Aston Villa Roma could hand Matias Sole his dream move to the Premier League this summer, with the Italian side needing to raise funds with a big sale.

Gazzetta dello sport report After missing out on the World Cup, the Argentina forward could now turn his attention to a move away from Rome.

Exit Roma

The newspaper reports that with the summer approaching for the 23-year-old, it remains to be seen whether he will remain at Roma or not.

There are doubts on that front for three reasons. The first is that Roma need to make around €60m of capital gains by June 30^th To comply with financial fair play rules.

They are also looking for additional wingers, potentially taking Mattias Sole out of the picture. Finally, the Argentine wishes to have a spell abroad, particularly in the Premier League. He likes England the most and is attracted towards playing there.

With those factors in mind, it’s clear that Sole’s stay in Rome is by no means set in stone.

Having arrived for €25.6 million two years ago, he is now worth €15.3 million on the books. An offering of €40 million or more would provide a significant capital gain.

Aston Villa’s long-term interest

Aston Villa had been eyeing him for some time. Unai Emery is a big fan and considers the Argentine a natural fit for his system.

Qualification for the Champions League could also help their chances. They can deliver top-level competition, Premier League football and a ‘high level of confidence’ under Emery.

There are also excellent relations between the two clubs, as evidenced by negotiations for Donyal Malen. This means it will not be difficult to reach a deal if Aston Villa push for it.

For now, Mattias Sole is just an idea. But the chances of him leaving Rome are increasing and Aston Villa have fancied him for some time.

Jimmie Johnson’s racing team Legacy Motor Club is set to expand next year, adding a third charter for the 2027 Cup Series season. With the new seat available, it appears that the team’s search for its wheelman is over.

According to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, Legacy’s year-long search for a third chartered driver is “effectively over” and the team is now focusing on 23XI Racing’s Riley Herbst to get behind the wheel in 2027.

Read more: NASCAR prospects whose stock is rising

Riley Herbst, age 27, became a full-time Cup Series driver with 23XI in the No. 35 car last season. He struggled in his rookie year, failing to record a single top 10 finish, while posting one of the worst average starting positions (26.97) and average finishing position (26.39) among full-time Cup drivers.

He has performed much better in 2026. Through 12 races, Herbst’s average starting position (20.25) and average finishing position (22.67) have improved significantly. Herbst earned his first top-10 finish (Daytona 500) since 2023, and he has finished in the top 20 four times this year.

Herbst also brings other qualities that probably have significant importance to the heritage. First of all, he has proven to be an excellent teammate to Tyler Reddick this season through his work in leading Tyler Reddick to victory at Daytona and in the sim.

Equally important for a relatively new team like Legacy, Herbst also brings funding. The Herbst family owns a vast chain of convenience stores, and Driver has a long-term relationship with Monster Energy. Combine all this with the improvements he has made this year, and it is easy to see why he is a top candidate to join the Legacy Motor Club next season.

The domino effect of joining Riley Herbst’s legacy

All of Legacy’s pursuit comes as it secured a third charter in the Cup Series for the 2027 season, creating a domino effect that will impact many top teams. Both 23XI and RFK Racing are affected by the move.

RELATED: Chase Contender Could Lose Chartered Status in 2027

The above charter is leased to RFK this season and is being used for Ryan Preece. RFK is also in a tough spot as all three of its drivers—Preece, Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski—are in contract years. Even if all three drivers are re-signed, there is currently no viable path for the team to acquire a third charter.

Since RFK deals with the loss of a chartered car, 23XI has its own vacancy. Fortunately for the team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, NASCAR’s top prospect Corey Haim is set to replace Herbst next season. Widely regarded as the top prospect in NASCAR, Heim’s arrival should give 23XI a chance to establish itself as the third-best team in the Cup Series.

RELATED: When Corey Heim Can Race Full-Time for 23XI Racing

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

Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins made one of the boldest calls of the season, and it immediately put Victor Wambayama and the San Antonio Spurs front and center against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Speaking on First Take, Perkins didn’t hold back from discussing the NBA Finals picture. He went beyond praise. He made a prediction that caught the attention of the entire league.

“The San Antonio Spurs are going to win the NBA Championship.”@kendrickperkins Doubles down on Spurs, knocks Thunder out of playoffs pic.twitter.com/g9bs08Wpqw

– First Tech (@FirstTech) 17 March 2026

Perkins said, “You all know how I feel about the Oklahoma City Thunder. That’s my home away from home, but damn, I’m going to say it again on national television, the San Antonio Spurs are going to win the NBA championship this year.”

That statement came down hard. This challenged the growing perception that the Thunder were the team to beat in the West. It also elevated a young Spurs group that continues to grow behind Victor Wembanyama.

Perkins did not stop here. He said, “I don’t pay attention to all this, they don’t have experience to talk about.” “They’re going to have home court advantage all the way to the conference finals.” His confidence reflects how San Antonio has played. The energy is real. Trust is being built.

Victor Vembanyama sits at the center of it all. Perkins praised his development as a complete power forward. “I like how he’s found that balance… first of all being a big guy, then being a guy who is a star and a leader in his role,” he said. Growth is visible every night.

