An unlikely England recall isn’t out of the question for controversial Marseille star Mason Greenwood, according to one of his team-mates, who has vowed to do all he can to help the former Manchester United winger back into the Three Lions reckoning. Greenwood has been in prolific form for the Ligue 1 side again this season and is believed to be keen on return to the England squad.

• Greenwood revival in south of France

  Greenwood joined Marseille in July last year, leaving Manchester United following charges of attempted rape, assault, and controlling behaviour, which were discontinued after key witnesses withdrew and new material emerged which meant there "was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction." After a successful loan spell at Getafe, Marseille signed him permanently for a reported £26.7 million ($35.3m), with the forward quickly becoming a key player under Roberto De Zerbi. 

  His career has seen a resurgence, with him becoming Marseille’s top scorer last season and continuing his form into the current campaign. In the recent Champions League clash with Newcastle, Greenwood delivered an excellent performance. He was a constant threat from the right wing, creating four chances and providing the cross for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's first goal as Marseille secured a crucial 2-1 victory. 

  And USMNT star Timothy Weah, son of former Paris St-Germain, AC Milan and Chelsea striker George, has promised to do all he can to help Greenwood make a remarkable return to to the England team. 

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• AFP
  

  Weah: 'I'm super proud of him'

  After the victory over Newcastle, Weah told : "When I speak about Mason it’s a special feeling because it’s very rare in a lifetime that you get to share the pitch with such an amazing player and amazing character. We’ve grown closer since I've joined the team and been here. Hopefully he gets that call-up soon. I’m super proud of him. He's having an amazing season and hopefully I can help him to reach those heights that he's aiming for."

• England boss clear on Greenwood position

  Greenwood has made just one senior appearance for the England national team when he was brought on as a substitute in a Nations League match against Iceland in September 2020. But there was controversy afterwards, as he was sent home shortly along with team-mate Phil Foden for breaching COVID-19 quarantine rules by bringing female companions back to the team hotel. He has not been called-up to the England squad since. 

  And while he is eligible to play for Jamaica, he holds hopes he could return to the England set-up, but Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel says he isn’t being considered for selection at the moment. Speaking in September, Tuchel said: "I have not spoken to him until now. I have not spoken to him or his camp. My understanding was that he tries to play for Jamaica so we didn't give it another thought. He was not in the mix at the moment, and he is not in our thoughts for our team."

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• AFP
  

  Greenwood 'not wanted' by Jamaica players

  Greenwood has also been tipped to switch allegiance to Jamaica after gaining his passport earlier this year. Steve McClaren resigned as Jamaica's head coach after the team failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following a 0-0 draw with minnows Curaçao earlier this month. However, Jamaica's World Cup dream is not over and can qualify through the inter-confederation play-offs. But former Arsenal youngster Isaac Hayden has slammed the possibility of Greenwood changing his mind and joining up with the Reggae Boyz if they qualify for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. 

  Hayden said: "I've only played for Jamaica for a year, and there was some resistance to me when I started, but I have played 12 games and everyone can see my passion and the way I play the game. The quality of the player, his numbers, what he is producing, is of the highest level. But it comes down to principle and integrity. If players can just rock up because of a World Cup, it would make the whole thing a farce. That would say a lot about the player, and the organisation for allowing that to happen."

Focus shifts to Ashes for Hazlewood after a stirring spell in the second T20I against India at MCG

Alex Malcolm31-Oct-20252:24

Hazlewood: ‘My skill set has grown in the last few years’

Josh Hazlewood says he is bowling as well as he ever has in white-ball cricket, but he’s urged Australia’s selectors to pick as many allrounders as possible for the Ashes as his attention turns to Sheffield Shield cricket after a stunning T20I performance against India at the MCG.Hazlewood returned Test-match type figures of 3 for 13 from four overs to rip through India’s top-order and help Australia claim a 1-0 series lead with three games to go.But Hazlewood will now leave Australia’s squad to prepare for a Shield match against Victoria starting November 10, which will be his last game before the first Ashes Test on November 21.The injury to Pat Cummins has highlighted Hazlewood’s importance heading into the Ashes series and he has been repeatedly asked if he can get through five Tests against England after going down with injury in each of the only two Tests he played last summer.Related

