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As Ibrahima Konate’s contract continues to tick down, Liverpool are reportedly ready to make formal contact with an impressive defender who could replace the Frenchman.

Update on Konate's Liverpool contract

As things stand, Konate will follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps by leaving Liverpool as a free agent in less than nine months. Whether the defender also joins the right-back at Real Madrid is another question. The Spaniards are reportedly on the hunt for a centre-back and Konate is on their list in what should spark major concern at Anfield.

Alas, there is still time for things to change. The Reds waited until the second-half of last season to tie Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah down to new deals and may need similar patience with Konate.

All hope isn’t lost just yet, either.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, talks are ongoing, and both parties have found themselves at a stalemate rather than any point of rejection at this stage.

Those at Anfield are understandably still preparing for a world in which Konate does leave the club.

The likes of Marc Guehi have been mentioned again as a potential replacement on that front. The Crystal Palace man came within hours of joining Liverpool in the summer, before the South London club pulled the plug on deadline day.

Liverpool determined to sign Salah upgrade who's 'one of the world's best'

Liverpool’s up-and-down start to the season has caused FSG to glance at the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 10, 2025

He’s still very much on their radar, but as competition begins to arrive for his signature, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes may have to turn towards an alternative contract rebel in 2026.

Liverpool readying formal contact with Upamecano

As reported by TeamTalk, Liverpool are now readying formal contact with Dayot Upamecano in January, when he will be able to seal a pre-contract agreement if he is yet to put pen to paper on a new Bayern Munich deal at that stage.

The £9m-a-year (£167,000-per-week) France international is in the same boat as Konate.

Both former RB Leipzig defenders are yet to sign new contracts at their respective clubs and both are attracting plenty of interest as a result. For Liverpool, swapping one imperious centre-back for another without spending a single penny would likely be an ideal scenario.

Minutes

427

562

Progressive Passes

4.04

6.28

Tackles Won

0.64

1.29

Ball Recoveries

6.38

2.58

Whilst Konate has so far edged Upamecano in possession, and when asked to win his tackles, the latter’s ball recovery rate has certainly been impressive.

As Van Dijk enters the later stages of his career, that aggression from someone like Upamencano would be a vital trait. It would allow the Dutchman to control play from afar whilst his partner steps out.

Described as a “fantastic” player by France teammate Lucas Hernandez, the Bayern contract rebel is someone to watch if Konate leaves Liverpool as a free agent next summer.

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Bruno Méndez, do Corinthians, foi convocado por Marcelo Bielsa para defender a seleção do Uruguai na Data Fifa. A Celeste estreia nas Eliminatórias diante do Chile, em Montevidéu, na sexta-feira (8), e depois encara a Colômbia, na terça-feira (12).

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansSaiba qual é o planejamento do Corinthians para o período das datas FifaCorinthians04/09/2023Fora de CampoJornalista diz que Corinthians ‘ficou no lucro’ contra o Palmeiras: ‘Elenco mal montado’Fora de Campo03/09/2023Fora de CampoCraque Neto opina sobre expulsões em clássico entre Corinthians x Palmeiras: ‘Absurdo’Fora de Campo03/09/2023

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

A convocação de Méndez vai adiar a conversa entre o staff do atleta e o Timão pela renovação contratual do zagueiro de 23 anos. As partes devem se reunir para selar o acordo após a Data Fifa. Com o vínculo terminando em dezembro, o defensor pode assinar um pré-contrato com outro time desde junho. 

O Corinthians conversa com os agentes do jogador há, pelo menos, três meses, na tentativa de fechar a renovação. Porém, a situação não tinha evoluído porque existia a expectativa por parte do atleta e dos seus representantes de que uma proposta do futebol europeu chegasse, o que não aconteceu. A janela de transferências das principais ligas europeias fechou na última sexta-feira (1º).

