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Alan Shearer has come to the defence of under-fire Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, calling his tactical tweaks "really unusual" but insisting he shouldn't be sacked despite a dismal start. Postecoglou is yet to win a game since taking charge, but Shearer believes it's "ridiculous" to judge him so soon – even as Sean Dyche waits in the wings.

• Postecoglou under-fire at Nottingham Forest

  Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest tenure has endured a torrid start, with the team yet to win a game under the former Tottenham Hotspur boss. Since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo in early September, Postecoglou has overseen seven matches without victory – five defeats and two draws – leaving Forest 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the drop zone. The 3-2 home loss to Midtjylland in early October saw fans turn on him, chanting "you’re getting sacked in the morning".

  Despite growing unrest, club owner Evangelos Marinakis has opted against making an immediate managerial change. According to reports, Forest will stick with Postecoglou through the international break, believing that another sacking would further destabilise the club after Nuno’s recent departure. However, behind the scenes, contingency plans are being discussed – with former Burnley and Everton manager Dyche emerging as a frontrunner should results fail to improve.

  Postecoglou’s struggles have been attributed to tactical shifts that differ sharply from last season’s counter-attacking setup. Forest’s lack of defensive discipline and vulnerability on the break have been glaring issues, leaving supporters frustrated. But for now, Marinakis remains reluctant to pull the trigger, mindful of the financial and reputation costs of yet another early-season dismissal.

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  Shearer defends Postecoglou but expects Forest sacking

  Shearer, speaking on the situation with Betfair, admitted that while Postecoglou’s job may be under threat, he doesn’t believe the Forest boss deserves the sack. "It wouldn’t surprise me if Ange got the sack, but he shouldn’t," Shearer said. "It wouldn't surprise me if they make a change at Forest. I don't think they should. Seven games is ridiculous."

  The Premier League legend added: "You never know with owners nowadays and I do look at Nottingham Forest and think how were they successful last season? They were because almost everything revolved around big Chris Wood. I know [Anthony] Elanga has left but what they did is, they sat deep and hit teams on the break with pace and energy."

  Shearer continued: "I've yet to see that which is really unusual because normally when you get offered a job, it's because the person before you has been useless and the club may be in a mess. That isn't the case at Forest – Ange has walked into a really good team. They are playing a slightly different way, but we haven't seen Forest sit deep and hit teams on the break like last year, which they were very good at."

• Getty
  

  Forest holding off on sacking Postecoglou immediately

  Postecoglou’s appointment at Nottingham Forest was seen as a bold, forward-thinking move designed to modernise the team’s playing style. Known for his attacking philosophy, he was tasked with evolving Forest beyond their compact, counter-attacking identity under Nuno. However, the transition has proven more difficult than expected, as the players have struggled to adapt to a higher defensive line and possession-heavy approach.

  Forest’s inability to defend set-pieces and maintain shape under pressure has cost them valuable points. Despite flashes of attacking promise, the Tricky Trees' openness has left them exposed, with opponents exploiting space behind an unsettled backline. Postecoglou’s system demands time and patience – commodities in short supply at a club notorious for managerial turnover – but it remains to be seen whether he will be granted enough of either.

  Postecoglou has not been sacked yet is the financial complexity of hiring Marco Silva mid-season, as the Fulham boss remains under contract. Meanwhile, Dyche – currently out of work – represents a more practical and cost-effective contingency should Forest’s struggles continue.

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• Postecoglou could get until November international break

  Forest’s next three fixtures will likely define Postecoglou’s immediate future. They face a daunting Premier League game at home Chelsea on October 18 before hosting Porto in the Europa League and visiting Bournemouth soon after. Positive results could buy the Australian valuable time and restore confidence, while another string of defeats would almost certainly reignite calls for change.

  Behind the scenes, Dyche is being monitored closely, with Forest viewing him as a potential firefighter capable of steering the club clear of relegation trouble. For now, it is possible that the Australian may be kept at City Ground until the November international break, which starts in a month's time.

