Newcastle United have now received an update on their interest in Antonio Silva, with a report revealing how much they will have to fork out on the Benfica defender…

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

Speaking on a recent episode of the Pod On The Tyne The Athletic's Chris Waugh has confirmed that Newcastle have been keen to bring in a new centre-back this summer, due to concerns over Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles:

“One of the thoughts going into the summer was that a right-sided centre-back would be a position Newcastle would like to add greater depth to,”

“And just more of a ball-playing centre-back than Jamaal Lascelles who would be the direct backup."

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed the Magpies are keen on a new defender, naming Edmond Tapsoba and Silva as two of the centre-backs "they love", although they are deemed to be "way too expensive".

As a result of Financial Fair Play concerns, it may be tricky for Eddie Howe to bring in a top defender this summer, especially considering reports from Portugal have now confirmed that Benfica are unwilling to let Silva leave for below his release clause.

According to a report from O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are "unlikely" to be able to sign the 19-year-old before the transfer deadline, as Benfica would demand his €100m (£85m) release clause to be paid in full.

The Portuguese club are unwilling to negotiate at all, as he is viewed as one of the biggest gems in their squad, meaning the Magpies will need to get in line for a potential transfer in 2024 if they really want to sign him.

Read The Latest Newcastle Transfer News HERE

How good is Antonio Silva?

Although he is still a teenager, the Viseu-born defender has already established himself in the starting XI at Benfica, making 30 league appearances in the 2022-23 campaign, during which time he averaged a Sofascore match rating of 7.17.

The youngster is currently plying his trade in a weaker division, but Kieran Trippier is the only Newcastle defender to have averaged an average higher rating in the Premier League last season, showcasing just how well he performed in the Liga Portugal.

Lauded as "amazing" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 6 foot 2 starlet ranks in the 93rd percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and the 98th percentile for his pass-completion rate, indicating he is composed in possession.

Having already picked up four caps for Portugal, Silva could now be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but his performances do not yet justify an £85m outlay, and the Magpies will have to wait until next year to sign him, given their FFP obligations.

West Ham United will have to stand firm in the coming weeks if they want to keep one of their star players as Manchester City "will bid again", claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

West Ham United news – what is the latest?

It hasn't been the window that West Ham fans would've hoped for following their historic win in the Europa Conference League final just two months ago.

Instead of welcoming in a swath of new faces to help them push on, climb the league table, and maybe have a good go at challenging for the Europa League, they sold the club captain and talisman Declan Rice to cross-city rivals Arsenal, floundered around looking for targets and struggled to sign those they identified.

That said, things have started looking up in recent days with the arrival of Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and the exciting acquisition of Mexican international Edson Alvarez.

Read the latest West Ham United transfer news HERE…

These three players should help the East Londoners genuinely improve this year; however, the efforts of treble-winning City to sign their most dynamic midfielder Paqueta over recent weeks has somewhat dampened the excitement of new arrivals.

According to the Daily Mail, the Premier League champions have already seen an offer worth £60m rising to £70m rejected by the Irons, with the London side only willing to sell their star should they receive an offer close to the player's £85m release clause that'll come into effect next year.

While that is obviously a lot of money, with City's seemingly endless resources, it's not a hard valuation to reach, and according to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, they will "100%" come back in with another offer for the Brazilian.

He provided an update on the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"City keep working on the Lucas Paqueta deal, because City will bid again for Paqueta, 100% I can guarantee to you."

How good is Lucas Paqueta?

Despite the Rio de Janeiro-born dynamo only arriving in the league last summer from Ligue 1 side Lyon in a deal worth £51m, he has already left quite the impression on fans, managers, and players alike.

His former captain Rice was full of praise for his quality and skill earlier this summer, telling the Evening Standard: "He's incredible, honestly, he's absolutely incredible."

In his 27 league starts last year, the £150,000-a-week man scored four goals, provided three assists, took 1.9 shots per game, maintained a passing accuracy of 80.2%, won four Man-of-the-Match awards and averaged a match rating of 6.97, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers are also fantastic and suggest that were he given a chance to play for a genuinely dominant side like City, he could quickly become one of the league's most deadly midfielders.

According to FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the "spectacular" star sits in the top 1% for tackles and blocks, the top 5% for clearances, the top 6% for aerial duals, the top 7% for progressive passes, and the top 16% for attempted passes, all per 90.

