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Manchester United will again loan out midfielder James Garner to Nottingham Forest next season, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Garner excels at Forest

The 21-year-old joined Forest on a temporary basis last season, with United seeing it as beneficial to his development in terms of earning more regular minutes.

Garner was a revelation at the City Ground, proving vital to Steve Cooper’s side earning promotion to the Premier League, scoring four goals and registering eight assists in the Championship.

While the midfielder could return to Old Trafford for good this summer, it looks as though that won’t be the case.

The Latest: Garner going back to Forest

Taking to Twitter in sharing his report for Football Transfers, Talbot claimed that Garner would instead return for another season-long loan spell at Forest in 2022/23, amid reported transfer interest from other clubs.

He tweeted:

“Exc: Told Manchester United will fend off interest for James Garner as they wish to keep him permanently – but he will be loaned back to Nottingham Forest. Don’t think Everton or Leeds have a chance at this point.”

The Verdict: Great news for Forest

This is a massive boost for Forest, with Garner’s technical ability in the middle of the park proving to be influential last season.

Only three players registered more goal contributions for the Reds in their promotion campaign, while the 21-year-old led the way for key passes (two) and crosses (1.6) per game, as per WhoScored.

While they might not be getting the youngster on a permanent deal, this would be the next best thing, with Cooper no doubt delighted to retain the youngster’s services.

This boost is especially needed after negative reports surrounding the likes of Brice Samba and Djed Spence, both of whom may not be at Forest next season.

In other news, Forest have been dealt a transfer blow. Read more here.

Journalist Rudy Galetti of Tribal Football has now shared a major Tottenham Hotspur transfer update on the club’s pursuit of Everton striker Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

The Lilywhites are reliably believed to hold a serious interest in Brazil’s international attacker as manager Antonio Conte reportedly sets his sights on an alternative to star man Harry Kane.

According to reporter David Ornstein of The Athletic, some sources at Goodison Park even believe a Spurs move for Richarlison is inevitable and Everton could be forced to accept a fee lower than their desired asking price.

Now, as per Galetti, it appears the north Londoners could be about to seriously ramp up their Premier League transfer chase.

The Latest: Galetti shares major Richarlison update…

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According to the reporter, Tottenham now ‘want to speed things up’ for Richarlison and ‘decisive days’ lie ahead.

Galetti also explains that the Toffees value their star 25-year-old at ‘€65/70 million (£56/£61m)’ but Spurs would ‘like to shell out a little less’.

The Verdict: Get moving…

As backed by WhoScored, Richarlison stood out as one of Frank Lampard’s most crucial assets over 2021/2022 when at his very best.

He finished 2021/2022 as their best-performing player by average match rating whilst also racking up Everton’s most goals and assists combined (10G, 5A).

Richarlison attempted a threatening 2.4 shots at goal per 90 in that time, more than any of his teammates, leaving little surprise Conte and co want him through the Hotspur Way door as soon as possible.

Called ‘unplayable’ by Sky pundit Andy Hinchcliffe, the South American could be a real asset at Spurs.

In other news: Sky journalist: Tottenham hold ‘negotiations’ as Paratici also eyes ‘perfect player for Conte’! Find out more here.

The Scotsman journalist Barry Anderson has provided an update on the future of Glasgow Rangers youngster Rory Wilson. 

The lowdown: Star in the making

Born in Girvan, the 16-year-old has been making a name for himself in the youth ranks at Ibrox over the last 12 months.

The centre-forward made four appearances for the Gers’ under-19 side in the 2021/22 UEFA Youth League and is already a shining light on the youth international scene.

Having announced his imminent departure from the Glasgow giants, Wilson has been heavily linked with a move to join up with former Teddy Bears manager Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, and it appears that the proposed move could be edging closer…

The latest: Wilson transfer latest

Taking to Twitter, Anderson reported that the Ibrox teenage sensation is nearing a switch to the Premier League outfit.

He said: “Rory Wilson from Rangers to Aston Villa is progressing. Wilson (16) scored 49 goals at youth level this season for Rangers & Scotland. RFC due a £300,000 development fee. Villa also close to signing Ewan Simpson (15) from Hearts in a £250,000 transfer. #AVFC #Football #Scotland”

The verdict: Blow for Rangers

While it seems almost inevitabile that such a prodigious talent would move on from Ibrox at some stage, losing a talent of Wilson’s quality at such a young age is a blow to the project at Rangers.

