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A Brazilian club has made contact with Nottingham Forest about a potential move for a star with a uncertain future at the City Ground, according to a new report.

Elanga the star as Forest edge closer to Europe

Nottingham Forest recorded back-to-back wins for the first time in the Premier League since January at the weekend as they thumped struggling Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

Nikola Milenković, Jota Silva, and Anthony Elanga were on the scoresheet in a thrilling 4-2 win that moved Forest five points clear of Chelsea in third and to within four points of second-placed Arsenal.

Elanga, who scored a brace on the day, said after the game that he hopes he and his teammates can now keep the ball rolling.

“We’ve got to keep it going because we want to finish the season as strongly as possible,” he explained.

On how he feels he can contribute personally, the Swede added: “I feel like I’ve got the engine to play in different positions, I just want to keep improving. It’s a credit to the staff and the players around me.”

£25k-p/w Nottingham Forest star being targeted by PL rivals with Murillo

One of the Tricky Trees’ best-performing players this season is now being targeted by a fellow Premier League club.

By
Dominic Lund

Feb 13, 2025

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, meanwhile, said of Elanga’s display: “I’m delighted for Anthony, he’s been helpful all season, not only with the goals but the defensive work. When he’s able to isolate players one vs. one he’s unstoppable.”

“He’s versatile to play in all the frontal positions and we want all of our players to exploit the opposition. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t but today we are happy,” he added.

Cruzeiro make contact with Forest keeper Miguel

Elanga may be playing a starring role at the City Ground this season, but one man who isn’t is goalkeeper Carlos Miguel. The Brazilian joined Forest from Corinthians last summer, but has made just three appearances for the Reds in all competitions before succumbing to injury in mid-February.

Now, with his future at Forest uncertain, Miguel could soon be offered a route out of Forest by Cruzeiro, who, according to Agencia RTE Esporte, have made contact with the player about a return to Brazil in the summer.

The publication reports that Cruzeiro contacted Miguel last week, but that talks have not yet advanced into an official negotiation. Miguel himself is understood to be open to the idea of a return to his home country, while Cruzeiro head coach Leonardo Jardim is said to be a long-term admirer of the 26-year-old, having previously tried to land him during his time in charge of AS Monaco.

Prior to his move to Forest last year, Miguel had been heavily praised by Brazilian journalist Benjamin Back, who not only backed him for future success, but also expressed his anger of him being sold by Corinthians for just £3.4 million.

“Congratulations to everyone involved who let Carlos Miguel go and for a mixed bag,” Back told Torcedores. “I have no doubt that he will be the Brazilian team’s goalkeeper in the short term. The guy is a monster and they let him go for nothing. Congratulations to those involved.”

“You sent away the guy who will be the greatest goalkeeper in Brazil. Congratulations. Unbelievable.”

In what would be one of the bargain deals of the summer, Newcastle United are now reportedly in contact with a Premier League-winning winger who Pep Guardiola loves.

Newcastle offered chance to complete attack

It’s a big summer ahead for the Magpies, who have sat back in fear of PSR sanctions in the previous two windows. Leaving Eddie Howe to make do with his current squad, those at St James’ Park have watched on as his side have struggled to maintain their Champions League ambitions and grow desperate for reinforcements.

At long last, things could change this summer. PIF’s spending power could be unleashed, but that may yet come with a sacrifice in the form of a star player. In order to break free of their PSR problems, Newcastle may need to sell before they can buy and amid growing interest in the likes of Alexander Isak, Howe could have to lose his key man for the sake of an improved squad.

Of course, the flip side is that the Magpies could instead look to act with a bit more discretion once again this summer all whilst adding the reinforcements they’ve been crying out for. And that could see one particular deal emerge.

According to The Boot Room, Newcastle have now been contacted with the chance to sign Leroy Sane on a free deal following the end of his Bayern Munich deal this summer, with agents reaching out to the Magpies and other top English clubs.

Newcastle could now sign £40m+ star who has just fallen out with teammates

It’s been a nightmare time for the forward…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 13, 2025

A two-time Premier League winner at Manchester City, the German has endured a mixed spell at Bayern Munich. At his best though, there’s no doubt that he would complete Newcastle’s attack alongside Isak and Anthony Gordon. The prospect of those three combining at St James’ Park is a mouth-watering one, to say the least.

Meanwhile, at a bargain price, the Magpies could welcome Sane without having to worry about players heading for the exit door this summer.

