標籤: Exclusive

tottenham And fulham Both are keeping a close eye on Lucas Ronier as Premier League clubs continue to scan the Brazilian market for young attacking options with resale potential.

game witness understand formula Two London clubs are keeping a close eye on the Brazilian winger. There may also be widespread interest from England, although that side of things is still becoming clear.

Ronier has quietly built up a strong reputation at Brazilian side Coritiba over the past two seasons. The 21-year-old has three goals and three assists in 22 games this year. Last season, he continued his development at Coritiba, scoring seven goals and two assists in 39 matches.

The Brazilian fits the profile that Premier League recruiting teams like right now. He is a left-footed player, technically sharp and very comfortable in one-on-one situations. Their short stature and quick changes of direction make them difficult to stop in tight spaces.

Why are Tottenham and Fulham paying attention?

Lucas Ronier plays primarily on the right wing, but he is far from a traditional touchline winger. He regularly drops in and becomes centrally involved, almost as another creator. That tactical flexibility is part of the allure of both Tottenham and Fulham.

The attacker is known in Brazil for his futsal-style dribbling. He keeps the ball at his feet, uses natural physical movements and can beat defenders on either side.

Coaches value his work-rate even without the ball. Ronier tracks back, helps his full-backs and competes defensively, which always helps when Premier League clubs are assessing young attackers.

Back in January, globo esporte The growing enthusiasm for the winger in Coritiba was highlighted. Manager Fernando Seabra openly praised both the player’s mentality and his versatility behind the scenes.

“What you see on the pitch is a result of his behavior and the way he works every day.” Seabra explained.

“He is very dedicated in training. He approaches training with a lot of competitiveness in game situations. Even outside of training practice, he is always ready to challenge himself and do everything that is requested. He is a player capable of playing in short spaces, long spaces, attacking the box, playing on both sides and in the middle.”

His contract runs until December 2027 after Coritiba secured a renewal to safeguard one of the club’s largest assets.

There is growing belief within the Brazilian club that Ronier could become their biggest ever sale. The record is currently held by striker Igor Paixao, who joined Feyenoord in 2022 for around £6.8m (€8m).

Coritiba has already rejected the major proposal

Coritiba’s stance has been tough for some time. Back in 2024, talking to TMC RadioOne club director made it clear that they would only consider proposals in line with their market assessment.

“It’s natural there is interest, but until there is an official proposal and real progress, it will take time. It won’t happen overnight.” he explained.

“But obviously, if at some point an official proposal comes, we will analyze it, evaluate it, understand the clubs involved and the terms that have to be offered in the market context.”

That situation already caused Coritiba to reject a major offer from Saudi Arabia. In 2024, Neom offered around £9.4m (€11m) for Ronier, but the bid was rejected as the player’s preference is to move to European football.

This now also gives a better idea of ​​the market around it. transfer market Ronier is currently valued at around £3.4m (€4m), but the market reality appears to be very different.

Any deal involving Tottenham, Fulham or any other English side would certainly need to go well beyond that figure.

what happens next

Neither Tottenham nor Fulham are currently in the stage of formal talks. However, both clubs are paying close attention to the situation ahead of the summer window.

For Fulham, Ronier would offer a very different profile to Harry Wilson at right back. This paradox may appeal to Marco Silva as Fulham look for attackers capable of changing games in transition and in tight spaces.

At Tottenham, the situation is a little different as there is no completely untouched long-term starter on the right wing right now. Ronier could be viewed as a development signing with upside rather than an immediate starter.

Spurs have repeatedly shown that they are willing to invest in young players before they fully break through, and the Brazilian’s versatility and tactical intelligence would fit well into that model.

Ronier undoubtedly still needs to improve, particularly his end product and consistency in the final third. Still, Premier League clubs clearly believe the raw talent is there.

newcastle united And Aston Villa Sporting have joined the pursuit of Maxi Araujo, a source has informed Sport Witness.

On March 22, we revealed Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have made initial links over a move for the left-back.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are the latest clubs to join the race to sign Araújo.

He joined the Lions from Mexican side Deportivo Toluca when Manchester City’s Hugo Viana was in charge of the transfer to Sporting.

The Uruguay international operated primarily as a left wing-back, scoring 10 goals and 12 assists in 88 appearances. His performances have already attracted the attention of the Premier League.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also keen

After we revealed interest from Spurs and the Blues in March, there have been some claims from the Portuguese side on Maxi Araújo. Last week, we broadcast news A potential battle between the two Manchester clubs for the 26-year-old player.

Now a source has given information sports witness Eight Premier League teams are following the South American.

This includes the Magpies, United Emery’s side, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. Hugo Viana knows both the player and his club well because he brought him from Mexico. Additionally, some unnamed Spanish clubs are also in the picture.

The Sporting star has a release clause of €80m in his contract, while the Primeira Liga side are willing to sell him for even less in the summer. The same source reveals that the Lions want around €45-50 million and no less.

For now, it is unclear whether Newcastle United, Aston Villa or any other club are willing to offer that price for Araújo, who can operate as a left-back and winger.

It seems that the player has not yet made any decision about his future and is focusing on the Sporting season and the World Cup with Uruguay.

Contract, price and agent information

Maxi Araújo’s contract at Sporting expires in 2029 and his value, according to transfer marketIs €25m.

Uruguayan agency GBG Global Business Group, owned by agents Martín Rodríguez Nader, Pablo Bocelli and Rodrigo López Pezzatti, is representing the player.

nottingham forest “We are working on a deal to sign Naples’ Mathias Oliveira,” a source told Sport Witness.

