標籤: plans

Hull City Manager Sergej Zakirovic believes they need 12-15 signings this summer to compete in the Premier League next season.

sports news Today is a comprehensive interview with the Hull City manager, in which he explains his plans for the summer transfer window.

Hull City Summer Plans

Sergej Zakirovic has become one of the most intriguing coaching stories in European football over the past year, thanks to his immense, unexpected success at Hull.

He took charge of Hull last year with the apparent luxury of remaining in the Championship or at least achieving a comfortable mid-table finish. Instead, they defied expectations and sent them into the playoffs in the first place Defeated Middlesbrough in play-off final.

It means he is now a Premier League manager and faces the difficult task of keeping the Tigers at the top. And to do that, he believes they need a big summer transfer window.

“We have calculated that the core structure of 12 players who have performed this season will remain in place, which means we need 12 to 15 reinforcements,” he said.

“The owner and I talked, but he didn’t say anything about money, we still have to sit down seriously.

“However, we know some information. As winners of the Championship last season, Coventry plan to invest around €40m in reinforcements, but they already have an expensive and strong team with which they have attacked the Premier League for two years.

“Ipswich are reportedly preparing around €80m. For comparison, Sunderland, as a newcomer to the Premier League last summer, invested around €120m in reinforcements and immediately finished seventh after winning the Europa League.”

Spend €120 million like Sunderland?

While Sunderland could be a shining example of how to do it, Zakirovic does not believe Hull will have the same kind of spending power this summer.

He said, “Sunderland is my guiding principle, the club has identified excellent, conditionally, cheap, but very good players, mainly in Belgium and France.”

Getting €120 million of reinforcements… It’s already a dream, I don’t believe we will have that much money, but we’ll see. “Basically, there are no restrictions now, we can compensate.”

Aston Villa The season concluded with silverware, but Emiliano Buendia’s summer did not go exactly to plan.

The midfielder played a key role in Villa’s Europa League victory. He also recently made headlines by openly discussing his dream of one day playing for River Plate in Argentina.

Yet despite finishing the campaign strongly, he was left out of Lionel Scaloni’s final Argentina squad for the World Cup.

It appears that the door to international participation will be closed this summer. However, a recent report dsports radio There are suggestions that Buendia may not be completely out of the picture.

Holidays postponed

According to the Argentine outlet, the Aston Villa player has been told to ‘remain on alert and postpone his holiday plans’.

The report claims that national team representatives informed him to continue training if a late call-up became necessary due to fitness concerns elsewhere in the team. And… this This has happened to him only last year.

The report does not indicate that a call-up is imminent. Instead, it appears that Buendia is among the players being kept on standby should Argentina need reinforcements before or during the tournament.

Why Buendia might still have a chance?

local outlet bugle Explained in detail Argentina’s injury situation ahead of the World Cup.

The good news for Lionel Scaloni is that many of the team’s biggest concerns are being eased. Cristian Romero has returned to full training after his knee injury, while Julián Álvarez has also completed his recovery and is working as normal with the group.

However, Argentina are still keeping an eye on some players. Leandro Paredes remains the most worrying case and is looking for time to be fit for the opening match.

Gonzalo Montiel is also struggling to recover from a muscle injury. Meanwhile, Nicolas Gonzalez and Emiliano Martínez are being carefully managed. Recently, Thiago Almada, another player struggling with fitness problems, trained without any restrictions.

Lionel Messi is also progressing as expected after suffering a hamstring problem during Inter Miami’s MLS campaign. Meanwhile, highly rated Como youngster Nicolás Paz is recovering from a knee problem and is under the close observation of Argentina’s medical staff.

From a positional standpoint, the injuries that will realistically open the door for Buendia are those affecting Nicolas Gonzalez, Thiago Almada and Nicolas Paz.

Buendia’s profile fits that mold far more naturally than Leandro Paredes’ role. His absence will likely be covered by more defensive or central midfield options.

Messi is another theoretical possibility given the areas of the pitch he dominates, although replacing the Argentina captain is a unique challenge.

Another layer of uncertain heat

The update comes during an already uncertain period for Buendia. His contract at Aston Villa expires in June 2027, leaving the club with decisions to make in the coming months.

Turkish reports have linked him to Possible interest from Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Buendia himself recently admitted that Future Steps Towards River Plate A personal ambition remains.

However, thinking about transfers may have to wait for now.

Buendia was looking forward to the summer break after missing out on World Cup selection. Instead, if Argento’s latest claims are true, he has been instructed to keep his shoes on and his phone nearby.

Tottenham Hotspur That has given impetus to the pursuit of the signature of Nicolo Fagioli from Fiorentina this summer.

Corriere dello Sport director Ivan Zazzaroni has insisted that Spurs remain interested in the 25-year-old. In comments released by Fiorentina News.

tottenham overhaul

Tottenham are expected to make massive changes to their squad this summer after avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi may demand significant changes to his squad, with improving midfielders likely to be one of his priorities.

Reports have already linked him with a move for Nicolo Fagioli. A report from last month Said Tottenham were keen. Then, a separate report stated that the Spurs were Leading toward a deal this summer.

A third report today states that Tottenham are a team to keep an eye on when it comes to Fagioli’s future. Fiorentina have already set an asking price of €25-30m ahead of summer interest.

tottenham encouraged

Now Zazzaroni has encouraged him to take a step forward. He revealed that Fabio Paratici is putting the entire Fiorentina squad up for sale this summer.

“Everyone at Fiorentina is transferable, first of all Keane,” he said on Radio Bruno.

“Fagioli is the most interesting player. And, in fact, Tottenham were keeping a close eye on him, but there is still no offer.

“I hope the transfer market will match Grosso’s demands. Paratici will have to combine his choices with the new coach’s ideas. I expect a significant change in the Viola’s starting eleven.”

This suggests that Tottenham can make a deal if they want to this summer. It appears that Fiorentina will put Nicolo Fagioli and other key players up for sale at the right price.

And with his former director of football Fabio Paratici, who is also in charge at Florence, negotiations should not prove too difficult. However, first they have to make an offer.

of liverpool The goalkeeping situation has generated much speculation in recent months, with Juventus making a serious attempt to lure Alisson Becker to Turin and Giorgi Mamardashvili waiting in the wings at Anfield.

Italian report Throughout the spring Juventus suggested that Alisson was seen as a cornerstone for a new era. The Serie A giants were attracted by his experience, pedigree and perceived availability as Liverpool prepared to make a final move to Mamardashvili.

The hope in Italy was that Liverpool’s succession planning could make a start.

Instead, Ellison has chosen continuity.

alison lives

according to espn brazilJuventus contacted the Brazilian in April and made a three-year contract offer.

The report added that Alisson was receptive to the sporting project outlined by the Italian side and was open to the possibility of a move at that level. However, he has now reached a final decision on his future.

The goalkeeper has decided to remain at Liverpool and see out his current contract, which runs until 2027.

Importantly, ESPN said the decision is unrelated to Arne Slot’s departure from Liverpool. Even before the manager left the club, discussions had begun over Alisson’s future and his desire to stay.

This detail is important because it shows that the goalkeeper’s commitment was not dependent on who would occupy the dugout the following season.

another year in liverpool

The report further suggests that Alisson intends to complete the final year of his contract before re-evaluating his situation.

This means he will spend the 2026/27 campaign at Anfield and then decide whether to extend his stay or leave as a free agent in the summer of 2027.

For Liverpool, it provides clarity on what had become one of the most interesting contract situations at the club.

Mamardashvili remains part of the long-term picture, but Alisson isn’t stepping aside just yet.

Despite injury problems during the recent campaign, the Brazilian still managed to make 35 appearances, which is the same number as his total from last season. He also recorded 13 clean sheets and remained one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football when available.

As a result, it appears that Richard Hughes and Liverpool have been left with a potentially difficult decision this summer.

Juventus probably believed an opportunity was emerging. Instead, Alisson’s plan for now is to stay where he is and make the most of his final contracted season at Anfield before considering the next step in his career.

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

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

liverpool exit

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

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

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

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

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

Where next for Konate?

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

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

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

west ham united They are set to let Niklas Fulkrug leave the club for a ‘reduced fee’ this summer as they no longer plan to keep the 33-year-old.

Sky Sports Germany report Today on the striker, who is set to return to the London Stadium from an unsuccessful loan spell at AC Milan.

€3m gross salary at West Ham

The website report that this season has been ‘particularly bitter’ for Niklas Fulkrug, who has had to battle injury problems, miss out on the Champions League, suffer relegation with West Ham and miss the World Cup with Germany.

Milan are not exercising the €5m option to sign him permanently. And although he is under contract with West Ham until 2028, he has no future with the Hammers either.

West Ham ‘no longer plan’ to use the 33-year-old striker, largely due to cost reasons. He currently earns over €3m at the London Stadium. This is no longer financially viable as they are a Championship side.

Fulkrug wants to leave and go somewhere else. Clubs from Italy, Spain and MLS are interested in him. There is also interest in the Bundesliga. Werder Bremen are considering bringing him back and preliminary talks have taken place.

west ham agreement

An agreement has to be reached with West Ham. They would be willing to let Fulkrug go ‘for a reduced fee’.

A separate report this week said That the Hammers could also let the experienced striker leave on a free transfer via a severance package.

Either way, there is a growing feeling in Germany that Nicklas Fulkrug’s time at West Ham is over. This is no surprise after a period of injuries at the club. It was seen that he missed 30 games due to various injuries.

Now that they need to cut costs, it appears he is at the top of the list of people they want to move on.

west ham united They are set to let Niklas Fulkrug leave the club for a ‘reduced fee’ this summer as they no longer plan to keep the 33-year-old.

Sky Sports Germany report Today on the striker, who is set to return to the London Stadium from an unsuccessful loan spell at AC Milan.

€3m gross salary at West Ham

The website report that this season has been ‘particularly bitter’ for Niklas Fulkrug, who has had to battle injury problems, miss out on the Champions League, suffer relegation with West Ham and miss the World Cup with Germany.

Milan are not exercising the €5m option to sign him permanently. And although he is under contract with West Ham until 2028, he has no future with the Hammers either.

West Ham ‘no longer plan’ to use the 33-year-old striker, largely due to cost reasons. He currently earns over €3m at the London Stadium. This is no longer financially viable as they are a Championship side.

Fulkrug wants to leave and go somewhere else. Clubs from Italy, Spain and MLS are interested in him. There is also interest in the Bundesliga. Werder Bremen are considering bringing him back and preliminary talks have taken place.

west ham agreement

An agreement has to be reached with West Ham. They would be willing to let Fulkrug go ‘for a reduced fee’.

A separate report this week said That the Hammers could also let the experienced striker leave on a free transfer via a severance package.

Either way, there is a growing feeling in Germany that Nicklas Fulkrug’s time at West Ham is over. This is no surprise after a period of injuries at the club. It was seen that he missed 30 games due to various injuries.

Now that they need to cut costs, it appears he is at the top of the list of people they want to move on.

brighton and hove albion Midfielder Pascal Gros has declared his move in the January transfer window a huge success, and insists he intends to stay this summer.

football transfer report On to the midfielder’s comments today from an interview with Kicker. It seems the 34-year-old is very happy with his decision to return to Brighton in January.

brigton success

The midfielder moved back to Brighton at the end of the January transfer window after spending a year and a half at Borussia Dortmund.

Having previously spent seven years with the Seagulls, he joined them in 2017 before establishing himself as a key player at the club during their recent success.

A €7 million transfer to Dortmund gave him a chance at Champions League football and a chance in the Bundesliga, which he was keen to take. He was initially a key player there too, but this season he found himself falling down the pecking order and so elected to return to Brighton.

He quickly returned to his old club, helping them secure Conference League football the following season. And he is very happy with his decision.

“It was definitely a very good decision. I was able to play regularly again, and in the Premier League, as well as European competition and now qualifying for the World Cup – the best-case scenario I hoped for from this move has come true.”

contract till 2027

His current deal with Brighton runs until 2027, meaning a decision about his future will have to be made before too long.

However, given the success of his comeback, he has no intentions of moving elsewhere this summer.

“Yes, I will definitely continue playing there,” he said.

For now, the focus will be on the busy World Cup summer. Now confirmed with a place in Julian Nagelsmann’s side, Gros is set for an exciting end to a busy season. It was only a short time ago that few people would have guessed that he would be in this position.

of manchester united Gabriel Veneno’s attempts to establish himself quickly are already facing a serious problem: Barcelona are aggressively pursuing the Atletico Mineiro teenager.