Cummins makes tentative return to bowling in Ashes fitness race

Hazlewood masterclass hands Australia 1-0 lead

Intent meets precision as Abhishek sparkles in the Melbourne gloom

Hazlewood was asked about the importance of the allrounders in the Test side as debate rages over whether Australia can fit both Cameron Green and Beau Webster in the same top six. But Hazlewood said the allrounders were vital.”First player picked [should be] an allrounder, I think,” Hazlewood said after his Player of the Match effort on Friday. “Going back to those 20-odd Test matches we played with no allrounder, they were hard yards. So if [they] can be in the team, be it bowling, [Ca Green] Greeny is obviously an outstanding player, Beau has done great for us whenever he’s played. The more the merrier, I say. They can bowl as much as they want.”Hazlewood’s recent white-ball form has been sublime. Unlike Mitchell Starc, who has retired from T20I cricket and also skipped the ODI series against South Africa in August to have a long break from bowling, Hazlewood made a conscious decision with the selection panel and CA’s medical staff to play as much as he possibly could throughout the winter. A significant break in the winter of 2024 led to side and calf injuries for Hazlewood that saw him miss five Tests, the Champions Trophy and half the IPL.Hazlewood will not focus on red-ball bowling before the Ashes begin•Randy Brooks/Associated Press

The decision to keep bowling is paying dividends at the moment having got through the second half of the IPL, four winter Tests, T20I and ODI series against South Africa, T20Is against New Zealand, ODIs against India and now two T20Is against India. But he says he won’t know if it is the right one until the end of the Ashes.”Everything’s going swimmingly now,” Hazlewood said. “I think I can’t really say if it’s worked perfectly until probably after the summer. If I get through everything, it’s probably the template moving forward, to put myself in the best position to play as many games as possible. Still resting the odd one here and there, if it doesn’t sort of match up with travel or turnarounds and stuff like that.”While Australia’s squad fly to Hobart on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s third T20I before heading north to Queensland for the last two matches on the Gold Coast and Brisbane next Thursday and Saturday respectively, Hazlewood will head home to Sydney to rest before playing for New South Wales against Victoria in a Shield game at the SCG that starts on November 10.”The next week, I’ll just probably get in the gym a couple of times,” Hazlewood said. “Don’t really need to bowl a hell of a lot, probably later in the week with the Shield game starting Monday week at home. So it will be a little bit of a de-load the next few days, and then go again. So things are good.”India opener Abhishek Sharma could not hide the joy on his face when he was informed in the press conference that Hazlewood would miss the final three games of the T20I series after he had tormented India’s batters across the tour to-date.”Oh, is he? I didn’t know this,” Abhishek said.”I was watching him in the ODIs as well. We knew that he’s going to give us this much difficulty and challenges. So obviously, the way he bowled today, even I got surprised.”I haven’t seen something like this in T20s. It was something new for me as well, because I’m a batter that wants to dominate. But when I was seeing on the other side how he’s bowling, and even to me it seems like he had a plan and he was just executing it.”

Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton's seven years with the New York Yankees have been a bumpy ride.

Since coming over via trade from the Miami Marlins in Dec. 2017, Stanton has played 150 games in a season just once. He has produced only 9.1 bWAR with the Yankees—a mere fraction of the 35.8 he produced with the Marlins in a torrid start to his career.

Stanton has yet to play in 2025 due to epicondylitis in both elbows—but on Sunday, New York general manager Brian Cashman offered a timeline on when the slugger could return.

"He's scheduled for live BP for the next two weeks and he's really close to doing a rehab assignment thereafter," Cashman told MLB Network's Sirius XM radio station. "It'll be great to get him back at some point, and hopefully we don't lose anybody along the way."

Stanton played 114 games in 2024, slashing .233/.298/.475 with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs. He raised his game significantly in the postseason—crushing seven home runs in 14 games, including four in the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians.

A rough sketch of Cashman's timeline would put a Stanton rehab assignment in mid-June—which, if it comes to pass, would be just what the doctor ordered for the American League East leaders.

In December of 2012, a two-way high school star named Shohei Ohtani shocked Japan by announcing he was signing with the Nippon Ham Fighters, the team that drafted him, rather than signing with a Major League Baseball team as an international free agent.

