nottingham forest The stance on Jair Cunha is becoming clear. While several Brazilian clubs have explored a move for the defender in recent months, at least one of those approaches has been solidified. Even if he hits the wall.

The 20-year-old has become one of the most watched forest fringe players in Brazil.

Flemish Have seen him. botafogo A reunion figured out. cruise Recently another fan has emerged. Yet despite limited opportunities in England, there has been little sign that Forest are keen to let him go.

The numbers show there’s still work to do

Jair Cunha has only played 16 matches this season with 1057 minutes. These figures explain why the Brazilian club believe a loan could be possible.

according to ball radarSao Paulo became the latest club to test the waters.

The Brazilian side requested information about Jair Cunha and evaluated the possibility of a loan. However, Forest expressed no interest in a deal under those terms.

As a result, discussions never progressed and São Paulo moved on to other defensive targets.

That detail is the most interesting development here. Previous reports focused only on Brazilian clubs. This time his effort gave an indication of Forrest’s position.

Reference to Youngster

Jair Cunha barely featured in the first half of the campaign, but injuries, rotation and Nottingham Forest’s deep Europa League run opened the door for him. As the fixtures piled up, Vitor Pereira turned to the Brazilian as a squad option.

Forest’s pressure on several fronts gave Jair Cunha an unexpected opportunity. With the club’s Premier League and Europa League commitments, the young defender moved from the team’s fringes to a useful rotation piece during the busiest period of the season.

The Brazilian did not even see many minutes in the beginning. However, Forest’s busy schedule and lengthy Europa League trip created opportunities, allowing Jair Cunha to establish himself as a reliable depth option for several weeks. And this was his wish All the time.

what happens next

Forest paid around £10.3m (€12m) to sign Jair Cunha from Botafogo after the Club World Cup. Given that investment and his age profile, it wouldn’t be surprising if the club still view him as a long-term project rather than a player who can move quickly.

Brazilian clubs line up. However, Forrest appears to be much less willing than many of them to open the door.

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.

ipswich town Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deosa has entered the picture. Reports from Spain claim the newly promoted club have begun inquiries regarding the Colombian’s situation ahead of the summer window.

The midfielder joined Betis from Monterrey last summer in a deal worth €11.5m (£9.8m). The Spanish club also agreed to give Monterrey 15% of any future capital gains. However, his first year in Spain did not go entirely as planned.

Injuries and adaptation problems prevented Deosa from producing at the level expected internally at Betis. Nevertheless, the club is confident that the Colombian will be a major improvement in the long term. They believe that they can still make a good profit from it.

abc sevilla Report Ipswich have now joined South American sides River Plate and Flamengo in keeping an eye on the 25-year-old midfielder. The interest in the river appears particularly strong. Eduardo Cudet is said to hold Deosa in high regard as the Argentine side prepare for a busy market.

The report suggests the English club have already spent heavily in the recent window, including after falling short in the Championship. They are expected to invest aggressively again to establish themselves in the Premier League.

Why does Deosa still attract attention?

This confidence is linked to the player’s profile and skill, which continues to attract clubs from many markets despite an inconsistent campaign in La Liga.

Nelson Deosa is widely viewed as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder. Standing at a height of 1.85 metres, he covers the ground aggressively and is capable of making an impact in both the defensive and attacking phases. He can play in the double pivot. He can also operate with more freedom as a traditional number 8.

In Colombia the infection is particularly strong. His left foot allows him to strike long diagonals and switch plays with accuracy. Meanwhile, his technical quality under pressure helps him escape difficult situations and advance the ball through central areas.

Deosa also brings a direct attacking threat from midfield. Reports and statistical analyzes in South America have consistently highlighted his high shooting volume and willingness to attack the penalty area. He regularly scores attempts from medium and long distances and is comfortable driving himself into dangerous situations.

Defensively, his game is built around intensity and anticipation. He presses aggressively, getting early jumps to the lane and reacting quickly during defensive transitions. Those qualities make him particularly useful in stopping counter-attacks and recovering team structure after losing possession.

Betis eyes profits and awaits bids

Betis reportedly believe any sale above €9.2m (£7.8m) would already generate a profit. This is because part of the original transfer fee has now been paid in the previous year.

There are also squad-building reasons behind the club’s openness to a deal. Deosa occupies a non-EU spot in the team, and his departure will free up space for future incoming players as Betis continue to plan for next season.

Interestingly, ABC Sevilla say the Andalusian side are considering keeping a percentage of the player’s rights in any sale. They are confident that he will eventually succeed at a very high level.

The club is therefore waiting to see if a bidding war develops around the midfielder. Premier League money is seen internally as a potential factor capable of sharply increasing his valuation should Ipswich’s interest solidify or other English clubs enter the race.

Tottenham Hotspur Star Pedro Porro has insisted he is not considering a move away from the club as they have struggled to stay in the Premier League.

sports world report on the 26-year-old’s comments today. He is speaking to Onda Cerro Extremadura after being called up by Spain for the World Cup.

tottenham festival

It’s been a week of double celebration for the Tottenham fullback after helping Spurs stay in the Premier League at the weekend.

A 1–0 win over Everton ensured that West Ham, not Spurs, lost on the final day of the season. This marked a remarkable turnaround for Roberto De Zerbi’s team, which had seemed destined for collapse not long before.

After this, Spain called Poro in its team for the World Cup on Monday. So it’s set to be a busy summer for the full-back.

Tottenham are expected to completely overhaul their team after the second 17 consecutive matches^th Finished last in the Premier League. Poro is one of those linked to a possible exit. However, he insists he hasn’t even thought about it.

“I have a contract with Tottenham,” he said.

“I don’t even have time to glance. We’re concentrating until the last minute. I don’t want to listen to anything; I want to switch off and enjoy.”

world cup focus

The defender is now focused on the World Cup, where he will be able to bounce back from the disappointment of two years ago.

The Tottenham man was expected to be a part of the squad for Euro 2024. Instead, Spain decided to leave him at home and go with Dani Carvajal and Jesus Navas.

This was a huge disappointment for them, even more so when Spain won the tournament. Now he is excited to get his chance in the World Cup.

“It’s been very exciting,” he said.

“I’m very happy; I’ve been working for a long time to make something like this happen. I had a strong desire to do this; it’s a dream come true to play in the World Cup for my country.”

“The manager has known me since my time in the youth teams and I have always had his trust.”

Aston Villa The Europa League triumph has thrust Emiliano Buendia back into the spotlight at exactly the right time for the club – and also at an awkward moment regarding his future.

The Argentine midfielder was one of Villa’s standout performers during the latter stages of the competition. However, the uncertainty surrounding his long-term condition has not gone away.

Recent reports link them to a Possible move to Turkish side GalatasarayWhile his current contract at Villa Park now has just over a year left.

This means Buendia will be able to negotiate a free transfer with foreign clubs from January, unless Aston Villa extend his deal or sell him this summer.

Against that backdrop, the 29-year-old has now opened the door to another future possibility – one that probably won’t please everyone in Argentina… or in Birmingham.

The dream of returning home exposed

As relayed by Argentine outlet TN SportsBuendia admitted that his dream was to one day play for River Plate. He also made it clear that he would reject a move to rivals Boca Juniors, even if club legend Juan Román Riquelme, now their director of football, personally called him.

“River is Argentina’s only club,” Buendia said. “If Roman calls me? No, not there.”

Then he added: “Playing for River has been my dream since childhood.”

This is a very bold stance considering Boca remains one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. It also reinforces how strongly Buendia still identifies with the River, despite spending almost his entire professional career abroad.

The midfielder left Argentina as a teenager to join Getafe and later starred for Norwich City and eventually Aston Villa.

Europa League victory changed the picture

Emiliano Buendia’s future looked much less certain at the start of this season. Things were already complicated after recovering from a serious ACL injury a few years ago, while Villa’s squad depth was boosted again after a more aggressive recruitment effort.

Still, he ended the campaign on a high note. His performances in Europe ultimately helped Villa win silverware under Unai Emery, and it may yet influence the club’s thinking ahead of the summer window.

Villa also face a delicate contract situation. Buendia’s deal expires in June 2027, making his gains weaker with each passing month.

It explains why clubs abroad are already keeping a close eye, and attention is likely to increase if it becomes clear Villa are willing to negotiate.

The river’s dream has now come out in the open

Buendia also revealed that despite the time difference from England he still tries to follow River whenever possible.

“I don’t watch much Argentine football, mainly River,” he explained. “The schedules are tough but I try to keep up.”

He also shared memories of the 2018 Copa Libertadores final in Madrid. Buendia said he stayed in the same hotel with the River squad before the match and later met club icon Enzo Francescoli in the lift. At that time, according to Buendia, asking for photos became inevitable.

It is unclear whether Aston Villa will keep him forward this summer. However, Buendia has now made one thing absolutely clear – if he ever returns to Argentina, there is only one destination he really wants.

armory Midfielder Mikel Merino has revealed that the team considers the Premier League title more important than the Champions League.

Cadena SER Report Comments The 29-year-old after appearing on his show El Larguero today.

arsenal return

The midfielder is keen to make a comeback at the end of the season after spending the last few months injured.

He is expected to be in Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for the World Cup, while he is also expected to play some role in the Champions League final. Arsenal will face PSG on 30th^th May.

They head into that game as reigning Premier League champions, with Manchester City drawing with Bournemouth to seal the Gunners’ title victory with a game remaining.

Premier League or Champions League?

They can make the season even more special with a first Champions League title. But according to Marino, the team has already achieved its top priority.

