Tyler Morton has opened up on his Ligue 1 adaptation after leaving Liverpool, admitting a “very English tackle” led to his red card against Rennes. The young midfielder insists the French top flight matches the Premier League in pace and intensity. Morton says the move to Lyon was the right step for his development, and he is determined to cement his place and push for England recognition.

AFPThe red card in Rennes

Morton left Liverpool to join Lyon in the summer transfer window and was immediately thrust into the starting XI as the Ligue 1 campaign began. After completing the first three games, he was given his first major learning experience in France during the 3-1 defeat at Rennes, receiving a red card for a challenge from behind on Kader Meite.

The 22-year-old admits it was not his brightest moment, telling : "Sending off or not, it's difficult to say, but I should have been more intelligent in my tackle. I have to get used to this league, understand the referees and know what you can and can't do. I made, as they say, a very English tackle."

Advertisement'Pace is as fast as in the Premier League' – Morton on Ligue 1 intensity

The English prodigy has been surprised by the speed and physicality of the game in the French top-flight, saying it matches that of the English league. 

"In the Champions League, the game is more technical and more tactical, slower," he added. "In the Championship where I played most often, it's more physical, and in the Premier League, it's both tactical and physical – a bit like the French league, which is rich in physically strong, fast, and very intelligent players. It's a high-level championship, the pace is as fast as in the Premier League."

Decision to leave Liverpool

After making 14 senior appearances with Liverpool and going on loan at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City, Morton decided to seek regular first-team football abroad. He described his move to Lyon as a positive and necessary step, stating: “I didn’t have so many opportunities in the Premier League. Coming here was a good decision, I wouldn’t change anything today. I love being here, I love the fans, the players at the club. I’m living in a really exciting time."

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Getty ImagesPersonal ambitions and England prospects

Beyond club football, Morton remains focused on making his mark for England. He stated: “I’d like to play for my country first, before thinking about the World Cup. A World Cup is an important step in a player’s career, and it would be incredible. I hope to have the opportunity, if I continue to play, play well, and enjoy myself here.” 

With regular starts at Lyon, Morton aims to combine consistent performances with his natural adaptability to catch the attention of England’s national team selectors.

Morton has featured in four Ligue 1 matches so far, playing 345 minutes, and he is now fully focused on contributing to Lyon’s domestic and European campaigns. 

The mood on Tyneside is restless. Newcastle United, still in a state of shock after a summer of transfer near-misses and a simmering fallout with star forward Alexander Isak, are moving swiftly to secure attacking reinforcements before the window closes.

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Their opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa looms large, but Eddie Howe will go into it without a conventional striker to lead the line.

The club’s prolonged stand-off with Isak – who has refused to reintegrate with the squad following Liverpool’s interest – has left the Magpies scrambling for a replacement.

Isak’s £140,000-a-week pay packet continues to be honoured, but his unwillingness to train or play has created a pressing need for a solution.

Benjamin Šeško’s decision to join Manchester United has already stung, and while Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains a player of interest, Newcastle’s focus has now shifted to a target who has the scoring touch to immediately slot into Howe’s plans.

After completing the £40m capture of Jacob Ramsey and bringing in Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale on loan, Newcastle’s hierarchy is confident of landing one more key piece.

Someone who could channel the spirit of a Tyneside great from the 1990s.

The latest on Newcastle's striker search

That player is Yoane Wissa.

According t and the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the Brentford striker is expected to sign for the Magpies, ‘in the coming week’, ensuring a conclusion is near in this long-running saga.

That has been corroborated by talkSPORT, with Newcastle increasingly confident of agreeing a deal in the near future, as the Bees demand a fee in the region of £40m.

Brentford, having already rejected two bids, are close to sealing a £42.5m move for Bournemouth forward Dango Ouattara as Wissa’s replacement.

The Bees have endured a turbulent summer, losing manager Thomas Frank along with key figures Mark Flekken, Christian Nørgaard, and Bryan Mbeumo, and are reluctantly preparing to part ways with one of their most consistent performers.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Wissa, who turns 29 in September, enjoyed the best season of his career last year—scoring 19 goals and providing 5 assists in 35 appearances.

Only Mohamed Salah netted more non-penalty goals in the Premier League.

