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For all the concerns surrounding Newcastle United’s lack of cutting edge this season, their defence has remained reassuringly reliable.

Eddie Howe’s side may still be searching for rhythm in attack, but defensively they’ve been among the Premier League’s most resolute outfits.

They’ve kept six clean sheets already this campaign and boast the second-lowest expected goals conceded (4.9) in the division, behind only Arsenal.

That solidity has been essential in keeping Newcastle within touching distance of the top four, particularly given their Champions League commitments.

Malick Thiaw, signed from AC Milan, has seamlessly filled the void left by Fabian Schär’s injury, forging a composed, ball-playing partnership with Sven Botman at the heart of defence.

Calm on the ball and dominant in duels, the German has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers so far.

Yet, just as things were settling, Howe has been hit with significant defensive injuries.

Both Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall – the club’s two starting full-backs – have suffered setbacks that will sideline them for an extended period.

Their absence leaves Newcastle light in wide defensive areas, forcing a reshuffle that may test the depth of the squad during a congested autumn fixture list.

For a side competing on multiple fronts, rotation is vital.

But with natural full-backs out and makeshift options stepping in, the coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle’s defensive solidity can withstand the strain.

Hall and Burn's success at Newcastle

Few players symbolise Newcastle’s progress under Howe more than Hall.

Still only 19, the left-back has made the position his own since arriving from Chelsea, blending energy with composure in possession.

His overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas have been key to Newcastle’s attacking transitions, while defensively, his pace allows the team to hold a high line.

However, Hall’s hamstring injury – which Howe has confirmed “won’t be short-term” – is a major blow.

It leaves Newcastle without their first-choice full-back during a period when they face high-pressing, counter-attacking sides both domestically and in Europe.

In his absence, Dan Burn has been tasked with filling the void.

The 6 foot 7 defender has long been a fan favourite for his commitment and leadership, but left-back is far from his natural role.

Burn’s experience and aerial dominance make him a solid stopgap, yet his lack of recovery pace can be exposed, particularly when facing quick, direct wingers.

One-on-one duels and balls played in behind remain areas of weakness.

Howe’s tactical adjustments have tried to compensate, with Botman often covering wider to protect Burn.

But upcoming fixtures present new challenges.

Newcastle’s next league outing sees them travel to Brighton, where Yankuba Minteh’s speed and trickery could test Burn’s positional awareness.

Stronger sides than Nottingham Forest – who rarely exploited the left channel in Newcastle’s last league match – will certainly target this imbalance.

There’s also the question of whether Newcastle could turn to the free-agent market for temporary cover.

While Howe is reluctant to disrupt squad chemistry, the defensive injuries are stretching his options thin.

With both full-backs unavailable and Champions League fixtures piling up, the pressure is mounting for a new solution – perhaps one that already exists within the club’s own ranks.

Newcastle's academy left-back solution

Enter Leo Shahar, the 18-year-old full-back who many within Newcastle’s academy believe is ready to make the leap.

A natural right-back who is also comfortable on the left, Shahar joined from Wolves last year after a decade in their youth system, where he was regarded as one of the most technically gifted defenders of his age group.

Since arriving at St James’ Park, he has quietly impressed at youth level.

Shahar has already made four Premier League 2 appearances this season and featured twice in the UEFA Youth League, scoring once.

Premier League 2

4 appearances

299 minutes

UEFA Youth League

2 appearances

180 minutes

His consistency and versatility have earned him a growing reputation, and his development was rewarded when he made his first-team debut in pre-season against Atlético Madrid.

Internationally, Shahar’s rise has been just as rapid.

Having represented England across multiple youth levels, he made his under-19 debut in September, capping off a year of steady progress.

Youth coach Thomas Hammond has described him as a “promising talent,” words that suggest he may soon be trusted with senior minutes.

Tactically, Shahar fits the modern mould Howe demands from his full-backs: quick, comfortable in tight spaces, and adept at playing out from the back.

