Despite needing to replace Jack Clarke, Sunderland reportedly pulled out of talks to sign a 23-year-old winger in what would have been a loan deal from Liverpool this season.

Sunderland transfer news

On paper, losing Clarke to Ipswich Town is a major blow. On the pitch, however, it seems to have played little part. Regis Le Bris' side are flying high at the top of the Championship as the only side to have taken maximum points from their first four games. The Black Cats may have taken their time in search of their latest permanent manager, but patience has so far been a virtue.

Whether those at the Stadium of Light can credit their summer transfer business for such a blistering start remains to be seen. After all, the Black Cats didn't exactly splash the Clarke money, instead mainly focusing on free deals for the likes of Wilson Isidor and Ian Poveda.

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They also reportedly missed out on the chance to sign a replacement for their former star man. According to reports in Mexico, as relayed by LFC Transfer Room, Sunderland pulled out of a deal to sign Cesar Huertas having failed to agree terms. The Pumas winger would have joined Liverpool before heading out on loan to Wearside, only for the Black Cats to cause the deal to fall through.

A player who Liverpool certainly deemed good enough to welcome to Anfield, Sunderland may have missed a trick by pulling out of such a loan deal this summer.

Huertas could have replaced Clarke

If Sunderland are in good stead without a big-money replacement for Clarke, then the mind can only wonder just how good they'd be had they signed Huertas on loan for the season. The 23-year-old enjoyed quite the campaign for Pumas last time out and more than showcased his ability to become the main man elsewhere.

Appearances

39

28

Goals

15

9

Assists

4

9

Whilst Huertas failed to match Clarke on the goals front, his all round brilliance is clear to see with nine goals and nine assists representing his eye for both creating and finding the back of the net himself.

When the January transfer window swings open, it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool move to sign the winger again and Sunderland find themselves in position to land a loan deal for a second time.

Of course, as things stand, those at the Stadium of Light will be holding no regrets over their summer business. They sit top of the Championship, unbeaten and flying under new boss Le Bris.

جذب عمر مرموش، النجم المصري، انتباه الجميع في مباراة مانشستر سيتي اليوم ضد نيوكاسل يونايتد في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث كان البطل الأوحد على ملعب “الاتحاد”.

واستضاف مانشستر سيتي خصمه نيوكاسل يونايتد في الجولة الخامسة والعشرين من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث حقق فوزًا بأربعة أهداف دون رد.

وتمكن عمر مرموش من قص شريط أهدافه مع مانشستر سيتي، ولكنه لم يكتفِ بهدف أو ثنائية، بل سجل هاتريك، ليضع بصمة واضحة في ملعب مانشستر سيتي قبل صدام ريال مدريد يوم الأربعاء المقبل.

اقرأ أيضًا | متفوقًا على هالاند.. عمر مرموش يدخل تاريخ مانشستر سيتي بعد الهاتريك أمام نيوكاسل

جاءت أهداف عمر مرموش في الدقائق 19، 24 و33 من عمر الشوط الأول، مع العلم إنه تم استبداله في الدقيقة 76، ونزل أرض الملعب بعد الصافرة للحصول على كرة الهاتريك.

وقال مرموش، في تصريحات نشرته شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “إنه يوم مذهل، الشعور جنوني، أول هاتريك في مسيرتي، وبكل تأكيد الثلاث نقاط، دخلنا المباراة منذ الدقيقة الأولى وحسمنا المهمة”.

وأضاف: “كان كل شئ سريعًا، كنت سعيدًا حقًا بمساعدة الفريق، يجب أن أشكر أيضًا زملائي في الفريق والمدرب والموظفين، لقد ساعدني الجميع منذ اليوم الأول وجعلوني أشعر بأنني جزء من هذه العائلة، لقد ساعدوني في إظهار ما أمتلكه من صفات”.

