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Wrexham star James McClean's brother Patrick is under investigation by his club after being spotted at a New IRA parade, per reports.

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McClean's brother plays for GlentoranClub aware of footage Investigation has been launchedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Patrick McClean plays for Glentoran and the Northern Irish club have confirmed that they have launched an investigation into a video that has circulated online over the weekend. In it, Patrick McClean seems to walk in the same direction as a masked colour party moved from Creggan to Free Derry Corner. During the march, per the , petrol bombs were thrown at police, as were fireworks. Two people were arrested.

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There is an Easter parade every year in Derry, marking the Easter Rising against British rule in 1916. The wearing of paramilitary clothing was prohibited by law enforcement, but a large portion of attendees ignored that plea. Glentoran have now confirmed they are investigating the conduct of McClean's sibling.

WHAT GLENTORAN SAID

In a statement, Glentoran said: "Glentoran Football Club is aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online.

"The club is fully committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, staff, supporters and the wider community.

"The matter is being reviewed internally in line with club policies and no further comment will be made at this time."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

McClean will next be in action for Wrexham against Charlton this weekend. Glentoran, by comparison, face an NIFL Premiership play-off against Larne this weekend, and it remains to be seen if Patrick McClean will be involved.

Everton will be hoping David Moyes can work his magic once again in Merseyside and take the club from the bottom reaches of the Premier League table to the top half, perhaps even taking them into Europe again.

His first task at the Toffees will be to steer the club through the January transfer window, signing a couple of quality players who can make a difference in their relegation fight, while also moving on some deadwood.

The latter aspect is perhaps more pertinent. Moyes might not have a massive budget to work with unless players are moved on for transfer fees this month.

With several of the squad underperforming this term, the Scot could bring in some funds which will allow him to bolster his team across several areas.

According to TEAMtalk, the Friedkin Group are willing to back Moyes and the club are seeking to bring in a new winger and full-back to the club this month.

Two signings will certainly be welcomed, but recent news has emerged of a potential departure from Goodison Park.

It’s one that could potentially replicate Ademola Lookman’s exit with the player now shining in Italy.

Ademola Lookman's numbers since leaving Everton

Lookman scored just four goals in 48 appearances for the Toffees, although one did come against Manchester City during the 4-0 win during the 2016/17 campaign.

After no league goals in 2018/19, Lookman joined RB Leipzig for a fee in the region of £22.5m that summer and it looked like some good business by Everton.

He struggled over the next few years until making the move to Atalanta in 2022, but under Gian Piero Gasperini, the Nigeria international has gone from strength to strength.

He scored 15 goals and provided eight assists during his maiden season in Italy, before bumping these numbers up to 17 and ten during the following year.

It was the Europa League final last season which saw the continent turn heads, as Lookman scored a stunning treble which not only allowed Atalanta to claim the trophy but also ended Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run.

Nine goals in 16 league games throughout 2024/25 have fired Atalanta to an unlikely title challenge and there is no doubt Lookman could be ready to take the next step by moving to a bigger side in the near future.

This sequence of events could well repeat itself in some way, shape or form if a big-name player leaves Goodison this month.

Big-name Everton player could leave in 2025

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has snubbed offers to extend his contract at Everton, meaning he is free to leave Goodison for nothing at the end of the current season.

With this in mind, the club reportedly could sell him during the winter window in order to pocket a fee for the striker, helping to fund Moyes’ ambitions.

According to journalist Alan Nixon (via GIVEMESPORT) Atalanta are reportedly in talks with Calvert-Lewin to bring the player to Serie A this month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Nixon states that a club representative from the Italian side was reportedly in Merseyside ready to secure a pre-contract deal.

Gasperini’s are in a title race and this may perhaps suggest that the manager could be tempted to bring the Englishman to Atalanta this month to bolster his attacking options.

Much will depend on just how keen Moyes will be on losing the striker, especially as he might need to find a replacement over the next couple of weeks.

If a decent offer comes in, however, it makes sense to take the money and run rather than losing Calvert-Lewin for nothing in just a few months, freeing up £100k-per-week in the process.

So, is selling him actually a good idea?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s season in numbers

It wasn’t so long ago that Calvert-Lewin was Everton’s talisman. Indeed, with the club fighting relegation towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign, the striker scored against Crystal Palace in the 3-2 comeback win which saw the Toffees maintain their status in the top flight.