With eight goals in just 11 Scotland under-17 outings on top of an astonishing campaign which has seem him score 49 goals between club and country at youth level, the prolific young striker was labelled ‘clinical’ by his coach Brian McLaughlin earlier this year.

Nonetheless, receiving a fee of £300,000 – as suggested by Anderson – would be a boost to the Gers’ coffers for a player who was unlikely to make a direct impact on Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side next season, so long as the money is redistributed to the Dutchman’s own transfer budget.

In other news: Alex McLeish has had this to say on Nikola Katic’s Ibrox return

West Ham United could well be facing a major post-season setback, amid reports that midfield star Declan Rice won’t be signing a new deal.

What’s the word?

According to Claret and Hugh, the Hammers have reportedly ‘confirmed’ that the 23-year-old will not be agreeing to a new contract this summer. This represents a twist as there were ‘hopes’ from within that club that he could commit his future to the London Stadium.

The England international has just two years remaining on his existing deal – with the option of an extra year – having been rumoured to have rejected a remarkable eight-year extension from the east London outfit worth an estimated £83m.

While it would appear he will remain at the club for at least another season, with the Premier League side placing a £150m price tag on his head to ward off any interest, the belief is that he will more than likely be moving on at the end of next term, as per this latest report.

Supporters worried

Although there is the positive news that the £62k-per-week gem should be a West Ham player for the 2022/23 season, that will seemingly only marginally soften the blow, with supporters facing what looks like an inevitable separation with their talisman, something that will no doubt leave them worried.

Having been plucked at the age of 14 after being released by London rivals Chelsea, Rice has gone on to become an integral asset to the Irons, notably taking on captaincy duty in the absence of Mark Noble in recent seasons.

Not just a leading figure at the club, the £67.5m-rated machine is also one of the most prominent players in the division, with pundit Paul Parker suggesting that he is “the best central midfield player in the country”, such has been his standout form of late.

In recent seasons, in particular, the 29-cap colossus has been a real driving force for both club and country, while he compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 5% for interceptions made, as well as in the top 6% for pass completion and the top 9% for progressive carries.

That latter stat is no real surprise, in truth, with the marauding midfielder so often seen winning the ball back in the centre of the park and driving right at the heart of the opposition defence, with his powerful surging runs forward so vital to dragging David Moyes’ side up the pitch.

Of course, with that £150m figure that has been bandied about the former Everton boss could likely strengthen in a number of positions were Rice to be sold, although supporters will no doubt agree that he is a simply unique and irreplaceable asset who would leave a notable void were he to depart.

The Hammers only have to look at the mess that Tottenham Hotspur made with their sizeable, £80m Gareth Bale sale back in 2013, with Spurs proving that even seven new signings couldn’t replicate the talent of just one, leading figure.

It may not be this summer that GSB cash in on their man, although it could prove an anxious 12 months for supporters as they wait and see where the midfielder’s long-term future lies.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Manchester United are lining up a bid for Brazilian talent Joao Gomes as Erik ten Hag aims to start the club’s summer transfer business early.

What’s the news?

South American news outlet BolaVIP have reported that the Red Devils are sending scouts to watch Flamengo star Joao Gomes in action as they appear keen to bring him to England.

It was originally TNTSports which linked United with the 21-year-old in March, and it looks like Ten Hag is about to get a closer look at the player.

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A fee of around R$200m (£33m) is what the Manchester club are willing to pay for the defensive midfielder, according to journalist Gustavo Henrique, and this seems a reasonable fee for someone of Gomes’s talent and age.

Imagine him and Bruno

One of Ten Hag’s main priorities at Old Trafford will surely be to rejuvenate the midfield. With the future of Paul Pogba still hanging in the air and Nemanja Matic leaving, there will be a need to bolster United’s options in this area.

Gomes could well be an ideal signing and he has a respectable WhoScored average rating of 6.85 this season. His pass success rate is an excellent 88.4%, and a player with such impressive passing ability is one that the Dutchman will surely want in his team.

Having a holding midfielder of his ball distribution in the team would allow more creative freedom to the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo. Knowing that they have a solid midfielder behind them with the attributes to break up play and potentially build attacks from the base of midfield could be a game-changer going into next season.

Gomes has been described in the past as the “great ball thief”, and this quote perfectly summarises his qualities. The 21-year-old makes 4.1 tackles per game and wins back possession 0.4 times per 90 minutes.