Recent reports suggest United was ramping up its background work At the age of 16. They are also maintaining close contact around one of Brazil’s hottest prospects.

However, according to espn brazilThe Catalan club is now trying to take the lead in the race.

Barcelona want to secure a deal for Veneno before he even makes his professional debut for Atletico Mineiro, the report says.

While FIFA rules prevent any move before he turns 18, the Spanish side reportedly want to close the operation early and avoid lengthy battles with Premier League clubs later on.

Barcelona’s strategy was prepared

According to ESPN Brazil, Barcelona’s plan will be to initially keep Veneno in their B team. This would follow a path that had previously been used with other Brazilian prospects arriving in Spain at a young age.

The deal has not yet been reported as advanced. Still, the financial scale already shows how seriously Kishore is being viewed.

ESPN say the transfer could ultimately reach £17 million (€20 million). This is a huge figure for a player who is yet to make his professional debut.

Therefore, Manchester United may already be aware that simply monitoring the situation will not be enough if they really want to compete for the forward.

Comparisons to the “new Neymar” are already visible

The report also claims that Spanish sources have started comparing Veneno to Neymar.

Labels like this always require caution, especially around a 16-year-old. Even in Brazil, people are urging peace despite the heavy publicity around them. Still, attention continues to grow.

Veneno and his snakebite story Has already become one of the most talked-about academy players in Brazilian football.

Atlético Mineiro see him as a major long-term asset and recently, reports in Brazil suggested that the club was relaxed about European interest as no concrete talks had taken place.

The tone of Barcelona’s movement seems to be changing slightly. For Manchester United, this could be considered a battle that may require real action sooner than expected.

Dover Motor Speedway hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday, marking the first time in decades that there was no points race at the iconic track. While the 2027 NASCAR schedule won’t be determined for months, there is early discussion about Dover’s plans for next season.

Sunday night’s episode teardownJordan Bianchi, motorsports reporter for The Athletic, said that Dover would “100 percent” have a Cup Series race next season and that it would most likely be a single-point race.

Read more: Insider reveals potential cost of NASCAR charter

“There’s going to be a race next year at Dover, that’s clear as day. There’s a 100 percent chance there will be a race next year… I would say highly likely it’s a points race.”

Jordan Bianchi on whether there will be a NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway in 2027

The Monster Mile in Dover, Delaware was one of the biggest losers last year when NASCAR announced its schedule for the 2026 season. With North Wilkesboro getting the points race, another spot was clinched in the exhibition race during the season.

NASCAR officials chose Dover. Due to the nearby Dover Air Force Base, resulting in flight restrictions over the track, the All-Star Race could only be held in the afternoon. While racing fans still showed up in large numbers, drivers and fans alike criticized Sunday’s All-Star Race as feeling too long, with Dover’s track design not matching well with the format of the event.

The good news is that Dover is going to host the points race again in 2027. It’s less clear what changes NASCAR would need to make to make that happen. It has already been announced that the Chicago Street Race will return next year, possibly replacing Chicagoland.

The points race at Dover could mean the All-Star Race will return to North Wilkesboro. Alternatively, NASCAR could hold the All-Star Race at Bowman Gray Stadium, or even run it ahead of the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Whatever decision is made, it looks like Dover will get a worthy points race in 2027.

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

ranger people Manager Danny Rohl led the Ibrox club to third place in the Scottish Premiership this season.

Russell Martin was in charge at Ibrox at the start of the season and Rangers parted ways with him in October after a string of poor results.

Later that month, the Scottish club appointed Röhl as his successor and the German managed 40 matches.

His record for the Glasgow club is as follows:

• Matches played: 40
• Win: 22
• Draw: 7
• Defeat: 11
• Goals scored: 88
• Target allowed: 52

image Met with the Rangers manager to review his time at the club and also spoke on topics including plans for the summer window.

Rohl discusses Rangers’ summer plans

The German newspapers were curious to know what should be done for the Rangers ‘A championship dynasty like the one they enjoyed in the late 1990s and 2000s.’

When answering this, Danny Rohl talked about the importance of having common goals and focusing on long-term gains.

“We need to rebuild personnel, but also more continuity. Many coaches have come and gone in recent years, each with his own philosophy, each trying to build a team.” He said.

“Now I’m here, and there is a clear roadmap. With the board, that is, with the club’s decision makers and investors, we want to find players who can help us. The goal is not to create a one-hit wonder, but to win titles in two, three or four years. Maybe that’s why we have to go through this difficult period again.”

Bild immediately asked if this meant a buying spree for Rangers in the summer.

“I think we’re starting to change. But there are clear processes in place.” Rohl explained.

“I work closely with the technical director, the CEO and the performance director at the club. If players become interesting to me, the board assesses the feasibility of signing them, and ideally, takes the decision and implements the move.”

germany option for rangers

Andreas Skov Olsen and Ryan Naderi arrived at Ibrox from VfL Wolfsburg and Hansa Rostock in the winter market.

Asked if Rangers will be signing Bundesliga players in the upcoming window, Danny Rohl talked about the pressure at Ibrox.

“We are well aware that the team needs leaders. You cannot meet the demands only with young players. This club is extremely unique and demanding.” He said.

“And I’ve experienced Bayern Munich; I know there’s pressure to win titles. Here it’s even more brutal. Because here, too, the media and the surrounding environment scrutinize everything every day. You can’t celebrate wins too enthusiastically, and you can’t let losses depress you too much. The team needs calmness and composure.”

support from the 49ers

The Rangers manager has the support of the current owners, who have so far not criticized him.

“No [need to travel to America]. Decision-makers come here frequently, almost weekly. This makes things easier. It’s almost a European model, and so almost completely different from, for example, Sheffield,” he explained.

“No [criticism from investors]. Full support only. They want me to lead the club to the title again. “We will tackle this in the summer with a proper preseason and a completely new team.”

🇩🇪 Danny Rohl talks to German media: Rangers experience, exit clause, interest and hip Glasgow https://t.co/jLVuPLA5Hp #rangersfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 18 May 2026

The Cleveland Cavaliers took a gamble with the James Harden trade during the season, hoping it would propel them into the NBA playoffs. Heading into the elimination game, Harden’s future in Cleveland seems predetermined.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported this weekend that even if they bow out in Game 7 on Sunday, “there is an understanding” that the Cavaliers will work out a new contract with Harden.

Cleveland is reportedly already “happy” with the replacement of Darius Garland in favor of Harden. The former NBA MVP provides Cleveland with the lead guard they’ve been looking to pair with Donovan Mitchell, and he’s seen enough of that to commit to him long-term.

Harden has a $42.317 million player option for the 2026–27 season, which he is expected to decline. However, while he may explore his options in NBA free agency, the Cavaliers’ situation appears to be the best fit for him.

For now, it seems like there is an unwritten agreement between both sides that Harden will be taken care of this summer. He is set to get a multi-year extension that will likely include a player option, potentially also allowing him to hit the open market again next summer.

So, no matter what happens in Game 7 on Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons, the Cavaliers are ready to move forward with the guard tandem of Harden and Mitchell. It’s less clear whether both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will be part of the organization’s plans if they are waived again before the Eastern Conference Finals.

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

The Aaron Rodgers saga came to an end earlier this weekend with the future Hall of Fame quarterback signing a one-year deal to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With that matter resolved, the focus now turns to what Pittsburgh does with its two young signal-callers.

Steelers reporter Mark Kaboli Pat McAfee Show Writes that the team has “no expectation” for Will Howard or Drew Elar to play during the 2026 NFL season.

RELATED: Insiders predict who the Steelers starting QB will be in 2027

Prior to Rodgers’ signing, there were reports that the Steelers quarterback competition would be between Howard and Mason Rudolph if the 42-year-old opted to retire. Now that he’s committed to one final season, the dynamics have changed significantly.

The new situation suggests Rudolph will serve as the Steelers’ backup quarterback behind Rodgers for some time. However, training camp could position Allar or Howard for the No. 2 job.

READ MORE: 2026 NFL Power Rankings, see where the Steelers rank

The competition between the two young passers matters because of how the 53-man roster will be constructed. It’s very unlikely that Pittsburgh will keep all four quarterbacks on the roster, so either Howard or Elar will need to perform well enough to overtake Rudolph.

Considering that Allar was the 76th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, he is all set to make the roster. However, since the Steelers’ coaching staff is drafting him solely as a passer, it is extremely unlikely that he will see the field anytime soon outside of preseason action this season.

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

For Philadelphia 76ers fans expecting notable roster changes this summer, a new report from ESPN has mostly bad news for you.

There were high expectations for the Sixers’ postseason chances in Philadelphia a few weeks ago. They made a stunning comeback from down 3-1 in the opening round series and eliminated the Boston Celtics. Several sports analysts also suggested that they were the former favorites to reach the NBA Finals. They then ran into the New York Knicks buzzsaw and were eliminated from the playoffs.

Change was clearly coming, and it came Tuesday when they officially fired president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. Head coach Nick Nurse will stay on for at least one more season, but what about his roster? This was clearly not enough to defeat New York. Additionally, busted stars Joel Embiid and Paul George are costly obstacles to improving the roster.

Many have suggested in recent days that the 76ers won’t do much this summer. And it seems that sports officials believe they shouldn’t. A Western executive told ESPN, “Run it back, manage Joel as best you can, be a playoff team and try to stay healthy. I think you can do a lot at the margin.”

Additionally, ESPN NBA insider Tim Bontemps said, “It doesn’t make sense for Philadelphia to pay a heavy price of assets to give up any veteran star.”

Team President’s ‘catchy’ debut thanks to Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe

Yet making a move on the sidelines, as the West executive has suggested, may be difficult, because as NBA insider Brian Windhorst points out in the same report, the 76ers are apparently avoiding moving closer to the second NBA tax apron. This is reportedly why they moved Jared McCann before this year’s trade deadline, and has made similar trades in recent years.

However, the ESPN report offers some hope. Although the Sixers have stuck with George and Embiid, teams all around the game have relied heavily on the backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. An East executive told the outlet that they are “arguably the most exciting backcourt in the entire league.”

Additionally, multiple executives who spoke to NBA insiders claimed that the young and talented duo is a major reason why the chance to become the next team president is “tempting” for potential candidates.

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

A new report has lent credence to recent speculation that the New York Giants are actually planning to use first-round pick Arvel Reese as an inside linebacker and not an edge rusher.

Many were surprised that the Ohio State edge was not selected with the No. 2 pick by the New York Jets in last month’s NFL Draft. What is even more surprising is that he was not even picked in the next two selections. Arguably, the most talented pass rusher in this year’s class was allowed to fall to the Giants at fifth overall.

When Big Blue used its pick at No. 5 on Reese, it established a 2026 linebacker corps that could be terrible. But it also created a log jam for the outside linebacker spot with Brian Burns, 2025 No. 1 pick Abdul Carter and 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, soon after being drafted, Reese and the team suggested he could play inside linebacker.

Most assumed this was something they would only try on occasion and that Reese would not have a permanent spot as he showed a lot of potential by posting 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks for OSU last season. However, according to NFL insider James Palmer, the Giants are serious, and so far, Reese is looking good at that position.

New York Giants fall in love with Arvel Reese’s versatility

Palmer said that during mini-camp, coach John Harbaugh and the staff were impressed with how light Reese was on his feet and good in coverage. Additionally, he liked how he did not miss any assignments and confirmed the high football IQ he felt he had during the draft process.

The NFL insider also noted that if Reese is on the sideline, offenses can play away from him. If he is standing in the middle they can’t do anything. This way, he can still be used in the middle of the attack, but because he is so smart and athletic, he can also make an impact in the run game and coverage.

The summer will really tell the story of where Reese ends up playing for the Giants. But so far, it looks like the team has plans to field most of its talented linebackers at the same time in 2026.

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

It certainly didn’t take long for Khamzat Chimaev to change his mind on what to do next after his defeat on Saturday night at UFC 328.

This weekend, Chimaev enters the first defense of his middleweight title as a heavy favorite against former champion Sean Strickland. Yet it didn’t take long to understand why the American was a popular upset pick, as he was capable of scoring takedowns and turning a lot of the fight into a standup war.

“Borz” was unable to dominate his wrestling, and after five tough rounds, he was defeated and lost his title by split decision. Prior to the bout, reports revealed that Chimaev had lost approximately 40 pounds, and he looked to be in poor shape during Friday’s weigh-in. Barely making the 185 pound limit.

