標籤: chance

Rafael Leao is actively looking for a new club armory There is a chance to sign an attacker.

sports witness Previously covered how Manchester United had asked for information on signing the AC Milan player. They seemed interested but no concrete proposal came forward.

Recently, the Portuguese expressed his desire to leave the Rossoneri. After enduring a difficult 2025/26 campaign, he has been clear he wants a new challenge. He could not cross the ten-goal mark, his attitude was questioned and his relationship with Max Allegri hit rock bottom.

Now, Arsenal have a chance to sign Leao in the summer.

Players keen on Gunners

gazzetta dello sport There are reports that there is growing frustration in Leo’s camp regarding finding a new club. He is believed to be behind his words regarding his decision to leave Milan.

Due to this the player has been put forward for Arsenal. The Gunners are believed to be looking for a winger, having missed out on Anthony Gordon at Barcelona.

The Portugal international is keen on a move to England and would not reject an offer from the London club. Even if Galatasaray is interested, he is willing to wait for English clubs to make a move.

The status of union is absolutely clear. They need around €50m to sell Leao, while Arsenal have yet to formally step forward.

Gala have offered the player €10m per season. It is quite a hefty salary, but he has not approached Milan because Leao himself is not keen. He waits, hoping the gunners will advance.

LEO can provide significant value

Over the past two seasons, the 26-year-old has looked like a shadow of himself. This coincided with off-pitch chaos at Milan, who constantly found themselves without a game plan. This is still the case and it has affected everyone – even Leo.

They need a club with a game plan and Arsenal align with those ideas. He can offer more than Gabriel Martinelli and can be one of the most electric attackers in the league even on his day.

There are question marks about work-rate and attitude, but this is where Mikel Arteta could come into play. Leo needs a manager like the Spaniard to get more out of him, especially when he will not have to spend much. While risky, a deal could be positive depending on the player’s salary demands.

Kerim Alajbegovic could star for Bosnia at the World Cup leeds united There’s a chance to sign him.

The winger scored nine times and provided three assists for Hamburg during the last campaign. This led to him becoming part of the national team, in which Alajbegovic was a key player in World Cup qualification.

He already has four assists and a goal for Bosnia since his debut.

The 18-year-old player will return to Bayer Leverkusen as part of a permanent transfer in the summer. But his future remains uncertain and Leeds United could bring him to England this summer.

Transfer efforts are ongoing

today’s gazzetta dello sport Report on efforts to bring the young man to Italy. Alajbegovic’s father has moved to Rome and AS Roma are among the contenders to sign him.

Miralem Pjanic himself has been courting the winger and has been approached by several Serie A clubs for his signature.

However, nothing concrete has come to light. Even though the teenager has put Roma at the top of his wishlist, the Giallorossi are yet to make a formal move.

Now, Premier League clubs are ‘making moves’ for the player. There are signs of interest from Leeds United, who could prove to be a real threat to Roma.

Gian Piero Gasperini is keen on this player but he also has other options in the shortlist. This includes West Ham’s Crescencio Somerville and Leipzig’s Antonio Nussa.

Game-Changer Signature

The Bosnian is one of the most exciting talents in the game at the moment. This will make the next few weeks very exciting for his career and could also play a role in a potential Leeds United transfer.

Roma’s financial capacity is limited, which could be an advantage for Daniel Farke’s team.

Despite this, the World Cup could be a negative for Leeds United. Other clubs could join the race and offer him European football, which Bayer Leverkusen can also guarantee next season.

Arne Slott was fired liverpool Ibrahima Konate’s plans will not change, he is almost certainly leaving Anfield this summer.

L’Equipe reports today ‘It’s definitely over’ for the French centre-back at Liverpool after his switch this week.

liverpool exit

The French newspaper reports that the 27-year-old has announced to his Liverpool teammates that there will be no change of heart. He will not extend his contract with Liverpool beyond this summer.

The centre-back is set to become a free agent at the end of the month. Reports initially stated that he would sign a new deal at Anfield and remain at the club.

However, that plan suddenly changed this week. Sport Witness covered a report in France Explaining that talks with Ibrahima Konate and his team had broken down due to ‘internal disagreements’ at Liverpool.

This has since been supported by reports in England. It has become clear from those reports that there is a huge gap between what Liverpool are willing to pay and what Konate is currently asking for.

And it seems that this decision will be final. According to L’Equipe, he has told the Liverpool team that ‘there will be no change of heart’ this summer. The decision to depart has not been influenced by the dismissal of Arne Slot on Saturday.

Where next for Konate?

It remains to be seen where Ibrahima Konate’s next stop will be. Reports have long linked him with a move to Real Madrid, but links have cooled in recent months due to turmoil at the Spanish club.

A report this week emphasizes that Chelsea intend to make an attempt for him this summer. They are planning a major build-up under Xabi Alonso, and the centre-back is reportedly one of their potential targets.

Konate is not expected to have a decision on his future before the World Cup. This means his name is likely to feature prominently in the summer transfer window.

fulham Now Benfica’s own uncertainty could work in their favor as Marco Silva prepares for a crucial meeting over his future.

The Portuguese manager has a big renewal offer from the London club, but He is also expected to arrive in Lisbon today As Benfica tries to move the situation closer to a decision. The problem for the Portuguese side is that they still cannot provide him with complete clarity.

These are the main developments from Wednesday’s newspapers in Portugal.

morning mail, to ball And record All present Silva as Benfica’s priority target. However, he has also made it clear that Jose Mourinho’s drawn-out situation is now causing problems for the Lisbon club.

According to Correio da Manha, the uncertainty over Mourinho’s expected exit has created concerns inside Benfica. The issue was also discussed at a meeting on Monday between Rui Costa and the club’s football structure.

If Benfica takes too long, the head coach may begin to walk away from the position.

Marco Silva wants more Benfica clarity

Correiro da Manha says Marco Silva has an important meeting with Fulham on Thursday.

This is important because Fulham have proposed a four-year renewal With a net annual salary of around €7.5m (£6.3m) on the table. That’s a serious proposition, and Benfica simply can’t compete with those numbers.

The newspaper adds that Silva would like to go into that Fulham meeting with more concrete information about Benfica.

From Fulham’s perspective, Benfica’s delay could help. Silva is interested in the Lisbon challenge, but he still needs certainty about Mourinho’s future, the playing project and the conditions in which he will play.

One Bola says Silva is expected to arrive in Lisbon today and should follow up with Benfica in the coming days.

Silva has already said in England that his decision will be known by the end of this week. Ek Bola reiterates that he is ready to remain at Fulham or leave after five seasons.

Benfica has pace and problems

A statement said the 48-year-old manager is receptive to the project. The challenge at the Estadio da Luz has been described as attractive, and Benfica are prepared to make a significant financial effort within the reality of Portuguese football.

The offer being prepared by Rui Costa’s board is unlikely to match the Premier League money. However, this would involve a long-term contract, which is one of Silva’s demands.

still, Benfica’s problem remains Mourinho. The current manager still has one year left on his contract. A Bola says the possibility of him leaving Real Madrid is gaining momentum, but nothing has been decided yet.

Benfica cannot formally proceed while this is unresolved.

Limbo can push options away

Correio da Manhã goes further on the damage it causes. They say there is an internal fear at Benfica that this obstacle could push away potential candidates.

The issue is that whoever comes in may be made to feel like second choice because the club is still waiting for Mourinho. Its impact is already happening.

The newspaper says some coaches have become cautious because of the uncertainty. Others, even without direct contact, have already taken the initiative to say no, including Jorge Jesus and Ruben Amorim.

This gives Fulham another potential advantage. If Silva feels that Benfica cannot give him enough guarantees ahead of the Fulham meeting, he may opt for the safer route of staying in England.

Record says Benfica are still in the works

The Home of Record report adds another layer. They say Rui Costa and Mario Branco are not standing still waiting for a solution to Mourinho’s future. Benfica is already working on potential transfer targets and contacts are ongoing.

The goal is to move forward quickly once the new manager is confirmed.

Record say that Benfica want to be able to announce the signing just days after naming their coach. This urgency is partly because their season starts earlier than expected on July 23.

The record states that Benfica do not expect much changes, but they are assessing the outlook for the players already in the squad. Major sales will be required due to financial pressure after missing out on Champions League qualification.

Still, the new manager will have a say in those decisions. That’s why delay matters a lot.

The meeting route looks less dangerous

A Bola also brings a useful detail from outside the Benfica-Fulham fight.

Marco Silva has been linked with Milan, but Gazzetta dello Sport now points to Andoni Ierola as the main candidate for the Italian club.

According to A Bola’s summary, Ierola has already met with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, with a final decision expected within a week.

Irola has also been linked with a move to Benfica, but this development does not make Milan look like a direct threat to Silva.

So for now, the battle remains between Fulham and Benfica.

Andoni Ierola will choose between AC Milan and crystal Palace between Friday and Saturday when it chooses its next destination.

Sport Mediaset Report, Via Milan NewsThat it is now a straight race between Crystal Palace and AC Milan for the departed Bournemouth manager.

crystal palace vs milan

Milan News relayed the information from the Italian newspaper today. He told that now there are two contenders for the Basque coach.

Having closely watched his success at Bournemouth, AC Milan have placed him at the top of their wish list. Crystal Palace are the other contenders.

They compete in the Europa Conference League final tonight, which will be Oliver Glasner’s last game in charge. They have had their eye on Andoni Ierola for some time but could ‘get serious’ about their efforts to recruit him tomorrow.

According to Claudio Raimondi of Sport Mediaset, the Basque coach will decide between Milan and Crystal Palace between Friday and Saturday. He wants to give the Eagles the opportunity to present his offer and draw comparisons with Milan.

crystal palace offer

This matches Spain’s latest report on Andoni Irola today. Sport Witness covered a report on sport Details of what’s happening to the 43-year-old man.

According to his information, Crystal Palace, Milan and Bayer Leverkusen are currently ‘trying their hardest’ to sign the Bournemouth coach.

They say Crystal Palace have offered Irola several million pounds. He is considering the offer because it is an interesting project and would allow his family to remain in England.

Now the Spaniard is ready to make a decision at the end of the week. It seems he still hasn’t decided what he wants to do after leaving Bournemouth.