The Premier League team took a look at the 28-year-old in the winter market, but were not able to seal a deal.

On March 27, Khel Witness Found out are nottingham forest ‘Still trying’ to sign left-back.

At the time, we said any move depended on the Reds remaining in the Premier League. They are now 16th in the table and eight points ahead of 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

The club’s immediate focus at the City Ground is on avoiding relegation, while behind the scenes, work is underway to reshape their squad for next season.

Nottingham Forest are in talks with Napoli

The Premier League team continues to include the Uruguay international on its agenda.

A source told sports witness Nottingham Forest continue talks with the Serie A side over the transfer of the 28-year-old. It is unclear how discussions between the two clubs are progressing.

We also do not have information on the fee required to convince Antonio Conte’s side to approve a move.

Mathias Oliveira has been a regular player for the national team. Barring a last-minute surprise, he will make Marcelo Bielsa’s squad for the World Cup.

The South American will decide on his future after the World Cup, with the option of Nottingham Forest.

Vitor Pereira’s side have made progress in this operation. The move could be attractive if the Reds are to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League. To do this, they must first beat Aston Villa in the semi-finals.

Contracts, prices, statistics and agent information

The defender’s preferred position is on the left side of the defense and he can also operate as a centre-back. He played 1,698 minutes in 30 matches for Napoli this season.

His Serie A statistics are as follows:

• Appearances: 22
• Start: 13
• Total minutes: 1,240
• Minutes per game: 56

Mathias Oliveira’s contract runs until 2030 and is worth €15m transfer market. Uruguay-based agency GBG Global Business Group is managing the Nottingham One goal.

tottenham hotspur The season has already been shaped by injuries, and now their scouting radar is catching on, too.

The North London club continues to struggle with fitness problems. At one point, they had more than ten senior players unavailable, leading to frequent reshuffles and a thin squad. This has been one of the defining themes of his delicate campaign.

Against that backdrop, Tottenham are also planning their squad for next season, whether they stay top or not. As part of that, Sports Witness Source Understand they are among the English clubs who have carried out an unofficial check on Corinthians attacker Kayke.

No proposal has been made. There has been no formal approach. This is simply an initial phase of monitoring, which clubs routinely do before deciding how to proceed.

Who is this prospect?

21-year-old Kayke Ferrari has recently joined the Corinthians team. He has benefited from the injury to Memphis Depay and has gained the trust of manager Fernando Diniz.

The forward has played 13 matches in 2026, which is already more than his combined performances in the last two seasons. He has two goals and one assist at senior level.

It didn’t take long for Kayke’s rise through the Corinthians academy to attract attention. At U17 level, he scored 13 goals in 28 matches, a return that quickly saw him promoted to the U20s.

He continued that momentum, continuing to find the net and playing a role in the club’s Brazilian Youth Cup victory in 2024.

That form soon translated into first-team opportunities. His debut came at the beginning of the 2024 Paulista season, in a direct derby against São Paulo.

A direct, skilful winger, Kayke is known for his dribbling, improvisation and eye for goal – qualities that have helped him stand out despite limited senior minutes so far.

Fear of injury creates immediate anxiety

Nothing seems to come easy for Tottenham these days. And even Kayke Ferrari’s situation took a worrying turn in his latest outing.

The forward went down with a knee problem and had to be immediately substituted.

The response of the Corinthians bench speaks volumes. The players were clearly worried, some even turning their attention away from the match to monitor his condition. Initial treatment consisted of icing the side, but the pain appeared severe.

During the quick assessment, Kayke had tears in her eyes. At one point, he even made a rotating gesture with his hand, which suggested that the knee had rotated during the incident.

There has been no confirmed diagnosis yet. However, there were early concerns internally about a possible ACL injury. Further tests were scheduled to determine the severity.

what happens next

Tottenham’s interest is still in the early stages and this injury has made things even more complicated.

At the same time, interest has not been limited to England. Bolavip In Brazil, clubs in Spain and Italy are also said to be keeping an eye on him, although, again, nothing has progressed beyond scouting.

Still, the situation is a bit ironic. Spurs, already reeling from a season full of medical setbacks, had just begun to turn their attention to Kayke Ferrari – and now they have suffered a potentially serious injury themselves.

For now, everything is on hold. Tottenham will wait. Kayke will have to undergo testing.

Given what this season has been like in North London, some might joke that the club can’t catch a break – even if they’re only watching from afar.

Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough have both contacted Filipe Luis over a possible managerial move. The Brazilian is now firmly on the radar of Championship clubs ahead of the summer.

Sports Witness Source It is understood that both parties have held talks with Koch’s representatives in recent weeks. Watford have also retained interest, but their position is less advanced and is currently in the background.

It is a condition that is developing silently. Earlier in April, during Brazilian reporting Corinthians’ unsuccessful attempt to hire himIt had already been hinted that Filipe Luis was in talks with a Championship club.

This appears to have now evolved into a solid approach from many sides.

Flamengo builds strong profile

Filipe Luis comes to the market with a strong and well-documented track record from his time at Flamengo. That may have attracted Middlesbrough, QPR and others.

Between 2024 and 2026, he took charge of 101 matches and won approximately 63 to 64 of them. This brought the win rate closer to 70%. Therefore, this places him among the most accomplished coaches of Brazilian top-flight football during that period.