"Incredible" Sane could make Premier League return

With his Bayern deal coming to an end at 29 years old, the Premier League could yet see the return of Sane courtesy of those in Tyneside. A far more experienced player these days, the winger could take English football by storm for a second time and rediscover his best form following a frustrating campaign in Germany’s top flight.

Last time out, the German found himself at the centre of praise from around the Premier League, including from Pep Guardiola. The Manchester City boss dubbed Sane the best winger in the world, telling reporters in 2019: “Playing in the middle he can do it. But I think he’s better out wide.

“I’m not saying he can’t (play in middle) but at the moment we have better players to do that job. But Leroy is best playing in the world out wide. I’d prefer to use him where he is strongest, he’s an incredible player.”

A move back to the league that saw him steal plenty of headlines may well see Sane return to his best, having scored just eight goals and assisted another four in the current campaign.

France picked up some unwanted records during their remarkable 5-4 Nations League semi-final loss to Spain.

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• France lose 5-4 to Spain
• Beaten in Nations League semi-finals
• Set unwanted records in process

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  During France's rollercoaster 5-4 defeat to Spain on Thursday in Stuttgart, they shipped four goals without reply. And according to OptaJean, this was the first time Les Bleus had done so since trailing 4-0 to Poland in August 1982. Moreover, this was the first time the French had conceded five or more goals since going down 5-0 to England back in March 1969.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  France missed the chance to fight it out for a second Nations League title as they were deservedly beaten by Spain. Despite an incredible late comeback, Les Bleus' defence was ruthlessly exposed as the Euro 2024 winners squeaked into the final. While Didier Deschamps' men showed fight to come back, the way they fell so far behind is a huge cause for concern.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  France won the second edition of the Nations League by beating Spain 2-1 in the finals in Italy in October 2021, with attacker Kylian Mbappe grabbing a late winner to complete an unlikely comeback.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  France will hope to end their Nations League campaign on a high when they take on Germany in the third/fourth place play-off on Sunday afternoon. Spain and Portugal will fight it out in the final later on that day.

Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert believes Milos Kerkez's reported transfer to Liverpool is imminent.

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• Liverpool are working on Kerkez's transfer
• Aims to provide competition to Robertson
• Kluivert believes Kerkez will leave the Cherries

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  While much of the current focus is on their record-breaking £100 million-plus bid for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, the club is also actively working to finalise a deal for Kerkez. Sporting director Richard Hughes is believed to be leading discussions regarding the Bournemouth left-back, with a fee in the region of £45 million ($61m) being discussed.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kerkez is viewed as a long-term successor for Andy Robertson, who has anchored Liverpool’s left flank for several seasons. He enjoyed a stellar campaign under Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, having started all 38 of Bournemouth’s Premier League fixtures last season, contributing two goals and six assists.

• WHAT KLUIVERT SAID

  Speaking on international duty with the Netherlands, Kluivert revealed to : "He'll probably go there. I hope so for him. He hasn't really said goodbye yet, but I hope he'll make it happen there."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Recognising that Kerkez’s departure is increasingly likely, Bournemouth have already begun planning for life without their first-choice left-back. According to reports, the Cherries are preparing a £14.4m ($19.5m) bid for Rennes defender Adrien Truffert as a direct replacement.

When it comes to legends, not many clubs can boast more than Arsenal.

The Gunners have been blessed with simply incredible players over the years, especially during their Invincibles era.

An attack that included Thierry Henry and Robert Pirès, a defence boasting Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole and a midfield with the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Gilberto Silva in it – it was a side that could give any team a proper game.

Moreover, the man who led them was as tough as he was technically brilliant, Patrick Vieira, and it looks as if Mikel Arteta may just have his own version of the Frenchman in the squad today.

Vieira's Arsenal career

Arsenal signed Vieira for what now looks like a minuscule fee of just £3.5m in the summer of 1996, and while he was just coming off an unsuccessful spell with AC Milan, it didn’t take long for the French superstar to prove his worth in red and white.

He made 38 appearances across all competitions, 37 of which were starts, in his first campaign for the club, and in just his second season, he played a vital role in helping the team win the Premier League and FA Cup.

For most of his time in the capital, the Dakar-born titan was an integral part of the often ferocious rivalry between the Gunners and Manchester United, with his battles with Roy Keane still considered some of the most exciting in the league’s history.

Never afraid to back down from a fight or shrink under lofty expectations, it made perfect sense when he was handed the captaincy in 2002, and it was under his leadership that the club picked up another league title and FA Cup.

