Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign striker Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus for a much lower price than expected.

Particularly last season, much was said about Man United. The club endured what was, in terms of points return and league finish, their worst-ever Premier League campaign. Many of the club’s attacking options, such as Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, struggled for form.

This, no doubt, contributed to their business ahead of the 2025/26 season. In what marked their first summer transfer window with Ruben Amorim as manager, the Red Devils signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in what was a complete renovation of their attack.

The trio have since secured their places in the first team at Old Trafford, helping Man United record three successive Premier League wins for the first time under Amorim’s guidance before the draw at Nottingham Forest.

It would appear, however, that the Red Devils may look to further reinforce their attacking line in the upcoming January window.

Man United show interest in Vlahovic

As per TEAMtalk, Man United could pursue a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this winter. Such a transfer, however, would only be explored if there is first a departure. Zirkzee could leave, having lost his place in the first team due to both new signings and poor form.

Vlahovic, who reportedly earns £375,000 per week in Turin, will become a free agent in July if he does not depart Juve at an earlier date, having been unable to negotiate a contract extension with the club. Were Vlahovic to remain, he would seemingly have to take a pay cut.

Having been called a “superstar” for his ability, Vlahovic would be available for just £17.5 million according to TEAMtalk, in no doubt due to his contract situation. Were Zirkzee to depart permanently, it would presumably provide Man United with the adequate funds to pursue Vlahovic. Even if the Dutchman left only on loan, it would free up a position within their first-team for the 25-year-old.

Given his lack of minutes so far this season, it can be presumed that Zirkzee has fallen down the pecking order. In Vlahovic, Man United would be signing competition for summer signing Sesko which, in turn, could benefit the Slovenian international.

Reportedly, Man United are “informed” of Vlahovic’s situation, but “that does not mean they will necessarily pull the trigger on the move” and whether a transfer materialises remains to be seen.

"Deadly" Man United academy star is another Bruno Fernandes

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo anunciou nesta quinta-feira (7) a prorrogação do contrato de Wellington Rato até o final de 2026. Em vídeo publicado nas redes sociais, o Tricolor celebrou a extensão do vínculo, e aproveitou para provocar o Corinthians, rival nas semifinais da Copa do Brasil.

– Rato cortou para a esquerda e assinou – escreveu a equipe paulista na postagem, em uma clara alusão ao gol marcado por Rato contra o Timão, no estádio do Morumbi, pela semifinal da Copa do Brasil.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

O meia-atacante de 31 anos, que chegou ao clube nesta temporada, tinha um acordo até 2025. No entanto, segundo informações do GE, a ampliação foi uma forma que o São Paulo encontrou de recompensar o desempenho de Rato, que permaneceu no Tricolor apesar do interesse do futebol japonês.

– Estou muito feliz com esta renovação. Jogar no São Paulo é a realização de um sonho, como falei na minha chegada ao clube. Este foi o ano da minha afirmação, e fomos coroados com o título. E que 2024 seja ainda melhor para nós e para a nossa torcida – comemorou o camisa 27.

Em 2023, o jogador disputou 63 partidas com a camisa tricolor, contribuindo com cinco gols e dez assistências

Manchester United moved up to ninth in the Premier League table and within two points of the Champions League places with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The Red Devils claimed all three points at Anfield for the first time since January 2016 after a late header from Harry Maguire sealed the victory for the away side.

Bruno Fernandes volleyed a brilliant ball to the back stick for the England international to nod the ball back the other way into the far corner, just six minutes after Cody Gakpo’s equaliser.

Whilst it was Maguire who scored the winning goal, United had Senne Lammens to thank for the three points because of his performance in goal.

Why Senne Lammens won Man Utd the game against Liverpool

United have had their fair share of troubles with goalkeepers in recent seasons. Altay Bayindir conceded 0.84 more than expected and made one error that led to a goal in the first six matches of the Premier League season, per Sofascore.

Lammens, however, has come in from Royal Antwerp and looks to be a safe pair of hands. After a clean sheet against Sunderland, the Belgian giant made four saves and prevented 1.25 goals, per Sofascore, against Liverpool.

The pick of the saves came in the first half when he prevented British-record signing Alexander Isak from scoring by smartly sticking a foot out to keep the shot out of his net.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Without his shot-stopping and calmness behind the defence, Man United may have only come away from Anfield with a point, or none, given how poorly Altay performed at the start of the season.