Following the match, he was hailed as a “hero” by writer Adam Jones, producing arguably the most important goal of his career and it should have been the catalyst for him to kick on.

2023/24

38

8

3

2022/23

18

2

1

2021/22

18

5

2

2020/21

39

21

3

2019/20

41

15

1

2018/19

38

8

3

2017/18

44

8

5

2016/17

20

5

2

Despite this, injury issues persisted as the Englishman missed a total of 21 Premier League games the following season, managing to find the back of the net on just two occasions.

Things did improve last term, netting eight goals for the club as they managed to avoid relegation once again, but it appears his luck is out, especially considering how poor the striker has been throughout 2024/25.

While his injury problems appear to have cleared, Calvert-Lewin has scored just two Premier League goals in 2024/25.

Across these games, the Toffees frontman has a goal conversion percentage of just 5%, while averaging just 1.9 shots per game, creating one big chance while succeeding with only 35% of his dribble attempts.

While these statistics make for grim reading, comparing him to his fellow positional peers in the top flight proves exactly why Everton must sell him for a fee this month.

Calvert-Lewin ranks in the bottom 10% for non-penalty goals (0.13) and shot-creating actions (1.24) per 90, while even ranking in the bottom 50% for total shots (2.41) and successful take-ons (0.46) per 90 in the Premier League this season.

These numbers are poor indeed. Sean Dyche may have persisted with the centre-forward, but Moyes might not be so forgiven, especially if he can bring in a replacement between now and the end of the transfer window.

A move away from the pressure cooker environment of the Premier League might just be the best thing for Calver-Lewin.

If he does go on to shine in Serie A with Atalanta, then Moyes may have repeated the club’s error of selling Lookman far too hastily.

Judging by his numbers this season, the most logical thing to do is move him on. The next few weeks could be interesting indeed.

Everton's most expensive sales of all time

The Toffees have received some huge fees over the years.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 3, 2025

Lancashire’s batsmen mounted the highest successful run-chase in their county’s illustrious List A history to defeat Northamptonshire Steelbacks on a sun-soaked, run-stuffed day at Blackpool.Replying to their opponents 370 for four, Northamptonshire’s second-highest List A total, Lancashire got home with 10 balls to spare, thanks to a century from their skipper, Keaton Jennings, and a nerveless 61 not out off 34 balls by George Lavelle.However, defeat was hard on the Northamptonshire openers, Ricardo Vasconcelos and Emilio Gay, both of whom made centuries in what was a magnificent game of List A cricket.Unsurprisingly the Steelbacks’ innings was dominated by Vasconcelos and Gay, whose 198-run stand set a first-wicket record for Northamptonshire against Lancashire in List A cricket.Related

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Vasconcelos was quick to punish anything short of a length and reached three figures off 89 balls with nine fours and three sixes. By contrast, Gay’s driving was a particular delight and he got to his maiden List A century off 94 balls.Despite their best efforts, Lancashire’s bowlers were unthreatening and it was fitting that the first wicket was a run out when Gay sent Vasconcelos back and the South African opener was beaten by Steven Croft’s throw from square leg.Will Young and Saif Zaib made useful twenties before both batsmen were caught at deep square leg by Rob Jones, George Balderson and Danny Lamb being the successful bowlers. Four balls after Zaib’s departure, Gay was run out for 131 by Luke Wells’s direct hit from cover, leaving the Steelbacks on 304 for four after 41.3 overs.Those wickets deprived the Steelbacks innings of a little of its impetus but Lewis McManus hit four sixes in his 44 not out to ensure that Northamptonshire reached their highest List A total against Lancashire, who conceded their third-highest total in this format. Lamb, who took one for 64 from his ten overs was the pick of the home attack. most members of which were roughly treated on a superb batting pitch.But Northamptonshire’s bowlers found things no easier against the in-form openers, Keaton Jennings and Luke Wells, who put on 130 in 16 overs before Wells was caught at long off for 84 by the substitute fielder Harry Gouldstone off Saif Zaib.Wells had been particularly severe on Freddie Heldreich, hitting the left-arm wrist spinner for three sixes in one over, but Zaib maintained a degree of control and took the second wicket when he caught and bowled Josh Bohannon for 26, thus ending the Boltonian’s 72-run second-wicket stand with Jennings.Lancashire’s efforts to accelerate were further hampered by the loss of Steven Croft, caught and bowled by Alex Russell for 13, and Rob Jones, caught behind by McManus off Sales for eight, but the crucial blow seemed to have been struck when Jennings, having reached an 86-ball hundred was briliantly caught on the deep midwicket boundary by Gay off Sales for 125.But Lavelle was joined by George Balderson and the pair’s 82-run stand for the sixth wicket was vital in securing one of Lancashire’s most memorable victories. The win also confirms the home side’s place in the knockout stages of the Royal London Cup.