For a reported fee of £33m, Ten Hag should be making Gomes one of his first summer signings at Old Trafford.

AND in other news, Bid incoming: Sky Sports journalist drops MUFC transfer update, Ten Hag will be thrilled

West Bromwich Albion are interested in Millwall midfielder Jed Wallace.

What’s the word?

As per a report from The Sun’s Alan Nixon, it has been claimed that West Brom have opened talks to sign the Millwall midfielder who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Steve Bruce is said to be keen on the 28-year-old but he has been offered new terms by his current employers.

Bruce needs him

The latest news is timely for Bruce, who is set to lose midfield depth in the form of Romaine Sawyers, who will leave in the summer on a free after the Baggies decided against triggering his one-year contract extension.

It is no wonder as to why Wallace has so many reported suitors, especially when you consider that he was hailed as “unbelievable” by current manager Gary Rowett too.

Of the last three Championship campaigns, the Englishman has struck gold with his attacking returns – managing a whopping 27 goals and 30 assists.

57 returns over the last three seasons presents serious value for a club who can prise him away on a free at the end of the season.

And he has continued in that vein, with another six goals and 12 assists shooting Millwall to within touching distance of the play-off places.

Compared to Sawyers, therefore, he’d be a huge upgrade. Since signing for Albion, the 30-year-old has only ever scored once and laid on a solitary assist.

Furthermore, Wallace is also a more versatile threat, possessing the ability to play in Sawyers’ attacking midfield role, but also on the flanks.

In other news: Bruce can save WBA millions by unleashing 19 y/o dynamo who has a “knack of scoring” 

Liverpool have been linked with Jude Bellingham for a while now and with the transfer window coming up the links have begun to reignite as the Reds set out to improve their midfield this summer.

Aurelien Tchouameni has been heavily linked with the side over the last month, with terms reportedly agreed with the Frenchman who has also attracted interest from Real Madrid too, so it is clear that the Merseyside club are putting themselves out there to sign fresh perspectives in the centre of the pitch.

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The transfer speculation has reignited after Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle told supporters in a Q&A that Bellingham is “a player that they really like”.

The 18-year-old who was hailed “scary” by England teammate Jack Grealish, has been catching the attention of the football world and the youngster has even been compared to former Liverpool captain and Premier League hall of famer Steven Gerrard.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jamie O’Hara claimed:

“He is the closest thing we have had since Steven Gerrard. I say that given the fact Steven Gerrard was unbelievable, but Bellingham is obviously not at that level yet.”

It is no wonder that the young midfielder is being compared to the former Reds midfielder when you consider his attributes on the pitch with both incredible defensive and offensive qualities that constantly trouble his opponents.

According to SofaScore, Bellingham has scored three goals and contributed eight assists, creating ten big chances, making 1.3 key passes, 1.3 interceptions and 1.6 tackles on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (51%) and successfully in the majority of his dribbles (57%) in the Bundesliga this season.

These statistics prove he commands the ball and is fearless in making his presence known on the pitch just like Gerrard was for Liverpool, and he would clearly be a huge coup for Klopp if he could convince the £101m youngster to leave Germany this summer.

With that being said, after selling Erling Haaland to Manchester City this summer already it would be highly unlikely that Dortmund would be willing to let go of another one of their most talented stars at the club right now, so unless Liverpool can come up with an offer the Bundesliga side can’t refuse it will be surprising to see the signing made this summer.

AND in other news: Liverpool handed perfect chance to sign “extraordinary” £60m brute, Klopp needs him