It’s this presence in the air, coupled with composed finishing, that has drawn comparisons to Les Ferdinand.

Like ‘Sir Les,’ Wissa is joining from a London club at the same age Ferdinand arrived on Tyneside in 1995, following his arrival from Queens Park Rangers.

Ferdinand’s two-year spell yielded 41 goals in 68 games and a near-miss in the Premier League title race, cementing his place as one of Newcastle’s most beloved forwards.

Wissa will be eager to follow that example—both in goal output and connection with the fans.

Why Wissa could be a risk worth taking

Although his age means he falls outside Newcastle’s preferred recruitment profile of 24 and under, the urgency of replacing Isak has shifted priorities.

Howe values Wissa’s proven Premier League pedigree and believes his experience will help mentor younger players like William Osula and Sean Neave.

From a sporting perspective, Wissa’s arrival appears a shrewd fix to an urgent problem.

Newcastle need goals and a presence in the box – all qualities the Brentford forward provides.

His market value of €32m (£28m), as per Transfermark, suggests the £40m fee is reasonable in the current climate, particularly for a player who has hit double figures in two of his four Premier League seasons.

According to FBref, the DR Congo international is equally comfortable running the channels as he is holding up play, with data showing he outperformed Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in pass completion (76.5%) and produced more shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than Dominic Solanke.

He also averaged 34.1 touches per game – more than Liam Delap or João Pedro – demonstrating his ability to stay involved in build-up play.

However, there are caveats. Wissa missed six games last season with an ankle injury and could be absent for several weeks in early 2026 due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

For a side aiming to challenge on multiple fronts, including a return to the Champions League, any prolonged absence from an already limited frontline could disrupt momentum.

Still, with Isak’s future all but sealed away from St James’ Park, Newcastle have little choice but to act.

Wissa’s eagerness to join, despite interest from Nottingham Forest and Saudi Pro League side Neom SC, speaks to the pull of Champions League football and the club’s trajectory under Howe.

The Magpies’ approach this summer has been aggressive.

Backed by their Saudi ownership, they have addressed several key areas, adding defensive stability through Thiaw, creativity via Ramsey, and depth in attack with Elanga.

Landing Wissa would complete a transfer window that, while not without its frustrations, could set Newcastle up for another strong campaign.

The Les Ferdinand parallels will inevitably bring a weight of expectation, with the pair notably alike due to their prowess in the air. The ex-England international scored 13 headers during his time at St James’, as per Transfermarkt, while Wissa scored four in the Premier League alone last season.

Ferdinand’s heading ability, powerful frame, and relentless work rate made him a perfect fit for Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ and Wissa will be measured against that yardstick from the moment he steps onto the pitch.

If he adapts quickly and delivers the kind of form he showed last season, Wissa could do more than just replace Isak – he could write his own chapter in Newcastle’s modern history.

And should he hit the ground running, the Toon Army might just have another hero to salute from the Gallowgate End.

He's like Isak & Wood: Newcastle have explored move to sign £65m PL striker

Newcastle United turn to Scandinavian striker amid Alexander Isak saga fallout

1 ByWill Miller Aug 15, 2025

It’s been a frustrating few weeks for Brendan Rodgers and matters have now only been made worse by the recent update on an injured Celtic player that he risked playing against Rangers before the international break.

Celtic sign Kelechi Iheanacho

Much of Rodgers’ frustration has surrounded Celtic’s transfer business. Their 0-0 draw against Old Firm rivals Rangers summed up the attacking problems that they still needed to address and, as such, Kelechi Iheanacho has since arrived. Joining back up with Rodgers for the first time since their Leicester City days, the forward desperately needs this move to go well.

The Nigerian was a free agent when Celtic turned his way, having been released after a disappointing spell at Sevilla. Now, at 28 years old, the Bhoys have handed him one final opportunity to get his career back on track.

Speaking to the club website after welcoming Iheanacho to his side, Rodgers told Celtic’s official website: “I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team. He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate.

“I am sure he will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings. He has great experience and he is right in his peak years so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

Brendan Rodgers sends 9-word message to furious Celtic fans about Iheanacho

Hoops supporters are not in great spirits.