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Há um compromisso verbal por parte do grupo que cuida da carreira de Méndez de que na ausência de ofertas do Velho Continente, seria dada prioridade para a renovação com o Timão. As partes até divergem em relação ao aumento salarial que será dado para a formalização de um novo contrato, mas com uma diferença de valores que não é tão grande e é vista como facilmente negociável.

Atlético-MG, Flamengo e Internacional monitoram a situação do jogador e podem atrapalhar o negócio corintiano a qualquer momento. Por parte do clube alvinegro, o maior temor são os cariocas, que possuem um bom poderio financeiro e podem tentar convencer o atleta e o seu estafe através das cifras atreladas ao salário.

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+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão

Na primeira convocação de Marcelo Bielsa pela seleção uruguaia, Bruno Méndez atuou nos minutos finais da vitória sobre Nicarágua e foi titular no amistoso contra Cuba, em junho. A lista do Uruguai ainda conta com três nomes conhecidos do torcedor brasileiro: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Piquerez (Palmeiras) e Cannobio (Athletico-PR).

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Lista de jugadores citados por Marcelo Bielsa para las dos primeras fechas de las Eliminatorias rumbo a la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 26™#ElEquipoQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/vFDeaJTeQ4

— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) September 4, 2023

انطلقت منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في النسخة الثانية من المنافسات بعد استحداث نظامها الموسم الماضي.

ويشارك 36 فريقًا في دوري أبطال أوروبا، بدلًا من 32 فريقًا، وتتأهل الفرق التي تحتل المركز الأول إلى الثامن، بشكل مباشر إلى دور الـ16 من البطولة، على أن يخوض الذين يحتلون المراكز من التاسع إلى الرابع والعشرين، مرحلة الملحق، والتي تتمثل في مباراتي ذهاب وإياب، حسب قرعة.

وفي دور الـ16، تلتقي الفرق المتأهلة مباشرة مع أولئك الذين تخطوا مرحلة الملحق، حسب قرعة أيضًا.

اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب هدافي دوري أبطال أوروبا بعد هاتريك فيرمين لوبيز وثنائية راشفورد أمام أولمبياكوس

وواجه برشلونة خصمه أولمبياكوس على ملعب “مونتجويك” في بداية منافسات تلك الجولة، حيث حقق الفريق الكتالوني فوزًا عريضًا بستة أهداف لهدف.

وانتصر مانشستر سيتي على فياريال بهدفين دون رد في الجولة نفسها، وحقق آرسنال فوزًا على أتلتيكو مدريد برباعية نظيفة، وانتصر باريس سان جيرمان على باير ليفركوزن بنتيجة 7/2، أما إنتر ميلان فقد فاز على سانت جيلواز بنتيجة 4/0.

وواجه ليفربول نظيره آينتراخت فرانكفورت في الجولة نفسها، حيث فاز الفريق الإنجليزي بخمسة أهداف لهدف، بينما انتصر ريال مدريد على يوفنتوس بهدف نظيف، وحقق تشيلسي فوزًا على أياكس بنتيجة 5/1، وانتصر بايرن ميونخ على كلوب بروج برباعية. ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا

1- باريس سان جيرمان، 9 نقاط.

2- بايرن ميونخ، 9 نقاط.

3- إنتر ميلان، 9 نقاط.

4- آرسنال، 9 نقاط.

5- ريال مدريد، 9 نقاط.

6- بوروسيا دورتموند، 7 نقاط.

7- مانشستر سيتي، 7 نقاط.

8- نيوكاسل يونايتد، 6 نقاط.

9- برشلونة، 6 نقاط.

10- ليفربول، 6 نقاط.

11- تشيلسي، 6 نقاط.

12- سبورتينج لشبونة، 6 نقاط.

13- قره باج، 6 نقاط.

14- جالطة سراي، 6 نقاط.

15- توتنهام، 5 نقاط.

16- آيندهوفن، 4 نقاط.

17- أتالانتا، 4 نقاط.

18- مارسيليا، 3 نقاط.

19- أتلتيكو مدريد، 3 نقاط.

