標籤: plans

Newcastle United have impressed at the latest edition of the Brazilian Youth Cup, and are preparing for another focused scouting campaign in South America.

The Brazilian Youth Cup is officially called the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior – affectionately known as the ‘Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior’ in Brazil. “cup“ – And it is one of the most traditional tournaments in the country, which has been going on since 1969.

It’s a lightning-fast competition, with 128 teams from across the country coming together for 232 matches in just 23 days. The final is always held on 25 January, the anniversary of the city of São Paulo.

and according to espn brazilNewcastle United sent scouts to Brazil to scout several emerging prospects during the tournament.

Technical level raises Newcastle United’s expectations

ESPN reports that Newcastle were not only keeping an eye on individual players. They were also assessing the overall standard of the competition.

The view inside the club is as it is this year cup Recent editions were rated “significantly higher” in technical level. That perception has strengthened confidence in Brazil as a priority market.

However, Newcastle United have not yet decided on concrete moves. The scouting department is still defining what ESPN describes as “ultimate targets” before any official approach in the summer window.

For European clubs, that mid-year market remains a key moment for structured investment.

Part of broader Brazilian strategy

This latest wave of scouting fits into a broader plan already underway.

In December, we covered How Newcastle United laid the groundwork For a structural transition towards the Brazilian market from 2026. The project is being led by sporting director Ross Wilson, who previously brought nine Brazilian players to Nottingham Forest between 2023 and 2025.

The purpose of St James’s Park is clear. Newcastle want to enter scouting and talks first. They are targeting players up to 22 years of age keeping in mind the development potential and resale value.

In that context, the Copinha is not just a youth tournament. It is a testing ground for the recruitment model Newcastle want to expand.

what happens next

While the final decisions are pending, Newcastle United will not slow down their monitoring.

The club plans to keep a close eye on Brazil’s U17 and U20 competitions. The U20 Brazilian League, which starts this week, is already on their radar. The Scouts are also expected to participate in youth tournaments in other South American countries.

The next steps will depend on internal assessment in the coming months. Still the direction is accurate.

Newcastle are no longer treating Brazil as a casual opportunity. They are building a pipeline. cup This appears to confirm that the supply of talent remains strong – and the Magpies want to be at the front of the queue.

In a new interview, Ronda Rousey gave important insight into why her surprise comeback fight won’t take place in the company that made her a household name, the UFC.

Earlier this week, Rousey shocked the fight world when she announced plans for a completely unexpected comeback fight against fellow female MMA pioneer Gina Carano. However, what was more unexpected than his return to the cage after a decade away was that it wouldn’t be inside the UFC’s Octagon.

Rousey showed so much potential as a box office star during her tenure in Strikeforce that White was forced to back down from his announcement that he would not have women’s fights in the UFC. It was the right move as the Olympic silver medalist would emerge as one of their biggest stars during her three years with the company.

Furthermore, White and Rousey developed a legitimate friendship based on her success and ease of conversation. So why hasn’t he returned to the fight game inside the Octagon?

Cost-effective TKO strategy keeps Rousey from making UFC comeback fight

In a new interview with Jim Rome, Rousey talked about her friendship with White and mentioned that she actually first came to her last year about the idea of ​​a fight with Carano. According to the former UFC bantamweight champion, the promotion boss was so excited by the idea that he stuttered during their call.

Following White’s conversation with Carano, Rousey claims she requested that he give her a pay-per-view raise for the fight. The CEO had no problem in doing so. However, when it became clear that a bout would need to take place in 2026, it conflicted with their new media rights deal with Paramount+, where the company was no longer doing PPVs.