When Vieira left to join Juventus in the summer of 2005, he had amassed a staggering 405 appearances for the club, in which he had scored 32 goals, provided 45 assists and averaged 2.01 points per game.

It would be fair to say that while they certainly tried, Arsenal were unable to truly replace the French star for well over a decade after he left, until Arteta made a record-breaking signing in 2023, that is.

Arsenal's new Vieira

So, it’ll come as no surprise to most of you that the player we are talking about is, of course, Declan Rice.

Arsenal splashed a club-record £105m on the former West Ham United captain in the summer of 2023, and while he has not achieved anything close to what Vieira did at the club, there are some undeniable similarities between the pair.

The first is the simple fact that, like the Frenchman, the Gunners’ number 41 is a midfielder who excels at both the defensive and offensive sides of playing in the middle of the park.

For example, while the “world-class” Englishman, as dubbed by journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey, has become more of an eight at the Emirates, he’s still just as effective at breaking up play as he ever was, be that with a sliding tackle, or a well-timed standing tackle – he’s a defensive unit, much like the former Arsenal star.

Moreover, just as the former captain was capable of scoring or assisting a goal at times, the 26-year-old has also become someone the manager can rely upon to help out in the attack, as in 91 appearances, he’s scored 12 goals and provided 18 assists.

Finally, while Wenger officially handed the former Invincible the armband, it’s incredibly apparent that the 62-capped Englishman is one of Arteta’s leaders on the pitch, as, even without the official title of captain, he’s often the one sharing the boss’s instructions to his teammates, and is undoubtedly more vocal than Martin Odegaard.

Ultimately, Vieira is one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever players, and while Rice has yet to achieve anything close to what he did at the club, he is starting to act a lot more like him on the pitch, and who knows, with a more clinical forward next season, he could also start hoovering up trophies in N5.

Arsenal struck gold on amazing star worth more than Trossard & Lewis-Skelly

The incredible ace will be a star for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 19, 2025

Lalas said the U.S. was "a very, very good team" while still cautioning fans to maintain perspective, based on the opponent

• Win was needed psychological boost for team
• Praised the USMNT side in a comprehensive victory
• Stressed context despite encouraging performance

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  Former MLS star Alexi Lalas offered measured praise of the USMNT’s comprehensive 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago. The Americans beat their fellow CONCACAF opponents in the opening game of their 2025 Gold Cup group-stage on Sunday night.

  Lalas described the dominant win as "exactly what the doctor ordered" for a team that had lost four straight entering the match. He also cautioned fans to take the result "with a grain of salt" given the quality of opposition.

  “Obviously we are talking a whole lot about this team in the context of all the drama, and the I guess the kind of dysfunction and the criticism and the angst," Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. "Exactly what the doctor ordered. But I think we have to certainly take it with a grain of salt, without pooh-poohing it. A 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago, perspective is in order, but there's also an element of ‘sing while you're winning.' "

  Lalas said the win will at least relieve some of the pressure for the USMNT, while still knowing the competition will get stiffer as the tournament continues.

  "And for this team – and I think for this fan base – right now that hasn't had a lot to smile about, hasn't had a lot to cheer, this was this was nice to see," he said. "And I don't think anybody's getting ahead of themselves when they talk about the competition here because let's be honest, this was not a good opponent in Trinidad and Tobago… The U.S. was a very, very good team, took advantage of all the opportunities that they were given. And so this is a kind of feel good moment."

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• WHAT ALEXI LALAS SAID

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  This USMNT continue building toward the 2026 World Cup on home soil. While Trinidad and Tobago provided limited resistance compared to the challenges awaiting in that tournament, the confidence gained from converting chances and maintaining defensive discipline cannot be discounted.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Following their 5-0 win, the USMNT face Saudi Arabia on Thursday in Austin, Texas. Following that, they'll face Haiti in their final group stage game on June 22.

During his first few months in charge of Manchester United, boss Ruben Amorim hasn’t been afraid of coming up with out-of-the-box ideas to push the side in the right direction.

His first major call was to unleash Amad Diallo in a wing-back role, seemingly getting the best out of the Ivorian – notching an assist within the first couple of minutes of the clash with Ipswich Town in the manager’s first game at the helm.

Before his injury setback, he notched 11 combined goals and assists under the 40-year-old, with the switch evidently taking his career to the next level at Old Trafford.