The Hammers faithful can only hope that David Moyes and Co are able to keep a hold of Paqueta for these final three weeks, but that might be easier said than done with the immense financial muscle at the disposal of Pep Guardiola's side.

Fulham have made an approach over a move for Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata after a transfer elsewhere fell through.

Are Fulham signing a striker?

Marco Silva’s side have endured a mixed start to the new Premier League season after a 1-0 opening weekend win over Everton was followed by a 3-0 home defeat to Brentford.

The Cottagers have been without star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after his £50m move to Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal, with the forward netting a header on his debut.

Fulham, as a result, appear to be on the hunt to replace Mitrovic before the September 1 deadline despite bringing in Raul Jimenez from Wolves and have been linked with a move for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.

However, the USA international appears to be edging closer to a move to AS Monaco. Another player who had been linked was Juventus’ Moise Kean, however, Silva has squashed that rumour while also laying out his concerns late in the window.

“No, Moise Kean is not a solution for us. I don’t like to talk about players that are not our players. Moise Kean is a player from Juventus. But I can confirm he is not the player we are looking for.”

“With more time it would be less difficult. Right now, at this moment in the mark, it is really difficult. This is the problem when you leave things for the last week of the market. We are not in the best position.”

The club’s search for a striker now appears to have led to interest in Zapata.

According to The Daily Mail, Fulham have been in contact over a transfer for Zapata by approaching Atalanta. The report states that the striker was set to make the move to AS Roma on loan but expressed doubts and the deal fell through at the 11th hour.

It is believed that Zapata is leaning towards staying at Atalanta, however, Fulham appear to be keen and have made their first move.

Who is Duvan Zapata?

Zapata is an out-and-out centre-forward who has plied the majority of his club career in Italy. The 32-year-old has turned out for Napoli, Udinese, Sampdoria and Atalanta over the last 10 years, making 283 appearances in Serie A, scoring 108 goals.

A Colombia international, Zapata is known for his physicality, with former teammate Papu Gomez describing the forward as a “beast” who is “like a train”.

“Zapata's shorts look like underwear, he is so big.

“Sometimes I don't even want to get close to him in a match because he's a beast and it hurts. When he is feeling good he's like a train – you throw the ball forward and 'ciao!'”

A proven and experienced goalscorer in Italy, a move for Zapata could be one to keep an eye on in the final days of the window, but with time ticking, you’d expect Fulham will be in contact with a number of targets over potential moves to Craven Cottage.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em Pituaçu, Bahia e Grêmio medem forças a partir das 19h15 (Horário de Brasília), em jogo que promete muita emoção aos torcedores.

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Como chegam

Após sete dias de busca, o Bahia enfim conseguiu um novo técnico. Mano Menezes assumiu o comando da equipe e vai acompanhar seus jogadores das tribunas.

Dentro de campo, o Esquadrão vem de ótimo resultado, já que segurou o Internacional no Beira-Rio e conseguiu o empate nos acréscimos.

Do outro lado do confronto a pressão exala. Sem vencer desde a rodada inicial, o Grêmio entra em campo na zona de rebaixamento e precisa dos três pontos de qualquer maneira.

Mesmo com a situação incômoda e atípica, o presidente Romildo Bolzan garante que, independente do resultado, Portaluppi segue no comando.

Prováveis

Bahia: Mateus Claus (Douglas); Nino Paraíba, Ernando, Juninho e Zeca; Gregore, Edson, Daniel e Rodriguinho; Élber e Gilberto. Técnico: Claudio Prates.

Grêmio: Vanderlei; Orejuela, Paulo Miranda, David Braz e Bruno Cortez; Lucas Silva (Darlan), Matheus Henrique, Alisson (Robinho), Isaque e Everton; Diego Souza. Técnico: Renato Gaúcho.

Manchester United have finally confirmed the departure of Fred following five years at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian has joined Turkish outfit Fenerbahce for £8.6m and although United failed to recoup the majority of the £47m they shelled out on him in 2018, the move will give Erik ten Hag some extra funds to supplement his squad.

He started just 12 Premier League matches and although he registered 12 goal contributions – six goals and six assists – it was evident he wasn’t in any of Ten Hag’s future plans.

Who could replace Fred at Manchester United?