Looking to seal a dominant Scottish Premiership title victory, Celtic are reportedly set to accelerate their move to sign a young attacking reinforcement who could replace Daizen Maeda.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys are currently 18 points clear of closest title competitors in what has been a dominant campaign in the Scottish top flight, but are seemingly in a ruthless mood as the January transfer window continues to roll on.

Bye bye: Celtic agree £4m+ deal to sell "sensation" with medical now booked

It will net Celtic a profit to reinvest into their squad.

3 ByBen Browning Jan 10, 2025

And with Champions League action soon returning, the Scottish giants may even get the chance to cause further shocks on the European stage, having already defeated the likes of RB Leipzig this season.

The fact that they’re clear and away at the top of the Scottish Premiership should undoubtedly aid their push to reach the next stage of the Champions League, as could any potential reinforcements.

On that front, the likes of Bazoumana Toure have already been mentioned among the headlines, with Celtic reportedly set to submit a bid of as much as £10m to secure the services of the young central defender.

However, it’s not just defensive reinforcements that the Bhoys are setting their sights on in the January transfer window. According to Football Insider, Celtic are now accelerating their move to sign Sondre Orjasaeter from Sarpsborg 08 this month in a deal that would welcome a player ready to eventually replace Daizen Maeda.

Just 21 years old, Orjasaeter has entered Celtic’s radar following an impressive breakthrough in Norway on top of their own need for attacking depth as they enter the second half of the campaign. As per Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, though, the Norwegian side are looking for £7m to sell their young star.

Maeda, now 27 years old, has once again been among the stars of the show for Brendan Rodgers this season, but could yet get the chance to move back into the No 9 role and away from the left wing if Orjasaeter arrives this month.

Celtic should splash out on "interesting" Orjasaeter

Described as “another interesting young player from Norway” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Orjasaeter’s £7m fee could quickly turn into a bargain if he was to complete a move and continue an impressive rise. Just last season, the 21-year-old was the star of the show at Sarpsborg – scoring six goals and assisting another seven in all competitions.

Thinking ahead to when Maeda is eventually past the peak of his powers certainly isn’t a bad idea either, and the young Norway star seems to be a worthy candidate to do just that at Celtic Park.

Whilst the Scottish Premiership is all but sealed in the current campaign, Rodgers will no doubt already have his sights set on defending his side’s throne for years to come, and perhaps even stepping things up on the European stage in the remainder of the season.

Leeds United are currently second in the Championship table after 20 matches following Sheffield United’s win over Millwall on Wednesday night.

The Whites are three points ahead of Burnley in third place and will be looking to maintain their position in the automatic promotion places over the months to come.

Daniel Farke’s side finished third in the division at the end of last season and, ultimately, lost 1-0 to Southampton at Wembley in the play-off final, which meant that they were unable to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The West Yorkshire outfit lost a number of their top players from the 2023/24 campaign after they failed to achieve promotion back to the top-flight, including Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray, and Glen Kamara.

Those sales did, however, allow Leeds to dip into the market to strengthen their squad, with the likes of Largie Ramazani, Joe Rothwell, Ao Tanaka, and Joe Rodon.

One player who has had a mixed start to life at Elland Road since his move to the club in the summer transfer window, though, is winger Manor Solomon.

Manor Solomon's form for Leeds this season

The Israel international was brought in on loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and there may have been a degree of expectation over his performances.

Solomon arrived as a 25-year-old attacker with experience in the top-flight with Spurs and Fulham, rather than coming in from a lower league or as a young player in one of their first loan spells, which meant that supporters – and the club – may have expected him to hit the ground running in the Championship.