“When they first selected me, there was zero chance of me signing with them,” Ohtani said then.

Hideki Kuriyama, the Fighters manager, challenged Ohtani to establish himself as a two-way professional in Japan, rather than accept the specialization that likely awaited the teenager in the states.

“He told me that he wanted me to travel down a path no one else walked down,” Ohtani said then.

Since then, Ohtani has spent his entire professional life taking the road not taken. He did it again Saturday with career home run No. 250.

Another milestone, another new path.

Having swiped his 150th career base in April, Ohtani reached 250 home runs and 150 stolen bases faster than any player in history: 945 games, or 929 games if you don’t count the games in which he pitched but did not hit.

He leads his league in home runs, slugging, total bases and OPS for a third straight year while on pace to become the first player in 94 years to score 160 runs—and, oh, by the way, while throwing simulated games as he recovers from elbow surgery so he can join the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation … which will happen Monday night!

That’s right, on Sunday night the team suddenly announced the National League home run leader and Dodgers’ leadoff hitter will make his Dodgers pitching debut at Dodger Stadium against the San Diego Padres on Monday. Two-way Shohei is back. It will be his first time pitching in any kind of competitive game in 662 days—no minor league rehab starts for The Unicorn!—and he will do it against the NL West rival Padres.

The vibe will be electric. We have never seen a greater all-round talent in baseball. And now Ohtani is back to what he calls his “norm” as a two-way player. He is not stretched out yet to go more than three or four innings, but the Dodgers are adding a dominant arm at a time when they need one. Let the fun begin.

But for now, let’s use the 250-home run milestone as a marker to take stock of where Ohtani ranks .

Who are the best historical comps for Ohtani?

The home run/stolen base combo is nice, but let’s go full card here, since Ohtani is the rare offensive player who has power and speed at elite levels. Let’s find the only players through 945 games with 200 homers, 150 steals, 150 doubles and 40 triples.

Here is the entire list. I threw in extra-base hits just to reinforce how alike Ohtani is to Willie Mays as a hitter at this point in their careers:

Through 945 games: 200 HR, 150 SB, 150 2B, 40 3B

HR

SB

2B

3B

XBH

Willie Mays

221

156

168

78

467

Shohei Ohtani

250

156

178

41

469

Mike Trout

207

167

203

40

450

What kind of pitches does Ohtani hit most for home runs?

Ohtani has hit slightly more than half his 250 home runs off fastballs, 54.4%. That’s not a surprise because he sees 52.6% fastballs (well below the major league average of 57.2% over the course of his career).

The surprise is that Ohtani sees 29% breaking pitches, but hits 32.4% of his home runs off breaking pitches, his biggest difference in power by pitch types.

Ohtani by pitch type, career

HR

HR %

Pitch %

Difference

Fastballs

136

54.4%

52.6%

+1.8%

Breaking

81

32.4%

29%

+3.4%

Off-speed

33

13.2%

18.2%

-5%

Ohtani is a in-zone breaking ball hitter. Over the past three seasons he slugs .834 on in-zone spin. Next best in MLB is Gunnar Henderson, who is nowhere near him at .712 (minimum 5,000 total pitches).

How has Ohtani evolved as a hitter?

Ohtani is only now entering his prime power years. He has become a more dangerous power hitter in recent years by mastering the art of getting the ball airborne to the pull side.

Check out this growth chart when it comes to pull-side power:

Ohtani pulled home runs

HR

Percentage of HR

2018–20

11

23.4%

2021–23

58

46.8%

2024–25

40

50.6%

How did he pull off this evolution into a pull-side monster?

Let’s compare two pull-side Ohtani home runs, one from 2020, before he began to truly grow into his pull power, and his 250th home run from Saturday:

Setup: The changes are more subtle than drastic, but they are significant. He is now more upright, more open with his feet, the head is more turned to get both eyes on the ball easier and his back elbow is slightly higher to better pre-set the load position of his wrists.

Swing: He now stays behind the ball (which you can tell from his head position), has a much firmer front side (he eliminated the drift into the ball you see in 2020), has more extension through the ball and holds off rolling his top wrist much later to create more backspin. It’s a much more powerful, efficient swing.