Whilst Lammens was a shining light in goal and should be considered undroppable, Mason Mount should be ditched from the starting XI by Ruben Amorim.

Why Man Utd should drop Mason Mount

The England international, who scored against Sunderland before the break, started as part of a fluid front three alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, with Benjamin Sesko dropped to the bench.

It was a tactic that worked, to a point, as the movement across the front confused the Liverpool defence and created some promising moments, including Mbeumo’s goal.

Mount’s individual performance, though, suggests that the £66.4m signing from RB Leipzig should be brought back in to lead the line against Brighton next weekend.

Minutes

61

29

Shots

2

1

Big chances missed

1

0

Touches

19

19

Pass accuracy

58%

62%

Key passes

0

1

Big chances created

0

0

Successful dribbles

0

1

Duels won

1/3

4/6

As you can see in the table above, Sesko created more chances, completed more dribbles, and won four times as many duels, in roughly half as much time on the pitch.

The Slovenia international, who has scored two Premier League goals this season, offers a physical presence at the top end of the pitch that allows Mbeumo and Cunha to play off him, which they did not have when Mount and Cunha were rotating in the number nine role.

Mount played the role that was asked of him by Amorim and provided energy in the win over Liverpool, but his end product in and out possession was simply not good enough, as he had even fewer touches of the ball (19) than Lammens in goal (55), per Sofascore.

This is why the head coach should ruthlessly drop him from the starting XI in order to bring Sesko back in to lead the line against Brighton next time out, as the former Leipzig man is a natural number nine who can offer a greater threat in front of goal.

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2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 18, 2025

Newcastle United will be looking to win their fourth game in succession across all competitions, with the Magpies set to travel down to London to face West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

Eddie Howe’s men go into the game in excellent form, having beaten Fulham, Benfica and, most recently, Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.

There is not really a better time to be playing the Hammers than this week. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are in abysmal form, not winning since the 31st of August. They’ve lost six on the bounce, with little sign of their form improving.

Anthony Gordon, who was rested in midweek, could pose a huge threat to the Hammers.

How Newcastle can hurt West Ham

It seems almost guaranteed that Gordon will come straight back into the Newcastle starting lineup for their game against the East Londoners. He has been in strong form this season, dominating in the Champions League and could reall pose a big threat to the Irons.

Amongst Europe’s elite, the former Everton star has four goals and one assist in just three games. One of those strikes came against Barcelona, attacking the ball at the back post to fire home a cross from Jacob Murphy.

Incredibly, Gordon is yet to score or assist in the Premier League. He’s played six games and accumulated an expected goal involvement tally of 0.42 xGI. However, he has yet to chip in with a goal or assist.

The game against the Hammers could be the ideal opportunity for the England international to break his Premier League duck this season. His pace and direct nature could prove to be a huge threat against Nuno’s side, which has looked incohesive at the back this season, to say the least.

However, it is not only the final third threat of Gordon that could trouble West Ham. Howe has some dangerous options in midfield, too.

Howe's midfield star could terrify West Ham

Against Spurs in midweek, the Magpies rotated their midfield. Sandro Tonali was the only first-choice player who started, with Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock operating either side of the Italian.

Bruno Guimaraes was on the bench, as was a man who could be hugely important against West Ham; Joelinton.

The Brazilian has played an important role in the middle of the park alongside Tonali and Guimaraes, and he could well slot back into the side against the Hammers.

The Brazil international is not enjoying his finest campaign, with Toon blogger Thomas Hammond even suggesting it’s the “start of the end” for the 29-year-old, who has been “honking” for some time.

That said, the number of minutes he has played shows just how important he is to Howe’s side. He’s featured 12 times across all competitions, with seven of those appearances coming in the Premier League.

One of the key reasons why the former Hoffenheim star could be pivotal against West Ham is his physicality. One described as a “dominant” midfielder by Statman Dave, Joelinton is notorious for his crunching tackles and his aerial prowess.

An excellent example of this strength came against Manchester United in the top flight last season. The Brazilian got himself on the scoresheet, outjumping and physically dominating Lisandro Martinez at the back post to head home a cross from Gordon.

This is particularly important against Nuno’s side. After their 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford a couple of weeks ago, Jamie Carragher said he can’t remember a “less athletic team I’ve seen for a very, very long time in the Premier League.”

It is easy to see why someone with the physicality of Joelinton can bully the Hammers side. However, he also offers quality on the ball. This term, the midfielder averages 0.9 chances created per game, and played an average of 11.1 forward passes per 90 minutes last season.

