標籤: potential

chelsea Despite being left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad and seeing transfer speculation quiet over the past few days, it appears that striker Joao Pedro is refusing to make a switch this summer.

The 24-year-old has spent most of the last month at center back Reports link him to Barcelona. However, those stories now look increasingly unlikely to go anywhere, largely due to Chelsea’s valuation.

according to espn brazilThe Blues have made it clear that they will not consider an offer of less than €120m (£101m) for the forward – a figure that effectively puts him beyond Barcelona’s current reach.

This differs from previous reports which suggested negotiations could be possible. Start around the €100 million (£84.3 million) mark. So Joao Pedro looks set to stay at Stamford Bridge next season.

Chelsea’s move leaves little space for Barcelona

The Brazilian only arrived last summer and has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most productive attacking players.

The club has spent years looking for stability in the striker position. joao pedro Eventually some of it was provided. He finished the season with 20 goals and six assists in 53 games.

Selling him after one season would immediately create another problem to solve.

That’s why Barcelona’s interest has always depended on Chelsea softening its position. Instead, the opposite appears to have happened.

The latest figures reported in Brazil suggest Chelsea have become even more determined to keep hold of him.

World Cup hopes are still alive

While his club’s future looks straightforward, Joao Pedro has another priority.

The striker was disappointed not to be included in Carlo Ancelotti’s final World Cup squad and was hopeful of his inclusion.

However, instead of going on leave immediately, they have decided to stay prepared.

According to ESPN, Joao Pedro is continuing to train twice a day from home, including physiotherapy sessions, while he waits to see if he gets a chance before FIFA’s final squad deadline on June 12.

The reason is quite simple. With Neymar currently struggling with a calf injury, Joao Pedro believes a late call-up remains a real possibility if Brazil need to make changes in attacking areas.

The report states that they have completely postponed vacation plans, while this possibility is still open.

Initially, the expectation was that he would remain in London as he believed the World Cup venue was coming up. Now, he’s stopping for a different reason – in case someone still comes by.

what happens next

Unless something dramatic changes before June 12, Joao Pedro is expected to spend part of his summer with family in Rio de Janeiro.

However, until then he does not seem ready to part completely. That mentality probably says a lot about why Chelsea value him so highly.

While Barcelona’s pursuit is fizzling out, Joao Pedro is still preparing as if the biggest opportunity of his career could arrive at any moment.

And for now, Chelsea’s asking price is likely to ensure that opportunity will come with the Brazilian rather than a move elsewhere.

Jhon Lukumi has emerged as a target tottenham This week and the player’s agent has now spoken about his future.

Sunderland made a move for the defender last summer. They made a formal offer but Bologna managed to hold on to the centre-back, who had impressed during the previous campaign.

However, despite their best efforts, the Rossoblu failed to qualify for European football. due to this sports witness Covering the high possibility of Lukumi’s exit, Tottenham are now monitoring the situation with the Colombia international.

Lucmi’s agent has now spoken about his client’s future, indicating that he is ready to leave Bologna.

Proceed in PL functions

Spoke to Agent Simone Rondanini tutomercatoweb About the 28-year-old, when he addressed Lucumi’s last possible season with Bologna.

He clarified that the player is disappointed at not being able to qualify for Europe. Despite this, he has developed and improved.

“Obviously, there is a bit of disappointment, because since he has been in Bologna, the team has consistently scored important goals. However, personally, I think he is continuing to grow, and I think that has been particularly evident in the final games of the season.”

The agent was also questioned about a possible move to England. He clarified that the Bologna chapter is now probably closed.

Confirming Sunderland’s vision for 2025, he said: “Bologna is his home. As we know, there were already some important opportunities last year, but ultimately no deal was reached. I believe the boy is now ready for a new challenge, so we will carefully analyze the market and see if the conditions are right for everyone this summer.”

England’s sales efforts

The centre-back’s agent tried to force Sunderland into a sale last year. While that did not happen, Bologna have been selling their best players to English teams from 2024 onwards. The way the Italian press is promoting lucumi clearly suggests that something similar could be happening.

Tottenham are about to sign Marcos Senesi and this would make a move for Lukumi less likely. The two are similar players and of the same age, with the Argentinian set to arrive at Spurs on a free.

That’s why those around Lukumi may soon need to turn to other English clubs. This time, their exit will be more amicable. The player’s contract expires in 2027 and Bologna would be more open to a sale.

If he performs well in the World Cup, more English clubs may come calling.

Juventus are now becoming desperate to sell Andrea Cambiaso tottenham Among the claimants.

The full-backs made a poor start to the season under Igor Tudor. Things changed for the better after the appointment of Luciano Spalletti but the last few weeks have seen a downturn once again.

sports witness It covers how Tottenham have made inquiries about the versatile defender. He is also popular with other Premier League clubs, with Inter Milan also registering an interest.

The Italian had a disappointing performance against Fiorentina at the weekend. This has fueled talk of his exit and Juve will hope for a sale.

trust cambiaso has lost credibility

Journalist Gianni Balzarini spoke about the defender on his YouTube channel and seemed very confident about his situation.

He suggested that Cambiasso could no longer stay at the Bianconeri. Question marks have also been raised on his attitude.

Balzarini said – relayed by alljuve: : “In my opinion, there are some players who can no longer stay there, also because of certain attitudes. Cambiasso, because of his lack of threat – and he even laughs about it, or at least smiles about it – is a player who can no longer stay at Juventus because he no longer has the credibility to give his all for this team, at least from the outside.”

The journalist also said that Juve should sell if competitors like Barcelona or Tottenham offer around €40m.

“So, even if Barcelona’s interest in Cambiaso is confirmed €40-50 million, Juve will send him packing. This is because he no longer has the credibility to stay at Juventus. Yes, he has strategic intelligence. He has the ability to play inside the pitch as a winger. Yes, but this year he has not performed as well as he should have. Not even that.”

Cambiasso affected by instability

The 26-year-old has not had a good season. But the same applies to every other player at Juve.

Cambiaso has been a victim of this and it has set back his approach to the game. It relies heavily on their technical skills and versatility and demands a specific playing style to thrive. This has been seen in the past for Juve, the Italian national team and Bologna.

Under Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham can give him the right foundation to succeed. The Italian has shown that one of his full-backs can switch sides in midfield. Cambiaso can play that role well and can continue to do so. His age is also right and the deal should be at a fair price.

crystal PalaceThe decision not to sign Cristante Uche on a permanent basis this summer has left Spanish side Getafe ‘in crisis’.

Sports reports that Getafe The 23-year-old could be forced to sell the player this summer to avoid ‘potential financial and sporting sanctions’.

crystal palace decision

The newspaper reports that the ‘saga’ between Getafe and Cristante Uche is set to enter its second chapter. And this time, the result threatens to become a ‘real headache’ for the Spanish side.

Crystal Palace have announced that they will not exercise their purchase option, Around €20m is set for the Nigerian forward. He joined them on loan last summer, but has barely featured this season.

His return to Getafe is now imminent but it would cause problems at the club. At the beginning of the season he faced huge financial difficulties in his attempts to strengthen his team. This was mainly due to La Liga’s salary cap.

Every move had to be calculated ‘down to the millimetre’ and were dependent on exhaust. Various reports have suggested that Kristantas Uche’s move to Crystal Palace was a part of that. They relied heavily on the €20m they received from that deal to balance the books.

This was a ‘major operation’ and Getafe recorded sales of €20m with LaLiga, despite it being only a substitute. This allowed them to increase their team limit to €51.9 million, allowing them to register several new signings.

Now, with a deal not going through, the salary cap has dropped to €34.8m. There is a shortfall of approximately €17m. This blocked all deals in January and will be a problem this summer as well.

financial disaster

Now they will either have to sell Uche immediately or sell several key players. This is a situation that will affect more than just game strategy.

Not only would they face potential financial penalties, but they could also miss out on Europe. They are currently ranked seventh and are set for European competition next season. But to compete, they will need a ‘financial license’ from UEFA and the RFEF.

To receive these, they need to show ‘financial stability, strict adherence to squad spending limits, and strong financial accounts’.

That won’t happen if the current dispute with La Liga remains unresolved. Thus, there is now fear among the Spanish club ahead of the summer.

What was once seen as an ideal financial solution has now turned into a ticking time bomb. Uche’s imminent return from Crystal Palace threatens to implode the entire club.

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin has repeatedly stated that he intends to retire from full-time Cup Series racing at the end of the 2027 season. Although there is still some doubt about his execution, it appears Joe Gibbs Racing has a succession plan in place.

Fox Sports’ Bob Pockross wrote that O’Reilly Series driver Brent Cruz is “focused on driver development” so that he can replace Hamlin in the No. 11 car whenever that happens.

RELATED: Top NASCAR prospects whose stock is rising in 2026

Hamlin, who is coming off a million-dollar win in the NASCAR All-Star Race, remains easily one of the best drivers in the sport. In 2026, he leads the Cup Series in laps led (624), and his average finishing position (9.92) is even better than last season, when he won six races.

It’s not like it’s a Michael McDowell or Kyle Busch situation, where wins have become less frequent. Hamlin is a championship contender who has a legitimate chance to win every week at every oval track on the Cup Series circuit.

RELATED: NASCAR Cup Series all-time win list, including Denny Hamlin

That’s why there is considerable doubt as to whether Hamlin will actually leave when his contract expires. Whether it’s in 2027 or any year after that, JGR has a tentative plan.

Cruz, who just turned 18 in March, has been one of the best drivers in the O’Reilly Series this season. He finished in the top 10 in seven of his 10 races and finished in the top five in four races.

Widely regarded as one of the top prospects in NASCAR, with some even seeing him as a better talent than Connor Zylisch, a Cup Series ride is inevitable. Crews looks ready to step behind the wheel of the No. 11 whenever Hamlin decides to step away.

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

Stefon Diggs hit NFL free agency this offseason before settling his off-field issues, resulting in quiet months with minimal interest. Now that he’s been acquitted, it won’t be long before he finds a new home.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer addressed Diggs’ situation last week, naming the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons as possible landing spots.

Commanders and Chiefs are known in the market for their pass-catching help. While Washington hopes both Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey stay healthy in 2026, its only significant contributor in the receiving room was third-round pick Antonio Williams.

As far as Kansas City is concerned, they are looking for more depth behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton. Given that Thornton was only used as a deep threat last year and Worthy hasn’t lived up to expectations of being a first-round pick, Diggs may have a chance to become the No. 2 receiver in Kansas City next season.

Breyer believes whichever team signs him, it will likely be a one-year contract in the range of $10 million for the upcoming season. While the cap hit on a one-year deal would be less than $10 million, this ballpark figure would make Diggs approximately the 38th highest-paid receiver in the NFL.

The oddest fit of the above teams would seem to be the Rams. Los Angeles already has two established wide receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who attracted 46.9 percent of Matthew Stafford’s pass attempts in 2025. The Rams may not be able to give Diggs the role he wants.

Diggs may wait until closer to NFL training camp to ultimately sign, but his production last year demonstrated he is still a starting-caliber player. Our guess is he’ll sign with either the Chiefs or Commanders.

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 New England Patriots are expected to acquire All-Pro wide receiver AJ Brown next month in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. This appears to open the door to dealing fellow wideout Kayshon Bout.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared his belief that Bout could be acquired by any interested team for a “fifth- or sixth-round draft pick” by now and if he is interested.

• Kayshawn Bout Statistics (2025): 33 receptions, 551 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns and 16.7 yards per reception

Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is coming off back-to-back seasons with over 500 receiving yards. He proved to be a reliable deep threat for quarterback Drake Mays last season, averaging the fifth-highest average target distance (17.0 yards) along with a career-high 16.7 yards per reception.

The 24-year-old’s youth and contract certainly make him an attractive trade target. While he would just be a one-year rental, Boutte’s $3.72 million cap hit in 2026 ranks 66th among receivers. This puts him on the same level as players like Tyquan Thornton, Andrei Iosivas and Xavier Hutchinson.

However, there is no viable path to a featured role in the Patriots offense following the acquisition of Brown. Romeo Doubs was signed as the No. 2 receiver and the club is still ahead of Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and Kyle Williams.

Boutte’s name had previously surfaced in NFL trade rumors, with some believing he could be sent to Philadelphia as part of a trade package for the Browns. However, the Eagles seem set at wide receiver with Devonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontevian Wicks, Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore.

If Boute’s one-year rental is worth a Day 3 pick, he could be an interesting option for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants and Washington Commanders.

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

newcastle united There is a possibility of signing a goalkeeper in the summer and there will be a few names on their list.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness Covered claims from Germany Newcastle United are targeting Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus. He is valued at around €12m and is seen as a reasonable signing.

He joined the Bundesliga team’s academy in 2018 and earned a place in their first team in 2021.

The 22-year-old spent the 2023/24 season on loan at FC Volendam and has been Werder Bremen’s No. 1 over the past two seasons. They have five clean sheets and have conceded 56 goals in 32 games this season.