He also utilised midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Crystal Palace back in February, but such a move wasn’t as successful, with the youngster withdrawn in the 70th minute and unable to get on the scoresheet.

Amorim’s latest switch certainly caught the eye in midweek, nearly having the desired effect, with a future in such a role a possibility given his showing against Nottingham Forest.

Harry Maguire’s stats as a striker against Nottingham Forest

With United a goal down against Nuno Espírito Santo’s men with just two minutes remaining, the manager turned to Harry Maguire to try and get his side out of trouble.

The centre-back caused havoc within the final third after his introduction, registering three efforts on goal despite playing for less than 10 minutes, including stoppage time.

One of his shots was destined to trickle into the back of the net, but Murillo’s goal-line clearance prevented the 32-year-old from getting himself on the scoresheet.

He also managed to win 100% of aerial duels, with his xG of 0.60 higher than that of Rasmus Hojlund’s combined tally from his last nine outings as the Red Devils’s centre-forward.

Had Maguire found the back of the net, it would’ve been a masterstroke from the boss, but his display certainly made him a viable option going forward, with Amorim needing to make a similar bold call with another first-team member.

Amorim could now relocate Man Utd's "monster"

With just a couple of months until the summer transfer window, the boss doesn’t have long until he can make the additions he wants to help the side climb up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

However, the period between now and then will give him the opportunity to trial run numerous players in new positions to try and get a grasp on what’s needed when the window opens.

Noussair Mazraoui is one player who could swap roles in the next few games, with the Moroccan international previously operating in an unfamiliar role this season.

During the previous reign of Erik ten Hag, the Dutchman opted to feature the full-back in a number ten role in the Europa League clash with Fenerbahçe back in October.

Whilst it was seen as a strange move, the 27-year-old, who earns £135k-per-week, managed to produce an admirable display, opening the door to Amorim utilising the defender in a similar role in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Mazraoui, who’s previously been labelled a “monster” by journalist Dylan Penketh, managed to register a total of 64 touches and managed to win 50% of his tackles – having the skillset in both areas to impress.

On the face of it, such a call may seem like an outrageous decision, but given the lack of form from other players in the final third, it may be something which the 40-year-old could implement.

He’s shown he’s not been afraid to make a huge call with players in the past, with Mazraoui operating in a more attacking position, potentially his next role of the dice in the North West.

Best signing since Bruno: Man Utd prepare bid for "frightening" £60m star

Man Utd are already stepping up their summer transfer plans, according to the latest reports

By
Robbie Walls

Apr 3, 2025

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso lost a key figure ahead of Juventus clash, with David Alaba ruled out for the remainder of the Club World Cup. The 33-year-old Austrian international had been sidelined since April after sustaining a meniscus injury in his left knee, which required surgery. Though he was making progress in his rehabilitation, his latest calf problem has forced Madrid to rule him out.

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• Fresh setback for Alaba
• Centre-back ruled out of CWC
• Huijsen taking centre stage

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alaba has not featured in any of Madrid’s three matches thus far and was expected to return later in the tournament. In his absence, new signing Dean Huijsen has risen to the occasion along with Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger in a three-man defence.

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  WHAT ALONSO SAID

  "David is taking a bit longer [to recover]," Alonso said on Thursday. "After the [meniscus] operation we need to be cautious and patient, so step by step, we'll wait a bit longer."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Alaba isn’t the only big name Real Madrid are missing during the Club World Cup. Defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, along with midfield maestro Eduardo Camavinga, are also on the road to recovery. The trio have been undergoing fitness programs at the club’s training base in Palm Beach.

  Ferland Mendy and Brazilian starlet Endrick have remained in Madrid for treatment. Mendy’s return appears far off, with Alonso admitting, "Ferland is still a long way from being on the pitch. Eduardo is taking great steps forward in his recovery. Hopefully, we'll have him back. I don't know if in the next game, or if we go further."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  With Alaba and other senior figures missing, 21-year-old Gonzalo García has stepped into the spotlight. The young forward has impressed during the group stage, scoring twice in three appearances. His latest goal came in a 3-0 victory over Austrian side Salzburg in Philadelphia, helping Madrid finish top of their group and qualify for the round of 16. Gonzalo’s rise has been crucial, especially given the continued absence of Kylian Mbappé, who is battling gastroenteritis.

Endrick has met with Real Madrid general manager Jose Angel Sanchez to discuss his future at the club.

