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The Ireland men’s team is set to tour Zimbabwe for three T20Is and three ODIs in January. All six matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club. The tour will start with the T20Is on January 12, 14 and 15, followed by the ODIs on January 18, 20 and 23.The ODI series will not be part of the World Cup Super League.For both teams, the series will be the first international action since the T20 World Cup, and provide valuable game time leading into the ODI World Cup Qualifier, which is scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe in June-July 2023. As things stand, Zimbabwe are out of the running to qualify directly for the 2023 World Cup, which is scheduled for October-November in India, while Ireland are in a four-way tussle to secure the eighth and final automatic-qualification slot.Ireland are currently in 10th place on the 13-team league table, with one series remaining, at home against Bangladesh in the summer of 2023. They will need to win all three matches in that series to have a chance of finishing in eighth place, while also hoping that Sri Lanka and South Africa don’t win all their respective remaining games.Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are in 12th place. Their last Super League series is at home against 13th-placed Netherlands in March 2023.

The Champions League knockout rounds often deliver plenty of entertainment, with some truly mammoth ties reaching epic conclusions over the years.

There is always time for drama, excitement and comebacks galore across any two-legged tie, and when the continent’s finest get involved, it is often the sport at its very best.

Indeed, while the final is usually a dull affair, the knockout rounds are where all the fun is. With that in mind, we look back on 16 all-time classic knockout ties.

16 Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Malaga 2012/13 quarter-final

Malaga have only ever qualified for the Champions League once, where they enjoyed a shock run to the quarter-finals in 2012/13, but were ultimately bested by Borussia Dortmund.

It was close, though. The Spanish side held Dortmund to a goalless draw in the first leg before taking a 2-1 lead in the second with just minutes to go. In stoppage time, however, Dortmund scored twice through Marco Reus and Felipe Santana to book their spots in the semi-finals in dramatic fashion.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Spaniards, especially as Santana had looked to be offside for the eventual winner.

15 Manchester United 5-6 Real Madrid 2002/03 quarter-final

Ronaldo was the star as Real Madrid dumped Manchester United out in the quarter-finals in 2002/03. Madrid installed a commanding lead following a 3-1 victory in the first leg through goals from Luis Figo and a Raul brace.

Despite United edging a seven-goal thriller at Old Trafford, Ronaldo’s memorable hat-trick secured a 6-5 win on aggregate.

Ronaldo’s second goal, which saw him expertly control a long pass and then volley past United ‘keeper Fabien Barthez in one fluid motion, became one of the most iconic in Champions League history.

14 Manchester City 4-4 Tottenham Hotspur 2018/19 quarter-Final

The first leg of the 2018/19 quarter-final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City was a narrow affair, with the Lilywhites running out as 1-0 winners in the first European game at their new stadium. The second leg, however, was a goal-fest.

City led 3-2 after just 21 minutes, before Sergio Aguero’s goal put City ahead on aggregate on the hour mark. But Fernando Llorente’s controversial goal – which saw the Spaniard bundle the ball into the net with his hip (though some may say his arm) – sent Spurs through on away goals.

In stoppage time, Raheem Sterling thought he had won it, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. An absolute modern classic.

13 Chelsea 6-5 Napoli 2011/12 round of 16

The 2011/12 last-16 tie between Chelsea and Napoli was a true tale of two ties.

Napoli dominated the first leg in Italy, winning 3-1 thanks to goals from Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi. With the Blues on course for an early exit and dismissing manager Andre Villas-Boas between the two legs, they produced a dramatic turnaround at Stamford Bridge.

After goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard levelled ​​​​​​the tie in regular time, Branislav Ivanovic scored the winner in extra-time to send Roberto Di Matteo’s side to the quarter-finals. We all know what happened next.

The 11 highest-scoring Champions League matches of all time

From nine-goal thrillers to epic thrashings, we have taken a look at the highest-scoring Champions League matches.

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 22, 2025 12 Bayern Munich 4-4 Man United 2009/10 quarter-final

Away goals proved decisive as Bayern Munich knocked out Manchester United in the 2009/10 quarter-finals, progressing despite a 4-4 aggregate scoreline.