His trophy wins are equally remarkable. They won five major titles in a short period of time – the Copa do Brasil in 2024, followed by the quadruple (Supercopa, state championship, Copa Libertadores and league) in 2025. That sequence established him as one of the most successful managers in Flamengo’s recent history.

The numbers behind those titles are also revealed. Flamengo scored 184 goals in their 101 matches. This means his average remains comfortably above 1.8 goals per game.

His teams combined offensive output with structural organisation, while his earlier work with the club’s youth sides also drew praise for continuity and development.

Despite that success, his exit in March 2026 came as a surprise. Phillip Lewis was ruled out after an 8-0 win in the state championship. There was discontent within the team from the beginning of the season. Plus, there were contractual disagreements behind the scenes… and an alleged betrayal.

drama on betrayal

As we covered a while agoFlamengo’s board learned that Filipe Luis was in talks with Chelsea’s owner group Bluco over a deal at the end of 2025.

Negotiations with the London ownership group took place in late December, while their contract renewal negotiations were still ongoing in Brazil.

Initially, the former Chelsea defender believed the opportunity could involve a role directly linked to Stamford Bridge. However, they later learned that the position under discussion was linked to Strasbourg, another club under the same ownership umbrella.

Filipe Luis went three days without replying to Flamengo during the renewal process. That silence troubled the board. The club president felt personally betrayed.

The manager then resumed talks with Flamengo and eventually signed a new deal. But the damage was already done.

At the same time, Flamengo saw an opportunity in the market. The availability of Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim increased the pressure internally. Ultimately, this contributed to the decision to make the change, despite Philippe Louis’ strong overall record.

QPR and Middlesbrough offer different paths

Filipe Luis now lives in Spain and plans to wait until the European season ends before making a decision, as recently reported by Brazilian journalist george nicola. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is expected to manage the offers as the clubs formalize their interest.

Of those clubs, QPR and Middlesbrough stand out for different reasons.

Middlesbrough offers a more competitive short-term project. They remain within reach of a playoff position and still have a credible path to promotion. Kim Helberg won 12 of their 26 games, indicating a team still capable of maintaining their top six position.

QPR, meanwhile, are even further off the pace. Julian Stephan’s return of 1.33 points per game leaves them about 10 points shy of the playoff spots. However, the London club is exploring a long-term rebuild and consider Filipe Luis a potential fit for that direction.

Watford are keeping their distance

Filipe Luiz is also on Watford’s radar, although his approach has been more cautious.

He appointed Edward Still in February and is expected to re-evaluate his managerial position at the end of the season. With nearly 11 points separating them from the playoff spots and averaging 1.18 points per game in recent matches, their focus is not on immediate change.

For the time being, they have placed Filipe Luis on the shortlist for the summer rather than pursuing talks.

what happens next

In that respect, Filipe Luis has made his intentions clear. Jorge Nicola claimed to have rejected Brazilian offers and relocated to Spain to bring himself closer to the European market.

There have already been links with clubs such as Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, there have been previous suggestions to include the Bluco Group and Strasbourg.

QPR and Middlesbrough are now making solid moves, with the Championship emerging as a realistic entry point into English football.

Middlesbrough may offer the clearest (or fastest) route to the Premier League, but as the summer approaches both clubs are actively shaping the next phase of this story.

The New York Jets have four top-50 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft this month, including a pair of selections in each of the first two rounds. While there are a myriad of needs to be addressed, there is one name to monitor closely for one of those four selections.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reed reported this week that the Jets are “extremely high” on Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. In the eyes of the organization, he is an “ideal” No. 2 receiver to share the field with standout weapon Garrett Wilson.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft, including trades

Cooper, who won’t turn 23 until December, is an Indianapolis native who spent his entire collegiate career with the Hoosiers. After averaging 21.2 yards per reception as a junior, he posted personal bests in receptions (69), receiving yards (937), and touchdowns (13) last season.

With his 6-foot height, he has been compared to former All-Pro offensive weapon Deebo Samuel by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. While Cooper’s struggles with contested catches and his specific skill set may keep him in the slot, he is viewed as an excellent playmaker with the football in his hands.

RELATED: Why the NY Jets could take Ty Simpson in Round 1

If New York doesn’t take Cooper at 16th overall it would be a real gamble for them. He is one of the most sought-after players for pre-draft visits, with the Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans all bringing him in for top-30 visits this month.

There is a possibility that the Jets could package the 33rd overall selection with either their fourth-round selection (103rd or 140th overall) to move up late in Round 1 to land Cooper. This would allow the club to come out of the first round with three starting players, including a No. 2 receiver for Aaron Glenn and potentially two impact guards.

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

West Ham Recent transfer windows have been spent looking for long-term aggressive solutions, often mixing immediate needs with youth investments who can develop into the role.

Club recruitment is increasingly leaning towards emerging markets, particularly South America, where early identification of talent can provide both sporting benefits and financial value.

The West Ham transfer approach helps explain why their latest link is not to an established name, but to a striker still developing in Brazil.

The Hammers are now keeping an eye on Palmeiras forward Heitor Vinicius, an 18-year-old centre-forward who has yet to break into senior football but is already attracting attention behind the scenes. At this stage, the move will clearly be about anticipation rather than immediate impact.

According to a Brazilian journalist george nicolaCiting information from the player’s own camp, West Ham are intent on signing the striker and are closely monitoring his progress.

That claim has been supported by extensive reporting in Brazil, pointing to growing international interest in the teenager as his development continues in Palmeiras.