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• Endrick wants to plan his next move
• Madrid's general manager held talks with the striker
• Gonzalo Garcia's rise complicates things further

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Endrick joined Real Madrid in 2024 but the Brazilian striker has not been able to break into the first-team, having spent large parts of last season on the bench. The 18-year-old wants to clarify his situation this summer as he aims to make it to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. According to , Madrid's general manager flew to the United States to meet Endrick and discuss his future.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Currently out of the Club World Cup squad with an injury, Endrick flew to the United States to support his team-mates. The Brazilian star, under contract with the club until 2030, fears that a lack of playing time in the coming season could hinder his growth. He managed 22 appearances in La Liga last term, but only three of those were as a starter. He was named in the starting XI just once in the Champions League, though he made eight appearances off the bench.

• TELL ME MORE

  To break through Real Madrid's star-studded squad is a hard task. Endrick already had difficulty getting playing time under Madrid's ex-manager Carlo Ancelotti. With Xabi Alonso now at the helm, plans at the club can change, making Endrick's future with Los Blancos uncertain. Gonzalo Garcia's form in the Club World Cup, in which he scored three goals and provided an assist in four games, further complicates the situation for the Brazilian as the competition for places heats up.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENDRICK?

  Among the many solutions, a loan option for Endrick seems to be the most viable one. Serie A clubs have shown interest in bringing the Brazilian to the Italian league. Reportedly, Juventus proposed a similar move for Endrick a few weeks back. For now, Madrid have not taken a stance on Endrick but will sooner or later have to.

Pochettino was critical of several officiating decisions, with Richards saying, "That's CONCACAF for you – they hate us"

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• Richards, Pochettino criticize lack of handball call
• Pochettino suggested pro-Mexico crowd a factor
• USMNT lost 2-1 to Mexico in Gold Cup final

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  HOUSTON – The USMNT's run in the Gold Cup came to a sudden end Sunday night, as they couldn't sustain an early lead and lost 2-1 to Mexico – the sixth time El Tri have prevailed in the eight meetings between the two nations in this tournament's final.

  In the view of USMNT star defender Chris Richards and manager Mauricio Pochettino, the outcome was affected by a series of poor officiating decisions. The biggest controversy came in the 66th minute, when Mexico's Jorge Sanchez appeared to grab the ball as he fell forward in the U.S. box. No handball was called.

  "Homie palmed the ball like Shaq in the box," Richards said after the match, referencing former NBA superstar big man Shaquille O'Neal. "That's CONCACAF for you – they hate us. But we have to just keep moving with it."

  Pochettino agreed, suggesting the referees played to the crowd at NRG Stadium – which was largely in support of Mexico

  "I want to tell the truth. The truth is that if that happened in the opposite half, in the other box, it's for sure a penalty," the manager said. "We cannot talk about rules. You say it's a silly penalty, and plenty of penalties are so silly. He was a player with the knee on the floor, and he pushed his hand over the ball.

  "It's an excuse now, but if that was a penalty, maybe it's 2-1 for us, and maybe we are now celebrating with the trophy. I's not about crying or complaining or to put excuses on different things. But at the same time, we continue talking. For me, it was embarrassing to see that situation and it's a shame because 70,000 people giving this penalty, it's not easy. Maybe against [us], it's a bit easier."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The match was the final competitive game for both the U.S. and Mexico ahead of the 2026 World Cup, so there was plenty at stake for both sides. Mexico lifted their historic 10th trophy, and the U.S. will be wondering "what if" after taking an early 1-0 lead on Richards' fourth-minute goal.

  The USMNT have lost both of their matches to Mexico since Pochettino took the job last September, and finished fourth in the Nations League final. Mexico, under Javier Aguirre, won both the Nations League and the Gold Cup.

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  WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

  Pochettino gave full credit to Aguirre and El Tri, but also said the suspect rulings cannot be ignored.

  "I am the first to say we need to improve. I am not crying," he said. "I am not saying anything against Mexico. I respect Mexico, full respect, and I congratulated them from the beginning. I only say that if that happened against Mexico, the coach, the people, and the players would be talking the same way.

  "For us, it's OK because we are nice guys. We need to tell the truth, and the truth is that we lost, yes, we lost. We need to be critical with us, of course. But the reality is that everyone can see through the TV, and then we can analyze all that comes after."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR USMNT?

  The U.S. will next reconvene for their September friendlies, with matches against South Korea and Japan.