Bayern snatched a first-leg victory with a late Ivica Olic winner, though were up against it as United took control at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils led 3-0 in the second leg after goals from Darron Gibson and Nani. However, Olic struck before half-time, and Arjen Robben’s stunning volley in the 74th minute secured Bayern’s passage on away goals. The Bavarians went on to lose the final against Inter in Madrid.

11 Milan 5-0 Inter 2004/05 quarter-final

Not a comeback thriller, but a drama-filled derby – Milan took the bragging rights in emphatic fashion during their 2004/05 Derby della Madonnina quarter-final against Inter.

Milan won the first leg 2-0, with Jaap Stam and Andriy Shevchenko on the scoresheet. In the return fixture, they extended their advantage with Shevchenko adding another goal before the match was abandoned in the 72nd minute due to crowd trouble, as Inter fans threw flares onto the pitch – one of which struck Milan goalkeeper Dida.

UEFA handed Milan an automatic 3-0 win on the night, making it 5-0 on aggregate.

The chaos also spawned one of the most iconic images as rivals Marco Materazzi and Rui Costa took a moment to admire the flames.

10 Roma 4-4 Barcelona 2017/18 quarter-finals

After losing 4-1 to Barcelona in the first leg of the 2017/18 quarter-finals, Roma’s chances of progressing to the last four seemed slim.

However, in front of their home fans in the second leg, they stunned the football world by winning 3-0, overturning the deficit to progress on away goals.

Edin Džeko opened the scoring in just six minutes, before Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas sealed the comeback. His header was later immortalised by some iconic Peter Drury commentary.

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Peter Drury has settled in as the voice of Premier League football on Sky Sports. Here’s a look at his moments behind the mic.

ByAlex Caple Dec 24, 2023 9 Chelsea 7-5 Liverpool 2008/09 quarter-finals

Chelsea and Liverpool have seen out some classic matches over the years, but none have been quite as good as their meeting in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2008/09.

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Liverpool came flying out of the blocks in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge, scoring two in the first half to level the scores on aggregate.

Chelsea then scored three goals to make it 6-3, seemingly sealing the tie, but Liverpool responded with two goals in quick succession to set up a tense finish. As Liverpool pushed for an away-goals triumph, Frank Lampard scored Chelsea’s fourth, ending the Reds’ hopes of a dramatic comeback.

8 Deportivo 5-4 Milan 2003/04 quarter-finals

Milan were the heavy favourites heading into their quarter-final tie with Deportivo La Coruña in 2003/04, and things went according to the script in the first leg, with the Italians winning 4-1 at the San Siro thanks to goals from Kaka, Andriy Shevchenko and Andrea Pirlo.

However, in the second leg back in Spain, Deportivo did the unthinkable, thrashing Milan 4-0 at the Riazor. Fran’s 76th-minute strike proved to be the crucial goal that sent them into their first, and still only, Champions League semi-final.

7 Chelsea 5-4 Barcelona 2004/05 round of 16

Chelsea’s 5-4 aggregate win over Barcelona in the last-16 in 2004/05 had it all: a comeback on home soil, one of the Champions League’s greatest-ever goals, and peak Jose Mourinho dramatics.

After a 2-1 first-leg loss at Camp Nou, Chelsea stormed into a 3-0 lead in 19 minutes at Stamford Bridge, but Ronaldinho’s magical toe-poke made it 3-2, meaning the Catalans were headed for the quarter-finals.

John Terry, however, had other ideas, heading in a late winner to seal a dramatic win for the Blues, which Mourinho celebrated in a pile-on with his team while Ronaldinho and Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard were having a scuffle with security.

Everton host Bournemouth in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend and then welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park in a crucial Premier League clash.

Were the Toffees to arrive at this juncture in the shape of two months ago, it’s probably fair to say that the prevailing atmosphere would be one of gloom and anxiety.

David Moyes has changed that. Everton are riding a three-match winning streak in the Premier League and have rediscovered their attacking identity, putting plenty of space between themselves and the relegation fodder.

The player driving the new narrative forward? Iliman Ndiaye, fast becoming a sensation in Blue.