However, Spurs are not dependent on any one player. Stephen Cassel has developed into a steady facilitator. Their two-man chemistry continues to improve. “Having Stephen Cassel, they have that,” Perkins explained, pointing to their playoff-ready connection.

Meanwhile, veterans like Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox bring experience and composure. This system is based on what Perkins called “agenda free basketball”. Anyone can move forward. Any moment can change.

So as the race to the NBA Finals heats up, one question now looms large: Are the Spurs really ready to prove Kendrick Perkins right and defeat the Thunder when it matters most?

The Chicago Bulls may have lost 142-130 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, but it was still a memorable evening for Yuki Kawamura.

Kawamura played 10 minutes off the bench, adding three points, one rebound and two assists. But what happened after the game was special for Japan’s undersized guard.

He reunited with his national team teammate Rui Hachimura and they shared a memorable moment – ​​literally.

Casey Johnson of Chicago Sports Network on

Kawamura, 24, immediately became a fan favorite in Chicago when he joined the team in Summer League last year. However, he was released during training camp after suffering a foot injury.

Many were saddened by his departure, some even imploring the Bulls to reverse the decision. In January, the team brought back Kawamura on a two-way deal.

He’s not just a novelty, as Kawamura’s vision and athleticism are up there with some of the NBA’s top level generals. He is a prototypical point guard, as he likes to set up his teammates.

Kawamura and Hachimura last represented Japan together at the 2024 Paris Olympics. They did not win in three matches. Hachimura led the team with 22.0 points, while Kawamura was not far behind with 20.3 points. Kawamura also averaged 7.7 assists.

Hachimura had 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting in their win over the Bulls.

As the Charlotte Hornets continue to rise in the Eastern Conference standings amid their six-game winning streak, Kon Knuppel has emerged as the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. With five weeks left in the regular season, Knueppel solidified his case for making NBA history by setting the record for most threes made in a rookie campaign, as he continues to lead the league in threes made (216).

As discussed by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel per Clutch Scoops, Knueppel could make a significant difference in his race with Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, as his speed has overtaken Flagg for the top spot.

Siegel said, “Kon Knueppel, the Rookie of the Year, has a lot of legs, and he’s probably the favorite. Also, having had the most efficient season as a rookie, I think, he’s at 20 points per game now.” “Absurd, I think he’s shooting 50,40,90 in his rookie season.

“This is absolutely ridiculous for a guy who went to Charlotte, and a place that we all thought was like a basketball haven for young people and rookies. So shout out to Con Knueppel, who I think will win his Rookie of the Year.”

Knueppel is averaging 19.2 points on 48.8% shooting, including 43.6% from deep, 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this season.

The Hornets extended their winning streak against the Boston Celtics with an emphatic 118-89 win. Knueppel’s 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting, including four threes, led four Hornets players to reach double figures.

Kon Nueppel strengthens case for Roy amid Hornets’ losing streak

In the first week of March, Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has already broken the record for most threes made by an NBA rookie. Knueppel surpassed Kings rookie Keegan Murray (206) in the 2022–23 regular season.

Knueppel’s case was also strengthened by the fact that the Hornets were playing at a high level while he was leading the ship, while his former Duke teammate, Cooper Flagg, is dealing with a left foot sprain that he has not played since Feb. 10.

Chelsea hero Eden Hazard has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain tried every year to sign him with the Blues.

Hazard was a guest on RMC’s “Nuits du Cazare Enchaine” program on Friday evening. During that show, he revealed PSG’s relentless efforts to get him from Chelsea during his career.

The Belgian player, now retired, played for Lille, Chelsea and then Real Madrid in his career. Arguably, his time at Stamford Bridge was his most successful.

Chelsea’s success meant no need to leave

Hazard joined Chelsea in 2012 after a European battle for his signature and became one of their greatest players. Most would also like to include him in his best ever Premier League performance.

He played a total of 352 matches for the Blues and scored 110 goals during this period. This led them to two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup. He was also voted Chelsea’s Player of the Year four times, a record at Stamford Bridge.

Moving to Real Madrid in 2019 fulfilled a childhood dream. But despite the record transfer fee, he failed to live up to expectations. Injuries caused him to play only 76 times before his contract expired a year early.

PSG rejected again

It was a disappointing end to his previously illustrious career at Chelsea. And things could have been very different. Hazard has now revealed that he was constantly targeted by PSG throughout his time in England.

“Every year I have contact with PSG,” He said.

“In my mind, it was very clear. When I left Lille, I said to myself: ‘I would not want to return to France to play for any other club than Lille. If I ever come back, it will be to play for Lille, for example to finish my career.’ For the people of Lille, for the North, I didn’t want to play for PSG.

“It was a great club. Nasser (Al-Khelaifi) was coming, there was a lot of money, and they always had a team capable of playing in the Champions League.

“Because things were going very well at Chelsea, my dream was to go to Real Madrid later, not PSG and then go to Real Madrid.”

NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is no longer backing the New York Knicks to win the Eastern Conference, shifting his support to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

During ESPN’s Inside the NBA broadcast on Friday night, Barkley announced he was no longer choosing New York over coming out of the East.

