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David Norris reckons that Romelu Lukaku has been the signing of the transfer window.

Chelsea won the Champions League just four months after appointment Thomas Tuchel but were in desperate need of signing a striker following Timo Werner’s underwhelming first campaign in English football.

Whilst Werner contributed to 27 goals across all competitions, he scored just six times in the Premier League, which was just one more than defender Kurt Zouma and one fewer than Jorginho.

With that in mind, once Lukaku became available, Chelsea wasted little time in securing his return to Stamford Bridge in a £97.5m deal from Inter Milan earlier this month.

Lukaku, who Norris thinks could make the Blues serious title contenders, took less than 15 minutes to start repaying that fee by opening the scoring in a man of the match performance against Arsenal last weekend – his first ever goal for the club.

When asked who he believes is the best signing of the window, Norris exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“Lukaku for me. He has turned Chelsea from knocking on the door to being contenders now. Manchester City are really strong, but Lukaku has made a huge difference.

“That strength, power, he’s a finisher. He’s put them back in the race. Up until now, he’s the one that I’m thinking ‘that’s good business from them’.”

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge believes that if Odsonne Edouard departs Celtic, then the Hoops will sign Georgios Giakoumakis. 

The 26-year-old who currently plays for Dutch second division side VVV-Venlo, scored two assists in all competitions last season.

Sky Sports reported that Celtic are set to sign Giakoumakis on a four-year contract, with a fee of £2.5m agreed. The Greece internationals contract at VVV-Venlo expires in June 2022, but it looks like a move to Celtic Park is on the cards.

Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge believes that this deal will happen if Odsoone Edouard departs the club, telling Transfer Tavern: “If Edouard does go it looks like they’re signing Greek international Georgios Giakoumakis, four-year deal signing from VVV-Venlo who got relegated but I think he was top scorer last season.”

Sky Sports reported last night that Premier League side Crystal Palace were close to agreeing a deal for Odsonne Edouard for a fee between £15m and £20m, with Patrick Vieira wanting to bring a striker to Selhurst Park before the window closes.

Celtic have had a bust window signing eight players so far and alongside Giakoumakis, it looks like the Hoops could also add Filipe Jota to their ranks, with Football Insider reporting that he was undergoing his medical yesterday on a loan-to-buy bid.

Fulham look to have completed a deal to bring Rodrigo Muniz to Craven Cottage.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Fulham and Flamengo have reached an agreement regarding the fee of the centre-forward, believed to be around €8m (£6.8m) plus a 25% sell-on clause.

Romano went on to state that the deal has now been completed, suggesting that an announcement from the club regarding the signing of the 20-year-old should come very soon.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Paperwork signed between Fulham and Flamengo for Rodrigo Muniz, deal completed. Muniz will join Fulham for €8m + 25% future sale percentage to Flamengo.”

Music to the ears of fans

While Fulham’s interest in Muniz has been well documented over the last few weeks, it appeared as if a deal for the striker could have been slipping away from the Cottagers, with Middlesbrough reported to be attempting to pounce on the west London side’s lack of action in finalising a deal for the Brazilian.

However, Romano’s latest comments all but confirming the signing of Muniz are sure to be music to the ears of the Craven Cottage faithful, as the younger looks to be a player with a significant amount of potential.

Indeed, over his nine Serie A appearances for Flamengo so far this season, the £2.7m-rated man has scored three goals, provided one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.6 key passes and taking 2.4 shots per game.

These metrics have seen the 20-year-old earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.16, ranking him as the club’s joint eighth-best performer in the Brazilian top flight.

As such, it would very much seem as if Muniz is not only a player who could play an influential role in Fulham’s future but also one who clearly boasts the ability to provide the club’s promotion hopes with a significant boost this season – something that will delight Marco Silva and fans of the club alike.

In other news: Contact made: Khan opens talks for “quality” £12k-p/w ace, Fulham fans will be buzzing

Journalist Liam Kennedy has told The Transfer Tavern that he expects Newcastle United to ramp up their interest in Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury as they close in on a deal for Joe Willock.