“The Premier League title. It’s a league win. And because of the way we won it and the context, going 22 years without winning it, it’s great,” he said.

When he was asked ‘Premier League or Champions League?’

“Coming from Spain, I thought the Champions League was the most important. But seeing how difficult the Premier League is, it’s hard for me to choose one or the other.

“I think they would prefer to win this league title than the Champions League against PSG. Although it is true that it is their first title.”

Then he was asked which of the two he preferred. And he admits, unlike his peers, he wants to be greedy with his selections.

“We’ve already won the Premier League, so the answer is a bit of a double-edged sword. I’d be greedy and ask for both,” he said.

everton There could be an opportunity to sign Artem Dovbek, as Roma look set to part ways with the striker.

The Ukraine international returned to action at the weekend against Lazio. It was his first appearance since the first week of January, as he had been absent for more than five months due to a thigh injury.

Although he did not score, he hit the post once and did enough to leave his mark in the match. Roma won 2–0 and were back in the Champions League.

This came just days after Everton was mentioned as a possible destination for the forward. sports witness Told how common ownership could help, the idea of ​​a move to the Toffees is still alive for Dovbeek.

Dovebeak is ready for the last game

solororama Report that despite his cameo on Sunday, Dovbić will leave Roma in the summer. Gian Piero Gasperini never came across as a fan, which led to this Link With Newcastle United last year.

It is believed the Ukraine international will take to the field for the last time in Roma colors next weekend. The Giallorossi have the chance to seal a return to the Champions League when they take on Hellas Verona. Dovbek should be involved but it will be his last time playing for Rome.

This presents an opportunity for Everton, who need to make a ‘concrete offer’ to agree a deal. Roma already have plans to use the money received from his sale, making him a prime candidate to leave in the summer.

Everton signing him before the end of June would help Roma in their UEFA FFP fight.

Roma’s attacking problems have already been solved with the arrival of Donyale Malen. This makes Dovbeek a back-up who is no longer needed by the club.

Our Opinion: The deal should be cheap

Roma paid a base fee of €30.5m for the striker in 2024 as he signed a five-year deal. As a result, Dovbeek weighs less than €20m in the Giallorossi’s accounts.

This suggests Everton could make a deal for just over €20m.

While Beto has found form for the Toffees in recent weeks, it remains to be seen whether he has a future on Merseyside. Dovebeak can serve as an efficient replacement and may even prove to be an upgrade if he settles in well. He has put in very impressive performances for Verona and has scored 20 times in all competitions, even during the clash in Rome.

Shakhtar Donetsk signed Isak last year and the Brazilian is already attracting interest from Premier League clubs including Tottenham Hotspur And nottingham forest.

The attacking midfielder contributed 14 goals in his first season in Ukraine.

Quickly, his stature grew and the teenager even played twice for Brazil U20. He found the net in his second game, starting his first game against the Paraguay U20s team.

Now, the youngsters are gaining attention as Tottenham and Nottingham Forest come into the picture.

The value played has increased significantly

IT migration market Report that a move to England is a possible outcome for Isak. It may not happen immediately and he is now valued at €30m, with Shakhtar paying a base fee of €10m last year.

A total of five Premier League clubs are interested in him and they are Tottenham, Nottingham Forest. Chelsea, Fulham and Bournemouth.

Italian clubs are also interested in this but they may be left out of the bid.

Serie A teams are more accustomed to selling South American talents. It’s similar to what Salernitana did with Ederson and Verona with Giovan in January.

With Shakhtar already playing the role of a selling club, Serie A clubs are unlikely to pay his asking price right now.

Souza could be an example for Spurs

Tottenham signed Souza from Santos in January, showing their inclination towards signing Brazilian talent. Spurs have been watching the Brazilian youth closely and have identified him Lucas Ronier as a potential signing, as Sport Witness exclusively reported last week.

Nottingham Forest are also big in the Brazilian market, but that may calm down now that Evangelos Marinakis’s colleague John Textor has wrested control of Botafogo from him.

newcastle united Star Sandro Tonali is ‘in the red circle’ at Juventus and ‘something must be done’ to get him this summer.

transfer market The report adds that Tonali has been at the top of Juventus’ wishlist for some time, but acquiring him for next season will be no easy task.

Juventus’ interest in Newcastle star

The website explains that it is almost a name with a red circle around it, as if indicating that something has to be done to get it.

At present, there has been no contact from Newcastle. With a transfer window of several months ahead, the midfielder’s return to Italy is not thought to be impossible. But this is not an easy step either.

The Bianconeri know there are many hurdles, including cost and competition. Juventus have arrived and the Newcastle star’s agents have been contacted. He feels there is no need for an immediate return to Serie A.

Competition arrives in the form of Manchester United and Arsenal. The Gunners had already made contact in January. He was valued at over €70m by Newcastle.

That’s the cost element of the barriers. Juventus need Champions League qualification to get closer to a deal. They will still need to work out an agreement with Tonali. He earns €8m net per season plus a €2m bonus linked to team and individual performances.

hard transfer

Again, all signs point to it being difficult to make a deal for the Newcastle midfielder. The Magpies are certainly not going to offer a discount on a star player’s deal, which was recently extended until 2030.

And Tonali doesn’t seem too keen on a return to Serie A at the moment.

Perhaps the 25-year-old is waiting to see what his options are before making any moves. Either way, Juventus’ stance will remain the same. It will be difficult to sign Tonali this summer.

everton And fulham Yet the Premier League could see the return of a familiar face, with Hugo Oliveira now being tipped for a future in England following his work at Famalicão.

the portuguese coach is building positive momentum In his first senior role. That progress did not go unnoticed in England, where he had previously worked in the coaching structures at both clubs, as well as Watford and Hull City.

There is a growing feeling that Oliveira has the tools to make the leap to the Premier League. And that scene is coming from nowhere.

Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, who worked closely with Oliveira at Benfica, has strongly endorsed the 41-year-old’s potential.

Full support from Matic

Nemanja Matic doesn’t hold back when talking about Hugo Oliveira to Portuguese outlet game. The Serbian midfielder provided a detailed and personal account of the coach’s qualities, drawing inspiration from their time together as teammates and later as opponents.

“Our relationship has always been incredible. He is an excellent person, a very good professional and given his experiences I am not surprised he is doing such a good job.”He said.

“I’m really happy with the career he’s building. As a friend, it’s always good to be around him because he’s a very positive person. You never hear anything negative from him.”

Matic also highlighted how important Oliveira was at the beginning of his career, especially during his adaptation period in Portugal.

“When I was with him at Benfica, he helped me a lot to adapt. At that time, I didn’t speak Portuguese and he was a great support to me because he spoke English very well.”he explained.

“When I was a young player, he was very important in giving me advice on what I could improve in my game and what I could expect. He had a lot of experience, gave great advice and was a great support.”

Even after their time together ended, the relationship continued, including them facing each other in England.

“As rivals, we never stopped getting along.”

Matic also highlighted characteristics that go beyond coaching practices and tactics.

“In addition to his professionalism, he reads people very well and has all the capabilities to achieve great things.”

Hugo Oliveira’s trajectory points upward

Hugo Oliveira arrived in Famalicão in a difficult situation. At the time the club was struggling and expectations were limited.

However, results improved rapidly. The team is now pushing to make it to European competition, which would be a huge achievement for the club. This progress is an important part of the story unfolding in Portugal.

“In the beginning, when he arrived in Famalicão, it was not easy, given the situation he was in. But then the work he did became clear to everyone.”

Despite interest from other clubs, Oliveira recently had his contract renewed. This suggests stability for the time being, but also underlines how quickly his reputation is growing.

The return of the Premier League is already under discussion

Hugo Oliveira’s previous experiences at Everton and Fulham give this story a natural Premier League angle. He already understands the environment and demands of English football.

Matic believes a comeback is not only possible, but likely at some point.

“He worked with many coaches and now he is the main. I see him coaching in the Premier League, why not?”He said.

He’s got the ability, he’s a very intelligent guy and I’m not surprised by what he’s doing. “I’m not surprised and I really believe he’ll go far.”

Hugo Oliveira is obviously still early in his managerial career, but his work at Famalicão has made him one of the more interesting Portuguese coaches outside the traditional top clubs.

and for everton And fulhamThe connection is already there. That familiarity may be relevant if the opportunity arises.

For now, Oliveira continues to make his case in Portugal. If the results are good and interest increases then a move to England would not be too far.

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.

Bayern Munich’s interest newcastle unitedAnthony Gordon is serious and could help them further challenge the ‘farmers’ league’ narrative around the Bundesliga.

evening newspaper munich Report today on the potential transfer and how, if it happens, it would be the latest Bayern transfer to challenge the long-established narrative.

Bayern Munich’s interest is increasing

The newspaper reports that Anthony Gordon’s performances for Newcastle United this season have sparked interest from Bayern.

The 25-year-old has been directly involved in 22 goals in 46 games and is the ‘linchpin’ of Newcastle’s attack. He has particularly impressed in the Champions League, with only Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe being more successful.

This has attracted top clubs such as Bayern. Following several other reports in England and Germany, AZ confirmed that Bayern are ‘seriously considering’ the Newcastle star.

They value Gordon’s versatility as he can play in a front three. But there is also a marketing element to it.

Kisan League is no more

As far as the newspaper is concerned, the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United would show how attractive Bayern Munich have become for ‘top international players’.

The Bundesliga will also benefit in terms of marketing. It is often derided as a ‘Farmers’ League’, but Gordon’s arrival will increase the feeling that this is not the case.