His natural balance on either side of the pitch could be invaluable as injuries continue to bite.

And unlike Burn, he offers the pace and agility to handle one-on-one duels – an attribute that Newcastle have missed in Hall’s absence.

With Newcastle set for a gruelling run that includes Champions League clashes and key Premier League fixtures, Howe may have little choice but to dip into his academy talent.

It’s a risk, but one with potential reward. Giving Shahar his chance now could accelerate his development while easing the load on an injury-hit squad.

Newcastle’s long-term vision under Howe has always been about building sustainably – blending elite signings with homegrown talent capable of stepping up when needed.

Leo Shahar might just be the next example of that philosophy in action.

Anderson 2.0: Newcastle have "next young English superstar" on their hands

Newcastle sold homegrown talent Elliot Anderson for PSR reasons – now he’s starring for England

ByWill Miller Oct 10, 2025

Newcastle United have come on leaps and bounds under Eddie Howe’s wing, but the Toon have been hit with their fair share of adversity over the past few months.

Backed by PIF, Howe has worked wonders at St. James’ Park, transforming Newcastle from perennial relegation contenders to a force to be reckoned with both at the top of the Premier League and in Europe.

And, to boot, United ended so many years of searching for silverware last season, beating Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and seal their first major domestic honour since 1955.

Liverpool have carried the battle on, however, having pushed throughout the summer transfer window for Magpies talisman Alexander Isak. The Reds landed their man on transfer deadline day, signing him for a record-breaking £125m fee.

It’s a cruel, cruel blow for Howe’s project, no doubt about it. Although that said, Newcastle have recruited well this summer and have equipped themselves with players capable of matching the outfit’s lofty ambitions.

How Newcastle are replacing Isak

Toward the end of the transfer window, Newcastle welcomed Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa to their ranks. There is an exciting contrast to the two forwards, one of whom is experienced and renowned within the Premier League, with the other hailing from Germany, and with a high ceiling ahead of him.

Both of them are talented goalscorers, who will contribute to the latest chapter at this wonderful football club. But neither of them is Isak.

Indeed, Isak’s influence reached beyond that of merely being a prolific frontman. The Sweden international was described by pundit Ally McCoist last season as being “the best all-round centre-forward” in the Premier League, with his lethal finishing merely the endpoint of a dynamic, snappy skillset.

Newcastle have replaced him in the aggregate, but it might be too much to expect either replacement to step up and offer the same level of quality from the get-go.

For Anthony Gordon, this is the perfect chance for him to step up and prove to those of a Toon persuasion that he can adopt the talismanic berth at St. James’ Park.

However, after a testing start to the season, the England international has it all to do, with more misery potentially pulling him away from a place as Isak’s proverbial successor and toward territory occupied by someone like Miguel Almiron.

Anthony Gordon needs to step up

Last season, Gordon left plenty to be desired at Newcastle. The 24-year-old had previously been crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24 after an exceptional breakout season, but interest from Liverpool that summer knocked him out of kilter after the saga came to nought.

Gordon was on the fringes after joining from Everton for £45m in January 2023, but a full pre-season allowed him to grow into his skin and repay the faith, clinching 28 goal contributions across all competitions.

Almiron is fondly remembered for his contribution and passion on Tyneside, but there’s no denying he lacked clarity and incisiveness in the final third, with the lion’s share of his time in England yielding not-so-prolific returns.

Newcastle signed Almiron from Atlanta United in the MLS, enjoying his football for seven years before sending him back over the pond.

Tenacious and lively, the Paraguayan winger lacked bite in the final third, with an incredible purple patch during the 2022/23 campaign serving as the extent of his clinical form in the Premier League. But what form it was, with the maverick swishing this way and that, playing with such gusto as he timed his runs and found the right pockets of space at the right times.