He mentioned before the fight that he would like to move up to 205 pounds and reportedly told UFC CEO Dana White afterward that his middleweight move was complete. Well, it looks like the decision has been completely reversed.

Khamzat Chimaev now wants a rematch with Shawn Strickland

His team told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, “The rematch with Sean Strickland is the only fight Khamzat wants. He’s passionate about it.” “This is the only fight he’ll accept right now.”

This is a stunning 180 made by the former champion after all the evidence and rumors that he was moving up to light heavyweight. However, Chimaev noted that due to the excitement leading up to Saturday’s UFC 328 main event, he was set to receive the biggest payout of his career.

Additionally, there are many MMA experts who thought Chimaev did enough to earn the victory on Saturday night. Maybe the idea of ​​better weight loss, another big payday and a good chance for revenge has finally entered the 32-year-old’s mind.

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

chelsea With Estevao’s World Cup hopes now looking to fade into the background, the Brazilian has already begun to shape Carlo Ancelotti’s team plans with the expectation that the teenager will not recover in time.

For weeks, the situation revolved around treatment decisions, medical disagreements and increasingly desperate attempts to keep a small window open.

Estevao and his camp prompted conservative treatment. Chelsea was initially inclined towards surgery. Brazil waited in between, hoping for good news that never came.

Now, the tone coming from inside the Brazilian setup sounds different. Less hopeful. More practical.

Brazil is already adapting to life without Estevao

according to globo esporteThere is now expectation within the Brazilian FA that Estevao will not even be included in the initial 55-man squad submitted to FIFA.

Until recently, the talk was about whether he could recover quickly enough to force his way into the final 26-man group. Now, the debate has increasingly focused on replacing them altogether.

The report suggests that Ancelotti and his staff are already re-evaluating the balance of the squad due to injuries. One of the major discussions concerns the distribution between midfielders and forwards. Estevao’s absence changes that equation.

Brazil were initially working on the idea of ​​five midfielders and nine attacking players. With Chelsea’s youngster now looking unlikely, that structure could change completely.

The implications are already in place elsewhere in the squad plan.

The article points to Bournemouth’s Ryan emerging as an option on the right side of attack due to the possible absence of Estevao.

Meanwhile, Andre Santos is also facing uncertainty amid questions over his difficult season at Chelsea.

It is becoming impossible to avoid the injury battle

As we followed closelyAfter struggling with muscular problems earlier this year, the 19-year-old almost completely tore his hamstring. Chelsea saw surgery as the safest long-term route. Estevao and his crew chose conservative treatment, hoping to maintain a path to the tournament.

That route is now underway in Brazil, with the players using the facilities in Palmeiras while continuing to be monitored by Chelsea staff and their personal performance team. So technically, the door remains open.

However, realistically, Brazil is preparing to shut it down.

The calendar has become the biggest enemy. Ancelotti announced his final squad on 18 May. Brazil will open the tournament against Morocco on June 13. Even a quick recovery will leave almost no margin for proper reintegration.

what chelsea always wanted

Even through various means, Chelsea can see events happening The conclusion they always wanted.

The club never appeared comfortable with the idea of ​​bringing Estevao back from such a serious muscle injury so soon, especially given his age and recent history. It was his fifth absence of the season, including recurring muscle problems.

From Chelsea’s point of view, the World Cup is always hidden behind the bigger picture.

They have invested heavily in one of the brightest talents in Brazilian football. Maintaining his long-term physical condition is more important than forcing him to commit to any one tournament, even an important one like the World Cup.

Brazil, meanwhile, is slowly accepting that reality. Of course, hope is not entirely lost. But the conversation has clearly moved from optimism to contingency planning.

Hull City boss Ekun Ilicali has promised his players a trip to Las Vegas if they make the Premier League and has backed Ollie McBurnie to shine in Turkey if he ever gets there.

News report comments from Ilikali today. He is dreaming of seeing his team reach the top flight, and is promising big rewards if they do.

Hull City’s Premier League dreams

Hull face Millwall in the play-off semi-final first leg at home on Friday, before the second leg at The Den next week. Then they will face Middlesbrough or Southampton in the final.

The Tigers entered the play-offs on the final day of the season as three clubs had a chance to secure the final spot on the day.

All three sides, Hull, Wrexham and Derby County, occupied the place at one point in the afternoon, but it was Ilicali’s side who took victory thanks to victory over Norwich City. They had to fall behind by one goal to get all three points.

Now they can reach the Premier League. And Ilikali is planning a huge reward if his players manage it.

“If Hull City are promoted to the Premier League, I’m sending the whole team on a private plane to Las Vegas. That will be their reward,” he said live on TV8.

Oli McBurnie’s praise

There was also time for praise for Ollie McBurnie, the undoubted star of this current Hull City team. It was his two goals that ensured Norwich’s victory and a place in the play-offs.

The 29-year-old has 17 goals and eight assists in 37 games in the Championship this season. This left him tied for second place in the top scorer chart with Hadji Wright and six behind Zhan Vipotnik.

However, Hull stars have more assists combined and a better goals per 90 ratio. Ilikali is a big fan, and is confident that he will shine in the Turkish Super Lig.

He said, “If Ollie McBurnie was at Fenerbahçe, he would not have scored less than 25 goals.”

“Whoever comes in front of him he scores. His specialty is that if the ball comes to him he scores. Some of the goals he scores are not natural goals

armory They will face Atletico Madrid in a Champions League semi-final at the Emirates on Tuesday.

The first leg in Spain ended in a 1–1 draw as Julián Álvarez’s 56th-minute goal canceled out Víctor Gyókárez’s opener for Arsenal.

In the same match, Alvarez got injured and had to leave the field in the 77th minute.

Last week, Sports Witness Covered claims from Spain That the striker has suffered a minor setback and should be in contention to face the Premier League team. He missed the 2-0 win over Valencia last weekend.

Simeone is motivating Alvarez for the Arsenal match

Pipi Estrada, Nacho Palencia, Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Pepe Pasques, Jorge Liano and Jorge Segura analyze Julian Alvarez ahead of today’s big European clash radio markaIs a tribe.

According to journalist Pipi Estrada, Diego Simeone has been continuously motivating the 26-year-old player in recent days. He said the Argentina international would take the injection to play against Arsenal.

“Simeon has been paying a lot of attention to Julian the last few days. [He’s] Very supportive, very motivating and accessible, told him, ‘Julian, this is your game.’ Julian was man of the match for Cholo. He is facing his biggest challenge. I think he’s going to play with the injection.” He said.

On Frontman, journalist George Liano explained: “Julian is the player who poses the biggest threat to Arsenal and who dictates the playing style of the English team. If he is not fully fit, Simeone will have to consider other options. It is not about ‘Julian-dependence’, but we have to be aware that he is Atlético de Madrid’s star player.”

Mikel Arteta’s side enter the tie with a 3-0 league win over Fulham. The result helped them move six points clear of Manchester City, who had two games in hand.

Manchester City picked up a point against Everton on Monday and moved five points behind Arsenal with a game remaining.

Jorge Segura says the Citizens’ collapse should come as a relief to Arsenal ahead of today’s crucial clash.

“If possible, these matches should be played by the best players. I would like to know whether City’s slippage in the Premier League will affect Arsenal. The players, the manager and the fans will be relieved.” He added.

Arsenal’s remaining matches

Mikel Arteta’s side have at least four matches left this season.

• atlético madrid [home] on tuesday
• vs west ham united [away] on 10th may
• v burnley [home] on 18th may
• V Crystal Palace [away] on 24th may

liverpool There’s fresh reason to believe Alisson Becker’s long-term future won’t be decided any time soon, including interest juventus A pause and Brazilian reports point to a further homecoming.

The Reds’ number 1 remains under contract until June 2027. However, his name has resurfaced in the transfer market. As we recently coveredItalian newspapers claimed that Juventus’ interest lies in one problem – the goalkeeper’s salary.

The Turin club considers Alisson’s salary to be too high. As long as there are no notable deficiencies, they are ready to move on to other goals. This effectively chills any immediate prospects of a deal.

juventus were also €15m (£13m) linked with offer. Yet the financial package around the player appears to be the real stumbling block. From Liverpool’s point of view, this relieves short-term pressure.

Long-term planning emerging in Brazil

Looking ahead, Alison’s situation takes a different turn. brazilian journalist lucas dias It is reported that his former club, Internazionale, are already monitoring the development with a view to the future.

As relayed bolavipThe Brazilian team is working on a possible return of the goalkeeper after 2027, when his Liverpool contract expires. Internally, there is a belief that a structured project can bring him back to a higher level.

This is not just wishful thinking. Alison has previously spoke about his desire to return to Brazil And end his career at the club that developed him.

Any interim steps through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism would also benefit Internationals financially. However, their real focus appears to be on a long-term reunion.

what happens next

For Liverpool, the picture is relatively clear. Juventus’ interest does not jeopardize his position at the moment, mainly due to financial constraints.

An even bigger question is at stake. If Alisson terminates his contract, the club will ultimately face a decision on succession planning.

Additionally, the growing international interest adds another layer to the story. The idea of ​​withdrawal is gaining structure rather than remaining purely emotional.

In short, Liverpool are in control today. But the story around Alisson Becker is slowly shifting towards what’s to come after Anfield, not just what happens this summer.

Manchester City Star Bernardo Silva has announced his decision to leave the Etihad when his contract expires in June.

The Premier League side will need to bring in a replacement for the 31-year-old in the summer.

Recent claims have pegged Verona’s Azzedine Onahi as an option for Manchester City.

Last week, Sports Witness Covered claims from Spain Explaining why the 26-year-old could be a good candidate to replace Silva.

He spent almost two months of this season on the sidelines due to a calf injury. The Morocco international has scored five goals and provided three assists in 19 appearances so far.

His La Liga statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 19
• Start: 15
• Total minutes: 1,346
• Minutes per game: 71
• Target: 5
• Assist: 3
• Expected target: 2.76
• Expected Support: 2.86
• Big chances created: 7
• Goal conversion: 13%

Manchester City’s concern for Verona

Monday edition of game Azzedine looks at the possibility of Onahi leaving the Catalan club for the Citizens and what it could mean for the former.

City Football Group, the owner of Manchester City, is a co-owner of Verona. This, combined with the player’s €20m release clause, would make it easy for the English club to sign him.

Savinho spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Verona from Troyes, another club owned by City Football Group. His performances for the La Liga team led to his purchase by Manchester City in July 2024.

The Brazilian winger was a key member of the Verona team under manager Michel, but moved to England.

Game Status: ‘It seems that history is repeating itself at Montilivi: as it happened with Savinho, the great player of the Verona team is set to move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.’

Pep Guardiola’s side want to ‘repeat’ the plan they used to sign Onahi for Savinho, except in the early stages.

After struggles at both Marseille and Panathinaikos, the latter resumed his career at Verona. Manchester City are now looking for him to be part of their project next season.

Over the years, Mitchell has seen key players depart at the end of each season. The report states: ‘If the people at the Etihad see Unahi as the ideal replacement for Bernardo Silva, the room for maneuver for Verona will be minimal.’

Michel’s contract runs until June and the Moroccan’s potential sale to Manchester City could complicate his renewal.

Contract, price and agent information

Azzedine Onahi’s contract is until 2030, and transfer market He is valued at €10 million, which is half of his release clause.

Agency AS1 is representing the Verona star, and their client list includes players like Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz, Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and many more.

of manchester city The extensive recruitment network continues to gain momentum, and a new name has now emerged following their recent activity in Mexico.

As covered earlier this weekRepresentatives from City Football Group traveled to the country to watch matches and discuss with local contacts.

At the time, no specific targets were confirmed. However, fresh report from ecuador Now let’s point to a solid player on their agenda.

Pedro Witte, who is currently at Pumas UNAM, is said to be on the group’s radar, and efforts are already underway to push a deal through in the next transfer window.

The scouting trip soon connected with the first target.

Pedro Vitae has built a strong reputation in MLS before moving to Pumas, and his profile fits the type of player that City are targeting on the world stage.

Nowadays, the Ecuadorian mainly operates as a deep playmaker, but also often moves high up the pitch. He is left-footed, quick over short distances and relies more on technique than physicality.

His numbers this season underline his ‘organiser’ role. In 31 appearances, he has averaged around 54 passes per game with an 88% completion rate.

In addition, he has recorded 40 key passes and delivered 65 crosses – yes, he also passes into wide areas, usually behind overlapping wing-backs. Those figures highlight both participation and continuity in the occupation.