And he is prepared to give Crystal Palace every chance to secure his signature as they look to secure a top-class replacement for Oliver Glassner.

bournemouth Forward Ryan arrived in England and immediately changed the atmosphere at the club.

The 19-year-old joined from Vasco da Gama in January and quickly became one of Bournemouth’s main attacking names.

Since his arrival, the Cherries have played 17 Premier League matches without defeat. The current undefeated run has also inspired the Brazilian media Frame Bournemouth as ‘Ryan’s Bournemouth’Arguing that the teenager has become the hero of the club’s recent rise.

This kind of form was always going to attract the attention of big clubs.

arsenal and manchester united While, has already been linked with the young player several major European sides He is expected to be kept under close watch during the World Cup with Brazil.

The hope in Brazil is that the tournament could be the moment when Europe’s elite seriously step up their search for an attacker.

But Bournemouth are trying to close the door on the matter before it escalates further.

Cherry is trying to hold on strong

according to espn brazilThe Premier League side have already made it clear to Ryan’s squad that they are not planning on selling him this summer, despite growing transfer interest and his recent call-up to the Brazil national football team.

Report says Bournemouth want to keep Both Ryan and fellow Brazilian Ivanilson As they prepare for the next season.

The stance suggests the club is trying to protect the core of the team that fueled their long unbeaten run and propelled Bournemouth into the European conversation this season.

Bournemouth’s message to the player’s camp appears to be very simple: the plan is to retain Ryan and continue building around him rather than making an instant buck.

The only thing that could seriously change the club’s stance would be a big World Cup move from Ryan, who would potentially make what the reports describe as “absurd” offers.

And given the pace of his rise, that scenario no longer seems unrealistic. In that context, local outlets Day Liverpool are now mentioned as an interested party.

Ryan forced his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil plans just months after landing in England. In Brazil, journalists and pundits are considering him as a genuine contender for the World Cup squad rather than a promising young player simply gaining experience.

Bonuses have already started after Brazil call-up

ESPN Brazil also claim that Ryan has already activated a contractual bonus following the Brazil call-up.

Importantly, the bonus was included in his Bournemouth contract before he even received an international call-up, which says a lot about how strongly the club believed in his long-term trajectory when they signed him from Vasco.

The money goes directly to the player and does not generate additional income for Vasco.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian club may continue to receive future bonuses tied to performance terms agreed upon during the transfer. They reportedly include Premier League survival, appearances, sporting objectives and other targets linked to his development in England.

For Bournemouth, it all reinforces the feeling that they have got one of the biggest deals involving a Brazilian youth in recent years.

The club paid around €35m (£30m) to sign him in January. For now, it looks like money well spent.

coventry city are already moving forward like a club that knows survival in the Premier League will depend on smart recruitment, and Botafogo winger Matthias Martins has now emerged as a name on their radar ahead of the summer window.

According to Brazilian outlet globo esporteNewly promoted team Feyenoord is one of several European clubs keeping an eye on the 22-year-old, along with Celta de Vigo and Krasnodar.

Coventry’s interest has grown as the club prepares for its first Premier League campaign in 25 years under Frank Lampard.

Botafogo are now ready to sell the winger for around €8m (£6.7m). The figure is significantly less than the €10m (£8.4m) paid to Udinese in 2024.

The Brazilian side are under financial pressure and reportedly see Matheus Martins as one of the assets capable of generating immediate wealth.

Newcomers to the Premier League often have difficulty finding attackers with top-flight experience at affordable prices. Matthias Martins already knows English football His spell at Watfordwhere he played 49 matches, scoring six goals and adding three assists in the championship, before returning to Brazil.

Coventry City sees opportunity in the market

Matthias Martins hasn’t exactly burst onto the scene at Botafogo, but there are signs why clubs remain interested.

Since arriving, he has played 81 matches, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. Those numbers are modest on paper, yet his speed, ability to attack defenders one-on-one and experience in different systems still make him an attractive developmental option.

Lampard’s team is expected to recruit aggressively this summer, particularly in wide areas, and Matthias Martins fits the profile of a player with reviving ability, Premier League athleticism and previous adaptation to English football.

Financial pressure could help Coventry

There is another important detail behind Botafogo’s stance.

The Brazilian club still owes Udinese part of the original transfer fee and the matter has been escalated to FIFA. Reports from Brazil estimate the outstanding debt at around €6m (£5m). It appears that financial pressures are affecting the club’s willingness to negotiate below the original purchase price.

In practical terms, this could give Coventry an opening.

The €8m (£6.7m) deal is relatively manageable by Premier League standards, especially for a player who is still only 22 and already has experience in Italy’s network system through Brazil, Udinese and English football.

Mattheus Martins is currently recovering from a muscle injury, but Botafogo are hopeful he will return soon. His situation now looks increasingly likely to become one of the club’s main transfer stories of the summer.

Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola is set to leave the Premier League team after this season.

The Spaniard refused to discuss his future after Tuesday’s draw against AFC Bournemouth, which resulted in Manchester City losing the title to Arsenal.

Several claims in the UK and Spain insist that Guardiola’s time at the Etihad will soon be coming to an end.

Although there has been no official announcement from the manager or Manchester City, there have been several reports on who could replace Guardiola.

Reports indicate that Enzo Maresca is the favorite for the Etihad post. Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is also a contender.

The Belgian had a long and successful career at Manchester City and was captain under Guardiola. He spent 11 years in England and returned to Anderlecht in 2019.

A year later, Kompany became their manager and left for Burnley in 2022. The Bavarian club appointed him as their manager in 2024 and they have won the Bundesliga twice so far.

Last October, the 40-year-old signed a contract extension until 2029. At that time, Sport Witness Covered claims from Germany This was done to prevent Manchester City from snatching him at some point.

The company’s Manchester City connection

The manager’s previous connections make him a likely candidate to replace Pep Guardiola.

this week’s edition sportimage There is a detailed interview with Bayern Munich chairman Herbert Hainer.

Sportbild was curious to hear from Heiner whether his team extended Vincent Kompany’s contract in October in order to prevent Manchester City from starting in attack.

Responding to that he said: “Our motivation for the extension was not to overtake Manchester City. We extended his contract because he is doing an excellent job and because we wanted him to stay with us for the long term.

“Maybe he will coach Manchester City someday, because he has played there before. His successful work usually attracts the attention of top clubs. He is young and has many years of coaching under his belt. But he and his family feel very comfortable in Munich.”

Bayern Munich denies sale of company

Asked if he could imagine Manchester City knocking on Kompany’s door, Herbert Hainer explained: “He’s welcome (laughs). With players, it’s often said: not for sale. And there’s no transfer fee for the company; he’s not for sale.”

“Vincent has a contract until 2029, which gives us security, and hopefully he’ll stay for a very long time. He’s made a name for himself here with us.”

This rules out the possibility of Kompany leaving Bayern Munich in the coming weeks.

It appears that Davide Fratesi is ready to leave Inter Milan nottingham forest You can get discount in summer deal.

In January, the Italian came close to finishing at the City Ground. His exit was contingent on the Nerazzurri signing Curtis Jones from Liverpool but the Englishman remained at Anfield. was covered by sports witnessBecause in the first half of the campaign the Fratesi were in a hopeless situation.

The failure to join Nottingham Forest had a negative impact on Italy’s international standing. He has started only one Serie A game since then, most recently in a 1–1 draw against Hellas Verona where he was left on the bench.

As the season draws to a close, Fratesi is a leading candidate to leave the Italian champions.

Inter ready for discount

gazzetta dello sport Note how resigned Fratesi was to his fate as Inter celebrated their Scudetto victory at the weekend. He thanked the Inter fans for the affection shown to him since joining from Sassuolo.

Now, he is ready to depart. The report mentions a failed attempt by Nottingham Forest to sign him.

At that time, Inter demanded €30 million to sell him permanently. Vitor Pereira’s team can now buy him for ‘between 20 million euros and 25 million euros’.

This is due to the disappointing season he has endured. Inter believe his value has fallen, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2028. This gives him the best chance of earning a significant fee from his sale this summer.

fratesi would like european football

Last season, the 26-year-old accepted a move to Nottingham Forest because they were offering European football. He is used to playing in the Champions League since arriving at Inter in 2023.

That’s why going to clubs like AS Roma or Juventus may appeal more to him. The Giallorossi hold on to a Champions League spot and Juve will also play in a European competition.

Unless Nottingham Forest offer Fratesi a huge salary, it may be difficult to convince him. If that is not the case, the Italian clubs’ failure to pay the required amount could also cost him an opportunity in the summer.

UFC icon Georges St-Pierre may have left the door open for Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions to book his next mixed martial arts dream fight after this weekend’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight.

For many longtime UFC fans, St-Pierre is the greatest fighter in MMA history. The Canadian player performed brilliantly during his 15 years in the game. He amassed a record of 26–2 and would become the greatest welterweight of all time after successfully defending the title 10 times. He then cemented his place as a true legend when he returned after a four-year retirement to win the UFC middleweight belt in 2017.

It was the perfect way to end his incredible career, and he has never returned to high-level competition since. However, he left the door open in a new interview with MMA Junkie this week. During the conversation, he admitted that “he gets requests once or twice a month to fight in MMA, boxing, grappling or grappling.”

Yet instead of saying he turned them all down because he was already competing in high-level combat sports, he said it just wasn’t the right time to be involved in those opportunities. He is currently prioritizing other projects and has been dealing with a back injury recently. Still, the 44-year-old UFC great isn’t exactly against the eventual matchup in any case.

That information should perk up the MVP and Netflix offices. The fight promotion run by Jake Paul and the streaming giant is promoting a massive MMA card this weekend, headlined by an improbable dream fight between 39-year-old Ronda Rousey and 44-year-old Gina Carano. The card also features Nate Diaz, 41, and Junior dos Santos, 42.

If the event is successful, Netflix will definitely be open to another one as live sports content is a major priority for the streaming service right now. But with the UFC tightening its grip on the top talent in the sport, MVP will again have to turn to some veteran names, and St-Pierre would be a strong choice. Especially if the fight took place in Canada.

But which opponents would the MMA icon actually consider returning to fight? The two names are most meaningful. They are Anderson Silva and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Is Georges St-Pierre vs. Anderson Silva or Khabib Nurmagomedov possible now?