Nawaz scored Pakistan’s quickest T20I century as they completed the fastest 200-plus chase to keep the series alive

Srinidhi Ramanujam21-Mar-2025

After two ducks in his first two international innings, Hasan Nawaz scored a match-winning century in his third•Getty Images

Pakistan’s high-risk, high-reward tactics finally bore fruit after two failed attempts as the Salman Agha-led side stormed to a nine-wicket victory against New Zealand in an enthralling battle that saw 411 runs being amassed at Eden Park. Hasan Nawaz’s maiden T20I century outplayed Mark Chapman’s 94 as Pakistan chased down 205 in just 16 overs and kept the five-match series alive at 1-2.Pakistan backed their new openers Nawaz and Mohammed Haris in the post Mohammed Rizwan-Babar Azam era and they repaid the faith by putting up a 74-run opening stand off just 35 balls to lay the perfect foundation for the chase. Salman capitalised on the flying start to score 51 not out and was involved in an unbroken 133-run second-wicket stand. Nawaz, who was coming off two successive ducks, blazed away the fastest hundred by a Pakistan batter in T20Is, off just 44 balls, in a sensational chase.Chapman powers New ZealandChapman’s blistering knock off just 44 balls set New Zealand up for what seemed like an above-par total at the innings break. After losing Finn Allen for a three-ball duck in the first over by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tim Seifert (19 off nine) and Chapman pushed New Zealand past early jitters. Seifert fell to Haris Rauf in the fifth over but Chapman didn’t slow down.He pulled and hooked the short balls, brought out beautiful cover drives against seamers and punished loose deliveries from Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan. He brought up his fourth half-century against Pakistan off 29 balls. This was also his first T20I fifty in almost a year.Mark Chapman kept up his stunning form against Pakistan•AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan got the much-needed breakthrough in the tenth over when Daryl Mitchell (17 off 11) chased a wide delivery of Shadab and miscued to Rauf. Chapman kept finding boundaries, however, even when Pakistan captain Agha brought himself on and leaked 13 runs off his only over.His strong bottom-hand and exceptional placement saw him smash 11 fours and four sixes. He was eventually deceived by an Afridi slower ball in the 13th over.Pakistan fought back with quick wickets including two double-wicket overs from Rauf and Abrar but Michael Bracewell’s 31 off 18 ensured New Zealand crossed 200.Pakistan’s blazing start to chaseAfter two disappointing outings, Haris and Nawaz gave the visitors a dream start. Haris began with two sixes off Kyle Jamieson’s first over of the innings and followed it up with two fours against Jacob Duffy. Nawaz had a tough time early on with his timing but still found boundaries through streaky edges. Pakistan reached their joint-fastest team fifty in men’s T20Is, in four overs.Duffy removed Haris for a 20-ball 41 with a bouncer in the sixth over and Pakistan ended the phase with 75 for 1, their highest powerplay total in men’s T20Is, moving past the 73 they scored against England in 2016.Nawaz takes off, Agha supportsNawaz rode his luck but made sure to hang around. He was not particularly convincing against short balls early on but he was able to see the balls more clearly as the innings progressed. Though he started the chase playing second fiddle to Haris, Nawaz took charge after the powerplay.His first confident strike came against Ish Sodhi in the seventh over, when he picked a loopy googly and clubbed it over long-on for a six. He brought up his maiden T20I fifty off 26 balls in the ninth over and propelled Pakistan to 124 for 1 at the halfway stage.Nawaz was dropped on 68 by Sodhi off Ben Sears’ bowling but New Zealand couldn’t do much on a batting-friendly pitch with dew also making the task hard for the bowlers. Nawaz eventually hammered ten fours and seven sixes in his 45-ball stay.Unlike Nawaz, Agha was precise and clever in his batting that fetched him six fours and two sixes. The duo scored 65 runs in the last four overs of the chase to take the team home early.Nawaz brought up his century off the penultimate ball, before Pakistan completed the fastest 200-plus chase in men’s T20Is.