Early numbers and rapid progress

Heitor Vinicius has been playing above his age group for some time now. He played for Palmeiras’ U20 team at the age of 17 and remains there this season despite being 18 years old.

His statistics give a glimpse of why clubs are paying attention. So far in 2026, he has five goals in 10 matches in the youth competitions. This included two goals in four matches in the Copa Libertadores U20 and three goals in three matches in the Brazilian U20 League.

Last season, he scored 10 goals in 35 matches, reflecting steady performances rather than explosive output. However, he has consistently faced older opponents, which makes his evolution more remarkable than raw totals alone.

Profile in line with West Ham transfer interest

Heitor Vinicius has been described as a classic number 9 in Brazil. He serves as a point of reference in attack, is strong in the air and is able to maintain play. He can bring others into the game and keep defenders in the centre.

That profile remains valuable in England. Even though many teams favor a fluid forward line, there is still a demand for strikers who can provide structure inside the box.

Palmeiras internally see him as one of the next names to pave the way for the first team. report from bolavip There is suggestion that the club see a clear possibility of them reaching the senior level in the near future, which is often the moment when European interest increases.

special information

Sports Witness Source Understand that Palmeiras will currently demand between £13.1m and £21.8m (€15m and €25m) for the striker.

That’s a significant evaluation for a player with no senior minutes. Still, it reflects broader trends in Brazil. Clubs are already securing their top prospects and setting prices before they become regulars.

So even though he is in the development phase, any move will likely depend on his first-team success.

For West Ham, the current stage is information gathering. Observation can immediately turn into action if the player takes the next step. At the same time, waiting has its own risks, as exposure at a senior level will certainly drive up his value.

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva remains in Portugal transfer headlinesHis expected departure at the end of the season became one of the biggest talking points in the country.

After nine seasons at the Etihad, the Portugal international is widely expected to move on. This has naturally led to strong relationships with many clubs. However, reports from Portugal are already drawing a strong line through an option.

according to to ballBenfica are completely out of the picture at the moment. The newspaper emphasizes that, despite persistent rumours, this can effectively “guarantee” that Silva will not return to his boyhood club in the short term.

The outlet states that the player is “outside the class” of the Lisbon side, and that this situation is evident on both sides. Benfica are not actively pursuing a deal, and Silva himself is not receptive to returning to Portugal at this stage.

Career stance and ambitions

Bernardo Silva’s situation has been described as being motivated solely by sporting ambition. The report makes clear that Benfica’s internal situation, including past elections and leadership, will have no influence on the decision.

Instead, the midfielder is focused on competing at the highest level abroad.

At 31, and turning 32 in August, Silva believes he still has many years left at the elite level. Although he does not have the same pace as he did earlier in his career, he is now seen as a more complete and experienced player.

Importantly, he still offers what the top clubs demand – proven UEFA Champions League quality.

For that reason, he is aiming to move to another major league rather than return home. A Bola stressed that he wanted to continue his career outside Portugal and seek another high-value contract.

Current estimates suggest he earns around €10m (£8.7m) per year at Manchester City. Any new deal would need to come close to that figure, either through base pay or additional financial incentives.

The report is particularly strong in its words. It added that there is “no possibility” of a return to Benfica in the near future, dismissing comparisons with Joao Félix’s situation last summer.

Market Options and Contracts Scenario

Bernardo Silva’s contract situation gives him complete control over his next move. As it stands, he could leave Manchester City as a free agent, which would increase his appeal across the market.

The interest is widespread. Juventus is one of the clubs most seriously linked with LA gazzetta dello sport Reporting that the Italian side are considering offering a three-year contract.

The proposed salary would be lower, between €7m and €8m per year (£6.1m-£7m), but bonuses and a signing-on fee could make up the difference.

As previously reported, Juventus would need Champions League qualification to make such a deal viable. Without that income, the financial structure becomes difficult.

Galatasaray Also mentioned as a solid option. During this time, barcelona They will stick with Silva because of his technical profile and style of play.

Beyond Europe, reports state that Saudi Arabia would welcome the player, while interest from MLS – including Inter Miami – has also been suggested.

what happens next

Bernardo Silva is entering a defining moment in his career. With his contract ending, he has the freedom to choose both his destination and project.

For Manchester City, this creates uncertainty about the player who has been central to their success for almost a decade. This season alone, he has made 30 appearances in the Premier League, registering two goals and four assists.

However, Portugal’s message to Benfica is definite. The long-term possibility of a comeback remains, but at the moment it is completely closed.

🇪🇸Michelle Sanchez | “I feel ready”

➡️ Manager hints at job at Manchester City
➡️ Questions asked considering Pep Guardiola’s situation
🔁 City Group Connection a different helphttps://t.co/bwU1CONMQi #mcfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 19 March 2026

Newcastle United are again being described as the leading favorites to sign Alan Elias in Brazil, but no deal is straightforward.

The 21-year-old player has become a key figure for Palmeiras over the past year. After finishing 2025 strongly, Allen has continued that momentum into the new season.

He has already made 19 appearances in 2026 and scored four goals in all competitions. Those numbers tell only part of the story. His role in the team has become more consistent, regular participation in matches matters.

This coincides with a strong start to the season for the Brazilian team. Palmeiras secured the state championship earlier this year and now top the league table. Allen has been a part of that run, and is contributing to a team that is once again competing on multiple fronts.