“I’m changing my choice Ernie. I told you all I thought the Knicks were coming from the East… the Cleveland Cavaliers are coming from the Eastern Conference,” Barkley said.

Cleveland has improved its position after trading with the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire James Harden in exchange for Darius Garland at this season’s deadline. The Cavaliers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 118-113 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, improving to 36-21 on the season. Cleveland is now in third place in the Eastern Conference, just one game behind the second-seeded Boston Celtics.

Since arriving in Cleveland, Harden has averaged 18.4 points, 8.6 assists, five rebounds and one steal per game, while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 48.1 percent from three-point range in five contests in 31.8 minutes per game.

“The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming out of the Eastern Conference,” – Charles Barkley 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/xF7XkMXzuG

– ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) 21 February 2026

Charles Barkley moves East pick as Cavaliers lead ahead of Knicks matchup

Harden’s presence coincides with increased production from center Jarrett Allen. Over that same five-game span, Allen has averaged 22.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and one block while shooting 76.3 percent from the field in 30 minutes per contest. For the season, the 27-year-old is averaging 14.9 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 62.7 percent in 45 games.

Meanwhile, New York has experienced a strong stretch of its own despite Barkley’s transfer. The Knicks went 10–3 from late January to early February, including an eight-game winning streak. However, they dropped to the fourth seed after a 126–111 loss to the NBA-leading Detroit Pistons, falling to 35–21 on the year.

The two Eastern Conference contenders are scheduled to meet during New York’s upcoming three-game road trip. The Knicks visit Cleveland next Tuesday at 7:30 PM ET on Peacock.

With the Cavaliers gaining momentum and climbing the standings, Barkley’s revised prediction underscores how rapidly the Eastern Conference hierarchy has shifted in the weeks since the trade deadline.

The Portland Trail Blazers are rumored to be in the process of being purchased by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, leading to concerns over the limitations of the Moda Center as well as the franchise being moved out of the city. While the sale is expected to be completed around March 2026, many fans, including Denver Nuggets head coach David Edelman, do not want the Trail Blazers to move on.

Edelman was asked about his favorite childhood memories of Portland, and his response became an impassioned plea.

“They have to keep the team here. They have to find a way to do that. This is a basketball town. Northwest deserves two teams. It would be crushing for this community… Emotionally, I know what this place is and what it means to have a professional basketball team here. It’s not just something to hang out with. It’s something to go to and be a part of,” he said, according to a post on X by journalist Brenna Green.

David Edelman was asked about his favorite childhood memories in Portland @katywinge And it turned into an impassioned statement about why the Blazers should stay in PDX:

“They’ve got to keep the team here. They’ve got to find a way to do that. This is a basketball town.… pic.twitter.com/Gz95dpdVbN

– Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) 21 February 2026

Edelman spent a large portion of his childhood in Portland as he is the son of former Trail Blazers head coach Rick Edelman, who also previously played for the team. The Trail Blazers have been in Portland for more than 55 years, but things could change with the expected approval of Tom Dundon’s purchase at a valuation of more than $4 billion.

The limitations of the arena’s infrastructure, along with new ownership and the fact that the long-term lease expires in 2030, have brought uncertainty about the future. The Trail Blazers are the area’s only major men’s professional sports franchise in leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL, further increasing the importance of the team residing in the city.

However, an immediate transfer appears unlikely. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that a transfer is “not under consideration right now”, although according to WRAL News, this phrase makes the future uncertain.

Liverpool hero Dirk Kuyt has admitted he didn’t really like Raheem Sterling when he arrived at Anfield early in his career.

Today’s cover comments from the former Liverpool striker in 1908Made for ESPN in the Netherlands. He has been the talk of Sterling since his surprise arrival at Feyenoord.

Sterling signed for the Dutch team this week after being released by Chelsea. He fell out of favor at Stamford Bridge and all parties decided to end their relationship a year early.

kuyat unaffected

The 31-year-old had offers across Europe, including from the Premier League. But has elected to join Feyenoord until the end of the season. The Dutch side have guaranteed him the playing time he was looking for.

He is looking to get back on track after a poor few years at Stamford Bridge following a €56.2 million move in 2022. A loan at Arsenal in 2024 also failed to rekindle the spark.

It has been a winding career for Sterling, who began his career at QPR before moving to Liverpool’s U18s in 2010.

He was in the Liverpool first team two years later, scoring 23 goals and registering 18 assists in 129 games. Kuyt played with him, but was not a fan.

“That was quite a few years ago; he was sixteen then,” he said.

“We trained together a few times and played a few matches. Ultimately, I didn’t like him that much because he quickly moved to a bigger rival (Manchester City). But Raheem Sterling is, of course, considered a fantastic player in English football with a tremendous record.”

feyenoord occasion

We’re sure Kuyt’s sentiment is shared by most at Anfield after Sterling transferred to Manchester City in 2015.

However, he would argue that 131 goals and 8 assists in 339 games and numerous trophies helped justify it.

The focus now is on Feyenoord, and perhaps convincing Kuyt that he is not so bad. However, there could be some impressive performances between now and the end of the season.