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Ceará e Vila Nova se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (19), às 21h30, no Castelão, pela 18ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro da Série B. O Vozão está na 11ª colocação do torneio, somando 25 pontos, enquanto o Vila Nova ocupa a liderança, com 34 pontos conquistados.

VEJA A CLASSIFICAÇÃO E OS PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DA SÉRIE B!

O técnico Guto Ferreira terá problema no gol com a suspensão de Bruno Ferreira pelo terceiro cartão amarelo. Richard pode ser escalado como o titular. Já o Vila Nova, do treinador Claudinei Oliveira, poderá ter a volta do meia Souza, que esteve suspenso diante do Londrina.

CEARÁ X VILA NOVA
18ª RODADA DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO SÉRIE B

Local:Arena Castelão, em Fortaleza (CE)
Data e hora:19 de julho de 2023, às 21h30 (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro:Wagner do Nascimento Magalhães (RJ/ Fifa)
Assistentes:Carlos Henrique Alves de Lima Filho (RJ) e Thiago Rosa de Oliveira (RJ)
Árbitro de vídeo:Thiago Duarte Peixoto (SP)
Onde assistir:Band e Premiere

CEARÁ:André Luiz; Warley, Tiago Pagnussat, Gabriel Lacerda e William Formiga; Zé Ricardo, William Maranhão e Guilherme Castilho; Erick, Igor e Nicolas.Técnico:Guto Ferreira

VILA NOVA: Denis Júnior; Léo Duarte, Rafael Donato, Eduardo Doma e Rodrigo; Ralf, Ronald e Lourenço (Souza); Everton, Guilherme Parede e Neto Pessoa.Técnico:Claudinei Oliveira.

Chittagong Kings captain Mohammad Mithun praised his opposite number Mehidy Hasan Miraz after the latter called back Tom O’Connell, who had been dismissed timed out during their BPL match against Khulna Tigers in Dhaka on Tuesday.O’Connell, the Australian legspinner, walked out to bat after the allocated three minutes were up during Chittagong’s chase of 204. Mehidy, the fielding captain, went to the umpire along with several of his team-mates to ask about the delay.The umpires, Raveendra Wimalasiri and Tanvir Ahmed, adjudged O’Connell to be out. As O’Connell started to trudge back to the dugout, Mehidy called him back.Related

• BPL primer: Chittagong Kings back, Comilla Victorians out, Rangpur Riders flying high

Mithun accepted that the dismissal was legitimate, and said that O’Connell had been taken by surprise as the wickets fell quickly, and he didn’t have enough time to get ready despite batting at No. 7.”I personally feel Miraz did a fantastic job,” Mithun said. “He showed that he has a big heart. It is within the rules for the fielding side to appeal. Credit to Miraz for letting [O’Connell] return to the crease.”The batter shouldn’t be late to the crease, particularly in a T20. He was a little late in getting ready. Probably he was a little relaxed when he was getting ready, maybe he didn’t realise that we would lose wickets so quickly. That’s what made him late. Nothing else.”O’Connell’s turn to bat came when Pakistani batter Haider Ali fell for a second-ball duck. Chittagong were 56 for 5 in the seventh over at that stage. After the timed-out drama, however, O’Connell himself fell for a golden duck, caught at short midwicket where Mehidy took the simple catch off Mohammad Nawaz’s bowling.Khulna went on to beat Chittagong by 37 runs.

Chelsea have enjoyed yet another busy summer transfer window under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, with many more deals expected to be done before the transfer deadline on September 1.

This is both in terms of incomings and outgoings, as UEFA are putting pressure on Chelsea to register a positive transfer balance by next month, or face an inability to register new signings for the Champions League.