Bayern have already released Harry Kane and Michael Olise from the Premier League. He would be the third coming, and proof that the Bundesliga can compete for top names. Both players have hit greater heights since their moves to Munich and Gordon could do the same.

The same can be said about Luis Diaz. He swapped Premier League champions Liverpool for Bayern last summer and hasn’t looked back since. Top players are attracted to the Bundesliga and Gordon would be the latest player to make that change.

The question is what price Bayern is willing to pay. Newcastle are reported to be worth £75 million. This is a top figure for a 25-year-old who, despite good numbers, has often managed to cheat.

But the German champions may consider it a price worth paying. According to Edge, the move has a lot of additional benefits.

We’ve already seen some of the top MLB prospects make their major league debuts this season, some of them even doing so with lucrative contract extensions. In what is already shaping up to be one of the best rookie classes in over a decade, another wave of talent could be on the horizon. Let’s take a look at 10 top MLB prospects who could debut in the coming weeks.

READ MORE: MLB Power Rankings Week 3

1. Max Clark

Max Clark is a former third overall draft pick who is currently ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 8 prospect. He’s currently slashing .344/.421/.500 in Triple-A, and while he hasn’t hit any home runs yet, he’s showing off his speed with six stolen bases and eight doubles. The Tigers could also easily make room for him; All it would take is sending down Jahmai Jones, who is currently slashing .077/.077/.077.

2. Bryce Aldridge

Bryce Aldridge has already spent time in the big leagues through 2025, and while that stint was about as bad as it could go, it feels like he deserves another chance. MLB Pipeline gives him a 70 power tool, which would be a perfect fit for a Giants team that currently ranks last in MLB with just nine home runs in their first 19 games.

3. Travis Bazana

Travis Bazana was the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, and he’s already knocking on the big league door. He is currently reaching base at a .389 clip in Triple-A and slugging at .451. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s big-league second baseman, Brian Roccio, has a .688 OPS. Rocio could be moved into a utility role to make room for Bazana, who could make an immediate impact on Cleveland’s lineup. He proved himself at the World Baseball Classic earlier this year as a member of Australia’s team.

4. Walker Jenkins

The former No. 5 overall pick is ranked as the No. 11 prospect by MLB Pipeline, and although his Triple-A numbers probably aren’t where the Twins organization would like them to be, it’s probably time to call him up. The Twins are making noise in the AL Central, and Walker Jenkins could be ready to make a big impact.

5. Jonah Tong

Jonah Tong made his debut with the Mets last season and was impressive in his first start, allowing one run in five innings. It was all downhill from there. Tong lasted five starts and finished with a 7.71 ERA in 2025. But the Mets once thought he was ready, and last year he had a 1.43 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A. It feels like there hasn’t been much development for Tong at the minor league level.

6. Jett Williams

Jett Williams is one of two Brewers infielders ranked in MLB Pipeline’s top 100. The Brewers have always found ways to win by using their youth, and Williams is part of their next batch.

7. Cooper Pratt

The Brewers have already extended Cooper Pratt an eight-year, $50.75 million contract. This alone is reason enough to call him. Obviously the team has confidence in him.

8. Harry Ford

Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz is hitting .171 with a -0.2 bWAR to start 2026. Washington gave up one of their top weapons in Jose Ferrer last season to bring in Harry Ford. Why keep Ford in Triple-A when their major league catcher is struggling?

9. Ryan River

Ryan Rivers is 27 years old and is projected to be a big league reliever. MLB Pipeline still likes him so much that he is ranked as the 100th best prospect in baseball. The Dodgers have been wasting a potentially high-leverage relief arm in Triple-A, and it seems like it’s time to get him in the show.

10. Colt Emerson

Colt Emerson would be higher on this list if there was a clear path to playing in the major leagues, but there isn’t. JP Crawford, Brandon Donovan and Cole Young have locked down the infield, and the Mariners don’t want to call on Emerson just to hide on the bench. At the same time, for a good prospect like Emerson, you find a way for him to find playing time. If it means moving the defense around, that might be what Seattle needs to do.

crystal Palace And bournemouth His potential pursuit of Dino Topmöller has been boosted as he looks to move to the Premier League.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports ‘Things are looking up’ for the 45-year-old ahead of the summer.

Crystal Palace Plan

Crystal Palace appear to be planning behind the scenes as to when Oliver Glassner will leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season. Bournemouth are also in need of a new coach as Andoni Ierola is also set to depart.

The report names various managers on their shortlist as they plan for life after their coaches. Dino Topmoler is a name on both lists.

Sacha Tavolieri now reports that the German is on Crystal Palace and Bournemouth’s shortlist to replace Glasner and Ireola. And, more importantly, ‘things are turning’ around the German coach.

According to his knowledge, Cherries have ‘made inquiries’ about Topmolar. There is also competition from VfL Wolfsburg. But, importantly, Topmolor ‘prioritises the Premier League.’ Bournemouth and Crystal Palace benefit from this.

free agent status

Dino Topmöller is currently a free agent after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt in mid-January. He was here since July 2023 and was in charge of 121 games with a record of 1.55 points per game.

It was his first managerial role after stints as assistant manager at Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.

Again, it is doubtful whether Bournemouth and Crystal Palace will risk giving him his first chance outside Germany.

However, it appears that both are keen on the 45-year-old. It’s another link between the pair as the managerial merry-go-round looks set to rage this summer. Sport Witness reported this week that Palace had made an offer to Andoni Ierola.

Now they may be gearing up for battle over Topmolar, which will add another twist to an already complex and developing saga.

Jonathan Rowe’s performance against Aston Villa this week has sparked interest in the Premier League, including the Villans.

gazzetta dello sport And Corriere di Bologna cover the 22-year-old today. It seems that his performances despite the Bologna defeat have convinced some that he is the real player.

bologna is crazy about him

Gazzetta reports that Bologna have gone crazy over Jonathan Rowe since his arrival from Marseille last summer. Since then he has scored seven goals and four assists in 35 games.

His latest impressive performance came against Aston Villa in the Europa League this week. And the paper says demonstrations will be ‘a prelude to rumours’ now and throughout the summer.

This fact will help them Rowe has admitted that this is a dream of hers. Have to play in the Premier League sooner or later. The Premier League is also taking notice.

According to the newspaper, three clubs sent scouts to the Aston Villa match. They were also looking at Santiago Castro, but Rowe stole all the attention and the spotlight.

Bologna believes they have a diamond in their hands. They value him. They valued him at €45m after paying €19.5m last summer. The Italian side has no intention of selling cheap.

Aston Villa are also keen

Corriere di Bologna also reported that his performance against Aston Villa had ‘awakened the Premier League transfer market’.

According to his information, Via TuttoBolognaWebAston Villa could be eyeing him as a replacement for Morgan Rodgers.

The newspaper suggests Rodgers could join Arsenal this summer on a deal worth €80 million. If that happens, Villa will have the resources to capture Jonathan Rowe and stay within financial fair play rules.

However, they also add that Bologna have been warned that other English teams will approach them this summer after Rowe’s performances. The Italian side are struggling to retain possession of their star player.

of southampton The offensive rebuild over the past year has quietly given rise to one of the Championship’s most effective wide threats, and now he is starting to attract serious Premier League attention.

When Leo Scienza joined from Heidenheim he was not the main arrival. Nevertheless, he soon became one of the players shaping up southampton’s pressure In this weather.

with the club Balancing promotion ambitions And the stability of the squad, their performances are starting to generate a different kind of conversation behind the scenes.

The 27-year-old has contributed six goals and eight assists in 35 matches so far. Those numbers reflect a reliable player in key moments, often working between the lines or driving transitions.

His output has also come in high-pressure fixtures, increasing the interest of top-flight clubs. This process appears to be ongoing.

Premier League clubs circle after excellent performance

Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Fulham, Everton and Leeds United are all keeping a close eye on Leo Scienza ahead of the summer window, as reported espn brazil. Representatives from those clubs have attended recent Southampton matches at St Mary’s to assess them personally.

Timing is not accidental. His recent performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup has further increased the existing interest. Leo Scienza was named man of the match in the win over Southampton, following a performance full of direct running and attacking intent.

According to ESPN, that performance reinforced the idea among Premier League sides that he could make a move soon. This is not the first time that we are covering That level of interest in him.

Career path shaping present value

Leo Scienza’s trajectory is unusual by Premier League standards. Due to neglect he had to leave Brazil early and began his European journey in the lower leagues of Sweden in 2019.

2020 saw a move to Germany and their growth accelerated. At Heidenheim, he reached Bundesliga level and showed enough consistency to earn a transfer to Southampton at the start of this season.

That background plays in his favor now. Clubs are looking at a player who has already adapted to different leagues and systems rather than one facing his first big step forward.

Importantly, there are no plans to return to Brazil despite recent efforts. The focus is on progress in European football.

What’s next for Southampton?

Leo Scienza’s situation will be closely linked to Southampton’s season result.

If promotion is secured, the club will have a stronger position to retain him and increase his influence. However, failure to move up could open the door to a bid from clubs already eyeing him.

For Southampton, it is a balancing act. They have developed a player whose value is increasing rapidly. Now they must decide whether he will be part of their Premier League comeback or the next lucrative departure.

For interested clubs, the appeal is obvious. Leo Scienza offers instant output, tactical flexibility and a career path that suggests he is still on an upward trend even at the age of 27.

nottingham forest Preparations are already underway for a hostile environment in Portugal. However, the scale of the task against FC Porto far outweighs the pressure of the crowd.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team will face a team with strong domestic and European form. Porto are currently leading the Portuguese league and have lost only once in their last 11 matches in all competitions. This fixture adds another layer to an already demanding Europa League quarter-final.