This context is central to understanding the club’s stance. Palmeiras is not dealing with a fringe player or a developing prospect on the perimeter. They are managing one of their most important attacking pieces in a season where silverware is firmly within reach.

At the same time, England’s interest has also intensified. Newcastle are not alone. liverpool And Manchester United They are also one of the clubs keeping a close eye on Allan, with the Premier League emerging as his most likely destination.

Newcastle are now seen as favourites.

Against that background, reports pig soul Claim Newcastle are currently seen as the leading club in the race for Allan.

The Premier League side are said to be preparing a ‘unique’ package worth around €46m (£39.5m), structured with a fixed fee and performance-related bonuses.

Importantly, the report suggests Newcastle are not rushing to make an immediate bid. Instead, they are waiting out the summer transfer window before making their first formal move.

This timeline matches what has already been seen in this case. English clubs are trying to establish themselves as quickly as possible, including contacting player representatives.

Newcastle has also gone one step ahead. As previously reported in Brazil, The club sent a messenger In the country to initiate contacts and assess the terms of a potential deal.

Brazilian strategy: renewal and value addition

Palmeiras is not standing still. As we covered earlierThe club is working on a new contract for Allan with better financial terms and a longer term. The deal could extend his stay until 2030, as well as increase his salary and release clause.

This is a clear strategic move. By renewing the player’s contract, Palmeiras aims to strengthen their negotiating position and raise the price before the next transfer window.

Recent discussions in Brazil indicate that the club are now demanding a valuation in excess of €40m (£34.3m). Any deal at that level is likely to include a performance-related bonus rather than a fully guaranteed fee.

Past offers and market reality

It is also mentioned in the report previous interest from napoliPalmeiras reportedly rejected offers of between €30m and €35m (£25.7m-£30m). However, Sports Witness Source Understand that the Italian Club’s claims of exclusive offers are not true.

Napoli’s interest in Allan has been mentioned in Brazil, but details of bids reported elsewhere cannot be confirmed.

Zenit Saint Petersburg have also been linked with the midfielder, adding to the growing list of clubs keeping an eye on his situation.

Our Opinion: Price, Time and Leverage

This update – And SportWitness exclusive from Brazil – Brings more clarity to a situation that has been building for months. Newcastle is now being positioned as a leader, with a clear financial plan and defined timelines.

At the same time, Palmeiras has established a strong negotiating position. Allen is performing, the team is winning and there is no internal pressure to sell. That combination drives up the price.

If Newcastle United want to turn their status as favorites into a completed deal, the challenge is clear. They must meet – or exceed – that valuation, now approaching a guaranteed €45m (£38.6m), not just in bonuses.

🇵🇹Iván Fresneda | €80 million clause to see Newcastle United fullback shining – and the Magpies are keen

📉That figure will be largely negotiable https://t.co/C7fO6tZzKO #nufc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 21 March 2026

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have made contact with Sporting for Maxi Araujo, a source has informed Sport Witness.

The left-back’s performances for the Lions in England did not go unnoticed.

Tottenham and Chelsea are among several clubs keeping a close eye on the Sporting player.

The Uruguay international is a product of Montevideo Wanderers and broke into their first team in 2018. He moved to Club Puebla in January 2020 and three years later, joined another Mexican side, Toluca.

Maxi Araújo spent over 18 months with Toluca and left them for Sporting in August 2024. Ruben Amorim was in charge and used him mainly as a left wing-back and occasionally as a winger, before his move to Manchester United in November 2024.

Sporting manager Rui Borges has primarily used Araújo in his preferred role as a left-back since December 2024. He has played 62 matches under the current boss and has played 35 on the left side of defence, 22 as a wing-back and the rest as a winger.

This season, the 26-year-old has operated primarily as a left-back and scored six goals and four assists in 35 appearances.

Tottenham and Chelsea among PL contenders

On Saturday, we Covered claims from Portugal Spurs, Blues, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan sent their scouts to follow the versatile player with an €80m release clause. Record reported that Sporting want to offer him an extension

A source has confirmed this sports witness Tottenham and Chelsea are pursuing him, and both clubs have made contact. As well as the Premier League pair, other English clubs have also made contact. However, we have not been able to verify their details.

The same source revealed that there have been no talks over a new deal with Sporting. This should please English clubs if they are to make further progress in the summer window

It is unclear whether Spurs, Chelsea and other English clubs will turn their approaches into concrete offers.

transfer market Maxi Araujo is valued at €25m and has been rising since June 2024, when he was at €5.5m. It signals the rise of the South American since his involvement in sporting.

Why Spurs are a better option than Chelsea

Liam Rosenior now has Mark Cucurella, Jorel Hatto and Caleb Willey as his three left-backs at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella, 27, has a contract until 2028 and is the first choice. This probably won’t change if he’s at the club next season.

On the other hand, Igor Tudor has two left-backs at Tottenham in Destiny Udogi and Jade Spence.

recent Claims are covered italian interest And if anyone of the pair were to leave, Maxi Araújo would be an ideal candidate to replace them at the north London club.

In only his third season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cason Wallace has never played for a team that has not won at least 57 regular season games. It is extremely rare for most NBA players to win a championship between sophomore seasons. This season has undoubtedly been his best. Wallace recorded a career-high 27 points in a 121–111 win against the Denver Nuggets in February.

However, Wallace’s contributions go far beyond his career-high seven threes made in that win against the Nuggets. Wallace has emerged as a triple threat for Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, giving him a unique on-ball defender who can stretch and stretch the floor with his outside touch.