A super-fight between St-Pierre and Silva is something UFC fans wanted badly in 2010 and 2011. Although it seemed like a real possibility at the time, it never happened. The Brazilian turned 51 last month, has the fight with GSP gone well, is this the best buy date? Yes, but if it was on Netflix old school fans would still watch it. Furthermore, we are in a time when their major fighting legends are fighting all the time, and fans are tuning in to them.

St-Pierre vs Nurmagomedov fight that will really intrigue fans. The Russian will turn 38 in September, so the age issue is less ridiculous than the St-Pierre and Silva matchup and more on par with what we’ll see this weekend. The UFC lightweight legend has said in the past that GSP was his late father’s favorite fighter, and he always wanted a confrontation with “Rush”.

The biggest issue in the making is whether Nurmagomedov still has a contractual relationship with the UFC. Plus, there’s also a real possibility that UFC CEO Dana White will try to jump in and steal the fight from MVP.

Either way, there’s just a crack in the door, and MVP-Netflix should be questioning whether Rousey vs. Carano is a success.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new rumor suggests that the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks will eventually be joined by a fourth NBA team in Texas. But it won’t be a new team at all, and instead, Portland Trail Blazers fans will be heartbroken.

Aside from the ongoing playoffs and the upcoming NBA Draft, one of the biggest stories in the league’s offices is on expansion. With the NFL raking in the big bucks with 32 teams, the world’s top basketball league is also looking to squeeze more money out of its massive fan base.

All indications are that the league will add two more teams in the next few years, and they will likely be in Las Vegas and the returning Seattle SuperSonics. Even with those additions, it still means California remains the state with the most NBA teams – the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings.

However, according to Bill Oram of the Oregonian, Texas, the state with the most land area in the union, may soon join California with four teams in the National Basketball Association.

Could the Portland Trail Blazers be moved to Austin, Texas?

What’s interesting about Oram’s comment is that Dundon is the majority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes and Trail Blazers. The NBA reporter is not suggesting that the billionaire would buy another team — nor could he. And that’s not to say Dundon would sell his stake in the Trail Blazers less than a decade after purchasing it. No, he’s insisting he’ll take the Trail Blazers to Austin.

Such a move would be heartbreaking for basketball fans in the Northwest, especially since they are likely to get the SuperSonics back after relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. However, considering how long it took to get two more teams in the NBA, two more teams seems a long way away after that.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Aston Villa We are beginning to seriously prepare for the possibility of losing Emiliano Martínez this summer. Nevertheless, there is still no certainty as to where the Argentina international will end.

The goalkeeper’s future has been surrounded by increasing speculation for months. Saudi Arabia looms in the background, and we’ve covered it recently Argentina signing is a dream.

Martínez still has a contract until 2029. However, Villa’s recruitment department is already focusing on what the next move could look like.

according to foot marketThe Premier League side have now identified two of Ligue 1’s most highly-rated young goalkeepers as potential successors. They are RC Lens’ Robin Risser and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.

It appears that Villa’s recruitment team are moving strongly into the French market. However, behind the scenes the two situations are viewed very differently.

Riser is attracting huge attention

Robin Risser has emerged as one of the revelations of the Ligue 1 season after joining Lens from Strasbourg last summer.

The 21-year-old previously impressed on loan at Red Star in Ligue 2. He has quickly built a strong reputation at the top level. Foot Mercato state Aston Villa are one of the clubs following him after a campaign that has brought 10 clean sheets and conceded just 33 goals.

His rise has extended beyond club football. According to the French outlet, Riser is regularly monitored by Didier Deschamps’ staff. His name is already doing the rounds around the senior France setup.

That growing reputation poses a problem for Aston Villa. Lens have been described as reluctant sellers, while Fut Mercato claim it would be a completely extravagant offer to force the French club to negotiate.

Transfermarkt currently values ​​Riser at €25m (£21.4m), although Lens will surely demand more.

Goalkeeper has already been added tottenham and newcastle Interest in the Premier League has been growing steadily in recent months.

However, the player himself has Hinted that he is not pushing for XITea. When Riser was recently asked about his future, he said: “I don’t think I’ve reached the end of my journey here.”

Restes may offer a simple solution

Guillaume Restes is seen differently. The Toulouse goalkeeper is the same age as Risser, but has more senior experience than ever before. He has played over 100 professional matches, including 95 Ligue 1 matches.

That experience has already made him one of the most celebrated young goalkeepers in France. He was also part of Thierry Henry’s Olympic team that won the silver medal at the 2024 Games.

Foot Mercato suggests this deal could be easier and quicker to complete for Aston Villa than a Risser move. Toulouse are seen as more open to the possibility of a major sale, especially if Restes decides the time is right to leave his boyhood club.

Transfermarket values ​​the goalkeeper at €18m (£15.4m).

what happens next

The contradiction between the two goals is already clear.

Riser is the breakout name. However, her rising profile and lens stance make her a difficult operation.

Restes brings more experience and could represent a more realistic market opportunity for Aston Villa if movement around Martínez accelerates in the coming weeks.

The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery could certainly answer some questions for New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta.

New Jersey is entering an important offseason as an organization that hopes to be in the postseason—regardless of the outcome of 2025–26.

Thus, they will look to make a big addition this summer. Based on his draft position, he is likely to be a first round selection.

Can the Devils move up and improve their value in the 2026 NHL Draft? Here’s everything you need to know for tonight.

Date and broadcast

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 7 PM ET. Live from the NHL Network studios in Secaucus, NJ broadcast on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. The results determine the first 16 picks of the 2026 NHL Draft (June 26–27, Buffalo).

Format

Two-stage ping-pong ball draw (1,001 combinations). Step 1 selects the No. 1 overall pick. Step 2 selects the number 2. Teams move up a maximum of 10 places. Only the top 11 seeds can win the No. 1 seed. The remaining order is determined by the opposite regular-season standings.

state of devils

Ranks 12th in New Jersey Lottery 2.5% Probability of winning and reaching number 2 (25 combinations) – which they cannot rise above. Their probable result is to be around 10th-12th.

All chances of winning number 1 pick

• Vancouver Canucks: 18.5%
• Chicago Blackhawks: 13.5%
• New York Rangers: 11.5%
• Calgary Flames: 9.5%
• Toronto Maple Leafs*: 8.5%
• Seattle Kraken: 7.5%
• Winnipeg Jets: 6.5%
• Florida Panthers: 6.0%
• San Jose Sharks: 5.0%
• Nashville Predators: 3.5%
• St. Louis Blues: 3.0%
• New Jersey Devils: 2.5%
• New York Islanders: 2.0%
• Columbus Blue Jackets: 1.5%
• St. Louis Blues (via DET): 0.5%
• Washington Capitals: 0.5%

*Toronto Note: Conditional trade with Boston from March 7, 2025.

Top 2026 prospects

Unanimous Leader:

• Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (No. 1 overall favorite)
• Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frölunda (SHL)
• Keaton Verhoef, D, North Dakota
• Carson Carrolls, D, Prince George (WHL)
• Chase Reed, D, Soo Greyhounds

Adding a top-two pick in McKenna or Stenberg could help the Devils land an NHL-ready talent who contributes long-term. Otherwise, if it approaches their expected draft position, they should consider moving him for more immediate help.

The lottery determines the draft order only for non-playoff teams. Full results are expected shortly after 7pm ET.

The Devils Rink Report will go live with analysis of the results as soon as the Devils’ picks get into position.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

crystal Palace Last summer Inter Milan’s Yann Bisek came calling and I was keen. Any deal this year is likely to be more complex.

Despite proving himself under Simone Inzaghi in the previous campaign, the German made a slow start to the current season.

The lack of action under Cristian Chivu led Crystal Palace to move to sign the defender. sports witness It was widely covered, as the Nerazzurri rejected two offers.

Furthermore, they had moved on to Benjamin Pavard and were unwilling to sell another right-sided defender at the end of the transfer window.

Things have now changed for the Germany international gazzetta dello sport Provide information about his condition.

Crystal Palace transfer very difficult now

The Italian newspaper has made it clear that a move to Crystal Palace was very close for Yann Bisek last summer. Oliver Glasner’s side put forward €30m but a final agreement was never reached between the two clubs.

Now, Chivu sees the defender as a vital part of his backline. This is particularly due to the 25-year-old’s versatility in the backline and the Romanian Bisek’s courage and recovery when defending.

This is why Inter no longer sees Bisek as a sellable unit. This was true to some extent last season but the player has convinced his club of a long-term future.

Even if Crystal Palace make a move for him this summer, they will struggle to land a defender.

Our take: Bisek may have overtaken Crystal Palace

Despite not always being consistent, Bisek is one of Inter’s most important players. Last season, he performed brilliantly in the Champions League, particularly impressing against Barcelona.

This season, he has also performed quite well as a ball-carrier, dazzling the opposition with his pace on the ball.

He is a proven-Champions League player who has already won silverware at the highest level. Crystal Palace don’t really offer this and if Bisek leaves Inter, he would want to move up or to the side.

VfL eyeing a move to Wolfsburg west ham united Niklas Fulkrug flopped and believes there is a ‘realistic possibility’ of the deal he wants to make.

sky germany report West Ham are exploring all their options as they look to get rid of the 33-year-old striker this summer.

West Ham’s future uncertain

They report that Niklas Fulkrug’s future at West Ham is uncertain. The striker is currently on loan at AC Milan, but this has not revived his career as he had hoped.

Now West Ham are considering what happens in the summer. They are considering a sale, but possibly also contract termination. Because of that, Wolfsburg ‘senses an opportunity’.

The German side are ‘seriously considering’ the West Ham striker. And they see a real chance of making a move for him this summer.

West Ham are considering several scenarios. The contract termination is likely final, as they are aware that there is interest from Wolfsburg and elsewhere in the Bundesliga.

Former club Werder Bremen is also a possible destination. There is also interest in MLS. Credited to Fiorentina With interest today by reports in Italy.

transfer opportunity

Therefore, it would be unwise for West Ham to terminate his deal at this point. But interested parties are clearly eyeing a deal at a lower price.

Transfermarkt currently values ​​the striker at €5m. West Ham therefore face a significant loss on the €27m they spent on the German in 2024.

But anything is definitely better than nothing, even if it costs less. And given that the striker’s contract runs until 2028, there’s no reason for him to be strong-armed at the moment.