This type of output matches well with the recruitment patterns seen at City Football Group. They prefer technically secure midfielders who can adapt to multiple systems and leagues.

World Cup timing driving potential deal

As the local outlet notes, Pedro Witte’s position also brings a strategic perspective ecuadorians abroad. City Football Group are reportedly keen to complete a deal before the upcoming World Cup.

The logic is simple. A strong international tournament is likely to increase their valuation, making the initial move more attractive from a financial perspective.

The proposed fee is said to be around €14m (£12m). If completed, it would represent record sales for PUMAS UNAM.

what happens next

The case of Pedro Vitae looks like a natural extension of Manchester City’s ongoing global scouting effort. A recent trip to Mexico now seems less exploratory and more targeted.

It is unclear which club within the City Football Group will be his initial destination. Verona, New York City FC or another associated side could make a move ahead of any potential move to Manchester.

At present, there is no confirmation of further talks. Still, the combination of in-person scouting and emerging reports suggests it will be one to watch closely in the coming weeks.

If the group moves forward quickly, it will follow a well-established pattern – identifying talent early, acting before major tournaments, and gradually integrating players within its multi-club structure.

southampton Manager Tonda Eckert’s work at St. Mary’s is attracting interest from other clubs.

The Saints initially signed him as U21 manager in July and promoted him to the first team interim boss in novemberAfter separating from Will Stills.

At the time, Southampton were 21st in the table and had won four out of five matches under the German.

In December, the Championship side appointed him as permanent manager and their results have improved under Eckert.

Since his permanent appointment, Eckert has managed 30 matches, and his record is as follows:

• Match: 30
• Win: 19
• Draw: 7
• Defeat: 4
• Goals scored: 57
• Target allowed: 32

This includes a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final and Southampton’s clash with Manchester City in the semi-final on Saturday.

Additionally, the English club is now in contention for direct promotion to the Premier League. They are fourth in the table, three points behind second-placed Ipswich Town.

Southampton boss in German club’s shortlist

The German’s work with the Championship side has clearly not gone unnoticed in his country.

is according to imageThose reporting VfB Stuttgart have included Tonda Eckert in their list.

Sebastian Hoeness is now in charge, and his team is fourth in the Bundesliga, two points ahead of fifth-place TSG Hoffenheim and two points behind third-place RB Leipzig. In short, Stuttgart is a strong contender to qualify for the Champions League.

Stuttgart have no intention of parting ways with their manager, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar. Therefore, they are considering candidates to replace Hoeness and the Southampton boss is on their shortlist.

There has been no contact between the 33-year-old and the Bundesliga side so far. Eckert ‘does not intend to look for a new club’ in the summer as he is ‘very comfortable’ at Southampton.

His target is clear as the manager wants to take the Saints back to the Premier League.

remaining matches of southampton

The Saints have three matches left this season and more if they reach the Championship playoffs.

• vs manchester city [FA Cup] on 25th April
• vs ipswich town [home] on 28th April
• v Preston North End [away] on 2 may

Tottenham Hotspur People have been looking towards Brazil more and more in recent windows, and it’s not hard to see why.

It’s a market that regularly produces top talent at relatively accessible prices. Furthermore, players are often willing to move to England even if the conditions are not right.

It matters right now, Spurs are still not completely safe and are at least flirting with the idea of ​​dropping into the Championship. Nevertheless, moving to England may still be attractive.

He has been active there before also. Tottenham recently worked out a deal to sign left-back Souza from Santos, who fits into this wider strategy of tapping into the Brazilian market.

With that context in mind, Spurs have now taken another step forward.

Tottenham officials in Belo Horizonte

According to local insider Toka CentralA Tottenham scout was in the stands for Cruzeiro’s 2-0 win over Grêmio in Mineiro last weekend. However, there is no confirmation yet as to who exactly they were looking at.

After impressive performances, goals from Lucas Romero and Christian sealed the result. Both stood out on the night, but neither were considered to be Tottenham’s main targets.

Some of Cruzeiro’s names are attracting attention, and their recent performances have only added to that.

Kaiki looks clear

Inside the Brazilian club, Kaiki is seen as the most likely move to Europe. The 23-year-old left-back was close to joining Como in the last window, with a deal worth €12.5m (£10.8m) on the table before Cruzeiro backed out.

He ticks many Premier League boxes. Physical, reliable and capable of moving forward. Add in his recent Brazil call-up under Carlo Ancelotti, and his profile has only risen.

From a squad building perspective it could only make sense if Destinee Udogi was forced to leave Tottenham in the summer. Or his fellow Brazilian Souza is also expected to be loaned out. Still, he is a smart catch for any European side.

Kaio George is a high-impact option

If a scout was looking for immediate attacking output, Kaio George would have been impossible to ignore.

The striker has made a strong start to 2026 with nine goals in 12 matches. Last year he had scored 26 marks out of 46. He looks sharp, confident and quick and decisive in front of goal. That alone puts him on the radar of clubs across Europe.

West Ham tried to sign him There were further failures in the January window. This is because the club are reportedly unwilling to consider offers of less than €50m (£43.5m).

This pushes him into a very different category. For Tottenham, especially with uncertainty about their league position, that kind of investment would require serious conviction.

Others also on radar

Another logical name is Jonathan Jesus, which sits in a slightly different bracket. He’s 21 years old, and perhaps less sophisticated, but has a lower cost of entry.

Earlier this year, Zenit made a move in the region of €8m (£6.9m), which Cruzeiro rejected. Still, that evaluation puts him firmly in the “development signing” category.

Young wingers Kenny Arroyo and Neeser Villarreal also fit that description. Both are 20 years old and are troubling defenders.

Arroyo plays on the right side. He arrived from Besiktas last summer for €8.5 million (£7.3 million) and has been one of the first names on the team sheet since then. Villarreal can play on the left or up front. And before arriving at Cruzeiro, Barcelona had him on their radar after his performances for Colombia at the 2025 U20 World Cup.

‘Experienced’ angle

There are also more experienced profiles to look at. Like centre-back Fabricio Bruno, who has already attracted the interest of Juventus.

At 28, he doesn’t fit the same reselling model as others, but he offers something different – ​​reliability, leadership and immediate impact. If Spurs were thinking about a short-term fixture, he could be part of that conversation, even if he isn’t a specific target.

29-year-old Mathews Pereira is another man who would have stood out. He is a key creative midfielder for Cruzeiro, with only 5 goals and 4 assists this year.

He recently renewed his deal until 2028. This makes him a difficult target, but his profile – technical, inventive and capable of controlling the final third – is exactly what Tottenham usually look for.

What does this mean for Spurs

It doesn’t feel like a single-player mission. It appears that Tottenham are building a comprehensive picture of the squad and identifying a number of options depending on the shape of their summer squad.

Spurs are clearly building up knowledge and keeping an eye on a number of players rather than rushing into a deal. But if his situation becomes clearer in the coming weeks, things could move faster.

Either way, it’s another sign that the Brazilian is becoming an important part of Spurs’ recruitment thinking – and Cruzeiro could perhaps be the next destination they dive into.

🇫🇷Lucas Chevalier | Tottenham remain interested, but of course – everything depends on survivalhttps://t.co/etgUUThNuW #thfc #joyce

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 20 April 2026

Roman Reigns’ path after WrestleMania 42 is starting to take shape.

According to new information from BodySlam, both Gunther and Oba Femi are expected to be a part of Reigns’ upcoming feud as WWE plans the next phase of their top-tier rivalry following the event at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Gunther’s direction holds special significance given the additional sourcing behind it. Dave Meltzer confirmed on Wrestling Observer Radio that a program between Reigns and Gunther has been discussed internally as a major direction for the company moving forward, aligning with BodySlam’s reporting and suggesting that the idea has real traction behind the scenes rather than being early-stage speculation.

Gunther comes off the back of facing Seth Rollins on Night One at WrestleMania 42, and an event with Reigns would represent one of the most high-profile matchups WWE could do, given the star power of both sides. The two haven’t feuded in a long time, and with Reigns continuing to work at the top of the card, Gunther’s situation makes him the logical next target.

Meanwhile, Oba Femi has been one of WWE’s most aggressively rising stars over the past year. His WrestleMania 42 match against Brock Lesnar at Night 2 represented a test for the former NXT Champion, and a feud with Reigns would be the next step in establishing him as a legitimate top-tier presence on the main roster. Perhaps, WWE will also consider making him Reigns’ last challenger and potentially surpassing Reigns to win the title in the next months.

No timeline for any feuds has been publicly confirmed, and it is unclear in what order WWE moves these events. What the reporting indicates is that WWE already has a clear vision of how Reigns fits into the landscape beyond WrestleMania, with two of the company’s most interesting available opponents already identified as part of that picture.

The San Francisco Giants were one of the biggest winners in the MLB Draft Lottery last year, moving up to get the fourth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. While draft day is still a few months away, there is some early information on who the Giants may want to draft in 2026.

In a mini MLB mock draft, ESPN.com’s Kiley McDaniel reported that the Giants would “really like” they had the chance to draft high school shortstop Grady Emerson with the fourth overall pick. Although he appears to be the top target there, it appears they have plans for some quick returns.

At the beginning of the season, the consensus of evaluators was that UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowski would be the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft. However, as the season has unfolded, Emerson is now inserting himself into that mix. He is currently projected to be drafted second overall by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Emerson, age 18, is 6 feet 2 inches tall and plays left-handed. MLB Pipeline rates his hitting tool, fielding and arm strength at a 60 on a 20-80 scouting scale with 66-grade power and speed.

“Emerson is an all-around prospect who is a virtual lock to be at shortstop for a long time because of his plus range, action and arm strength. He’s a grinder in the box who takes a lot of pitches and spoils boundary line offerings unless opposing hitters give up and either give him something to hit or give him a walk.”

FanGraphs scouting report on Grady Emerson

If Emerson is off the board, McDaniel says San Francisco “would be happy to get” Georgia Tech catcher Von Lackey or UC Santa Barbara starting pitcher Jackson Flora.

Lackey could be an attractive option for San Francisco, as the catcher doesn’t seem to have a long-term plan. Patrick Bailey has provided Gold Glove-caliber defense behind the plate and is one of the best pitch framers in baseball, but he is also a well-below average hitter at catcher.

Flora, 6 feet 5 inches tall, entered the season as the consensus top 2026 MLB Draft prospect and has done nothing to change that this season. In 10 starts, he has a 0.71 ERA with a 0.84 WHIP and an 84-24 K-BB ratio with just 4.1 H/9 in 63.1 innings.

According to McDaniel, another name worth keeping an eye on is high school shortstop Jacob Lombard. The younger brother of New York Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr., he offers some of the most attractive equipment among position players in the upcoming class.

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

In an ideal world, New York Giants decision-makers reportedly hope Jeremiah Love is still on the board when they make the No. 5 pick next week. However, if he doesn’t, they have three backup plans in mind.

There has been much speculation about what the Giants will do with the fifth overall selection in next week’s NFL Draft. Early mock drafts linked Big Blue to talented Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. And when new head coach John Harbaugh was asked about his choice to select him in Round 1, he even called him a potential Hall of Famer.

Still, while the coach is a fan of Downs, it seems a different player is at the top of his wish list. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, “Coach Harbaugh and the Giants in particular are heavily dependent on Jeremiah Love. If he’s available, it’s hard to see them passing up that opportunity.”

New York Giants like to trade back in Round 1

There have been previous reports that, despite Cam Scatebo being there, the Giants brass were very interested in the Notre Dame running back and Heisman Trophy finalist. Unfortunately for New York, it looks likely that the Tennessee Titans will take him at No. 4. So what do they do if he’s no longer available?

According to Giants Insider, Downs and his OSU teammate Sonny Styles are the other players “highest on their radar” with the fifth overall selection. Still, a pick among the five is not considered an “ideal” scenario by Harbaugh and the front office.

“In an ideal world, the Giants would like to move back a few spots, add more picks (they have just two in the top 100), and draft a player like Caleb Downs. But that’s easier said than done,” Raanan reports.

In just less than a week, Giants fans will find out which direction the team goes with the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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

With Danhausen becoming one of WWE’s more popular talents, a new rumor suggests the company has some big plans for him at WrestleMania 42 this weekend.

The former AEW wrestler’s debut at Elimination Chamber in February did not go as well as expected, as he received a lukewarm reception from WWE fans in Chicago. However, this may have been a good thing as it lowered expectations. Since that moment, the unique comic character has quickly endeared himself to disaffected fans.