Iliman Ndiaye is Moyes' main man

Everton signed Ndiaye from Ligue 1 side Marseille for a £15m fee last summer and has proved to be one of the more astute pieces of business over the past dysfunctional years, firing eight goals home across his opening 26 appearances.

He stood out as a shining light throughout the dreary Dyche-led months of the campaign and has now scored in each of Everton’s three victories under Moyes’ wing, with BBC Sport’s Oluwashina Okeleji even pronouncing him “Everton’s standout performer this season.”

As per FBref, Ndiaye ranks among the top 8% of Premier League wingers this season for successful take-ons and the top 17% for tackles per 90, as well as the top 19% for pass completion.

The left-sided forward has instantly established himself as a fan favourite, making a mark under Dyche’s wing and now flourishing with Moyes at the helm. The future is bright, and The Friedkin Group will be desperate to keep him in the ranks over the coming years.

Interest is inevitable, but Everton will hope to strengthen their more stable conditions so as to avoid a repeat of the Anthony Gordon sale.

When Everton sold Anthony Gordon

In January 2023, things were not well in the blue half of Liverpool. Frank Lampard would be dismissed from his manager’s seat after less than a year in charge, with Everton 19th in the Premier League.

One week later, on the eve of deadline day, Newcastle United would succeed in their fight to sign Gordon, who forced his way out of the club that handed him his senior debut, moving to Tyneside in a deal worth £45m.

Before his departure, James Tarkowski came to Gordon’s aid: “He has been different class. All the paper talk and all the speculation, to be fair he just cracks on. Whatever comes will happen, but I love having him on my team. There is a reason why teams are after him.”

Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard also hailed Gordon for his “frightening” talent and speed after one FA Cup fixture, preceding the English winger’s sale, and many of an Everton persuasion knew that the potency would come, that Gordon was destined for a top role in football.

Well, he’s hit his stride and then some at St. James’ Park, now a nine-cap Three Lions international and the recipient of Newcastle’s Player of the Year award last season.

Nidaye is a fantastic player, but he’s not on Gordon’s level, not yet. Looking at the players’ statistics in the Premier League this season, it’s clear to see exactly why there was such resentment over his decision to flee Goodison Park at that fledgling phase.

Iliman Ndiaye vs Anthony Gordon (PL – 24/25)

Match Stats*

Ndiaye

Gordon

Matches (starts)

23 (21)

23 (22)

Goals

6

6

Assists

0

5

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

2.2 (0.8)

Pass completion

84%

79%

Key passes*

0.7

2.2

Dribble (success)*

2.5 (51%)

1.4 (48%)

Ball recoveries*

6.2

3.7

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

1.3

Total duels (won)*

6.3 (50%)

4.9 (52%)

Stats via Sofascore (* = per game)

Curiously, though, Ndiaye isn’t actually outstripped across many underlying metrics, owing to the Senegalese winger’s combative and committed nature.

But it’s safe to say that Gordon, aged 23, has grown into one of the most talented forwards in English football, coveted by some of the Premier League’s most impressive outfits.

Ndiaye lacks the creative side that his Toon counterpart boasts, who is shaping into the complete winger. This is indeed reflected through the intrigue of top clubs such as Liverpool, with Newcastle offering their one-time youth prospect, who left and joined Everton when he was 11 years old, to Anfield last summer so to placate PSR concerns.

Ultimately, Newcastle managed to circumvent the financial issue by parting with some younger, less significant members of the squad.

It’s believed that Gordon’s worth was determined at £75m, a figure that Everton could have benefitted immensely from, had he remained on the books for longer.

Perhaps, for example, if Moyes had been re-appointed to the Goodison Park dugout earlier, as Farhad Moshiri had attempted prior to the Scotsman’s illustrious second spell with West Ham United, Gordon wouldn’t have felt the need to move away.

Market Movers

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He could have fostered his qualities on Merseyside, stretching from the excellent £45m fee that was claimed for his sale and hitting something in the ballpark of his current market value, boosting the Everton cause on the pitch all the while.

Ndiaye is a terrific talent, but he hasn’t yet reached such heights and the jury is very much out as to whether he will. As per Football Transfers, he’s currently valued at just £19m, a figure that is incrementally rising, month by month, but remains roughly two times less valuable than the £38m-rated Gordon.