It was also the second two-day Test in Australia ever

Sampath Bandarupalli18-Dec-20222 Test matches hosted by Australia that were completed within the first two days, including the first Australia-South Africa Test in Brisbane. The first instance was between Australia and West Indies when they faced off in Melbourne in 1931. The Brisbane Test is also the second shortest completed Test in Australia by balls.7 Number of Tests with a result in fewer balls than the Brisbane Test’s 866. Only one of those seven took place since World War II – last year’s Test between India and England in Ahmedabad, which completed in only 842 balls.ESPNcricinfo Ltd25.5 Balls per wicket for bowlers in the Brisbane Test, the second-best bowling strike rate in a Test match with 30 or more scalps for bowlers. The 1888 Lord’s Test between England and Australia had a bowling strike rate of 20.8, where 38 wickets fell in only 792 balls.78 Runs added for the first three wickets in this Test match across the four innings. These are the second-fewest runs scored before the fall of the third wicket across four innings in a Test match (where at least three wickets fell in all four innings). The fewest is 77 runs in the 1935 Bridgetown Test between West Indies and England.99 South Africa’s total in their second innings in Brisbane, their second-lowest against Australia in Tests since their readmission in 1991. They were bowled out for 96 in their first innings of the Cape Town Test in 2011. South Africa’s 99 all out is also their fourth-lowest total ever in Tests in Australia.251 South Africa’s aggregate in this Test match is their second-lowest against Australia, where they were all out twice. Their lowest is 81 during the 1931-32 tour in Melbourne – bowled out for 36 and 45.8 Number of all-out totals below 200 in Tests for South Africa this year. These are the most sub-200 totals by them in a calendar year. They were bowled out under 200 on seven occasions in 1912, 2015 and 2018.

The final game of the night in Major League Baseball takes place at Coors Field with the Colorado Rockies hosting the Milwaukee Brewers.

These teams are in totally different spots this season, as the Brewers are in first in the NL Central with 50 wins already in 2024 while the Rockies are over 20 games out in the NL West, sitting in last place. 

However, oddsmakers aren’t setting Milwaukee as a massive favorite in this one, and it could have to do with an interesting pitching matchup. Let’s dive into the odds and my best bet for this NL clash on Monday. 

Brewers vs. Rockies Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line

• Brewers -1.5 (-105)
• Rockies +1.5 (-115)

Moneyline

• Brewers: -155
• Rockies: +130

Total

• 11.5 (Over -102/Under -118)

Brewers vs. Rockies Probable Pitchers

• Milwaukee: Bryse Wilson (5-3, 3.89 ERA)
• Colorado: Austin Gomber (1-5, 4.63 ERA)

Brewers vs. Rockies How to Watch

• Date: Monday, July 1
• Time: 8:40 p.m. EST
• Venue: Coors Field
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports Wisconsin, AFN, MLB Network
• Brewers record: 50-34
• Rockies record: 28-55

Brewers vs. Rockies Key Players to Watch

Milwaukee Brewers

Christian Yelich: Christian Yelich rocked a homer on Sunday, and he’s now hitting .321 with eight homers, 36 runs batted in and 18 stolen bases in 2024. Yelich has an OPS+ of 149, and he’s on pace for his best season since he was last an All-Star back in 2019. 

Colorado Rockies

Austin Gomber: Austin Gomber was awful at Coors Field in 2023, posting a 7.05 ERA in 15 starts, but he’s flipped the script this season with a 3.57 ERA in six starts. The Rockies are just 5-10 in his outings, but Gomber could be a sneaky pitcher to back on Monday. 

Brewers vs. Rockies Prediction and Pick

Regression is coming for Bryse Wilson, who has a 4.65 xERA this season and a Fielding Independent Pitching of 4.89. 

While he did throw six shoutout innings in his last outing, he still posted a 5.19 ERA in June, and now he has to go to a hitter-friendly park in Coors Field.

Last season, Coors Field was a nightmare for lefty Austin Gomber, but he’s turned things around at home in 2024. The Rockies starter has a 3.57 ERA in six home starts, holding opponents to a .226 batting average. On the road, opponents are hitting .288 against Gomber. 

Backing the Rockies in any scenario is a risky proposition since they’ve won just 28 games all season, but a few blowup outings by Wilson in June completely took the Brewers out of games. 

I’ll fade him on the road here. 

With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retiring and Luis Suarez' slowing, its time for Messi and Miami to deliver

Lionel Messi bringing together the remnants of great Barcelona teams past in Miami was a beautiful thing. It was a side for the football romantics. Many who watched Messi in Barca would have seen him connect, play and win with his compadres.

Jordi Alba was the left back who had assisted Messi more than anyone else. Luis Suarez developed the kind of attacking chemistry that many can only ever dream of. And Sergio Busquets was at the base of midfield, winning everything and metronomically ticking the game over. 

That quartet was the spine of one of the best sides in the history of the sport. Their reunification in Florida just right. You can imagine the "We're getting the band back together" style meeting. It was probably over WhatsApp. Maybe there was a Zoom call involved. Honestly, it may have gone through agents. 