But there is clearly a desire to move Niklas Fulkrug this summer and end his time at the London Stadium. And various clubs are trying to take advantage of this.

The Montreal Canadiens (2-1) will host the Tampa Bay Lightning (1-2) in Game 4 on Sunday, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

The Habs emerged with a 3-2 overtime win on Friday, marking the third consecutive game in which these teams required extra time to decide a winner.

On the surface, this may seem like a close battle, but once we look at the numbers a bit, it becomes clear that the Canadiens have gained a significant advantage in a very important category: high-danger scoring chances.

In fact, before Sunday’s game, the Canadiens had controlled 75% of quality scoring opportunities, the best result of any playoff team through three games. This doesn’t mean they are dominating the Lightning, but it is an important development for the Habs, as they typically struggle when it comes to controlling the best opportunities over a period, let alone an entire series.

For fun, here are the HDCF% of the various teams in the playoffs after three games. It reflects the share of high-danger scoring chances a team generates.

#GoHabsGo Leading the league by a huge margin with 75%. https://t.co/vtaVVh8y3G pic.twitter.com/1XZdiqMTul

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 25 April 2026

You could argue that Tampa Bay’s obsession with slick hockey is backfiring, as the Canadiens have not only created four times as many high-danger scoring chances, but they’ve also been bolting in the process, with defenseman Arbor Zekaj and forward Josh Anderson leading the physical charge.

Czekaj has also put up some of the best numbers among all NHL defensemen in the playoffs, forming a very solid third pairing with Jaden Struble.

If the Lightning continue to focus on extracurriculars, the Habs will have a great chance to take the series by establishing a 3-1 lead with a win on Sunday. However, if Tampa Bay begins playing regular hockey, it will make matters more complicated for the Canadiens.

Possible Lineup Changes

Neither Victor Hedman nor Charles-Edouard D’Estes are expected to be available for the Lightning, and although it’s likely we’ll see Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson back in uniform in the relatively near future, he will not play against the Lightning on Sunday.

We’ll know more about what’s next for Noah Dobson within 48 hours. @CanadiensMTL @TVASports

– Renaud Lavoie (@RLavoieTVA) 26 April 2026

Any lineup changes will be confirmed once the teams take the ice for pregame warm-ups, as both coaches are keeping their cards pretty close to their chests at this point in the postseason.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Cole Coffield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkowski

Alex Newhook – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov

Zachary Bolduc – Kirby Dach – Alexandre Texier

Jake Evans – Philip Danault – Josh Anderson

Mike Matheson – Alexander Carrier

Caden Guhle – Lane Hutson

Jaden Struble – Arbor Zekaj

jacob dobbs

Tampa Bay Lightning Projected Lineup

Gage Goncalves – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov

Brandon Hegel – Anthony Cirelli – Jake Guentzel

Zemgus Girgenson – Yanni Gourde – Nick Paul

Corey Perry – Dominic James – Scott Sabourin

JJ Moser – Darren Raddish

Ryan McDonagh – Eric Cernak

Declan Carlyle – Emil Lilliberg

Andrei Vasilevsky

How to watch Hubs Vs. bolt

Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, April 26, 2026, will be broadcast on CBC, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. A quick recap with highlights will be available on SportsNote once the final whistle blows.

Additional NHL Playoff Analysis

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

The Dallas Stars were one shot away from sending the rival Minnesota Wild to the brink of elimination.

Instead the Western Conference First Round would return to American Airlines Center tied at two games apiece after Matthew Boldy scored at 19:31 of the first OT, giving the Wild a 3–2 victory at Grand Casino Arena.

Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen scored once each, and goaltender Jake Oettinger made 40 saves for the Stars.

Dallas did what it needed to by reclaiming home-ice advantage with its double-overtime win in Game 3. But he blew two one-goal leads, and so allowed a great chance to take a 3-1 lead by allowing Marcus Foligno’s goal with just 5:20 remaining in regulation.

Game 5 is Tuesday at Dallas at 7 p.m.

Here are the takeaways from Game 4:

Jason Robertson and the Stars’ power play stay red hot

Dallas entered the game Saturday on a special-teams burner, and its PK didn’t allow a single goal and its man-advantage remained very hot.

Both of Dallas’ goals came on the power play, with Robertson scoring his second man-up goal and Heiskanen scoring his first goal of the series.

“Our power play has been good,” Stars coach Glenn Gulutzan said after the game.

The Stars’ power play is now 8 of 19 (42.1%) in four games and second only to the Anaheim Ducks among all teams. The Ducks have 11 less PP than the Stars due to one less game.

Dallas has scored four consecutive goals on the power play. The Stars have found success moving the puck down high and then taking advantage of diagonal passes and beating Jesper Wallstad on sharp-angle shots – which is what Robertson, Heiskanen and Matt Duchene did on their own goals.

Robertson has now scored in every game of the series and is the only one of the three Star players with multiple PPG in the series. At this point the Stars need to figure out how to score at even strength, as they only have three goals at 5-on-5.

“We just couldn’t get any puck luck,” Gulutzan said. “We just have to start over to finish something.”

Jake Oettinger almost saved the stars

Oettinger has lost Stars games in the past, but their goalie wasn’t the reason for their loss on Saturday.

In Game 4 the Wild finished with a 3.84 expected goals against and outscored the Stars 24–17 in the third period and overtime. Foligno’s goal came from a rebound, where the Minnesota forward got over Oettinger and deposited the puck into the empty cage. Brock Faber’s goal was a shot worth watching.

Oettinger’s numbers in the series may not look impressive, but he has been excellent since Dallas’ 6-1 loss in Game 1. The Stars’ franchise goalie has a 1.38 all-situation goals-against average and a .924 save percentage over his last three games and could use some extra support from his teammates.

“I thought he made some massive saves,” Gulutzan said. “You need it this time of year, and he gave it to us.”

Oettinger made 10-belle saves after 10-belle saves throughout OT – Minnesota could only beat him when Boldy tried to kick the puck for a disallowed goal. But Boldy then redirected Jared Spurgeon’s shot from the point.

The Wild, Stars series deserves to be equal

Game 1 was lopsided, but the series went as we all expected.

The last two games have gone to overtime, including a double-OT affair in Game 3. The investigation is strict. The atmosphere is noisy. Both teams are highly-skilled. This series should be tied at two points after four matches.

It’s easier said than done, but Stars fans should try to enjoy the ride of Stanley Cup playoff hockey. This series seems destined to go seven games, and even Gulutzan has acknowledged that.

“There are a lot of guys playing good hockey in this series,” Gulutzan said. “It’s just two good hockey teams.”

Pat Pickens is an award-winning sports writer and author who has covered the NHL since 2013. He reveals more about Pat Pickens.

On Friday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers provided Aaron Rodgers with an opportunity to fine-tune his legacy in his final season in the NFL.

Rodgers would go on to become one of the greatest players to ever take the field wearing a helmet in an NFL game. In his 21 legendary seasons, he went to the Pro Bowl 10 times, earned All-Pro honors on four occasions, and was the NFL MVP four times. And in 2011, he reached the top of the mountain when he led the Green Bay Packers to their last Super Bowl.

His reputation as a football player remains untouched. However, it is things off the field that have made him a divisive figure among many fans. Whether it’s his almost annual retirement threats with the Packers. Mike McCarthy was removed as head coach. His views about the world, or his interest in psychedelics.

He also had a disappointing season with the New York Jets and took several months to put pen to paper with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Another standout was how he handled the Packers’ preparation for his postseason when they drafted Jordan Love in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Although he was not outwardly unhappy about it, he did not accept the future despite receiving similar treatment from Brett Favre 15 years earlier. This was one of many instances during his career where he appeared to be emotion- and me-first rather than team-first.

Well, if he returns to the Steelers this season he has a chance to change a lot of opinions about him. On Friday night, Pittsburgh took a step toward the future when they made Penn State quarterback Drew Allar the 76th pick in this year’s draft.

Aaron Rodgers should embrace graybeard mentorship in final NFL season

The Ellers were promoted in the first round of the 2025 college football season. But a poor start for the Nittany Lions and a serious ankle injury ended his year within a few weeks. He has good size and a big arm that can make all the throws in the NFL. But it needs a lot of work and it’s a complete project. So he is not a threat to Rodgers starting in 2026.

That’s why NFL veterans should guide Elar, as NFL.com’s scouting report claims his “improvement in confidence, poise and recognition should be the foundation of any rebound.”

Barring a spectacular run to the Super Bowl, this is certainly the 42-year-old’s swan song. His place in Canton has been decided. However, changing his story a bit by playing a key role in developing his replacement and a potential long-term starter would be just as close to an illustrious career. This will prove once and for all that he is a better player and person than Brett Favre.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

There is a ‘high percentage chance’ that Vitaly Mykolenko will everton Next season. If not, he will remain in the Premier League regardless.

sport express report on the Everton defender today with comments from ‘well-known’ Ukrainian journalist Ihor Tsyganik regarding the 26-year-old’s situation.

likely to stay at everton

Vitaly Mykolenko may extend his deal with Everton this summer and not look for a new club, Tsyganyak reported on his YouTube channel.

“As far as I understand, Vitaliy himself, and this is probably right, will in any case consider the option of Everton first,” He said.

“If not with Everton, then Premier League options. Mykolenko played quite a successful season. No matter what the fans say, he played quite consistently this season.

“It is worth noting that he has recovered from injuries suffered after the 2023/24 season when he went to the Euros, where he was still injured.

“This season he played more strongly. And I believe that Mykolenko will not go anywhere from the Premier League. I give a high percentage of probability that he will still be at Everton.”

Contract or Premier League move

according to transfer marketVitaly Mykolenko’s current deal at Hill Dickinson expires in 2027.

It was due to expire this summer, but Everton had the option to extend by one year. This appears to be an option they have chosen for the 26-year-old.

Now the question is what will happen next. David Moyes and his team would not want a player with only one year left on his contract.

Either they extend Mykolenko’s contract again with a new offer, or he is sold this summer to avoid leaving for free. As far as Tsyganik is concerned, it would be the former.

A report last month said He could be an option for Roma. However, as far as he is concerned in Ukraine, Mykolenko will remain on Merseyside.

