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brighton and hove albion Interest in Alvaro Montoro is now underway with an apparent change in Botafogo’s stance, with the Brazilian club actively planning a sale of the teenager after the World Cup.

The Premier League side are already keeping a close eye on the Argentine. As covered earlierBrighton scouts watched him live in Brazil, and his profile fits their recruitment model.

Montoro is a left-sided attacker who moves centrally, combining well in tight spaces and contributing with finishing actions as well as in the build-up phases.

Even at the age of 19, he has had a vital role at Botafogo. He has already worn the number 10 shirt and plays regularly in senior football. He recorded 3 assists in 11 league games this season and is one of Botafogo’s main creative outlets.

That early responsibility is what makes him attractive to clubs like Brighton.

Botafogo is now planning

Alvaro Montoro is no longer considered untouchable.

according to globo esporteBotafogo is now anticipating a sale of the player after the World Cup. The club’s financial situation has been described as difficult, and there is growing acceptance internally that sales of players will be necessary in the next transfer window.

Botafogo have reportedly set a price tag of between €25m and €30m (£21.5m – £25.8m) for Montoro. He is seen as one of the main assets to be sold along with the former Nottingham Forest midfielder DaniloAs part of a strategy to generate significant revenue.

In fact, the expectation is that the two players could together bring in up to €70m (£60.2m), which underlines how central Montoro is to those plans.

No formal proposal has come yet. However, the report states that the player’s representatives are already in contact with interested European clubs. Botafogo expects bids to come in when the window opens on July 20.

what happens next

This development changes the landscape for Brighton. Previously, Botafogo had taken a strong stance against selling key players, with owner John Textor publicly rejecting the idea earlier this year.

Now, the situation looks more pragmatic due to financial pressures and the need to balance the books.

That doesn’t mean Montoro will come cheap. A valuation of €25m – €30m (£21.5m – £25.8m) puts him firmly in the premium class for a still-developing teenager. However, it also gives interested clubs clarity as to what will be required.

A highly rated South American prospect, already playing senior football, and a selling club who may need to make a move soon. The next few weeks could be important.

Last week, Sport Witness covered a front page report from Spain on Barcelona’s interest chelseaMark Cucurella.

The source said the left-back wants to leave Chelsea following turmoil following Enzo Maresca’s exit in January.

This report came out a few days later The Spanish press initially covered Barcelona’s desire to snatch him from Chelsea.

Hansi Flick has Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martin as his two left-backs at the Camp Nou and it has been claimed that Barca are open to the sale of Balde.

Cucurella is not the only one on the La Liga winners’ radar for the left-back position. The Brazilian’s latest claims reflect their interest in AS Monaco’s Caio Henrique.

Chelsea star signing complicated

game Broadcast Brazil’s claims and then explain how Barcelona and AS Monaco could work on a potential deal.

Barca’s Ansu Fati is on loan at the Ligue 1 side, and the winger could be used in any talks for Caio Henrique.

Mark Cucurella and Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo are also on the Catalan club’s shortlist.

There are claims the Spain international wants to leave Stamford Bridge after this season. However, it will be difficult for the fullback to return to Barcelona in the next window.

SPORT STATE It will be complicated for Barça to sign the 27-year-old Chelsea player due to his price.

sports world Also broadcast the claims of Henrique as an option for the Spanish giants and then talk about Cucurella.

The Blues defender was initially their priority target but Chelsea have now set a high price for him. There is no mention of the figure but whatever it is, it is enough for Barcelona to pique their interest.

It seems that Hansi Flick’s team has given up on him and are now focusing on options like Grimaldo.

Our opinion: The Spaniard should stay at Chelsea

Mark Cucurella’s contract is until 2028, and transfer market He is worth €50 million.

It is unclear whether any of the top European clubs will be able to meet Chelsea’s price for Mark Cucurella. Therefore, he should remain in the English capital beyond the next window.

The fullback has played 3,437 minutes in 45 matches for the Premier League side this season.

British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker scored a quick win by stopping Brian Suarez in the opening round at the M&S Bank Arena on April 18, 2026. The contest lasted only two minutes and 20 seconds, as Whittaker improved his record to 11–0–1 with eight knockouts.

The fight was made at short notice after Callum Smith withdrew from the planned fight due to injury. Despite the late change, Whittaker stepped into the main event and seized the moment without any delay. The quick finish marked his second consecutive first-round stoppage and drew a strong reaction from the crowd in Liverpool.

Ben Whittaker stops Brian Suarez in the opening round

Whittaker started the fight at a fast pace and quickly took control. He used his jab to create space and set up his shots. Within moments, he landed a clean overhand right that dropped Suárez to the canvas. The impact was obvious, and referee Howard Foster immediately stepped in to stop the contest.

The stoppage gave Whittaker another quick win after his previous first round finish against Benjamin Gavazzi. The result extended his unbeaten streak and added to his growing record in the light-heavyweight division.

After the fight, Whittaker talked about his progress and confidence. “For me, they can all call me out. They’re calling me out for a reason. The more I get in this ring, the more experience I get, the more comfortable I get, it’s dangerous for them.”