Wallace’s career average is the best in several statistical categories, including points per game (8.6), assists (2.7), and steals (2.1), in which he leads the NBA. Still, returning as the defending champions and having faced every team’s best effort, Wallace doesn’t see any major changes in the Thunder’s approach this season.

Wallace said, “I don’t see any big difference between last season’s performance and this year’s. The goal will always be to win.” “As defending champions, we still look forward to working hard and competing every day.”

While some were expecting a championship hangover, which is the norm for most returning champions, the Thunder had the best start to the regular season – 24–1 – in NBA history. Without All-NBA forward Jalen Williams, who missed the first 19 games due to wrist surgery, the Thunder rose to the top of the Western Conference standings, where it remained stable through the 2025–26 season.

“I feel fortunate to be a part of such a great team and I’m excited to keep the energy flowing until the end of the season,” Wallace said.

Wallace will be a key part of the Thunder’s postseason campaign as the defending champions. With teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets threatening to dethrone OKC from its throne, Wallace is one of several interesting depth pieces that light up the Thunder’s backcourt.

Oklahoma City embraces Thunder’s Cason Wallace

As Wallace continues to grow as a player, his community of die-hard Thunder fans in Oklahoma City has embraced him. So much so that Wallace partnered with a local food chain in town, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, to create “Cason’s Queso”, his own cheese sauce inspired by his nickname “Queso”.

Wallace said, “We have great people on this team and we always have a lot of fun together. I’ve always had him at Fuzzy’s, and I told him my queso is a must-try because it’s loaded just the way I like it.” “Every bite is a little different depending on what toppings you bring out, so it’s perfect for sharing on game day.”

While Wallace hopes the fans enjoy the collaboration, he is eager to finish the regular season and enter the playoffs for another run at the championship.

Amid a 10-game winning streak, the Thunder earned their 55th win on Wednesday. With only 12 games remaining, Oklahoma City is in position to make another deep playoff run with hopes of winning back-to-back titles.

Mark Daigneault praises ‘committed’ Cason Wallace

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised Wallace’s adaptability to different lineups this season, which he has been successful in, as the third-year guard continues to improve. Although the Thunder traded for Wallace, who was selected 10th overall on draft night in 2023, it’s no coincidence that Casson has one of the highest winning percentages in NBA history.

Wallace’s career winning percentage is 75.6%. And while some fans will joke that he’s a lucky charm, given that the Thunder have finished with the best record in the Western Conference every season since Wallace joined, Daigneault looks at the work Cason has done behind the scenes.

“He’s one of many guys on our team who obviously plays his role well on a very good team,” Daigneault said. “When you look at Cason Wallace’s win percentage as a professional, his win percentage is insane. But one of the things that comes with playing on a team at this level as a young player is that your role can sometimes feel narrow compared to your teammates.

“If he wasn’t on such a good team, he’d probably be able to do a lot more, and his role would be a little broader. So, when you have a guy that’s committed to that kind of role, is committed to winning and the team’s success, having a night like tonight, everybody’s happy for him.”

While Wallace’s role has changed sporadically throughout the regular season due to the Thunder’s long list of injuries, he makes the most of his opportunities.

“He shows up – he takes whatever minutes he gets. Sometimes he starts, sometimes he doesn’t. Some nights he gets some shots, and he doesn’t get his breakthrough,” Daigneault said. “So, on a night when he does that, and he delivers, everyone is thrilled for him.”

For Wallace, it’s sometimes hard to believe how far he’s come. It all happened very quickly for the top-10 draft pick, who became an NBA champion, led the association in steals, and emerged as a key member for a team with the potential to win back-to-back titles.

If Wallace could talk to that younger version of himself, he would only give that kid one strong piece of advice for the future.

“I would tell the younger version of me to keep working hard,” Wallace said. “Results come from being disciplined, having confidence in yourself and your teammates, and being prepared for every opportunity.”

Wallace is living proof of what the other side of that hard work is.

AS Roma are considering Everton left-back Vitaly Mykolenko as part of their plans for the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to Forza RomaThe Everton defender is on sporting director Frederic Massara’s shortlist as the club prepares for a number of summer departures.

Roma aim for low-cost reinforcements ahead of summer rebuild

Roma are expected to see several first team departures at the end of the season. Financial limitations are currently shaping the club’s rebuilding strategy.

This led sporting director Frederic Massara to prefer affordable, ready-made options that could immediately strengthen the team without requiring large investments. Mykolenko would be one of the more suitable characters.

Roma believe Mykolenko could step straight into their starting eleven, especially given the appeal of a potential free transfer.

Everton’s contract stance complicates potential deal

However, reports have indicated that neither Everton or Mykolenko are planning on parting ways this summer.

speaking in novemberMykolenko rejected suggestions that he was unwilling to negotiate a new Everton deal, and insisted he would remain happy at the club.

“That I don’t want to negotiate (on a contract) with Everton is a complete lie, because we haven’t talked about it yet,” he explained.

“I know my agent will be speaking to Everton representatives soon. I don’t even think about it because I love playing for this club, I get a kick out of here, that’s the most important thing for me. My family is living comfortably here. Basically, there’s nothing more to say.

“It doesn’t affect me. I know how the coaching staff feels about me, how the club feels about me.”

Ukrainian outlet The Express also reported that Everton Planned to use a contract clause to extend his deal until 2027. This would make them willing to sell the defender this summer rather than losing him for free.