Ultimately, the conditions surrounding Gordon’s sale mean that supporters issue boos whenever he returns to his former stomping ground.

There is, truly, no love lost. However, we’d better shelve this one under ‘what could have been’, for Everton could have reaped so much more both on and off the field.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Feb 5, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O bom início de temporada de Erison já faz o Botafogo se movimentar nos bastidores. Nesse sentido, o clube de General Severiano demonstrou interesse em renovar o contrato do atacante, que tem vínculo até o fim de 2023. A informação foi divulgada inicialmente pelo site “ge”. Posteriormente, o LANCE! a confirmou.

Botafogo ultrapassa Fluminense: saiba os clubes do Brasil com mais sócios-torcedores

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>Veja por que Oyama se consolidou no meio-campo do Botafogo

O empresário do jogador, Ronaldo Lucato, da “RJ Gestão Esportiva”, esteve no Rio de Janeiro para acompanhar os últimos jogos do Botafogo no Estádio Nilton Santos. Lá, teve uma conversa com o diretor de futebol do clube, André Mazzuco, que manifestou o interesse do Alvinegro.

Além da renovação de contrato, o Botafogo também quer aumentar o percentual dos direitos econômicos que tem sobre o atleta. Informações adicionais do “ge” apontam que o Glorioso quer garantir, pelo menos, 40% do atacante.

> Veja e simule a tabela do Brasileirão

Com a camisa do Alvinegro, Erison disputou 19 partidas, marcou 12 gols e distribuiu três assistências. Na expectativa de mais uma boa atuação do atacante, o Botafogo volta a campo no próximo sábado, às 21h, para enfrentar o América-MG no Independência. A partida é válida pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão e terá transmissão em tempo real peloLANCE!.

Chelsea have already lined up a Jadon Sancho replacement as the Blues are reportedly looking at Real Betis star Jesus Rodriguez.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Sancho has struggled to impress at Chelsea
• Blues ready to send him back to Man Utd
• Are monitoring Antony's Betis teammate Rodriguez

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rodríguez has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Betis this season, catching the attention of top European clubs with a string of impressive performances since making his senior debut in October. His display against Polish outfit Jagiellonia in the UEFA Conference League this week only further solidified his growing reputation, playing a crucial role in pushing Betis towards the semi-finals.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Chelsea have been keeping close tabs on the winger and as they view him as a potential successor to Sancho, should a transfer materialise in the coming months.

  Despite the growing speculation surrounding Rodríguez’s future, Real Betis are understood to be calm about the situation. The club moved swiftly to secure the youngster’s services with a fresh contract that includes a €35 million (£30m/$40m) release clause. Interestingly, the contract also contains a secondary clause, which permits Betis to raise that buyout figure if serious interest arrives, giving them added leverage in any future negotiations.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini, Rodríguez has been deployed primarily on the left wing, where he enjoys cutting inside onto his favoured right foot. However, his flexibility has also allowed him to operate on the right flank, occasionally filling in for Antony, who is currently on loan from Manchester United.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea have already demonstrated their intention to invest in emerging talent, most recently securing the signing of Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon. Though Quenda will continue his development on loan in Portugal for another season, his arrival highlights Chelsea’s long-term recruitment strategy.

Bumrah and company come out on top with 132-run lead which became 257 by stumps

Karthik Krishnaswamy03-Jul-20222:56

Giles: ‘Players have gotten smarter around balls being changed frequently’