وواصل: “لقد كانت أجواء مذهلة، وأود أن أشكر الجماهير على التصفيق الرائع لي”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Abel Ferreira conduziu o Palmeiras ao segundo título da Libertadores em menos de um ano ao derrotar o Flamengo no Estádio Centenário. Em entrevista coletiva após a conquista, o treinador foi questionado a respeito de sua continuação no Verdão e deixou em aberto o futuro de sua carreira.

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– Eu tenho que fazer uma reflexão muito grande. O clube já demonstrou a sua vontade. Sou grato ao Maurício e à Leila. Mas não consigo jogar em jogo, descanso e jogo. É desumano. Se quiserem crescer, precisamos abdicar da ida e volta. Isso tudo no tempo de Deus. Vou escolher o que for melhor para o Palmeiras – afirmou

Além disso, o comandante do Verdão também comentou acerca da cultura imediatista do futebol brasileiro, já criticada por ele em outras oportunidades. Segundo Abel, é possível evoluir na maneira comportamental com que o esporte é tratado no país.

– Tudo depende de Deus. Eu sou grato ao futebol brasileiro. Utilizo muito essa expressão. Foi o Palmeiras que me abriu as portas para ganhar títulos. Cheguei aqui com títulos e já levando paulada. Existe muita margem para melhorarmos no Brasil. O calendário é insano, é desumano – declarou.

Em pouco mais de um ano no comando do Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira conquistou três títulos, sendo dois da Libertadores e um da Copa do Brasil.

An "accomplished" Rangers player is reportedly closing in on a move away from Ibrox this summer.

Rangers transfer news

This has been a hugely productive summer transfer window for the Gers, with a host of new names brought in, adding significant depth to Philippe Clement's squad in the process. Mohamed Diomande made his loan switch a permanent one, while the likes of Robin Propper and Hamza Igamane have also come in, among others.

That's not to say that there couldn't be some late business at Rangers, with rumours continuing to swirl. Norwich City striker Abu Kamara has emerged as a transfer target for the Scottish Premiership club, with personal terms involving the 21-year-old not expected to be an issue.

Meanwhile, the Gers are believed to have submitted a bid for Almeria defender Kaiky, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the offer is a sizeable £6.5m. It has been rejected, though, so an increased amount will need to be tabled.

Fiorentina attacker Josip Brekalo is also on Rangers' radar, having been made surplus to requirements by the Serie A club, and contact has been made over a summer move. Now, it appears an outgoing regarding a current Ibrox ace is "imminent".

"Accomplished" Rangers player heading for exit

According to a report from The Daily Record, Ben Davies is set to complete a loan move from Rangers to Birmingham City.

The deal involving the 29-year-old could include a buy option at the end of the season should he impress enough at the League One club for them to retain his services.

Birmingham have been big spenders this summer following their relegation from the Championship, parting with over €15m (£12.7m) to date – far more than any of their League One rivals as they seek an immediate promotion.

This feels like the right decision for all parties, with Davies not considered an important part of Clement's plans moving forward, and never truly feeling like a key man since arriving from Liverpool in the summer of 2022.

That's not to say that the English centre-back isn't a good player, with none other than Jurgen Klopp heaping praise on him when he joined Rangers, saying:

"This presents a proper opportunity to demonstrate his quality and composure. As a person, he’s as good a guy as you could hope to meet. It’s a smart piece of recruitment from Giovanni van Bronckhorst, to be honest. Perfect for all parties. He has himself an accomplished defender, who is entering his peak years and whose character is top-drawer."

The hope is that Davies enjoys a successful stint on loan at Birmingham prior to completing a permanent move this time next year, allowing Rangers to receive a fee in the process.

Rangers eyeing move to sign £2m attacker with personal terms not an issue

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Brett Worthington

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The £27,000-a-week defender is contracted at Ibrox until 2026, meaning that next summer will be the last realistic opportunity for that to happen, so it does feel as though he has played his final match for the Gers.