Miguel Almiron in the Premier League

Season

Apps

Goals (assists)

24/25

9

0 (0)

23/24

33

3 (1)

22/23

34

11 (2)

21/22

30

1 (0)

20/21

34

4 (1)

19/20

36

4 (2)

18/19

10

0 (0)

Stats via Transfermarkt

Gordon will hope that he does not follow suit, having only scored six goals in the Premier League last season and starting the current campaign off wobbily, seeing himself sent off during that frantic fixture against Liverpool in August.

He has described himself as a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, and he shares with Almiron a sort of crackling energy when on the ball and in the danger area, one of the fastest players in the Premier League besides.

Howe has been forced into playing the left-sided forward in a makeshift centre-forward berth at times – including the opening weeks of the current campaign – and that has disrupted the player’s fluency, but the fact remains that this is a critical juncture for a player who needs to step up now that Isak has completed his move to Merseyside.

There’s no question that Gordon’s ceiling is higher than Almiron’s ever was. The Three Lions star has been priced in the ballpark of £100m in the past, after all.

And, of course, it’s important to remember Gordon has proven himself and then some within this Newcastle team before, and during a testing time for the club at that.

He is a forward who wears his passion on his sleeve, and though that has at times been to his own detriment, the winger will be determined to bounce back and prove he can lead this new-look frontline over the coming years.

Looking at it from a different, more sobering perspective, Gordon must ensure this campaign does not get away from him too, for if this is the case, his flash-in-the-pan prolific mess in the Premier League might leave him remembered in a similar way to Almiron.

Again, there is confidence from the Toon hierarchy that this will not be the case, but the time for action is now.

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Posts ByWill Miller Sep 30, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Palmeirase Flamengo se enfrentam neste sábado (8), às 21h (de Brasília), no Allianz Parque, em São Paulo (SP), pela 14ª rodada doBrasileirão. O duelo coloca frente a frente equipes que disputam a mesma faixa na tabela do campeonato. Ambas entram em campo com desfalques em seus times titulares.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras continua com sequência pesada e terá semana de ‘decisões’ por Brasileirão e Copa do BrasilPalmeiras07/07/2023PalmeirasMartelo batido! Palmeiras define a saída de dupla para o futebol do exteriorPalmeiras07/07/2023Mercado do EsporteClubes da Libra fecham contrato para venda de direitos do Brasileirão; veja quanto cada time pode receberMercado do Esporte07/07/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Em meio a uma fase de oscilação na temporada, o Verdão tem dúvidas em relação ao time que entra em campo neste sábado (8). A principal delas é Rony, que treinou apenas em parte da atividade de sexta (7). A tendência é que ele e Zé Rafael, que também se recupera de lesão, sejam desfalques contra o Fla, mas o mistério será mantido até momentos antes do duelo. Vale lembrar que o Alviverde ainda treina na manhã do dia do jogo.

+ Torcedor do Palmeiras, ajude a escolher o nome da área dedicada ao seu time no Lance!

Assim como o Palmeiras, o Flamengo está de olho no duelo de volta das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil. No entanto, Jorge Sampaoli deve levar o time titular a campo neste sábado (8), com exceção de desfalques como Gabigol, que não recuperou o tornozelo a tempo, e Léo Pereira, que tem um problema muscular na coxa esquerda, além de Pulgar, que está suspenso para a partida.

continua após a publicidade

+ Quem é melhor: Palmeiras ou Flamengo? Veja votação jogador por jogador feita por jornalistas do Lance!

Veja todas as informações da partida:

PALMEIRAS x FLAMENGO

Local:Allianz Parque, em São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora:8/7/2023, às 21h (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Ramon Abatti Abel (Fifa/SC)
Assistentes:Victor Hugo Imazu dos Santos (PR) e Henrique Neu Ribeiro (SC)
VAR:Rodolpho Toski Marques (VAR-Fifa-PR)
Onde assistir:SporTV, Premiere e no tempo real e Facebook noLance!