Friedkin Group’s ownership could influence negotiations

For now, Roma are expected to monitor the situation closely as they consider their summer options.

They are bracing themselves for a summer exit, all on free transfers, forcing them to rely on low-cost deals or even free transfers. However, it is unlikely that Everton will let them take Mykolenko for free.

Instead, perhaps a deal is to be made between the two clubs looking at shared ownership under the Friedkin Group.

For now, Roma will simply monitor the situation and continue to assess their options. But Mykolenko is an option that Massara is evaluating based on what he can and can’t do.

🇧🇪 Zakaria El Ouhadi | The Premier League will expose him

➡️ Everton and Crystal Palace warned over €15m transfer
❌Pundits are not completely convinced https://t.co/KYBun1bLnX #efc #cpfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 17 March 2026

Liverpool are probably already planning a long-term succession on the left side of their defence, and this process takes them back to Brazil.

With Andy Robertson entering the final stages of his time at Anfield and Milos Kerkez still working to become fully convincing since arriving, the Premier League club have begun to look further afield in the market. Now one name on their radar is 18-year-old Vinicius Lira.

Sport Witness’ sources confirm this Liverpool have been following the Santos youngster in recent months. The club’s South American scouts have monitored his development as the Brazilian club slowly grooms him into a bigger role in the senior team.

Liverpool are taking a closer look at Santos’ talent

Born in October 2007, Lira is considered one of the most exciting prospects produced by Santos in recent years.

The left-back immediately stands out for his physical profile. Standing at approximately 1.87 metres, he combines unusual height for the position with strong athleticism and long strides. This allows him to cover the ground quickly and support attacks with regular overlapping runs.

However, attacking contributions are only part of his appeal. Coaches in Brazil often highlight his crossing ability, delivery from wide areas and set-piece quality. Lira is also comfortable getting into the box and has already contributed goals and assists throughout the youth levels. Liverpool scouts may have taken notice.

In the 2025 youth season, he made almost 40 appearances for Santos academy sides, scoring five goals and providing five assists. During that period he also helped the club win state titles at both U17 and U20 level.

The teenager also already has limited senior experience. He made his debut for the first team at the 2025 State Championships and has since made five senior appearances, three of which were as a starter.

tottenham step opens the door

Lira’s path to regular first-team football has been shaped by an interesting twist involving Premier League rivals Liverpool.

tottenham hotspur recent transfers Santos sign left-back SouzaA deal that created immediate room for Lira to climb the internal hierarchy.

Within Santos, there is a growing belief that the teenager could ultimately prove to be a more complete prospect. Some people close to the club have also joked that Tottenham may have bought “the wrong left-back”. Now it’s up to Liverpool to get it right.

Merseyside clubs have shown increasing interest in identifying special talents Before they completely explode in South America. If Lira continues his progress with the Santos first team this year, Liverpool could find themselves in a good position to take action.

Why does the profile attract Liverpool?

Liverpool’s recruitment model has often prioritized full-backs capable of making heavy contributions in attack. Under many managers, the role requires pace, passing ability and the stamina to cover the entire flank. Lira’s profile already meets many of those requirements.

Despite his age, he combines physical strength with forward intent. His ability to reach the byline and deliver initial crosses is one of the most cited aspects of his game. Meanwhile, his size provides an advantage in aerial duels and defensive transitions.

He also plays left-footed, is comfortable under pressure and is capable of striking from set pieces.

At the moment, Liverpool’s interest remains at monitoring level. The club is keeping a close eye on his development as he steps into senior football.

But with Robertson reaching the final stages of his Anfield career, and Kerkez still being assessed, Liverpool’s succession planning may already be underway.

Vinicius is managed by Lira Bertolucci SportsWho represent some of the most high profile Brazilians in the Premier League. The agency has extensive experience in transfers around the world and is well placed to help Liverpool complete the deal.

RJ Barrett joined Steve Nash and other players in NBA history after reaching the scoring milestone in the Toronto Raptors’ emphatic 122-92 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.

Barrett is going through the seventh season of his career, his third with the Raptors. He has made strides towards becoming a solid two-way star in the league, helping Toronto make a playoff run this year.

Before Sunday’s game against Dallas, Barrett had scored 7,987 points in his career so far. He needed 13 more points to reach the 8,000-point milestone, which Nash and six other Canadian players have accomplished in their respective careers.

Barrett accomplished the feat in a masterful performance, in 34 minutes of action. He finished with a stat line of 31 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. He made 13 of 19 shots from the field, including 3 of 7 from beyond the arc and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line. According to reporter Omar Osman, the star wing reflected on his milestone after the game on the Sportsnet broadcast.

“One, I’ve always loved the Raptors. I’ve always been a big fan. To do it at home means a lot to me,” Barrett said.

RJ Barrett becomes 8th Canadian to cross 8K mark:

“One, I’ve always loved the Raptors. I’ve always been a big fan. To do it at home means a lot to me.” ❤️❤️❤️❤️

🎥: Sportsnet 🎤: @SNMichaud https://t.co/UuSuCQxjC9 pic.twitter.com/PwXKCVMXo2

– Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) 9 March 2026

RJ Barrett, how the Raptors played against the Mavericks

RJ Barrett got the chance to enjoy making NBA history on behalf of his home country of Canada. He also got a chance to add the cherry on top by leading the Raptors to a dominant win over the Mavericks.