How else has he evolved as a hitter?

By starting more upright and keeping his head behind the baseball, Ohtani has become the best high-strike slugger in baseball. Do not try to challenge this man with high fastballs.

Ohtani vs. high strikes

No. of pitches

HR

SLG

MLB SLG Rank

2018–21

759

12

.500

86

2022-25

1,107

37

.807

1

What is the Tropic of Ohtani?

It’s the key latitude for pitchers. Think of a line two feet off the ground, defining roughly the bottom quarter of the strike zone. Call it the Tropic of Ohtani. To limit Ohtani’s power, a pitcher must execute at this line and lower.

Why? Ohtani is a tall hitter who hits from an upright posture. When he struggles, he swings at too many low pitches before two strikes. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts likes Ohtani to take pitches down, even if they are strikes, early in the count. He knows Ohtani should hunt pitches where his slug is—and that’s not down. He does pitchers a favor by not waiting for something even slightly elevated.

If you want to turn Ohtani into a .192 hitter, keep the ball on the bottom rail of the strike zone. Here is your map of the Tropic of Ohtani:

Ohtani by pitch height, 2021-25

What are Ohtani’s chances of hitting 500 home runs?

Ohtani is the 65th hitter to reach 250 home runs by his age 30 season. Eight are still active (Ohtani, Nolan Arenado, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Matt Olson, Giancarlo Stanton and Mike Trout).

Of the 57 retired players who reached 250 homers by age 30, only 24 of them hit another 250 homers. That’s only 42% of the young sluggers who get halfway there by age 30 who make the 500 Home Run Club.

The 30U members of the 250 Club who finished with the fewest home runs were Prince Fielder and Jay Bruce (319), Troy Glaus (320) and Justin Upton (325). The biggest head start by those who came up short were Andruw Jones (368 though age 30), Juan Gonzalez (362) and Adam Dunn (354).

So among players who get halfway to 500 by 30, more players fall short than get in the 500 Club. Historically speaking, that would seem to put the odds against him. But if we’ve learned anything about Ohtani it is that he is one of one. Precedent does not apply. With his evolution as a hitter, Ohtani is on his own road toward 500 and beyond.

Leicester City now hold a strong interest in signing a “special” striker in the January transfer window, as they look to recover from a difficult start to the season.

Foxes still within touching distance of play-offs despite slow start

After being relegated from the Premier League last season, Leicester would’ve been hoping for an instant return to the top flight, but as we approach the half-way stage of the Championship season, they are still languishing in mid-table.

However, there is very little separating a number of clubs in the Championship, with the Foxes still just three points off the play-off places, meaning promotion is still very much a realistic goal, and Marti Cifuentes’ side are unbeaten in December thus far.

That said, some new additions in the January transfer window could boost Cifuentes’ side’s chances of promotion, and the manager is currently lacking top-quality options at centre-forward.

Midfielder Jordan James is Leicester’s top scorer in the Championship this season, having netted five goals, with Jordan Ayew finding the back of the net just three times in his opening 18 games.

As such, signing a new striker is on the agenda, and the Foxes are now showing strong interest in signing Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, who is currently on loan at Serie A side AS Roma.

However, with the once £100m-rated forward’s spell at the Italian club not going to plan, Brighton are set to make a decision on his future this winter, and a number of clubs are lining up for his signature.

Everton and Celtic are named as potential suitors, with the Irishman’s camp now assessing their options, and a move to the King Power Stadium could be on the cards, with Leicester prepared to take him.

"Special" Ferguson needs to get career back on track

In many ways it is surprising the 21-year-old’s career has panned out the way it has, scoring just one goal in ten Serie A games on loan at Roma, given that he exhibited some very promising signs at Brighton.

Indeed, the 26-time Ireland international scored a combined 12 Premier League goals across the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns, which is an impressive feat, considering how young he was at the time.

During his time working under Roberto De Zerbi, the youngster also received high praise from Jamie Carragher, who said: “I think that lad he has got up front, I think he’s pretty special. He is only going to get better with him as his manager.”

Related Live Football Streams: Watch Premier League, Championship, La Liga & more

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Dropping to a lower level, such as the Championship, could serve Ferguson well when it comes to regaining his confidence, and his previous exploits in the Premier League indicate he could help fire Leicester to promotion.