🇮🇹Arthur Atta | Everton ready for Napoli transfer battle – player’s wishes will be key https://t.co/9pyB8nYtv9 #efc #koyab

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 22 April 2026

I’m not here to tell you that Tyree Wilson went seventh overall after being drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders. she has not. Through three years, a 57.6 PFF grade, and a pass-rush win rate that ranks 106th out of 126 edge rushers from 2023. These numbers don’t lie.

But I’m also not ready to put a bust label on him and move on. not yet.

Here’s the thing about Wilson that gets lost in the frustration: The Raiders are asking him to do something he was never meant to do. They have drafted him as a traditional 4-3 defensive end, a wide-9 speed rusher who wins off the edge with bends and athleticism. That’s not his game. It never was.

Wilson is 6 feet 6 inches, 263 pounds. He is a power player. Length and leverage are his tools, not ankle flexibility and cornerback speed. And for three years, three different coaching staffs have tried to fit that square peg into a round hole.

Rob Leonard’s 3-4 could eventually change that.

No one is talking about this plan

When Clint Kubiak announced at the combine that the Raiders were shifting to a 3-4 base under Leonard, much of the conversation focused on Maxx Crosby. Exactly – Crosby is the best player on defense. But the more interesting subplot is what this means for Tyree Wilson.

In Leonard’s system, Wilson projects as a 4-technique or 5-technique. This means he is hitting the inside with the tackle’s shoulder, using his length to control the gap and using his strength to collapse the pocket from the inside. That’s a completely different question than what he’s doing.

Think about it. Wilson’s struggles came when he was asked to win in space, turning the corner against NFL tackles who could mirror his running. Inside? The space shrinks. The game slows down. His height becomes an advantage rather than something he tries to compensate for.

Leonard coached Wilson as D-line coach the past two seasons. He knows exactly what Wilson can and can’t do. The change in plans is not accidental.

Tyree Wilson’s numbers behind the disappointment

Wilson’s 2025 wasn’t a complete disaster. He recorded career highs in tackles (35) and tackles for loss (8). He forced two to falter. He generated 35 pressures.

But the termination rate killed him. Wilson had 10 tackles missed, which was also a career high. 60.4 pass-rush grade which ranks 77th among qualified edge defenders. There were glimpses, but there was no stability.

The season finale against Kansas City provided a glimpse of what could be. Two sacks, two forced fumbles, eight pressures, 31.2% win rate. Granted, he was going against a backup tackle. But you can only beat who is in front of you and Wilson dominated that fight as he rarely has in his career.

The question is whether it was a preview or an external one.

The 5-year option has almost certainly expired

The Raiders have until May 1 to make a decision on Wilson’s 5th-year option. It will cost approximately $13 million.

They are not picking it up. I would be stunned if they did.

Jon Spytek did not draft Wilson. He has no emotional investment in the pickup. And paying $13 million for a player who hasn’t earned a 60 PFF grade in three seasons is not consistent with how this front office operates. SpyTech wants value. Wilson, at that price, right.

That doesn’t mean Wilson is done in Las Vegas. This means that 2026 is truly the year to prove it. He’ll play out the final season of his rookie deal at around $8 million, and if he breaks out, he’ll either be extended or hit free agency with leverage. If he doesn’t, it’s someone else’s reclamation project.

ration gary blueprint

Here’s the optimistic case. Rashaan Gary was a top-15 pick for the Packers, who looked bad during his first two seasons. Then Year 3 hit, he found his role, and through October 2023, he signed a four-year, $96 million extension.

The physical profiles are similar. Both are long, powerful and took time to translate college dominance into NFL production. The difference is that Green Bay stuck with Gary long enough to let him click.

Wilson is his third head coach in three years. That kind of instability does not help development. Leonard represents his first real continuity – a coach who has been in the building, who knows his strengths and weaknesses, and who is now installing a scheme that theoretically fits him better.

He is nothing.

what to watch with tyree wilson

The first phase of the offseason program is underway. Wilson is going to get his first real reps in Leonard’s system over the next few months. By training camp, we should get a feel for whether the 4i/5-technique role really unlocks something or whether the physical tools don’t translate at the NFL level.

I am not predicting a breakout. Wilson hasn’t earned that optimism. But I am also not writing him off.

The Raiders finally have a scheme that fits his skill set, a coordinator who knows his game inside and out and a front office that will give him another year to figure it out. If it doesn’t happen in 2026, it’s not happening.

But what if this happens? This defense suddenly has a real second threat facing Crosby. And that changes everything.

RELATED: Zack Beech and Donte Thornton are auditioning for their jobs with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

celtic Manager Martin O’Neill has Kieran Tierney and Marcelo Saraschi as his two left-backs at Celtic Park.

Without any option or obligation to buy, Saracchi moved to Celtic on loan from Boca Juniors in August 2025.

Last month, the 27-year-old’s agent, Marcelo Tejera, revealed that Celtic have expressed a desire to purchase their client. He also confirmed his meeting with him.

That time, He said: : “I have planned a meeting with the general manager of Celtic because they are also looking to buy out his contract.”

The representative has also confirmed interest in the Celtic man from unnamed clubs from England, Brazil and Mexico.

It is unclear whether he had any meetings with O’Neill’s side regarding the fullback’s future.

Celtic player’s future uncertain

bolavip Cover the latest on Marcelo Saraschi, who is struggling with hamstring problems at Celtic.

Since moving to Glasgow, he has already missed 79 days due to injuries, and this has limited his playing time for the Scottish club.

His league statistics are as follows:

• Appearances: 15
• Start: 8
• Total minutes played: 610
• Minutes per game: 41

The Uruguay international has played 872 minutes in 21 matches for Celtic so far in all competitions. The outlet has made it clear that this is their own information and report that he will not be at Celtic Park after this season.

That’s because there is ‘very little chance’ that Martin O’Neill’s side would be interested in opening talks with Boca Juniors to extend his stay. Following his loan spell with the Bhoys, the defender is set to return to the South American club.

Saracchi’s agent seems to be aware of Celtic’s plans and so, he is planning a trip to Europe. They are likely to meet their client and then explore options for the summer.

Their representatives on March 6, Marcelo Tejera confirmed Both Nacional de Fútbol and Club Atlético Peñarol showed interest in him in the winter market. However, the transfer did not go through as Celtic did not cooperate.

Our opinion: Celtic need a new left-back

With Celtic deciding not to extend Marcelo Saracchi’s stay, Kieran Tierney will be the other recognized left-back in the team. The former Arsenal player played 3,342 minutes in 46 matches this season. However,

However, Tierney has had injury problems over the years and therefore, Celtic will have to bring in a new left-back to provide him cover and competition.

burnley Forward Gian Fleming believes he should have already earned a place in the Netherlands squad due to his form this season.

Speaking to Voetbal InternationalThe 27-year-old Burnley forward admitted he is surprised he has not been contacted yet.

“I haven’t heard anything,” Fleming told VI when asked about a possible call-up. “If someone had come to see, I would not have paid any attention to it.

“My principle is always this: I demand from myself that I perform so well that a coach, or in this case a national coach, cannot ignore me. Obviously, this has not happened yet.”

He even set a personal goal for himself before the March international break.

“In my mind, I had to score eight goals to get into the team. When the selection was announced, I only had seven goals. The next day, I scored my eighth goal against Fulham. I thought, it’s too late.

“A few days later, Memphis Depay was out of the Dutch national team due to injury. So, by then I was already on eight, but they decided not to call a replacement. So, my assessment was wrong. It’s a real shame. I would have liked it.”

Premier League dominance

Gian Fleming believes so He is performing well in the Premier League Which ensures his selection.

While Burnley have struggled this season, and seem destined for decline, Fleming has eight goals in the competition this season.

Those are impressive numbers. In fact, he is the Dutchman’s best performer at the top level. Fleming also believes that he is proving himself even against the best players game after game.

He said, “Look at it in black and white: the Premier League is undoubtedly the best and toughest league in the world.”

“And there is no Dutch player who has scored more goals in it than me. I measure myself against the top players in every match; half of the Premier League will soon be at the World Cup. I feel ready for the Dutch national team.”

haven’t given up yet

With the World Cup approaching, convincing Netherlands boss Ronald Koen to include him now will be no mean feat.

Indeed, the failure to call up the Burnley striker during the international break is a clear indication that he is not in their plans right now. However, Fleming would not go down without a fight.

He concluded, “The fact that this is starting to become an issue at the age of 27 is remarkable in itself.”

“But you can leave a challenge for me. That’s what I enjoy. Maybe I’m a little crazy. The fact that I wasn’t called this time stirred something inside me. It’s less likely. But there’s still a chance. Then I’ll try my best for it.”

Angel Villanueva says Manchester City’s Rodri has a 30% risk of suffering a serious knee injury and has urged Real Madrid to consider it.

The Spain international’s future at Manchester City remains uncertain after this season. The main reason for this is that the La Liga giants are eyeing him for the summer window.

On 6 March, Game Witness Covered Claims Real Madrid have identified the Manchester City star as their priority target. Last week, Spain International refused to discuss His future plans after this season.

He is now with La Roja for the ongoing international break. This allowed zero wave to chat with the 29-year-old and asked him specifically about the Real Madrid link.

Rodri leaves the door open to joining the Spanish giants despite his previous stint Atletico Madrid.

“I have a year left on my contract, there will come a time when we have to sit down and talk. You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.” He said.

Manchester City star’s fitness could be an issue

Villanueva is a Madrid-based physiotherapist and knee specialist.

After Rodri was admitted on Thursday, he was taken to the specialist xFormerly known as Twitter, to explain why Los Blancos should be cautious.

In September 2024, the Manchester City player suffered a serious knee injury and returned to the field in May 2025. He struggled with knee and hamstring problems in the first half of the season. To put this into context, the Spaniard was out for 113 days.

However, he has remained fit throughout this year and has been a regular player for Pep Guardiola. Despite this, Villanueva has warned of potential setbacks for Rodri in the future.

“Is his signature ready? Let’s get to work. The player returned in May 2025 (8 months later). In my opinion, too soon. This caused muscle soreness in the operated knee and discomfort for some time. In September 2025 (1 year later), apparently the same knee got injured again,” He said.