5 ByHenry Jackson Sep 4, 2025

The debate is ongoing as to whether the forward’s arrival will hand Celtic the boost that they were looking for, but whilst that rumbles on, the Scottish champions have been handed an undeniable blow on the injury front.

Anthony Ralston injury update after Rodgers risked him

After dropping out of the Scotland squad alongside Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston is now an early doubt to face Kilmarnock. The defender was thrown in the deep end and risked against Rangers despite appearing to take a knock just days before in Celtic’s Champions League tie against Kairat Almaty and Rodgers has since suffered the consequences of that decision.

Given that Alistair Johnston is already sidelined with a hamstring tear, Celtic now have themselves a mini injury crisis in the right-back spot. It begs the question as to why Rodgers would risk Ralston against Rangers in the first place.

The manager is certainly a fan of the defender, having told reporters at the end of last season: “Guys like Tony are really pivotal to the culture of this club. He doesn’t play every single game, but he is probably one of our most important players here because of his history at the club.”

Celtic now have just 10 days to get Ralston back fit and ready for the Kilmarnock game as they look to return to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership.

MatériaMais Notícias

Qual o time do São Paulo que o técnico Dorival Júnior levará a campo para o duelo das 19h (de Brasília) desta quinta-feira (8), no Morumbi, contra o Tolima, da Colômbia, pela Copa Sul-Americana? Essa é uma dúvida que talvez nem o próprio treinador tenha a resposta definida até o momento…

Está certo, o Tricolor assegura a classificação como líder do Grupo D com um triunfo diante do rival. Entretanto, por outro lado, o desgaste pode ser prejudicial para o clássico contra o Palmeiras, às 16h (de Brasília) de domingo (11), no Morumbi, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. Após a derrota para o Grêmio, de virada, no último final de semana, se recuperar ante um rival se torna fundamental para evitar que o clima de otimismo se transforme em crise.

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+ Confira 25 jogadores com passagem por seleção livres no mercado

Por conta disso, todo planejamento é fundamental para as decisões que Dorival irá tomar nos próximos jogos. Titular ou reservas? Ou um ‘mistão’? O esquema com três zagueiros utilizado em Porto Alegre (RS) pode voltar a ser usado, até como forma de aperfeiçoamento ante um adversário mais frágil, como o Tolima?

Dúvidas e mais dúvidas que o treinador não quis dar nenhuma pista para antecipar respostas.

– Temos que ter uma equipe forte no próximo fim de semana (contra o Palmeiras), mas temos que ter uma equipe muito bem preparada para o meio de semana, que será um jogo decisivo, que poderá nos dar a classificação e a possibilidade de uma ida às fases mais importantes da Copa
Sul-Americana. Para nós, o jogo será decisivo. Podem ter certeza de que voltaremos a fazer um grande jogo perante o nosso torcedor e vamos buscar o melhor resultado – disse Dorival, após a derrota para o Grêmio.

Pouco indicativo de algo. E não é pelo divulgado dos fatos do treino desta terça-feira (6) que descobriremos. Já que segundo o divulgado, o dia começou com a exibição de um vídeo para os jogadores. No gramado, os preparadores físicos comandaram o aquecimento e na sequência o elenco foi dividido em grupos para exercícios de posse de bola sob pressão em espaço curto. Na sequência, Dorival fez um trabalho posicional e de construção de jogadas, com diferentes formações, sem adversário.

Depois de voltar a trabalhar com o restante da equipe, na segunda-feira (5), Erison deu sinais de estar em recuperação avançada pelo estiramento em fibrose da coxa esquerda e trabalhou sem limitações. Não atua há 14 partidas. Pode aparecer como opção como o duelo de quinta.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados da Sul-Americana-23 na tabela do LANCE!

It would be fair to say that, so far, Chelsea have had a great transfer window this summer.

The club have made plenty of money selling the likes of Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, and Djordje Petrovic, while seriously improving the squad with exciting additions like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens.

Moreover, it looks like the Blues’ owners, BlueCo group, are in the process of securing the services of the promising Julio Enciso.

However, while the young Paraguayan could be an excellent addition to the squad, the Blues are also closing in on someone who’d be an even better signing.