20- كلوب بروج، 3 نقاط.

21- أتلتيك بلباو، 3 نقاط.

22- آينتراخت فرانكفورت، 3 نقاط.

23- نابولي، 3 نقاط.

24- سانت جيلواز، 3 نقاط.

25- يوفنتوس، نقطتان.

26- بودو جليمت، نقطتان.

27- موناكو، نقطتان.

28- سلافيا براج، نقطتان.

29- بافوس، نقطتان.

30- باير ليفركوزن، نقطتان.

31- فياريال، نقطة.

32- كوبنهاجن، نقطة.

33- أولمبياكوس، نقطة.

34- كيرات، نقطة.

35- بنفيكا، بدون نقاط.

36- أياكس، بدون نقاط.

ويمكن متابعة ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، موسم 2025/26، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.

Chelsea chiefs have navigated the club’s finances with serious expertise this summer, thanks largely to Enzo Maresca’s squad and their exploits on the field.

The west Londoners, by winning the Club World Cup, qualifying for the Champions League and selling a host of unwanted players, have brought in close to the £400 million mark.

The CWC win yielded prize money of around £87.5 million, adding to their estimated £80m earnings from qualifying for the Champions League, whilst £220 million has been raised through outgoing transfers.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu left earlier this summer on permanent deals – and to the great benefit of Chelsea’s coffers.

Over the last few months, Chelsea have been a money-making machine, and it’s perhaps not spoken about enough.

This isn’t even factoring in the club’s TV revenue, sponsorship endorsements and merchandise sales, with Chelsea looking in excellent stead when it comes to navigating the Premier League’s PSR rules this year.

Rivals often ponder why Chelsea can spend millions in the transfer market year-on-year, but it is clear that the club’s financial windfalls from numerous sources allow them to do so.

Considering Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Alfie Gilchrist and, potentially, Tyrique George, could all still be sold/loaned before the transfer deadline on September 1, Chelsea can expect even an even greater incoming cash flow over the coming days.

There is also the big matter surrounding Chelsea’s front of shirt sponsor, which is still up in the air and has the potential to bring in millions.

Maresca’s side’s jerseys were sponsor-less for Chelsea’s opening Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace last weekend, but according to football finance expert Stefan Borson, that could soon change.

Chelsea tipped for "very big" shirt sponsorship deal with deal about to be agreed

Borson, speaking to Football Insider, says Chelsea are “adamant” that they’re about to do a “very big” shirt sponsorship deal – which could land them tens of millions.

The Blues agreed a £40 million-a-year deal with Infinite Athlete in September 2023, but that arrangement expired last summer.

In April, Chelsea also announced that DAMAC would appear on the front of their shirts for the rest of the 24/25 season, so the question remains – who will be next?

There are very few rumours in terms of brand names, barring Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air, who’ve been seriously linked. However, the BBC report that talks are ongoing behind-the-scenes as Chelsea carefully try to align with the right partner.

Aston Villa fans didn’t quite get the entertainment they would have longed for on the opening day of the Premier League.

Neutrals and Villa fans alike would have been disappointed with the attacking intent on show versus Newcastle United on Saturday, with just three efforts registered on Nick Pope’s goal, compared to the Magpies notching up a mammoth 16 shots on Marco Bizot’s far busier net.

Of course, the Villans were hindered up top by Ezri Konsa being dismissed with 24 minutes remaining on the clock, as a 0-0 draw was ultimately met with some relief at the full-time whistle.

Still, some new signings could be in the pipeline to make Villa a more captivating watch, which might well include a £13m deal being in the works to bring back a former fan’s favourite.

Aston Villa on the brink of securing £13m star

Evan Guessand will believe he can be a bright goalscoring spark at Villa Park down the line, away from the need for more new signings to enhance Unai Emery and Co.’s firepower.

Costing £30m to obtain, the former OGC Nice striker remained rooted to the bench against Eddie Howe’s side, but will surely be in line for more opportunities soon, particularly if Villa remain wasteful in front of goal.