Newcastle United keen on Backhaus

At the weekend, the stopper started in Werder Bremen’s 2-0 defeat at home to Borussia Dortmund. It was his last match of the season as the German club finished in 15th place.

image Mio Backhaus received a standing ovation from the home supporters for avoiding a heavy defeat with several saves. After the match, he and his teammates thanked the fans for their support.

At the time, the goalkeeper appeared ‘remarkably emotional, his eyes slightly moist’ and Bild suggested he was saying goodbye to Werder Bremen.

ARD asked about his future and he said: “We’re spending two or three nights away with the team. Then I’ll think about it.”

He will join his teammates on the trip to Ibiza, after which the German club will have to make a decision on his future.

Bild say ‘Newcastle United are interested’ while SC Freiburg are also in the race to sign him.

If their current No. 1, Noah Atubolu, moves elsewhere and they qualify for the Champions League by beating Aston Villa in the Europa League final, the track towards Freiburg could heat up even more. In short, the Magpies will face competition to sign Backhaus.

Werder Bremen officials hint at sale

Their manager, Daniel Thiouane, wishes to retain Mio Backhaus, but would accept it if he was sold.

“It would be desirable to keep Mio Backhaus in the team. He was one of the few bright spots and winners this season. If Backhaus decides to leave, I will accept it.” He said.

Werder Bremen managing director Clemens Fritz suggests the sale of Stomper is necessary for financial recovery.

“Mio Backhaus has had a fantastic season, which no one could have predicted. We are dependent on transfer revenue. We will have to see what happens in the next few weeks,” Fritz explained.

Newcastle United awaits Aston Villa result

Eddie Howe’s side will be hoping the Villans beat SC Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

This would improve Newcastle United’s chances of convincing Mio Backhaus to select him for their Bundesliga squad.

transfer market The goalkeeper is valued at €12m, who is under contract at Werder Bremen until 2028.

RFK Racing is facing the possibility of needing to run one of its three The Chase contenders in an unnamed car next season. If the team wants to change this, it may have to pay a heavy price.

The Athletic’s motorsports reporter Jordan Bianchi wrote this week that the low-end estimate for securing a permanent charter in the Cup Series is “close to $100 million,” and it could be even higher.

RELATED: Elite RFK Racing drivers could lose chartered status in 2027

RFK currently has a charter lease from Rick Ware Racing for the 2026 season. However, that charter was sold to Legacy Motor Club to complete the team’s expansion to three full-time drivers in 2027.

A charter in excess of $100 million is the kind of price tag that teams like Spire Motorsports, 23XI Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske can possibly afford. The same was not necessarily the case with RFK’s financial situation.

This puts RFK in the same situation that team owners in the National Football League are increasingly facing. Although this is more extreme – NFL franchise value now exceeds $7 billion – NASCAR teams will need to target partnerships with private equity groups to afford the rising costs.

RELATED: Young driver named favorite for new charter at Legacy

At that point, Puck’s John Orand reported in January that private equity groups and media corporations had “informal conversations” about a possible process of taking a minority ownership stake in NASCAR. Similarly, the teams also have similar interests, with Spire’s pockets an example of how financial support from private equity can help fund operations.

Therefore, if RFK wants to obtain a charter to ensure that Ryan Preece, Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher are all eligible for the races and can receive full slotted purses for their finale, they will need to find the funds to obtain another charter.

What NASCAR charters may be available?

NASCAR still has four charters it can sell, but none of them are likely to be made available to RFK. Under the new agreement signed this year, NASCAR can create and sell four new charters to a new OEM entering the Cup Series, which is expected to be Ram.

This leaves the only options for RFK to lease or purchase the charter outright from another team. Spire, 23XI, Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Trackhouse Racing have no intentions of downsizing.

Meanwhile, Hyak Motorsports has extended Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s commitment to another season with a full-time driver in the Cup Series. Similarly, Wood Brothers Racing is expected to retain Josh Berry.

He leaves Rick Ware Racing and the Haas factory team. The most likely option would be for RWR to sell its only remaining charter, but even that may require some convincing as it would take Cody Ware out of the Cup Series.

Read more: NASCAR prospects whose stock is rising

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 Los Angeles Lakers face two important offseason decisions this summer with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. While it’s uncertain how much it would cost if the Hall of Famer is retained in the future, there is more information on the rate at which Reeves is paired with Luka Doncic.

NBA executives who spoke to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Dan Wolke said Reaves could get a multi-year extension in the range of more than $40 million per season.

RELATED: Executive details potential win-win contract for Lakers, LeBron

Reaves, age 27, is hitting NBA free agency at exactly the right time. The 6-foot-5 guard is coming off a season where he set career highs in scoring, free-throws and rebounds per game.

• Austin Reeves Stats (2025-26): 23.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 spg, 2.3 3pts per game, 36% 3pts

He’s also hitting the open market right this summer. LeBron will have a very limited number of suitors, and Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is a restricted free agent. This makes Reaves the most coveted player available in NBA free agency this offseason.

Currently, the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls stand as the two guard-needy teams with the cap space to afford Reaves. There is also expected to be interest from the Utah Jazz.

In all likelihood, a bidding war would lead the Lakers to pay more than $40 million per season to retain Reaves. A deal would mean Los Angeles is committing more than $90 million per season to Reaves and Doncic together for the foreseeable future.

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

NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman is having a tumultuous year, struggling on the track and missing time due to concussions. All of this has happened in a contract year, creating more uncertainty about his future in the No. 48 car with Hendrick Motorsports.

Fox Sports’ Bob Pokrass and The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi reported this week that teenager Connor Zylisch is a possible replacement for Hendricks if the decision is made to replace Bowman for the 2027 season.

Read more: NASCAR prospects whose stock is rising

Bowman was already seen on the hot seat entering the season. Things got off to a bad start, with the veteran driver finishing 40th at the Daytona 500, 23rd at Echo Park Speedway, and then had to retire from the car at COTA due to dizziness-like symptoms.

Unfortunately for Bowman, medical issues have been a subject for him in recent years. He had previously missed time due to neck and back problems as well as injury, resulting in long absences. It appears retirement is imminent, creating even more uncertainty over who will drive the No. 48 car next season.

Will Hendrick Motorsports replace Alex Bowman?

One thing that has become clear is that Kyle Busch will not be joining Hendricks next season as a potential Bowman replacement. This realistically leaves HMS with three options, barring anyone else being available.

Hendricks may decide to use 2027 as a development year for top prospect Corey Day. The 20-year-old will become a Cup Series rookie at the age of 21 and can use the entire season to learn to drive the next-gen car.

However, this comes at a cost. As Zilleisch’s rookie season has shown, there is a steep learning curve at the highest series. In reality Day will not have much of a chance of winning the race in 2027 and it will be a place in The Chase that HMS will probably not be able to earn.

Alternatively, Hendrick could buy Zylisch out of his contract with Trackhouse Racing and then put him behind the wheel of the No. 48 car. This would make the team one of the top emerging drivers in NASCAR, but it would also leave an uncertain future for Day.

There is an alternative option that may work for everyone. Bowman could re-sign with Hendricks on a one-year deal, his last chance to prove he belongs in the Cup Series with a top team. If he doesn’t perform up to expectations in 2027, Hendricks could either put a more experienced Day behind the wheel or pursue Zylisch as a free agent.

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 Los Angeles Clippers took a big risk ahead of this year’s NBA trade deadline when they traded talented and affordable center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for a first-round pick. The risk was in the fact that the selection was top four safe, and with one of the worst records in the league, Indy had a great chance to reach the first four spots.

But he did not do so. They moved up to No. 5 in the NBA Draft Lottery, meaning the Clippers will now have the No. 5 pick next month. Or maybe not. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, LA has plenty of options, and he suggested trading the pick to get a star to pair with Kawhi Leonard next year isn’t out of the question.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some potential trade ideas if the Clippers considered moving the No. 5 pick for short- and long-term gains.

Atlanta Hawks picks 8th and 23rd

The Clippers could certainly use the No. 5 pick in exchange for a proven star. But what if they took an NFL-style approach and tried to get a higher pick in Round 1? Many believe the class of 2026 is one of the best in a very long time, so if there was ever a year to go down and get more picks, this is it.

The Atlanta Hawks have a pair of eight-and-23. Moving back just three spots and gaining another pick in the top 25 to get two shots at landing potential stars isn’t a bad idea for a team with only one obvious star who is always waiting for an injury to happen.

Donovan Mitchell

On Friday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers can punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals with a win over the Detroit Pistons. If they don’t do that, and Donovan Mitchell doesn’t sign a max extension he will be eligible for this summer, there is speculation the Cavs could trade the seven-time All-Star.

While the fifth pick won’t be enough to get Mitchell, it’s a great starting point that will certainly tempt Cleveland. They can use the pick to get a cheap replacement for the guard, and the Clippers will have a very interesting one-two, Leonard-Mitchell, punch next season.

paolo banchero

Another route the Clippers could take would be to dangle the No. 5 pick to the Orlando Magic and see if he can be part of a trade package for forward Paolo Banchero. It feels like the Banchero and Magic relationship has hit its stride after blowing a 3-1 lead over the Pistons in the opening round of the playoffs.

A combo with Leonard would be strong, but Banchero would also give them a piece to build around long-term once Leonard is gone for a long time.

Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy

Over the past two seasons, New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III has emerged as one of the rising young stars in the league. While NO is hesitant to trade him, after another poor season, moving him for the No. 5 pick in June would be a return worth pulling the trigger.

While the 25-year-old has plenty of upside and is signed for three more seasons, the Pelicans should also include center Yves Messi in the deal to give the Clippers a good replacement for Zubac next season.

Oklahoma City Thunder picks 12 and 17, plus Isaiah Joe

One last option for the Clippers, if they trade the No. 5 pick, would be for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s selections at picks 12 and 17 in Round 1. OKC doesn’t have many roster spots, so they need to move picks and players. Moving two picks and backup guard Isaiah Joe will open up space and give them another elite prospect to go with their young core.

The trade will give the Clippers two top 20 prospects and a good, young reserve guard in Joe. Those three players could be part of LA’s new core going forward.

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

The San Francisco Giants have one of the highest payrolls in MLB this season, yet are still well below the .500 line in late May. This led to recent MLB trade rumors that the club would be sold this summer, but it may not be as aggressive as first reported.

Less than a week after USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Giants “would love to unload” Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Willie Adams and Jung Hoo Lee, FanSided’s MLB insider Robert Murray has refuted that information.

RELATED: MLB Power Rankings Week 7, see where the Giants land

The Giants front office is reportedly “optimistic” about all four players getting back on track. There are already promising signs of a turnaround from Devers, who entered MLB games today with a 1.078 OPS with 3 home runs in May.

Adams, the club’s only viable option at shortstop for the foreseeable future, has also been performing better recently. He has boasted a .333/.344/.367 triple-slash line in his last 30 at-bats, recording 5 RBI in that span.

RELATED: SF Giants reportedly have bold MLB Draft strategy

That doesn’t mean the Giants aren’t willing to be sellers at the MLB trade deadline. This is an option for the ruling, but it is not possible to completely gut the roster and move players signed to long-term deals by Buster Posey.

Instead, San Francisco will likely do what other vendors do in the summer. Pending free agents, from starting pitchers Robbie Ray and Tyler Mahle to second baseman Luis Aráez, will be made available. Such teams are always in need of pitching and infield help, so the Giants will have no shortage of suitors if they decide to move all three.

RELATED: San Francisco Giants player named as Cubs trade target

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

southampton Manager Tonanda Eckert is on Borussia Mönchengladbach’s list of potential candidates if they move for a new manager this summer.

rhenish post Report on the situation at German clubs today. According to his information, a potentially long list of options is being considered before the summer.

borussia monchengladbach decision

The big question at the moment is whether Borussia Monchengladbach will stick with Eugen Polanski or not. That situation is currently being assessed by those in charge of the club.

An internal solution is unlikely to follow Polanski, dismissing U23 coach Oliver Kirch. A more logical approach would be to look at the Bundesliga, where there are many coaches available. But there are doubts whether any of the more attractive names can be lured.

Therefore, Mönchengladbach can turn to candidates who have ‘enjoyed surprising success abroad.’ Southampton’s Tonda Eckert would fall into that category.

southampton success

He started as an analyst for the German Football Association (DFB) at the age of 18, working at Cologne, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Genoa and has now led Southampton to the Premier League promotion playoffs. He will be seen as a potentially exciting, young and talented boss of the future.

Of course, getting him back to Germany could be a difficult task. This will be especially the case if Akert takes Southampton back to the Premier League.

Mönchengladbach may have to wait to see what happens in the play-off final before attempting any moves.

But Eckert is a name on their list, albeit a very extensive one. His work and current success at Southampton has not gone unnoticed in his homeland.

And if Mönchengladbach decide to part ways with Polanski this summer, they could turn to Polanski. This decision has not been made yet, but it will be made in the coming weeks. At that point, they may turn their attention to the Southampton manager.

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the best teams in baseball this season, entering MLB games today with 27 wins and several double-digit wins. This comes as the club’s pitching staff has been decimated by injuries, but that could change at the MLB trade deadline.