His debut suggested that that was going to be the case. The loanee started on his debut against Hull in August and registered an assist with a brilliant run and cross for Mateo Joseph in the 2-0 win.

Since then, however, Solomon has produced two goals and zero assists in 12 appearances in the second tier for Leeds, and both of those goals came in the 4-3 win over Swansea.

This means that the Spurs loanee has failed to provide a goal or an assist in 11 of his 13 appearances for the Whites since his move to Elland Road in the summer.

He has, to put it simply, not provided enough quality in the final third on a consistent basis and Leeds should consider sending him back to the Premier League side next month, as it could allow them to go and recruit a better option in that position.

In fact, the Whites have been linked with a potential move for a player who could come in and offer more than Solomon on the left flank in the second half of the season.

Leeds United linked with League One starlet

It was recently reported by TEAMtalk that Leeds United are one of a number of clubs in the race to sign Aston Villa forward Louie Barry next month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The 21-year-old sensation is currently on loan with Stockport County in League One but the Villans are said to be weighing up their options with him ahead of the January window, as they feel that he could benefit from playing at a higher level than the third tier.

It was claimed that the Whites have joined the race to secure his signature and that they are keen to add him to their squad to help with his development over the coming months.

The outlet added that Villa have the option to recall him from his loan with Stockport in January and named Leeds and Middlesbrough as two of a number of Championship teams interested in landing his services.

This means that there could be fierce competition for Barry and that it will not be an easy deal for Farke’s side to get over the line when the January transfer window officially opens for business next month.

It is one that the German head coach should push the board to get done, though, as signing the Aston Villa youngster to bolster his squad could allow him to brutally bin Solomon ahead of the second half of the season.

Why Leeds should sign Louie Barry

Firstly, Leeds should sign Barry because he is a left-sided attacker who could provide the likes of Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto with competition on the left flank, which would mean that Solomon is not needed.

That would, in theory, allow the Whites to send the Israel international back to Tottenham, if such a clause exits in the deal, after his underwhelming start to his loan spell with the club.

Leeds should also swoop for the 21-year-old star because he is a promising young talent who has been in terrific form in League One for Stockport so far this season.

The former England youth international, who scored 23 goals in 30 matches for Villa at youth level, has racked up 15 goals in all competitions for the third tier outfit.

This comes after the Villa youngster, whose composure was once hailed as “incredible” by Declan Rice, produced nine goals and four assists in 20 matches for Stockport on loan in League Two during the 2023/24 campaign.

Appearances

19

13

Goals

14

2

Big chances created

4

2

Assists

1

1

Dribbles completed per game

2.6

1.4

As you can see in the table above, Barry has caught the eye with a whopping 18 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in just 19 League One appearances, whilst Solomon has only managed four in 13 Championship outings.

The Stockport loanee is a left winger who can dribble past opponents and cut inside onto his stronger right foot to cause havoc in the final third, which has resulted in plenty of big moments this season – as shown by his goalscoring output from the left flank.

Barry has yet to prove himself in the Championship but appears to be too good to be playing in the third tier and Leeds should offer him a chance to showcase his talent at a higher level, brutally binning Solomon in the process.

Leeds could sign a "ridiculous" £5m star to be their next Archie Gray

Leeds United have been linked with an interest in the talented teenage sensation.

1 ByDan Emery Dec 9, 2024

Manchester United are set to take on another summer revamp this time for Ruben Amoirm as the Red Devils get ready to offload 10 players in the summer.

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INEOS want to clear house yet again this summerMan Utd to offload 10 players in the summer Casemiro, Rashford, Sancho, Antony on the listFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Minority co-owners INEOS undertook the task of cleaning house at Manchester United last summer as they looked to afford Erik ten Hag a squad of his liking by removing the Red Devils' deadweight and replacing them with the Dutchman's preferred players. However, that did not bear any fruit as Ten Hag was sacked just months into the start of the season and replaced by Sporting boss Amorim.

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As per Manchester Evening News, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are now set to offer Amorim the same kind of latitude as they did last summer to Ten Hag and offload almost 10 players in the summer. The sales and permanent offloading of players would allow the Red Devils to splurge large amounts of funds on incoming transfers for the players of Amorim's choice.

DID YOU KNOW?

