標籤: sealing

On Monday evening, the Boston Celtics continued their winning ways with a narrow home win over the Phoenix Suns. The Celtics were led by Jaylen Brown, who scored an impressive 41 points on the evening, while Jayson Tatum also remains in form amid his return from an Achilles tear.

Recently, ESPN NBA analyst and former Celtics great Kendrick Perkins expressed his thoughts in “First Take” on why Boston should be viewed as the favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference this year.

“The Boston Celtics are coming off the Eastern Conference. … The way Jayson Tatum has looked since returning from that Achilles injury … I see [them] And I’m saying that’s what this couple has proven right here,” Perkins said, according to X, formerly @lockedupjb on Twitter.

In fact, Tatum and Brown have a plethora of playoff experience, both positive and negative, on their resumes, capped by their championship run in the 2024 season, in which Brown won NBA Finals MVP honors.

Meanwhile, Tatum isn’t looking like the full version of himself right now, as should be expected as he recovers from Achilles surgery after nearly a year off, but Celtics fans should still be encouraged by how much progress he’s made from where he started a week ago against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Eastern Conference, despite its reputation, is loaded with talent this year, and Boston will have some challengers, including the Detroit Pistons and the team that beat them last year, the New York Knicks.

However, if Boston doesn’t suffer one of their infamous playoff meltdowns this year, the team clearly has the talent to compete with anyone, not just in the Eastern Conference, but in the entire NBA.

Liverpool have made a significant move in their pursuit of Allan Elias, with reports in Brazil claiming they are now close to agreeing terms with Palmeiras.

according to local sourceLiverpool currently hold priority in negotiations and want to make a deal that would see the 21-year-old arrive after the Club World Cup. Palmeiras is pushing for a package that could reach €35m (£30m) including performance-related bonuses.

The final figures have not been confirmed yet. However, both clubs are said to be working on provisions that would allow the Brazilian side to reach their valuation without compromising Liverpool’s long-term plans.

Palmeiras does not consider Allen untouchable. In fact, the club built part of their 2026 financial strategy around his potential sale. A transfer in the region of €35 million (£30 million) would take them closer to Estimated revenue target of around €70m (£60m) From the sale of new players.

This structure mirrors past Brazilian exports. Liverpool will now secure the player but will delay his arrival, thereby protecting Palmeiras’ sporting objectives in the short term.

Newcastle’s interest diminished by Liverpool’s actions

Newcastle United made a strong push For Alan in the first window. Reports have described the Magpies as preparing an “immediate” deal and willing to make a heavy investment. However, he never submitted a formal proposal. Aston Villa were also connected.

napoli failed Offers reached €35 ​​million (£30 million), while Benfica and MLS clubs made inquiries. Liverpool now appear to be the first side to take the discussion into advanced territory.

Allan has a contract until 2029 and a release clause of around €100m (£86m). He could not become an undisputed starter under Abel Ferreira, yet he made important performances in decisive matches and remains one of Palmeiras’ most valuable assets.

what happens next

If Liverpool complete a deal in the coming weeks, Newcastle could face a late decision. Either they increase their speed in response, or move aside.

At the moment, Liverpool is leading the race. It is believed the transfer could be signed in the next few weeks.