MLB insider Robert Murray named starting pitchers Robbie Ray (San Francisco Giants), Joe Ryan (Minnesota Twins) and Freddy Peralta (New York Mets) among potential Cubs trade targets this summer.

Peralta surfaced in MLB trade rumors last week when Bruce Levin reported that the Cubs had talked to the Mets about a trade for the All-Star pitcher. Although that report has since been retracted, New York has given no indication it is willing to trade Peralta yet.

Chicago still desperately needs starting pitching. While Matthew Boyd (meniscus surgery) may only be sidelined for a month, Cade Horton had season-ending elbow surgery in April and fellow starter Justin Steele now faces an uncertain timeline for his return after recovering from elbow surgery.

Entering the game on May 12, the Cubs’ rotation ranked seventh in ERA (3.77), sixth in WHIP (1.17) and ninth in quality starts (15). However, since April 26, Chicago’s rotation ranks 16th in WHIP (1.26) and 12th in ERA (3.71), depth is becoming a bigger issue.

Evaluating the Cubs’ potential trade targets

Robbie Ray and Freddy Peralta appear to be the most realistic trade targets for Chicago. Both have expiring contracts, reducing the potential acquisition cost for either starter and increasing the likelihood that either San Francisco or New York is willing to make a move.

Ray, who is making $25 million this season, has outperformed Peralta this season. The 6-foot-2 southpaw has recorded a 2.76 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP in 45.2 innings, striking out 26.1 percent of the batters he faced for a .198 batting average.

Peralta, who is owed just $8 million this season, hasn’t been as effective in his first season with New York. While he has a solid 3.12 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP in 43.1 innings, it comes with a career-low 23.2 percent strikeout rate.

Given the Cubs’ infield arrangement, Peralta may be a better option. The 29-year-old righty ranks 36th among starting pitchers in groundball rate (43.7 percent), while Ray is 74th (27.4 percent).

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 Minnesota Vikings brought in significant competition for quarterback JJ McCarthy this offseason, with Kyler Murray seen as the likely starter. This raises questions about McCarthy’s future in Minnesota.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano explained that it “doesn’t make a lot of sense” for the Vikings to trade their former first-round pick just two years after moving up for them in the NFL Draft. For now, they’re hoping the competition will bring out the best in McCarthy.

“People I’ve talked to who are close to the situation insist that the Vikings haven’t given up on McCarthy – part of their hope is to bring in Murray, who gives some kind of shock to McCarthy’s system and gets him refocused on what they think he got away from last year. It’s probably a long shot, but again, it doesn’t seem like they would benefit much from trading him at this point.”

Dan Graziano on whether Minnesota Vikings will trade QB JJ McCarthy

RELATED: Insider highlights Minnesota Vikings QB competition

Recent reporting has made it clear that the Vikings have no early leader in the quarterback competition. While Murray has a vastly improved resume, Minnesota wants to give McCarthy a legitimate chance to win the starting job.

McCarthy has two things. First, Kevin is already familiar with O’Connell’s system and has chemistry with the Vikings’ receiving corps. Additionally, Minnesota also has a greater investment in him and would prefer an outcome where he becomes the long-term starting quarterback.

RELATED: Vikings rookie may reveal hint about All-Pro

Things get more interesting if McCarthy loses the starting quarterback competition. Minnesota also re-signed veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz this offseason.

Wentz performed much better than McCarthy last season, completing 65.1 percent of his passes with a 6-5 TD-INT line, an 85.8 passer rating, and he averaged 7.2 yards per attempt. For comparison, McCarthy completed only 57.6 percent of his passes with an 11-12 TD-INT ratio, a 72.6 QB rating, and he averaged 6.7 yards per attempt.

As Graziano also noted, the Vikings have already paid 70 percent of McCarthy’s rookie contract and their original draft-capital investment in that is never being recouped in a trade.

If McCarthy struggles this summer and in the preseason, Minnesota will likely move Murray as the starter and Wentz as the backup quarterback. In that case, as the third-line passer on the Vikings’ depth chart, McCarthy and his agent could push for a trade to pursue a fresh start with another franchise.

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 San Francisco Giants made the first significant trade of the 2026 MLB season, dealing Gold Glove Award winner Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Browns. In a season where a lot has already gone wrong, it appears there may be other steps to take.

USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Giants “would love to unload” first baseman Rafael Devers, third baseman Matt Chapman, shortstop Willie Adams and outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. This will be part of a “reboot” and redraft effort ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft.

RELATED: SF Giants reportedly have bold MLB Draft strategy

According to FanGraphs’ payroll tracking, the Giants have the 11th-highest payroll in MLB at $230 million. Despite investing over $200 million in the roster, San Francisco has the third-worst record in the National League (17–24) and the worst run differential in MLB (-42) through 41 games.

Will the Giants become sellers at the MLB trade deadline?

If the Giants are going to make another move a few months before the MLB trade deadline, a likely candidate to be dealt would be starting pitcher Robbie Ray. His contract is expiring and it appears he will hit MLB free agency. Dealing him would also save money, as more than half of his $25 million salary is still due this season.

RELATED: San Francisco Giants player named as Cubs trade target

After that, things become more suspicious. Adams is under contract through 2031, his age-35 season, with an average annual value of $26 million. Given his defensive limitations and only a .223/.304/.405 triple-slash line over his last 200 games, there will be a very thin market for him and San Francisco will need to cover a significant portion of the remainder.

Trading Devers would at least open up first base for top prospect Bryce Aldridge and create a more viable path for Casey Schmidt to get an at-bat in every game. However, since being traded to San Francisco he has compiled only a .237/.330/.438 triple-slash line.

Chapman, meanwhile, is under contract through 2030, when he will make $25.166 million per year as a 37-year-old third baseman. Lee, who has a .692 OPS this season, is owed $22 million annually over the next two seasons and then has a player option for 2028.

In all likelihood, San Francisco won’t have much luck trading Devers, Lee, Adams or Chapman, and a deal is also unlikely as all four hitters are struggling at the plate. If the team continues to struggle, Ray, starting pitcher Tyler Mahle and outfielder Harrison Bader are potential trade candidates.

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

At the beginning of the offseason, there were expectations that the Baltimore Ravens would be able to retain Tyler Linderbaum, their starting center for the past four seasons. The Ravens chose not to pick up his fifth-year contract option worth $23.4 million in 2024, making the three-time Pro Bowler a free agent in March.

Once Linderbaum, widely considered one of the best centers in the NFL, hit the open market, the Las Vegas Raiders wasted no time in making him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Linderbaum agreed to a three-year, $81 million contract, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL, and yes, that’s more than the average the Ravens will be paying him for the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, the Ravens now need a new starting center. Many thought Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta would have found a replacement through free agency or the draft, but he did not do so. However, he recently acknowledged that the Ravens could end up trading for their new pivot. A local insider may have an idea of ​​who Baltimore is targeting.

RELATED: 2 Baltimore Ravens trade ideas for a new center

Recently, ESPN’s Ravens insider Jamison Hensley took a look at three important questions remaining for Baltimore. One of them focused on who would be the team’s new starting center after offensive coordinator Declan Doyle took over.

That’s when he suggested a possible trade candidate, Chicago’s Garrett Bradbury. Interestingly, Bradbury has already been traded once this offseason, sending him from New England to Chicago in exchange for a fifth-round pick. That trade occurred after Chicago’s starting center retired. But the Bears have selected a center in the second round, which could leave Bradbury in a reserve role.

Bradbury, 30, was the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings before starting all 17 regular season games and four playoff games with the Patriots last season.

Although he never lived up to his full draft potential, Bradbury has started all 105 games in his seven-year career, and he would certainly be an upgrade for Baltimore.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

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

We’ve reached the slow part of the offseason, where the remaining veterans are still hoping to land one of the 90 roster spots on one of the 32 NFL teams. One team that has undergone significant change after hiring a new head coach, the New York Giants, has been a popular destination for some.

We’ve seen past greats come out and say they would love to play for new coach John Harbaugh. It also stars Jason Pierre-Paul. But it turns out, he’s not the only former Giants franchise icon who wants to re-join Big Blue for the 2026 season.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has also been vocal about returning to the NFL after spending 2025 out of the game. But OBJ doesn’t want to join just any team; He wants to play for the Giants.

Still, like Sports IllustratedIn Albert Breer’s opinion, the idea of ​​adding Beckham to the team may actually be better than not actually adding him to the team.

“Do I think this could be a really good story about a guy who wants to play football again? I do. And I’m willing to be that. But let’s not turn it into something it’s not.”

Breyer reveals several truths about where the 33-year-old receiver is in his career. Not only did Beckham not play football last season, but he also hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2019, the year before he was traded to the Giants.

it gets worse.

Beckham hasn’t played a game since 2023 where he topped 20 yards. In other words, it’s hard to imagine that a young player who may be more equipped to help on special teams wouldn’t be a more ideal long-term fit for a veteran team that already has its top four receivers on the roster.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

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

If the New York Mets season doesn’t pick up serious momentum over the next few months, a team insider offered an idea for what they could get in return if they sold some of their valuable pieces, such as Freddy Peralta.

After a poor performance in April, the Mets have played better of late. Winning four of their last six and back-to-back series. But things still feel volatile, and it wouldn’t be surprising if things spiraled out of control once again in the coming weeks and months. That’s why the idea of ​​becoming a seller before the trade deadline is being whispered among fans.

This was something a supporter questioned The Athletic’s Mets insider Tim Britton about in a new mailbag piece. In response to the question of which players are most tradeable, Britton offered some interesting ideas on what the team could get for pitcher Freddy Peralta.

He wrote, “I think Peralta would be able to bring back a top 100 prospect and maybe one other prospect in a July trade.”

Clay Holmes won’t get a strong trade return to the Mets?

The Mets gave up top 100 prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sprott in a deal for the two-time All-Star. After a poor start in his New York debut in March, Peralta has performed well in his seven starts since then. Giving up two or fewer runs in four of those starts.

Besides Peralta, who else did Britton think could get a good return in a potential trade amid the summer trade deadline? Many may consider Clay Holmes as he has had a great start to the season. However, a Mets insider suggests that since he is likely to opt out of the final year of his contract, his limited track record will hurt his value in the market.

Britton actually believes relievers Brooks Raleigh and AJ Minter can provide good returns for the club if Raleigh can maintain his strong start or Minter can get healthy. Furthermore, they do not see any obvious players who would attract much outside interest.

Britton wrote, “Bo Bichette’s complicated contract makes it difficult to trade him. Luis Robert Jr. needs to get healthy and perform to be of interest to other teams.” “Guys like Marcus Semien, Sean Mania and Kodai Senga are going to have to straight up salary dump at this point.”

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

The Atlanta Braves struck gold with the selection of catcher Drake Baldwin with the 96th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. As he emerges as an All-Star and one of the new faces of the franchise, a historic contract extension could be next for the reigning NL Rookie of the Year.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that although the Braves have not “seriously begun talks” with Baldwin to discuss a potential contract extension, an eventual deal could reset the market for catchers.

• Drake Baldwin Stats 2026 (ESPN): 9 home runs, 30 RBI, .313/.392/.532, .922 triple-slash line in 147 at-bats this season

Baldwin, 25, is proving that his breakout season last year was no fluke. Atlanta’s budding All-Star has increased his walk rate (8.5% to 9.6%) and his isolated power (.195 to .218) so far. He’s clearly one of the best catchers in baseball, and his offensive production has been vital for a club that has also faced early struggles from Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr.

Cal Raleigh is currently the highest paid catcher in MLB at an average annual value of $17.5 million. Notably, Raleigh and Los Angeles Dodgers star Will Smith is the only catcher to sign a contract worth $100 million or more. Realistically, if Baldwin signs a long-term deal he will reach that area.

There’s certainly no reason for Atlanta to rush into negotiations with Murphy. He is also not arbitration-eligible for the first time until after the 2027 MLB season. He still has additional team control remaining, so he will not be eligible for MLB free agency until 2030.

Rosenthal explained why the record for the highest AAV ever for a catcher, $23.1 million, is a figure Baldwin could surpass with his next deal. If that’s the case, Atlanta could consider a five-plus-year contract extension totaling around $120 million.

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

Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Brandon Sorsby is facing the possibility of being stripped of his eligibility by the NCAA in 2022 for allegedly betting on football games while he was with the Indiana Hoosiers. If that happens, the NFL’s supplemental draft may once again be relevant.

While the supplemental draft once produced starting-caliber players such as Josh Gordon (2012) and Ahmad Brooks (2006), a player has not been selected since 2019. Given the number of quarterback-needy teams around the league, Sorsby could change that if he decides to turn pro.

Let’s look at some potential landing spots for Soursby in the NFL supplemental draft.

green Bay Packers

This may come as a surprise. However, the Green Bay Packers would love to have a developmental quarterback behind Jordan Love who they can potentially help like they did with Malik Willis. There will be no pressure on Soursby to play in Green Bay, as he can sit behind both Love and Desmond Ridder. The Packers are projected to receive compensatory picks in Rounds 3 and 4 in the 2027 NFL Draft, which could give general manager Brian Gutekunst the option to sacrifice a third-round pick forfeiture to take Soursby in the supplemental draft. He will have four years of contractual control and can develop for another year before making him Love’s backup in 2027. After that, he’ll still be only 24 years old and the Packers could potentially flip him for premium draft capital in the 2028 NFL Draft.