Joelinton stats in last 2 PL seasons

Stat (per 90)

2024/25

2025/26

Chances created

0.8

0.9

Opposition half passes completed

19.3

17

Forward passes

11.1

7.8

Duels won

6.3

5.9

Ball recoveries

5.6

4.6

Stats from Squawka

Joelinton could quite easily slot into the Magpies’ side as a replacement for Ramsey. His physicality will be important against what is a weak Hammers side, according to Carragher. However, you don’t lose the creative influence of Ramsey, given what the Brazilian can offer in the final third.

If this is a decision Howe makes at the London Stadium weekend, it could be crucial to helping his side secure their fourth win in a row.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 31, 2025

A new transfer update has now emerged regarding Leeds United’s attempts to complete the signing of a former Elland Road loanee in 2026.

The Whites head to Brighton on Saturday afternoon, looking to build on the 2-1 Premier League win at home to West Ham last time around. Leeds are primed to try and pick up a positive result at the Amex Stadium, with Daniel Farke confirming that there are no injury problems in his squad ahead of the game.

“It is way better. I have nothing to report, nothing to complain about. No illnesses, no injuries, so everyone is training, we have a proper group and everyone is available, proper competition. A situation I prefer much more.

“Sadly it is not a guarantee that you will also be successful in the game, sometimes after a tough week you can also be successful like we were last week, but overall it is a much better situation compared to last week, so no question marks today.”

While Leeds are performing well back in the Premier League, the opportunity to make new signings in the January transfer window shouldn’t be sniffed at, and they have been linked with a move for Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley recently, who spent a spell on loan at Elland Road back in 2013.

New Ross Barkley to Leeds transfer update

Speaking to Leeds United News, journalist Graeme Bailey played down the idea of Leeds re-signing Barkley in January, with Villa considering him an important squad figure.

It is easy to see why Leeds would like to bring in the high-earning £60,000-a-week Barkley, with the 31-year-old such a talented and experienced player, and one who could still be harbouring faints hopes of being selected for England’s World Cup squad next summer.

The midfielder has proven himself in the Premier League for many years, making 287 appearances and bagging 71 goal contributions – 37 goals and 34 assists – while Andros Townsend has waxed lyrical over his ability after playing with him at Luton Town.

“Honestly, they’ve been some of the best midfield performances I’ve seen in my career. It’s just unbelievable – the calmness, the ability to get the ball off the back four and knock it past some of the world’s best midfielders without a care in the world.”

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The Whites are looking to strengthen their squad this winter, amid concerns about a lack of attacking firepower.

ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025

For now, it looks like Leeds will have to look elsewhere for potential midfielder additions, but if the chance arises for them to sign Barkley, they should go for it, even if it is a loan move in January.

Aaronson 2.0: Phil Hay saw no way back for Leeds flop, now he's "ruthless"

Alisha Lehmann let fly with a t-shirt cannon into the crowd at the Baller League this week, before her MVPs United faced Chelsea legend John Terry's 26ers at the Copper Box Arena for the latest round in the competition. The Switzerland international took aim and pulled the trigger, before handing the launcher back. The trip marked a quick break from her day job with Como Women.

• Lehmann's side quest amid Como adventure

  Although she's yet to score for Como since making her debut for the ambitious Serie A Femminile in October, Lehmann is loving life when it comes to the Baller League and got fully involved with the entertainment side of things on Monday night. She manages MVPs United in the UK edition alongside TV personality Maya James. This was the third game of season two, with MVPs finishing runner-up in the hugely successful first season earlier in 2025.

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• Instagram/alishalehmann7
  

  Swiss star meets with Chelsea legend Terry

  This week's match for Lehmann's MVPs was against Terry's 26ers and everything seemed very cordial as the two bosses posed for a snap together to mark the occasion.

• MVPs United beaten

  Unfortunately for Lehmann, her team was beaten 3-1, a first defeat of this season. J'Ardell Stirling, Emmanuel Robe and Bilal Sayoud scored the crucial goals for 26ers, with Montel McKenzie finding the net for MVPs.

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  What comes next?

  Season two of Baller League UK continues next Monday night with matchday four. For Lehmann, who hasn't completed 90 minutes in Serie A for Como since October 5 and was only a substitute for a win over Ternana last weekend, there's first a visit from AC Milan to attack on Saturday.