UEFA fined Chelsea in July for being in breach of FFP, so this was agreed as part of the settlement.

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Chelsea are looking to close a few more deals before the end of the summer transfer window.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 12, 2025

Since this agreement with UEFA, Chelsea have raised nearly £220 million in permanent transfer sales, which nearly balances out their near-£277 million spent on incoming players this month.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu have all departed Stamford Bridge, with a few more expected to follow.

Carney Chukwuemeka, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson are among the high-profile names who appear set to leave Chelsea before the transfer deadline, which will also free up room for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons and Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho to come in.

Chelsea have been in talks to sign both Simons and Garnacho since last week (Sky Sports), with Enzo Maresca potentially set to be backed with a stunning double which could be worth around £100 million.

The duo are determined to join Maresca, according to credible reports, with Garnacho setting his sights on Chelsea as his “only” preferred destination (David Ornstein).

Simons, meanwhile, is waiting patiently for Leipzig and Chelsea to agree a fee after shaking hands on personal terms with the Blues (Florian Plettenberg).

Interestingly, Chelsea are also still in the market for a new goalkeeper, according to RMC Sport.

Chelsea make approach to sign PSG outcast Gianluigi Donnarumma

As per the French news outlet, £211,000-per-week PSG outcast Gianluigi Donnarumma is on their radar as an alternative to Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.

The Italy number one won’t sign a new deal with PSG, as widely reported, and he’s since been axed from Luis Enrique’s squad for their looming UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham.

This has seemingly alerted Cobham chiefs to an opportunity, with Chelsea making an inquiry over signing Donnarumma alongside Man United.

The 26-year-old is still very young in his goalkeeping years, but already possesses a wealth of top-level know-how- making 412 appearances across his spells at the Parc des Princes and AC Milan.

Donnarumma boasts four Ligue 1 titles, a Champions League winner’s medal, three Goalkeeper of the Season awards and a Euro 2020 triumph with Italy among his many honours, and you could make a serious case that he’s exactly the type of experienced figurehead that Maresca is missing.

Given his deal expires in less than a year and could leave PSG for just £26 million, this deal almost seems like a no-brainer.

Former Bangladesh coach says the allegations against him are premeditated

Mohammad Isam18-Oct-2024

Chandika Hathurusinghe was sacked for alleged misconduct•AFP/Getty Images

Sacked Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has accused BCB president Faruque Ahmed of making “premeditated” allegations against him – of assaulting a player and breaching his terms of employment. The BCB had on Thursday removed Hathurusinghe as coach of the national men’s team citing those reasons, and appointed Phil Simmons until the Champions Trophy in 2025.”These allegations appear to me to be premeditated,” Hathurusinghe said in a statement sent to ESPNcricinfo. “On the first day of the new president’s term, he made a public statement expressing his desire to remove the head coach, which he acknowledged might involve financial repercussions for the BCB.”Additionally, I was shocked to receive a ‘show cause notice’ just four hours before the appointment of another head coach, despite the notice stating that I had 48 hours to prove my innocence. This sequence of events raises serious questions about the motives behind these actions.”Related