West Ham are expected to make an offer to sign one striker who’s ready to green-light an immediate January exit, according to reports this week.

West Ham target new striker in January

The east Londoners have identified recruiting a forward as one of their primary objectives for the January window as Nuno Espírito Santo battles to steer the club away from relegation.

Currently languishing in 18th with just 10 points from 15 Premier League games, the Hammers have managed a meagre 17 goals this season — the fourth-lowest amount in the top flight.

Callum Wilson’s recent form has been a major positive, but with 2024 summer flop Niclas Füllkrug expected to depart, West Ham quite simply need another option up top.

The German international has mustered just three goals in 29 appearances across all competitions whilst battling persistent injury problems since his move from Borussia Dortmund last year.

Niclas Füllkrug is set to leave the London Stadium in January following his lacklustre stint in England, so West Ham are believed to be looking at strikers to replace him.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham
West Ham 1-5 Chelsea
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace
Everton 1-1 West Ham
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
West Ham 0-2 Brentford
Leeds 2-1 West Ham
West Ham 3-1 Newcastle
West Ham 3-2 Burnley
Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham
West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
Man United 1-1 West Ham
Brighton 1-1 West Ham

His lacklustre displays indicate a mutual desire for separation, with Hamburg and Stuttgart reportedly monitoring his availability for a potential Bundesliga return.

West Ham have compiled an extensive shortlist of potential striker targets spanning multiple leagues.

West Ham ready to take huge loss on mainstay who's 'failed to impress Nuno'

The Hammers are willing to sell for a cut-price fee.

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Santiago Gimenez remains under consideration at the London Stadium, despite his struggles at AC Milan following his January 2025 move from Feyenoord, with intermediaries actively offering the Mexican international to multiple clubs.

Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee has also been linked with a move to Rush Green, while it is believed that West Ham are big fans of Union Saint-Gilloise forward Promise David too.

Now, as per Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, Lazio striker Taty Castellanos is another forward attracting their interest.

West Ham bid expected for Lazio striker Taty Castellanos

West Ham were linked with a move for the Argentine all the way back in 2022 during his time at New York City in the MLS, and that fondness for Castellanos hasn’t gone away.

According to Il Messaggero, Lazio are actively anticipating an offer worth between £22-26 million from West Ham for the 27-year-old forward.

Lazio desperately need funds to avoid another transfer ban as they continue battling severe financial difficulties.

Crucially, the report indicates Castellanos is prepared to join West Ham, or any other suitor, “straight away” as he looks to greenlight an exit from Rome next month.

The striker’s growing dissatisfaction with life under Maurizio Sarri at Lazio, particularly struggling to adapt to his manager’s tactical approach, means he’s quite keen to leave.

His desire for regular football stems from World Cup ambitions with Argentina, making a January departure increasingly attractive.

Castellanos would apparently give immediate approval to any Premier League approach, though La Liga clubs are also monitoring developments.

West Ham initially registered their interest during the summer transfer window when they made preliminary enquiries about the forward’s availability, with Nuno identifying striker reinforcements as his main January priority.

Lazio have already identified Atlético Madrid’s Giacomo Raspadori as a potential replacement, and the Italy international has told his representatives to explore opportunities within Serie A.

This preparation could prove instrumental in facilitating Castellanos’s London switch, with the clubs potentially willing to conduct business once suitable alternatives are secured.

تحدث طاهر محمد طاهر لاعب فريق الكرة الأول بالنادي الأهلي، على تتويج الأهلي ببطولة السوبر المصري الأخيرة على حساب الغريم التقليدي نادي الزمالك. 

وقال طاهر محمد طاهر في تصريحات على قناة إم بي سي مصر 2: ” أرى أنها بطولة مهمة للمجموعة المتواجدة، ولا أرى أي تفسير لسبب تراجع الأداء عقب كأس العالم للأندية، ومن الوارد بسبب تغيير المدربين وطريقة اللعب المختلفة”. 