The Dutchman is interested in signing another defender or two before the transfer window shuts, yet he may also add another midfielder to offset the loss of the Brazilian.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed last week that there was a scout in attendance to watch Jean-Clair Todibo for OGC Nice as Ten Hag looks to lure him to Old Trafford.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

According to Get French Football News, however, the scouts were also watching midfielder Khephren Thuram with regard to making a potential swoop.

The Frenchman is currently valued at around €40m (£34m) by Nice and they would be willing to do business with United should they make an offer in this region.

How good is Khephren Thuram?

The 22-year-old comes from excellent footballing stock, as his father Lillian was arguably one of the finest French defenders of all time, helping his side to World Cup and European Championship glory over 20 years ago.

Thuram could be the ideal replacement for Fred for the Red Devils, especially with the fact that he is currently shining on the continent.

Indeed, when compared to positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Thuram ranks in the top 5% for progressive carries per 90 (3.26) and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.65), suggesting that he loves to progress the ball deep into the opposition half and isn’t afraid of taking on a defender or two in the process.

Those numbers aid the suggestion that he gives "Pogba vibes" as European football expert Alex Barker once put it.

In comparison, Fred ranked outside the top 40% across the big five leagues for both metrics, managing just 0.8 progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, a major drop from the figures Thuram registered.

The Nice starlet also created more big chances (nine to four), key passes (1.1 to 0.9) and successful dribbles per game (1.3 to 0.3) than the United flop domestically, clearly indicating that he’d be an instant upgrade, especially from an attacking point of view.

Even defensively, Thuram averaged more tackles (1.5 to 1.3), interceptions (1.1 to 0.5) and won more total duels (3.8 to 2.6) per game than the new Fenerbahce midfielder.

Journalist Zach Lowy lauded the Nice gem at the beginning of the summer transfer window, saying: “Khéphren Thuram is just the sort of player that Liverpool need to transform their midfield. Elite ball carrier for someone of his size and really effective at winning the ball high up the pitch — perfect signing for Klopp’s side.”

Liverpool’s loss could certainly become Man United’s gain as Ten Hag looks to revolutionise his midfield ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

While Newcastle United appear to be done and dusted during the 2023 transfer window, Eddie Howe is still mulling over fresh faces to bolster his thriving outfit in the future.

Having qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-placed Premier League finish last term, the Magpies have worked diligently on the transfer front this summer to ensure that the squad is ready for European football and a challenge to emulate last year's feats.

Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have all been added to the first team, and while the spending is ostensibly complete, one exciting star remains of a vested interest.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

According to i news, Newcastle are plotting their next move and have identified Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, with the 21-year-old 'under consideration' for a swoop when Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations permit.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

Believed to hold a £42m release clause in his contract, Williams is now in the final year of his contract, and Howe could soon land his man on a cut-price deal.

How good is Nico Williams?

Although Williams is only young, he has already captured the awe of the masses in Basque Country and has been praised for his "daring" approach on the pitch by former manager Marcelinho.

Last season, the eight-cap Spain star scored nine goals and supplied six assists from 43 matches across all competitions as he dazzled in his wide attacking role, receiving praise for his ability in 1v1 situations, pace, and progressive nature.

This is showcased through his ranking among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, and, as such, Howe could have his hands on the next version of Allan Saint-Maximin by securing the winger's signature.

Saint-Maximin departed St. James' Park for £23m in July after forging 124 appearances for the Magpies, posting just 13 goals and 21 assists.

The 26-year-old ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for assists, and the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, and has also been dubbed a "wizard" by journalist Graeme Bailey for his brilliant, fleet-footed displays on the pitch.

Alas, the 26-year-old never quite ignited the kind of cutting edge that Howe covets, which is evidenced through his Tyneside exit and the subsequent £39m signing of Harvey Barnes, who scored 13 Premier League goals last term and ranks among the top 5% of positional peers for goals per 90.

However, given Williams' youthful age and inexperience, Howe will likely feel he can craft a refined version of the Magpie fan favourite by nurturing the whiz to the fore, maintaining his blistering pace and dribbling skills while adding goals and assists with regularity.