Willock, who is set to join Newcastle from Arsenal for around £20m, and Choudhury are both midfielders manager Steve Bruce wants in his squad.

According to The Athletic, Choudhury is a player prominent in Bruce’s thoughts and was targeted by the Magpies back in January.

Ultimately, with the Willock saga coming to an end, Kennedy believes Newcastle will now turn their attention to another midfielder like Choudhury. The Shields Gazette reporter said to TT in a chat:

“When Newcastle United are freed of the burden of Joe Willock, then I think you’ll see the likes of Hamza Choudhury and others, with the meagre budget that they have but loan spots to play with as well, I think you’ll see Newcastle United ramp up their business in that department.

“Choudhury will be in that conversation, no doubt.”

Choudhury certainly does look like a realistic option for Newcastle as they look to add some more energy and tenacity to their midfield.

The 23-year-old was barely used by manager Brendan Rodgers in the Premier League last season, so a move to St. James’ Park, in search of more game time, may be something that interests him.

Bermuda will be aiming to retain their ICC Americas Division 1 Championship title when the tournament begins in Lauderhill, Florida, on Tuesday

Cricinfo staff25-Nov-2008Bermuda will be aiming to retain their ICC Americas Division 1 Championship title when the tournament begins in Lauderhill, Florida, on Tuesday.They will be joined in the regional event by hosts USA, Canada, Cayman Islands, Argentina and Suriname, who are playing in the top tier for the first time. Suriname earned their spot after winning the Division 2 event earlier this year. However, their build-up has been hampered when a number of their squad were refused US visas.Bermuda and Canada will start as clear favourites as they both have recent exposure to one-day and Twenty20 internationals. Although matches between the six leading Associates are officially classed as ODIs, this meeting won’t carry that title as the ground hasn’t received ICC approval.Canada, along with USA, enter the tournament having taken part in the West Indies domestic competition. However, USA continue to flounder and currently find themselves languishing in World Cricket League Division 5.Canada will be without familiar names, Rizwan Cheema, John Davison and Geoff Barnett. Cheema couldn’t make the tournament, as well as Canada’s trip to the West Indies last week, as he didn’t have the right travel documents.Davison told Cricinfo that neither he or Geoff Barnett, who both play for Mosman in the Sydney Grade competition, were contacted regarding their availability for this tournament.For Argentina and the Cayman Islands this will be a good opportunity for them to gauge their preparations for the WCL Division 3 tournament in January as the two countries aim to climb the world ladder.The Cayman Islands showed in Toronto two years ago what they are capable of, pulling off an upset victory against Canada, while Argentina’s recent WCL successes mean both these sides must not be underestimated. For Suriname this will be a trip into the unknown, but will provide a valuable learning experience.

Andrew Symonds’ psychologist Deidre Anderson believes the allrounder is unlikely to be a disruption to his team-mates should he win the backing of Cricket Australia following his latest off-field incident

Cricinfo staff28-Jan-2009
It is still not clear whether Andrew Symonds will be part of Australia’s tour to South Africa © Getty Images
Andrew Symonds’ psychologist Deidre Anderson believes the allrounder is unlikely to be a disruption to his team-mates should he win the backing of Cricket Australia following his latest off-field incident. However, it is unclear whether that will be enough to save his immediate future, with reports that he might be left out of the squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.Symonds will face a code of behaviour hearing in Melbourne on Thursday and a fine of up to $5750 is the likely outcome as, despite his history of controversy, it is the first time he has been reported under Cricket Australia’s code. But a report in the said Cricket Australia would not let the issue end there and Symonds could face time out of the game after also being stood down in August following his Darwin fishing trip.After the Darwin incident, Symonds was told to undertake a counselling programme and he later conceded that alcohol had played a part in his poor attitude in 2008. He had reportedly been drinking at a pub before the confused radio interview in which he called Brendon McCullum a “lump of s…”, the remark that got him reported by Cricket Australia for detrimental public comment.Cricket Australia will ask for Anderson’s opinion on Symonds’ frame of mind and Anderson said it was important to keep the radio interview in context. “If he gets through this and [Cricket Australia] back him, I think we are going to see two to three years of outstanding performances from a good cricketer and a good man,” Anderson told the .”I think he is as ready as any other player in the team. If you dig deep enough we all have things to work through and this is his. We all have triggers that make us do things that in retrospect we would prefer not to have done.”Alcohol may be a part of it but it’s a case of assessing the person you are and the person you would like to be. Unfortunately, this mishap has come up, there is a lot of context to it and I hope a little bit of common sense prevails.”Symonds was this week preparing for a return to Queensland’s Sheffield Shield side on Friday, following his recovery from knee surgery earlier this month. His manager Matt Fearon said Symonds was keen to attend Thursday’s hearing before the retired judge, Gordon Lewis, in person if possible. “He’s treating this very seriously because he’s focused on getting back and playing his best cricket,” Fearon told .