As per the report, the players mentioned as potential departures are: Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Casemiro and Altay Bayindir. Meanwhile, the staff will also decide whether the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, belong to the list of desired departures.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Amorim knows that to entice his preferred players into moving to Manchester United, the club will first have to improve their performances on the field and at least get some sort of European football under their belt for next season, regardless of whether it comes from rising higher in the Premier League standings or winning the Europa League.

San Diego Padres stars show support at Snapdragon stadium as San Diego FC secure draw vs Crew

Machado hosts Padres teammates at Snapdragon StadiumFernando Tatis Jr. among Padres players in attendanceSan Diego FC earns 1-1 draw in home matchGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Manny Machado, a founding partner of San Diego FC, orchestrated a remarkable show of support by bringing nearly the entire San Diego Padres roster to the club's second home match at the Snapdragon Stadium against Columbus Crew Saturday.

The atmosphere was electric as the baseball stars showed their solidarity with the city's newest sports franchise. The MLB stars also met San Diego FC’s star Hirving Lozano and a few other SDFC players before the game, and were even cheered on the field, with the crowd showing their love for the Padres.

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The expansion San Diego FC played their second home match, with Maximilian Arfsten opening the scoring for Columbus in the 12th minute. Onni Valakari equalized for San Diego FC in the 68th minute with SDFC’s first home goal, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The match was notable for being San Diego FC's second home game at Snapdragon Stadium, with the team maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Following their unbeaten start to the 2025 MLS season, San Diego FC have moved up to second place on the Western Conference table behind the Vancouver Whitecaps, who have won all four games.

The expansion side go on the road next to face Austin FC before returning to the Snapdragon Stadium to host Los Angeles FC on March 24 and 30, respectively.

Liverpool find themselves in a promising position, heading into the wintry December period that, so often, clears the fog that shrouds any team’s destiny in a campaign.

To put that another way, Liverpool are five points clear at the top of the Premier League while also holding first place at the midpoint of the newly-shaped Champions League group phase. Arne Slot couldn’t have hoped for a brighter start, with that shock Anfield defeat against Nottingham Forest still the only blot on the copybook.

There’s a trek still to be made in 2024/25, but Liverpool have the quality and togetherness to challenge for the biggest prizes right to the finish line.

Optimism on that front is often tempered with reservation, for the Reds have been crushed between football’s two great millstones (Manchester City and Real Madrid) all too often in recent years.

Slot and FSG will be sure to recognise the position they have claimed, and though the squad is brimming with quality, the winter transfer window could present an opportunity to make one or two impactful signings. Here’s their dream lineup after January…

1 GK – Alisson Becker

Alisson Becker will still be the star man between the sticks, Caoimhin Kelleher his deputy, but whether the Brazilian is actually fit in January is another matter entirely.

In any case, he’s one of the best in the world, and though much is going on within the goalkeeping department at Anfield, the 30-year-old shouldn’t be going anywhere for a few years yet.

2 RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

Unfortunately, Trent Alexander-Arnold may very much be headed somewhere next year – namely, the scorching Spanish capital. He’s out of contract next summer, Liverpool’s lifeblood, the city’s golden child.

The all-inspiring right-back is supposed to stay forever, emulate Steven Gerrard, assume the captaincy and herald the new Slot-led era toward illustrious success.

Football isn’t a perfect world, and this one’s future path is a nebulous thing. He’ll be part of Slot’s plans until the end of the season, though.

3 CB – Ibrahima Konate

Several Liverpool stars have really stepped up their game this season, but Ibrahima Konate might just take the cake. He’s been monstrous. The France international, so powerful, so mobile, so strong, is firmly on course for his finest season in Liverpool colours.

Matches (starts)

22 (17)

11 (10)

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

1

Clean sheets

5

5

Touches*

75.5

70.2

Pass completion

88%

91%

Key passes*

0.4

0.3

Ball recoveries*

4.4

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

1.6

Clearances*

2.3

3.6

Total duels (won)*

6.0 (66%)

4.3 (76%)

Just look at the underlying data. Less defensive actions bespeak maturity and positional authority. He’s coming on leaps and bounds, perhaps even outperforming his partner…

4 CB – Virgil van Dijk

Like Trent, Virgil van Dijk’s contract expires at the end of the season. Widely recognised as one of the best centre-backs of his generation, the 33-year-old is still at the top of his game and will hopefully extend his trophy-filled stay on Merseyside.