RELATED: NFL executive offers reason to worry about Green Bay Packers

dallas cowboys

We are prioritizing landing locations first, where Sorsby will be under no pressure to see the field in the near future. The Dallas Cowboys have already demonstrated they are willing to gamble on young quarterbacks with attractive physical tools (Trey Lance and Joe Milton); Sorsby was a more attractive prospect than any of them when he was acquired. It will also be a homecoming for the 23-year-old quarterback, who starred at Lake Dallas High School in Denton, Texas. Sorsby will have the opportunity to learn from Dak Prescott for two-plus years before potentially taking over as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback in 2028. This may have required Jerry Jones to sacrifice a second-day pick, but he has made more aggressive moves with first-round draft capital for worse players.

Read More: 2026 NFL Power Rankings, evaluating each team after the 2026 NFL Draft

miami dolphins

While Brandon Sorsby has played 34 career collegiate games, he wasn’t really viewed as a major quarterback prospect for the NFL until last year. Now that he is dealing with a gambling scandal, there is too much risk in thrusting him into a starting role so soon. However, the worst NFL teams are willing to take more chances. Fortunately, the Miami Dolphins already have a starting quarterback to whom they are financially committed for 2026. Malik Willis’ contract should ensure that he remains the Dolphins’ starter, allowing the coaching staff to use this season as a development year for Soursby. If he makes a strong impact and demonstrates he’s ready to be the starter, Miami could potentially use a top-three pick on wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

New York Jets

If Brandon Sorsby were to be selected in the second round in the NFL supplemental draft, the New York Jets would come up as a potential option. They already have three first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft, so that Round 2 selection could already stand out as a potential trade chip. Many will believe that Soursby could challenge to become the Jets’ starting quarterback very soon, but the coaching staff is very committed to Geno Smith. A better plan would be to give Smith the first three months of the season before Soursby gets a trial run as the starter in December. If he performs really well, New York could use their first trio to build a core around him. If he struggles, take Arch Manning or Dante Moore.

RELATED: The best 2026 NFL draft classes including the NY Jets

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

Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Brandon Sorsby is facing the possibility of being stripped of his eligibility by the NCAA in 2022 for allegedly betting on football games while he was with the Indiana Hoosiers. If that happens, the NFL’s supplemental draft may once again be relevant.

While the supplemental draft once produced starting-caliber players such as Josh Gordon (2012) and Ahmad Brooks (2006), a player has not been selected since 2019. Given the number of quarterback-needy teams around the league, Sorsby could change that if he decides to turn pro.

Let’s look at some potential landing spots for Soursby in the NFL supplemental draft.

green Bay Packers

This may come as a surprise. However, the Green Bay Packers would love to have a developmental quarterback behind Jordan Love who they can potentially help like they did with Malik Willis. There will be no pressure on Soursby to play in Green Bay, as he can sit behind both Love and Desmond Ridder. The Packers are projected to receive compensatory picks in Rounds 3 and 4 in the 2027 NFL Draft, which could give general manager Brian Gutekunst the option to sacrifice a third-round pick forfeiture to take Soursby in the supplemental draft. He will have four years of contractual control and can develop for another year before making him Love’s backup in 2027. After that, he’ll still be only 24 years old and the Packers could potentially flip him for premium draft capital in the 2028 NFL Draft.

RELATED: NFL executive offers reason to worry about Green Bay Packers

dallas cowboys

We are prioritizing landing locations first, where Sorsby will be under no pressure to see the field in the near future. The Dallas Cowboys have already demonstrated they are willing to gamble on young quarterbacks with attractive physical tools (Trey Lance and Joe Milton); Sorsby was a more attractive prospect than any of them when he was acquired. It will also be a homecoming for the 23-year-old quarterback, who starred at Lake Dallas High School in Denton, Texas. Sorsby will have the opportunity to learn from Dak Prescott for two-plus years before potentially taking over as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback in 2028. This may have required Jerry Jones to sacrifice a second-day pick, but he has made more aggressive moves with first-round draft capital for worse players.

Read More: 2026 NFL Power Rankings, evaluating each team after the 2026 NFL Draft

miami dolphins

While Brandon Sorsby has played 34 career collegiate games, he wasn’t really viewed as a major quarterback prospect for the NFL until last year. Now that he is dealing with a gambling scandal, there is too much risk in thrusting him into a starting role so soon. However, the worst NFL teams are willing to take more chances. Fortunately, the Miami Dolphins already have a starting quarterback to whom they are financially committed for 2026. Malik Willis’ contract should ensure that he remains the Dolphins’ starter, allowing the coaching staff to use this season as a development year for Soursby. If he makes a strong impact and demonstrates he’s ready to be the starter, Miami could potentially use a top-three pick on wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

New York Jets

If Brandon Sorsby were to be selected in the second round in the NFL supplemental draft, the New York Jets would come up as a potential option. They already have three first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft, so that Round 2 selection could already stand out as a potential trade chip. Many will believe that Soursby could challenge to become the Jets’ starting quarterback very soon, but the coaching staff is very committed to Geno Smith. A better plan would be to give Smith the first three months of the season before Soursby gets a trial run as the starter in December. If he performs really well, New York could use their first trio to build a core around him. If he struggles, take Arch Manning or Dante Moore.

RELATED: The best 2026 NFL draft classes including the NY Jets

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 There is a race to win both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

The Gunners top the table, three points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in a two-legged Champions League semi-final with the first leg in Spain later today.

The Premier League team reached the match with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United. Leandro Trossard was an unused substitute against the Magpies and is unlikely to start against the La Liga side.

Before the European Clash, Wednesday Edition Importance of LimburgHis performances and future at the Emirates remain under focus after this season.

Arteta has already banned Arsenal exit

The newspaper reports that Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray and Besiktas were all keen on a move. However, Mikel Arteta vetoed his transfer and Arsenal reformed his contract.

As of now, it is unclear whether the Belgium international will continue at the north London club.

His contract expires in 2027 and hence, the next window will be Arsenal’s last chance to make money from his sale. there is ‘Strong Chance’ he is leandro trossard ‘Last week in an Arsenal shirt’.

The World Cup allows the former Brighton & Hove Albion man to keep himself in the spotlight if he chooses to move elsewhere.

Trossard has scored seven goals and nine assists in 44 matches so far. He failed to score and provided three assists in 2026. Despite this, HBVL say he is among the north London club’s top five ‘influential players’ this season.

If Arsenal and the 31-year-old decide to part ways in the summer, they will not be short of options.

He joined the Gunners in January 2023 and scored 35 goals and 32 assists in 168 appearances.

Arsenal is looking for the attacker

Mikel Arteta has the Belgian and Gabriel Martinelli as his two options on the left wing, and the future of both of them needs to be sorted out. Faced with the possibility of losing one or both of them, Arsenal have taken action.

The Gunners have identified Ajax star Mika Godes as a replacement. On Tuesday, Sports Witness broadcast news Their scout will follow them live this weekend against PSV Eindhoven.

two months ago, Agent of the Gods Niels de Jonck said He is not surprised by the Arsenal ties and has pushed for his client to secure a big move in the summer.

After digesting Sunny Mehta’s comments as the new general manager of the New Jersey Devils, I understand that he hinted at the fate of the head coach.

His appearance at the convention was enough evidence for me to believe that Sheldon Keefe may return. But he said a lot more about Keefe that leads me to believe he’ll be behind the bench again next season.

More information on this in the Devil’s Rink Report link below.

Also below, a potential Devils trade partner, a big breakout in Ottawa, and much more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Sunny Mehta may already have a devil’s trade partner, as Manher, a fellow general, explained that no one on his team is untouchable.

📺 devil’s rink report: While Mehta pointed out that everything is still under evaluation, I discussed the latest Devils Rink report that it certainly seems like they hinted that Sheldon Keefe may remain as head coach.

Full episode here 👇🏼

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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Forever Blueshirts: That’s why the new leadership of Mika Zibanejad is important for the New York Rangers moving forward.

Athletic ($): Are the Anaheim Ducks witnessing the birth of a franchise defenseman? Jackson Lacombe is eye-opening in the first round against the Edmonton Oilers.

Pittsburgh hockey now: Put brooms away in Pennsylvania. Here’s how the changes gave the Pittsburgh Penguins new life in the Game 4 win that saved them from elimination.

Detroit hockey now: In the midst of missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, Steve Yzerman addressed the unwanted milestone.

Montreal hockey now: Here are the top three reasons why the Montreal Canadiens have the edge over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first-round series.

Carolina hockey now: Tyler Kleven delivered a powerful blow to Carolina Hurricanes’ Alexander Nikishin on Saturday as the Carolina Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators. Rod Brind’Amour addresses the hit and provides an update after the game.

Here’s the hit:

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Sunny Mehta already has the option to pick up the phone and negotiate a potential New Jersey Devils trade and improve his top six.

After failing to make the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, the Detroit Red Wings are now the longest-serving team to miss the postseason after the Buffalo Sabers punched their ticket this spring.

Expressing his disappointment with Steve Yzerman declaring a disappointing season, he described the Red Wings as “needing better players” and said that no one in the organization is untouched.

“We will certainly look at any ways we can improve our team to take the next step,” Yzerman said. “Definitely ready to do that. We’re absolutely ready to do that.”

While it’s unclear what direction Detroit’s GM will choose to go this summer, the Red Wings certainly have some players that would benefit New Jersey in a potential Devils trade.

In his introductory press conference, Mehta explained that he wanted to “make smart, objective and educated decisions… again and again, again and again.”

He later clarified that although he has a background in analytics as a former professional poker player, stock trader, and NHL executive, he finds value in blending analytics with his hockey knowledge.

“The reason I ever cared about analytics, statistical probability, is because it helped me win. It helped me win in poker. It helped me win on the trading floor, and it helped me win in hockey. And that’s why I care about it.

“And blending, of course, is important in the same way as in poker it’s not just the numbers. You have to get a feel for your opponent. You have to understand the subjectivity of bluffing. And, you have to understand psychology. And the same is true in trading, right? You have to have a feel for the markets. You have to understand how news affects things, how subjectivity and human emotions affect things.”

So, who can the Devils target in Detroit to improve their roster?

alex debrincat

Who is better than Alex DeBrincat for goals?

DeBrincat is the Red Wings’ leading goal scorer over the past two seasons, with 41 and 39 goals respectively. 2025-26 was the third time in the 28-year-old’s nine-year career that he reached or surpassed the 40-goal mark. He has also scored more than 30 goals in five seasons in his career.

DeBrincat scores in a lot of different ways. He can finish off the rush, shoot from a different zone on offense, he scored 15 power play goals last season, and added eight assists on the man advantage.

DeBrincat is coming off a career-best 85-point season, which will certainly increase his trade value.

However, the Devils have assets to deal with.

DeBrincat – a regular running-back with Patrick Kane – would ultimately be a strong fit next to Devils stars Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt to complete that line.

He has one year remaining on his contract in 2026-27 with $7.875 million before a new contract becomes due next summer.

The Devils need to score more goals and that’s what DeBrincat does best.

lucas raymond

If the Devils want a younger option, Mehta could target Lucas Raymond.

One of the criticisms of Raymond in 2025–26 was that he needed to shoot more. Nevertheless, he scored 25 goals on 173 shots – a shooting percentage of 14.5%.

In four of Raymond’s five seasons in the NHL, he has scored 20 or more goals. In 2023–24, Raymond scored a career-high 31 goals, and the following season scored a career-high 80 points.

Raymond is a skilled all-around forward who should be spending a little more time in the prime years of his career at the age of 24.

On the downside, Raymond was trusted as the driver of his line, rather than being a complimentary piece next to Hughes or Bratt.

The Devils have assets to deal with, their first-round selection Simon Nemec and perhaps one of their young rising forward players, Lenny Haminaho.

Raymond is heading into a third, very favorable eight-year contract with a cap hit of $8.075 million.

Hey, David Blitzer gave Mehta his blessing to spend the cap. He can also swing for the fences.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

fulham Levante are interested in forward Karim Tunde ahead of the summer transfer window.

Radio Marca and journalist Matteo Moretto Fulham are reported to be interested in the 20-year-old winger ahead of the summer.

decisive season

Karim Tunde has enjoyed a successful season with Levante this season after coming through their youth system.

He is a product of Barcelona’s youth team, having previously joined them from Espanyol. He played for CF Damm Youth for two years before moving to Levante’s U19s.

He moved to Athletic Levante in 2024 before making a move to the first team this season. He has since made 16 appearances for the Spanish team this season, totaling 985 minutes. He got the only assist in a 4–2 win over Real Oviedo last month.

They are not inspiring or attention-grabbing performances in any way. But Marca and Moretto report that Fulham are interested in the winger. There is no mention of anything other than that.

Transfermarket currently rates Tunde at €1m. Presumably, a move to the Premier League would fetch a much bigger fee.

What do Fulham watch?