Nottingham Forest have shown resilience to reach this level. Still, this tie presents a different challenge. Porto combines pace, structure and experience, especially when playing at home.

Strong home record against English sides

FC Porto’s record against English clubs at the Estadio do Dragão highlights the size of the test awaiting Nottingham Forest.

according to to ballPorto has played 25 home matches against English opposition in European competitions. They have won nine, drawn nine and lost only seven. This is a solid record that shows how difficult it is for visiting teams to control matches in Porto.

Recent history supports that pattern. Porto drew 3–3 with Manchester United in a high-profile performance in October 2024. Earlier, he had secured a late win over Arsenal in the Champions League with a stoppage time goal.

So they are certainly a team that is comfortable dealing with top-class English opposition on home soil.

The context behind the Nottingham Forest meeting

There is also a layer of recent history between the two sides.

Nottingham Forest beat Porto 2–0 early in the competition, handing the Portuguese team their only defeat in Europe this season. That result came via two penalties that Diogo Costa could not save.

However, the context has changed since then. Porto are now in a stronger position domestically, and there is a clear sense of unfinished business in this regard. Furthermore, they there will be some reinforcements For this stability.

Porto manager Francesco Farioli knows it is a completely different scenario.

“When we played Nottingham before, it was Sean Dyche’s first game. I have positive memories of the game there. We conceded two penalty goals and played well throughout the game.” he said A recent press conference.

“But now we are talking about a completely different reality, a team that is in more positive form. Nottingham Forest have many strengths, including great wingers and very high-quality forwards. They also have strong midfielders and are dangerous at set pieces.”

He then concluded: “It is difficult to say which version of Nottingham suits us best, but what is certain is that we will have to do our best.”

It is also worth noting that this will be Nottingham Forest’s first match at the Estadio do Dragão. It adds an element of the unknown to the Premier League side.

more than just atmosphere

The focus has already been on the build-up Porto will bring intense supportBoth at home and outside. Their fans have sold out allocations and have formed a strong presence throughout the competition.

Yet the challenge for Nottingham Forest is wider. They will face a team that is leading their league, in form and is historically strong at home against English clubs.

Plus, this is a team that has already lost once this season and now has clear motivation to respond.

For Forest, it is about managing a complete test – tactical, emotional and physical – against one of the most consistent teams left in the competition.

That’s why this quarter-final feels particularly challenging. And that’s why Nottingham Forest will need one of their most controlled performances of the season to take something positive from Portugal.

crystal Palace They face Fiorentina in the Conference League quarterfinals on Thursday. The game at Selhurst Park could prove huge for the Italian side, who are in a relegation battle from Serie A.

Things have improved over the past few weeks for La Viola, who are unbeaten in four league games. The European competition will be a different challenge, as they have had to struggle against the likes of Rakow, Jagiellonia and even Lussen.

The Polish team took them to extra time last month, even though the Florence club won 3–0 in the first leg. In short, this has been the story of Fiorentina’s rollercoaster campaign.

Their strange record in the Conference League will not be the only problem against Crystal Palace, as Paolo Vanoli’s side struggle with a number of fitness concerns.

Many uncertainties for Fiorentina

gazzetta dello sport Today praised Nicolo Fagioli, who played a key role in the second leg against Rakao. He also scored against Hellas Verona at the weekend and should feature against the Eagles.

A key player returning for Fiorentina is Dodo, who was missing against Verona. He has already returned to training should he travel to London to play against Crystal Palace.

This is the only positive, as Rolando Mandragora is likely to be out. Manor Solomon, Nicolo Fortini and fullback Fabiano Parisi should also remain out. Notably, the Israeli winger has not played since the beginning of March due to a thigh problem.

That’s why Fiorentina will rely heavily on Fagioli, who could also have been called up to the Italian national team a few weeks ago. After a disappointing first few months he has turned a corner and is La Viola’s most important player at the moment.

Our opinion: Fiorentina can’t surprise

For now, Vanoli’s team has one major goal for the season and that is to avoid relegation. A club as big as Fiorentina cannot reach Serie B and the campaign has been a nightmare.

This has affected their performances in the Conference League and it is evident in every game.

Therefore, Crystal Palace may not face major problems on Thursday. Even though Fagioli and Moise Kean will be involved, things sometimes go wrong for the Florence club when they play an extra game in a week. They will also play the second leg next week, which will increase the pressure on them.

Oliver Glasner’s side have not played a game since March 19 and that could tip things in their favour.

Tottenham Hotspur, evertonAston Villa, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford are in the mix to sign West Ham United’s Crescencio Somerville.

Winger joins West Ham from Leeds United for more than £25million [€28.7m] in August 2024 and his recent form has not gone unnoticed.

Back in January, Sport Witness Covered claims from Türkiye Regarding Galatasaray’s interest in a winter transfer. However, he did not leave Nuno Espirito Santo and it worked out well for him.

His form since the start of the year has seen Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Aston Villa, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford all draw interest.

His Premier League statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 24
• Start: 22
• Total minutes: 1,864
• Target: 5
• Help: 1

Somerville has seven goals and four assists in 27 games this season and most of those have come this calendar year.

Aston Villa, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford are also keen

L’Echo di Bergamo, relayed by all atalantaNow cover the latest on Spurs, David Moyes, Aston Villa, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford.

The report focuses on Atalanta looking at the 24-year-old for the summer as he remains a target for manager Raffaele Palladino.

However, Serie A teams face a lot of competition both domestically and abroad. Naples is ahead in the transfer race from Italy. In England, there is a long queue and a fierce battle to secure their services.

This comes after Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Aston Villa, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford have all been named. Apart from these clubs, Marseille and Villarreal are also in the picture.

The newspaper claims West Ham United value Crescencio Somerville at €30 million, which appears to be on the low side of reality.

That said, if the Hammers were removed its value could drop. They are currently 18th in the table, one point behind 17th-placed Spurs.

It is unlikely the Hammers will sell him for €30 million if they remain in the top flight. If he impresses for Ronald Koeman at the World Cup the price could rise significantly.

Cresencio Somerville contract, price and agent information

Cresencio Somerville’s contract is until 2029, with the option of a further year.

According to its value transfer marketIs €30m. L’Eco di Bergamo may have given him importance here. Agency The.Team is representing the Dutchman.

Leeds United have a clear opportunity to sign Hidemasa Morita, as the midfielder’s position has now moved much closer to the club’s expectations from last year.

Sporting CP player is on Leeds United’s radar from 2025. At the time, a move was considered but ultimately rejected. The asking price of around €10 million (£8.7 million), coupled with doubts over his fitness, made the deal difficult to justify.

Twelve months later, both of those obstacles have disappeared.

Morita is now approaching the end of his contract and is expected to leave Sporting this summer. That single-handedly changes the financial equation. However, there has also been a massive change in how his position is viewed by both players and the market.

Exit is now considered inevitable

Sporting are already Planning for life without Morita. The club’s midfield is set for major changes next season, with several departures expected and internal solutions being developed.

Morita’s case is the clearest. He has long indicated that he would not renew his contract, and his exit is now considered internally certain. This clarity allows the club to move forward with succession plans rather than attempting to extend his stay.

At the same time, the player’s own priorities have not changed. Moving to the Premier League has been a long-standing ambition of his, dating back to his early career in Japan.

That ambition is now hitting the right contractual moment.

Conditions are now favorable for a move to Leeds United

Hidemasa Morita’s situation looks very different compared to last summer. Financial risk has been removedAnd concerns over his physical condition have subsided during the current season.

This is where Leeds United enter the picture again in a more meaningful way.

The club had already done the groundwork on the player. They were aware of his profile, his role at Sporting and his suitability for English football. What stopped them at first wasn’t a lack of interest, but the structure of the overall deal.

Now, with Morita available on a free transfer and showing greater physical reliability, the same move carries far less risk.

portuguese newspaper to ball Insist that interest from Leeds United remains and a move is looking increasingly likely, with the midfielder pushing to fulfill his long-held ‘dream’ of playing in the Premier League.

An agreement that is now equal for all parties

The situation has developed such that all elements are pointing in the same direction.

Sporting is ready to move on. Morita is determined to take the next step in his career. There is already interest from Leeds and now he faces a much more favorable deal.

There is still time for the window to open and other clubs to emerge. External factors, including international performance ahead of the 2026 World Cup, could also influence the market.

Still, this is no longer the uncertain scenario it used to be. What Leeds United previously rejected now appears to be an opportunity of new size – and one that may be too hard to ignore.

🇪🇸 Largi Ramzani | Leeds United want to bring loanee back

➡️Daniel Farke plans to use him
🦇 Valencia are unlikely to keep him
💵 #LUFC Will sell only for good offers
➡️ Bargaining situation may arisehttps://t.co/8UJHjj71Om #against

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 25 March 2026

A new report suggests that many around the NBA are hoping to use the rumored option to end tanking, with the players union favoring instituting new ideas.

Tanking is nothing new in the NBA. However, with the 2026 NBA Draft projected to be one of the best prospect classes in many years, nearly a dozen teams have fully embraced the strategy in the final two minutes of the season. It’s gotten to the point where teams like the Utah Jazz have even inserted healthy impact players in the fourth quarter to ensure a loss.