Bangladesh look to begin post-Shakib era on winning note

BCB terminates Hathurusinghe's contract as Bangladesh coach

Chandika Hathurusinghe sacked for 'assault' on player

New BCB chief wants to 'find someone better than' Hathurusinghe

The BCB had suspended Hathurusinghe on October 15 for allegedly assaulting a player during the 2023 ODI World Cup and for taking more time off than was permitted in his contract. The board formally terminated his contract on October 17.Hathurusinghe said the player in question had not reported the incident to the Bangladesh team manager at the time, and that the alleged incident came to light only when a YouTuber “orchestrated the narrative”.”I cannot allow this presumption [to go] unchallenged without responding,” Hathurusinghe wrote. “I believe it is essential to clarify the facts as I see them surrounding these accusations and present my side of the story. Firstly, the alleged incident purportedly occurred in the players’ dugout or dressing room, a location that is under constant surveillance during World Cup matches…”Furthermore, if the incident was as serious as claimed, it is perplexing that the player involved did not report the incident to the team manager or any authority immediately following the alleged event. If a complaint was made, I wonder why I was not questioned or approached for my side of the story at that time. It raises the question as to why the narrative was orchestrated months later by an individual on YouTube?”The BCB’s second allegation against Hathurusinghe was taking excessive time off. ESPNcricinfo has learned that he reportedly took 112 days off in 2023 and 59 in 2024, when his contract allowed him only 45 days of leave in a year. Hathurusinghe said he had been granted leave by BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury and the cricket operations committee chairman Jalal Yunus.”I have consistently sought and received approval from both the CEO and the chairman of cricket operations whenever I have taken personal leave,” he said. “At no time did the BCB tell me that they were unhappy with my leave situation, but conversely, every time I asked for leave, it was granted by BCB. At no time did I go on leave without their authorisation.”When the new board members alleged that I had taken excessive leave, they did not account for public holidays, such as Eid, nor the Fridays which may have occurred during my leave. Nor did they give credit for when I did not take allowed time off during public holidays. As I understand it, according to Bangladesh labour law, I am entitled to ‘time in lieu’ for work done on Fridays. Additionally, as a BCB employee, I am entitled to leave on Fridays and a half-day off on Thursdays.”Hathurusinghe: I was advised to leave Bangladesh on security groundsHathurusinghe said he had left Bangladesh for reasons of security, and questioned the BCB’s treatment of its employees and the motivation of the new board administration, which was put in place following the overthrow of the Bangladesh government in August.”Given the circumstances, I was advised to leave Bangladesh on security grounds,” Hathurusinghe said. “The combination of these allegations, the swift appointment of a new head coach, and the apparent lack of due process raises significant concerns about the motivation of the new management and the treatment of employees within the BCB.”I am committed to defending my reputation and will cooperate fully with any investigation into these matters. In the end truth will prevail, and I can continue to contribute positively to the sport I love.”This was Hathurusinghe’s second stint as Bangladesh coach. He was appointed in 2014 and stayed for three years before resigning in October 2017. He returned in February 2023 and was sacked with five months left in his two-year term.

Mohammed Kudus became Thomas Frank’s first major signing since taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, joining in a £55m deal from West Ham United last week.

The Ghanaian will offer key quality and depth in numerous key areas within the Lilywhites squad next season, having the versatility to star in numerous positions.

He can operate in any of the wide areas, whilst also being able to operate in the number ten role, leaving Frank to determine which role the 24-year-old is best suited to.

However, it’s likely that the new boss will want further additions to help bolster his side to aid any chances of immediate success in the Premier League.

Countless names have been touted with a move to North London in recent days, with multiple players appearing to be subject to more than just interest from the Lilywhites.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over recent days, reports have emerged linking Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton with a move to join Spurs, but they could be priced out of a move for his signature.

Claims were made that the 21-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £100m this summer, a figure undoubtedly way beyond what he’s worth after registering just 36 Premier League appearances in his career.

However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Club Brugge star Ardon Jashari a key target for the club, according to TBR Football.

Their latest report claims that the Lilywhites have made an enquiry to sign the 22-year-old central midfielder this window, with the Swiss star currently valued at £32m.

It also states that numerous other Premier League sides, such as Nottingham Forest and Everton, remain in the race for his signature after he failed to agree a move to AC Milan earlier this window.

Why Spurs’ £32m target is a better signing than Wharton

Given his rapid rise to stardom over the last couple of months, it’s no surprise to see Eagles star Wharton touted with big-money moves away from Selhurst Park this window.

Despite his tender age, he was named in the Euro 2024 squad 12 months ago, having the ability to be a monster hit in North London should he make any move to join Frank’s squad.