The question is what potential Fulham see in Karim Tunde at this point. The statistics certainly don’t suggest the 20-year-old is Premier League ready just yet.

But Tunde is versatile, physical and has explosive speed. These are all qualities that, if developed, could give him a profile that is ideal for the Premier League. Of course, the fact that he is still young is another added advantage.

It is also worth noting that the lack of their numbers is hardly an indicator. Yann Diomande, for example, had two goals and one assist in 10 games during his time with CD Leganés. Now he is a star at RB Leipzig He is being linked with a €100 million transfer to Liverpool this summer.

Due to the lack of information on offer, we’ll take this report with a pinch of salt for now. But Tunde is a name to keep an eye on, with Fulham reportedly already interested.

FC Twente are hoping Newcastle United make a big move for Christos Tzoulis this summer as it would benefit them.

Twenty Insight Report The Dutch club will benefit from FIFA’s solidarity scheme if Newcastle move to sign Tzoulis as a replacement for Anthony Gordon this summer.

Newcastle’s interest in Tzolis

Newcastle have been linked with a potential move for Christos Tzoulis this summer following the departure of Anthony Gordon.

The English forward is reportedly a target of Bayern Munich. This claim has been made in many reports in Germany Bayern see huge benefits from a deal this summer. Newcastle are also reportedly keen on striking a deal for the 25-year-old.

If he departs a replacement will be needed and reports have named Tzolis as a substitute. The 24-year-old has been impressing at Club Brugge since 2024, with 38 goals and 38 assists in 102 games so far.

He is now living up to early expectations and may be a big step forward. Twente are certainly hoping Newcastle will spend big.

€30m valuation

Christos Tzoulis is currently valued at €30m, and if Newcastle or someone else paid that price, Twente would receive €150,000. This would be a ‘nice bonus’ for the Dutch club.

But they also think they can move forward. Twente Insight reports that during the last transfer window, Newcastle paid no less than €35m in fees on their five signings.

They are clearly dabbling in the possibility of a big move for Christos Tzolis. This is even if they are only owed a small percentage of any deal.

However, it all depends on Anthony Gordon. If he departs for Bayern Munich in a big-money deal, Newcastle will have the money to spend big on a replacement like Tzolis. And if they do, Twente will be rubbing their hands.

They only have the winger on loan for one season in 2022, but FIFA’s solidarity plan will not affect him.

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

A notable NFL mock draft suggests the Los Angeles Rams will make one of the biggest trades of the 2026 event for a player considered the best at his position.

After falling just short of reaching the Super Bowl earlier this year, the Rams’ brain trust is motivated to finish the story in 2026. And why not? They will bring back most of the same roster, including reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford.

However, they made some notable changes the following season to overcome division rivals and defending league champions, the Seattle Seahawks. They made a blockbuster trade for Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Trent McDuffie. Then added his teammate Jaylen Watson in free agency. His aggressiveness has earned him the praise of rival officials.

Now, they will look for more players who can contribute in this week’s NFL Draft. They have one less selection in the first round after giving up their selection at 29th overall in the McDuffie trade. However, they still have the 13th overall pick. At that spot, they should be able to get a very good player. But there are rumors that they may not be enough.

Could the Los Angeles Rams trade up in the draft for Cornell Tate?

Maybe that’s why The Athletic’s Rams reporter Nate Atkins predicted a bold move in the outlet’s latest NFL mock draft that would have them give up the Nos. 13 and 61 picks and a 2027 fifth-rounder this week.

Atkins wrote, “The Rams are often trying to reach the top 10, but often have to go very far to achieve it.” “This year is different. They move from No. 13 to No. 6 to pursue potential receiver run backs. Carnell Tate is an option in this draft who projects as a future No. 1 pick without injury concerns. And that matters if the Rams are unsure about paying Puka Nakua.”

Atkins mentions that if Makai Lemon were still available at pick 13, he believes the Rams would remain in that slot. But receivers can blow up from that board to the back end of the top 10. This trade would bring to L.A. the player draft evaluators consider the most NFL-ready receiver at the moment.

Nacua is entering the final year of his rookie contract. After two Pro Bowl appearances in three seasons, re-signing him would seem like a no-brainer. However, the ongoing civil lawsuit and erratic behavior off the field over the past six months has raised some doubts over whether he can be invested in in the long term. The 24-year-old recently completed treatment at a holistic care and rehabilitation facility to deal with his recent internal troubles.

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

If the New York Knicks disappoint in the NBA playoffs and go head-to-head with head coach Mike Brown, his potential replacement has just become available.

Despite being on the job for less than a year, Brown is feeling intense pressure in his first postseason as head coach of the Knicks. He was hired to take the team beyond Tom Thibodeau. However, they won only two games more than the previous year, and they disappointed fans more during the 2025–26 season than in the past few.

Going into the campaign, most Knicks pundits felt the team would have to reach at least the NBA Finals for the coaches, executives, and players to keep their jobs. While firing a coach after one season is a rash move, questions have been raised about the team’s chemistry and the Browns not adjusting their system to get the most out of All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns.

But who can the team bring in with experience after failing to secure a preferred coach from rival teams last summer? Well, one of the coaches he was interested in a year ago has just become available. On Tuesday, Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan officially “resigned” from his role in the organization.

Billy Donovan would be the top Mike Brown replacement option for the New York Knicks

Rumors swirled last year that the Knicks front office was possibly considering bringing in Jason Kidd from the Dallas Mavericks and Ime Udoka from the Houston Rockets. The Athletic’s Mike Puleo noted today that before Donovan received an extension last year, “the New York Knicks reportedly pursued Donovan for their coaching vacancy, but according to multiple reports, the Bulls declined the Knicks’ interview request.”

Donovan finished his Bulls tenure with a 226–256 record and only one playoff trip in six seasons. Awesome, no doubt about it. However, as Florida’s head coach, he won two national championships, and when he took over the same job with the Oklahoma City Thunder, they went 243–157 and made the playoffs all five seasons.

What makes the 60-year-old an interesting option for the Knicks is that he is a native of Rockville Centre, NY. If the team disappoints this spring, a son of the state, who has a strong coaching resume, would make him one of the strongest replacement options on the market for the Browns.

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

It looks like the New York Mets have another interesting prospect who could soon replace Kodai Senga in the starting rotation.

Heading into the 2026 MLB season, Mets decision makers were hopeful that Senga had resolved the issues that led to last year’s disastrous finish. After posting a 5.25 ERA in August, he finished the 2025 season with a 0–3 record and a 6.18 ERA in September. However, during spring training this year, Senga’s fastball was dominant, and he seemed to recapture his All-Star form.

To start the new season, he allowed four runs in less than 12 innings in starts against the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants. It seemed like the ace pitcher was back. Then the wheels fell from its last two wires. Over 5.2 innings against the Chicago Cubs and Athletics, he gave up 14 hits, four homers and 14 runs scored.

It feels like it’s September all over again and the Mets brass should seriously consider a change as they are mired in a miserable losing streak closing in on their 10th straight. Fortunately, the club has some interesting options in its minor league system.

The New York Mets have three options to replace Kodai Senga in Triple-A

Jonah Tong was the best pitcher at any level in the Minors last year. Although he showed his inexperience in his debut at the end of 2025, the team is still ahead of his potential. Christian Scott is fully healthy after missing last season due to Tommy John surgery, and he’s looked strong in Triple-A this year. However, there is also a third option.

Top-10 Mets prospect Zack Weninger has taken some big development steps over the past year. Last season in Double-A, he went 12-6 with a 2.92 ERA and 147 strikeouts in 135.2 innings. He continued that momentum this spring, and though he didn’t make the big league roster, he has gotten off to a fast start in Triple-A. He is 1-1 with a 1.88 ERA and 15 Ks in 14.1 innings in three starts.

According to SNY Mets minor league specialist Joe DeMaio, Weninger has a fastball that has touched 97 mph, a swing-and-miss splitter, a cutter, a sinker, a gyro slider, and he has also mastered throwing a curveball at times.

The options are good, and the Mets have three good options ready whenever they want to take Senga out of the rotation.

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

San Jose Sharks phenom Maclin Celebrini capped off a season at age 19 where he broke the franchise’s single-season points record and reached milestones that were only achieved by the all-time greats. With this he can break some new records with his next contract.

In a poll of NHL agents conducted by The Athletic, Celebrini received the second-most votes to select who will be the highest-paid player in hockey by the start of the 2028–29 season.

RELATED: Why Macklin Deserves the Celebrini Hart Trophy

“Why shouldn’t Celebrini make $20 million a year? I mean, that’s a lot, but look at that kid. I guess my thing with Celebrini is I know it’s not apples to apples because Kaprizov could have become a UFA, but if you’re that, why wouldn’t I say, Kaprizov is getting it, why shouldn’t I make more than Kaprizov?”

NHL agent on Macklin Celebrini potentially getting $20M/year contract

Another survey asked agents about the future contracts of both Celebrini and fellow No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard. While the Chicago Blackhawks star received considerable praise, the general consensus was that Celebrini is on a “very different level” than Bedard.

An agent suggested that Celebrini’s eventual extension with San Jose would be in the range of $10 to $17 million per season. If the 19-year-old were to sign a short-term deal, it would most likely be somewhere between $10-12 million. If he wants long-term security and a long-term commitment to the club, that figure could reach more than $17 million.

RELATED: Love the San Jose Sharks? Watch San Jose Hockey Now

“He’s going to get a big deal, and they’re going to have to pay him. What Celebrini is doing in San Jose is incredible. It’s happening at a slower pace with other contracts being so big. This is going to take him to another level, which will reshape the way teams squeeze in their high-level guys.”

Undisclosed NHL agent on potential Macklin Celebrini contract extension (via The Athletic)

Celebrini is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Sharks on July 1. During his record-breaking season, in which he set multiple single-season franchise marks and joined the record books of legends like Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, the team was relatively quiet on a potential long-term deal.

However, Sharks general manager Mike Grier joked with reporters when asked about the matter earlier this season, saying “We probably wouldn’t try to sign him.”

For now, according to PuckPedia.com, Celebrini is under contract for next season with an $877,500 base salary with a $975,000 cap hit and performance bonuses of up to $3.5 million. While he is eligible for restricted free agency as a 21-year-old after the 2026-27 season, he will likely have a new deal with San Jose before 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

After 23XI Racing effectively won its lawsuit against NASCAR, securing a permanent charter and a large financial settlement, the team’s focus turned to re-signing Tyler Reddick. With contract negotiations stretching into the season, the new asking price could be staggering.

Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern reported this week that industry executives have estimated that Reddick’s demands in the NASCAR Fool’s Season could push his contract demand to as much as $7 million per season.

RELATED: NASCAR Power Rankings after Bristol, see where Tyler Reddick lands

It’s not hard to see why there could be an intense bidding war for Redick. Not only is 23XI Racing looking to bring him back to the No. 45 car long-term, but Hendrick Motorsports is also likely to have the No. 48 car available.

Bowman’s contract year has been derailed by vertigo, which has kept him out of four races, effectively leaving him with no realistic shot at making The Chase. He was already viewed as the hot seat entering the season, Hendrick wanted to find a driver who could give him another Cup Series championship contender.

RELATED: Denny Hamlin Addresses Tyler Reddick’s Future With 23XI

With the two teams making the most money, Reddick could use 23XI and Hendricks against each other to generate bigger offers. He’s also ready to hit the open market at just the right time in his Cup Series career.

It certainly would have been cheaper for 23XI to sign Redick to an extension before the season. He was coming off a winless season, seemingly taking a step back from winning the team’s first regular season cup title. Fast forward to now, he has made more team history.

Reddick became the first 23XI driver to win the Daytona 500 and the first driver to win three consecutive Cup Series races. Even before April hit, he broke the team’s single-season wins record with four trips to Victory Lane.

Realistically, 23XI will sign Redick to a new contract before the summer ends, and that could be followed by an announcement later this year that top prospect Corey Haim will replace Riley Herbst in the No. 35 car next season. In all likelihood, 23XI will have a three-driver team of Reddick, Hamm and Bubba Wallace in the near future.

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

evertonInterest in defender Kevin Bouma is now likely to wane after he is ruled out of the rest of the season.

Record report on centre-back today And how interest has gradually waned following an injury suffered in February. This happened despite several approaches for him in the January transfer window.

long term injury

The newspaper reports that Kevin Bouma will not return from injury until next season. The Togolese centre-back has injured a right thigh muscle.

He has been out of action since February due to this problem and now the 23-year-old player will be out till the next season.

Before the injury, Bouma was establishing himself as a key player for GD Estoril Praia and attracting considerable attention. Reports in January indicated that there were unsuccessful approaches from Paris FC, Besiktas, Everton and Augsburg.

Sport Witness covered it at the time, This also includes this report which states that Everton It wouldn’t take a big offer to get the Defender.

Now that interest has gradually diminished due to his injury. But it may not disappear completely due to his contract situation.

Contract opens up transfer opportunities

Kevin Bouma’s current deal with the Portuguese side runs until 2028. This means he will enter the final two years of his contract with them this summer.