This has disappointed NBA fans and infuriated Commissioner Adam Silver. Now, preventing the 2026 battle for the bottom tier from happening in future seasons is a top priority. This week, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed three ideas to be presented at the next Board of Governors meeting in an effort to end the practice.

On Saturday, Jake Fisher provided new insight on what opinion is around the league on those three ideas. According to an NBA insider, two popular ideas are expected to be introduced, with the 10 teams left out of the play-ins all having an 8% chance at the No. 1 pick. “This perception was strong among many general managers and owners even before the Board of Governors convened,” Fisher wrote.

Many also liked the idea of ​​expanding the lottery to 18 teams to include play-in participants. Fisher also said that “the league has expectations.” [having 18 clubs] “Teams will be encouraged to remain competitive through the end of the regular season.”

NBAPA wants to use EPL model to encourage winning

The insider reports that the three ideas are just concepts, and the one the league decides to go with could be a blend of parts of the three pitches.

Fisher also said that if the 18-team idea is used, players would like to see “the 10-worst teams share a 7% chance at No. 1, rather than 8%. The top selection is shared with the other eight teams in the lottery at a 3.75% chance.”

Additionally, players would like to see the NBA copy the English Premier League model to encourage winning. In that setup, franchises “could get an additional $10 million slice of the league’s national television revenue depending on where teams finish from 1 to 30 in the standings.”

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

The Los Angeles Lakers are just a few weeks away from the playoffs and have won nine of their last 10 games, including a 137-130 win against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Nearly everyone on the team is playing at a high level, led undoubtedly by Luka Doncic, who has averaged close to 40 points in his last 10 contests, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

One player who is benefiting from the Lakers’ surge is Bronny James. He may not be able to perform in big numbers like his teammates, but his confidence in his game has increased.

The young James said his stint with the South Bay Lakers in the G League has been a big factor continual improvementAs the OC Register’s Benjamin Royer reports.

“I like to go out there and play my game and be as aggressive as I can, so that when I get these minutes here, I’m comfortable playing with Luka, Braun, AR and everybody else,” the 21-year-old guard said.

I asked Bronny James about G’s travels and his goal-oriented process with South Bay:

“I like to go out there and play my game and be as aggressive as I can be, so that when I get some minutes here, I’m comfortable playing with Luka, Braun, AR and everyone else.” https://t.co/ENGUPpFbBv

– Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) 26 March 2026

In 12 games with South Bay, he averaged 15.3 points on 54.6% shooting, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals.

Lakers coach JJ Redick will be the first to point out that young James, who is on a two-way contract, has been playing remarkably well recently.

“He has a lot of confidence right now,” Redick said in a video posted by Royer.

“He’s had a great season in South Bay. He’s been the best player every time in our stay-ready games the last three or four weeks. There’s a bounce in his step right now. It comes from that confidence.”

The second-year playmaker, whose athleticism and defensive skills also earned praise from Redick, contributed four points, one rebound, one assist, two steals and one block in 13 minutes off the bench against the Pacers.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace are keeping an eye on Benfica right-back Daniel Banzaqui. The rapid growth of adolescents has begun to attract serious attention throughout Europe.

The 18-year-old has been quietly building momentum in Benfica’s system, which will have attracted the attention of Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace. He has featured regularly for Benfica B this season and has also played in the UEFA Youth League, a competition the club consistently uses to hone elite prospects.

Banzaqui’s output is beginning to match the hype. Operating as an attacking full-back, he has contributed 2 goals and 4 assists in 21 appearances in Benfica B and youth competitions this season. Additionally, his minutes have steadily increased, which reflects the growing confidence of the coaching staff.

Those numbers tell only part of the story. His profile stands out due to his ability to carry the ball and create from wide areas. According to statistics from platforms such as FBref, he ranks highly among Benfica B defenders for progressive carries and touches in the final third.

That combination – the end product and the progress – explains why clubs in England are paying attention. Benfica have a long track record of developing full-backs who move for significant fees, and Banzaqui appears to be next in line.

Interest in Premier League emerged

That broader context makes Portugal’s latest update particularly relevant.

morning mail Report Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace are all closely following the defender. Clubs from Spain, Germany and Italy are also in the picture, while Paris Saint-Germain have made preliminary enquiries.

We covered it in early March liverpool and chelsea Were already keeping an eye on him. So now faced with that level of interest, Benfica have moved quickly to secure his future.

Daniel Banzaqui’s decision and the Benfica plan

Despite attracting interest from across Europe, Daniel Banzaqui has decided to stay at Benfica and continue his development.

The Portuguese outlet reports that there is an agreement in place for a contract until 2031, with the release clause set at €80m (£69m). The deal is expected to be formalized after he returns from international duty with the Portugal under-21 team.

The important thing is that the project presented before them goes beyond financial point of view. Benfica have outlined a clear route into the first team for the 2026/27 season.

There is also a structural reason why that opportunity may come sooner. The club is ready to sell Alexander Bah or Amar Dedic, who would create a space at right-back.

Furthermore, the presence of Jose Mourinho has played a role. The teen reportedly values ​​the opportunity to develop under him.

what happens next

Daniel Banzaqui’s decision reflected the familiar Benfica pattern. The club retains control early, develops the player further, and only sells when the value has peaked.

For Premier League clubs, this becomes a long-term monitor rather than an immediate opportunity. However, the level of interest already suggests he is firmly on their radar.

If his progress continues and he establishes himself in the first team, the current England focus is likely to increase rather than decrease.

The competition could increase even more between Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Tanking has become a hot issue in the NBA, as it has been a controversial discussion for many years. Teams that are not in the mix for the playoffs keep their star players on the bench in hopes of losing and improving their chances of obtaining a high-value draft pick. On Wednesday, Commissioner Adam Silver claimed that the league is going to resolve the issue soon.

According to ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel, during the NBA Board of Governors press conference, Silver claimed the league is going to hold a meeting to potentially make changes to the tanking rule in May. If passed, the rules will be in effect for the 2026–27 season.

“NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said at his NBA Board of Governors press conference that there will be a ‘special meeting’ in May to address and discuss the issue of tanking and potential rule changes for the 2026-27 season,” Siegel said.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, reports indicate that the meetings will discuss potential lottery reforms that could impact the upcoming offseason. It seems the 64-year-old soon-to-be commissioner wants the change to be made as soon as possible.

Stein reported, “Adam Silver says a special meeting of the Board of Governors will be called in May to vote on lottery reforms to take effect for the 2026-27 season, and ahead of this summer’s upcoming draft and free agency.” “‘We’re going to fix it … full stop,’ Silver says about addressing tanking.”

While there are questions being raised about competitiveness right now, according to Siegel, Silver thinks adding two new franchises could help. The NBA is looking to address the tanking issue, and Adam Silver sees no problem with increasing the size of the league from 30 teams to 32.

“We have enough talent to field 32 teams,” Silver said. “When we just did the 2-team expansion, 6% of the players were international. That’s 30% now… Tanking is a confusing thing and we study it… I’m not worried about the caliber of 32 competing teams.”

The NBA will likely announce the outcome of the meetings in late May. If changes are made, we could see them impact the 2026 NBA Draft.

The NBA Board of Governors has approved a vote to explore the possibility of adding two new expansion franchises specifically in the Las Vegas and Seattle markets, as first reported by ESPN.

As a result of approving this vote, the bidding process to launch expansion franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle will officially begin, and is expected to generate offers in the $7 billion to $10 billion range for each new franchise.

The process will involve the NBA along with investment bank PJT Partners as a strategic advisor to evaluate potential markets, ownership groups, sector infrastructure and the macroeconomic implications of the expansion.

“Today’s vote reflects our board’s interest in exploring potential expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle – two markets with long histories of supporting NBA basketball,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in the league’s press release. “We look forward to taking the next steps and engaging with interested parties.”

The idea of ​​NBA expansion is no longer a consideration, as the board has officially begun the process of a 32-team league, with high-ranking executives telling ESPN that it’s a matter of “when, not if.”

At this time, there is no timeline for potential expansion bids to be evaluated or accepted, but given the amount of interest there is in these markets for NBA expansion, the process is expected to move quickly.

There was growing momentum among NBA board members, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and members of the league office to approve this notion of expansion, especially with the revenue generated by new teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.

A potential final vote for expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle will be held later this year, which would officially take the league from 30 to 32 teams.

If Seattle makes a bid and is accepted, the NBA would welcome the return of the Seattle SuperSonics, who were disbanded when the franchise moved to Oklahoma and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

If the SuperSonics were to return, all of their records and team history would be handed over to them by the Thunder, who do not already recognize the previous team’s success as their own.

Along with Seattle, Las Vegas has long been viewed as the next stomping ground for a new NBA franchise, especially considering how long the league has been doing business with the city.

Not only has the NBA Summer League been held in Las Vegas during the offseason since 2004, but the NBA Cup has also held its semifinal and final rounds in Las Vegas since beginning in 2023.

The WNBA moved its San Antonio franchise to Las Vegas in 2018, becoming the Las Vegas Aces, and the NHL established the Las Vegas Knights as an expansion team in 2016.

MLB also officially announced the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas in 2023, and they are building a new $2 billion stadium that is expected to be ready for the 2028 season.

With the NBA officially taking the next step to add two new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, the conversation has now turned to which current Western Conference franchises will move to the Eastern Conference to balance the league at 16 teams per conference.

It is expected that either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies will move east, with the Timberwolves seen as the likely favorite in this scenario.

There has been constant speculation over the future of Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali since joining the club.. A summer exit now looks certain for the midfielder.