“They didn’t want to set the precedent of giving me the guaranteed money that I deserve, because once I raise that tide, it raises all boats,” Rousey said. “They just signed a $7.7 billion deal at Paramount, so it’s in their best interest not to take the best fights possible and spend as little money as possible so they can stay [that standard]. Dana is now legally bound to maximize shareholder value. “

So, it looks like Dana White wanted Ronda Rousey’s comeback fight. But TKO Group Holdings, the UFC’s parent company, wants to use a more cost-effective approach, especially after the Paramount+ deal. Giving her the money she wanted would have harmed those plans.

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

Roma have joined the suitors list for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, who has told the Cherries he is leaving in the summer.

This is according to Corriere dello Sport. The Italian newspaper today reports on the 28-year-old and the developing Italian battle for his signature.

The newspaper reports that Roma and Senesi were close to uniting before, with Tiago Pinto keen on it for years. They eventually signed him for Bournemouth, where he has impressed.

bournemouth goodbye official

Now the couple is ready to separate once again. According to Corriere’s information, both parties have ‘already formally said goodbye’ to next season.

The player’s agent, ROOF, has already told the Cherries that their client wants a different experience. This has led to various clubs across Europe starting to test the waters.

Roma is the latest player to join the fray. The Italian side have made inquiries about a centre-back, but know there is a lot of competition. Juventus are also keen and there have been discussions about Barcelona. For now, it appears to be Roma vs Juventus for the Bournemouth defender.

The fact that he has told Bournemouth that he is leaving means that various suitors are now going to make moves for his signature.

Roma vs Juventus

Sports Witness has been covering the growing interest in him for weeks. a report on 12^th february emphasized that Juventus were getting serious. His management also held a meeting with his agents to take things forward.

This has become clear from a report that has come since then. Senesi was asking for more than double His/her current salary packet. He’s taking advantage of his free agent status to get the best deal possible.

It remains to be seen how Roma will react to this. They have been busy spending big for Gian Piero Gasperini over the past few months, and are now focused on improving their defence.

This has put Senesi, an old target by all accounts, on their radar. As a result we are sure that we will see more of him in Italy in the coming weeks and months.

Newcastle United are set to sign Atalanta’s Odilon Koussounou in the summer. Africa Foot.

The Magpies will be looking to improve their defense next season and will want to keep the centre-back on their radar.

The Ivory Coast international joins the Serie A team from Bayer Leverkusen, initially on loan in August 2024 and then permanently a year later.

He has established himself in Italy, playing 24 matches in all competitions this season. The defender missed Atalanta matches between December and January due to AFCON.

Newcastle United keen on Kosounou

His performances for both La Dea and the national team may have caught the attention of the Premier League.

The report only names Newcastle United, who are ‘particularly interested’ in the 25-year-old to strengthen their defence.

Kosounou moved to Europe when Hammarby IF signed him from ASEC Mimosas in 2019. Later that year, the Swedish side sold him to Club Brugge, which allowed him to join Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.

He has already experienced the Bundesliga and Serie A and played in the Champions League and Europa League. The defender was also part of the Ivory Coast team that won the 2023 AFCON.

Atalanta player ideal target for Magpies

Considering his experience and profile, Africa Foot claim he is an ‘ideal candidate’ for the Tyneside club. The report further adds that Eddie Howe’s side see the Ivorian as a ‘strategic addition’ to add more quality to their defence.

Two months ago, Sports Witness Covered claims from Italy About Crystal Palace’s interest in Africa. The Eagles were looking to him as a replacement for Marc Guéhi for the winter market.

Guéhi left Selhurst Park for Manchester City, while Crystal Palace or any other club could not sign Kosounou. Atalanta, who paid €20m to buy him, have refused to let him leave at least until the end of this season.

He has a contract until 2029 and Transfermarkt currently values ​​him at €22m. Africa Foot state Kosounou is valued at €25m and Newcastle United could make a move in the next window.

If Newcastle United were to move, Atalanta could potentially request a higher fee.