The new Villa centre-forward would surely be more confident about his chances of ripping up the Premier League if he had the creative magic of Marco Asensio on his side.

Caught Offside revealed this weekend that the goal-shy Villans are on the brink of bringing back their former midfielder on a £13m deal.

The report states that this amount should satisfy the Ligue 1 titans, with a three-year contract agreed with the Spaniard to return to the West Midlands permanently.

With Asensio no longer in Luis Enrique’s first team plans, it does feel as if it’s a no-brainer for the former four-time Champions League winner to return to Villa, with other suitors such as Besiktas coming up short compared to the might of Emery’s men.

Why Asensio's return could get Watkins firing

This really is a move that suits all parties, with Asensio just what Watkins needs to get back to his intimidating best, after a timid opening match against Newcastle.

After all, it’s not all too common that Watkins registers just one meagre effort on goal like he mustered up against the Toon.

To date, the former Brentford marksman has a devastating 87 strikes for Villa next to his name, with a phenomenal 17 goals and 14 assists coming his way last season in all competitions, despite experiencing some notable barren patches of form.

Staggeringly, Watkins’ game has reached such lofty heights that 17 strikes last season was seen as a dip, with his 2023/24 offering culminating in him bagging a ridiculous, career-best 27 strikes.

To get back to that peak, Asensio will have to be at the top of his game in attack next to the England international, which is what he showed off in abundance during his breakneck Villa loan stint.

Overall, the 38-time Spain international would amass a crazy eight goals and one assist for Emery’s side from just 21 outings, with the hope he can add more assists to his Villa back catalogue on his return, to get the Villa number 11 firing on all cylinders once more.

Asensio’s career numbers away from Villa
Club	Games	Goals & assists
Real Madrid	286	61 + 32
RCD Mallorca	56	7 + 9
PSG	47	7 + 11
Espanyol	37	4 + 15
Sourced by Transfermarkt

When plying his trade in Spain and France, Asensio – away from his celebrated stay at the Santiago Bernabeu – stood out as an electric playmaker, with a sublime 15 assists coming his way from just 37 Espanyol outings.

Even when he became more clinical in front of goal in Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti would still label the attacking midfielder as a “playmaker who can make the difference”, as seen in him creating nine big chances during his swansong La Liga season with the club, despite only starting 15 contests.

If that same unselfish side to Asensio’s game came to the forefront at Villa Park, Watkins would surely be laughing at the prospect of how many goals he could tuck away, knowing he has such a “world-class” – as he has been lauded by football pundit Matthew Upson – ace next to him.

The new Rogers: Aston Villa join race for "unplayable" Bailey replacement

Aston Villa are planning to replace the outgoing Leon Bailey before the end of the transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 16, 2025

Arsenal have boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League during each of the last two seasons, with Frenchman William Saliba playing a massive role in their success.

The centre-back joined the Gunners back in 2019, before multiple loan spells in his homeland, having to wait until the summer of 2022 to make his first appearance in English football.

He’s since gone on to make 134 appearances for the club, having bags of time to make himself a legend in North London, still being just 24 years of age.

His partnership at the heart of the backline with Gabriel has played a massive part in Mikel Arteta’s ability to come within touching distance of ending their two-decade drought without a league title.

However, with the summer window rapidly coming towards its end, numerous other players are being targeted to aid their defensive unit for the 2025/26 season.

Arsenal pursuing a move for a new defender

This summer window has been a big one for Arsenal, already adding another option to the defensive unit, in the form of Spaniard Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

The 21-year-old joined in a £13m deal, penning a five-year contract, but he could also be joined at the Emirates Stadium by another young prospect in the coming days.

Palmeiras’ 19-year-old centre-back, Luis Benedetti, could be the latest to move to North London, after Brazilian journalist Diego Firmino confirmed the club’s interest in his signature.