Captain of defending champions handed possible T20 World Cup chance

David Hopps08-Jun-2021

Dan Christian led Nottinghamshire to the 2020 T20 Blast title•Getty Images

Dan Christian, captain and inspiration of defending T20 Blast champions the Notts Outlaws, has pulled out of the group stages on the eve of the tournament after winning an international recall at the age of 38.Overseas withdrawals from England’s flagship T20 tournament are a fact of life, such is the crowded nature of the calendar, but this one counts as the most unexpected.Christian has not played for Australia for nearly four years – a T20I against India in Ranchi – but he now returns to Australia ahead of the tour to the West Indies wondering if he can gain an unlikely selection for the T20 World Cup.Related

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For Notts, this is more than just another overseas drop-out. Arguably no overseas player has been embedded into a county T20 side to such good effect.Christian has featured in their last seven campaigns and took over as captain as 2016, supervising their development into the most powerful T20 side in England. He has since led the Outlaws to four Finals Day appearances in five years, winning the trophy in 2017 and 2020.Nottinghamshire’s head coach Peter Moores said: “It changes things for us late in the day ahead of the tournament, but first and foremost you can only be really pleased for Dan.”To be called up again by a nation as strong as Australia, and for that to come on the back of playing some of the best cricket of his career and at the age of 38, it’s a great achievement for him. We’re proud, as a club, of the role we have played in that.”It’s going to be strange not having Dan around. He’s been here for every Blast campaign since 2015 and he’s led the side brilliantly as well, but what it will do is create opportunities for other players to step up.”Steven Mullaney will step up to captain the side, whose tournament begins on Wednesday evening against Worcestershire Rapids at New Road. They are regarded as favourites for the tournament, with considerable batting depth, but they are an ageing side and Christian’s departure will be a considerable blow.Christian said: “Getting picked by Australia again is a significant ambition fulfilled for sure, and particularly exciting in such an important year of T20 cricket heading into the World Cup.”It’s disappointing that I won’t get to don the Notts jersey this year. It’s become a big part of my life in recent times and I’ll miss it. But there is depth in our squad and a huge amount of experience in there as well.”Australia’s expanded preliminary squad also includes Ben McDermott, the wicketkeeper-batter who was due to feature in the Blast with Derbyshire. His call-up is a further blow to Derbyshire, after they lost Australia fast bowler Billy Stanlake to injury.

Frank Lampard has sent a supportive message to under-fire Plymouth Argyle manager Wayne Rooney after his Coventry City side thrashed the Pilgrims 4-0.

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Coventry City thrash Plymouth Argyle 4-0Rooney under pressure at PlymouthLampard sends message to fellow managerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Plymouth's wretched away form was highlighted again when they lost 4-0 at Coventry on Thursday in the Championship. Despite the Pilgrims being bottom of the table, Sky Blues boss Lampard said he wished Rooney well going forward and that he had a "lot to give" the sport.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT FRANK LAMPARD SAID

After his side rose to 15th in the table, he told talkSPORT: "I know the challenges of each job and you only know when you're in it. Wayne obviously has his career behind him and now his management career as well, which he's gone straight into. There will be challenges for him there. It's not for me to comment on that, I'm very happy with us today. I always wish Wayne well because he's a proper football person. Again, there's challenges so people have to understand he's working. I hope to see him do well because he's a young English manager with a lot to give and that continues to be the case."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Rooney is reportedly clinging onto his job after this latest Plymouth thrashing. Although they are just two points from safety, the 39-year-old is once again struggling in management – less than a year on from getting sacked by Birmingham City.

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Rooney's Plymouth, who have the worst away record in the Championship this season, travel to fellow strugglers Oxford United on Sunday to round off 2024.

Aston Villa put in an enterprising performance last weekend against West Ham United to get the news season off to a dream start. The Villans came away from a tough trip to the London Stadium with all three points thanks to an impressive 2-1 victory, in a huge season for the club; they will play in the Champions League for the first time since its rebrand in 1992.

Indeed, it was goals from debutant Amadou Onana and Jhon Duran, who has been embroiled in a summer of transfer controversy, that gave them the win. The Columbian was close to joining the Hammers during the transfer window, but a move did not materialise. Those goals came either side of a Lucas Paqueta penalty, but Villa held on to get all three points.