وأضاف: “كنت اتمنى استمرار عماد النحاس لبطولة السوبر المصري لأنه يستحقها، وهو من المدربين المميزين ويسير بشكل مميز مع فريق الزوراء العراقي، وما حدث من لخبطة بسبب المدربين وتعيير طريقة اللعب أثرت على أداء اللاعبين”.

طالع.. طاهر محمد: عقلية زيزو مختلفة عن لاعبي الدوري.. والأهلي المرشح الأول للقب دوري الأبطال

 وتابع: ” السوبر المصري كنا أول بطولة ننافس عليها من بعد مونديال الأندية مع المدرب الجديد ييس توروب، وإحنا كلاعيبة كنا عايزين نساعده، وأن الفوز بهذه البطولة سيفرق معه جدًا، وهتعمل له رصيد عند الجمهور وتمنحه دعم، وكنت حابب اكون من اللاعبين الذين لهم دور إني أساعده في ده، وعندما حصدنا اللقب ستكون هذه بداية جيدة لنا وله”. 

 وأردف: “مباريات الأهلي والزمالك لها حسابات مختلفة، وكان هناك قلق قبل مباراة الزمالك وهذا طبيعي، خاصة أن كل الاحتمالات واردة، ولكن مع بداية المباراة والشوط الأول كان لدينا ثقة في الفوز، وتريزيجيه لاعب كبير جدًا ولم أقلق من تسديده لركلة الجزاء، وأرى انه من اللاعبين المؤثرين مع منتخب مصر، بعيدًا عن كاريره، بعيدًا عن الفرق التي لعب فيها والدوريات اللي لعب فيها”. 

وواصل: “تريزيجيه من اللاعبين الذين قد لا يستمرون في الفريق أكثر من موسمين أو ثلاثة، وليس ذلك معناها إنه سئ بالعكس، هو في طرابزون كان من أحسن اللاعبين فيها وكان نجم الفريق، تريزيجيه لاعب كبير، (وبالنسبة لي لو مش هو اللي هيشوط، أنا اللي هشوط ؟) “يقصد هنا تسديده لركلة الجزاء أمام الزمالك في الدوري”.

 وعن حقيقة وجود أزمة في أوضة لبس الأهلي، أكد طاهر محمد طاهر: “أرى انها أساليب الناس تحاول استخدمها لتفكيك المجموعة، نري أحاديث كثيرة تقال على أوضة اللبس، وحتى كابتن وليد صلاح الدين يتحدث معانا، هو دوره مهم جدًا، في الإعلام والسوشيال ميديا، هو راجل يمتلك خبرة في الإعلام كبيرة جدًا”. 

وأكمل: “دورنا كلاعيبة ملعب بس، أي حاجة تتقال: “سيبوا الناس تتكلم، والناس هتتكلم كده حتى لو مافيش حاجة، فاعملوا حسابكم على ده”، وهو مهيأنا لكل الظروف، وإحنا كلاعيبة خلاص وصلنا لمرحلة إننا عرفنا السوشيال ميديا اتجاهاتها إيه وعايزة تعمل إي، وعلاقة لاعبي الأهلي ببعضها؟ طيبة 100%، علاقة طيبة 100%، المجموعة كلها نظيفة من جوه، المجموعة كلها محترمة، وكله عايز الخير لزميله”. 

 وشدد: محمد الشناوي حظه وحش، والشناوي متحامل على نفسه، ودور الشناوي معانا أنه في ضهر اللعيبة، لو لاعب لديه مشكلة أو أي عدم تركيز، هو دايمًا يقدم لها المساعدة، ودوره في المباريات الكبيرة إنه دايمًا يلم الفريق ويتحدث معنا”.

واستطرد: “ريبيرو مدرب كبير وحقق نتائج كبيرة مع أورلاندو بايرتس، وكسب معهم أكثر من بطولة ووصل بهم نهائي ونصف نهائي دوري الأبطال، وكنا نعلم ان هذا المدرب لديه فكر جيد، ولكن لم يحالفنا معه التوفيق”. 

January is looming, with all the talk at Manchester United centred on the prospect of potential midfield moves for the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, with Ruben Amorim in desperate need of reinforcements in that department.

As Class of 92 hero Nicky Butt recently suggested, however, if – like that young pair – Kobbie Mainoo was operating for another Premier League side, he is the type of talent that the Red Devils would be dishing out £50m or £60m for.