Chelsea chase better signing than Enciso

Even though they’ve already completed more signings than most teams would in a summer, Chelsea are still on the lookout for more talent, and while someone like Xavi Simons has been consistently touted for a move to the club in recent weeks, Enciso is set to be the latest addition.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In fact, the Brighton & Hove Albion gem’s move to the West Londoners has already been given the ‘here we go’ treatment, but instead of heading straight to Stamford Bridge, the plan is that he’ll be spending a year in France with Strasbourg.

The 21-year-old is undoubtedly an exciting signing, but it appears that the Pensioners are now moving to complete a move for someone who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has reaffirmed Chelsea’s intense interest in Alejandro Garnacho.

Moreover, the report has now revealed that the Blues are preparing an offer for the Manchester United ace that’ll be worth around £25m.

It seems likely that the Red Devils will reject such a bid, but given the player’s open desire to make the move, a compromise of some kind feels like the likely outcome.

It could therefore still be something of a complicated and costly transfer for Chelsea, but given Garnacho’s ability and potential, he’d be worth the effort, especially as he’d be a better signing than Enciso.

Why Garnacho would be a better signing than Enciso

Now, it should be said that both players are incredibly talented and look like they have bright futures in the game ahead of them.

However, there are a few reasons why we believe Garnacho would be a better signing for Chelsea than Enciso, and the first is their output last season.

For example, between his spells with the Seagulls and Ipswich Town last season, the Caaguazú-born gem was only able to score three goals and provide four assists in 29 appearances, totalling 1458 minutes.

Garnacho vs Enciso in 24/25
Players	Garnacho	Enciso
Appearances	58	29
Minutes	3568′	1458′
Goals	11	3
Assists	10	4
Goal Involvements per Match	0.36	0.24
Minutes per Goal Involvements	169.90′	208.28′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

That means that he maintained a middling average of a goal involvement every 4.14 games, or every 208.28 minutes, which isn’t terrible, but it’s also not particularly noteworthy.

In contrast, the Madrid-born “superstar” in the making, as dubbed by journalist Liam Canning, was able to score 11 goals and provide ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3568 minutes.

In other words, the Argentine international was able to average a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or 169.90 minutes for a historically terrible United side.

The second reason the “electric” United ace, as dubbed by Statman Dave, would be a better signing is down to his experience.

While both players are still just 21 years old, the Red Devils gem has made 36 more appearances in the Premier League, has played in the Champions League, and has experience of not just playing in finals, but scoring hugely important goals in them that secure his side silverware.

Ultimately, Enciso is an undeniably talented footballer, but he lacks the numbers and extraordinary moments Garnacho has at the same age.

Therefore, we reckon the Argentine international would be the far better signing for the club this summer.

Chelsea receive £250m windfall as Fabrizio Romano confirms another sale

The Blues have been made serious cash this summer.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 21, 2025

It is hard to describe the summer transfer window as anything other than a disappointment for Leeds United after they failed to make any further additions to their squad on deadline day.

Speaking ahead of the deadline, Daniel Farke said: “In defence and midfield, goalkeeper position and full-back position, we’ve done really good business. But we spoke quite open and honest about it, we would need to add some more quality up front. We need to stay awake until the last hour of this window.”

Journalist Graham Smyth added that the German head coach claimed that it would be “difficult” for the Championship champions to avoid relegation if they did not strengthen their attack in the final days of the window.

The same reporter noted after the deadline passed that the day was a “disaster” for the 49ers, who failed to back their manager with what he felt they needed to avoid relegation.

Leeds have only scored one goal, a penalty against Everton, in three Premier League matches so far, and there are big concerns over the quality of their frontline.

The Whites were linked with plenty of attackers heading into the deadline, but they were ultimately unable to land Facundo Buonanotte or Harry Wilson.

How Leeds failed Farke this summer

Leeds may well go on to achieve survival and enjoy a fantastic first season back in the Premier League, but it is worrying when the manager states outright that it will be difficult to avoid the drop without signings and the club fail to bring any players in.

The Whites were reportedly hopeful of signing Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the final few days of the window, after he scored five goals on loan at Leicester City in the Premier League last season, per Sofascore.

However, Chelsea, despite their vast resources and the incredible talent they already possess in attacking areas, decided to sign the Argentine youngster on a season-long loan to compete with Estevao, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George, Andrey Santos, Joao Pedro, and Enzo Fernandez for a starting berth in the attacking midfield positions.