PALMEIRAS:Weverton, Mayke, Luan, Gómez e Piquerez; Richard Rios, Gabriel Menino e Raphael Veiga; Artur, Dudu e Rony.Técnico:Abel Ferreira.

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Desfalques:Garcia (suspenso) e Atuesta (cirurgia no joelho direito)
Dúvidas: Rony (entorse tornozelo esquerdo) e Zé Rafael (lesão no joelho direito)
Pendurados:Mayke, Jhon Jhon e Endrick

FLAMENGO: Matheus Cunha; Wesley, Fabrício Bruno, David Luiz e Ayrton Lucas; Thiago Maia, Victor Hugo, Gerson, Luiz Araújo e Everton Cebolinha; Pedro. Técnico: Jorge Sampaoli.

Desfalques:Pulgar (suspenso), Léo Pereira, Gabigol, Allan e Matheuzinho (transição)
Pendurados:Fabrício Bruno e Vidal

Tudo sobre

FlamengoOnde assistirPalmeiras

As a hectic transfer window came to an end, Birmingham City reportedly explored a late deal to sign an ex-England international in a bargain deal.

The Blues were expected to have a busy summer and that very much proved to be the case. Fresh from League One promotion, they ended the transfer window with as many as 14 fresh faces and will now be hoping to shock the rest of the Championship even further as the campaign continues.

The pick of the bunch was no doubt Kyogo Furuhashi. There’s a strong argument to be made that the former Celtic star has the quality to be playing in the top-half of the Premier League, but it is Championship side Birmingham that swooped in.

Meanwhile, the return of Demarai Gray also stands out as an impressive move. Like Kyogo, the winger is a player full of Premier League quality, but one that chose a return to his boyhood club rather than elsewhere.

The latest players to arrive came on deadline day in the form of Jack Robinson and former Celtic star Patrick Roberts. The latter told the club’s official website after putting pen to paper: “I’m a winner. And this is a place, and a club, that wants to strive to get to the top.

“And off the back of last season, where I did that (winning promotion), I can see there’s potential here to have a good season. It didn’t take much convincing. It’s a big club, and getting back to where Birmingham should be is an aim.”

That said, 14 signings very nearly became 15 late on when the Blues reportedly explored an opportunity to sign a former Premier League star.

Birmingham explored late Dele Alli deal

According to Football Insider, Birmingham explored a late deal to sign Dele Alli after he was released by Como 1907. The former England international has endured a tumultuous spell on and off the pitch in recent years and things didn’t change when he finally made his comeback in Italy, as he was sent off just minutes into his only appearance.

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Once a PFA Young Player of the Year, Alli is now without a club again. At 29 years old, he desperately needs someone to take a chance on his talent and hand him a route back to where he belongs in English football.

After his struggles away from the pitch, Alli’s comeback story is one that English football wants to see, but Birmingham ultimately decided against pursuing a deal.

Described as “excellent” by former Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason in 2021, Alli needs his next move to go right and needs to avoid injuries if he is to get back to the incredible player that he once was.

أعلن مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي عبر صفحته الرسمية عن إعادة جدولة مباراتين في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز خلال شهر ديسمبر المقبل.

ويحتل مانشستر سيتي المركز الخامس في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز برصيد 13 نقطة من 4 انتصارات وتعادل وهزيمتين، وسجل الفريق 6 أهداف واستقبلت شباكه 9 أهداف.

🚨 @PremierLeague Fixture Confirmations 🚨

🆚 Fulham (A)
📆 Tuesday 2nd Dec
⏰ 19:30 (UK)

🆚 Crystal Palace (A)
📆 Sunday 14th Dec
⏰ 14:00 (UK) pic.twitter.com/dR6BmuMJ5X — Manchester City (@ManCity) October 15, 2025

ويستعد مانشستر سيتي لعودة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز الأسبوع المقبل بلقاء إيفرتون يوم السبت 18 أكتوبر على ملعب الاتحاد.