Now, the man known for cursing his enemies is quite excited for his first WrestleMania. Although he does not have an official match on the card, there has been much speculation on how he may be used during the two-night event.

Will Danhausen meet John Cena at WrestleMania?

On Friday, we got some new information about WWE’s Danhausen plans for this weekend via BodySlam+. According to the outlet, the wrestling version of Dracula won’t just make a one-time appearance during WrestleMania. In fact, the company is planning for them to have multiple segments over the course of two nights.

Yet that was not the most interesting part of the intelligence. BodySlam+ also reports that one of those segments will see Danhausen face off against WWE GOAT John Cena, who will host both nights of WrestleMania 42.

While no one had Danhausen and Cena in the ring on their bingo card following their retirement in December, they could have finally delivered one of the most memorable moments of WrestleMania 42.

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

Dan Morgan has been the general manager of the Carolina Panthers for two draft processes. The 2026 NFL Draft will be his third as president of football operations/GM. Ironically, former NFL linebacker Morgan has only invested a first-round pick in a wide receiver in the two drafts he has presided over.

In 2024, the Panthers made Xavier Leggett the 32nd overall pick in the first round. He has yet to compile 1,000 total yards (860 career total). Meanwhile, last year’s selection, Tetaroa McMillan, who was taken eighth overall, gained 1,014 receiving yards while earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in his first season.

Despite the Panthers selecting a receiver in the first round in each of the last two drafts, Carolina still has a need at the position. After all, Leggett hasn’t developed into the star the Panthers hoped, not like McMillan.

Even though the Panthers have done this in back-to-back years, their GM still says Carolina could target another receiver with their first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are ranked 19th.

“No. I think with anything, we’re going to take the best player,” Morgan said via the team’s website. “So if we feel like the best player is someone who is 19 years old, I wouldn’t hesitate to draft another wideout. I don’t think there’s any rule that says you can’t draft a wide receiver three years in a row. So I wouldn’t really put us in a box and say we wouldn’t draft him.”

The Panthers are generally projected to target a receiver in the first round. After seeing how much of an impact McMillen had on former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young’s game, one can’t help but wonder if a more complete and consistent group of receivers could really unlock Carolina’s scoring attack. The Panthers may feel the same way.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft: Trades that captured the first round of the NFL draft

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

SunderlandBrian Brobbey has performed well so far in his first season in the Premier League.

The Netherlands international arrived at the Stadium of Light from Ajax for €20m in September and has taken time to adjust.

After overcoming initial difficulties, the striker began to impress for Sunderland and this allowed him to return to the national team in March. He has scored six goals and provided one assist so far for the Black Cats.

His Premier League statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 25
• Start: 16
• Total minutes: 1,470
• Minutes per game: 59
• Target: 6
• Help: 1
• Expected target: 4.49
• Expected Support: 0.48
• Big chances made: 2
• Big chances missed: 9

Last month, the 24-year-old explained by working He has had the help of Rotterdam-based expert Patrick Vorst to improve his game. This has not gone unnoticed as UK’s latest claims mention Bayern Munich’s strong interest in him.

Bayern’s stance on Sunderland player

T.Z Germany broadcasts claims made in England about the interests of the Bundesliga winners and then gives its own opinion.

Harry Kane is the first-choice striker for Vincent Kompany, with Nicholas Jackson as his backup. The latter is on loan from Chelsea and is likely to return to his parent club after this season.

Bayern Munich will therefore need to find a new striker in the summer and Brian Brobby could be an option.

It seems that the Bavarian club has not yet decided who can replace Jackson.

TZ state Bayern Munich must first carefully evaluate whether the 24-year-old is the best option as Kane’s backup. Even if he is, the finances required to secure his services could be a concern for the German club.

The Dutchman is currently valued at €40m plus he has a long contract with Sunderland, which puts Regis Le Bris’s side in a comfortable position to demand a higher fee.

These factors make the frontman an ‘expensive transfer target’ for Bayern Munich. This shows that the company is not willing to spend too much on a backup striker.

Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is also on their agenda, and he could operate further back. He could be a better option for Bayern Munich than the Sunderland player.

Contract, price and agent information

Brian Brobby’s contract is until 2029, and transfer market He is now worth €25 million. It would not be surprising if the Black Cats offer him an extension in the coming weeks.

Agency Sport Cover, led by agent Misa N’Diaye, is representing the Sunderland star.

Sergei Bobrovsky is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025–26 NHL season. With the Florida Panthers struggling with injuries, Bobrowski was involved in NHL trade rumors, but he never materialized. However, what’s the latest on the goaltender’s retirement plans and future with the Panthers?

Bobrowski has made it clear he is not retiring from the NHL and wants to stay with the Panthers, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. At 37 years old, it’s fair to question the Florida goaltender’s future in the NHL.

After all, 40-year-old goaltender Jonathan Quick is set to retire from the league after the New York Rangers’ elimination this season.

Why should the Florida Panthers bring back Sergei Bobrovsky?

Bobrovsky has struggled during the 2025–26 NHL season, posting a career-low .887 save percentage and allowing 3.07 goals per game. The 37-year-old goaltender has allowed 10 goals on 44 shots in his last two games against the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite his decline in play, Florida should bring Bobrovsky back next season.

While Bobrowski’s stats haven’t been great, the goaltender is on par with the players Florida puts on the ice every night. It’s been a tough season for the Panthers, who have dealt with significant injuries to Alexander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett and others.

The 40-year-old has been described as the “backbone” of the Panthers and the “biggest reason” the organization has two Stanley Cup rings. Bobrowski’s Florida teammates are fully behind him. With a better team on the ice during the 2026-27 NHL season, Bobrowski should have better overall statistics.

Backup goalie for Florida Daniil Tarasov has struggled with an .893 save percentage while allowing 3.12 goals per game. The stats aren’t bad for a backup goaltender, but Bobrowski is a proven option who can lead Florida to the Stanley Cup playoffs next year.

Since retirement is not in the picture, the Panthers should bring Bobrovsky back with a new contract this summer.

READ MORE: Hurricanes rumored to have interest in Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

It seems that despite the big risks, the Carolina Panthers don’t want to waste their starting quarterback in 2026.

When the Panthers made Bryce Young the first overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, the organization had high hopes that they might have a future star. However, his rookie season was forgettable as the team went 2–14 in his debut, as he posted a 59.8 completion percentage, 34.1 quarterback rating and 11 interceptions to 11 touchdowns.

The former Alabama star was sidelined early in his sophomore season, but eventually worked his way back into a starting role and showed some signs of development. The 2025 campaign showed more development under head coach Dave Canales as Young had the highest completion percentage (63.6%), yards (3,011), and touchdowns (23) in his career.

Still, while those were the best single-season numbers of his career, his completion percentage was 23rd, yards were 21st, and touchdowns were 14th best in the NFL. While he was better for the Panthers in 2025, he was still a middling or poor starting QB compared to the rest of the league.

That’s why it makes sense that the Panthers have not yet picked up his fifth-year option, which would be worth $25.9 million. With a strong QB class in the 2027 NFL Draft, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to prove he could be a further development.

Carolina Panthers will soon pick up Bryce Young’s fifth-year option

But it seems the Panthers would rather take the risk of having the average QB make $25 million next year rather than risk having to compete for Young’s services in free agency.

On Tuesday, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said that after the draft, he plans to negotiate with Bryce Young about picking up his fifth-year option. “Once the draft is over, we’ll definitely move forward,” Morgan told the media. “Obviously, the player isn’t in the building yet. … We’ll get this done as soon as he gets back in the building.”

If Young can take another step forward in 2026, the Panthers could have a good QB at a reasonable rate next year. However, if he disappoints and potentially opts out, they will have the highest-paid backup in the NFL.

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

The Washington Commanders have the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, putting them in a strong position to land one of this year’s blue-chip prospects. As draft day approaches, more details are emerging about what Washington could add in Round 1.

In his latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, ESPN.com’s Peter Schrager shared his belief that the Commanders will look to add to their defense in the first round. However, just because it doesn’t have value doesn’t mean it will happen with the seventh overall pick.

That’s because Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that Washington is one of the teams actively trying to move down from their current spot. The idea, of course, is to land a potential high-end starter from Round 1 as well as gain additional draft capital.

If Washington were to trade down from seventh overall, it’s possible a team like the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9 overall pick) or the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10 overall pick) would want to move up from the New Orleans Saints to acquire the lead.

Trading down would likely give the Commanders an additional draft pick on Day 2, potentially giving them a Week 1 starter at defensive back or someone who could eventually play a meaningful role in the season.

The Commander could hypothetically move down from the No. 7 pick to the No. 9-12 range and still land All-American safety Caleb Downs, LSU cornerback Mansur Delaney or potential Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Reuben Benn Jr. However, given the number of teams that want to go down, it will be difficult to complete a deal.

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

armory Forward Gabriel Jesus is once again talking up a return to Palmeiras – and at this point, it’s starting to feel like a weekly episode.

The 28-year-old has been consistently linked with a summer exit. Reports point to Italy, with AC Milan interested, while Brazil remains an emotional option in the background.

At the same time, Gabriel Jesus has made it clear more than once that his priority is to renew with Arsenal. If it doesn’t happen then he wants live in europeIdeally in the Premier League.

And yet, here we are again.

This season has not been straightforward. Gabriel Jesus has played 21 matches, starting seven of them, scoring five goals and adding one assist. Injuries have once again limited his impact.

Nevertheless, when available, he has been useful to Mikel Arteta. This keeps him relevant in the team even without the guarantee of a starting role.

Now, his latest comments add another layer to an already confusing picture.

Gabriel Jesus keeps Palmeiras’ dream alive

talking to globo esporteGabriel Jesus once again opened the door for a return to Palmeiras – and did so with great enthusiasm.

“My main focus today is still on Arsenal, making things happen here, helping the coach as he needs. Then, obviously, when the season ends, we start thinking”He said.

“My desire is to return to Palmeiras one day and win more titles. I have already felt what it’s like to win there. That’s still in me, it’s a very strong desire.”

He also revealed that he has had several long talks with Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira during his return to the club.

“When I went to train in Palmeiras I had the opportunity to talk with him two or three times for more than an hour. We always talked good about football and life.”

All very hot. Everything is very open. All very… recurring.

No offer – at least not yet

However, there was actually a new detail. This time, Gabriel Jesus admitted that Palmeiras has not yet taken any steps to bring him back.

“Of course, I have to get an offer from Palmeiras as well. But my relationship with them has always been very good and always will be. I am very grateful to them.”

Although the emotional connection is strong, no concrete steps have been taken from Brazil at this stage. And it feels like he’s begging for it.

trying to balance everything

At this stage, Gabriel Jesus is managing to keep every possible door open.

he talks Renewal with Arsenal. he talks living in europe. he talks return to palmeras. Sometimes all within the same week.

No one paid any attention to that. Frustration is growing among Palmeiras fans in Brazil. Some people believe that he is too dependent on the emotional connection without showing any real intention of returning in the short term.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are left staring at a player who contributes when fit, but regularly brings to mind the thought of leaving.

In the end, he’s managing to annoy two fans at once.

what happens next

Gabriel Jesus has not taken any definite decision. But unless Arsenal make a move on a renewal, or a concrete offer comes from Europe, the comments are likely to continue.

At the moment, there has been no offer from Palmeiras yet. There has been no final call from Arsenal either.

Once again, Gabriel Jesus is talking about Palmeiras – and keeping everyone guessing.

A rare wrestling moment is reportedly being considered in WWE creative meetings when it comes to the planned matchup between Trick Williams and Sami Zayn next weekend at WrestleMania 42.

Over the past few weeks, the card for the two-night mega event has taken shape, and it’s being tipped to be possibly one of the best showcases of the company’s wrestling talent to date. One of the interesting matches on Night 2 is the Intercontinental Title clash between champion Zayn and NXT legend Williams.

This bout has emerged as one of the standout fights on the card due to the reaction both stars have received from fans in recent weeks. Despite Williams being a heel, her theme songs and charisma have made her one of the most popular artists on the roster since her debut late last year. As far as Zayn is concerned, it seems like fans are tired of his underdog personality and have become indifferent to him lately.

Additionally, Zayn has done some questionable things that are out of character for him in recent episodes of SmackDown. Well, it looks like these could be breadcrumbs towards a major change in his character at WrestleMania 42. However, he may not be the only one to switch sides in his match.