The Villans’ first home game of the season, on Saturday evening, will see them host Arsenal in one of the toughest fixtures of the season. The Gunners will be hoping they can finally break their streak of consecutive second-place finishes and win the Premier League this season.

However, matchdays are not just the sole focus at Villa Park for the moment. With the transfer window still open until the 30th of August, Villa may well look to add to their eight signings and have actually been linked to one of the Gunners’ players.

Aston Villa target Arsenal defender

The player in question here is Arsenal and Scotland international left-back Kieran Tierney. The former Celtic star has struggled to find a permanent place in Mikel Arteta’s side over the past few seasons, and could now leave the club this summer.

According to a report from Caught Offside, the Villans are one of the sides linked with the Scot this summer. The report states that there is ‘confirmed interest in the player’ from his former manager in North London, Unai Emery.

However, the former Celtic defender has interest from right across Europe. The Bhoys are one of the clubs interested in bringing their former defender back to the club, with Premier League side Newcastle also considering a move, as well as Spanish trio Girona, Sevilla and Valencia.

In terms of a price for Tierney, the 27-year-old is reportedly available anywhere between a fee of £25m and £30m, a price that ‘will be considered suitable’ by technical director Edu and his colleagues.

Why Tierney would be a good signing

Last season, Tierney had a loan spell in La Liga, at Spanish outfit Real Sociedad. However, it was an incredibly frustrating campaign for the defender, who picked up three different injuries, meaning he played just 27 games in all competitions. 20 of those appearances came in the Spanish top flight, with the Scot grabbing two assists along the way.

Should he make the move to Villa Park, it would see a reunion with former boss Emery. The Spaniard – who signed the defender on a £25m deal from Celtic in 2019 – coached him for just nine games, but the 27-year-old still managed to get two assists, and it could certainly be considered a short but sweet partnership.

However, Emery would not be the only reunion for Tierney should he make the move to Villa Park. He would, of course, get the chance to play with Villans captain and Scotland teammate John McGinn. The left-back has played with the 29-year-old midfielder 40 times in total for Scotland, and the pair have combined for four goals in that time.

Stat

Number

Games together

40

Minutes

3009

Joint goal participation

4

McGinn goal, Tierney assist

3

Tierney goal, McGinn assist

1

McGinn plays as a false winger on the left-hand side for Villa, tucking inside when his side have the ball to act as a number 10. Should he link up with the Arsenal defender at club level, it would see the pair form a partnership down the left wing, with Tierney having the licence to overlap his international teammate down the left-hand side.

This could be the start of a deadly partnership between the pair, who already have the foundations of a relationship on the pitch thanks to their exploits together for Scotland. Given the fact they have already combined for four goals, it could be a fruitful partnership from a goalscoring point of view, too.

The 29-year-old Villa captain was impressive in front of goal last season. He played 35 times in the top flight last term, finding the back of the net on six occasions, and grabbing four assists. It is certainly a run of goalscoring form he could improve on further should he continue the productive relationship with Tierney.

Tierney was described as a “warrior” by legendary left-back and Arsenal invincible Ashley Cole, and for around £30m, could be a smart pickup for Villa before next Friday’s deadline.

Although he has struggled with injuries throughout his career, the left-back is still a player of great quality. Given his experience playing under Emery, and established partnership with McGinn, he could be an astute signing by the Villans as the deadline fast approaches.

Emery could boldly bench McGinn & unleash Aston Villa's "sensational" gem

The Midlands side take on Arsenal this evening at Villa Park

ByRoss Kilvington Aug 24, 2024

Aston Villa left it late against Wolves, coming back from 1-0 down, to secure a 3-1 victory on Saturday afternoon.

Matheus Cunha gave Wolves the lead after just 25 minutes, and it took Villa until the 73rd minute to find their breakthrough, with Ollie Watkins scoring his third of the season to make it 1-1.