اقرأ أيضاً.. بمشاركة برشلونة ومانشستر سيتي.. ميسي يعلن إطلاق بطولة تحمل اسمه في ديسمبر

وسيلتقي مانشستر سيتي أمام فولهام على ملعب كرافين كوتيدج يوم الثلاثاء 2 ديسمبر الساعة 8:30 بتوقيت مصر، بينما سيلتقي ضد كريستال بالاس يوم الأحد 7 ديسمبر على ملعب سيلهرست بارك في تمام الساعة 3:00 بتوقيت مصر.

وكان مانشستر سيتي قد أنهى الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز الموسم الماضي محتلاً المركز الثالث بـ71 نقطة، خلف ليفربول في المقدمة بـ84 نقطة وآرسنال ثانيًا بـ74 نقطة.

West Ham United have sparked into life on the transfer front.

While he isn’t the flashiest addition, Callum Wilson entering the building on a free transfer from Newcastle United will still have caught the eye as the Premier League outfit adds in strikers in the wake of Michail Antonio’s exit.

On top of that, Mads Hermansen has also finally arrived from Leicester City to boost the Irons in between the sticks, costing a reported £20m in the process.

Graham Potter and Co. could soon make it a hat-trick of exciting buys with a new target reportedly on their agenda, who could follow in Wilson’s footsteps by costing nothing.

West Ham in talks to sign attacking midfielder

With Kyle Walker-Peters also entering Potter’s ranks after his Southampton contract expired, there is a theme popping up.

It would, however, cost West Ham a pretty penny to land Mateus Fernandes from the Saints, with a previous £30m price tag being placed above the up-and-coming 21-year-old’s head amid interest from the likes of the Hammers.

Fernandes isn’t the only target centrally, though, with a report from Roma News indicating that West Ham are now locked in negotiations with AS Roma star Lorenzo Pellegrini over a standout free transfer taking place.

The Serie A side will allow for this to happen so they can free up some wage costs and make a signing or two themselves this summer, but any potential deal rests on Guido Rodriguez also leaving the London Stadium, before anything significant whirs into motion.

Pellegrini could even go on to be Potter’s own iteration of Manuel Lanzini, with the Roma number seven hopeful he can be as impactful as his fellow Argentine compatriot if a move to England does get off the ground.

How Pellegrini can be Potter's own Lanzini

Before heading to his native Argentina to line up for River Plate, Lanzini was a fan favourite figure at the London Stadium.

Across 226 games for the Hammers, it’s fair to say the diminutive playmaker left his lasting impact, culminating in him amassing 32 goals and 26 assists in total, which included that ​​​​​​memorable effort being cannoned home against arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur back in 2020.

His consistent brilliance for the Hammers even saw his then-teammate Declan Rice hail him as a “special” talent to line up alongside, with Pellegrini hopeful he can reach this same level of performance if he calls East London home shortly.

Of course, the 29-year-old isn’t being chucked to one side by Roma for no reason, with Pellegrini just fresh off a below-par offering last season in Serie A that saw him tally up a weak two goals and two assists.

But, much like Lanzini in the Premier League, the Rome-born attacker has shown off his class over the majority of his extensive stay in the Italian top-flight, away from this worrying drop-off in form.

Even the Hammers’ favourite was guilty of going missing in certain contests, with only one league goal coming his way during his final swansong campaign, which ended his love affair with West Ham on a somewhat damp note.

Games played

316

Goals scored

55

Assists

59

Europa League appearances

53

Champions League appearances

14

Trophies

1x

Amazingly, away from that off-season last time out, Pellegrini has managed to collect a sizeable 55 goals and 59 assists for his boyhood club, with his Roma boss in Claudio Ranieri, going as far as to describe the 29-year-old as “exquisite” when he performs at the peak of his powers.

Capable of lighting up a pitch on his day with skilful displays with the goals and assists to match, he does feel as if he’s the next coming of Lanzini for those at the London Stadium, with Pellegrini also adept enough to line up in a more traditional central role if needed, as well as down the left wing, much like the ex-Irons number 10.