The youngest of the trio, it was of course Mainoo who was England’s midfield golden boy just 18 months ago, starting every knockout stage game at Euro 2024, including the final.

Wharton, meanwhile, watched on as an unused member of Gareth Southgate’s squad that summer, while Anderson had not yet entered the conversation, having remained with the U21 set-up until this season.

It’s funny and also frustrating just how things can change, with Mainoo now seemingly staring down the barrel of a World Cup omission and a perhaps inevitable 2026 exit from Old Trafford.

Manchester United lodge bid for new midfielder

It’s become a familiar sight this season, with the 20-year-old merely introduced as a late second-half substitute under Amorim, just as he was again in the dying embers against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Yet to start a single league game in 2025/26, questions continue to be asked regarding the Portuguese’s treatment of the academy graduate, with rumours rife over a January departure.

Whether it be on loan or on a permanent basis, the forgotten talent has routinely been linked with an exit, with a reunion with Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund at Napoli having been mooted.

Back in Manchester, Mainoo’s hopes of game time might be dented even further if reinforcements are added next month, with reports in Spain suggesting that INEOS have already begun to make moves, amid their reported interest in Conor Gallagher.

As per the report, United are said to have lodged an offer of around £30m in order to sign the Atletico Madrid man, with the LaLiga side said to be willing to sanction a sale.

The suggestion is that the £30m bid is close to what Atleti would deem to be a ‘reasonable price’, ensuring that a relatively routine deal could be struck when the new year rolls around.

Why Gallagher's signing would be bad news for Mainoo

Whether it is his ideal position or not, Bruno Fernandes – who moved above Paul Scholes on United’s Premier League assist list at the weekend – is nailed on to start in one of the two midfield roles under Amorim.

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That has left Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Mainoo to fight it out for that remaining starting berth, with the former Sporting CP boss thus far putting his faith in the 33-year-old Brazilian, who has started 11 league games this time around.

Mainoo, for what it’s worth, does appear to have nudged ahead of Ugarte in the pecking order, considering the Uruguayan hasn’t even got off the bench in the last two outings, although Gallagher’s addition could again knock him back down the list of priorities.

Despite the former Chelsea man’s limitations in possession – notably ranking in the bottom 30% of European midfielders for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref – he does appear to be a ready-made Amorim midfielder, such are his physical capabilities.

Previously hailed as like “[N’Golo] Kante with goals” by talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino – while also dubbed a “monster” as per Tom Dutton – the England international is simply relentless in the centre of the park, representing arguably the perfect fit for this 3-4-2-1 system.

Games (starts)

37 (37)

Goals

5

Assists

7

Big chances created

11

Key passes*

1.4

Pass accuracy*

92%

Total duels won*

50%

Balls recovered*

6.0

Tackles & interceptions*

3.5

Indeed, compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, he also ranks in the top 4% for interceptions made per 90, while Mainoo, remarkably, ranks in just the bottom 1%.

The beauty of Mainoo is of course what he can do at the top end of the pitch, ranking in the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area, although Gallagher is no slouch in that regard too, ranking in the top 9% for that same metric.

Also in the top 12% for non-penalty goals, the one-time Crystal Palace loanee has recorded 12 goals and assists in 70 games during his stint in the Spanish capital. For comparison, Mainoo has recorded just ten goals and assists in 82 senior games at United.

All-action but with an end product to match, as was evident during his time at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher – at £30m – could represent a wise, bargain choice heading into 2026, at a time when fresh legs are desperately needed in the centre of the park.

In an ideal world, Mainoo would be leading the charge as the centre-piece of United’s midfield, but sadly for the youngster, Amorim’s demands and requirements might lend themselves to a more physically suitable asset like Gallagher instead.

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Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly making checks on a Premier League goalkeeper, who could replace the out-of-form Guglielmo Vicario.

Thomas Frank responds to growing Tottenham pressure

There was plenty of hope that Thomas Frank could be the man to take Tottenham to the next level when he arrived in the summer. By all means, it was an appointment which made perfect sense. That initial hope is now beginning to fade away, however, and the pressure is growing on the Dane to turn things around, as names like Marco Silva begin to be name-dropped.