New Zealand-born seamer agrees move to Bristol on three-year deal

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Aug-2025Gloucestershire have signed seam bowler Will Williams on a three-year contract. Williams, who began his career in New Zealand but has played for Lancashire since 2022, will join at the end of the season.The 32-year-old has only played three times in the County Championship this season but had been offered a contract extension. In all, he has taken 99 first-class wickets at 24.29 for Lancashire, as well as nine in List A competition.Gloucestershire have been severely depleted by player departures, with fast bowlers Ajeet Singh Dale, Zaman Akhter, Tom Price and Dom Goodman all agreeing moves elsewhere. Singh Dale will move in the opposite direction to Williams, Akhter is joining Essex, while Price and Goodman have both signed for Sussex.”It is not often a player becomes available still in the peak of their career with a bowling record like Will’s,” Gloucestershire’s head coach, Mark Alleyne, said”That alone would have been enough to attract our interest, but after a couple of meetings, it was clear this lad is a lot more than a high-performing bowler. He has the character I love in a cricketer and is prepared to commit totally to the cause.”I look forward to welcoming and embracing him to the Glorious family; I’m confident he will be popular with players and supporters alike.”Williams was born in New Zealand and spent ten years with Canterbury. He has dual UK-NZ citizenship and has been registered as a local player since joining Lancashire.”I’m really excited for this new chapter in my life. Speaking to Mark [Alleyne], it’s clear the club has strong ambitions, and he’s made it clear how I fit into those plans,” Williams said.”From the outside, Gloucestershire has always looked like a tight-knit, hardworking group. I’m keen to bring my experience, learn from the environment, and hopefully make a positive impact on and off the field. I can’t wait to get started and to make Gloucestershire and Bristol my new home.”

West Ham are making serious plans to reinforce their squad in the January transfer window, as now confirmed by reliable media sources.

West Ham target defender, midfielder and forward in January

According to Sky Sports this week, the Hammers have promised Nuno Espírito Santo that funds will be available to reinforce his squad at the turn of the year, coming as some much-needed good news.

It is also believed that the east Londoners could make as many as three major signings across the squad.

One of the main priorities for West Ham is strengthening their defence. The team has shown major vulnerability at the back, conceding more goals than any other side in the Premier League so far this season, so bringing in a reliable defender could be essential.

Midfield is another area West Ham are keen to upgrade. Their current options have struggled to get a foot-hold in games or provide that creative spark needed through the middle, with Nuno raising many eyebrows after his bizarre team selection to play Brentford.

Tomas Soucek and Andy Irving were overrun by a dominant Bees side who had 17 shots in total, and if West Ham are to avoid the drop, they need to plug those gaps in the engine room.

West Ham are also after a forward, which is arguably their most glaring need of all.

Niclas Füllkrug’s injury woes have carried on into this campaign, while youngster Callum Marshall is inexperienced and Callum Wilson boasts a torrid fitness record of his own.

The Irons are already being linked with a host of intriguing striker names, with Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney, Man United’s Josh Zirkzee and Real Madrid starlet Endrick all mentioned as potential targets.

West Ham are rumoured to have done some work on a loan deal for Toney in January, but if that fails to pay dividends, Endrick is emerging as a more and more likely option.

The Brazilian has struggled for game time under Xabi Alonso, partly due to injury, and it was a similar story during Carlo Ancelotti’s final year in charge.

Endrick did play a key role in Real’s run to the Copa del Rey final last term, scoring five goals in the competition, but could do nothing as El Clásico rivals Barcelona eventually beat them to the trophy in April.

Fabrizio Romano and other media sources are adamant that the 19-year-old could leave the Bernabeu on loan this winter — opening the door for a potential West Ham deal amid their long-standing interest.

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared a very interesting update, and Endrick isn’t the only Real player on West Ham’s radar.

West Ham in talks with Real Madrid over signing Endrick and Gonzalo Garcia

Bailey, in a piece for TBR Football, claims that West Ham are “already in talks” over a “double deal” involving Endrick and Gonzalo Garcia.

The former would come in on loan, while Nuno’s side have also asked about Garcia as their manager “pleads with his bosses” for more attacking reinforcements.

Endrick rejected a move to West Ham last January, so it is unclear what his stance would be on a move this time around with many clubs likely to be interested, but Garcia is apparently keen on a move to England.

The 21-year-old Spaniard, who won the Golden Boot award at last summer’s Club World Cup, has been limited to brief substitute appearances under Alonso this season but bagged an assist against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League last month.