Jonny Bairstow added a new chapter to a glorious summer with a belligerent 106 off 140 balls, but it was India who took control of the Edgbaston Test over the course of an enthralling third day. Their quicks, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, bowled England out for 284 to secure a first-innings lead of 132, and by stumps, this lead had grown to 257, with seven wickets still in hand, as Cheteshwar Pujara marked his comeback with a rock-solid, unbeaten third-innings half-century.After both first innings flew along at more than four-and-a-half runs per over, India’s second innings followed a far more traditional Test-match pattern as they went to stumps at 125 for 3 after 45 overs. This was down in large part to Pujara’s presence at the crease, of course, but every minute he spent out there was precious to India’s push to bat England out of the game. Barring a couple of nervy moments, he looked utterly secure – more secure in his defence, possibly, than at any point since the Covid-19 pandemic began.In this Test match, it has been apparent that Pujara has changed his set-up at the crease to get more side-on, with his front shoulder pointing to the bowler rather than towards mid-on as was the case during the first four Tests of this series in 2021. On Sunday, this seemed to allow him to adjust more easily to late away movement than he has done in recent times. Where he would occasionally get squared up by these deliveries while playing the initial angle – a common pattern in a lot of his dismissals in Australia and England last year – he seemed to be able to play the ball later here, and adjust the angle of his bat face to defend in the direction of the movement.His leaving was full of certainty too, even against incoming balls in the channel outside off stump, against Stuart Broad in particular. The only time he got into a tangle while leaving was when Ben Stokes bent one into him, late, to strike him on the front pad. A loud shout was turned down, and England’s review returned an umpire’s call verdict, with ball-tracking suggesting the ball would have gone on to clip the outside edge of off stump.This moment came soon after Stokes had produced the ball of the innings, which lifted unplayably to kiss Virat Kohli’s glove, to end a 32-run third-wicket partnership. Getting Pujara out then could have put India – who at that point led by 218 – under quite a bit of pressure. As it turned out, Pujara and the impish Rishabh Pant saw out the rest of the evening’s play, putting on an unbroken 50-run stand for the fourth wicket.Jonny Bairstow scored his fifth Test century of 2022•Getty Images

The morning began with India ascendant, leading by 332 with England five down. They would have been wary of Bairstow and Stokes, however, an overnight batting pair that’s as likely as any to turn a situation like this on its head.Bumrah and Shami bowled through an engrossing first half hour, and had, by the end of that period, sent down 30 of the innings’ 33 overs, thanks to rain and the overnight break giving them frequent periods of rest. Bairstow and Stokes had shown the bowling plenty of respect during this half-hour, and even so had been lucky to survive with the ball moving both ways at pace and beating their edges frequently.Then came a frenetic period where both batters switched gears. Bairstow did so successfully, hitting six pristinely timed fours in the space of 16 balls to go from 16 off 65 to 50 off 81. Stokes, however, kept offering India chances, only for Shardul Thakur to put him down on 18, off the luckless Shami, and then for Bumrah to put him down on 25, Thakur the bowler on this occasion. Both were straightforward chances. Remarkably, though, Stokes hit Thakur’s next ball in the air as well, in the direction once again of Bumrah at mid-off, and this time he plucked out a far more difficult chance, diving to his left, to leave England 149 for 6.Bairstow kept playing one breathtaking shot after another – highlights included a drive over mid-off off Mohammed Siraj and a pick-up whip off Thakur that bisected long leg and deep square leg – either side of successfully reviewing an lbw given by Aleem Dar off Thakur’s bowling. Just as he entered the 90s, though, rain sprinkled down to take the players off the field. Apart from the 40 minutes of the lunch break, which was taken 15 minutes early, a further 35 minutes were lost before play resumed.When it did, Bairstow rushed to his century, clipping Thakur pristinely between midwicket and a deepish mid-on, and then stabbing him to the point boundary to bring up the landmark. It took him only 119 balls to get there, but it was still the slowest of his three centuries this summer.Bumrah returned to the attack for a fiery spell during which he beat Sam Billings’ bat twice and found his edge once – only for it to fall short of the cordon – in an over before having a loud lbw shout turned down – rightly so, it emerged after he went for the review – when he bent a low full-toss sharply inwards at Bairstow. He gave way to Shami after four overs, and the change brought a wicket instantly, as Bairstow drove away from his body at an outswinger to nick to first slip.With England six down and still 175 behind, India scented a quick finish to the innings, and they largely achieved this, as Siraj bounced out Broad, bowled Billings off the inside edge, and then had Matthew Potts caught at second slip to complete an odd sort of four-wicket haul.Siraj was expensive, conceding 66 in 11.3 overs, and threatened the batters far less consistently than Bumrah or Shami, but every bowler enjoys the occasional day when they are far from their best but end up with a big haul. The final wicket came in debatable circumstances too, with Shreyas Iyer grabbing the low chance on the second grab, having first scooped it up from very close to the turf – close enough that the decision may have gone the batter’s way had the soft signal been not out rather than out.