It speaks volumes that it was a Cristian Romero brace, which included a late overhead kick, which saved Spurs against Newcastle United, with Frank’s attackers continuing to struggle.

The pressure doesn’t seem to be getting to Frank, though, who told reporters when asked whether he would get time to make his mark in North London: “Yeah, I’m very confident.

“I think the ownership – of course I’m just starting to know them, but it seems like they’re good guys, intelligent people – know how to run businesses and learning about football, learning more now they’ve become owners. I think when we’re dealing with intelligent people, they can see every successful dynasty, every successful club has taken time.

“Yeah you have one where you maybe win one year or the second year, but you can’t sustain it if you don’t build something sustainable. Impossible.”

That said, even Frank may not be able to deny that something needs to change for too much longer. Where that change comes remains is the big question.

Vicario’s position is certainly up for debate. The goalkeeper was booed by his own fans after a mistake against Fulham and Spurs have since been linked with moves for both James Trafford and Bart Verbruggen.

Tottenham make first contact for Verbruggen

According to TeamTalk, Tottenham have now made initial contact for Verbruggen, making checks on the Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper. He’s someone that ENIC reportedly admire and a player that will make their shortlist if they decide to replace Vicario in the coming year.

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Alas, they’re not the only ones who admire the Dutchman. Bayern Munich are also reportedly big fans of Verbruggen and see him as a potential replacement for one of the best goalkeepers of all time, Manuel Neuer.

Starts

13

14

Clean Sheets

3

4

Save Percentage

68.9%

72.%

Pass Completion

76.6%

75.6%

Whilst Vicario’s recent mistake turned him into public enemy No.1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, his underlying numbers suggest that he’s likely to turn a corner after that moment of madness.

They also suggest that Verbruggen wouldn’t be a major upgrade, despite Fabian Hurzeler’s verdict that the Dutchman is an “unbelievable character”.

The last thing that Spurs need is to waste more funds on those who wouldn’t provide Frank with much-needed upgrades. Unless the Lilywhites find a goalkeeper who is putting up better numbers than Vicario, then they should show faith in their No.1 for at least the remainder of the campaign.

Spurs star is in danger of becoming Dele Alli 2.0 under Thomas Frank

Manchester United have now reportedly sent scouts to keep close tabs on an Elliot Anderson alternative who Ruben Amorim once called a “natural leader”.

Roy Keane slams "schoolboy" Man Utd star after West Ham draw

Just when it seems like Man United are making progress, the Red Devils are hit with more frustration. This time, it was West Ham United who took full advantage to snatch a point at Old Trafford thanks to Soungoutou Magassa’s late equaliser.

It’s now one win in five for Ruben Amorim’s side and club legend Roy Keane couldn’t hold back his criticism any longer following the draw against West Ham.

It was another game in which United failed to make their attacking prowess count as Keane questioned midfielder Mount following his cameo from the bench.

It’s not the first time that Amorim’s midfield has been questioned and it certainly won’t be the last. INEOS are well aware that additions in that area should be next on their list of priorities, having reinforced the frontline in the summer.

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As such, names such as Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have emerged as 2026 targets. The former is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League, with United among the chasing pack to land his signature.

But the Nottingham Forest star isn’t the only name on their shortlist. Instead, they could yet form a reunion between Morten Hjulmand and Amorim.

Man Utd keeping close tabs on Hjulmand

According to Caught Offside, Man United scouts are now keeping close tabs on Hjulmand in case they miss out on both Anderson and Wharton. The Sporting CP star is valued at £50m – making him a cheaper alternative to Anderson – and is someone that Amorim knows well from his time in Lisbon.

Minutes

1,067

1,260

Progressive Passes

91

119

Tackles Won

16

20

Ball Recoveries

79

115

Although Amorim was quick to dub Hjulmand a “fantastic player” at Sporting, there’s no denying that Anderson should remain Man United’s top option.

The Nottingham Forest star has blown the Dane away, statistically speaking, so far this season and has done the same comparison to a number of Premier League stars.

He won’t come cheap and United must overcome the hurdle of competition from Manchester City and others, but INEOS simply have to go all out for the England international in 2026. If the Red Devils are to rise again, they cannot settle for second best.

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