As always, it’s an issue. Ideally, it should sell this summer. its value, Which is worth €6m according to TransfermarktThis is also the highest ever. This is a good price for Estoril but for other clubs like Everton it is a profitable deal.

Of course, they will want to fully assess the injury before taking any action. But there is the possibility of a deal being struck this summer if they want.

A lot will depend on how Bouma returns from this extended absence. But having now ruled out a return this season, the focus may be on returning to fitness and reviving interest from January.

Tottenham Hotspur It appears likely to lose Guglielmo Vicario in the summer. Roberto De Zerbi seems to have identified a potential replacement, who could also come from Italy.

The Spurs stopper is fast becoming an obvious summer target for Inter Milan. sports witness The negotiations have been widely covered, with individual terms already agreed upon between both sides.

Talks are still pending with Tottenham but the Nerazzurri are confident they can get a discount. Spurs’ potential demotion could also act as a driving force for a summer deal.

Juventus’ Michele Di Gregorio, who has had a strange season, is now in line to replace Vicario. The deal is unlikely to be easy, because tuttosport Take a closer look at the Italian.

Things are improving for Juventus players

Throughout the campaign, Di Gregorio has been the subject of criticism from many Old Lady supporters. There was a time earlier this year when he was dropped from the starting eleven, with Luciano Spalletti preferring Mattia Perin instead.

It worked, as Di Gregorio has been key in the last two games. He saved a penalty against Genoa and also put in an important performance against Atalanta at the weekend.

The newspaper believes Roberto De Zerbi is a big fan of the ex-Monza player. He is keen to bring him to Tottenham in the summer but Di Gregorio only has Juve on his mind.

The recent change in fortunes is a deciding factor as he believes he can continue to make an impact for the club. Even if Juve signs another experienced goalkeeper, he is willing to fight for the club and start regularly.

For this he has been described as ‘worthy of a superhero’, due to which the English are likely to lose interest.

Our take: Things can’t be that certain

Tuttosport has a habit of exaggerating its stance and promoting Juve’s players. This seems to be another case of the same.

Di Gregorio has made quite a change, but if Juve end up with David De Gea or Emi Martínez, there is no chance of him staying in Turin.

These are the two names that have been mentioned by the newspaper and they have proven to be shot-stoppers. He will not be second choice at any club – not even at Juve.

Furthermore, Di Gregorio’s issue has always been inconsistency and he needs to do more to turn his club’s stance around.

This is why Tottenham may still have a chance to sign the 28-year-old. Any move will depend on Premier League survival but the Italian has enough credit in the bank from last season to warrant a move to England.

The Los Angeles Chargers are in a tough position in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Joe Hortiz took the No. 22 pick late in the first round, when almost everything becomes unpredictable. Although the Chargers front office has a solid idea of ​​which players could be first-round draft prospects, there is no way to know what the teams picking ahead of them will do when the time comes.

Additionally, the Chargers only have five overall selections in the three-day event starting on April 23. Still, the Chargers are assembling their draft board, and some players who meet specific requirements will certainly stand out on draft day. But who could it be?

Recently, NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports predicted that two players who could become “surprise” selections by the Chargers at age 22 are offensive guards Emmanuel Pregnan and Chase Bissontis. Both are viewed as potential second-round picks, but as mentioned, the Chargers’ needs could push either prospect late into the first round.

“After Ioane, Emmanuel Pregnon and Chase Bissontis are neck-and-neck to finish as OG2, and both could fall in the bottom of the first round,” Pauline wrote. “The landing spot for both players is between the 26th and 38th selections, unless the Los Angeles Chargers surprise with the 22nd selection.”

The Chargers have already put Pregnon through an individual workout, and Poulin called him “definitely a Harbaugh-type blocker.” He added that the Chargers are also “taking a close look at Bisontis.”

After No. 22, the Chargers do not have any other draft selections until the 55th overall pick, when both Pregnon and Bisontis are expected to come off the board. Thus, if the Chargers really want to emerge from the draft with one of those two guards, they will have to reach up a bit, or possibly trade down a bit, to get more picks while still landing one of their top targets.

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

Tottenham Hotspur were one of the clubs present for FC Porto’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, and the visit comes at a time when Spurs are already looking to reshape parts of their squad.

Whether they stay up or fall down, expect change in North London. This makes such fixtures useful checkpoints, especially when facing a team like Porto, who have added experience and emerging talent to a strong first-leg performance.

report from portuguese game And to ball Confirmation that Tottenham had scouts at the Estadio do Dragão along with several other European sides. From a Spurs perspective, the focus is likely to go beyond a single profile.

Gomes is a wide option for Tottenham to consider

William Gomes was one of the most obvious attacking threats on the pitch. The 20-year-old winger scored for Porto and constantly caused problems with his movement and direct approach.

He finished the match having made three shots, two successful dribbles and winning six duels. His current form is also excellent, with four goals in his last five games and 13 goals overall for the season.

For Tottenham, that type of output from a wide player would be relevant. The depth of the squad in attacking areas has been constantly discussed, and Gomes offers both urgency and long-term potential.

Experience and physicality are also on display

As well as the young talents, Porto’s more experienced players also made an impact.

Sékou Fofana played a key role in the transition phases, using his strength and ability to carry the ball forward. He covered the ground effectively and contributed defensively with interceptions and recoveries, showing the kind of all-action profile that could translate well to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Zhaidu Sanusi provided the energy down the left. The 28-year-old full-back handled the pressure well and got forward again and again, helping Porto convert defense into attack. leeds united There is already an eye on him.

Both players are older than the usual Tottenham signings in recent years. However, if the club wants to balance youth with ready-made options, they represent a variety of solutions.

Veiga impresses – but Spurs have already invested

Gabriel Veiga was one of the standout performers overall. The 23-year-old dictated Porto’s attacking tempo, assisting the opening goal and completing 26 of his 29 passes.

He showed composure in tight spaces and created two strong chances. On any other day, his impact might have led to a more comfortable victory for Porto.

That said, Tottenham have recently committed significant money to Xavi Simmons, who operates in a similar role. While Veiga’s performance may have gone unnoticed, the positional overlap at this level makes the move less obvious.

Other notes of the match

Young striker Deniz Gul added energy from the bench and offered a more physical option up front. Winger Pepe also made an impact after coming on, helping Porto maintain offensive pressure towards the end of the game. Both could be good options for the Premier League rotation.

Victor Froholdt also appeared, coming on for Gabry Veiga in the second half and playing for about 30 minutes. The midfielder did not make a major impact, keeping a relatively low profile as the game dragged on. However, this should not affect his wider reputation.

Froholdt is considered one of the most sought after players in Porto’s squad Already monitored by SpursHis presence in this particular scouting mission adds an extra layer of intrigue.

As for the Nottingham Forest side, Stefan Ortega made a number of crucial saves which ensured the English side remained level despite Porto’s dominance.

In short, Tottenham looked at a mix of profiles that could meet different needs depending on their summer season.

William Gomes provides pace and output from wide areas, while Fofana and Sanusi bring experience and physicality. Gabriel Veiga impressed, even if his role matches that of a recent investment.

For a club preparing for potential change, the diversity of options is exactly what these trips are designed to assess.

The Montreal Canadiens (46-22-10) will face the Tampa Bay Lightning (48-24-6) on Thursday, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

It is a battle of two teams aiming to take first place in the Atlantic Division, although it should be noted that the Buffalo Sabers are currently the top team with 104 points. The Habs and Lightning both have 102 points, but with fewer regulation wins than the Sabres, which is the first standings tiebreaker.

Regardless of the details, it’s fair to say that Thursday’s matchup will be important beyond the divisional standings.

If the 2026 NHL playoffs began today, the Canadiens would face the Lightning in the first round, given that they are currently the second- and third-place teams in the Atlantic Division.

In other words, even though both teams have already qualified for the playoffs, and the final games in the regular season may lack in effort and passion, we’re expecting the Lightning and Canadiens to put on a great show on Thursday night.

To add to the intensity mix, this is the second time the teams will face each other in a little over a week. The Habs emerged with a 4–1 win against the Lightning on March 31.

Lineup Changes

Joe Veleno is expected to return to the lineup replacing Zachary Bolduc on the third line.

The starting goaltender has not been announced, but all signs point to Jacob Dobbs serving as Montreal’s netminder against the Lightning. The Dobbs have won six consecutive games, their last loss coming on March 19 against the Detroit Red Wings.

It should be noted that Dobbs now has a save percentage above .900, which is pretty hard to do when suiting up for the Habs. Despite their improved results this season, the Canadiens still allow their opponents to take high-danger chances every game, a situation they will need to address before the playoffs in about two weeks.

As for Caden Guhle, he skated during practice, but the Canadiens are keeping their cards close to their chest in the final stretch of the regular season, which means we’ll have to wait until pregame warm-ups to confirm whether Guhle will be in uniform. If he is unavailable, smooth-skating defenseman Adam Engstrom is expected to once again join the third pairing with Arbor Zekaj.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Cole Coffield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkowski

Alex Newhook* – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov

Joe Velano – Jake Evans – Kirby Dach

Josh Anderson – Philippe Danault – Oliver Kapanen

Mike Matheson – Noah Dobson

Jaden Struble- Lane Hutson

Adam Engstrom* – Arbor Zekaj

jacob dobbs

Tampa Bay Lightning Projected Lineup

Gage Goncalves – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov

Jake Guentzel – Nick Paul – Oliver Bjorkstrand

Zemgus Girgensons – Yanni Gourde – Connor Geecki

Jacob Pelletier – Scott Sabourin – Corey Perry

JJ Moser – Darren Raddish

Ryan McDonagh – Eric Cernak

Emile Lilleberg – Charles-Edouard d’Estous

Andrei Vasilevsky

How to watch Hubs Vs. lightning flash

Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, April 9, 2026 will be broadcast on TSN2 and RDS. A full quick recap with highlights will be available on SportsNote soon

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

Manchester City There could be an option for Boca Juniors’ Tomas Aranda in the near future.

The Premier League team had already considered Boca Juniors signing Julian Alvarez in 2022 and Maximo Peron a year later.

Alvarez left Manchester City permanently for Atletico Madrid in August 2024 and has been the number 1 under Diego Simeone.

Perrone initially joined Como on loan the same month and the Serie A side made his stay permanent the previous summer. Last month, Sports Witness broadcast news Manchester City has a 30% sell-on clause.

city ​​football group [CFB] He owns Manchester City, Ligue 2 side Troyes and second division Belgian side Lommel SK, and also has a stake in La Liga side Verona.

Manchester City option for Argentina

boca news Now report that City Football Group have set their sights on Tomas Aranda.

The 18-year-old is a product of the Argentinian club’s youth system and earned his first-team place earlier this year.

His league statistics for the Boca Juniors first team are as follows:

• Appearances: 10
• Start: 5
• Total minutes: 542
• Minutes per game: 54

The attacking midfielder’s development has already seen him Debut for Argentina U20 Last month.

He has also caught the attention of Manchester City owners, and they are keeping a close eye on him as CFG see him as a ‘potential bet for the future’.

The report does not specify which European club City Football Group wants to sign. With four European clubs, Pep Guardiola’s team could certainly be an option.

Aranda has $20m [€17.1m] He has a release clause in his contract and should be affordable for Manchester City. At present their owners are just following them.

Manager wished for a bright future

Boca Juniors manager Claudio Ubeda expects Tomas Aranda to be the best in the world hail Has released his comments.

“I’m going to reiterate what I said in the last press conference. What we always try to do with kids making debuts like this is to protect them, not overextend them.” He said.

“I hope he can become the best player in the world.”

“He has to build his career little by little, and he is doing it well with personality. The environment with his teammates helps him a lot so that he can progress, because there are always technically talented players around him who support him.”

“He’s a player who has talent, dedication and he’s good in one-on-one situations. We’re going to support him so he can continue to progress.”

Contract, price and agent information

Tomas Aranda’s contract is until December 2029 and his price is as per transfer marketIs €850k.

Argentine agency Interplayers, headed by Pablo Sabbagh and Matias Sabbagh, represents the player. His client list also includes Nottingham Forest’s Nicolas Dominguez and Valencia midfielder Guido Rodriguez.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the verge of contention. While they missed the playoffs last season, it is now up to general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles to make sure they don’t do that again in 2026.

They already have their work cut out for them after losing a pair of locker room leaders, one in Mike Evans on offense and one in Lavonte David on defense. The Buccaneers have one of the game’s great young receivers in Emeka Egbuka, but replacing David will not be easy, but free agent signee Alex Anzalone will give it his best shot.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they have the 15th overall pick in the first round. The Bucs could use that pick to help replenish an offense that will no longer have Evans. Or, they could use it to strengthen their defense after losing a defensive leader like David.

Knowing the weaknesses of the Buccaneers, athleticNick Baumgardner projects Tampa Bay to select edge-rusher Keldrick Faulk out of Auburn. Baumgardner suggested the 6-foot-6, 276-pound prospect has “pretty wild potential.”

“Faulk is 2025 first-rounder Mychal Williams without the injury history,” Baumgardner wrote. “One of the youngest players in the class, Faulk’s potential (6 feet 6 inches and 276 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms) is quite wild. Todd Bowles can have fun with this selection.”