A defeat on derby day is always something of a disaster, but Manchester City’s loss to Manchester United yesterday afternoon was something else entirely.

Pep Guardiola’s side are going through a crisis the likes of which they haven’t experienced under the Spanish coach before.

The Citizens have now lost eight of their last 11 games and look a shadow of their former selves, and yesterday was no exception.

Man City’s recent results
Competition	Opponent	Result
Premier League	Manchester United (H)	2-1 (L)
Champions League	Juventus (A)	2-0 (L)
Premier League	Crystal Palace (A)	2-2 (D)
Premier League	Nottingham Forest (H)	3-0 (W)
Premier League	Liverpool (A)	2-0 (L)

There were poor performances across the pitch for the hosts, but two players, including Matheus Nunes, stood out for all the wrong reasons.

Nunes performance vs United

Now, the first thing to say is that much of the blame for Nunes’ poor showing should be shouldered by Guardiola, as injuries to the squad saw him start the Brazilian at left-back, which is a position he had never played before.

With that said, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers’ inexperience cannot be used as an excuse for his lack of impact throughout most of the game nor his costly mistakes at the end.

For example, while the team as a whole must face the blame for losing last night, it was the 26-year-old who gave away the equalising penalty for a foul on Amad Diallo, who had intercepted his lazy backpass.

Then, less than two minutes later, he failed to get back and clear the Ivorian’s match-winning effort off the line despite appearing to have the time to do so.

Unsurprisingly, such a display saw GIVEMESPORT’s Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant award him a 4/10, which seems more than fair considering his mistakes.

However, while Nunes turned a mediocre performance into a disastrous one in the final five minutes, one of his teammates was poor for the entire game and must not start for City again.

The City dud worse than Nunes

Now, as we said earlier, there were underwhelming performances all over the pitch for the hosts last night, but the worst was undoubtedly Kyle Walker.

The City captain has been lacklustre for some time now, but was notably poor yesterday.

The former Tottenham Hotspurs star was utterly ineffective going forward and, like Nunes, was a disaster in defence, strolling into the box for Diallo’s winning goal.

In fact, the most notable thing he did during the game was feign a head injury during his confrontation with Rasmus Hojlund, an incident Roy Keane said must have left him feeling “embarrassed” after the game.

Such a display left Jacobs-Bryant equally unimpressed, as she awarded the Englishman a 4/10 match rating at full-time and doubled down on the ’embarrasing’ nature of the Hojlund incident.

However, when we look at his statistics from the game, it can be argued that the 4/10 rating is still too generous.

For example, in his 96 minutes of action, the Sheffield-born defender amassed an expected assists figure of 0.03, made just one block, one tackle and one clearance, lost 50% of his ground duels, lost the ball a staggering 20 times, maintained a passing accuracy of just 76%, misplaced nine of 11 long passes and failed 50% of his dribbles.

Walker’s game in numbers
Minutes	96′
Expected Assists	0.03
Blocks	1
Tackles	1
Clearances	1
Ground Duels (Won)	4 (2)
Lost Possession	20
Passing Accuracy	55/72 (76%)
Long Passes (Accurate)	11 (2)
Shots	0
Dribbles (Successful)	2 (1)
All Stats via Sofascore

Ultimately, while the entire City team were poor against United yesterday, Nunes, and particularly Walker, stood out as the worst of the worst, and while the Brazilian may have to keep his place in the team, Pep must drop the Englishman.

Man City ready to go all out to sign "elite" £52m star after internal talks

He’d instantly replace Rodri.

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 15, 2024

Liverpool are considering making an £8m offer for a highly-rated young player who “has everything” in his game, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds have had some quiet transfer windows of late, with supporters left frustrated by a lack of business, even though they are shining under Arne Slot, topping the Premier League table after a flying start to the campaign.