The Italian media have repeatedly found reasons to talk about the ex-AC Milan player. Juventus have been mentioned as a suitor but Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Risso has hinted at a possible stay in the Premier League.

sports witness His comments were covered, as the Italian suggested the player was interested in a move to clubs such as Arsenal or Manchester City.

Now, it seems that active efforts are underway to secure Tonali’s departure to Newcastle United.

Group of players listening to offers

gazzetta dello sport Carlo Laudisa now reports on Sandro Tonali, claiming his price has skyrocketed. This will make it very difficult for Juventus to bring him back to Italy.

The journalist, who is very experienced, also says that the 25-year-old’s crew ‘has been working for months’. He wants to plan a transfer away from Newcastle United. The plan is to receive the best offer from the Premier League, which is where they are focusing their efforts.

It is hinted that magpies may not make it easy for potential suitors. They are unwilling to part with the player, which suggests the Tyneside club will place a high price on the Italy international.

This could be good news for Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City. The UK press has mentioned all three as possible lovers. tuttosport Risso’s appearance at the Gunners’ game against Brighton earlier this month was talked about.

Newcastle United should settle for nothing less

Since leaving AC Milan, Sandro Tonali’s stature has only grown. Even the betting ban has not halted his progress, with the player establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Even for Italy he has established himself as a pillar and will be key in the upcoming World Cup playoffs.

That’s why Newcastle United should not listen to any low offers for the player. Taking everything into account, Tonali is potentially a player worth €100 million. Contenders may have to pay that amount to get a chance to sign it.

Laudisa is a veteran of the Italian press and his information is likely to contain at least some truth. This should be seen as a clear message that the people around Tonali are fully accepting of the idea of ​​a transfer and Magpies supporters should start making peace with the idea.

🇧🇷Alan Elias | Newcastle United prepare offer + exclusive details

💵 Magpies planning ‘unique’ approach
❌ Source reveals that Napoli have not been offered
➡️How are things right now…https://t.co/dLLTskDYdI #nufc #SSCinapoli

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 24 March 2026

Mac McClung has earned his living by becoming one of the best performers of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest of all time. He has won the championship three times in his career, even though he is only a part-time player in the NBA, he has played a total of 10 NBA games in his career.

But McClung has his spot in an NBA organization for a reason, as he’s been tearing it up in the G-League for his entire career, and this season, while he’s with the Chicago Bulls’ affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, he’s become the NBA’s minor league scoring GOAT.

According to the official G-League account on X, on Tuesday night, in a contest between the Windy City and the Birmingham Squadron, McClung passed Renaldo Major (who had 5,299 career points) to become the NBA G-League’s all-time leading scorer. McClung did it in spectacular fashion as well, as he finished the night with 59 points on 19-34 shooting from the field (8-17 from deep). And 8-10 from the foul line.

McClung has had no trouble dominating opponents in the G-League, and he is currently averaging over 31 points per game in the regular season for the Windy City. And fans are now calling for him to get a call up to the NBA after working the backside in the G-League.

Fans praise Bulls’ Mac McClung

The NBA is a completely different animal than the G-League, which is why McClung has struggled to earn minutes in the big leagues. Still, a 59-point night never goes unnoticed.

“Mac McClung can score better than many NBA players,” wrote X user @SkilledByChoice.

“Mac McClung dropped 59 PTS, 10 AST, 8 threes in the G League… and y’all still put him on a two-way while the Bulls bench is ready? The G-League GOAT deserves real NBA minutes now,” @mrpurpose0 added.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur could compete in the summer for Besiktas captain Orkun Koçku, whose return to form has sparked serious interest in England and beyond.

The Fanatic reports that After a slow start to the season, the 25-year-old has performed strongly, attracting interest from Europe’s elite.

According to their information, Manchester United and Tottenham are keeping a close eye on him, including ahead of Besiktas’ recent clash with Kasımpaşa, where he reportedly scored ‘high marks’.

manchester united midfield refresh

United’s recruitment team are actively monitoring their dynamic midfield profile ahead of the summer window.

Koçku’s mix of press resistance, ball progression and leadership fits the club’s effort for a younger, more mobile midfield core.

Meanwhile, Tottenham may look to strengthen their midfield this summer. This will certainly be the case if Joao Palinha’s loan from Bayern Munich is not made permanent. Today a report says that this will not happen.

inter milan interest

Manchester United and Tottenham are not the only sides showing interest. Inter Milan is also making efforts.

According to The Fanatic, the Serie A leaders are keen to add Kokkou as part of their long-term midfield succession plan. Their interest could cause problems for the Premier League pair.

Besiktas set their price

Besiktas has made its stance clear. There will be no sales unless the offer is ‘astronomical’. €50 million is the minimum price they will consider for the 25-year-old.

He is currently valued at €25m by Transfermarkt and has never been valued higher than €35m in 2023. But Besiktas see the midfielder at the center of their plans and will only negotiate if a major European side forces their hand.

It remains to be seen whether Manchester United or Tottenham are willing to pay €50m. For now, it appears they are only searching for a midfielder. But he could be an interesting name to move into in the summer window.

Ipswich Town sent a scout to Denmark for FC Midtjylland’s Europa League defeat to Nottingham Forest on Thursday.

The Championship side are third in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Millwall.

Both clubs are two points behind second-placed Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town have a game in hand.

Kieran McKenna’s side are in the middle of a promotion battle while their scouts are busy identifying targets.

One of their officials was at the MCH Arena yesterday to follow the Danish club’s European tie against Nottingham Forest.

Despite leading 1–0 in the first leg, Midtjylland failed to overcome the Premier League team on home soil and lost the two-legged tie via penalty shootout.

The Superliga team only has domestic competition to focus on until the end of the season. Additionally, their players have attracted the attention of several European clubs.

Ipswich Town travel to Denmark again

There is interest in Kieran McKenna’s side, and campo Now cover the latest on them.

English clubs had an official in attendance and included Manchester United and Liverpool.

In addition to these three English clubs, scouts from Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Mönchengladbach and AS Monaco were also present. However, it does not specify the player.[s] Had an eye on these clubs

Dario Osorio has been attracting interest from top clubs for some time now. Earlier this week, Sport Witness broadcast news Liverpool and Arsenal are among the clubs looking to sign him.

Campeau has now added Borussia Dortmund to their list of suitors for the Chilean winger. Ipswich Town would find it difficult to compete with these clubs even in the event of promotion, but it is possible.

Ipswich Town could consider suitable signings

Midfielders Dan Neal and Wes Burns and fullbacks Ashley Young and Connor Townsend all have contracts expiring in June.

It might make sense for McKenna’s side to look at Midtjylland’s midfielders and/or fullbacks.

Below is a list of Midtjylland midfielders and their values. transfer market. This Ipswich Town deserves attention tried to sign Billing, before joining the Danish club last summer.

• Philip Billing, 29: €7 million
• Daniel Castillo, 21: €5.5 million
• Pedro Bravo, 21: €2.5 million
• Valdemar Bischof, 21: €2.5 million
• Almara Djabi, 19: €200k

fullback

• Victor Bak, 22, left-back: €3 million
• Paulinho, 31, left-back: €500k
• Kevin Mbabu, 30, right-back: €3 million
• Adam Gabriel, 24, right-back: €750k

🇩🇰Ben Godfrey | Players explain what went wrong at Sheffield United and Ipswich Town

➡️ The blades he had were blunt – which he respects
➡️ Other players feel assured of playing timehttps://t.co/3p0rMyIhtv #sufk #ITFC

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 6 March 2026

As a rookie last season, Bronny James’ plan was always to spend plenty of time with the South Bay affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers in the G League.

Now in his second year in the NBA, it’s been a similar story for him. James played in 18 games for South Bay last season, and he’s tied for 18 games this year with less than a month left in the regular season.

Based on the Lakers’ depth chart, there doesn’t appear to be much room in the rotation for the second-year guard. It always made sense that he was going to get more opportunities to develop his game in the G League.

As Bronny James juggles the shuffle between the Lakers and South Bay, one of the things he’s working on is trying to find a balance between finding his shot and being a playmaker for his teammates. At the urging of both Lakers head coach JJ Redick and South Bay head coach Zach Guthrie, James has focused on finding his shot when the opportunity arises.

“They always tell me they want me to be as aggressive as possible and try to score,” James told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “That’s been my mentality all the time now. If they give it to me, I’ll take a bucket. If not, just put it back in space and make a play. Not really thinking too much and just playing basketball.”

This work is in progress. As a point guard, James has a natural penchant for moving the ball and getting his teammates involved. Last year, he averaged 4.6 assists per game while in the G League. This season, he has slightly less than four assists. During his first two games with South Bay, he posted back-to-back games of eight assists.

This was followed by a streak of seven games where he averaged 5.3 assists per game. With the Lakers, James has had two games with six assists this season. He walks a good path for all players trying to become a successful guard in the NBA. It’s all about finding your shot, and finding the right balance between keeping the offense humming and getting scoring opportunities to your teammates.

“I think it’s just staying aggressive. I’m looking for my shot first and if the defender comes in front of me, I make the pass,” James said. “Just play your game and experience the defense while the game is going on.”

Bronny James’s G League development with South Bay

While opportunities with the Lakers are few and far between, there is ample playing time available for James in the G League. By mid-March, he had appeared in 18 games with South Bay, equal to his total appearances from the previous season.

His average has been 13.3 points, which is less than 18.6 points a year ago. Their total number has decreased slightly; 3.0 rebounds compared to 4.4 and 3.8 assists compared to 4.6. But their efficiency has improved. James is shooting 48.7 percent from the field, up from 41.9 percent last year. And his 3-point efficiency has gone from 33.6 percent to 34.4 percent.