“Return to previous level: 60-80% chance. Risk of re-rupture (same ACL or other): 18-30% in the first 2 years. + 60% risk of muscle injuries (hamstrings). Osteoarthritis in the medium to long term: increased risk, especially if the meniscus is affected.

“Factors that complicate their signature [for Real Madrid] 30 years in 2026 (slow neuromuscular recovery). Position: Defensive midfielder (turning, braking and changing direction). Quick withdrawal + relapse can lead to loss of strength, precociousness and confidence.

Villanueva’s message to Real Madrid

The expert suggests what Real Madrid should do in advance if they want to sign the Manchester City star in the summer.

“Is this a resounding ‘no’ from a medical perspective? No. But Real Madrid needs to improve its injury prevention programs and consider its specific context to properly manage the workload each season.” Villanueva explained.

“It is important to monitor his performance in the coming months. There are risks that need to be evaluated: A comprehensive medical examination is mandatory: MRI, isokinetic testing (>90-95% symmetry), jumps/changes in direction analysis, and psychological evaluation. Possible clauses in the contract based on medical history (game bonuses, specific insurance).”

“If the investigation is clear then the signing is viable. Rodri will remain one of the best midfielders in the world when healthy. He could perform at his peak for the next 3-4 years, but it is not without risks. It would be a mistake to ignore his knee history. Let’s hope Real Madrid knows how to manage it.”

Rodri stats, contract and price

This season, the Spaniard has played 1,790 minutes in 28 matches in all competitions. This includes 1,246 minutes from 18 Premier League appearances with 14 starts.

His contract expires in 2027, and transfer market He is worth €65 million.

It seems that hunger and a tough slice of steak cost WWE fans the chance to see the unexpected alliance between bitter rivals Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels.

During the 2000s, there was very little light for WWE. However, one of the best spots was the rivalry between Jericho and Michaels. Its first peak came with a match at WrestleMania 19 which was later won, but then he received a low blow from his opponent. Then, when Jericho won the World Heavyweight Title in 2008.

The pair of current and future Hall of Famers created magic together. Be it a war of words or in the ring. Without a doubt, they were some of each other’s greatest rivals during their legendary careers. However, a few years later, Jericho actually advocated for hated enemies to become allies to solve a shared problem.

“The idea was a storyline involving Bray Wyatt and Shawn Michaels,” Jericho told Game Hub. “The premise was that the Wyatt Family would attack me, and the only person I could call that was crazy enough to have my back was Shawn — even after our rivalry.

“He comes back to confront me, and just as we were about to go at him, the Wyatt Family attacks both of us. Now you don’t know if Shawn was going to accept my offer or not, but he’s in it,” he said. “With the SummerSlam match in mind, it would be Jericho and HBK against The Wyatt Family. That was a really solid pitch.”

Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels never teamed up because of bad steaks?

This idea sounds like fun and would definitely benefit the Wyatt Family as they look to establish themselves on the main roster. However, the idea was turned down by then-WWE boss Vince McMahon. Jericho claims that the pitch failed because he spoke to the company’s founder at the worst possible time. during lunch.

Jericho claimed, “When Vince is eating, he’s not paying attention to anything else.” “…Vince was sitting there eating his steak, and when I finished, he said, ‘Bad cow.’ I said, ‘What?’ He says, ‘Bad cow – the steak is tough.’ I said, what do you think about my pitch?

“He says, ‘What else do you have?’ The steak destroyed the entire angle. But that’s the nature of working for Vince – if he doesn’t like it, you’re done. To some extent, it is the same with Tony. You have to please your boss.”

So Hunger and a “Bad Guy” ended the chance for WWE fans to see Jericho and Michaels unite against the Wyatt Family.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Who will win the NBA Championship this year? While the 2026 NBA Finals won’t start until June and we’re not even at the end of the regular season, it seems like we’ve seen enough to predict which clubs are making a realistic attempt at winning it this year.

Let’s take a look at our ranking of the NBA Finals contenders. If a team is not listed, we do not believe they have a viable path to winning the championship this season.

1.Oklahoma City Thunder

Even with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell each missing significant time this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are likely to finish the regular season with the best record in the NBA. Through 70 games, Oklahoma City has allowed the second-fewest PPG (107.5), lowest opponents’ field goal percentage (43.4 percent) and its league-best 11.0 net rating is equal to the combined net value of the fourth (San Antonio Spurs) and 10th-best teams (Minnesota Timberwolves) in the NBA. SGA is now healthy and consistently performing better than last season, Mitchell is back and Williams should be ready for the playoffs. Additionally, thanks to Daryl Morey trading away Jared McCain, the Thunder’s rotation is deeper than last season.

RELATED: NBA MVP Race; Ranking of top five candidates

2. San Antonio Spurs

The last time the San Antonio Spurs appeared in the NBA playoffs (2019), Victor Wembanyama was 15 years old and De’Aaron Fox was in his second season with the Sacramento Kings. It’s actually the very limited postseason experience on the Spurs roster that we are lacking with the team. That said, San Antonio went 4-1 against Oklahoma City with a +26 point differential in the regular season and Wembanyama has been able to dominate Chet Holmgren in a series. Plus, it’s been made clear that the likes of Stephen Cassel, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Dylan Harper have just as bad feelings toward the Thunder as Wambayama. If we’re picking anyone outside of Oklahoma City to win the NBA Finals, it’s San Antonio.

READ MORE: 2026 NBA Mock Draft Ahead of March Madness

3. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics entered the weekend with a 6-1 record with Jayson Tatum in the lineup. Admittedly we were a little concerned about the decision to bring him back from a torn Achilles so soon, but the perennial All-Star forward has really impressed in his return. This is now a lineup that features two MVP-caliber performers in Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while Derrick White may be the best No. 3 player on any team in the NBA. Boston has the most playoff experience in the Eastern Conference and we can confidently say that this is the best coached team we have ever seen. It’s just a question of how Tatum performs during the playoffs and whether a sub-.500 record against top-10 teams is a sign that Boston can withstand an upset in the NBA Finals.

Read more: Single-game NBA scoring records for all 30 teams

4. Denver Nuggets

Ranking the Denver Nuggets fourth among potential NBA Finals contenders is all about Nikola Jokic. He currently ranks fourth in the NBA playoffs in career win shares per 48 minutes (.2298). If you just focus on the last four years, Jokic has an absurd 0.25 WS/48 and has averaged 28.7 points, 13.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game while shooting 53.5 percent from the field in his last 51 playoff games. With Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon healthy, they don’t need to carry much for Denver. Denver’s 10-12 record over the last 22 games should ring some alarm bells and Cam Johnson has been a big disappointment, but we’ll never underestimate Jokic’s ability to lead his team to the NBA Finals.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Are the Cleveland Cavaliers a better team with James Harden than Darius Garland? Yes, we definitely have more confidence in their chances of making the playoffs this season after the trade. That said, Harden’s proven reputation for collapsing in win-or-home playoff games is a serious concern for Cleveland. There’s already plenty of evidence that the Jarrett Allen-Evan Mobley frontcourt pairing doesn’t work well in the NBA playoffs, even with the performance Donovan Mitchell has had at that time of the year (28.3 ppg) for Cleveland. The Cavaliers have a chance to win the Eastern Conference, but this team will likely need a significant injury in the West to win the NBA Finals.

6. New York Knicks

It’s now or never situation for the New York Knicks. Mike Brown was brought in during the offseason with the hopes that he would make enough changes to ensure that Madison Square Garden would host multiple NBA Finals games. From February 1 to March 20, New York posted a respectable 16–7 record with a +8.7 point differential and included wins over the Nuggets, Spurs, and Rockets. There’s a strong case for the Detroit Pistons in this spot, but we’re giving the Knicks a slight edge due to their playoff experience.

RELATED: NBA scouts, executives cast doubt on NY Knicks’ chances for playoff run

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Memphis Grizzlies needed a spark to stop an eight-game slump. He found it in the long-term defensive versatility of Taylor Hendricks. In a crucial home win over Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, the 22-year-old shotstower showed why the Grizzlies are betting on his former first-round pedigree.

Hendricks changed the stat line that defines “disruptive,” racking up 13 points, six steals and three blocks in a matchup against the three-time NBA MVP. This performance was evidence of the Grizzlies and Isalo’s growing comfort level with the coaching staff. Judging by the early contests, the last few weeks have been sensational. Since February 23, he is averaging 13 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks.

Credit goes to something that can’t be measured as easily as shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc.

“That’s our communication from the bench,” Hendricks said. “It’s telling each other that the only way to get better is to finish games.”

That trust and respect for all voices represents a change for the 6-foot-9 forward, whose path has been slowed by injuries since entering the league. Amidst a chaotic season with two different teams, Hendricks is finally being given the freedom to play through the mistakes. This is benefiting the Grizzlies in a big way, who now know they have a fundamental frontcourt piece.

“Taylor has been great. That’s one of the things that hasn’t really surprised us, but just his ability with his wings. He’s really disruptive,” Isalo stressed, “(Hendrix) is able to put pressure on smaller guards and bigger guys while handling himself physically, and being able to regain his position.”

Whether defending on the perimeter or battling inside, Hendricks’ ability to toggle between positions has given the Grizzlies a flexible piece during a period defined by roster instability. But this opportunity did not materialize just like that and the path to reach this point was not easy.

Grizzlies come to the scene in spring

Isalo believes a change of scenery was just what was needed to provide the mental reset needed to move on from those setbacks.

“I think it’s really just a fresh start, and if you look at Taylor’s short professional career so far, it seems like he’s had some injuries. He obviously had a big injury last season, and it’s not always easy to come back from that,” Isalo said. “And from what I see and know in discussions with him, you see he’s really enjoying playing. He feels very grateful for the opportunity. He enjoys it. He says you know every day I learn something new and play through the mistakes, which is really not the case.”

Hendricks’ willingness to “play despite mistakes” has allowed the young forward to have an impact on wins even when his jumper isn’t falling. Jokic struggled against the Nuggets from deep, shooting only 1 of 10 from three-point range. In many systems, such a cold night can result in benching; Under Isalo, it was a footnote to a dominant defensive night.

“It’s something that I think is a really good fit for him, and he’s found a really good spot on our roster where he complements a lot of other guys,” Isalo explained. “He’s able to play the big spot, rebound there, but also at the four. And he’s hitting shots. Even (against Jokic), he was 10 of 10 from three, he still impacts the game in a very positive way. So, it’s not like he needs to just make shots to impact the game, and those players are very valuable.”