On a free transfer, this really could be a steal, with Rome royalty in Francisco Totti even labelling him as a “leader” for his efforts at the Stadio Olimpico.

Ideal Antonio replacement: West Ham agree terms to sign £13m "diamond"

Following his release, ending a ten-year association with the club, West Ham have reached an agreement to sign Michail Antonio’s replacement for £13m.

ByBen Gray Aug 10, 2025

After welcoming Sean Longstaff earlier this week, Leeds United are now reportedly set to sign another midfield star in a deal worth over £17m this summer.

Longstaff: Leeds is the "perfect" move

Becoming the Whites’ fifth signing of the summer, Longstaff will instantly add some much-needed Premier League know-how to Daniel Farke’s side ahead of next season. The former Newcastle midfielder won’t steal the same headlines as the likes of Jaka Bijol, but he could prove to be equally important at Elland Road.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, Longstaff told the official Leeds website: “I spoke to [Karl] Darlow straight away, but I have got to meet everyone. It seems like a really good group. I have heard great things.

“I think there is something to be said for a team that wants you and a club that really wants you. I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I sort of got a feeling that they really wanted me.

“It just fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.

49ers have now "rejected" formal bid for "excellent" 21 y/o Leeds talent

The Whites are holding out for a higher number…

1

By
Henry Jackson

Jul 19, 2025

“It was going to take a lot for us to leave Newcastle to be honest and I wasn’t just going to leave to go anywhere so it had to be the right place for me and my family and I think this is a perfect place. I got to watch pretty much all the games and see a team that was really exciting to watch, athletic, really good on the ball.

As pleased as they’ll be to have signed Longstaff, however, the 49ers aren’t stopping there. Reports are now indicating that they’ve instantly agreed another deal to sign their sixth fresh face of the summer and another midfield star.

Leeds agree deal to sign Anton Stach

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are now set to sign Anton Stach after agreeing a deal worth more than €20m (£17m) with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. The 6’4 midfielder is set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract, as those at Elland Road prepare to welcome another signing.

With plenty of Bundesliga experience to his name and even appearances in the Europa League last season, Stach represents another solid signing by all involved at Leeds.

It’s no surprise that the towering midfielder has earned impressive praise during his time in Germany, either. Former coach Florian Kohfeldt recalled Stach’s days as a youth player at Werder Bremen, claiming that he was already a talented player at a young age: “He didn’t have such an easy time here at Werder when he was at boarding school.

“He was a bit behind his peers physically when he was young, but in my opinion he already had a very strategic disposition in his game and was incredibly goal-oriented and ambitious.”

The Athletic’s Beren Cross has also heaped praise on Stach in reaction to the deal, sharing on X on Saturday: “Another giant, another 26-year-old, Leeds are finalising a transfer (in excess of £17.3m) for Anton Stach. A sixth new face and a real unit that played as a defensive midfielder and centre-back with Hoffenheim.”

Joe Root joked that he’d been forced to channel his “inner [Nasser] Hussain” in tricky batting conditions at Emirates Old Trafford, after anchoring England’s taxing run-chase in the first Test against Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 62 from 128 balls.Speaking to Hussain and Ian Ward on Sky Sports, shortly after England’s five-wicket win on the fourth evening of the match, Root referenced Hussain’s famously nuggety batting approach and career strike-rate of 40, adding that he was also now known as “Geoff” up in the England dressing-room, in reference to another English barnacle of yesteryear, Geoff Boycott.Joking aside, Root said that he was proud of the adaptability he had demonstrated to close out England’s fourth victory in as many Tests this summer, adding that “sometimes it’s good to win ugly” – even if he hopes that the team’s more free-flowing Bazball ethos will be able to re-emerge at Lord’s and the Kia Oval in the final two matches of the series.Not only did Root have to combat a spirited Sri Lanka bowling display led by Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya, he noted that the abrasive Old Trafford wicket, with its increasingly low bounce, was “as close to Sri Lankan conditions” as England tends to offer. In addition, an unusually slow outfield, exacerbated by heavy overnight rain during the Test match, limited England’s habitual quest for boundaries.”It was a tricky one today,” Root said. “It was a long, slow grind, but we got there in the end. The outfield is as long as I’ve seen for a long time in England, and the wicket itself obviously lost a lot of pace throughout. So it was quite hard to time the ball, and I didn’t really feel comfortable trying to muscle it. It felt like that would bring the catchers in front of the bat into the game, so just had to accumulate in a slightly different way.”Related