However, the £100m fee that’s been touted for his signature is nothing short of extortionate, with the Lilywhites paying for the potential he holds given his youthful years.

Other players will need to be considered if the side are to improve within the middle of the park, which could see cheaper alternatives put forward by the hierarchy.

It’s safe to say Jashari could be the perfect star in such a department, that’s if his figures in Belgium last season are anything to go by – hopefully transferring such tallies across to England with him.

The midfielder, who’s been labelled “seriously talented” by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to register a 61% take-on success, along with 2.2 carries into the final third – showcasing his ability to get the ball into attacking areas.

He’s managed to add the final product to his mazy runs, completing 7.3 passes into the final third per 90, 1.3 of which were defined as key passes, with both of his tallies higher than those of Wharton during the 2024/25 campaign.

How Jashari & Wharton compare in the 2024/25 campaign

Statistics (per 90)

Jashari

Wharton

Games played

35

20

Goals & assists

7

2

Pass accuracy

87%

75%

Progressive passes

7.2

6.3

Passes into final third

7.3

5.3

Key passes made

1.3

0.7

Take-on success

61%

20%

Carries into final third

2.4

1.5

Progressive carries

1.4

0.9

Stats via FBref

Jashari’s excellent numbers don’t stop there, completing 87% of the passes he attempted, helping him post a tally of seven combined goals and assists last year – handing Frank’s side a superb talent that’s arguably a better addition than the Palace star.

£32m may appear to be a hefty sum splashed out on a player who may not be proven in England’s top-flight, but from the aforementioned stats produced, it’s evident he’s a player with huge potential.

If he can carry such form over to the Premier League, it could allow the hierarchy to forget about a move for Wharton, subsequently avoiding the added tax around English players and landing another huge talent for Frank’s side in the Dane’s hunt for success in North London.

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Arsenal are making serious moves in the summer transfer market and have already held numerous talks over targets, but Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are now resigned to losing out on an “exciting” target with a deal agreed for him to join Man City.

Berta is already poised to seal deals for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Berta keen to reinforce Arsenal’s attack as well.

£67m player prioritising Arsenal move as agent holds meeting, it's not Sesko

He’s pretty keen on a move to north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

Arsenal have all the details of Zubimendi’s signing agreed, according to both David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano, with AS also reporting this week that the delay in his arrival is a result of Sociedad wanting to finalise his exit as part of the next financial year, which commences in July.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Kepa, meanwhile, is currently attempting to complete a £5 million move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates Stadium, with the Spaniard looking set to come in as David Raya’s new understudy following Neto’s return to Bournemouth.

Following Zubimendi and Kepa, they are believed to be in the market for a new winger as well, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo standing out as a “dream” target for Arsenal, even if it is unlikely to materialise as things stand (Fabrizio Romano).

Obviously, Arsenal’s pursuit of a striker has dominated headlines over the last few weeks, and two names in Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have stood out in particular.

Arsenal have held concrete talks over a deal for Sesko in recent weeks, with some reports in Portugal now claiming that an opening offer for Gyokeres has landed from north London as well (Record).

As per the BBC recently, Arsenal groundwork has been laid over moves for both Sesko and Gyokeres, so Berta could be testing the waters for either man right now ahead of deciding which one to fully prioritise.

Unfortunately for the club’s new transfer chief, he doesn’t have that same luxury when it comes to attacking midfield target Sverre Nypan, who’s now set to join City.

Arsenal in disbelief after missing out on Sverre Nypan deal

The Norwegian wonderkid has now sealed a switch to Eastlands, and will join City in a near-£13 million move from Rosenborg despite Arsenal’s serious interest.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, Arsenal chiefs are in disbelief they’ve missed out on signing Nypan, and were convinced they’d land him before news emerged of the 18-year-old’s pending switch to Manchester.

“It’s weird. Arsenal thought they got him,” said Bailey.