When the NBA scheduled midseason games in Europe this year, some veterans complained about the extra miles and the toll it took on their bodies during a grueling campaign. Given their sacrifice to become the first team to land in Berlin, Tuomas Isalo’s unheralded Memphis Grizzlies could be forgiven for being one of the loudest voices. As it was, the schedule was brutal, and mounting losses led to the departure of Jaren Jackson Jr. Yet, for the confident Cedric Coward, the experience was far more important than the extra miles on his legs.

“It was cool. It was definitely a special experience. To be able to play the first game in Berlin, it was extremely special, especially as a newbie,” Coward told ClutchPoints. “It’s great for growing the game, giving us new experiences. People may have never been abroad before. That was my first time in Germany, so it was special. Getting a chance to connect with foreign fans.”

A transatlantic trip during the NBA season is no small ask, and the physical toll of additional travel is real. However, the 82-game grind can be somewhat monotonous, grinding in its own way. Given the shuttle schedule from airport to hotel to grounds and back, players could be forgiven for not actually remembering which city they are in. It’s not like MLB, where teams get a few days to explore a city. So Kayar is immersed in the culture, food, language and energy of living in a different part of the world.

On the business end, practices, media sessions and fan events created touchpoints with an audience that consumes the NBA at odd hours and remotely. For a young player who is still establishing his professional identity, that exposure matters.

Big picture, Seattle and Las Vegas are already on deck as the next expansion markets, with European cities also included as part of the league’s long-term vision. For a rookie still absorbing the professional lifestyle, the Berlin trip felt like a preview of what the league is becoming. Coward is no stranger to the international flavor that already defines the modern NBA.

“I’m used to it because we have so many international players,” Coward joked. “I played with teammates in college who were from Germany and Serbia, but at the same time, going out there and experiencing their culture, living in their world is definitely something special. You get to try new foods, you get to hear a new language all the time, see the way people move around, and get those street experiences that you can’t get here in the states.”

However, a player’s world can only get so big if he wants to reach All-Star status. That’s why this rookie also made it clear that his personal preparation will not be affected by this summer’s World Cup. While many Grizzlies took in some EPL games during the Euro trip, Coward plans to stick to his offseason workout regimen ahead of Summer League action. The globe may be hustling for a target in the background. Coward hopes to be playing on that kind of stage in just a few years, when NBA basketball expands beyond North America.

“I don’t really watch football that way,” Coward admitted. “I’m not a huge soccer fan, but at the same time, it’s exciting to see how big soccer is around the world. Hopefully, basketball can grow the same way around the world and be like soccer.”

This is a clear statement and instructive. The World Cup is perhaps the greatest example of a sporting event that transcends competition and becomes close to a cultural phenomenon. For the NBA and FIBA, it represents a benchmark for the kind of worldwide relevance basketball is actively pursuing. Trips like the one in Berlin are a step in that direction.

Getting quality minutes after years of watching from the sidelines has plagued Coward for the remainder of this season. Ja Morant is out for a few more weeks, but he has assured that the Grizzlies will not play in the postseason. Coward will soon have a new lottery-level partner to work with. Until then, finding some All-Rookie Team silver linings amid a losing season is the first step in getting the franchise back to the NBA Playoffs.

Charlie Gray has been around in the Manchester City first team so far this season.

He has been on the bench several times in the Champions League and Premier League. Additionally, he made his first team debut in the Carabao Cup against Brentford in the quarter-finals.

Gray is now 19 years old and has also captained Manchester City U19 in the UEFA Youth League. He has been a regular in the competition, starting the last three matches and scoring against Real Madrid and HJK Helsinki.

Now there is a possibility of citizens losing talent in the next few months.

Bologna wants a young player from Manchester City

TuttoBolognaWeb Report regarding the player’s situation, making it clear that he intends to leave Manchester City. His contract at the Etihad expires in the summer and as things stand, there is no sign of it being renewed.

Bologna are keeping an eye on Gray and are interested in bringing him to Italy. The club’s management team highly values ​​the young player and wants to beat Lazio to his signature.