Described as a "sensation" by journalist Shina Oludare, Howe is wise to get in on the action, and while this is a transfer that likely will not occur over the next week, the winter transfer market could prove to be a tantalising time indeed as the burgeoning Premier League side assess their next move.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee shot out the top order, Neil Wagner bruised the batsmen in the middle, and Mitchell Santner cleaned up the tail, as New Zealand cruised to a 240-run victory at Seddon Park

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando12-Dec-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsTrent Boult and Tim Southee shot out the top order, Neil Wagner bruised the batsmen in the middle, and Mitchell Santner cleaned up the tail, as New Zealand cruised to a 240-run victory at Seddon Park. West Indies’ second innings featured only one brave stand – a 78-run association for the sixth wicket between Roston Chase and Raymon Riefer. Only on the first day of this Test can the visitors be said to have been in the hunt for victory. Avoiding defeat was always going to be difficult after giving up a first-innings lead of 152, but West Indies would perhaps be disappointed with the speed of their demise.New Zealand, meanwhile, made a strong start to their home summer, as their quicks bowled themselves into a rhythm, and key batsmen ran into form. The only downside for the hosts is that having played no Tests since March, they now have no long-format matches scheduled until March next year.Getty Images

It was Wagner and his hostility that made the greatest impression on the final day, and set New Zealand on track for a day-four finish. Combative and intense as ever, and aided by a Seddon Park track receptive to his mode of operation, he sent a torrent of deliveries at the batsmen’s ribs, and regularly threatened their throats, clearly taking pleasure in their discomfort. The bodyline barrage began in his first over of the day. Immediately after being cover-driven for four by Shai Hope, he struck the batsman flush on an unprotected forearm. The follow up: another bouncer – up near the neck this time. Hope could not control his hook, which finished up in the hands of long leg.In his next two overs, Wagner claimed two more victims. He got a ball to rear up off a back-of-a-length and struck Sunil Ambris painfully on the forearm – a blow that required the attention of a physiotherapist, and would turn out to have caused a fracture. Ambris initially stayed in the middle after receiving the blow, but one more ball from Wagner in the following over – this one at the ribs – was enough to convince him to head for the safety of the dressing room. He did not return to bat.West Indies fined for slow over rate

The West Indies players were fined 20% of their match fee, and stand-in captain Kraigg Brathwaite 40% of his, after the team was deemed to be two overs short its target in Hamilton. As per ICC regulations, the team is fined 10% of their match fee for each over they fall short, and the captain is fined twice that.
Brathwaite was already standing in as captain due to Jason Holder being suspended for previous over-rate offences – two minor over-rate offences in a Test within 12 months results in the captain being suspended.

Shane Dowrich, the man who replaced Ambris at the crease, was one of the few West Indies batsmen to avoid being struck by Wagner, but that is because he only lasted two balls. In fending off a another uncomfortable rib-high delivery, Dowrich sent a sharp catch to short leg, who claimed the chance to his right. Having also struck Chase on the upper body, Wagner would be the man to break that sixth-wicket partnership, prompting another mis-hit hook, which was again gobbled up by an advancing long leg.While Wagner had his victims caught on the legside, Boult and Southee went the more conventional route: having them caught behind the wicket on the offside. Kraigg Brathwaite was the first batsman to be dismissed on Tuesday, slapping a Boult delivery to Williamson, who took the sharp chance at head height. Williamson would see more action in that position later on. Riefer, who ground his way to a 109-ball 29 – sent a low catch in that direction, and Williamson made an incredibly difficult chance seem simple, taking the catch at shin height with his left hand.Chase was positive through the course of his 64 off 98 balls, but it was his ability to resist hooking Wagner that allowed him to survive so long. He scored his runs through the offside instead – particularly backward of point. When he was dismissed, New Zealand were on the home stretch. Kemar Roach opened his shoulders during a 44-ball 32, but Santner struck in successive deliveries to end that salvo, and the match.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAustralia’s selectors picking Shaun Marsh, and Joe Root sending Australia in to bat. If these were two of the more controversial decisions made in relation to this Ashes series, only one now appears an inspired call. On the second day at Adelaide Oval, Marsh pulled and drove his way to the fifth hundred of his Test career, while Root faced the embarrassment of seeing Australia declare in their sixth session of batting after he sent them in.Their total was 8 for 442, and they had batted for 149 overs. Root had spoken at the toss about his bowlers getting two chances with the new ball on day one, a curious mindset for a captain choosing to field. By the time Steven Smith declared, a third new ball was on the horizon. Australia’s score was only the 97th-highest total by any team having been sent in to bat in Test history, but for Root that comfort was as cold as the rainy Adelaide evening.