5 LB – Antonee Robinson

One Rob’ out, another Rob’ in. Andy Robertson’s influence has waned over the past year, and Antonee Robinson could be the perfect replacement, with reports suggesting he is at the top of Liverpool’s shopping list.

Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley has hailed the £40m-rated USMNT international as “one of the best left-backs in the world,” and with each passing performance, such lofty praise looks more justifiable.

6 DM – Martin Zubimendi

The one that got away. For now. Martin Zubimendi added Merseyside to the sizeable list of destinations that he has rejected in favour of remaining in his beloved Basque Country.

But Liverpool are persistent and present a compelling case besides. The Spain international, valued at £50m, will surely wish to marry his elite-level skill set with a fitting club at some stage, hailed as one of “the best centre midfielders in the world” by his trophy-winning international boss Luis de la Fuente.

Of course, his arrival would knock another Liverpool midfielder’s playing time for six, and this may well prove to be Dominik Szoboszlai, whose energy and tenacity are all well and good, but are not sweetly matched by a potent streak befitting a roaming midfielder in a team like Liverpool.

7 CM – Ryan Gravenberch

Back in May, not many Reds supporters would have been all that devastated by Ryan Gravenberch’s sale, for he had failed to properly assert himself at Anfield after transferring from Bayern Munich for a £34m.

He’s come on leaps and bounds, with a good claim to the Premier League’s best midfielder so far this season. He’s playing the role that was rolled out for Zubimendi, but the duo could actually cohabit in the middle of Slot’s park.

8 CM – Alexis Mac Allister

Perhaps not yet at his best this season, but Alexis Mac Allister is a midfielder whose quality transcends data charts etc etc. He’s as intelligent as they come, with crunching tackles and shrewd passes that provide Liverpool with something crucial.

Think of him as the flour in the cake, not the most flavoursome element but fundamental all the same. That said, though, the 25-year-old isn’t against a show-stopping moment.

9 RW – Mohamed Salah

Rinse and repeat the Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk quandaries. If that dreaded eventuality is realised, this one might sting the most.

Mohamed Salah is 32 but still one of the most incredible forwards that English football has ever seen. He’s posted ten goals and ten more assists across 17 appearances this season, with plenty more yet to come.

10 LW – Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz takes the spot on this list, but Cody Gakpo is just as important. The respective left wingers have been trying to outdo each other this season, though neither has had success in demoting their counterpart, for both have been brilliant.

This guy sure knows how to dismantle a defence. How funny, that so many Liverpool supporters were willing to cash in on him this summer. Sweet summer children that we were.