It’s a balanced approach for James, which is a byproduct of the game being slow for him, as well as playing with a talented South Bay team.

“Yeah, I would say so. We have a lot of talent on our team so it’s an easy job for me,” James said. “I’m trying to do everything I can to win, whether it’s getting buckets or facilitating or playing defense.”

One way James’ time with South Bay has helped his development is the chance to play with his ‘be ready’ Lakers teammates in live game action. He has suited up with Edou Thirou, Dalton Knecht, Kobe Bufkin, Drew Timme, Chris Mannon and Nick Smith Jr. This group often scrimmages against each other in ‘Be Ready’ games after Lakers practice.

This is a group that doesn’t often see the court on a regular basis in the NBA, but playing together with South Bay gives them an opportunity to build togetherness and implement what the Lakers’ coaching staff wants to see from their development.

“I like to get my teammates involved because they’re all really talented and they can get buckets,” James said. “So I don’t have to be the only one trying to score the whole game. It’s definitely an easier job when I’m playing with them.”

Bronny James’ outlook on the rest of the season

While the Lakers certainly aspire to make a strong showing in the NBA playoffs, South Bay has emerged as a contender itself once the G League postseason begins. They recently set a franchise record of 12 consecutive wins, and they hold sole possession of first place in the G League’s Western Conference standings.

James is likely to play a much bigger role in South Bay’s postseason run than the Lakers, provided he is deployed when the G League playoffs begin at the end of the month. He’s already looking forward to a possible partnership with the group.

“We’re ranked No. 1 in the Western Conference right now,” James said. “We’re on a winning streak, and I think we can go very far in the playoffs. Do whatever it takes to win. I think it’s good for my development.”

The G League Finals are set to conclude just before the NBA Playoffs begin. Should South Bay get that far, it’s probably safe to assume James will be on the roster. And then he’ll be back in time for a potential playoff run with the Lakers.

And no matter which team he is with, he will bring his same winning mentality.

“I think it’s just coming out and doing whatever the coach needs. If I came back to the Lakers, it would be the same thing,” James said. “Just playing a role and excelling at it. I have different roles on both of my teams, so whatever it is, just doing it at a high level.”

Everton and Crystal Palace are monitoring Genk right-back Zakaria El OuhadiAhead of a potential €15 million summer transfer. However, leading Belgian analysts believe Premier League clubs should proceed with caution.

Although his offensive performances remain impressive, he believes his defensive shortcomings could become a major problem in the Premier League.

El Ouahdi underlined his attacking quality again at the weekend, scoring a brilliant winner against STVV to keep Genk the champions’ play-off hopes alive.

It was his sixth goal of the season, a brilliant return from the right-back to say the least. That performance and goal would certainly have been noted by English clubs watching him.

Everton and Crystal Palace are tracking Genk right back

Everton and Crystal Palace are among them A report at the end of February Explaining that he could be offered a €15m opportunity.

But according to Hein Vanhazebrouck and Frankie Van der Elst, publicity needs balance. They are talking to Sporz about the Genk star.

Vanhazebrouck didn’t hold back when assessing the 20-year-old’s readiness for a big step up.

Belgian analysts expressed concern over the Premier League

“If you want to be the best in the last 25 years, you not only have to be able to attack and score goals, but you also have to be able to defend,” He said.

“And that’s a problem with El Ouhadi. He allows himself to be neutralized too easily defensively. He also often makes the wrong decisions.”

However, he is willing to accept upside, labeling the defender “One of the better players offensively at his position”. But he warned that unless there was significant improvement, a move to a stronger league would expose their weaknesses.

How does El Ouahdi compare to Daniel Munoz

Frankie van der Elst echoed that sentiment, even questioning whether El Ouhadi is better than his predecessor Daniel Munoz. The Colombian is, undoubtedly, Crystal Palace’s current first choice.

“Is he better than Munoz?” he asked.

“He is a fantastic player and his goal was very efficient. He is a player who brings a lot to that team, but the sum of his parts does not make him the best full-back, not even in the history of Genk.”

This is a comparison Everton and Crystal Palace can take note of. Munoz adapted well and is now a Premier League star, but analysts question whether El Ouhady will be able to do the same.

Is a €15m move still worth the risk?

Despite their concerns, both analysts agreed on one thing; El Ouhadi will earn a big move away from Genk this summer.

“Hopefully he’ll make a good transfer,” Vanhazebrouck said.

“But I don’t think the top clubs are going to come and get him. Munoz is much bigger than him. In terms of tackling ability and aerial duels, which is not insignificant for a right-back. He will not be a target for the big clubs in England.”

This, potentially, puts Everton and Crystal Palace in the right bracket. Ambitious, mid-table sides looking for value and profit. In fact, This pair is presented as a better Optioned to full-back earlier this month.

What this means for Everton and Crystal Palace

Both clubs are looking for dynamic full-backs who can contribute in the final third. El Ouahdi fits the bill perfectly, but analysts’ warnings should be heeded.

At €15 million he could be a bargain, however, he would also be a project that requires time and security. His talent is undeniable, yet he is still raw and has weaknesses. Summer vacations seem inevitable, but the pundit duo wants couples to be aware of what they’re getting into.

Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali could be one of the biggest names to sign during the summer transfer window.

The noise around the Italian has only increased in recent weeks. few days back, sports witness Comments from his agent Giuseppe Risso were covered up which made the transfer possible.

He described Tonali as possibly the most valuable Italian player in the game at the moment.

The Italian media love to speculate on Tonali, constantly linking him with a move to Juventus.

Now, it seems there are voices calling for the Newcastle United player to stay in England.

Tonali’s return to Italy rejected

Journalist Peppe Di Stefano spoke to Radio Rossonera about the midfielder’s future at St James’ Park. He made it clear that he should refuse to return to Italy due to Newcastle United’s high asking price.

He said- relayed by PianetaMilan: : “I think Newcastle’s demands are beyond the reach of Italian clubs. Sandro is worth €80m-€100m. Who can afford that? I hope he remains in the Premier League, or at least at a top-tier club.”

Di Stefano suggested AC Milan as a romantic destination but urged the player to stay in England.

“Then everyone’s hope is to return to AC Milan, but right now it is impossible. Sandro should not even consider returning to Italy. He is one of the best midfielders in the world, and he’s got a Premier League engine.”

The journalist clarified that Milan should expect his return to San Siro but it will not happen in the near future. He also appeared to mock the Rossoneri for their ability to spend less.

“The mistake was selling him, but now how can you think about signing him for those figures if you don’t spend more than €30m.

“In the future, I hope he can achieve the second part of his dream: playing for AC Milan again and becoming their captain, but everyone has to hope for it. This is not the right time; Sandro’s price is so high that he cannot even think about returning to Italy.”

There is no reason for Tonali to return to Serie A

Apart from the emotional aspect, there is no reason for the Newcastle United player to return to Serie A. He has already won the Scudetto once, while also playing in the Champions League with the Rossoneri.

Risso’s words also indicated his desire to play at a higher level in the Premier League. Financially, only the biggest clubs in England can afford a 24-year-old player in the summer. Milan and Juventus rarely spend big on players and are likely to rely on swap deals or initial loans.

There is no reason for Newcastle United to discount a potential deal. There may be clubs in England, such as Arsenal and Manchester City, who can meet their valuation and easily beat the Italian sides to the signing of Tonali.

Fulham have been urged to exercise caution as they step up their interest in PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi. Former PSV striker Rene Viscal has warned that Pepi’s transfer to the Premier League may not be straightforward.

Fulham have been tracking Pepi for several months as they look to strengthen their attack. Marco Silva’s side were initially relegated in the summer, before reviving that interest in the January transfer window.

PSV rejected a late move from Fulham in January, but reports suggest discussions could resume ahead of a potential summer deal. In fact, A report earlier this week His transfer to Fulham was said to be ‘likely’.

“A natural striker” – why Pepi appeals to Fulham

Viskal understands why Fulham are keen on the American forward. He was quick to highlight Pepi’s greatest strength: his intuitive movement in the penalty area.

“It’s very hard to train what Pepi does,” he told Eindhoven’s Dagblad.

“He has the gift that real strikers need. Getting into position perfectly in or around the penalty area is something you should have naturally.”

Despite praising Pepi’s qualities, Viscal believes Fulham should be cautious in assuming his Eredivisie form will translate seamlessly to England.

“The game is played very openly in the Netherlands and they can benefit from that,” he said.

“In England, you have to deal with a completely different intensity, and the defenders are much stronger physically. It remains to be seen whether he can handle it.”

Past struggles show why Fulham must manage expectations

According to Viskal, Pepi’s difficult tenure with German club Augsburg should not be held against him. But he believes it underlines how challenging adaptation can be.

“You can’t judge him based on his time at Augsburg,” he said. “He was young, and he needed time to adapt to European football.”

He understands why Fulham remain keen and thinks the move could still be worthwhile if handled correctly. As far as he is concerned, such a deal only works if expectations are kept realistic.

“Fulham is not a club that plays at the absolute top level,” he said.

“That route is probably more logical than going for a very big name, where if you don’t score a few times you are immediately questioned.”

Risk vs reward for Fulham

Ultimately, Ricardo Pepi represents both promise and risk for Fulham.

It is difficult to ignore his natural instincts in the box, but the step up to the Premier League remains challenging, especially for a striker who is still finding consistency after injuries and previous setbacks.