Villa then managed to continue their momentum, finding two more goals to secure the victory and three points, with both Ezri Konsa and Jhon Duran on the scoresheet. This moved Villa up to third in the Premier League, having won four of their opening five games.

But Unai Emery was not happy with his side’s performance, stating “it was the worst we have played” in his interview after the game.

Despite the Spaniards’ disappointment, the Villans secured all three points, and there were some good individual performances.

Watkins and Rogers' performances

Two of Villa’s standout performers were Watkins and Morgan Rogers. Having not scored in his opening three games this season, the former looks bang in form now with the 28-year-old striker on three goals and two assists in his six games played in all competitions.

Rogers has had a stellar start to the new season too, gaining many plaudits, especially for his performance in Villa’s 2-0 loss to Arsenal. However, yesterday was his first two Premier League goal involvements this campaign, getting two assists.

Watkins had minimal involvement outside his goal, only managing 23 touches, eight accurate passes, and 2/5 ground duels. However, the Englishman took his goal well and threatened in and around the box, managing three shots in total, and missing one big chance.

Rogers, on the other hand, was involved in all phases of play, making three key passes, having 50 touches, completing 2/6 dribble attempts, and contesting 14 duels (ground and aerial) throughout the game. All of this to accompany his two assists.

That said, another stalwart deserves praise…

Why Ezri Konsa deserves praise

Konsa, who scored Villa’s second goal to put them ahead in the game, did far more than just scoring the goal, putting in an excellent all-round display for Emery’s side.

The England international won 5/7 ground duels, made two tackles, and completed a seriously impressive 97% of his passes (56/58) during the game.

The 26-year-old has played every minute so far for Villa this season, making six appearances and totalling 540 minutes played.

Goals

0.15

Progressive Carries

0.83

Progressive Passes

3.17

Passes Attempted

50.0

Pass Completion %

93.0%

Passes into Final Third

3.83

Tackles

1.17

Interceptions

0.75

Aerials Won

1.00

The defender is naturally a centre-back, however, under Emery, Konsa played 23 games at right-back last season, and has started once at right-back this season, mainly due to his recovery pace, ability to defend wide spaces, and versatility to become a right centre-back in a back three on the ball.

Konsa is a huge part of the Villa side, both on and off the ball, and he showed that yet again with an imperious performance against Wolves, scoring an extremely important goal to top it off.

Aston Villa have struck gold on £0 signing who could be sold for big profit

He’s been exemplary in the middle of the park under Unai Emery.

ByConnor Holden Sep 20, 2024

Michael Hogan’s four-for not enough as Glamorgan let several winning positions slip

ECB Reporters Network28-Jul-2021

Ben Green led Somerset’s fightback•Harry Trump/Getty Images

New Somerset List A captain Ben Green produced a match-changing innings to lead his side to a thrilling one-run Royal London Cup win over Glamorgan at Taunton.The hosts crashed to 26 for 4 after losing the toss in a match eventually reduced to 37 overs per side by rain, Michael Hogan claiming all four of those wickets.But Green smacked 87 off 72 balls from No. 7, with 11 fours and a six, sharing a stand of 86 with Lewis Goldsworthy, who made 41, as Somerset posted a challenging 180 for 7.Glamorgan responded with 179 for 9, Billy Root and Tom Cullen both making 37, while young Somerset seamers Kasey Aldridge and Sonny Baker shared five of the wickets.Andy Gorvin needed a six off the last ball of the game from left-arm spinner Goldsworthy to win the game for Glamorgan and came close with a powerful four over the bowler’s head.Play did not start until 12.10pm, with the game initially reduced to 42 overs per side. Somerset’s innings had only occupied 2.4 of them, with five runs scored, when rain forced the players off.That was enough time for Hogan to strike twice, Sam Young caught behind off the fourth ball of the innings and Steven Davies brilliantly snapped up by Gorvin at midwicket from the first delivery of the third over.On the resumption, the veteran pace bowler took his figures to 3 for 3 by bowling George Bartlett between bat and pad and then had James Hildreth caught at first slip.Michael Hogan ripped through Somerset’s top order•Harry Trump/Getty Images