He claims that Arteta’s side have been monitoring him over recent weeks, potentially preparing an offer in the region of £8.5m for the youngster’s services.

Firmino also states that the player could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, with his current employers demanding add-ons and a sell-on fee in any transfer.

Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s next Saliba

Arsenal’s recruitment has been excellent over the last couple of years, undoubtedly playing a huge role in their ability to challenge for England’s Premier League title.

Saliba has been one example, arriving in North London as an unknown quantity to many, but it’s safe to say his tally of appearances to date highlights his importance to the Gunners.

At just 24, he has all the tools to continue his development under Arteta, hopefully able to add titles to his CV and become one of Europe’s leading talents in defensive areas.

However, if the club is to continue building and maintaining their efforts at the top of the table, they will need to carry on their impressive recruitment with a move for Benedetti.

At just 19, he has bags of time to continue his development, with a move to England helping him reach the next level and build on his impressive start to his career.

The Brazilian has made nine senior appearances for Palmeiras, but it’s been enough to demonstrate the talent he holds, leading to analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him as “aggressive”.

The teenager has managed to complete 93% of the passes he’s attempted in Brazil’s top-flight, able to offer a superb ball-playing option – just as Saliba has in recent years.

Games played

9

Minutes played

810

Pass accuracy

93%

Chances created

0.8

Aerials won

71%

Duels won

3.5

Recoveries made

3.8

He’s also won 71% of the aerial battles he’s entered, subsequently allowing him to have an impact at both ends of the pitch – especially considering his 6”6 frame.

Whilst it’s still early days in his professional career, the signs are all positive for Benedetti, possessing two crucial components of being a centre-back in the modern-day.

£8.5m could prove to be an excellent piece of business by Arteta and the Gunners, potentially banking a small fortune should he continue on his current trajectory.

He could follow in Saliba’s footsteps in joining as an unknown quantity, the Brazilian would be able to learn from one of the best defenders in world football – arguably developing into another excellent piece of business by the hierarchy.

Arsenal could seal a better signing than Gyokeres & Eze in £100m sensation

Arsenal could land a better player than Eze & Gyokeres in sensational talent.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 16, 2025

Wicketkeeper Polly Inglis has received a maiden call-up to New Zealand’s squad for the three-match ODI series against India starting later this week. Inglis, 28, plays for Otago Sparks in the Women’s Super Smash and earned her first New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract earlier this year.Batter Lauren Down has also made been included in the 15-member squad after she made her return from maternity break in July. The pair’s inclusion is the only change to the squad that helped New Zealand win their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.From the victorious squad, fast bowler Rosemary Mair has been rested, keeping in mind her workload management following her return from a serious back injury, while offspinner Leigh Kasperek has been left out.Related

• Lauren Down back on NZC's central-contracts list

The core of the T20 World Cup-winning team, including the senior trio of Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu are part of the touring party. Devine will continue to lead them in the ODIs following her decision to step down as the T20I captain after the World Cup.Inglis’ strong performances in domestic cricket first helped her earn a contract and then a spot in the national squad. She scored 324 runs – the second-most in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2023-24, the 50-over competition – at an average of 54 and a strike rate close to 80, largely batting the middle order. She also scored 103 in the three-match one-day series between New Zealand A and England A that they won 2-1.”We’re really excited to introduce Polly for her first tour,” Ben Sawyer said in a NZC statement. “She put her hand up in last season’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day competition and throughout the New Zealand A series against England, so it’s a great next step for her.”Touring India is one of the great experiences in world cricket. It’s such a special place to come and I know everyone is looking forward to the challenge ahead.”The three ODIs, to be played in Ahmedabad, are part of the Women’s Championship. New Zealand are currently placed sixth on the table with a three-match series against Australia to follow. The top five teams plus hosts India qualify directly for the Women’s ODI World Cup next year.

New Zealand squad for the women’s ODIs against India

Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (wk), Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

Wolverhampton Wanderers are showing serious interest in signing a “fantastic” defender who is now a free agent after leaving a top flight club this summer.