Eight players, including Barrett, scored in double figures for Toronto in the win. Scotty Barnes delivered a balanced performance of 17 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. He made 6 of 12 shots overall, including 2 of 4 from downtown and 3 of 3 from the charity stripe. Jakob Poeltl came next with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Sandro Mamukelashvili had 13 points and seven rebounds, while Brandon Ingram and Ja’Cobe Walter each provided 11 points apiece.

Toronto improved to a 36–27 record on the season and finished fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, while trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks.

The Raptors look forward to their next matchup while on the road. They will face the Houston Rockets on March 10, tip-off at 8 PM ET.

Paolo Banchero had a 36-point performance Tuesday night to lead the Orlando Magic to a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, capping a four-game Western Conference road trip and cementing his name among the franchise’s greats.

Banchero finished with a game-high 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes. He shot 12 of 22 from the field, 2 of 6 from 3-point range and 10 of 11 from the free-throw line, as the Magic improved to 31–26.

According to the team’s PR account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Banchero recorded the 14th game of his career with at least 35 points. This total ranks third in Orlando Magic history behind Tracy McGrady (75) and Shaquille O’Neal (54), and ahead of Anfernee Hardaway (13) and Dwight Howard (13).

This performance marked the third time in Banchero’s career that he posted at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game. This total ties him with O’Neal for the second-most such games in franchise history. McGrady holds the record with 16.

Jamahl Mosley praises Paolo Banchero’s aggressiveness, downhill attack against Lakers

Head coach Jamahl Mosley credited Banchero’s pressure and tenacity as the driving force behind the victory.

“Yeah, I think his aggression level, quick decisions, getting downhill, finding matchups he likes, attacking the basket, putting pressure on defense. I mean, more than anything, when you look at it, he got to the free throw line 11 times. That’s aggression. That’s determination. That’s focus, getting downhill. And then he’s knocking them down.”

Jamahl Mosley on Paolo Banchero’s 36 in win over Lakers:

“His aggressiveness – going down 11 times and getting to the line. That’s the focus. That’s the determination.

“He creates mismatches. Drive and kick to Desmond for a three – big-time play. pic.twitter.com/wgAXpc0Bxw

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

Mosley emphasized Banchero’s ability to create mismatches and make timely decisions, including a late drive-and-kick that led to a key 3-pointer from Desmond Bain.

“So just staying aggressive. As soon as he steps on the floor, he creates mismatches. He has eyes on him. These guys are full of him. So his quick decision-making ability, getting downhill, that last play where he attacks the downhill and passes it to Desmond for a knock down three, those are big-time plays. And that’s what we’re going to continue to need from him.”

Magic gains momentum after statement win in Los Angeles

Banchero took the same approach when asked about his performance.

“Yeah, just being aggressive, you know, being aggressive downhill, making plays for others. I think that always opens up the game for me. If I’m able to keep the defense honest with my passing. Yeah, being aggressive when the ball is in my hands, you know, making the defense respect me and always hunting my shots and looking for the pass as well.”

The 23-year-old has averaged 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his last 10 games, while shooting 42.4% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range in 36.4 minutes per contest. On the season, he averaged 21.5 points, a career-high 8.4 rebounds and five assists in 46 games while shooting 45% from the field.

Paolo Banchero on his offensive mindset against the Lakers

“Just being aggressive down the slope and making plays for others. It opens up the game for me. When I have the ball in my hands, it’s about hunting my shots and keeping the defense honest with my passing.” pic.twitter.com/VD3wfzJKyg

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

This victory also has historical significance. As noted by Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel on X, Orlando’s wins over the Clippers (111–109) and Lakers (110–109) marked the franchise’s first season since 2012–13 in which it defeated both Los Angeles teams.

The Magic return home to open a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets (35-21) on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video, looking to extend their two-game winning streak behind continued growth in the distinguished company of Banchero.

The 2025-26 Los Angeles Lakers are an elite company right now, and history tells us that this elite company isn’t that great.

Entering the All-Star break, despite having a 33-21 record, the Lakers trailed by one point, which is not normal at all. In fact, LA is just the third team in NBA history with a 60% or better winning percentage and a negative point differential at the All-Star break.

The Athletic’s Law Murray wrote, “The other two aren’t exactly the teams the Lakers want to emulate.” “The 2021 Portland Trail Blazers went 21-14 at the All-Star break while being outscored by 15 points and were eliminated from the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Denver Nuggets in six games. The 1997 Charlotte Hornets went with a 29-19 record (.604) while being outscored by 15 points and then lost to New York in the 1997 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Lost to the Knicks.”

As a result of their record, the best of the three on the club, and a stellar, league-best 15–3 record in clutch time, Murray has labeled the Lakers’ season “somewhat extraordinary”.

This could bode well for LeBron James, Luka Doncic and company, although last season, the Lakers lost in the first round of the playoffs despite having a solid record in the regular season following the acquisition of Doncic. Still, the Lakers are almost certainly a better team, in general, than the 2024-25 team, which had a better injury situation and still wasn’t as stable as this year’s Lakers.

Only one LA player has played every game this year: Jake Laravia. Additionally, he is the only player on the team to have played more than 46 games. The Lakers’ star players – James, Doncic and Austin Reaves – have all missed at least a dozen games. Reeves was out more than a month until recently, James missed almost the entire first month of the season, and Doncic was sidelined for the final four games before the All-Star break with a hamstring injury.

The Lakers return to action on Friday against crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers at home before hosting the Boston Celtics on Sunday.