Somerset were in disarray at 49 for 5 when Eddie Byrom feathered a ball from offspinner Steven Reingold through to wicketkeeper Cullen.But Green and Goldsworthy calmly steadied the ship and had taken the total to 84 for 5 in the 26th over when heavier rain brought another stoppage at 2.10pm.Half an hour later, with a further reduction in overs, Green and Goldsworthy batted with far more intent. Green was the main aggressor, with Goldsworthy notching just one boundary in his valuable innings before slogging a catch to cow corner off Callum Taylor.Green, cut loose in the closing overs with some majestic shots until playing a ball from Lukas Carey onto his stumps in the final over. Glamorgan’s reply began badly when Hamish Rutherford fell lbw to the final ball of Jack Brooks’ opening over.Eighteen-year-old Baker then got a ball to lift at Nick Selman’s ribs, forcing the opener to loop up a catch to the diving Byrom, running in from square leg.Related

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Aldridge produced a similar quick delivery, his first of the game, to have Kiran Carlson caught by wicketkeeper Davies for 21. And when Green also struck with his opening delivery, bowling Reingold for 16, Glamorgan were 52 for 4.Cullen and Root then put together a well-paced stand of 76 to put their team in sight of victory. It ended when Cullen was caught behind down the leg side off Aldridge, who followed up by having Joe Cooke taken by wicketkeeper Davies.Root fell to George Drissell, the former Gloucestershire offspinner making his Somerset debut, top-edging a slog-sweep with 38 still needed.Carey did his best with two boundaries, but other wickets fell cheaply and 10 off the final over for the last pair proved too much.

Leeds United return to action in the Championship on Saturday as they travel away from Elland Road to take on Cardiff City in Wales in their sixth league outing of the season.

The Whites will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Burnley in West Yorkshire last weekend, thanks to a goal from Luca Koleosho.

Daniel Farke’s side will be without Dan James once again as the Wales international remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out until after the international break in October.

His absence is a blow for the German head coach because he has proven himself to be a very capable Championship performer over the past 13 months.

Dan James' Championship form for Leeds

The Welsh speedster started this season with one goal and zero assists in the first three matches of the second tier campaign, scoring in the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in the club’s first win.

This comes after his superb performances in the division during the 2023/24 campaign under Farke, as Leeds finished third in the league and lost in the play-off final.

Appearances

40

Goals

13

Assists

7

Big chances created

13

Key passes per game

1.4

As you can see in the table above, James provided regular quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a right wing position for the Whites.

The 26-year-old star was a reliable goalscoring outlet for Leeds and Farke could ease the blow of losing him to injury by unleashing a goalscoring forward from the academy – Luca Thomas.

Why Luca Thomas should be unleashed

The amazing U21s starlet was once described as a “versatile” attacker by journalist Graham Smyth, which is backed up by his ability to play on either flank or through the middle as a centre-forward.

This means that Farke could utilise him in a multitude of roles, whether that is on the right as a direct replacement for James, or as depth on the left wing and at striker.

Thomas has started this season with two goals in two Premier League 2 matches for the U21 side and boasts an impressive record at U21 and U18 level.

The former Manchester City gem racked up 23 goals and three assists in 32 appearances for the U18s before stepping up to the next age group at Thorp Arch.

Since making the step up, the versatile talent has produced eight goals and four assists in 27 games for the U21s, with all of those goal contributions coming in his last 20 outings at that level.

Thomas, who turned 20 this week, has proven himself to be a reliable goalscoring outlet for the U18s and U21s as a winger or striker and Farke should now unleash him in the first-team to see if he can handle another step up, to ease the blow of losing James to injury.

Summerville rates him: Leeds academy star could be Ampadu 2.0 for Farke

Former Whites star Crysencio Summerville thinks the young gem is “really good”.

ByDan Emery Sep 17, 2024

If he can translate his academy form over to the senior side then the German head coach could have his next Archie Gray and Mateo Joseph on his hands.