“It was actually Aston Villa who came on (strongest). Arsenal are a little bit shocked that City have ended up getting him. They (Arsenal) thought City were out of it and felt they had beaten him to him.”

Nypan has drawn comparisons to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard whilst being hailed as an “extremely exciting” talent by Norwegian media.

The teenager bagged eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions during the 2024 season, piqueing interest from Arsenal, but the Rosenborg sensation has elected to link up with Pep Guardiola instead.

Newcastle United and iconic centre-forwards go hand in hand. Both Hughie Gallacher and Jackie Milburn made massive impressions for the club during the first half of the 20th century.

The former helped the Magpies win the First Division title in 1926/27 and scored 143 goals in 174 matches, while the latter scored 200 goals for the club and won three FA Cups during his spell in the north-east.

The 1970s saw Malcolm Macdonald emerge as the next big thing, before Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley made their mark during the 80s.

Andy Cole’s spell on Tyneside was short, but boy was it sweet. He netted 68 goals in just 84 matches, but departed for Manchester United after only two years.

Elsewhere, Alan Shearer goes down as the best centre-forward in the club’s history. His ten-year stint with his boyhood team might have finished trophyless, but the Englishman broke Milburn’s scoring record in February 2006.

Supporters of the current generation have Alexander Isak, and what an impression he has made during his three years at Newcastle.

Alexander Isak’s Newcastle record

Eddie Howe made Isak the club’s record signing when he splashed out a staggering £63m to bring the Swedish hitman to the Premier League.

Fast-forward three years and the move is arguably one of the finest in the club’s recent history. Since joining, Isak has registered 73 goal contributions – 62 goals and 11 assists – across just 109 matches.

He may have suffered from injury issues during his first campaign, but ever since, Isak has been a goal machine.

The 25-year-old enjoyed his best season yet during 2024/25. A tally of 27 goals in 42 appearances helped the Toon secure a Champions League place next season.

Furthermore, he also scored in the League Cup final against Liverpool, ending the club’s 70-year major domestic trophy drought. There is no doubt he will go down as one of the finest strikers in the history of the club.

Alexander Isak’s PL stats for Newcastle

Metric

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

10

21

23

Assists

1

2

6

Shots per game

2.3

2.6

2.9

Goal conversion percentage

20%

27%

23%

Key passes per game

0.7

0.9

1.2

Via Sofascore

Compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Isak ranks in the top 8% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 over the previous 365 days, while also ranking in the top 12% for non-penalty goals during the same period.

These statistics suggest that Isak is one of the best strikers on the continent and the longer Howe can keep hold of him, the better.

Of course, his performances have caught the eye of several teams, Liverpool included. The Anfield side have earmarked the 25-year-old as their number one striker target.

The Magpies are demanding a British record transfer fee of around £150m for the sale of Isak, which Howe will hope puts many teams off.

Regardless if he moves or not, Isak’s form over the previous three seasons places him in the bracket of one of the club’s most impressive signings of recent times.

Might Howe be looking to land the club their biggest signing since with a move for a current Premier League star?

Newcastle's search for a new forward

Despite actively looking to bolster their squad ahead of another campaign filled with European football, Howe hasn’t had much luck in the transfer market thus far.

He has targeted moves for both Anthony Elanga and James Trafford, but deals have yet to materialise for the pair.

One move which may be close to finally being sealed is that of Joao Pedro. According to the Chronicle, Newcastle are now in advanced talks to sign the Brighton and Hove Albion star.

Discussions have been ongoing this week. The Magpies valued Pedro at around the £50m mark, although Brighton are holding out for a fee closer to £60m.

It would be an excellent first signing to make this summer for Howe, especially considering that the Brazilian has plenty of experience in the Premier League and will be ready to hit the ground running.

Dare I say it, but he might be the biggest signing the club have made since Isak.

Why Newcastle must sign Joao Pedro

The Magpies have made some impressive signings since the arrival of Isak in the summer of 2022.