Rare double-turn planned for WrestleMania 42?

BodySlam+ is reporting that the WWE creative team has discussed the idea of ​​a double turn with Zayn and Williams at WrestleMania. Due to recent crowd reactions to their characters.

It is rare in the industry to have two artists together. The last time this happened in WWE was in WrestleMania 13. There was a turning point for both of them due to the great match between Bret Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. This moment paved the way for him to become one of the most popular stars in WWE history.

The company’s decision-makers probably see Williams as a money-making machine by bringing him to light with so much fan interest as a heel.

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

Nobody talks about base defense anymore. This is the dirty little secret of modern NFL football – most teams spend most of their snaps in nickel or dime packages and the “base” defense is more of a philosophical starting point than an actual game plan.

So when Clint Kubiak stood on a stage in Indianapolis during the NFL Combine and announced the Raiders were shifting to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, some people shrugged their shoulders.

They shouldn’t.

This is not a minor change. This is a complete identity improvement for a defense that was one of the worst teams in the league a year ago. And while the base package won’t dominate the snap count on Sunday, the 3-4 framework shapes every personnel decision Las Vegas makes between now and kickoff — in free agency, in the draft and in the film room. If you want to understand where this team is going defensively, that’s where you have to start.

What is Rob Leonard really building? with las vegas raiders

Leonard is taking over as an NFL defensive coordinator for the first time, which is either a red flag or a sign of how much Jon Spytek and Kubiak trust him. Spytek worked hard to get Leonard the job after sitting in on interviews last year when Pete Carroll was also evaluating him for the DC role. Kubiak met him, was quickly sold and handed the keys.

Leonard’s background tells you the type of defense Las Vegas is trying to build. He learned under Brian Flores in Miami and Mike McDonald in Baltimore. Don’t expect a steady, vanilla 3-4. Expect multiple fronts, heavy doses of the 3-3-5 on third downs, constant stunts and rotations, and linebackers with real responsibilities before and after the snap. Macdonald’s fingerprints are all over this thing.

Kubiak called it “the starting point”. How far this defense goes depends entirely on the players Leonard has to work with.

What this means for the Raiders roster

The Raiders spent four years under Patrick Graham’s 4-3 defense. Before that, Carroll’s score was 4-2-5. The roster was built around those plans – or mostly ignored them. Creates 3-4 immediate, specific needs.

You need a true nose tackle. A space-eating, double-team-absorbing anchor in the middle of the line. The attackers don’t have any. This need is reflected in free agency and the draft alike.

You need linebackers who can do more than just play downhill. In the 3-4, the outside linebackers are hybrid pass rushers who drive against the run and occasionally drop into coverage. It’s a different beast than the traditional 4-3 end. Leonard’s scheme will rotate bodies heavily and demand athleticism at every level. Right now, this roster is thin at both spots.

Max Crosby Fits: Full Stop

Crosby is a raider. The Baltimore trade is gone. And the 3-4 transition directly impacts what he’s already doing well.

Crosby has always been a stand-up edge player by nature. Operating as a 3-4 outside linebacker gives him more freedom in his pass-rush setup and the ability to crash inside or go wide depending on what he sees in the snap. This scheme doesn’t just accommodate Crosby — it could unlock a version of him we haven’t seen in a few years.

Tyree Wilson even has a genuine attempt to figure it out. He has been misunderstood as a traditional defensive end ever since Las Vegas drafted him in the first round. Going in with the 4i-tech plays on his length and strength rather than asking him to win with the athleticism and bends he doesn’t have. Wilson’s 2026 will define whether he has a future with this franchise or not. A change of plan gives him his best shot.

bottom line

Scheme changes alone can’t fix a 14-game losing defense. But overhauling his defensive identity with a coordinator trained by the best minds in the business and a head coach willing to give him real authority is at least a coherent plan.

3-4 There is no magic pill. This is a framework. What Leonard and Spytek build inside between now and the draft in Pittsburgh will tell us whether this defense can be competitive in 2026 or whether it’s just another long year for Raider Nation.

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

Brentford’s plans for Gustavo Nunes have already changed once this season. After struggling for minutes in the Premier League, the winger Joined Swansea City on loan Looking for regular football and a clear development path in January.

The move to Swansea City has brought some exposure, although not complete success. Gustavo Nunes has made nine appearances in the Championship so far, starting four matches and registering one assist, which came at home against Preston.

The spell has offered minutes, but it hasn’t yet changed the broader picture surrounding his long-term role.

This background helps explain why Brazil’s interest has remained high in recent weeks. A number of clubs have explored the situation, while Brentford have taken control of the process after investing around £10.3m (€12m) to sign him from Grêmio in 2024.

Brazil’s conflicting claims

Gustavo Nunes remains on the radar of Brazilian sides despite his loan spell in Wales. corinthians and Santos have both been questioned, and earlier reports suggest Gremio We were also considering a move to bring him back.

However, that version of events is now being challenged. Journalist bruno soares The claim is that Grêmio have made no contact and are not pursuing a deal. This directly contradicts previous reports and removes one of the more logical routes for a return.

The absence of a move from his former club also changes the tone of the situation. Without that emotional pull, Brazil’s interest becomes more opportunistic than strategic.

Too, The player’s agent confirmed in November. That the player had rejected an offer from Citigroup last summer. So at the end of the day returning to Brazil may not be his wish.

Brentford’s position remains consistent

Gustavo Nunes remains part of Brentford’s long-term vision while gaining experience away from the club. The decision to send him to Swansea City prioritizes internal development rather than an early exit.

Brazil’s latest claims point in this direction. The expectation is that the winger will remain in the UK for now and focus on gradual progress rather than a quick comeback.

Nunes still needs strong performances to reshape her trajectory. His loan spell provides that opportunity, but time remains a factor.

Meanwhile, Brazilian clubs are monitoring the situation. Nevertheless, Gremio seems to be out of the picture and Brentford have maintained their stance, with the current path remaining unchanged.

It will be difficult for Verona to retain Manchester City’s Vitor Reis beyond this season.

The 20-year-old moved to Europe for the first time when the Premier League club signed him from Brazilian side Palmeiras in January 2025.

Pep Guardiola limited him to just one minute of league action in the second half of last season as he made just four appearances for Manchester City.

Due to his restricted role the Etihad club sent the centre-back on a season-long loan to Verona in August 2025.

The move went well as he enjoyed regular games under Mitchell. He has played 2,477 minutes in 27 matches so far for the La Liga side.

His league statistics per game are as follows.

• Intercept: 0.7
• Tackle: 1.2
• Recovered balls: 2.9
• Dribbled past: 0.3
• Approval: 6.0
• Blocked Shots: 1.2
• Duel won: 4.6

His performance rewarded The call came for the first time from Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti for this international break. it came as a surprise According to their country’s media.

Manchester City has not decided yet

Tuesday’s edition of sports world There is a report on where Vitor Reis could play after this season.

A few months ago, there was a real option for the Spanish club to extend the defender’s stay but now it is an ‘increasingly difficult objective’. This is due to the player’s ‘remarkable growth’ at Verona.

Pep Guardiola had initial doubts over his inclusion in his plans this season, resulting in a loan move.

His ‘scenario has changed’ and his status has gone higher after the latest call.

South American is no more ‘Promising young player, but a centre-back who is starting to establish himself among the elite.’ This is why the Catalan club is finding it difficult to extend his stay.

Manchester City could decide to include Reus in Guardiola’s plans next season, and if not, let him join a club with ‘more competitive demands’ than Verona.

Despite the complex task, Mitchell’s team will not give up attempting to keep hold of the Manchester City player.

Contract, price and agent information

Vitor Reis’ value did not improve from a loan move to Verona. transfer market Let’s say he’s valued at €30m, which is the same since his transfer to Manchester City.

His contract at Etihad expires in 2029. P&P Sport Management, headed by agent Federico Pastorello, is looking after the player’s interests. The representative will have to make a decision on his client’s future in the summer.

A Golden State Warriors insider believes an elite star forward should be a top target for the team this summer. However, now it’s Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

It’s been another disappointing season for the Warriors and their fans. After appearing likely to reach the NBA Finals a year ago, Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury dashed those hopes. However, he entered this season with big aspirations after building chemistry with Jimmy Butler over the summer.

However, Butler tore his ACL in January just when the team finally got on a roll. Due to this once again their title hopes were dashed. Nevertheless, the team made a bold move to try to save those plans by trading for Antetokounmpo in February. Obviously, he did not achieve that goal. But hopefully they can target him again this summer.

However, San Francisco Standard Warriors columnist Tim Kawakami believes there is a more sensible option. Instead of giving up the burden of the draft and player assets for the 10-time All-Star, Kawakami thinks Golden State should target Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.

A case for the Warriors to target Kawhi Leonard this summer

Interestingly, they would not land Leonard in a trade, although there are rumors he could be available. Instead, Kawakami wants to see the Warriors sign the seven-time All-Star in free agency. This could be a possibility as rumors continue to swirl that the NBA may soon void his Clippers contract due to the questionable practices LA used to sign him a few years ago.

The Warriors insider detailed a two-pronged plan to add the 34-year-old, who is having a great season. First, the team will need to come under the first salary tax threshold. He noted that the team had six players signed for next season, including Butler and Moses Moody, who would not be available until the second half of the season.

They will then “attempt to sign both Draymond Green (to replace his $27.7 million player option) and Kristaps Porzingis to moderate two-year deals, probably both around two years, $40 million.” This would give the franchise “approximately $184 million in total commitments for eight players”. Then add $6 million for a player taken in Round 1 of the NBA Draft – that pick will likely be around No. 11. Taking them to $194 million, which is $11 million under the tax threshold.

The second part of the plan will try to convince Leonard to join the team on the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. He admits it’s not a guarantee, but adding a high-impact player with championship potential when fully healthy is the best option.

It’s a plan that will require a bit of luck, but the chance to get on the Warriors roster and a stud prospect in the lottery may appeal to Leonard if he wants to stay in California and pursue another championship. Additionally, popular NBA expert Bill Simmons recently outlined several reasons why an Antetokounmpo trade would be a bad idea for the Warriors.

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

Liverpool star Alexis McAllister has entertained the media in his native Argentina after undergoing a hair transplant procedure.

Juego Simple on X reported the Liverpool midfielder’s comments today. Looks like he has no intention of staying bald for very long.

an attractive new look

The Liverpool midfielder attracted attention at Argentina’s friendly match on Friday when he appeared to have shaved his head for the match against Mauritania.

After the 2-1 win, the 27-year-old was asked what was going on. He was outspoken, which was greatly appreciated by the Argentine media. He termed his comments as ‘invaluable’.

He said, “I was a bald man with hair and now I’m a bald man with a bald head.”

“I had to give up fighting; things were getting tough. I’ve said I did it for my dad, but I think it’s more for my daughter.

“We’ll see if we can plant some more after the World Cup. Right now, there’s a bit of a time crunch. But I’m really happy, I think I’m in a better position than before. Let’s see if a sponsorship deal comes through… heh.”

Nothing new for McAllister

The idea of ​​a hair transplant is nothing new to Alexis McAllister. He joked last year that he wanted change and could pursue it. Now it looks like he is planning more in the future.

However, Liverpool will hope his focus remains on the pitch. They need to focus on the pitch as they fight for a Champions League spot.

Anyway this is definitely more important than his current and future haircut.

Although perhaps some humorous comments in the British press for the Liverpool fan base will also go along with the idea. Anyway he has already convinced his fans in Argentina.

pic.twitter.com/MJa6DZVQPn

– JS (@juegosimple__) 28 March 2026

BOSTON – The city of Boston was the key to basketball for Celtics star Jaylen Brown. Since arriving in Beantown in 2016, he has consistently exceeded expectations, becoming a five-time All-Star, earning the NBA Finals MVP trophy, and most recently, moving into 10th on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list during a 120-99 win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. But just because Brown was introduced to Boston through basketball doesn’t mean he wants to be known for that alone.

The former UC Berkeley standout has used his platform to make a difference in New England’s largest city, hosting numerous community events giving his views on social issues, technology, the future and more. Brown’s life away from basketball has always been integral to him, so it makes sense that he might again emphasize non-basketball activities whenever he retires from the NBA.

“Part of me wants to say that when I’m done, you’ll never see me again,” Brown said with a slight smile in the locker room. “but who knows?”