More signings should be expected moving forward and Juventus starlet Kenan Yildiz has been mentioned as an option for Liverpool. It is believed that £66m could be enough for the Merseysiders to get their man, with the 19-year-old an attacking player with a high ceiling.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Reds future is still in doubt, with the vice-captain not yet signing a new contract at Anfield, so it’s no surprise to see potential replacements being lined up. Porto right-back Martim Fernandes has been mentioned as a target, with the 18-year-old already racking up 24 appearances for the Portuguese giants.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has also been linked with Liverpool, but the Dutchman is seen as a replacement for Ryan Gravenberch, should his international teammate depart. That would be a huge shock, however, given his performance under Slot this season, where he has become one of the first names on Slot’s team sheet.

Liverpool planning £8m offer for young star

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool are contemplating tabling an £8m bid for Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller, with club scouts giving “glowing reviews” of him. The 18-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in Scottish football and has been linked with a host of other big clubs, including Newcastle United, Celtic and Rangers.

Miller would very much be one for the future at Liverpool, rather than someone who could come straight in as a key starter, especially with the Reds already possessing so much depth in the middle of the park. Like current Anfield youngster Ben Doak, though, the Motherwell ace is a player who has an enormous amount of potential, recently being lauded by Andy Halliday.

“I’ve been lucky to play with a few talented youngsters, but I look at Lennon and he’s got everything. It’s not even being a young player, I think he’s one of our best players and has been for a couple of seasons, now. I think we’ve very lucky to have him, but I’ve said this many times as well, and I think Lennon knows it, that’s he’s also very lucky to have Motherwell.”

Despite still only being 18 years of age, Miller has already played 59 times for Motherwell, showing that he is already an important figure at the heart of his side’s midfield.

Liverpool already have their next Mane & it's not Gakpo or Diaz

Liverpool will hope this top young star can be their next iteration of Sadio Mane.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 9, 2024

The lure of moving to a club as big as Liverpool would surely appeal, even though he knows his playing time would be limited, and he could be loaned out to begin with, potentially even remaining where he is for another season.

Wayne Parnell has been ruled out of the match with a hamstring injury, while Temba Bavuma is fit to play

Mohammad Isam22-Mar-2022

Bangladesh are unlikely to change their playing XI for the decider against South Africa•AFP/Getty Images

Big pictureBefore reaching South Africa, Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal and coach Russell Domingo were confident of notching up a maiden ODI series win here. They started with a big win in the first ODI in Centurion, but the hosts hit back in the second game in Johannesburg. The teams now head to Centurion again for the decider – a first on a Bangladesh tour of South Africa.South Africa have been blowing hot and cold since the start of 2021, winning seven of the 15 ODIs and losing six, with two matches producing no result. It will not be an easy task for Bangladesh to thump South Africa at home; however, it wouldn’t impossible either.A strong bowling performance led by Kagiso Rabada, who picked up a five-for, helped South Africa level the series in the second ODI. Lungi Ngidi too bowled well and so did Wayne Parnell, before injuring his left hamstring. But they might have expected a bit more from the spin duo of Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.Related