Anthony Gordon joined the club in January 2023, while Sandro Tonali followed that summer. Both have since proven they are excellent signings, but Pedro’s arrival could take the club to new heights.

Since making the move to England more than five years ago, the forward has scored 54 goals and grabbed 18 assists across spells with both Watford and Brighton. For comparison, Gordon had scored just seven goals in 78 games at Everton, prior to making the switch.

In the Premier League, 32 of these goal involvements were recorded, indicating that he will have no problem performing in the top flight under Howe; that much is certain.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Pedro ranks highly over a range of performance metrics.

Indeed, not only does he rank in the top 12% for assists (0.28) and shot-creating actions (3.33) per 90, but the Brazilian also ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes (3.6) and for progressive carries (3.05) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

These stats prove that while he is a major threat in the opposition penalty box, Pedro is also capable of generating chances for others while successfully getting the ball into dangerous areas.

He was even hailed by commentator Kevin Hatchard for his “magical” ability on the ball, and this is a move that Howe must be desperate to get over the line sooner rather than later.

If so, it will surely give the whole club a major boost. The St James’ Park faithful will hope that once one player has been signed, the rest will follow.

Keeping Isak will be vital if Newcastle want to go far in the Champions League next term, while aiming for another trophy win.

Should an offer too good to turn down arrive, however, Pedro would make for a more than able replacement heading into the 2024/25 campaign.

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After turning their season around in excellent fashion, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly turned their attention towards keeping hold of one of Vitor Pereira’s star men.

Wolves' resurgent run under Pereira

When Wolves sacked Gary O’Neil before replacing him with a manager who had never stepped foot in the Premier League, there were plenty of concerns over their ability to avoid relegation. Five months on, however, Pereira has silenced doubters and even shared a few drinks with his fans following a recent run of six-straight Premier League victories. The Midlands club haven’t just survived under their new manager, they’ve thrived.

Vitor Pereira at Wolves	Premier Legaue record (via Transfermarkt)
Games	19
Wins	10
Draws	2
Defeats	7
Goals Scored	27
Goals Conceded	22

What makes that record even more impressive is the fact that star man Matheus Cunha has missed four of those 19 games, including three of Wolves’ six-consecutive wins between March and April.

It’s an absence that Wolves fans would have feared, but one that they now know Wolves can perform with. And that’s something that Pereira’s side will likely have to get used to amid rumours that Cunha will be on the move this summer.

The Brazilian has a release clause worth around £63m and has attracted interest from Manchester United and others as a result. Following an excellent campaign, there’s no doubt that the forward deserves a big move. Whether that big move will be to Old Trafford and a side who are on course to finish below Wolves remains to be seen, however.

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If the former Atletico Madrid man does depart, meanwhile, then those at Molineux will be in for an important summer. With money to spend, they would have to instantly replace Cunha whilst also keeping hold of their other star men amid similar interest.

Ait-Nouri set for new contract talks

According to the Express and Star, Wolves are now set to offer Rayan Ait-Nouri a fresh deal in an attempt to keep hold of their versatile left-back just over a year before his current deal expires.

Although the Algerian has gone under the radar at times this season thanks to Wolves’ early struggles, there’s no denying that it’s been another fantastic season. With three Premier League games to go, the defender has scored five goals and assisted another seven in all competitions to significantly improve on last season’s numbers.

As important to Pereira as he was O’Neil, Ait-Nouri found himself at the centre of the latter’s praise last season when his former manager told reporters: “It’s very important being able to use him in a few different positions out of necessity.

“He could roll inside and play in midfield from left back, he played as a 10 in the second half. He’s a great lad. He’s come on professionalism-wise and asks loads of questions now.”

Whilst reports suggest that Wolves value their full-back at £40m this summer, Ait-Nouri’s time at the club may not be coming to an end any time soon with a new contract seemingly set to be on the table.