Looking for a late-season highlight, Isalo’s preference is to lean toward opportunity. Few players embrace it more than Taylor Hendricks. A more aggressive and smooth version of the first-rounder is probably the best Zach Eddy insurance for the Grizzlies. If these disruptions hold true to his on-court character, his upside could fill much of the void left by Jaren Jackson Jr.

Lazio’s Mario Gila finds his future uncertain due to the situation surrounding his contract. Aston Villa is being pushed as a destination for the Spaniard.

The defender has been a consistent player for the Roma team.

They have been going through some tough times since he joined but Geela remains a rock, even emerging as a leader.

A former Real Madrid player, he has shown the ability to play in midfield as Maurizio Sarri’s side faced an injury crisis at the start of the summer.

earlier this month, sports witness The mention of Aston Villa as a contender for the centre-back was covered by Tuttosport.

Now it seems the idea is being put forward again, with Lazio in favor of a sale.

Keep an eye on big money moves

corriere dello sport Today reports that summer could be a turning point in Gila’s career. His current contract in Rome expires in 2027, with Lazio now keen on a summer sale.

The player is sure he will not sign a new deal, with Aston Villa mentioned as a suitor. Interest from Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan has also been mentioned.

There is belief that with the race rapidly increasing, the €30m figure could prove enough for Lazio. That amount would be more than enough, especially considering his contract situation.

Milan is also likely to be the leading candidate in the race. Rossoneri sporting director Igli Tare watched him closely at Lazio and is keen to rejoin him.

• The headline of Corriere dello Sport reads: ‘Aston Villa considering Gila: €30m’
• Within the article, it states: ‘Aston Villa have the most interest, they are prepared to put around €30m on the table. A significant sum, of which Lazio will still have to share 50% with the “merengue” club, but if it is confirmed, it will be difficult to ignore.
• ‘Furthermore, Chelsea are reportedly looming in the background, ready to join the increasingly heated race. In short, there are many contenders and the future is still yet to be written. But the feeling is that the fate of Gila is now far from Rome.’

The auction is being extended

Lazio are no strangers to holding auctions for their players. They did the same for Taty Castellanos and Matteo Guendouzi in January, when they were in desperate need of money.

Still their financial condition is not very good. They would like to earn more from the sale of Gila. A move to a Premier League team like Aston Villa would be incredible for him, especially if Unai Emery’s side offer around €30m in the summer.

🇧🇪 Amadou Onana | “I’m not a doctor, but…”

🔜 Aston Villa star suggests team-mate to come back soon
⭐️ Knows how important it is for Tielemans #avfc https://t.co/sxxLYlDc04

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 19 March 2026

As the Memphis Grizzlies navigate more absences than highlights, the same question is being asked in countless ways. What will the future look like if Ja Morant is no longer the answer? Well, Ty Jerome is showing Tuomas Isalo and the front office what a cost-effective solution looks like. While much of the league’s attention has focused on Morant’s availability and trade rumors, Jerome has quietly posted All-Star-caliber numbers.

Jerome is currently the only player averaging over 20 points per game (20.9) at Memphis, surpassing both Jaren Jackson Jr. (19.5) and Morant (19.2) in scoring output this season. It’s a small sample size, admittedly, but the statistical profile shows that Jerome is much more than just a “hot hand” on a weak team. Look at Nikola Jokic’s near triple-double in three quarters against the Denver Nuggets.

The lack of a front court has made it difficult to evaluate this season. However, Isalo knows the Grizzlies have at least one locker room leader for next season.

“Ty has been very strong for us the whole time,” Isalo said. “He’s become one of the premier creators in the entire league, able to create shots for himself and others.”

Jerome leads the Grizzlies in 3-point attempts (6.6) and is shooting better than 40% from beyond the arc, which is the hallmark of a typical modern point guard. Perhaps most impressive is that Jerome Morant is getting to the free-throw line just as often as he is, but maintaining a field goal percentage 8% higher than Morant.

Like Ja, Ty also has a target on his back, given the shorthanded nature of the roster that has been limited to two-way players, 10-day contract signings and 42-year-old Taj Gibson. Yet, Jerome turns the ball over only 1.9 times per game, compared to Morant’s 3.6. His 5.4 assists per game lags Morant’s 8.1, but the raw stats don’t fully capture the circumstances.

“(Jerome) gets the toughest assignments every night…a lot of length on him, a lot of physicality,” Isalo explained. “They try to take the ball out of his hands, but somehow he always finds a way.”

Even under the microscope, Jerome’s statistical profile matches up favorably with the league’s starting guards returning from injury. For example, his production is compared to Dejounte Murray (New Orleans Pelicans). Murray is averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 35.1% from three and committing 3.4 turnovers per game. Jerome’s scoring, efficiency and ball security all stand out in that comparison.

The financial implications are equally important. Jerome is under contract for $9.2 million through the 2026-27 season, a fraction of Morant’s $42.4 million cap hit and significantly less than Murray’s $32.8 million salary. In a league where roster flexibility often determines whether teams can pursue contention, the difference in salary cap optionality could prove significant.

That contract disparity is where Jerome’s value becomes truly transformational for the Grizzlies. His cheap deal frees up ample room for frontcourt additions this offseason, giving the front office flexibility that would be lost if the franchise was forced to pay market rate for comparable point guard play. If Morant is traded this summer, the 28-year-old would provide a reliable, affordable bridge rather than a crippling void.

Jerome can also serve as a mentor. A rookie point guard added through the draft would benefit from playing alongside a steady veteran who values ​​efficiency and decision making. With Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells all capable of contributing in ball-handling duties, a Jerome-anchored backcourt could help develop the guy who ultimately assumes the lead guard role long-term.

That stability could be invaluable for a team dealing with uncertainty around one of its biggest stars. Jerome may not have arrived in Memphis with the fanfare of a franchise cornerstone, but his breakout season has quietly given the Grizzlies something every front office desires. All rebuilds have option rules on everything. And with Morant’s future still a big question mark, the Grizzlies may soon have a strong reason to see how far Jerome’s rise can go.

AFC Bournemouth forward Ryan has officially received his first call-up to the Brazil national football team, After being included in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for upcoming international friendlies.

In form of Brazilian press anticipatedThe 19-year-old is one of the main new names in the squad selected for matches against the France national football team and Croatia national football team in the United States later this month.

His inclusion follows a strong start to life with Bournemouth in the Premier League, and the Italian coach praised the young attacker during his press conference following the squad announcement.

“Very powerful, he has quality and a good attitude on the pitch,” Ancelotti said when discussing the Bournemouth player.

“He has presented himself very well in a difficult league and he is young. He definitely has a future in the national team. I don’t know whether at the next World Cup or not, but for what he is doing for the coaching staff, he deserves to be here.”

Brazil got a chance due to the influence of the Premier League

Ryan’s rapid rise in England played a key role in convincing the Brazilian coaching staff.

Since arriving from Vasco, the attacker has enjoyed an impressive start to life in the Premier League. He has scored two goals and provided one assist in his first seven games for Bournemouth.

The youngster has recorded two goals and one assist in seven appearances for Bournemouth so far in all competitions, numbers that underline the immediate impact he has made since arriving in English football.

Those performances quickly put him on Brazil’s radar. Reports prior to Brazil had already indicated that the coaching staff had a strong internal appreciation for the young player and were monitoring his development closely.

From an analytical standpoint, his offensive output also helps explain the excitement surrounding him. According to FBRef figures, Ryan is averaging close to 2.3 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League so far, with around 1.2 of those attempts on target.

He is also delivering around 1.4 key passes per 90, showing the ability to create chances for teammates in addition to scoring himself.

The numbers also highlight his direct style. Ryan is attempting more than three dribbles per match, with a success rate of around 55%, making him one of Bournemouth’s most aggressive ball carriers in the final third.

His early Premier League impact ultimately proved enough to earn him a place in the team.

first senior opportunity

The upcoming friendlies will now provide Ryan with his first opportunity to wear Brazil’s famous yellow shirt at senior level.

Brazil will face France on March 26 at Gillette Stadium in Boston. Five days later, Ancelotti’s team will face Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

For Bournemouth, the call-up represents another sign of how quickly the teenager’s profile is rising in European football.

Just a few months after leaving Brazil, Ryan is already taking to the international stage. And if his development continues at the current pace, the Cherries could soon add a regular Brazil international to their squad.

Robbie Keane meets Alex Toth with some very warm – and frankly lovely – words on Bournemouth

➡️ Pride makes him cry
➡️ The rise of Toth is reminiscent of himself at Wolves
⭐️ “I helped someone achieve his dream”
💬 “One of the nicest kids I’ve ever met” 👇https://t.co/L21EzOF0Ps #afcb

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 20 January 2026

Leeds United’s interest in Danny Namasso is entering a more complicated phase, with the situation now in danger of getting out of their hands due to developments in France.

The Whites have been tracking the Porto-owned forward for several months. As we covered in the first seasonHis name came up with clubs in Spain and France. At that time, the feeling was that their positions could be opened at relatively low costs. However, that window may now be closed.

Debt is turning into a permanent move

Namasso joined AJ Auxerre on loan last summer, which seemed like a favorable structure for potential buyers. The deal included a €5m (£4.3m) buyout clause, significantly less than his €80m (£68.5m) release clause at Porto.

This figure was one of the main reasons why Leeds United were cautious. This presented a rare opportunity to sign a 25-year-old forward with top level experience at a modest price. However, since then, his role in France has grown rapidly.

The Cameroon international has established himself as a regular starter. He has played 1,896 minutes in Ligue 1 this season. This accounts for approximately 81% of Auxerre’s total minutes so far.

As a result, he has effectively cleared one of the two conditions required to make the €5m (£4.3m) clause mandatory. The limit on minutes available throughout the campaign was set at 60%.

Even when projecting a full season, he’s already well above that figure.

The fight for survival is important now

The second position is more uncertain and is now at the center of Leeds United’s hopes.

As reported by Portuguese newspaper to ballAuxerre would have to remain in Ligue 1 for the clause to be mandatory. Currently, they are 16th in the table, which will send them to the relegation play-offs.

They are eight points behind safety, making automatic survival difficult. The most realistic route appears to be maintaining that play-off position.