The Midlands side have added two new signings, who are both wingers, to their squad so far this summer, as well as the permanent arrival of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. But given the hole that has been left by Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United, Wolves are still in the market for more attackers.

Wolves join race for £23m winger with "electric pace", he's open to PL move

The Old Gold have set their sights on a new forward.

ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

Last week it was reported that Wolves are in the race alongside Aston Villa to sign striker Mika Biereth from AS Monaco. The 22-year-old only joined the French side in January but scored 13 goals in just 16 league games, form that has placed him on the radar of a few English teams. Biereth is under contract until 2030, but Monaco are said to be open to letting the player leave should they receive a fee of £40 million.

The Premier League side are also looking to add another winger to their mix, and according to a report from ESPN, Wolves are interested in signing Amine Adli from German side Bayer Leverkusen. The Morocco international has attracted interest from West Ham as well, and the player himself is said to be open to the idea of playing in England. Adli played an important role in Leverkusen’s title-winning 2023/24 campaign, but they are open to letting the player leave for around a fee of £23 million.

Wolves showing interest in "fantastic" free agent

While new attackers may be on Vitor Pereira’s mind, the Premier League side are also scouring the market for a new right-back after losing Nélson Semedo. Now, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Wolves are interested in signing free agent Vladimir Coufal.

The 32-year-old joined West Ham back in 2020 and spent five years at the club, helping them back into Europe, and he played an important part in their UEFA Conference League success. However, at the end of last season, the Hammers decided against renewing his contract, and now the Czechia international is continuing his search to try and find a new team.

Under David Moyes, Coufal, who has been dubbed “fantastic” by former teammate Ben Johnson, was a regular for the Hammers. But last season, the right-back played just 22 games in the Premier League, with only 11 coming as a starter.

Apps

22

Starts

11

Touches per game

35.0

Interceptions per game

0.4

Tackles per game

1.0

Clearances per game

1.6

Duels won per game (success rate)

3.0 (50%)

The Old Gold do have Matt Doherty, Pedro Lima and Ki-Jana Hoever as their current right-back options, but with a strong possibility that one of them leaves, a free transfer for a player with over 140 games in England’s top flight looks a no brainer.

After sealing a dramatic promotion to the Premier League last season in Regis Le Bris’ first season in charge, Sunderland are now planning for life back in the big time.

The Black Cats are splashing the cash as they look to buck the recent trend and avoid relegation at the first time of asking, with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman already making moves in the transfer market.

Sunderland’s Premier League return will begin on August 16 against West Ham, but who will be in Le Bris’ side? Grok, the AI tool on X, has forecasted Sunderland’s line-up for 25/26.

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1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025 AI predicts Sunderland’s 2025/26 line-up 11 GK: Anthony Patterson

After an impressive playoff final display against Sheffield United, Anthony Patterson could get his chance to star in the Premier League with Sunderland.

Although Sunderland have been linked with new ‘keepers, Patterson has been predicted to get the nod under Le Bris.

10 RB: Kyle-Walker Peters

A free agent after leaving Southampton, Kyle-Walker Peters could continue in red and white with Sunderland.

A reported target, Grok says the right-back’s ’versatility and Premier League experience’ could make him ‘a shrewd addition to solidify the right flank.’

9 CB: Chris Mepham

After a successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light, Chris Mepham has been predicted to return to Sunderland on a permanent transfer from Bournemouth.

Games

40

Goals

1

Yellow cards

10

Red cards

1

Minutes played

3,363

The Wales international is still just 27 years of age, and it is claimed a permanent move would be sensible ‘due to his composure and Premier League experience’.

8 CB: Dan Ballard

Sunderland’s playoff semi-final hero Dan Ballard looks set to get his chance in the top flight under Le Bris, something which many Black Cats fans won’t mind at all.

Grok states that Ballard ‘remains a key figure and is contracted long-term, forming a solid partnership’ with Mepham if he signs permanently.