After their move for Buonanotte fell through, Leeds entered into talks with Fulham over a permanent deal to sign Wales international Harry Wilson to bolster their squad.

Harry Wilson (Premier League)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

35

25

xG

3.38

4.21

Goals

4

6

Big chances created

5

2

Key passes per game

0.7

0.8

Assists

6

1

Stats via Sofascore

The left-footed star, who scored ten goals in the last two Premier League seasons combined, did not end up at Elland Road on deadline day, though, because the Cottagers pulled the plug.

Fulham reportedly had a late change of heart and decided to keep Wilson as part of their squad after a deal for Tyrique George from Chelsea fell through for them.

This meant that Leeds ended the day without any reinforcements to their attack, and that they ended the window with Noah Okafor as the only attacking signing who was signed for a transfer fee.

The situation is what it is now, though, and Farke has to work with what he has to achieve what he feels is now unlikely – survival. One of the players he is tasked with getting the best out of is Wilfried Gnonto, who is currently worth more than both Buonanotte and Wilson.

Leeds have hit the jackpot with Wilfried Gnonto

The West Yorkshire outfit paid a fee of £3.8m to sign the versatile forward from Zurich back in the summer of 2022, and he is now worth significantly more than that.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

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Leeds targeted Buonanotte and Wilson to bolster the team in the positions that Gnonto plays for the Whites, but the Italian youngster is worth even more than both of them, per Transfermarkt.

The Chelsea loanee is valued at £17.3m and the Wales international is valued at £13m by Transfermarkt, which shows that both players are highly valued players, thanks to their respective performances in the Premier League in recent seasons.

Gnonto may still be waiting for his first goal contribution in the Premier League this season, but he is an exciting young talent who has the potential to develop into a terrific option for Farke if he can hit his stride in the top-flight.

At the age of 21, the Leeds forward still has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player, with every match in the Premier League another piece of valuable experience for him.

Gnonto, who was hailed as “electric” by Statman Dave when the Whites were last in the top-flight, has already shown plenty of signs of progression throughout his career at Elland Road, as illustrated by his soaring market value.

Wilfried Gnonto’s soaring market value

Date

Market value

September 2022

£3.8m move from Zurich

March 2023

£15.8m

December 2023

£13.8m

May 2024

£13.8m

December 2024

£15.8m

May 2025

£19m

Valuations via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the Italy U21 international is currently valued at around £19m by Transfermarkt, which means that he is worth even more than both Buonanotte and Wilson.

This also shows that Leeds have hit the jackpot with the 21-year-old starlet because his value has soared from £3.8m to £19m in the space of three years, suggesting that the club could make a gigantic profit on him in the future if they ever decide to cash in.

Gnonto’s next step is to show that he can deliver consistent quality and consistent all-round performances in the Premier League with Leeds this season to help them avoid the drop, and to show that the club did not need the attackers that they targeted in his position.

The Italian ace produced nine goals and six assists in 26 starts in the Championship last season, per Sofascore, and may be able to provide a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals if given the chance to start regularly in the top-flight this term.

Related Bamford gone: Leeds 2019/20 Champions under Bielsa, where are they now?

The forward has departed Elland Road.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Aug 29, 2025

Irrespective of what happens this season, though, Leeds have undoubtedly hit the jackpot with Gnonto, who is an incredibly valuable asset for the club at this moment in time.

Arne Slot has confirmed that Ibrahima Konate's second-half substitution in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat against Chelsea was due to injury. The centre-back was withdrawn after 56 minutes of action, with Ryan Gravenberch partnering Virgil van Dijk for the remainder of the contest. Liverpool have announced the player will undergo further assessment to determine the severity of the quadriceps injury.

Limping Konate set off 'alarm bells' for Slot

The Frenchman appeared to pick up the ailment early in the second half, with his manager noting Konate was visibly limping. Slot said he was planning on making the eventual switch regardless of Konate's condition. The Dutchman replaced his out-and-out centre-back with midfielder Curtis Jones, as Gravenberch would allow better quality on the ball from deep. 

Slot said: “I don’t know if it is a big injury, but what I do know is he limped a little bit and when I asked him he said he felt his quad a little bit.