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Quinton de Kock attacked Bangladesh from the word go, and Kyle Verreynne and Temba Bavuma, nursing a hand injury, kept them in the game in the short chase. South Africa will want more from their batters, and not just in runs, but also to take on the Bangladesh bowling attack like de Kock did in the second game.Bangladesh are unlikely to change their playing XI, with the same set of players having featured for the sixth match in a row in Johannesburg. Such consistency in selection is not common with the visitors, and it shows the approach of a captain and a coach who believe in giving enough chances to a player to prove his worth before dropping them after a poor performance.Runs from the likes of Litton Das, Yasir Ali and Afif Hossain have not only eased the pressure on the four senior batters, but has also made Bangladesh a well-rounded batting side. Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan will be manning the top-order fort, while Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, surprisingly off colour lately, will be expected to provide the flourish in the end.Bangladesh’s bowling has also done the job. Taskin Ahmed will be leading the attack with his accuracy and searing pace. Mustafizur Rahman is the end-overs master, while Shoriful Islam has shown he is adept at both ends of the innings. Mehidy Hasan Miraz is evolving as an allrounder, with Shakib being the backbone of the bowling department.Form guideSouth Africa WLWWW (Last five completed matches; most recent first)
Bangladesh LWLWWKagiso Rabada will once again be key for South Africa•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlightKagiso Rabada, the leader of South Africa’s pace attack, will be expected to do a bulk of the damage to guide the hosts to the series win. The fast bowler rattled the batting line-up in the second ODI, where his first spell extended to seven overs.There is a lot of talk about promoting Afif Hossain up the order, but Bangladesh believe he will be best suited for No 7. It also looks like Afif is getting accustomed to the role now, evident in the way he rescued the team with an unbeaten 93 after the early collapse in Chattogram against Afghanistan, and also after he scored a brisk 72 on Sunday. Though he is usually aggressive, Afif also knows when to curb that instinct for his team.Team newsWayne Parnell has been ruled out of the match with the hamstring injury, which means Marco Jansen might take his place in the side. Captain Temba Bavuma, who injured his hand, is fit to play. South Africa: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Janneman Malan, 3 Temba Bavuma (capt), 4 Kyle Verreynne, 5 Rassie van der Dussen, 6 David Miller, 7 Keshav Maharaj, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Tabraiz ShamsiDespite the seven-wicket loss in Johannesburg, Bangladesh are unlikely to change their line-up.Bangladesh: 1 Tamim Iqbal (capt), 2 Litton Das, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Yasir Ali, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Shoriful Islam, 11 Mustafizur RahmanPitch and conditionsOnly two out of 12 times have teams lost scoring after 300-plus runs batting first at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The third ODI promises to be a run fest. The forecast says there will be no rain on Wednesday.Stats and trivia Both of Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket hauls in ODIs have come against Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s 314 against South Africa in the first ODI was the first time they scored 300-plus in an ODI when only five bowlers were used by the opposition.Quotes
“If we can handle the first ten overs well, [and] if we don’t give them too many wickets, we can definitely score runs against them in the middle overs.”

Tottenham Hotspur are now monitoring a “fantastic” striker who could be set to leave his current club, according to a report.

Tottenham transfer news

Tottenham’s attacking prowess was on show for all to see last weekend, as they romped home to a shock 4-0 win away at reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, but manager Ange Postecoglou is still keen to strengthen his frontline.

PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder Malik Tillman has become the latest target, with Spurs recently lodging an enquiry to assess whether he is available, while English winger Jamie Gittens is also on the radar after his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund.

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In terms of out-and-out strikers, the Lilywhites currently have the likes of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison on the books, but with the latter’s recovery from a hamstring injury set to be delayed, Postecoglou may be keen to bring in another option.

Calvert-Lewin on Tottenham radar

Reports from Spain have now detailed that Tottenham are looking to strengthen their attack, meaning a move for Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be on the cards.

The striker’s contract with Everton is set to expire at the end of the current season, and he is in no rush to commit to a new deal which would keep him at Goodison Park, potentially opening the door for his departure.

The Toffees view Calvert-Lewin as one of their key players, and they are still trying to convince him to stay, but a number of other Premier League clubs are now queuing up for his signature.

Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Spurs are all named as potential suitors for the Englishman, with the latter keen to add depth to their attacking options.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League games

Date

AFC Bournemouth (a)

December 5

Chelsea (h)

December 8

Southampton (a)

December 15

Liverpool (h)

December 22

Nottingham Forest (a)

December 26

The Everton forward has proven himself over a number of years in the top flight, amassing a total of 56 Premier League goals during his time on Merseyside, meaning he could be a decent back-up option for the likes of Solanke and Richarlison.

It would also be a low-risk signing for Tottenham, given that the 27-year-old could be available for free at the end of the season, which is a real bonus. Having been lauded as “fantastic” by members of the media as recently as last season, there are plenty of reasons for Spurs fans to be excited about this potential acquisition, but there are a few question marks over Calvert-Lewin’s recent form.

Before the game against Man Utd on Sunday, the former Sheffield United man has weighed in with just two goals, and he ranks in the sixth percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, underperforming his expected goals by a huge margin.

As such, Postecoglou will need to think carefully about whether the Everton man is a worthwhile addition to his squad.