Keeping with the theme, Faulk is viewed as a wild card with his draft projection, but he is expected to land anywhere from the top-15 to the end of the first. However, almost everyone agrees that he will hear his name called on the first night of the draft, possibly even by Tampa Bay.

RELATED: Tampa Bay Buccaneers interested in 25-year-old former first-round pick

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New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence fueled NFL trade rumors on Monday when the three-time Pro Bowl selection requested a transfer from the team. As he and the Giants try to resolve their differences, NFL teams around the league are speculating what a deal could look like for the All-Pro defensive lineman.

ESPN’s Giants reporter Jordan Raanan reported Tuesday that the consensus he had received from sources around the league was that New York’s potential return in a Lawrence trade would be a late first-round pick or an early second-round pick.

RELATED: Best Dexter Lawrence Trade Landing Spots

“He’s super, super important. He’s a cornerstone football player — not really a cornerstone, like a middle stone. He’s right in the middle. He’s a huge stone, and he’s very active, athletic.”

New York Giants HC John Harbaugh on Dexter Lawrence in March (h/t ESPN)

While New York is one of the deepest teams in the NFL, it’s a much different story internally. If Lawrence were traded, the team would rely on players like Darius Alexander and Roy Robertson-Harris to play a significant percentage of the snaps. This would be a huge blow defensively.

That’s not even to mention the fact that this would create a new need that has to be addressed in the 2026 NFL Draft. New York doesn’t have a ton of draft capital for starters, having only two top-100 selections along with four of the first 150 selections. With the club already having to address the linebackers, wide receivers, cornerbacks and offensive line, trading Lawrence would mean creating a void somewhere that can’t be adequately filled.

To make matters worse, the 2026 NFL Draft class is not particularly strong. A late first-round pick this year could have been a second-day pick last year, and the talent pool in the 25-45 range is largely the same. On a purely return basis, New York almost certainly won’t be able to come close to Lawrence’s impact.

The best option for the Giants is to resolve this contract dispute with Lawrence, finding terms that will work for him on a long-term deal. Given that the team has a starting quarterback, wide receiver and two edge rushers who are still playing on rookie-level contracts, they also have the financial flexibility to give Lawrence both a pay raise and more guaranteed money.

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

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown has been the subject of NFL trade rumors throughout the offseason, with head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman skeptical about his future. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, there’s another update on the saga.

Zach Berman of The Athletic reported Monday that very few people around the NFL are “confident” that Brown will be on the Eagles’ roster when the regular season begins. Additionally, there remains widespread speculation around the league as to which team he will ultimately play for in 2026.

“I still think it’s a real possibility after June 1. The best outcome from a football perspective would still be to bring Brown back, but there’s a reason this story isn’t over yet.”

The Athletic’s Zach Berman on the possibility of the Philadelphia Eagles trading AJ Brown (The Athletic)

RELATED: PHI Eagles showing widespread interest in key player

• AJ Brown contract (Spotrac): $23.393 million cap hit (2026), $22.705 million cap hit (2027), $27.588 million cap hit (2028), $29.307 million cap hit (2029)

This is a complicated matter for Philadelphia for a myriad of reasons. Starting at the salary cap, trading Brown before or during the 2026 NFL Draft would mean the Eagles front office is left to deal with a $43.5 million dead cap hit, and moving him would result in an immediate $20 million cap loss. If Brown is dealt after June 1, the team will only have a dead cap charge of $16.353 million in 2026, with a dead cap charge of $27.161 million in 2027.

Of course, the issue with moving him after the 2026 NFL Draft is that it would mean the pieces coming back would be draft picks in 2027. As a Super Bowl contender next season, the Eagles cannot afford to trade an All-Pro wide receiver and make their offense worse without getting someone back in return who can make a positive on-field impact next season.

Connected: The New England Patriots are reportedly eyeing a trade in Round 1 of the NFL Draft

There is another issue. Trading Brown could be interpreted as a sign by the organization to move a player who has been publicly critical of quarterback Jalen Hurts. The issue with this is, with multiple Eagles sources privately criticizing the quarterback’s leadership, coachability and effectiveness, which was a key part of ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Tim McManus’ exposé on the team’s friction last season, Hurts is now at a crossroads.

If the leak from inside the building was intended to send a message to Hurts, it doesn’t exactly help to betray the No. 1 receiver to an organization that raised the same criticisms of the quarterback. The move could also send a message to the rest of the locker room that coaches can criticize Hurts through anonymous leaks to reporters but players are required to keep everything in house.

At the moment, according to Berman, NFL executives see the New England Patriots eventually acquiring Brown and reuniting him with head coach Mike Vrabel. If that happens, it will put the Eagles organization and Hurts under an even bigger microscope this coming season, with the offense now without a standout weapon.

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 Major League Baseball Players Association made headlines earlier this week when it was announced that the union has net assets of approximately $519 million. Now it’s worth comparing this to the situation MLB owners are in before a potential lockout in 2026.

According to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale, MLB owners have $2 billion in war reserves stashed away ahead of a possible lockout in December. This comes as the league and the MLBPA have reportedly not participated in preliminary discussions on a new collective bargaining agreement after this season.

The Athletic’s Evan Dreilich previously reported that the MLBPA came into the year with $519.3 million in net worth, which represents a 47 percent increase from its net worth at the end of the 2024 season. While the players union is preparing its members for the league to be all out when the CBA expires Dec. 1, Dreilich said MLB owners have set aside $75 million per club in case regular season games are missed.

Not all MLB owners will have that much if necessary. According to Dreilich, the league has an investment fund (Baseball Endowment LP) that it can use to provide even more money to owners and clubs if the lockout lasts longer.

During the previous lockout, which delayed the start of the 2022 MLB season, all 162 regular season games were played. The last time regular season games were wiped out due to MLB’s work stoppage was during the 1994 strike, when the final third of the season and the World Series were canceled.

It has been widely reported that MLB owners are going to make an unprecedented effort for a salary cap in the next CBA, which the MLBPA has repeatedly strongly opposed. As we saw in 1994, players were willing to sit out games when owners pushed for the MLB salary cap.

Unfortunately, it is increasingly likely that there will be an MLB lockout in December 2026 that will immediately impact free agency and possibly wipe out a portion of the 2027 regular season. While both sides have taken a stand and prepared themselves financially for a work stoppage, the biggest loss could be fans and stadium workers, as well as the entirety of Minor League Baseball.

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 Green Bay Packers were one of the teams to sign veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​before he signed a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. While Cousins ​​is off the board, NFL rumors throughout the offseason indicated that head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst are looking for an insurance plan behind Jordan Love for next season.

It’s certainly possible that Green Bay could use one of their Day 3 selections on a signal-caller, but it’s much more likely that someone with starting experience will be brought in. Given the success LaFleur had in reviving the career of Malik Willis, serving as the Packers’ backup quarterback could be attractive to many passers around the league. With that in mind, let’s look at our list.

jimmy garoppolo

Shanahan is fond of coach Jimmy Garoppolo coming from the tree. When called into action, he executes the offense and his familiarity with concepts and play designs makes him a great fill-in starter or injury replacement. The Los Angeles Rams would love to bring back Jimmy Garoppolo and he is on the radar of the Arizona Cardinals, who are now coached by Mike LaFleur. With his only option being to serve as the No. 2 on the depth chart, Green Bay could prove worthwhile for the 34-year-old quarterback. Jordan Love has missed two starts due to injury in each of the last two seasons, so playing time will be a very real possibility. However, given that he is an undrafted free agent, Gutekunst may wait until after the 2026 NFL Draft to sign Garoppolo so as not to impact the compensatory selection the team receives next year.

RELATED: Predicting the landing spot for the best QB available

Will Lewis

Trading a third-day pick for one of the Tennessee Titans’ draft busts certainly worked out for the Packers two years ago. Similar to Willis, Titans quarterback Will Lewis never could put it together and the environment he had to work in certainly didn’t help him. He is in a contract year, carrying a $3.036 million cap hit in 2026, so he is definitely an affordable backup quarterback. The physical tools are still there, including excellent arm strength and above average athleticism. This would be a riskier No. 2 option behind Love than signing Garoppolo, but there is something even better with Lewis.

RELATED: Green Bay Packers considering contract extensions with 3 players

Anthony Richardson

The most interesting option for the Packers is clearly Anthony Richardson. In terms of physical tools, he brings even more to the table than Willis. Of course, he has a career 67.8 passer rating with a 50.6 percent completion rate and an 11-13 TD-INT ratio in 17 career games played. If Love is injured for several weeks and Richardson is forced to become the Packers’ starting quarterback, LaFleur will certainly be taking a gamble as the head coach of a playoff contender. There’s also no long-term benefit here, as the fully guaranteed fifth-year option on Richardson’s contract won’t be touched. That said, Richardson’s camp should see Green Bay as the best landing spot for his future and that’s equally good for the Packers.

RELATED: Green Bay Packers expected to trade for former top pick

tyrod taylor

If Green Bay doesn’t want to sacrifice a draft pick by trading for Will Lewis or Anthony Richardson and the number of suitors for Jimmy Garoppolo pushes his contract value to uncomfortable limits, there’s always Tyrod Taylor. He’ll turn 37 in August, but he’s well-respected in the locker room and has a 13-8 TD-INT line with a 63.4 percent completion rate and an 85.7 passer rating in 19 games over the past three seasons. He could be a useful starter on offense for LaFleur for a week or two, while also providing some advice for Love.

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 Kansas City Chiefs have been active this offseason, and they aren’t taking their foot off the gas anytime soon. From making moves for Kenneth Walker III and Justin Fields to locking up Travis Kelce for another three-year ride, Kansas City’s front office is acting like another Lombardi-chasing team.

But now? It’s draft season, and things are getting even more heated. With the top 30 trips stacked up and the war room in full grind mode, the Chiefs may have already got their hands on a potential 2026 pick. Or is it another classic smokescreen? Let’s break it down.

The Chiefs made major signings for the 2026 NFL Draft

For the first time since 2013, when it acquired Eric Fisher and Travis Kelce, Kansas City’s original first-round pick is in the top 10. Yes, the QB carousel has already spun. With Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza headed to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chiefs can sit back and attack the board like it’s an all-you-can-eat “best player available” buffet.

They may have already started to circle the name. Kansas City took to the X to promote offensive tackle Blake Miller and tell fans to “keep an eye” on the Clemson OT in this year’s draft. Translation? The front office is doing its homework — and maybe even shaking its hand a little.

Miller is trending as a top 20 pick and could be the first Clemson Tigers football player off the board, shaping up to be a tough Day 1 pick. Sure, he logged 97% of his reps at right tackle, but a four-year starter with a high football IQ and positional versatility? This is plug-and-play value in any system.

And make no mistake, the Chiefs need it.

What goes up must come down, and Kansas City thought it was going to crash in 2025. After a decade-long dynasty run – which included a 10-year playoff streak and a fourth consecutive Super Bowl trip – the wheels didn’t just wobble… they flew off. The season was all set before the loss to Patrick Mahomes in Week 15.

The numbers tell the story: eight losses in their last nine games, equal to their combined losses in 2023 and 2024. Eleven L on board? This is something Kansas City fans haven’t seen since before the Andy Reid era began.

Although it’s still a question whether Miller will land at Arrowhead. Kansas City has more than two first-round picks to find talent in this year’s draft.

AFC Bournemouth’s multi-club structure is starting to show more clear signs on the ground, with the activity in Portugal offering a useful glimpse of how the club is aligning players and coaching pathways.

At Moreense FC, two Bournemouth U21 players are currently working with the first team under manager Vasco Botelho da Costa. The pair – forward Jonny Day and centre-back Harold Williams – have been integrated into training during a period where the Portuguese side have struggled with a number of injuries.

That temporary step serves an immediate purpose. Moreirense is lacking in key areas including central defense and attack, and the extra bodies help maintain the intensity of training ahead of his return to league action.

However, the move also reflects something more deliberate.

The network is working in both directions

Bournemouth’s ownership group has already established a clear relationship with Moreirense. That link is now being used in a practical way, giving young players experience of the senior football environment outside England.

At the same time, it places those players directly under the guidance of a coach which is increasingly relevant to Bournemouth’s long-term thinking.

As reported in Portugal to ballTraining arrangements come through a shared structure between the clubs. Yet the broader picture shows that a system is being actively tested rather than simply existing on paper.

For Bournemouth, it provides a controlled environment to develop talent while strengthening internal relationships in their network.

Vasco Botelho remains the key figure

Vasco Botelho da Costa remains at the center of this relationship. As we covered earlierBournemouth reportedly view the Portuguese coach as a possible future option. The hope is that he can enter the frame for this role within a season or two.

His profile explains why. After starting out in Estoril’s youth setup, Botelho stepped into senior management with União de Leiria in 2022/23 and won the third division title. He then guided FC Alverca to promotion to the Primeira Liga in 2024/25.

Now working within Bournemouth’s wider structure at Morensey, he is gaining experience that matches closely with the club’s ecosystem.