• Josh Hull receives first Test squad call-up as Mark Wood is ruled out with thigh strain

• Thigh injury makes Wood a doubt for remainder of Sri Lanka series

• Mathews: Replacement ball 'changed the entire momentum of the game'

• Smith quells keeper debate as credentials shine through

Root’s innings was built around two key stands, 49 with Harry Brook and 64 with Jamie Smith, in which he was content to play second fiddle to two of the heavier hitters in the current England line-up.”That’s the beauty of partnerships,” he said. “Someone like Brookie is always going to score freely, he hits the ball nice and firmly, and Jamie as well. He’s obviously in great form, and a natural striker, so it’s just nice to feed off each other.”Hopefully it’s a one-off thing,” he said of England’s down-tuned approach, “but sometimes it’s good to win ugly. And we’ve still got a day [out of five] to go, so we’re still sticking by the principles that we want to live by, and we’re evolving as a team.”The victory was also notable for being the first of Ollie Pope’s captaincy career. Though Pope endured a tough match with the bat, making exactly 6 in both innings, Root credited him for putting his own stamp on England’s tactics in tough circumstances, particularly while Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal were batting through the fourth morning in a 117-run stand for the seventh wicket.”Obviously I offered a few bits here and there, but I didn’t need to offer much,” Root said, having himself captained England on 64 occasions between 2017 and 2022. “He was very much in control of what was going on.”It wasn’t straightforward,” Root added. “There were a few different things that you’d have to contend with. It wasn’t your typically English kind of Test match, so hats off to him. He was very good at changing things up, trying different things, and constantly trying to move the game in the right direction. So again, it’s another step in the way that we want to go as a team. And for us to do it slightly differently this week and still find a way to win is a really good sign for us.”Root also had praise for England’s player of the match, Smith, who followed up his first-innings hundred with a vital 39 from 48 balls that prevented Sri Lanka from exerting any late pressure on a tail that was unusually long in Stokes’ absence.”He’s a phenomenal player,” Root said. “His glovework’s been exceptional, but his batting, I think you’ve seen everything you want from a No.7. He can bat with the tail and take the game on aggressively. And then he’s managed periods of play throughout this innings, and the first innings in particular, where he’s been able to soak things up, knock it around, and then put his foot down when he needs to.”Smith’s maiden hundred came in just his fourth Test, but he had already impressed during the West Indies series with a half-century on debut and a previous highest score of 95 at Edgbaston.”He is very laid back, and it’s lovely to see guys coming in and it not really fazing them, or at least on the surface,” Root said. “I’d like to say it’s slightly part of the environment that we’ve created, which allows guys to come in and do that. But also a lot of credit has to go for him, for the way that he approaches the game, the way he looks at it, and how mature he is.”

Everton have now reportedly enquired about the availability of a Premier League star in the summer transfer window, with David Moyes an admirer of the player in question.

Everton in talks with ace and reach verbal agreement with player

The Blues appear to be pushing hard to complete some exciting summer transfer business, with the Merseysiders reportedly in talks with the agents of Fred over a move to Bramley Moore Dock.

The former Manchester United midfielder could be a shrewd and experienced addition who has proven himself in the Premier League in the past, making 139 appearances in the competition. Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is keen on keeping hold of the Brazilian, though.