The deal is being hailed as a ‘big hit’ by directors Marco De Vaio and Giovanni Sartori. They are trying to lay the foundations for a move, with Premier League clubs also interested in the midfielder.

move can help gray

Bologna could prove to be a very good move for Gray. This is largely due to the club’s reputation for shrewd recruitment and developing young players.

He famously did this for Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee before they made the big step up to the Premier League. Recent Juventus signing Emil Holm has also developed well at Bologna after joining from Spezia. Santiago Castro is also a prime example with Premier League clubs To keep an eye On Argentina.

Sartori remains one of Italy’s most capable directors at the moment. He was crucial behind the rise of Atalanta and is also playing a role behind Bologna’s rise in stature.

Bayern Munich are expected to sign Joao Palinha from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. But their plans could be spoiled with Leon Goretzka becoming available on a free transfer.

This is according to Sport BuildWhich cover today’s situation. The German newspaper reports that the recent dismissal of Thomas Frank has thrown Palahinha’s future into question.

The Portuguese midfielder joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern in the summer transfer window. That deal includes the option for him to make it permanent in the summer. It will cost them €30m to do so.

The question is whether they will do so. It is up to their next permanent manager to decide and it remains to be seen who that will be. Igor Tudor is currently the man in the dugout but only on an interim basis.

Frank’s exit creates uncertainty at Tottenham

He replaced Thomas Frank, who was a big supporter of Palhinha and wanted him in the summer. And according to Sport Bild, his exit means a permanent deal is now in jeopardy.

There is also the issue of Goretzka. He is leaving Bayern on a free transfer in the summer and would love to move to the Premier League. Tottenham is one of the English teams interested in him.

The idea is clear and distinct. Tottenham will avoid paying €30m for Pelhinha in preference to acquiring Goretzka on a free transfer. Spurs somehow get the midfielder they want but saving money while doing so would be a huge boost.

Goretzka’s interest is not new

Tottenham’s interest in Goretzka is also nothing new. Sport Witness has covered several reports about it over the past year.

These have gained momentum following his announcement that he will leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer this summer. Even, reportedly, A surprise bid at the end of the January transfer window.

The expectation is that he will be a strong target for Tottenham when the summer window opens. But now, it seems, it could also mean that Palhinha has been dropped in favor of him.

LOS ANGELES – When the smoke cleared and the dust settled, Los Angeles Lakers big man Jackson Hayes failed to advance to the final round of the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend. After a combined score of 91.8 in the first round, Hayes was defeated by Miami Heat wing Keshad Johnson and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant for the final dunk-off.

After the end of the Slam Dunk Contest, Jackson Hayes talked about whether or not he would participate in the Slam Dunk Contest again. As the oldest player in this year’s event, he hasn’t completely closed the door on another appearance, although that seems highly unlikely.

Hayes said, “This is my seventh year in the NBA, I’ll be in my eighth next year. You can see these young guys have more legs. I went up for my first dunk, I felt it right in my knees.” “I don’t think so. It was fun to do it and say I did it, but I don’t know. I’m not going to turn down the dunk contest completely, but probably not. I’d rather be in Hawaii right now.”

Each participant received two dunk attempts in the first round, with Hayes’ second attempt looking like it was a better option for him to advance. For his first dunk, he tried to take off from the free-throw line, but it appears he made a jump mistake and ended up flying just inside the line, which was essentially just a fastbreak dunk.

His second dunk really had people out of their seats when he threw the ball in front of him, tossed it in the air from one hand to the other, tossed it back to the other hand between his legs and dunked.

Jackson Hayes taps it towards him and goes between the legs for his second slam @To slam dunk 😤

Tap to watch: https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vC pic.twitter.com/pBALENoNJ0

– NBA (@NBA) 15 February 2026

Hayes became the sixth Lakers player to participate in the Dunk Contest, following Michael Cooper, Antonio Harvey, Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown and Dwight Howard, respectively. Bryant is the only Laker to win the Dunk Contest.