7 LB: Reinildo Mandava

Sunderland are on course to sign left-back Reinildo Mandava following his departure from Atletico Madrid this summer.

A free transfer is on the cards, and the 31-year-old’s ‘experience adds depth and competition to the left-back position’.

6 CM: Habib Diarra

Club record signing Habib Diarra was always going to make the XI after Sunderland spent around £30m on the Senegal international.

Diarra is a straight replacement for Jobe Bellingham who left for Borussia Dortmund, and he should slot into a box-to-box role.

5 CM: Noah Sadiki

Another new addition in midfield is Noah Sadiki, who has joined from Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth up to £17.5m.

Capable of also playing as a right-back if needed, Sadiki will offer that tactical versatility for Le Bris but has been predicted to start in his primary midfield role.

4 CM: Chris Rigg

Completing the midfield is Black Cats gem Chris Rigg, who looked like he would be leaving the Stadium of Light if Sunderland weren’t promoted last season.

However, he could now shine in the Premier League for Sunderland and is descried as ‘a mainstay in the squad, with his versatility and goal-scoring ability making him a key player in the No. 10 role’.

3 RW: Gaetan Perrin

Gaetan Perrin has been mentioned as a possible target for the right wing, although nothing concrete has materialised so far.

Games

155

Goals

28

Assists

25

Yellow cards

6

Minutes played

9,623

Grok says the Auxerre star’s ‘pace and directness could complement Le Bris’ attacking system, especially with Patrick Roberts needing competition’.

2 LW: Enzo Le Fee

Making his loan move permanent following promotion for around £20m, Enzo Le Fee was always going to be in Grok’s Sunderland XI.

The Frenchman adds ‘creativity and energy’ to Le Bris’ side and was used on the left on numerous occasions in 24/25.

Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing a £30m defender, who’s also a target for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, according to a report.

Palace looking to strengthen with Europe on the horizon

Not only did Palace win the first major piece of silverware in their history courtesy of the 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, but they also secured qualification for the 2025-26 Europa League, which could be quite the adventure for supporters.

This week, however, it was revealed the Eagles may not get to play in the competition, given their multi-club ownership model, although John Textor is willing to sell his shares in the club on the cheap to allow them to compete.

A meeting has been held to discuss the south Londoners’ involvement, but UEFA are yet to make a decision, meaning it is still very much up in the air whether Oliver Glasner’s side will be allowed to play in the prestigious competition.

It is thought that a decision will be made in around a week, which means the hierarchy must continue planning for the summer transfer window in the meantime, and they have now set their sights on a Bayern Munich target.

Indeed, according to a report from L’Equipe (via Get French Football News), Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing Burnley defender Maxime Esteve, having identified him as a priority target for the summer.

Top 1% for dribbling: Crystal Palace now "show interest" in "amazing" ace

Palace have now joined the race for a defender, who is “expected” to leave his current club this summer.

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However, there could be competition for Esteve’s signature, with Everton stepping up their interest in recent days, while the Bundesliga champions are also thought to be keen, although not to the same degree as Palace.

Having played a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, the Clarets should be in a strong position to command a good fee for the centre-back, and previous reports have suggested they could hold out for around £30m.

"Phenomenon" Esteve could be ideal Guehi replacement

This summer will be the Eagles’ last chance to cash-in on their captain, with his contract set to expire next June, meaning Glasner could be faced with the momentous task of finding a replacement for the Englishman.

Of course, no Palace fan will want to see Guehi leave, but there are indications the Frenchman could be an ideal replacement, given the role he played in Burnley’s promotion last season, featuring in all 46 Championship games as his side shipped just 16 goals.

The 23-year-old is also at a good age to be a long-term success at Selhurst Park, and he has been praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described the defender as a “true athletic phenomenon with some really good ball skills.”

Should they be allowed to compete in Europe, Crystal Palace will be in a good position to attract some top players this summer, and there are plenty of signs Esteve is in that category.