Despite his limited chances in 2025/2026, Alonso holds Garcia in very high esteem, even comparing the young striker to Los Blancos legend Raul over the summer.

With West Ham speaking to Real about signing both Endrick and Garcia, there is reason to believe the young, hungry striking duo could inject some much-needed energy and attacking flair into Nuno’s ranks.

MLB.com has released its annual Top 100 Players Right Now list and it's a huge thrill for all of the baseball players honored. But because it's a list it means there's controversy. Michael Kay, a staple of New York Yankees broadcasts for years, shared his disbelief that Shohei Ohtani was ranked No. 1 over Aaron Judge during his radio show Friday.

“On what planet can you say that Ohtani is better than Judge?" Kay wondered. "I don’t understand it. Are you projecting in 2025 that you think Ohtani is going to go back to being a dominant pitcher?”

Kay came to the table with a thorough study of offensive stats, which tend to favor Judge. But Ohtani did become the first 50-50 club member in baseball history and has the capacity to be one of the game's best pitchers when healthy.

On one hand it could be a situation where MLB.com got to the top of the list and had to make a call between two incredible players. On the other it could be that pesky and very real anti-Yankees bias that exists.

“I just think, and I hate to admit it, that there is an anti-Yankee bias,” Kay said. "And I think everyone in Major League Baseball is absolutely in awe at the skills sets exhibited by Ohtani. And they should be — he’s one of the best baseball players ever. And so is Judge. So when they’re that close, you have to look at the statistics … Judge’s statistics are far superior to Ohtani’s."

This is why these lists are always tough. Top Players Right Now could not be clearer and yet the results could mean that they're forecasting a stellar return ot the mound for Ohtani. Or, believe it or not, that's he's a better player than Judge even without doing double duty.

One thing we can perhaps agree on is that on a ranking of the best players of a sport in the world, there is never tas meaningful of a gulf between No. 1 and No. 2 as people like to think. It's a lesson that could have been learned among the neverending LeBron James-Michael Jordan debates, but here we are again.

Celtic are consulting the managerial market in an attempt to bring in a new boss and are reportedly now ready to present a formal approach to their preferred candidate.

Undoubtedly, the feeling around Parkhead has changed dramatically in the last couple of weeks since Martin O’Neill was appointed in interim charge to lead the Scottish Premiership champions.

Joyous scenes against Falkirk and Rangers were tempered by a disappointing first-half collapse against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League last Thursday. However, Celtic signed off for the international break with a 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock to close the gap on Heart of Midlothian to seven points.

Furthermore, a game in hand will serve as an opportunity to move within four points of the league leaders, though, who will be in charge to lead the Bhoys’ defence of the Scottish top-flight crown?

Wales boss Craig Bellamy has ruled himself out of the Celtic vacancy. Nevertheless, Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy is the latest name to enter the running after his strong start to the campaign at the League One outfit.

Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Nicky Hayen, and Efrain Juarez are also on the Bhoys’ radar. Meanwhile, Wilfried Nancy is the wildcard choice after his sterling work at Columbus Crew.

With several pivotal fixtures to come and off-field tension between supporters and the hierarchy continuing to linger, there is a feeling that Celtic must get this appointment right to move forward in unison.

Difficult away clashes against St Mirren, Feyenoord and Hibernian linger on the other side of the international break, so it is fair to say time if of the essence if the Bhoys are to bring someone into the fold on a full-time basis, and they may just be about to pull off that feat.

Celtic readying formal approach for Kjetil Knutsen

According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are readying an official approach for Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen after discovering that the 57-year-old is keen to take on a new challenge and is excited by the thought of taking over at Parkhead.

The report make it clear that he is still the standout foreign candidate, albeit the Bhoys also want an interview with Ipswich boss McKenna despite the fact Dermot Desmond may have to pay £5 million to secure him from Portman Road.

Kjetil Knutsen’s record at Bodo/Glimt

Wins

209

Draws

72

Losses

70

Trophies

Eliteserien x4

Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane, a former Celtic player, has yet to receive a phone call regarding the vacant position. Still, it is said that he would ‘sprint to the table if asked’ to succeed O’Neill at the helm of the Scottish champions.

The Bhoys want to come to a resolution by December at the latest and they could now be closer to finding their next permanent manager if Knutsen was able to finalise contract terms.

An alternative Celtic manager candidate has a secret release clause

Nevertheless, nothing is signed and sealed until ink physically exists on paper, so there is still a long way to go before supporters know who their next leader will be.