The fifth Ashes Test will be relocated away from Perth after Cricket Australia confirmed it could not be held in Western Australia due to border restrictions in place.There will also be no change in order of the Test matches – on Sunday the WA sports minister Tony Buti made a last-ditch bid for Perth to switch with Adelaide for the second Test – with the replacement venue to be confirmed in the coming days. Hobart is the narrow favourite behind having a second match at the MCG.It could be that there will now be two day-night matches in the series given that broadcasters will have lost the primetime-friendly west coast slot which allows Test cricket to broadcast in the evening in other major cities.A few weeks ago WA Cricket had been bullish about its chances of staging the Test with chief executive Christina Matthews putting it as a “97%” chance, but that receded quickly in recent days with the WA government insisting on 14 days quarantine for anyone associated with putting on the Test from outside the state including key broadcast personnel along with players’ families.”We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the WA Government, relevant agencies and Perth Stadium over recent months,” Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia chief executive, said.”We are very disappointed that we are unable to stage the fifth men’s Ashes Test at Perth Stadium. We did everything we could in partnership with the WA Government and WA Cricket to make it work under the current border and health arrangements, but unfortunately this was not possible.”We are particularly disappointed for Western Australian cricket fans who were so looking forward to seeing the first ever Ashes Test at the new stadium.”Matthews put a figure of between three and five million dollars on the cost of losing the Test of which WA would hope to recover half through CA. She added the the difficulties of all the broadcast and production crew needed had only become apparent in the last two weeks but denied that had been an oversight.”And not just the broadcasters in Fox and Seven – there’s also Hawkeye, there’s Spidercam and there’s DRS that only have a certain specialist group of people who follow it all around the country,” Matthews said. “They can’t get here any earlier than the players. When they come to do their job, they’ve got to go in and out of the public areas.”So there’s things that can’t be kept away from the public and that wasn’t fully known until about 10 days ago. I don’t think we dropped the ball, but maybe we needed to dig a bit deeper into things Cricket Australia need to tell the government.”I’m really cranky about the fact it’s the second year in a row we’re missing a Test, but there’s really no one to blame which makes it really hard. It’s just circumstances.”There was never any chance of the late suggestion of a Test swap being possible and it was quickly shut down by the South Australian Cricket Association on Monday shortly before the CA announcement.Hobart remains a slight favourite to be the replacement venue ahead of Melbourne, with Cricket Tasmania chief executive Dominic Baker adamant the Tim Paine saga shouldn’t have an impact on any decision.Tasmania, which has not staged a Test since 2016, had been due to host the one-off Test between Australia and Afghanistan last monthBoth the NSW government and Cricket ACT have also stated their desire to host the match, at the SCG and Manuka Oval respectively, if requiredQueensland sports minister Stirling Hinchliffe on Monday threw the Gabba forward as an option to hold a second Test this summer.”We’d love to be able to see more content here at the Gabba,” Hinchcliffe said. “We’d obviously want to continue talking to Cricket Australia about making sure that we provide the best facilities for the great content.”Nick Hockley and I speak regularly and it’d be wonderful to play a part in making sure that the Ashes is the best series possible. We’ve got to see what the terms and what the arrangements will be and the circumstances. [We’re] happy to have that conversation.”WA is slated to host one other international this summer, with an ODI involving New Zealand on January 30. That series-opener would also likely be subject to biosecurity arrangements.It comes after the WACA was due to host the women’s Test between India and Australia in October before it was moved to Queensland. A one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia was postponed last year due to Covid-19.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to get ahead of the rest as they make contact with a January transfer target, according to a new report.

It has been a frustrating campaign for Gary O’Neil’s side so far as their wait for a Premier League win continues, but securing a point at Brighton last weekend after being 2-0 down could be the springboard the club needs.

Wolves send scouts to watch £20m midfielder as they eye January transfer

Wolves are keeping an eye on a player they are interested in signing in January.

1 ByBrett Worthington Oct 28, 2024 Wolves transfer news

Two points from nine games is a poor return for Wolves, and while they have done reasonably well going forward, their habit of conceding goals is letting them down massively. The Old Gold have so far conceded 25 goals in the Premier League, the most by any side.

Injuries haven’t helped O’Neil, as his backline is always being changed, so it was no surprise to see them being linked with a move for a defender. Wolves have sent scouts to watch young defender Nathan Zeze, as they look to sign the Nantes player in 2025. However, they are not the only side interested in the 19-year-old, as Aston Villa are also said to be keen.

As well as looking at adding in defence, O’Neil and Wolves are also keen on adding more firepower to their attack. The Midlands side have made Watford’s Giorgi Chakvetadze a top transfer target for January. Club scouts have taken in recent Watford games to watch the player, and he has now been “shortlisted” as a player to buy if they are able to do business in January. The Hornets could look to demand as much as £20 million for the midfielder, who only signed a five-year deal last month.

Given Wolves’ situation in the league, they are looking at ways of improving it, and they also have their eye on another forward-thinking player, this time someone from France.

Wolves now making early move to sign 21-goal attacker in January

According to Africa Foot, relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves have identified Toulouse winger Zakaria Aboukhlal as a target for January. The 24-year-old has been with the French side since July 2022, after he joined them from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Aboukhlal started his career at Willem II, and after progressing through the age groups, he then moved to PSV’s under-19s in 2017. He progressed to their under-21s, and in 2019, AZ decided to snap him up, and he went on to play 90 times for them in all competitions.

The 24-year-old has now been impressing in France with Toulouse, and this report states that Wolves have “established contact in recent hours” in order to convince the attacker to move to England in January. It goes on to add that the Premier League side are working on trying to secure Aboukhlal on a loan deal with an option to buy, but as of yet there is no mention of any figures involved.

Apps

65

Goals

21

Assists

6

Talks between the parties have started, but it is not made clear whether that is Wolves and the player’s representatives, the two clubs or both. Either way, Wolves look to be keen to land the winger in January, who has scored 21 goals since joining the French side, taking his career tally for club and country to 36.