Meanwhile, Everton have reportedly reached a verbal agreement over the signing of Kenny Tete from Fulham, with the right-back out of contract in west London at the end of this month.

The Dutchman could come in as an upgrade on the likes of Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman, bringing a mix of defensive solidity and attacking thrust to Moyes’ team, and the fact that it would be on a free transfer is an added bonus.

Everton enquire about Premier League "fighter"

According to a new claim from Give Me Sport, Everton have enquired to Manchester City about the potential signing of Jack Grealish this summer.

Newcastle United and Napoli are also believed to be in the mix to sign the 29-year-old, who is expected to leave the Etihad after four years there, joining for £100m from Aston Villa back in 2021. However, the Toffees may find a transfer hard to complete as Grealish is looking to play in the Champions League next season.

Grealish’s stock has fallen over the past year or two, with a lack of end product under Pep Guardiola, but it could simply be that he needs a new challenge and regular game time.

Guardiola has described the Englishman as a “fighter”, often being relentlessly kicked and fouled during games, while Moyes heaped huge praise on him back in 2021, saying:

“He is a really good player and probably the best player in the Premier League at this time. He has done such a big job at that club (Villa) and is probably the best player in the league right now.”

There are definite risks in Everton signing Grealish, not least because he turns 30 this year and would demand big wages, but he possesses the swagger and unpredictable style to be a hit among Blues supporters.

Moyes' new Doucoure: Everton start talks to sign "magnificent" £13m star

David Moyes could win Everton’s new Abdoulaye Doucoure by securing this star’s services.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 22, 2025

He may love the idea of being given more freedom to express himself in the final third, compared to Guardiola’s precise tactics, so it is a signing that could be worth the gamble, although it may be tricky to seal.

After spending big on Matheus Cunha and soon Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United have now turned their focus towards much-needed sales and are reportedly negotiating the departure of a £200,000-a-week star.

Players Man Utd could sell this summer

After finishing 15th and failing to qualify for European football, many expected Manchester United to endure a difficult summer transfer window. So far, that has not proved to be the case, however.

Instead, INEOS have been splashing the cash – first welcoming Cunha for around £63m and then pushing on with an offer worth over £60m to sign Mbeumo from Brentford. But those arrivals are unlikely to come without sacrifice this summer.

On the exit front, the Red Devils must get busy and open the exit door for several players – starting with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. Both players are almost certain to leave Old Trafford this summer, but there remain question marks over their next destinations.

In an ideal world, Aston Villa would have the finances to sign Rashford on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell in the second half of last season, but the reality is that their PSR issues are likely to provide an obstacle in the way of any potential deal.

Instead, reports suggest that United could be forced to rely on interested parties such as Barcelona to come swooping in.

Meanwhile, Garnacho’s next destination could come closer to home this summer amid interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea. The Blues could reportedly come calling for a player that Ruben Amorim desperately wants out even if it is to the Blues.

Be it Rashford, Garnacho or one £200,000-a-week star, the Red Devils simply must undergo a significant clear-out before the end of the summer transfer window.

Man Utd now negotiating "complex" Antony exit

As revealed by Real Betis chief Manu Fajardo, Manchester United are now in “complex” negotiations to sell Antony to the Spanish club in a big-money deal this summer. The winger endured a revived spell on loan at Betis in the second half of last season and is now keen to complete a return to the La Liga side.

Farjardo told local reporters as relayed by Sport Witness: “We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation. Given the player’s level and his recent career at Real Betis, it’s not an easy transaction.

“But, as long as Antony hasn’t committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony. I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club.”

INEOS in contact for "phenomenal" £86m star who wants to join Man Utd instead of Arsenal

He’s reportedly made a shock transfer U-turn this summer…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025

As the Betis sporting director reiterated, it won’t be an easy deal to sign Antony – not least because of his £200,000-a-week salary – but it is one that they’re still negotiating nonetheless this summer.