“Then, for me, all alarm bells go off because in another sprint you never know if that is going to go good.

“It was also already a substitution I had in mind, maybe for a few minutes or a little bit later, because the right centre-back had a lot of ball possession and we needed to create from that position. We all know Ryan [Gravenberch] is quite good in that.

“It might be OK that he went off early enough but it was clear I had to take him off because he was limping.”

AdvertisementAFPLiverpool left short in defence

A long-term injury will again raise questions over the Reds' transfer business this summer, where they prioritised attacking reinforcements over replenishing their defensive stocks. 

Jarell Quansah's departure to Bayer Leverkusen has left the Reds with just three recognised centre-backs: Konate, Van Dijk and Joe Gomez. A deadline day move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi fell through after Eagles chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug on the switch, prioritising this season and potentially letting the England centre-back walk for free when his contract runs out in 2026. 

Gomez does not appear to be part of his manager's plans going forward. The 28-year-old did not feature much in the pre-season, as he struggled with an Achilles injury. Rumours of a move to AC Milan were surprising given the Reds' lack of depth in the position. 

Slot used the off-season to experiment with Gravenberch and Wataru Endo as auxiliary centre-backs. Given his decision to drop his midfield anchor into defence again, it would appear he will continue with that idea if Konate is sidelined.

Liverpool's leaky defence under even more pressure

Saturday's defeat to Chelsea was the first time that Liverpool's bountiful attacking options were cited as the reason for their issues this season. Gary Neville used his post-game podcast to lambast the second-half performances of Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah. Based on the xG, Liverpool should have won the game, and their back-line certainly was not at fault for Moises Caicedo's thunderous strike to open the scoring. 

However, there are worrying signs for the Reds. They have kept just two clean sheets all season; one against recently-promoted Burnley and against Arsenal in a game that saw Mikel Arteta criticised for his defensive approach. 

Neither Milos Kerkez nor Jeremie Frimpong have nailed down their respective positions on either side of the defence, with Conor Bradley preferred to the Dutchman over the past few outings. 

Konate and Van Dijk was supposed to be one of the core foundations upon which Liverpool could bed in their newbies this term. Even if they have looked less solid this season, a break-up of that partnership would hardly be welcomed by the Anfield brains trust.

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AFPKonate to miss international duty?

Konate typically starts for France alongside Bayern's Dayot Upamecano as part of Didier Deschamps' preferred centre-back pairings, and he has been picked to represent his country for their upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Iceland and Azerbaijan. However, if there is any indication he could aggravate a niggling soft tissue injury, it is highly likely Liverpool will block his release for international duty. 

Liverpool face a crucial run of fixtures after the break, first taking on arch-rivals Manchester United in the Premier League, before travelling to Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Coming off three consecutive losses, they will need as close to a full compliment as they can muster, especially given their lack of resources in the heart of their defence. 

Newcastle United anticipate a busy deadline day ahead, but fans on Tyneside must be excited to see the back of these frantic, helter-skelter months of market activity.

While Eddie Howe will largely be pleased with the signings made, the Magpies may be about to lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool, with the club-record £69m signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart certainly suggesting as much.

However, since Callum Wilson has also left St. James’ Park this summer, it’s crucial that United land themselves a second striker before the looming deadline.

Newcastle eyeing Deadline Day striker deal

Newcastle have been looking to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa over the summer, and while the DR Congo striker has been desperate to join the Tynesiders, the chances of him jumping ship look increasingly slim, with two bids having been rejected already.

Bees boss Keith Andrews has stressed that he expects Wissa to stay put, and that might mean that Newcastle are forced to search elsewhere.

But, should they succeed in their bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jørgen Strand Larsen, any frustration over failing to sign Wissa would be wiped away, with the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope revealing that the Toon are still “trying” to sign the Norwegian.

Strand Larsen, 25, is valued at £65m, and Newcastle wouldn’t be willing to pay such a figure, but efforts are ongoing.

What Strand Larsen would bring to Newcastle

Strand Larsen spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Wolves, and made his stay permanent this summer, having scored 14 goals in the Premier League last term.