If Fulham go ahead with a summer move, patience and realistic expectations will be key, because while Pepi has the tools to succeed, England could prove to be his toughest test yet.

LOS ANGELES – After a promising start to his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers, things have not always been so smooth for second-year wing Dalton Knecht. Knecht has been unable to crack the Lakers’ rotation, and has had to work some assignments with the team’s South Bay G League affiliate, which was not the case last year.

Dalton Knecht has played two games with South Bay this season, the most recent coming last Wednesday between the Lakers’ home games. After the game, Knecht explained what the Lakers’ coaching staff expects from him when he is assigned to the G League, including going back to his college roots.

“They just tell me to play my game. That’s really it, just play my game,” Knecht said. “One thing I try and focus on is staying in front of my man and capturing D, getting as many rebounds, defensive rebounds and just being Tennessee Dalton.”

In the games he played with South Bay, Knecht certainly looked like ‘Tennessee Dalton’. In his G League debut in November, Knecht dropped 30 points while shooting 6-of-10 from 3-point range. In his second game, he finished with 18 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out four assists.

And he’s also had the opportunity to build chemistry with his Lakers teammates. Last week, Bronny James, Edou Thirou, Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith Jr., Drew Timme and Chris Mannon were all assigned to the South Bay along with Knecht. That group is the Lakers’ ‘be ready’ group, which often scrimmages against each other at the end of practice.

Each of them have received ample time to develop and play with South Bay, and Knecht feels the G League is a good place for live game representatives when there isn’t enough time in the NBA. In Thursday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves’ affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, that group was matched up against the Timberwolves’ rookie big man Jon Beringer and two-way contract players Enrique Freeman and Zion Pullin.

“You get a real opportunity. You’re playing with most of the guys in the league, especially this Iowa team. That’s a good team,” Knecht said. “And we get those reps because at the end of the day it’s going to be important. For all of us, it’s just getting solid minutes and doing what the team says.”

Knecht has played sparingly with the Lakers this season, appearing in 48 games, including one start, in a little more than 10 minutes per game. He’s shooting 44.8 percent from the field, but only 30.7 percent from 3-point range, down from 37.6 from a year ago.

But for South Bay head coach Zach Guthrie, Knecht has done everything Redick and the Lakers staff asked of him when he was assigned to South Bay.

Guthrie said, “I think he’s done a good job of everything he’s been told … He’s comfortable in this environment, comfortable with these players and he’s just getting a chance to get into rhythm, get game reps, game opportunities and stay sharp and be ready when his name is called for the Lakers.” “Credit to DK for coming down and having the right mindset and approach and really attacking in these minutes and these opportunities.”

洛杉矶——在洛杉矶湖人队度过了一个充满希望的新秀赛季后，二年级侧翼道尔顿·克内希特的情况并不总是那么顺利。克内希特一直无法破解湖人队的轮换阵容，而且他在球队的南湾发展联盟附属球队中担任过几次任务，这在去年并没有发生。

道尔顿·克内希特本赛季已经为南湾队打了两场比赛，最近的一场是上周三在湖人队主场比赛之间进行的。赛后，克内希特谈到了湖人队教练组对他被分配到发展联盟的期望，其中包括回到他的大学根源。

“他们告诉我只玩我的游戏。就是这样，只玩我的游戏，”克内希特说。 “我努力并专注于的是努力留在我的防守球员前面并锁定防守，抢下尽可能多的篮板和防守篮板，并成为田纳西道尔顿。”

在他为南湾队效力的比赛中，克内希特看起来确实像“田纳西州道尔顿”。在去年 11 月的发展联盟首秀中，克内希特三分球 10 投 6 中，拿下 30 分。在第二场比赛中，他拿下18分、7个篮板和4次助攻。

他也有机会与湖人队队友建立化学反应。上周，布朗尼·詹姆斯、阿杜·蒂耶罗、科比·布夫金、小尼克·史密斯、德鲁·蒂姆和克里斯·马农都与克内赫特一起被分配到南湾。该小组是湖人队的“做好准备”小组，经常在训练结束时互相争抢。

他们每个人都有充足的时间在南湾发展和比赛，克内希特觉得当 NBA 的上场时间不够时，发展联盟是现场比赛代表的好地方。在周四晚上对阵明尼苏达森林狼队附属爱荷华狼队的比赛中，该小组的对手是森林狼队的新秀大个子琼·贝林格以及双向合同球员恩里克·弗里曼和齐昂·普林。

“你得到了真正的机会。你正在与联盟中的大多数球员一起比赛，尤其是爱荷华队。那是一支优秀的球队，”克内希特说。 “我们只是得到了这些代表，因为这在一天结束时很重要。对于我们所有人来说，只要获得稳定的时间并按照团队的要求去做就可以了。”

克内希特本赛季在湖人队的出场时间很少，出场 48 场比赛，其中一场首发，场均上场时间略多于 10 分钟。他的投篮命中率为 44.8%，但三分球命中率仅为 30.7%，低于一年前的 37.6%。

但对于南湾主教练扎克·格思里来说，克内希特已经完成了雷迪克和湖人队工作人员在被分配到南湾时要求他做的一切。

“我认为他在沟通方面做得很好……他在这个环境中感到很舒服，与这些球员在一起很舒服，并且有机会保持节奏，获得比赛代表，比赛机会并保持敏锐，并在湖人队叫到他的名字时做好准备，”格思里说。 “感谢 DK 的冷静下来，以正确的心态和方法，真正抓住这些时间和机会。”

The Montreal Canadiens have made a rare deal after the deadline, acquiring a pair of prospects from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Riley Kidney.

In return, goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson will make their way to the Canadiens organization, and while it may not seem like a blockbuster deal on the surface, it has implications beyond the Trois-Rivières Lions (ECHL) and Laval Rocket (AHL).

The 22-year-old Kidney was potentially lost in the shuffle, a holdover from the previous regime that never found its rhythm in the AHL. As a result, Kidney spent most of the season in the ECHL, where he scored 11 goals and 22 assists in 46 games for the Lions. In the grand scheme of things, this is not a significant disadvantage by any means.

However, the comeback is very interesting. Beyond Chiasson, who will serve as a depth option for the Rockets or Lions, the acquisition of a minor-league goaltender in Sheppard suggests the Canadiens are in no rush to return rookie netminder Jacob Fowler to the AHL.

With that in mind, it’s also quite clear that veteran netminder Samuel Montembeault has fallen out of favor with the team, and Kent Hughes and company prefer to keep Fowler as an option in the final stages of the season and into the playoffs.

Fowler was voted as the No. 2 prospect in our annual fan-driven Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings due to his excellent positioning and poise, making it very difficult to avoid direct comparisons with former Habs netminder Carey Price.

And now, the Canadiens have given him one final vote of confidence, as they did with Price in 2010 and Patrick Roy in the 1986 playoffs.

By adding another goaltender to the Rockets roster, the organization has not only ensured that their farm team will be in good shape during Fowler’s absence, as Shepard has already captured the Calder Cup twice in his career, but it has also allowed him to focus solely on the job at hand – which, in turn, should improve his preparation for the challenge ahead.

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

Brentford striker Igor Thiago has continued to enjoy a stellar season in England, and is now attracting interest from Chelsea.

He has been leading effectively for Keith Andrew’s team. As a result, he is increasingly attracting the attention of the Premier League.

The Brazilian forward has established himself as one of Brentford’s main attacking threats this season. He has already scored 17 goals in the Premier League and more than 20 in all competitions. Therefore, he has become a key figure in the club’s attacking structure.

His impact goes far beyond actual statistics, which Chelsea may have noticed.

according to footystats According to the data, Igor Thiago averages more than three shots per match in the Premier League and more than one shot on target per game.

He also records almost four touches in the opposition penalty area per match. This underlines how regularly he deploys himself in dangerous areas.

The striker’s form has surprised many observers in Brazil, who claim He’s got his World Cup “number nine”. Before he moved to England, he was not widely followed by large sections of the Brazilian public. However, his performances at Brentford have quickly changed that perception.

Interest towards Premier League is increasing

His rise elsewhere in England did not go unnoticed. Reports in Brazil are already linked Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle With striker. These clubs are keeping an eye on his development in the Premier League.

But now, their shares have risen. Igor Thiago is contributing to Brazil’s international conversation. He was named in Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary list for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia.

Those matches are expected to form part of the final evaluation window before the World Cup squad picture becomes clear. For players outside Brazil’s established attacking group, the next call-up could prove decisive.

Chelsea are now monitoring the situation

With all this, Chelsea are now the latest club to be linked with the Brentford striker. according to espn brazilThe Blues have already made preliminary inquiries about Igor Thiago.

The London club are assessing their centre-forward options ahead of next season. Nicholas Jackson has recently been linked with a move to Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Liam Delap has struggled to adapt since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea also do not currently see Joao Pedro as a natural number 9. Instead, the young player is seen more as a second striker or player to support the forwards rather than a player who leads the line.

Because of this, the club is studying the market for a more traditional centre-forward profile. Igor Thiago fits that description.

Brentford likely to be overvalued

If interest grows further, Brentford would be expected to demand a significant fee. According to the latest Brazilian report, the club will consider selling for just over £60m (€70m).

That valuation, which may be on the low side, reflects the striker’s importance to Brentford and his reputation grew rapidly Since arriving in the Premier League.

For Chelsea, the situation remains in the exploratory stage. However, Igor Thiago’s continued form means his name is likely to appear more frequently in transfer discussions in the coming months.