What does this mean for Bournemouth

There is no immediate suggestion of change around Andoni Ierola. Nevertheless, Bournemouth’s approach appears to be increasingly structured.

Through their network they are not only developing players but also introducing potential future coaches to their methods and talent pool.

By placing academy players under Botelho’s supervision, Bournemouth creates a two-way evaluation process. The coach works with his players while the club learns more about his methods in a live environment.

This is a small detail in isolation. Still, in the context of his broader plan, it looks like another step toward a clearly delineated future.

The New York Knicks have been on the rise lately, currently sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, but have a real chance to unseat the Boston Celtics for second place. The Knicks have played the last portion of the schedule without Miles McBride, who is sidelined after sports hernia surgery.

Recently, Knicks insider James L. Edwards III provided an update on McBride’s status, which should get New York fans excited.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Deuce McBride returns Sunday against OKC,” Edwards III, formerly of the Ax, reported on Twitter.

It will certainly be a welcome sight for Knicks fans to have McBride back in the lineup as soon as possible. When healthy, the former West Virginia star provides New York with elite outside shooting, solid on-ball defense and the ability to facilitate play for his teammates.

The Knicks have largely been operating without a consistent backup point guard behind Jalen Brunson in recent weeks, as Tyler Kolek hasn’t seen much playing time after a midseason bounce. However, McBride is projected to return to his normal workload before the playoffs, which are scheduled to begin next month.

Meanwhile, the Knicks have a big game on the road against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday evening. The Hornets have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the past few months, emerging from NBA purgatory and looking like a real threat to scare a potential playoff opponent, should they reach that stage.

New York, led by rookie standout Kon Nueppel and former All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball, will have to do its best to guard the Hornets’ range of three-point shooters.

Tipoff between the Knicks and Hornets is scheduled for 7:00 pm ET from Charlotte.

Bam Adebayo hails Las Vegas as “second home” As NBA expansion discussions heated up this week, the NBA is moving forward with plans to add franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle.

According to ESPN, the NBA Board of Governors has approved a vote to formally begin exploring expansion in the two markets, an important step toward potential league growth. Shortly after the news, Adebayo spoke with reporters about the possibility of playing in Las Vegas.

“If I get a chance to play in Vegas, I get to go to my second home a little bit, so that will be nice.”

Adebayo’s ties to Las Vegas extend beyond basketball. He has been in a relationship with A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces for over a year, which has linked him to the city that has become a growing hub for professional sports.

When asked if Las Vegas could support an NBA team the same way fans support the Aces, Adebayo pointed to the unparalleled loyalty already established within the WNBA fanbase.

“I can see them supporting me like that. I don’t know about any other team. It’s a good thing because the Aces fans are really true to the Aces, so I don’t know how it’s going to happen. If they start winning like the Aces, maybe.”

Bam Adebayo on the opportunity to play in Las Vegas and whether Aces fans will support the NBA team 👀

“If I get a chance to play in Vegas and get a chance to visit my other home a little bit, that would be cool. I can see them supporting me like that. I don’t know about any other team. It’s a fine line… https://t.co/0ada2DmLdX pic.twitter.com/IheTXV2g0Q

– Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) 25 March 2026

Bam Adebayo’s arrival in Las Vegas leads to Heat’s climb up the East standings

Buoyed by the success of hosting the NBA Summer League and recent NBA Cup championship events, Las Vegas has emerged as a leading candidate for expansion along with Seattle. The city has also demonstrated strong support for other major franchises in the NFL, NHL and WNBA.

For now, Adebayo’s focus remains on the Miami Heat and their effort to build momentum heading into the season. Miami currently sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings at 38-34 after a five-game losing streak, including a 136-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.

The 28-year-old continues to power the Heat on both ends of the floor as the team tries to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Miami is 2.5 games behind the fifth-seeded Toronto Raptors (40-31).

Miami begins a two-game road trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers (45-27) on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET and then face them on Friday night at 7:30 PM ET on NBA TV.

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns’ dominant 120-98 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday showed the foundation the franchise has for the future with a group of young players.

People like Khaman Malooch, Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn have been at the forefront. While Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green got the spotlight, the last three left their mark.

Whether it’s Dunn’s growing confidence for the Suns, or Fleming gaining respect in the locker room, or Maluach’s emerging potential, the options seem endless.

During Sunday’s win, Dunn had 12 points and three steals while connecting on five of his eight shots. Meanwhile, Maluach had seven points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes, with a box score of +19.

Considering the numerous injuries and the disappointing performance 24 hours earlier, the youth movement again showed itself. Dunn hopes that’s something that continues beyond the season.

“I love it. Playing with both of them, they give a lot of life and young life,” Dunn said, when asked about the Suns’ rookie season postgame. He’s made a lot of progress since the beginning of the season… Man man, he’s coming in here, full of confidence, talking a lot, shooting, you’ve got size and athleticism.

“I think it’s a little scary, me and him being on the field together, defensively… I hope we can grow through our careers here and get better.”

Ryan Dunn enjoys playing next to rookies Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming.

“I love it. Playing with both of them, they give a lot of life and young life. They’ve progressed a lot since the beginning of the season. … Man man, he’s coming here, full of confidence, talking a lot, … pic.twitter.com/qKta7n6ucA

– Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 23 March 2026

Khaman Malooch, Ryan Dunn, Rasheer Fleming are cornerstones of the Suns’ future

Maluach’s playing time has gradually increased since the trade deadline. Phoenix dealt Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davies, opening up more space in the front court.

The combination with a sudden injury to Mark Williams provided the final mix for the former Duke center to make an impact. There was no choice whether or not the Suns wanted to play Maluach so soon.

Despite this, despite some growing pains, he stopped short of believing in the ability.

Sunday’s game was a small sample of what a potential front court could look like with Dunn, Fleming and Maluach, which makes the latter intriguing.

When asked about playing with Dunn and Fleming, Maluch explained, “It’s really fun because I see the work they do.” I see how many hours they spend in the gym.

“I’ve seen how much they’ve improved since I first saw them in Summer League. It’s a process for all of us, and we’re really trusting the process and getting better every day.”

Momentum continues around potential NBA expansion and Nevada lawmakers have made their stance clear in support of bringing a franchise to Las Vegas.

According to a report from FOX5 Vegas’ Rachel Zalucki, Nevada’s congressional delegation sent a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver urging the league to choose Las Vegas as an expansion destination. The letter, dated March 19, 2026, was signed by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, as well as Representatives Dina Titus, Mark Amodei, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford.

“The March 19, 2026 letter was signed by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, as well as Representatives Dina Titus, Mark Amodei, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford. The lawmakers urged Silver to consider Las Vegas’ 20-year partnership with the NBA through hosting Summer League and NBA Cup championships.”

The letter reads in part, “As you consider the future of the NBA, we urge you to build on the league’s local momentum by selecting Las Vegas as a site for a future league franchise.”

Las Vegas has emerged along with Seattle as one of the leading candidates for expansion as the NBA prepares for next week’s Board of Governors meeting, where an initial vote on expansion is expected.

Las Vegas’ sports success and NBA ties strengthen the case for expansion

In their letter, the lawmakers also pointed to the city’s success with other professional sports franchises as evidence of its readiness for an NBA team. He highlighted the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, a three-time championship-winning franchise, and the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, which won the Stanley Cup in 2023.

Las Vegas has also maintained a long-standing relationship with the NBA, hosting the Summer League each year and serving as a site for recent NBA Cup championship events.

As expansion discussions continue, the league is considering both market feasibility and long-term growth opportunities. The unified effort by Nevada lawmakers underscores growing support for Las Vegas as the NBA evaluates its next step.

The potential franchise defender for the Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets, or Washington Wizards is a long way from being available in June’s NBA Draft.

One of the biggest stories in the NBA after last month’s trade deadline was that many teams were doing little to hide the fact that they were vying to get one of the top three picks in the draft. While tanking is nothing new and the NBA lottery strategy was created to curb this, this year is different as the 2026 class of prospects is absolutely stacked.

Young guys like Cam Boozer, Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, Darrin Peterson and AJ DiBuntsa have NBA executives scrambling to lose their way to landing early in Round 1 of the draft. Most basketball pundits expect all five stars of the NCAA Tournament to enter this year’s event. However, these are different times in college sports.

In the era of name, image and likeness deals, college stars earn shocking sums of money for scholarships alone compared to their playing days. Dyabantsa is one of those players. According to various reports before the season, the newcomer is reportedly making $5 to $7 million from his zero commitments at BYU.

AJ DiBantsa’s mother will decide whether he enters the NBA draft

Being king for another year on a major college campus has an allure it didn’t have years ago. Therefore, star players jumping into the NBA Draft after their freshman year are no longer guaranteed. However, following the Cougars’ Round of 64 loss to Texas on Thursday, DiBantsa gave a surprising response when asked about the timeline for deciding on the draft.

“Mostly my mom,” he said about who would actually make the decisions. “She’s kind of a big boss. Just talk to her and see what she says.”

• AJ DiBuntsa Stats: 25.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.1 spg

This certainly puts an unpredictable element into the equation for teams like the Nets, Kings and Wizards, who are certainly taking a close look at using their top picks on the forward in June. Dyabantsa claimed that he would make his decision “in the next few weeks” and wanted to discuss things with his family first.

If Dyabantsa chose to stay at BYU, it would be an elite prospect off the board for the Nets, Kings and Wizards, who have a big chance to get a top-three pick in June. AJ DiBantsa led the nation in scoring (25.3 points per game), has impressive athleticism, and scoring versatility at 6-foot-9.

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

Most would agree that there are only two starting quarterback jobs that are wide open. One remains with the Arizona Cardinals, who could return running back Jacoby Brissett after a career year. The other is with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are expected to return Aaron Rodgers for a second season, but there are no guarantees.

Until the four-time NFL MVP signs a new contract with the Steelers, Pittsburgh has no choice but to keep their eyes open, in hopes of finding their next franchise QB. Heck, even if the 42-year-old quarterback returns to Pittsburgh, who’s to say the Steelers don’t want to find someone who can learn from the future Hall of Famer and, ultimately, replace him?

The Steelers could be busy doing just that by closely evaluating their batch of 2026 NFL Draft QB prospects. He had already met with Drew Allar at the NFL Scouting Combine. More recently, the Steelers scheduled another in-person visit with a different QB prospect who will be drafted in April.

This time, it’s a top 30 tour with Miami (FL) quarterback Carson Beck, who was once viewed as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Steelers also previously spoke with Beck at the combine, but now they will bring him to Pittsburgh for a closer evaluation.

Beck is coming off a season where he set new career highs in passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions. Beck finished the year by leading the Hurricanes to the national championship. However, his stock declined compared to that of a potential first-round pick after inconsistent performances, including in the CFP Final, where he completed only 59.2% of his passes for 232 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

For now, the only quarterbacks on the Steelers roster are Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, of whom new head coach Mike McCarthy is apparently a big fan. Even if Rodgers potentially returns to Pittsburgh, the Steelers will want to add at least one more QB to the roster, and this could very well be baked in.

The Steelers have 12 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the No. 21 pick. But Beck is not viewed as a first-round draft prospect. That’s why the Steelers are seeking more information on him, trying to get a feel for how aggressive they might need to be to land the 6-foot-5, 23-year-old QB.

RELATED: Waiting for Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers considering new QB

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

The Kansas City Chiefs have a new quarterback in the room. After speculation over the weekend that former Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson could be brought in ahead of the 2026 NFL season, general manager Brett Veach has initiated a trade to move in a very young direction.

Instead, Kansas City rolled the dice on a former first-round pick. With Patrick Mahomes on the mend, the Chiefs wanted a signal-caller who could step up, handle the heat and keep the offense steady when needed. Interestingly, they found that option within the AFC.

Chiefs find new QB2 as Mahomes recovery continues

The Kansas City Chiefs are finalizing a trade with the New York Jets for quarterback Justin Fields, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Fields is one of his best electric dual-threat quarterbacks. The former first-round selection brings elite athleticism and big-play ability that can change games in a heartbeat. Now, the Chiefs are bringing that skill set to Kansas City. Per the trade, the Jets receive a 2027 sixth-round pick, while paying Fields $7 million of his $10 million guaranteed.

However, there is a hurdle in the trade. Fields’ physical examination is pending; Let’s hope things don’t go as bad as they did with Max Crosby and the Ravens. With this trade, the Jets have three first-round picks and one pick each in the next four rounds, as well as three sixth-round picks, although with conditions.

Mahomes suffered ACL and LCL tears at the end of the 2025 season, and his status for the start of the 2026 campaign remains uncertain. Even if the franchise quarterback is ready to go, the Chiefs still need a reliable insurance policy behind him. This need became even more urgent after backup Gardner Minshew left in free agency to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.

Enter fields. The former Ohio State star was selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. This will be his fourth stop in the Kansas City League after stints with the Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and Jets. His role in Andy Reid’s crime will be one of the most interesting storylines of the season. Whether he ends up starting early until Mahomes recovers or simply serves as a high-upside QB2, Fields gives the Chiefs something they didn’t have before: a dynamic playmaker who can move forward and keep the offense dangerous when called upon.