Importantly, those extra matches will also count towards Namasso’s minutes. This will only strengthen its position within the agreement.

If Auxerre remains up, the transfer becomes automatic. In that scenario, Leeds United would no longer have a direct way to negotiate with Porto. If they go down, the positions reopen – but not completely.

Auxerre will still retain the option to sign him for €5m (£4.3m). Yet demotion may reduce their willingness to invest at that level.

🇸🇪 Gabriel Gudmundsson | “So eager to have me”

💬 Leeds United players explain why they chose the Whites
➡️way #LUFC nearby transfer was importanthttps://t.co/OiJXRHPKOm #against

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 17 March 2026

Practicing Patience for Leads

The timing of all this is strange for Leeds United. When Namso’s condition appeared to be flexible, he recognized Namso. Now, their continued involvement and Auxerre’s reliance on them is taking this deal to a permanent outcome.

This will force the leads to wait.

Should Auxerre secure survival, the door is effectively closed unless they are willing to negotiate with the French club instead. If demotion occurs, there may be a second chance – but possibly with more competition and less control.

Either way, what once seemed a straightforward deal is now linked to a demotion fight in France.

If the New York Giants really want to take Notre Dame star Jeremiah Love as their first pick in April’s NFL Draft, new reports suggest he won’t be available in time for Round 1.

The NY Giants are in an interesting position in the early rounds of the draft. Obviously, after a 4-13 finish in 2025, they could use help in various areas of the roster. However, the team feels they have a long-term option at quarterback with Jackson Dart. This means that when it’s time to choose they can take the best player available.

In early mock drafts, the team was linked to various players, including Ohio State stars Carnell Tate and Caleb Downs. However, recent rumors claimed that the organization was relying too heavily on Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiah Love despite having Cam Scatebo as the RB1 option next season.

At last week’s combine, Love was impressive and certainly piqued the interest of the NY Giants brain trust in him. However, his performance caught the attention of the entire league, including teams ahead of Big Blue in Round 1. And now it looks like a RB won’t be on the board until New York makes their selection.

Titans are favorites to select Jeremiah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft

According to NFL Draft expert Todd McShay, Love is such a “special” talent that he doesn’t see the NY Giants going as a back five. However, it wouldn’t be “surprised” if he goes to the Arizona Cardinals (No. 2) or Tennessee Titans (No. 3).

Adding to the idea that Love won’t make it past the Titans at age three, Pro Football Talk reports that Tennessee is the current betting favorite (+200) to select the six-foot, 214-pound RB who ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine last week.

Last year for the Fighting Irish, Love had 199 carries for 1,372 rushing yards, 27 catches for 280 yards and 21 total touchdowns.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

in November, sports witness Regularly covered Sunderland’s interest in AC Milan striker Santiago Jimenez.

The Black Cats made contact for the player who had a disappointing first half of the season. It was believed that Regis Le Bris’s team had the advantage in the race, even though they were competing with Fenerbahce and Brentford.

Sunderland’s hopes of signing Jiménez were soon dealt a blow, as the player suffered a serious ankle injury. He was ruled out for three months and has not made any appearances since.

Now, the forward is set to return to action and Sunderland may still have a chance to get him.

Premier League clubs still keen

tuttosport Assess the player’s future. It has been clarified that Jimenez will undergo an important medical examination next week to determine when he can return to action.

There are encouraging signs that could happen in a matter of days. Once the medical results are known, Milan will follow a certain arrangement to get him back as soon as possible.

Although this would come as a boost, the Mexico international is still expected to leave in the summer. He did not reassure Max Allegri of a role in his starting line-up, forcing Milan to sign Nicklas Fulkrug in January.

Premier League clubs – possibly like Sunderland, are still interested.

Sunderland need €25m

The report also reveals Milan’s asking price, which is €25m. This is the minimum amount required, with the Italian giants having spent €35m to land him in January 2025.

Earning €25 million will ensure Milan don’t suffer too much.

In his first six months at San Siro, Jiménez scored five times and had two assists in Serie A. Things haven’t gone to plan under Allegri, but the Italian has always preferred tall centre-forwards anyway.

This shows that the 24-year-old could still be an important option for Sunderland if they choose to make a move for him.

West Ham United’s Edson Alvarez remains on Ajax’s transfer agenda.

is according to football newsWhich cover the interest of the Dutch club and the possibility of securing his services.

The Mexico international spent four years at Ajax before leaving for West Ham in August 2023.

Last summer, the Hammers let the midfielder join Fenerbahçe on loan with an option to buy for a reported €22m. In November, witness the game Turkish claims covered This figure is much higher for yellow canaries.

Ajax failed to sign West Ham man

The Eredivisie side had looked at the 28-year-old in the winter market. On January 22, Khel Witness news broadcast from netherlands Ajax director Marijan Beuker is traveling to Istanbul for a meeting with Alvarez and his agent.

The move never came to fruition due to Fenerbahçe director Devin Ozek confirmsThere were no plans to let him leave in the mid-season window.

Turkish claims reported a late offer from Ajax but were rejected by the Dutch press. The West Ham-owned player has struggled with injuries, limiting his playing time with the Istanbul club.

He played 1,125 minutes in 17 matches in all competitions for Fenerbahçe and is now on the sidelines with an ankle injury. Earlier this month, the Mexican underwent surgery and there is confidence He will be fit in time for the World Cup.

Soccer News say Fenerbahçe are unlikely to make his stay permanent due to injury concerns and the arrival of N’Golo Kante. If this happens, the midfielder will have to return to the Premier League team.

Alvarez could return to Ajax

In that case, Ajax could step forward again to try to sign Alvarez after this season. The search for an experienced midfielder has not been successful and Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff could launch a new effort in the summer.

This is where the West Ham man comes into the picture. After January’s failure, Soccer News say ‘the situation looks more favourable’ in the next window. This is because he is unlikely to remain in Türkiye due to injuries and fresh competition from Thorn.

Ajax have a ‘realistic chance’ of securing the services of Alvarez if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side cooperate. However, this depends on the Eredivisie side meeting the financial requests of both the Mexican and West Ham.

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Saturday.

montreal canadiens news

There is no doubt, Juraj Slafkowski is a major presence at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. He scored a goal and an assist in Slovakia’s 5-3 loss against Sweden on Saturday morning, and is currently ahead of Canadian forward Connor McDavid in points among all hockey players. [Canadiens Star Slafkovsky Leads Olympic Scoring]

Oliver Kapanen was drafted in for the Finland vs. Italy game, but was stapled to the bench during the one-off match, which resulted in an 11–0 win for Finland.

Team Finland with an incredibly strong performance! motiv

Watch the NHLers here #MilanoCortina2026 #winter Olympics But @NBCSports, @Peacock, @cbcsports, @cbcgem& @sportsnet! pic.twitter.com/Vzsl2rM6e3

– NHL (@NHL) 14 February 2026

Nick Suzuki has played offensively as well as defensively for Team Canada in the Olympics. For the most part, he will be relied upon to shut down opposing players, but we should not underestimate his offensive impact. As it is, he has created the fourth-most scoring chances among all Canadian skaters.

pic.twitter.com/mXVajNyTEQ

– JFresh 🇨🇦 (@JFreshHockey) 14 February 2026

Montreal’s AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, refused to lose. They are currently on a seven-game winning streak, including their 4-2 win over the Toronto Marlies on Saturday afternoon. Owen Beck scored his sixth goal of the year, while Joshua Roy scored his 13th. With 66 points in 49 games, Laval is currently fourth in the AHL standings.

Beck gives us the edge!
Beck gives us the lead 🚀 https://t.co/HP4hz8YSzf pic.twitter.com/Th9FSrHCtL

– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) 14 February 2026

Forward Kirby Dach has continued to put in time at Brossard during the Olympic break. We all know he has a long injury history, but it can’t be denied that he was looking good with Suzuki and Caufield before the three-week schedule hiatus.

What if Kirby Dach was the solution on the first line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield?

His two days of training this week were particularly impressive. The striker stood out for his excellent control and ability to defend… pic.twitter.com/m0teCAtyHS

– Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) 14 February 2026

Sportsknot Network

New Jersey Devils fans know the mistakes of Jacob Markstrom all too well. Markstrom’s habit of making costly mistakes was on a global scale on Saturday. [New Jersey Devils]

History repeats itself, and Pittsburgh Penguins fans have seen these 2025-26 season scenarios before. But it’s been a long time. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Germany went to the Olympics hoping that a good performance would draw attention to the sport in the football-mad country.

Saturday’s loss to Latvia certainly caught the fans’ attention, but it wasn’t what they expected. [Detroit Red Wings]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

Beaches, safaris, world-class cricket… and you in Cape Town for the New Years Test. Grab your mate and make it happen!

What’s Included:

• Two spots on the official Barmy Army South Africa New Year’s Test tour for 7 days
• Match tickets to the New Year’s Test at Newlands, Cape Town for all five days (England vs South Africa)
• Return economy flights from London to Cape Town for the winner and their guest (exact dates to be confirmed)
• Six nights’ accommodation in Newlands, including breakfast (winner and guest will share a twin/double room)
• Full access to all Barmy Army tour activities and events as scheduled
• £2,500 spending money

Don’t forget to also tune in to sport2 for full Sri Lanka cricket coverage!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

sport x Barmy Army South African Tour Prize SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. By entering this prize draw or competition (the Promotion), you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (the Specific Terms and Conditions). The General Terms and Conditions also apply to each Promotion and by entering the Promotion you agree to be bound by the General Terms and Conditions.  Completion and submission of an entry form or e-mail will also be deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Promotional materials relating to the Promotion, including all information on how to enter the Promotion on the Promoter’s sport (including social media if applicable) or on the Promoter’s websites, also form part of these Terms and Conditions. In the event of any conflict between any terms referred to in such promotional materials or the General Conditions and these Specific Terms and Conditions, these Specific Terms and Conditions shall take precedence.
2. The promoter of this Promotion is sport Limited of 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF with company number 02806093 and VAT number GB243805469 (the Promoter).

Eligibility

3. The Promotion is only open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older. Additional eligibility requirements are set out in the General Terms and Conditions. 
4. The winner and guest must each hold a valid passport and meet all South Africa entry requirements (including visa).

Timing