

  Jude Bellingham (8/10):

  Picked up all sorts of little spaces in between the lines, pressed like a maniac and scored a lovely goal.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Brahim Diaz (5/10):

  Didn't have much of an impact on proceedings. Failed to create a chance or put a shot on goal.

  Kylian Mbappe (7/10):

  Looked dangerous from the first minute – despite the boos from the Brest fans. Unlucky not to find the net after forcing a few good saves.

  Rodrygo (8/10):

  Lively on the left, full of creativity and energy. Took his goals wonderfully.

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  Subs & Manager

  Arda Guler (6/10):

  Looked to make things happen after being introduced. Probably deserved a start.

  David Alaba (N/A):

  A good run out as he continues his injury return.

  Raul Asencio (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Dani Ceballos (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Endrick (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):

  Couldn't have asked for a better result, all said. Put out a traditional 4-3-3, Mbappe played well as a striker, and Los Blancos cruised.

Journalist Mark Douglas has revealed what Paul Mitchell plans to do with Alexander Isak regarding a new deal at Newcastle United.

Gordon, Isak & other Newcastle contracts

The Magpies are on the verge of agreeing a contract extension for Anthony Gordon, keeping him at St James’ Park until the summer of 2030. It is significant news, considering the 23-year-old was linked with a move to boyhood club Liverpool during the summer transfer window.

Away from the Gordon situation, there are plenty of Newcastle players who are due to be out of contract in the next couple of years, meaning that action is required when it comes to their futures.

The likes of Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn all see their current deals expire at the end of this season, at which point they will be allowed to leave on free transfers. It remains to be seen how many, if any, are retained by the club.

Meanwhile, Isak’s current contract is up in the summer of 2028 but that hasn’t stopped teams sniffing around, and Douglas has now revealed what Mitchell plans to do about that.

Newcastle step up contract talks with Isak

According to a new report from Douglas, Newcastle and Mitchell have stepped up their efforts to agree a new contract with Isak, as they look to tie down the striker and Gordon at the same time. Their sporting director is keen on “squad building” and the Swede is a primary area of focus.

Talks have gone up a gear, as the Magpies aim to retain the services of one of their most influential players, amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. The player has already indicated he’d like to stay in an initial round of talks, but Douglas claims more negotiations are planned soon.

Sorting a new deal for the currently £6m-a-year Isak feels as important as any new signing for Newcastle, given the impact he has had since arriving from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022. The 25-year-old has scored 36 goals in 73 appearances for the Magpies, and had it not been for some injury absences, those tallies would be bigger.

He has even received huge praise from all-time legend Alan Shearer: “His whole game is really, really top notch. His runs are superb. If you just watch how clever he is when he doesn’t get the first pass played in, he then goes behind a defender to come back in and bend his run to make sure that he is onside, then he can make a really clever finish.”

Isak still has a huge amount to offer Newcastle, given his age, so to see him suddenly move elsewhere would be tough to take, especially if it was to one of the Magpies’ Premier League rivals.

Granted, his fitness can be an issue, but he has only missed one league game so far this season and the hope is that injuries won’t define him moving forward, even though he will be absent for Tuesday night’s EFL Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon.

Isak has the ability and ceiling to be one of Newcastle’s greatest attacking players of the Premier League era, and if they keep hold of him for many more years, he can spearhead the club’s future success.

In a fresh twist, the Freidkin Group could now get their first choice to replace Sean Dyche at Everton, despite reportedly seeing their first offer for his services turned down.

Friedkin's search to replace Sean Dyche

Ever since Friedkin’s pending takeover was announced, Dyche has been a man under pressure. Names such as Gareth Southgate and Maurizio Sarri have both been mentioned for the job, as has Jose Mourinho in what would be a sensational move. As of right now, however, Dyche remains in the job and has the task of continuing the Toffees’ recent turnaround.

Everton can unearth the next Gordon in academy star who's "a born winner"

He is highly rated by the club

By
Joe Nuttall

Oct 10, 2024

Having failed to win any of their first five Premier League games, Everton have defeated fellow strugglers Crystal Palace and held Newcastle United to a well-fought 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.

Even after those results, however, the pressure remains on Dyche and the rumours have continued to arrive over just who could replace the former Burnley boss, including the mention of another potential candidate.

According to Dirilis Postasi, via Sport Witness, Friedkin could now get the green light from Giovanni Van Bronckhorst amid growing pressure at Besiktas. The former Rangers manager is reportedly Friedkin’s top pick and someone who has already turned the Toffees down on one occasion. If a second offer arrives though, he could be out of a job at the perfect time should Besiktas fall away even further in the Turkish Super Lig title race.

Van Bronckhorst would certainly be an interesting option, given his mixed spells at current club Besiktas and Rangers which followed a successful period in charge of Feyenoord. It could even be argued that taking charge of Everton would be his toughest test yet should the job come his way.

Van Bronckhorst wouldn't be an upgrade for Everton

Going from Rangers to Besiktas, Van Bronckhorst is certainly used to fan pressure, but that does not mean things have always gone smoothly. The manager recently spoke out about the anger of those in Turkey over his current side’s recent form.

Van Bronckhorst told reporters, via The Scottish Sun after Besiktas were beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League: “If anyone thinks that we didn’t give our best performance in the stadium today, that our players didn’t give their best performance, they shouldn’t come to the stadium again. Some of our players were booed. I can’t understand it, I really can’t, someone explain it to me.”

Whether the manager would have different luck at Everton seems unlikely at this stage. If Friedkin are to replace Dyche – a manager who has proved even in the greatest struggles that he can keep the Toffees afloat – then they must ensure that they find an upgrade. And Van Bronckhorst, as shown by his track record at top clubs, will not be that.

Nonetheless, whether they turn to Mourinho, Sarri, Van Bronckhorst or another option, Friedkin certainly seem keen to replace Dyche.

Season 4 of Ted Lasso will reportedly begin filming in May or June of 2025, with “focus shifting” for Jason Sudeikis and Co. as new stories are told.

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• Summer filming schedule being lined up
• Another three series reportedly agreed
• Richmond set to form a women's team

• Apple TV
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Speculation regarding a return to Apple TV+ streaming services for the award-winning production has been rife since the autumn of 2024. It was claimed back then that leading members of the cast and crew were on board and “excited” to get going.

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• THE GOSSIP

  There have been regular hints since then that the relevant green lights have been given and that work is underway to bring AFC Richmond back to the small screen. It would appear as though cameras will begin rolling in the summer.

• Apple TV/Getty
  

  WHAT AN INSIDER SAID

  According to Sigmund Judge of the podcast, with the programme about to be taken in a different direction: “London filming for Ted Lasso S4 is now set to begin in May/June with focus shifting at AFC Richmond to the formation of its women’s team.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Judge went on to say of plans supposedly being drawn up for three more seasons of Ted Lasso: “Pre-production is in full swing. The original agreement was a three season order, which I believe has been repeated. I’d think it’s safe to assume that the writing rooms have been secretly busy for some time.”