Jaylen Brown was asked what the future will be like when he and Jayson Tatum are welcomed into the TDs a few years from now, like Robert Parish:

“To be honest, I can’t even think that far ahead. Part of me wants to say that when I’m done, you’ll never see me again.” pic.twitter.com/wfE6gRdHOP

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 19 March 2026

What does retirement mean for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum?

As Celtics legend Robert Parish strolled through TD Garden on Wednesday cheering on fans — promoting his new book and looking at two franchises he played for decades ago — Brown was reminded of his limited basketball career.

When Brown was asked if he would return to Boston from time to time, like Parrish, he responded, “Honestly, I can’t even think that far ahead.” “Obviously, Parish is a legend, so it’s good to see him out there. He looked good. Looks to be in pretty good shape. So it’s great to have him around.”

Fellow Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who tied a season-high with 24 points against the Warriors, was also looking to the future. And while he didn’t reveal anything definite in terms of post-playing plans, the six-time All-Star did mention how great it is to see the beloved Celtics come home to a standing ovation.

“It means everything,” he said. “It’s a really nice moment to see other people receive their flowers.”

Jayson Tatum on talking to Robert Parish pregame:

“It’s always an honor to look back at the legends of the game and the players who paved the way for us as NBA players.” pic.twitter.com/5V0erRfoZ6

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 19 March 2026

When Tatum and Brown call it quits, there’s no doubt both stars’ jerseys will be retired and they’ll be placed among the stars in the rafters at TD Garden. However, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen anytime soon, as Boston’s dynamic duo is focused on chasing another title with the Celtics at 46-23 before the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Additionally, neither Celtics star is even 30 years old and both of them have signed long contracts for at least three more seasons.

No matter what happens for Tatum and Brown over the next several years, they’ve earned the right to handle retirement how they want, whether that looks like headlining home games in Boston or stepping out of the public eye forever.

When Brown was asked if he would ‘go black’ after retiring, he replied, “I mean, it depends on what God has planned.” “But if you ask me now, I think it’s much more likely, let’s say.”

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

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

Roma aim for low-cost reinforcements ahead of summer rebuild

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

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

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

Everton’s contract stance complicates potential deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friedkin Group’s ownership could influence negotiations

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 17 March 2026

Liverpool could once again find themselves drawn into the Italian goalkeeper market this summer. Juventus are increasingly looking to Alisson Becker as the central solution to their problems between the posts.

The Brazilian has been linked with the Turin club in recent weeksInitially as a substitute for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario. However, it seems that talks in Italy have moved beyond that stage. Inside Juventus, talk about rebuilding the goalkeeping department is increasingly pointing towards Liverpool being the No. 1.

Juventus want to start a new cycle and avoid another reconstruction that fails to provide stability. For many inside the club, that reset starts with the goalkeeper position.

The idea has now also gained more popularity in Italy as a local outlet. magazine There have been suggestions that the Brazilian keeper may not remain at the center of Liverpool’s long-term project. For the Bianconeri, as they say, “all roads lead to Alisson”.

He still has a contract at Anfield until 2027, so there is no immediate pressure for a change. However, speculation regarding Liverpool’s succession planning has inevitably fueled discussion in Serie A.

Spalletti revives connection idea

One factor that helped trigger this idea is Luciano Spalletti.

The Italian manager worked with Alisson during his time at Roma. This was before the goalkeeper’s €75m (£64m) transfer to Liverpool in 2018. During that period, Alisson established the form that would later make him one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalkeepers.

That existing relationship is now being seen as a potential lever in Italy. If Juventus were able to initiate negotiations, Spalletti is seen as someone who could help convince the player to consider a move.

Alisson, now 33, remains under contract with Liverpool until 2027 and remains Arne Slot’s first-choice replacement whenever he is fit. There is no suggestion that Liverpool are actively courting him.

Yet, the broader context of the club’s succession planning has not gone unnoticed.

salary and succession

The latest Italian report claims that the financial side of a potential deal would not be prohibitive for Juventus.

Alisson earns around €6m (£5.1m) per season, a figure considered manageable in Turin. Importantly, it would remain below the club’s current salary cap of around €7m (£6m). That limit is set by Kenan Yildiz’s contract.

That combination – experience, availability and financial feasibility – is why Alison has quickly emerged as the idea that many discuss.

On Liverpool’s side, the question remains of timing. Sporting director Richard Hughes approved the signing of Mamardashvili As part of the club’s future plans. However, the Brazilian remains one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football.

At the moment, there is no sign that Liverpool are ready to open the door. However, the feeling inside Juventus is that if Liverpool were ever willing to discuss a sale and Spalletti managed to convince the goalkeeper, talks could move forward quickly.

In other words, while there is nothing imminent yet, the idea of ​​Alisson becoming Juventus’ next No. 1 is no longer being considered a distant scenario in Italy.

Justin Verlander is back with the Detroit Tigers for the 2026 MLB season. In February, the Tigers signed Verlander to a one-year contract, strengthening the rotation with five starting pitchers. However, will this be the three-time AL Cy Young pitcher’s last season before his inevitable MLB retirement?

As Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports, Verlander talked about his retirement plans after the spring training game. While Verlander knows an injury or terrible season could make this his last season, he still wants to chase 300 wins and pitch at age 45.

“I don’t know how much longer I’m going to play,” Verlander said. “I know there’s not a lot of time left, especially in the grand scheme of things. If I play two years, three years, whatever, out of the 21 [years]It’s like nothing. I’m just trying to enjoy it a little more…I don’t want to sit here and say that’s it. This could have happened. This is a one year contract. If something goes catastrophically wrong, or I can’t recover, that’s it – I’m done. “All I know is that there isn’t that much time left, so enjoy it while you can.”

Verlander is currently 43 years old, which means he may have another two to three seasons to offer. It’s not guaranteed that Verlander will spend those two to three seasons in Detroit, as he only signed a one-year contract. However, the 43-year-old pitcher would have a very good bet to return if he has a good campaign, with Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize all set to become free agents.

The Tigers understand what Verlander’s return means to the team and the city, and it would only be fitting if Verlander retires in Detroit. Hopefully, Verlander won’t retire as a Tiger for a few more seasons.

READ MORE: Detroit Tigers consider possibility of extending Tarik Skubal after signing Justin Verlander

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

One of the main events planned for WWE WrestleMania 42 has been changed following a creative twist to the previously scheduled Hell in a Cell match.

According to a report from PWInsider.com, internal discussions earlier this year focused on Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre settling their long-running feud inside the steel structure.

However, the company has opted to move in a different direction for the Undisputed WWE Championship, opting to capitalize on the personal history between Rhodes and his former mentor, Randy Orton. The path to this new main event was laid out during last week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Portland, Oregon.

In a chaotic main event, Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre to become the three-time Undisputed WWE Champion. The match was filled with interference, including a moment when Jacob Fatu came to stop McIntyre from using a steel chair, allowing Rhodes to connect with the Super Cody Cutter, after which Cross Rhodes picked up the victory.

The change to Orton vs. Rhodes allows WWE to build a storyline spanning over 15 years. As members of the Legacy faction, Orton served as a mentor to the young Rhodes. The match is seen by fans as a “dream bout” that has been teased for years and is now set to headline the first night of the two-night event at Allegiant Stadium.

Despite losing the championship, Drew McIntyre is expected to remain the focal point of the WrestleMania card. Following his defeat, McIntyre has been linked to a possible bout with Jacob Fatu. Here is the current card for the event:

World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk vs Roman Reigns

• Roman Reigns won the 2026 Royal Rumble and chose CM Punk as his opponent, making it one of the confirmed headline matches.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton

• Rhodes recently won the Undisputed WWE Championship and will defend it against Orton, who earned the opportunity by winning the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.

Liv Morgan vs. Women’s Champion Jade Cargill

• Liv Morgan won the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble, guaranteeing a title match at WrestleMania.

Recently, both Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with Dario Osorio as the winger continues to attract attention across Europe.

Now, fresh reporting from Chile has revealed the scale of the behind-the-scenes planning at FC Midtjylland, where the player is seen as a central part in an ambitious transfer strategy.

according to thirdThe Danish club is openly working towards making Osorio part of the most expensive transfer in the history of Danish football. Club president Klaus Steinlein has already said that he expects record sales from the Superliga in the next European summer window.

“I expect the biggest sale in the history of Danish football. They are three completely unique players,” Steinlein said, referring to Osorio, Franculino Diju and Aral Simsir.

The benchmark is currently based on the sale of Ernests Nouma to Lyon in 2023 for around €24m (£21m). Midtjylland aims to exceed that figure, with Osorio considered one of the players capable of reaching such a valuation.

Contract Strategy and Development Plan

A significant part of that strategy has already been implemented. Midtjylland recently extended Osorio’s contract until July 2030, strengthening their negotiating position ahead of any potential bid.

With more than four years left on the deal, the Danish side can dictate the terms of any future transfer. The club’s overarching model revolves around quickly identifying young talent, developing players in the Superliga, and eventually selling them to larger European leagues.

Osorio fits that blueprint perfectly. Since arriving from Universidad de Chile, the winger has established himself as a regular player in Denmark and in European competitions.

Over two seasons he has registered 93 appearances, 21 goals and 15 assists, strong numbers for a wide attacker playing in a team that regularly competes domestically and in Europe.

The Midtjylland staff also believes that the Chile international still has significant room for growth.

“Surely he will change clubs at some point,” said head coach Mike Tullberg. “He can do everything on the pitch. Maybe he needs to be a little more dangerous in attack and score more goals, but he has already shown that he can defend too. That will make him interesting for many high-level clubs.”

Premier League attention is increasing

Osorio’s profile has already attracted the attention of Premier League recruitment departments.

Recently spotted by Liverpool Scouts Midtjylland’s Europa League clash with Genk, where several players from the Danish side were under observation. Manchester United and Leeds United also came to watch. Previously, he joined West Ham and Everton another scouting mission To follow the player.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have also been linked with the winger in recent months. The club’s South American chief scout Jonathan Vidale When previously discussing Osorio’s development his profile was compared to that of Angel Di Maria.

The Argentinian talent scout also suggested the Chilean made the right decision by taking a move through Denmark before attempting a move to one of Europe’s biggest leagues.

Midtjylland are therefore openly aiming to break the Danish transfer record. Premier League clubs are already keeping a close eye on his progress. That means Osorio’s next move may become a question of timing rather than possibility.

The Golden State Warriors have been dealing with some injuries over the past few weeks, as Stephen Curry is still out with a knee injury. Another player sidelined was Kristaps Porzingis, who has been battling his illness for most of the season. Luckily for the Warriors, he was able to match that in their latest game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and finished with 9 points, five rebounds and five assists.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors want to be cautious about how much they extend Porzingis, and they have a plan for the team’s upcoming back-to-back.

“The Warriors’ current plan is to rest Kristaps Porzingis on Monday night in Utah and play him at home against the Bulls on Tuesday. He clocked up 23 minutes tonight and told Kerr after the game he felt fine,” Slater wrote on Twitter.

Steve Kerr was impressed with what he saw from Porzingis against the Thunder.

“I thought he looked like a guy who hasn’t played with any rhythm at all,” Kerr said cheekily after the game.

“But I thought he looked good physically. It’s a really encouraging night for him to play 23 minutes. I talked to him after the game, said he felt good. And it was really fun to watch him. You can see what kind of weapon he is, the shape he gives us. Obviously, we are.” [still] Figuring out the combinations, what kind of activities we want to run. With him and for him. It’s going to take some time, but it’s really encouraging to see him there.”

Porzingis said after the game that he was optimistic he would stay healthy moving forward.

“Honestly, I’m confident I’ll stay healthy,” Porzingis said. “This is what I really feel. Not to sell anything because I know I’ve been in and out again and again. But this time I really feel that way.”

Porzingis being healthy will be important for the Warriors this season as they try to make the playoffs.

Chelsea may consider renewing Estevao’s contract after the World Cup as they consider him an important part of their current and future plans.

This is according to AS, which covers youth aged 18 today. The Spanish newspaper reports that Chelsea consider the winger to be key to everything in their plans.

The Brazilian was named Young Player of the Year at the London Football Awards this week. This was confirmation of Estevao’s rising status at Stamford Bridge, where he has ‘stole the hearts’ of Chelsea fans.

The club’s hierarchy is similarly charmed. They consider him an important player for the present and future of the club. In fact, he is one of the few ‘untouchables’ on the team.

Key players for Chelsea

The Blues see him as a unique player. He is someone who has talent, quality and magnetism in equal measure. According to AS, this makes him a truly unique player.