Vote on our shortlist of classic Ashes moments that have taken place in England since 1981

21-Aug-2013To coincide with the 2013 Investec Ashes series, we are asking you to vote on our shortlist of classic Ashes moments that have taken place in England since 1981. You can watch each episode of our series and then vote for your winner.Part 5 – most memorable Ashes momentsWe have chosen the following shortlist from the great Ashes contests in England over the past 30 years.Headingley 1981 – 500-1 and all that
England’s remarkable recovery led by Ian Botham and Bob Willis sparks scenes of unbridled joy at Headingley over a victory at one time regarded as a 500-1 chance.
Scorecard | Wisden reportOld Trafford 1993 – An Ashes legend arrives
Shane Warne’s Ball of the Century changed the feel of Ashes cricket for more than a decade. Warne, nervous about his first delivery in an Ashes Test, just wanted to land a turning legspinner in roughly the right place. Mike Gatting’s look of consternation showed that he had done just that.
Scorecard | Wisden reportTrent Bridge 2005 – The substitute
Gary Pratt became a household name for one moment of brilliant fielding – a direct hit from cover to run out Australia’s captain Ricky Ponting – which left Ponting seething about England’s tactical use of substitutes.
Scorecard | Wisden reportEdgbaston 2005 – Freddie’s over
Andrew Flintoff has surely never bowled a finer over for England than the one at Edgbaston in which he dismissed Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer in a single over. The legend of Fred was born.
Scorecard | Wisden reportCardiff 2009 – Monty and Jimmy save the day
England’s last pair, Monty Panesar and James Anderson, hold out for an unlikely draw at Cardiff. Rarely has determined blocking from a final pair been so wildly acclaimed.
Scorecard | Wisden reportMost Memorable Ashes momentsHeadingley 1981 – England’s recovery0% Old Trafford 1993 – Warne’s Ball of the Century0% Trent Bridge 2005 – Pratt runs out Ponting0% Edgbaston 2005 – Flintoff’s magic over0% Cardiff 2009 – England’s unlikely batting duo0%

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Manchester United fan Luke Littler believes his beloved team can still win a trophy this season despite a torrid campaign so far.

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Man Utd struggling this seasonLittler still believes in Red DevilsBack them to win trophy this seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 2025 PDC World Championship winner has backed the Red Devils to lift the Europa League trophy this season, while also discussing the positives and negatives of playing in the competition next term.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT LUKE LITTLER SAID

He told : "I think if we get Europe it’s a good thing, but if we don’t it’s a good thing too. You’ve seen the likes of Chelsea do really well with no European football, so if United don’t get it this season they will be really fresh because they won’t have to play as many midweek games. I do have high hopes for us in the Europa League this season, though. I think we can win it."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ruben Amorim's side sit 13th in the Premier League and are well off the pace in the hunt for European football in 2025-26. However, they can still play on the European stage next term if they either win the Europa League or FA Cup in the coming months.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

United will hope to progress to round five of the FA Cup when they host Leicester City on Friday night.