Described as a “nuisance” in the box by Toon legend Alan Shearer, the 6 foot 4 striker is an excellent modern target man, bearing the physicality, awareness and link-up ability to thrive for a team like Newcastle, challenging around the top.

While it would be fair to suggest that Woltemade has the higher ceiling, he’s an unfinished product, and Strand Larsen might actually prove the more polished forward at this stage for Newcastle, having proven himself already in England’s top flight.

League Stats 24/25 – Strand Larsen vs Woltemade
Stats (* per game)	Strand Larsen	Woltemade
Matches (starts)	35 (30)	28 (17)
Goals	14	12
Assists	4	2
Shots (on target)*	1.5 (1.0)	1.8 (0.9)
Accurate passes	8.4 (65%)	12.3 (72%)
Big chances created	6	8
Key passes*	0.6	1.3
Dribbles*	0.2	1.1
Ball recoveries*	1.2	1.9
Tackles*	0.3	0.4
Duels won*	3.0	4.4
Data via Sofascore

Strand Larsen actually outscored Woltemade in regard to respective league tallies last year, and given that he was battling to stave off relegation with the Old Gold, there’s substance to the suggestion that he would star as Newcastle’s main man at number nine.

Couple that with the fact that he also had fewer shots per game and there is a potent threat here just waiting to be tested at a higher level.

Less dynamic and technically gifted when on the ball, Strand Larsen would certainly be a fantastic rival at the front of the ship for Woltemade as the latter pushes to make headway in the Premier League.

He appears to be better in front of goal at this stage and perhaps might find himself making a priceless impact for Howe’s outfit across the campaign, consistently shooting true in the wake of Isak’s potential sale to Liverpool.

Better deal than Woltemade: Newcastle join late race to sign £45m "machine"

Newcastle are hoping to sign a centre-midfielder before the transfer window slams shut.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 31, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Na tarde deste domingo, o Internacional visitou o Red Bull Bragantino e empatou sem gols no Nabi Abi Chedid.

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A igualdade marcou a estreia do técnico Eduardo Coudet, que ocupou a vaga de Mano Menezes, demitido na última segunda-feira.

Recorde 

Além do técnico argentino no banco de reservas, o Inter marcou a presença de oito jogadores estrangeiros em campo no time titular, até então, algo inédito na história do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Veja os ‘gringos’ que atuaram pelo Inter: 

Sergio Rochet

Fabian Bustos

Nico Hernández

Gabriel Mercado

Charles Aránguiz

Johnny

Carlos De Pena

Enner Valencia

Third-placed NSW needed to win to have any hope of reaching the final

AAP15-Mar-2025Jordan Silk struck an unbeaten 94 to give Tasmania the first-day honours in their pink-ball Sheffield Shield clash with NSW at Bellerive Oval.Silk (94 not out off 186), Tim Ward (64 off 158), Caleb Jewell (45) and Jake Doran (39) all chipped in to lift Tasmania to 309 for 7 before rain brought the opening day to an early finish.Third-placed NSW entered the match knowing they needed to win to have any hope of reaching the final, which will be hosted by South Australia.The strong first-innings total by Tasmania means NSW have plenty of work ahead of them to get a positive result.Tasmania slipped to 44 for 2 after Jake Weatherald (nine) was caught a slip and Nivethan Radhakrishnan (10) was trapped lbw by Ben Dwarshuis.But a 65-run stand between Ward and Jewell, followed by a 82-run stand between Ward and Silk put Tasmania into a strong position.Silk has the chance to post his 12th first-class century when play resumes on Sunday.Tasmania sit in last spot on the table and are no hope of reaching the final.But it’s all on the line for NSW, who must beat Tasmania and then rely on second-placed Queensland failing to get a win against ladder leaders South Australia.South Australia went to stumps on day one at a dominant 359 for 4 against Queensland, giving NSW even more incentive to turn the tables on Tasmania when play resumes.The match also represents another opportunity for NSW opener Sam Konstas to put his name up in lights ahead of Australia’s Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.Konstas made a stunning Test debut against India in the Boxing Day Test, but his topsy-turvy form of late has been a big talking point.The 19-year-old rebounded with an important half-century in last week’s Shield draw with WA at the WACA, and his performance against Tasmania will be highly scrutinised as Australia’s selectors mull over who should partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.