The performance showed his ability to control and end the fight quickly without the need for additional rounds. The early finish also meant that he suffered little loss and remained active as he progressed in his career.

Eddie Hearn confirms US debut as he outlines next steps

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Whittaker’s next move immediately after the fight. Speaking on DAZN, he said the British fighter will make his American debut on June 27 at the Barclays Center.

The fight will take place on the undercard of the bout between Jaron Ennis and Xander Zayas. The event is expected to give Whittaker exposure to a new market as he continues to raise his profile.

“We know exactly what we’re doing. Next, he’s going where he needs to be, he’s going where all the superstars go and love to walk in front of the bright lights – New York, he’s coming.”

Eddie Hearn also shared plans ahead of the US debut in an interview. He said Whittaker is expected to return to headline a major fight in Birmingham later this year. He said a final eliminator for the world title could be part of that plan.

“Jaron Ennis – 175-pounder in.”

The win in Liverpool and confirmation of the US date marks the next step in Whittaker’s career as he continues to move up the light-heavyweight ranks.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

Valencia’s plans for next season have hit a wall; Leeds United are ‘highly unlikely’ to sign Larghi Ramadani on a permanent basis.

Report on Estadio Deportivo Forward today. It appears that Valencia are raising the white flag on keeping the 25-year-old from Leeds United at the end of his loan spell.

The newspaper reports that while the Mestalla club would love to keep Ramazani beyond the expiration of his loan, reality is beginning to bite; He is becoming increasingly out of reach.

effect of ramadan

The Belgian winger has been one of Valencia’s brightest players in the second half of this season, scoring five goals and two assists in 22 games despite playing less than 1,000 minutes.

His pace, direct running and ability to unlock defenses have made him a key player in recent weeks. Both Valencia and the players are happy with the arrangement after a slow start.

But praise alone will not be enough to secure a permanent deal. In fact, the demands of the leads are a big problem.

leeds united asking price

Larghi Ramazani is linked with Leeds United until 2028, and the Premier League side have no intention of letting him leave unless an ‘extraordinary’ offer is made. He is currently worth €8m.

Valencia haven’t paid that much on a single player for years. This summer they spent €16.5 million on signings, but only after bringing in €26.13 million in sales. His highest fee was €5m for Omar Sadiq.

Their top signing last season was €1.2 million, with loan signing Sadiq also having the same figure. Last year the top fee was €5m.

You would have to go back to the €8m signing of Andre Almeida in 2022/23 to match Ramazani’s current value. And it seems Leeds United want more than that anyway. This matches up with a recent report indicating that they are planning on using him next season.

Either way, a permanent move to Valencia is now seen as ‘highly complicated’ and ‘highly unlikely’ to happen this summer.

Gabriel Gudmundsson | Leeds United star allays concerns over knee injury

💬 “I immediately thought it was a bang, not a twist. If it had been a twist, I probably wouldn’t be standing here now.”https://t.co/LK2IWW2hfM #lufc #against

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 31 March 2026

Juventus have identified Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson as a target for the summer but will face an ‘almost titanic task’ to sign the Brazilian.

Bianconeri praise Brazil’s world-class profile, yet every indicator points to a mission bordering on impossible According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Alisson is one of the most revered goalkeepers in Europe, a proven match-winner whose presence transforms Liverpool’s defensive stability. The Reds have already moved to secure themselves a deal with him, recently extending the Brazilian’s contract for another year.

Contract extension complicates Juventus plans

His current deal now expires next summer instead, preventing Liverpool from leaving on a free this summer.

This makes matters a little more difficult for Juventus. The Italian giants are looking for specific solutions for next season.

Alisson’s experience, leadership and even familiarity with Serie A could make him an ideal profile, at least on paper.

But Liverpool’s move to extend Alisson’s contract has made things difficult. Juventus will now have to pay a fee for the Brazilian. And there is no evidence that Liverpool want to sell in any way this summer.

Transfer fee and Liverpool’s stance

If the fee is right the Reds could be tempted as they already have Giorgio Mamardashvili waiting in the wings. Alisson is currently worth €17m transfer market. However, there is no indication that Juventus would be willing to pay that much of a fee.

Instead, according to TMW, they see signing Alisson as an ‘almost titanic task’. This shows that they can try but if they don’t like the response from Liverpool then they won’t go much further in their efforts.

The Italian club already has a list of options for that position. This also includes David De Gea, despite not having a good season with Fiorentina. However, this is seen as a result of Fiorentina’s poor season rather than De Gea’s departure.

For now, Alisson is a pipe dream, but Liverpool have a firm grip on him. As a result, the Bianconeri’s pursuit looks more like an ambition than a realistic summer scenario.

🇧🇷 Exclusive: Liverpool eyeing Vinicius Lira

⭐️ The 18-year-old is one of Santos’ top prospects
➡️ #lfc Keeping a close eye on the fullback’s development
📈 Believe he could be a more complete talent than Souza, who recently joined Tottenham
👇 More fines 👇https://t.co/N7g9P4X4iy

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 16 March 2026