She is his ‘biggest sensation’, However fellow Brazilian Joao Pedro Can also claim that status. His first season in England is certainly going to be excellent.

However, his contributions go beyond the pitch. He is also a ‘commercial goldmine’ for Chelsea. There is a belief that he can bring about a revolution that has not been seen since the successful era of Eden Hazard.

Chelsea cherishes her and values ​​her ‘like the great diamond’ that she is. There is also talk that the contract renewal will be sorted out as soon as possible.

This would mean a lot, especially after the World Cup where he will be a key player for Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil.

already impressive record

For now, the focus is on finishing the season strong before that. With seven goals and two assists in 31 games in all competitions this season, Estevao is already impressing in numbers.

He is already Chelsea’s youngest player with an assist, their youngest Champions League scorer and the youngest Brazilian to score a Premier League winner.

He is only the third teenager in history to score in his first three Champions League matches. The others are Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

The least we can say is that this is a reputable company and it seems Chelsea are planning to make him a superstar like him before long.

Leeds United’s Larghi Ramazani remains an ‘attractive option’ for Valencia next season.

is according to uncheckWhich sees the La Liga side likely to retain him beyond this campaign.

Daniel Farke has left the winger out of his main plans at Elland Road this season. This led to Leeds United allowing him to join Valencia on a loan deal at the end of August 2025.

Carlos Corberán initially used him as a substitute before the 25-year-old suffered a setback in October. This caused him to spend more than 50 days on the sidelines and then became a substitute.

The Leeds United-owned player came off the bench to score the eventual winner for Valencia against Espanyol in January. Last month, he made his first league start for Los Chayes and did not disappoint.

Ramzan has been impressing in recent weeks

The Belgian has scored in his last three league matches and won La Liga’s Goal of the Month rewards for their efforts Against Levante.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness broadcast news There are indications from Spain that his burst could convince Valencia to make his stay permanent.

El Desmarck picked up on this and pointed out that the former UD Almería man’s recent performances have shown he could be an attractive option for Valencia.

As things stand, Valencia are unaware of the Premier League team’s plans for Ramadani next season. Furthermore, the whites have no immediate need to sell him.

Due to the situation at Leeds United and his wages at Elland Road, a potential deal for Valencia would prove ‘expensive’. This suggests the Spanish club will be forced to refuse to retain him.

Our Opinion: What’s next for Ramadan?

The attacker will have to return to his Premier League club in the summer as Valencia have no option or obligation to retain him.

His contract at Leeds United runs until 2028, and transfer market He is worth €6m. The time remaining on his deal puts Farke’s team in a comfortable position to keep him at the club.

Should he continue this current form then Ramazani could be an option for Leeds United next season. Alternatively, he would certainly attract interest from elsewhere in La Liga, and a club with more funds than the current version of Valencia.

Brighton & Hove Albion scout Bert Konterman has informed the club about FC Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad.

This is according to the man himself, Via Twenty Insights. He admitted that he has approached Brighton about the 18-year-old as he continues to impress at the Dutch club.

Nijstad is considered by many to be one of the Netherlands’ most promising young talents. Some have compared him to a modern-day Gerard Piqué, praising his composure, skill with his left foot and ability to initiate attacks from defence.

He broke into Twente’s first team this season, and established himself as a highly sought-after prospect in the process.

Big clubs are monitoring him

He has been the subject of intense speculation even before the summer transfer window. Barcelona reportedly made significant efforts to sign him in the January transfer window.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are all keeping an eye on the defender as well. It is unlikely that these three will be the only ones watching his performances in the Premier League.

According to him, Brighton are definitely aware of him kontermann. He admitted that he had already told the Seagulls about Nijstad. The matter was put to him during an appearance on D’Osttribune.

“I really enjoyed the match against Feyenoord,” He said.

“I just wrote down the ages of all the FC Twente players. It’s incredible that this is a team with so much potential for the coming years.

“Ruud Nijstad was fantastic, Stav Lemkin was good, Thomas van den Belt was important, Lammers was decent, and Orjsätter is getting better and better.”

“You say: If they stay together, Tijman van Wissing replied.

“I agree with that, but the point is that if you work for Brighton & Hove Albion, you also know that they have Nijstad on their radar. You probably already do.”

brighton tipped

“Right, I was impressed. I told them about it,” The Brighton scout replied.

“Those guys are not good enough yet for the first team (at a club like Brighton). You can buy them, but then you have to make a deal to keep them at FC Twente for two to three years.”

It would not be a surprise for Brighton to approve such a transfer deal. The Seagulls have certainly not been afraid to sign young players from the Netherlands.

Matt Wiffer, Yankuba Minteh and Jan Paul van Hecke are prime examples. All three are now first team regulars for Brighton under Fabian Herzeler.

Van Hecke gives the example of how Brighton sign young players early and loan them out to develop elsewhere. The club has also signed youngsters such as Yoon Do-young, Malik Yalkouye and Ibrahim Osman, who are currently on loan.

A similar deal would make a lot of sense for Nijstad, especially as competition looks to be increasing.

Juventus are exploring the possibility of signing Bernardo Silva from Manchester City this summer.

However, their chances largely depend on qualifying for the Champions League. Reports from Italy claim the Portuguese midfielder is one of the high-profile options being considered to strengthen the club’s midfield.

according to gazzetta dello sportThe Turin side have already started discussing several possible reinforcements. However, the club’s ability to land top targets such as Silva will depend on whether they finish in the top four in Serie A and the financial boost that comes with participation in the Champions League.

Currently, Juventus is sixth in the table and four points behind fourth-placed Roma. The difference means qualification is still within reach, but there are no guarantees as we approach the final stages of the season.

Transfer status and financial references

The Italian newspaper states that Silva is seen internally as a signing capable of immediately raising the level of the team. The report claims the Portuguese international will “transform the team” thanks to his experience, leadership and technical quality.

Silva is one of a number of midfielders being assessed by Juventus ahead of the summer window. As we covered earlierNewcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka are also being considered, although the club is unlikely to pursue all three options at once.

The attraction for Juventus partly lies in Silva’s contract situation. The 31-year-old player is approaching the end of his deal with Manchester City. This may allow him Move without transfer fees. However, the financial package will still be important.

Italian reports suggest that Silva will expect wages in the region of €6m-€8m (£5.2m-£7m) per season. That level of investment will be difficult to maintain without the additional revenue generated by the Champions League.

Champions League football can decide on this move

For Juventus, the equation is simple. Champions League qualification would generate revenues of approximately €60m-€70m (£52m-£61m), giving the club the opportunity to make a major addition to the midfield.

Without that income, the club will likely need to turn to more affordable targets.

Silva is also attracting interest from several other clubs across Europe. This includes barcelonaAtlético Madrid and AC Milan, while benfica Has long been linked with a possible move for the Portuguese international.

As a result, Juventus’ summer ambitions may ultimately be decided not only by their recruitment strategy, but also by where they finish in Serie A.

The Florida Panthers are on the rise. After the Olympic break, the Panthers have lost three consecutive games and are in last place in the Atlantic Division with 63 points. Florida is 10 points (five games) out of the final wild card spot with 21 games left. Time is ticking, and the Panthers have made a decision on their plans for the 2026 NHL trade deadline.

Florida has decided to become a seller ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports. The Panthers will not include Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett and others in trade talks, but they will make their unrestricted free agents available. This also includes goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky.

Bobrowski is on the 16-team no-trade list, but Florida is listening to other teams. That doesn’t mean the Panthers aren’t willing to move the 37-year-old goaltender, as an extension could be done. Another notable player that Florida has been listening to is forward AJ Greer.

The Panthers have won the last two Stanley Cups, but a third is becoming less likely. Florida has faced injuries throughout the 2025–26 NHL season. Florida captain Alexander Barkov has missed the entire campaign due to a torn ACL ahead of the new season.

The NHL team has played a lot of hockey over the past three seasons, and it could pick up the pace in 2026. Like the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, the dynasty is not over, but it is taking a break. The Panthers are expected to be active before the NHL trade deadline, but they will not receive a deal.

Read more: Florida Panthers could trade Sergei Bobrovsky, 5 best landing spots

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

earlier this month, sports witness TuttoSport covers claims about Juventus stepping up their interest in Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani.

The striker was a target for the Bianconeri in the January transfer window. Nevertheless, a deal seemed difficult and fell through. Despite this, they have been keen and strangely seem optimistic about signing him in the summer.

Sport Witness explained that the idea was probably not as realistic as Juve think. More than that, it was going to further upset the PSG club. Juventus snapped him up in the summer after refusing to use his release clause and attempting a new loan.

PSG were not impressed and sent the player on loan to Tottenham.

Now, Tuttosport reports again about Kolo Muani.

The Tottenham player is still being pursued

Newspaper – Relayed by transfer marketThe report remains a hot topic in France International Turin. Despite struggles with signings in January, manager Luciano Spalletti also wants him.

There is a perception in Italy that relations between Juve and PSG are now better. Juve will be pushing for Kolo Muani even though Tottenham have not yet made a decision about possibly keeping him beyond the season.

It’s all likely to depend on the 27-year-old’s form over the next few months in London.

Tudor can bring more from Kolo Muani

The striker enjoyed his time at Juventus under Igor Tudor in the second half of last season. In fact, he was crucial in Champions League qualification, contributing eight goals in Serie A.

He has already shown similar signs by scoring against Arsenal at Tottenham. He also had another goal in the second half which was probably unfairly disallowed.

Spurs do not have the option to buy him permanently. But he is likely to have a better relationship with PSG than Juve. The Serie A side and the Parisians were involved in a heated battle of words following Kolo Muani’s move to London. With this in mind, it is difficult to see PSG agreeing to terms with Juve for the player in the near future.

Furthermore, Kolo Muani’s contract in Paris expires in 2028 and they would probably prefer his permanent transfer.

Khris Middleton is staying put. Despite a flurry of rumors and the impending buyout deadline, the veteran forward intends to finish the season with the Dallas Mavericks.

The 34-year-old had a chance to move to a contender before Sunday’s deadline to be eligible for the playoffs with a new team. The Denver Nuggets were reportedly leading the field of interested suitors, but Middleton has decided to stick it out in North Texas. Sources indicate he has settled in quickly since arriving in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade earlier this season.

It’s been a rough ride for Dallas lately. The Mavericks are currently 21-38, far from the playoff picture in the loaded Western Conference. The team is coming off a disappointing 124-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday, where the offense struggled to find any consistent rhythm.

Middleton has been a steadfast force amid the chaos. In the team’s recent 130-121 loss to the Sacramento Kings, the former Milwaukee Bucks All-Star put up 17 points and five rebounds in 33 minutes. He also showed glimpses of his championship pedigree during February. 22nd win over the Indiana Pacers, scoring 25 points on efficient 11-of-15 shooting.

Retaining Middleton is an important move for a Mavericks front office looking to retain some veteran leadership around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. While the postseason is likely out of reach this year, Middleton’s presence provides a professional blueprint for a young roster that is still searching for its identity.

The Mavericks return to action on Sunday to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. This will be a huge test for a Dallas team that wants to overcome a two-game slump and prove they can compete with the elite of the West.

The Los Angeles Lakers underwent a change in leadership earlier this season, with longtime franchise owner Jenny Buss deciding to sell a majority share of the franchise to Mark Walter, who is now making some changes to the team’s brain trust. In recent days, the Lakers announced that executive Lon Rosen will be the team’s new president of business operations.

Rosen was the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Walter called on him to take on the role as president of the Lakers. With connections made during his time with the Dodgers, Rosen would enlist the help of Dodgers executives Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi, the combo who led L.A.’s operations during consecutive World Series title-winning seasons.

For Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, this means he will work closely with both of them, collaborating with them on roster personnel matters. According to Dan Woik of The Athletic, Pelinka “will continue to handle basketball operations” while working within an “expanded front office.”

The next few years are going to be important for the Lakers; They have to start completely building around Luka Doncic, which will take them a year or two.

The Lakers front office is poised to play a key role over the next few seasons

The Lakers’ trade for Doncic is one they would make 10 out of 10 times, but the roster they built was designed to maximize the James-Anthony Davis-led core. They are so lacking in defensive infrastructure that it will take a year or two for them to emerge as legitimate contenders in the West.

The team is preparing for the 2027 free agency period, when players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic could potentially hit free agency. It’s unclear whether Pelinka will remain with the Lakers until then, but it’s clear from their front office what the intention is.