Hayes is really known for his in-game dunks this season, catching a lob from Luka Doncic and throwing down an impressive Eastbay dunk during the Lakers’ win against the Chicago Bulls on January 26.

This is Hayes’ third season with the Lakers after re-signing a one-year contract last offseason. He originally signed with the Lakers as a free agent in 2023 after four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans.

This year, Hayes has appeared in 45 games, including seven starts, averaging a little over 17 minutes per game. He is averaging 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals while shooting 77.2 percent from the field.

Turkish club Besiktas has not cut off contact with Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayandir. They will try to sign him in the summer transfer window.

This is according to Photomack. The Turkish outlet reports that Besiktas management will attempt to finalize a deal for the summer after failing in January.

Beyinder looks set to leave Manchester United in the near future after slipping down the pecking order at the Old Trafford. He found himself as the number one last season while Andre Onana was struggling.

But Sené Lammens’ impressive performances since his summer arrival have changed that. He is now second best under Michael Carrick.

january transfer window interest

This led to interest in him during the January transfer window. Sport Witness covered two separate reports regarding his future.

The first one actually came out back in November. It added that Besiktas were interested. If they find a way, the goalkeeper can return to his homeland.

Then, at the end of the transfer window, Sport Witness again covered a report In which it was said that Manchester United had blocked the exit at the last minute. It appears that they are leaving any business until the summer.

Now Fotomac reports that Besiktas intend to return for the Manchester United goalkeeper in the summer.

They have not broken contact with him but have maintained it. Instead, their plan is to finalize a deal in the summer by ‘pushing the boundaries’ during the summer window. It seems his plan is to get the best deal possible from Manchester United.

it makes sense to get out

Maybe Beindir will help on that front. His time at Old Trafford was not an enjoyable one, with only 17 appearances to his name in all competitions. They have conceded 31 of these goals and kept only three clean sheets.

Having been dominant since day one, he is now firmly behind Senne Lammens and is unlikely to replace him if he remains fit. A return to Türkiye would make sense, and it looks like Besiktas wants to do that.

Ahead of Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic’s sixth All-Star Game appearance, he talked about the longevity of his career, one month away from teammate LeBron James’ 41st birthday. As for Doncic, he can’t see himself in James’ shoes during the 26-year-old’s eighth NBA season.

Doncic sees a long career ahead of him, but he’s not sure if he’ll still be able to do it Playing basketball at the age of 41he said, according to ESPN’s SportsCenter.

“Definitely not 41,” Doncic said. “I won’t play until 41, I’ll tell you that.”

“Definitely not 41. I won’t play until 41, I’ll tell you that.”

At what age does Luka Doncic intend to retire😅

(via @sports center)pic.twitter.com/OKkWTcdEpr

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 14 February 2026

In his 23rd season, James is still playing at an elite level, averaging 22.0 points on 50.2% shooting, 7.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. While it’s hard to imagine LeBron retiring at the end of this season, at the very least, one more season will welcome a 24th season in 2026-27, when James turns 42.

Lakers All-Star Luka Doncic still has some way to go before he can even think about making it a career. Perhaps a conversation for their amusement about a decade from now.

LeBron James hints at retirement after Lakers’ win

Lakers veteran LeBron James isn’t waiting for his play to decline to retire. Keeping NBA fans excited, James will do this Retire on your own termshe said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“My game is not going anywhere,” James said, via Dave McMenamin. “It’s all these other things, it’s a lot of other factors that go into how long the game has to be played. I don’t think it would ever have any impact on my game if I decided to continue playing, no matter how long it is. I think it should be [my mind]:How long can I stay in love with this process?

“If I can’t continue to be in love with this process, if [my mind] If it goes, my body is going to go. And once my body is gone, it’s a wrap.

James and the Lakers entered the All-Star break 33–21, the fifth-best record in the Western Conference.