South Africa play the second game on Saturday and will know what they need to qualify

S Rajesh04-Nov-2021Australia’s stunning victory against Bangladesh, with 82 balls to spare, has completely turned around the net-run-rate story in Group 1. With West Indies knocked out, it is now a straight race between Australia and South Africa for the second semi-final spot. Here is a look at what they need to do in their final games to qualify.Australia
South Africa
From -0.627, Australia’s net run rate has jumped up to 1.031, thanks to their ridiculously one-sided win against Bangladesh. This means they are now the frontrunners to take the second spot in the group: South Africa, who are also on six points, have an NRR of 0.742 and have table-toppers England to negotiate in their last match, while Australia take on West Indies, which should surely be an easier proposition.Australia will be through if they beat West Indies and if England beat South Africa. If Australia lose their last game and South Africa win theirs, then South Africa will qualify as the second team.If both Australia and South Africa lose and remain on six points, then the defeat margins will determine which team ends up with a higher NRR: if Australia, chasing 161, lose by 20 runs, then South Africa can lose by no more than three runs (chasing 161) to be ahead of Australia on run rate. If Australia score 160 and win by 10 runs, South Africa will have to win by at least 32 runs (with the same score) to finish with a better NRR than Australia. Since South Africa play the second game on Saturday, they will know what they need to do to qualify.While Australia’s NRR has improved significantly, England still remain firm favourites to top the group. Even if Australia beat West Indies by 100 runs, they will need England to lose by around 43 runs to top the group.

Rangers have received a big boost regarding their current injury situation, with Light Blues boss Philippe Clement providing a key update on a 23-year-old “fighter”.

Injury problems hampering Rangers

The Gers return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday lunchtime, making the trip to Kilmarnock ahead of what feels like a must-win clash for Clement’s side.

It has been an adequate start to the season for Rangers, but a far from perfect one, allowing Celtic and Aberdeen to gain an advantage at the top of the league table, while Champions League elimination at the hands of Dynamo Kyiv has already come their way.

One thing that has played a part in the Scottish giants not always hitting top gear is injuries, with Clement having to make do with numerous key players throughout this season. The likes of Ridvan Yilmaz, Rabbi Matondo and Ross McCausland are among those struggling with fitness issues.

Having a fully fit squad could make such a difference for Rangers, handing them stability while also giving them more opportunities to rotate – and a positive update has now emerged about the situation.

Rangers given injury boost

Speaking ahead of the weekend clash with Kilmarnock, Rangers manager Clement said that Yilmaz should return to training “next week”, also giving an update on other players:

“Hagi is suspended. Cortes will be out for several weeks. Ridvan I expect back in training next week, Matondo later on next week or the following week. Danilo is back training with the squad – we will see how fit he is for the weekend.”

This is welcome news regarding Yilmaz, and others for that matter, with the left-back limited to just two starts in the Scottish Premiership so far this season. His last appearance came against Dynamo Kyiv back in August, with his two-month absence a big blow for Clement.

His 2023/24 stats for Rangers show that he averaged 1.5 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game across 26 league appearances last season – ranking third and first respectively within the Gers squad – showing his attacking quality.

The £12,000-a-week Turkey international has been hailed as a “fighter” by Clement, while Barry Ferguson said of him last season: “The little man has made a huge impression ever since the winter break and has nailed down the left-back berth for himself.”

However, it is important that Yilmaz is eased back into the fold rather than rushed back in, with his lengthy absence potentially meaning he may take time to get back to his sharpest form.

If he can get fully fit and back in the team by the end of the month, it will be fantastic news for Rangers, providing Clement with more depth and giving sterner competition to the likes of Jefte and Dujon Sterling.

Clement could move on from Hagi by unleashing "exciting" Rangers teen

Rangers will be without the Romania international for their next three Premiership games.

ByDan Emery Oct 19, 2024

Yilmaz is still a young player with so much to offer for the Gers, so the hope is that this latest absence is his last injury setback for a while, allowing him to excel as his side’s first-choice left-back.