They reunited, and the assumption was that they would win, early and often. The reality has been far from the case. The vibes are immaculate. The romanticism is clear to see. Their desire to continue to perform at a high level cannot be questioned, either. But results have remained elusive.

And time, it seems, is running out. Alba and Busquets are retiring at the end of the season. Suarez may yet do the same. And even if Messi just signed a three-year extension with the club, there is a sense that this is the last ride for the Catalonian boys in Miami. The band is breaking up, and on the dawn of MLS playoffs, they have one last chance at a big hit.

• Imagn
  

  The Barcelona connection

  There is a beautiful circularity to the story of these four. They last played for the same Barca team in 2020. That iteration of Barca underperformed slightly, in the sense that they had the sheer audacity to win La Liga. Still, the currency of playing for is trophies, and the quartet ultimately failed. 

  After that, they dispersed. Suarez bolted for Atletico Madrid once it became clear that Barca were going through something of a transition. Messi, unthinkably, left soon after, starting the strange fever dream era in which he played for PSG (a saga that was defined by him skipping a couple games, scoring some outrageous goals, and ultimately winning a World Cup with Argentina). Then the move to Miami in 2023.

  Alba and Busquets stuck around, the elder statesmen on what was a strange era of La Liga. Barca and Real Madrid were both in transition. Xavi – if only to complete the old-teammate vibe – came in as manager. They won La Liga in 2023, and then both bolted for Miami. 

  Suarez did the same, albeit after a sabbatical in South American soccer with Gremio. His signature was surprising; he had spoken openly about his body breaking down in real time. But the appeal of Miami – and reunification with his old friends – was too much to turn down.

  Miami, in turn, were a strange outfit. They barreled their way through the 2024 regular season, making a mockery of the league, setting a new points record and claiming the Supporters' Shield. They were, by extension, playoff favorites. And they failed to live up to that tag in quite remarkable fashion, losing in the first round to eighth-seeded Atlanta United. 

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  The challenges of a new season

  Heading into this campaign, the writing was on the wall. There was scattered talk that Suarez could retire at the end of last season, but he stuck around. Busquets and Alba were playing on expiring contracts. All of the signings Miami made over the winter – Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia, Maxi Falcon – seemed shrewd options, the kind of foreign talent that, in theory, makes a win-now MLS team.

  The addition of Javier Mascherano as manager, meanwhile, was a massive keep-Messi-happy move.

  Miami have gone about their business admittedly well – especially given the flaws. There was always going to be a hefty workload, with CONCACAF Champions Cup, Club World Cup and Leagues Cup added to an already packed MLS schedule. Across all competitions, they played 57 matches, won 31, lost 12 and drew 14.

  They are scoring more than two goals per game, possess the best attack in MLS and, crucially, have managed to stay relatively healthy throughout. 

  Some midseason transfer activity was smart. Benjamin Cremaschi openly criticized his coach, and was swiftly sent to Parma – his Miami future seemingly over. Rodrigo De Paul's signing was an immense upgrade in the midfield, and also perhaps a signifier of Busquets' impending retirement.

  Sure, they missed out on a centerback that they badly needed. But zoom out, consider the angles and think about the scope of MLS – a league in which playoff success is everything – and they are better set up for a run than last year's group. 

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  What would success be?

  It's important to consider, though, what exactly success for Miami would look like. The numbers suggest that this is a good MLS side, led by someone who is, to say the least, a clear difference-maker. But their finish in the Eastern Conference – third, and one point off first – is indicative of where they are as a team.

  FC Cincinnati (second) are more well-rounded and have plenty of weapons. First-place Philadelphia Union are wonderfully consistent and will likely be able to deal with the rough and tumble of three-game playoff series. 

  In truth, Miami are right where they should be – especially given they have played 16 games more than Cincinnati and 18 more than Philadelphia with the other competitions. This is an older team being asked to play more games, and still came within one point of first place. In abstract, by the normal variables of modern soccer, this is effectively an overperformance.

  Miami don't have the time to recover, regroup, coach and train. They take it game-by-game . Anyone else would struggle. But of course, none of that really matters. Miami cannot point to heavy workloads, or make the "excuses" other clubs routinely use. Talent alone renders all of that irrelevant. 

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  Nashville and the realities of a tough matchup

  On MLS Decision Day, Miami looked something close to their scintillating best. They turned in a very Miami performance. They were battered for 20 minutes, and really should have gone down a goal or two. And then, the main men woke up. Alba found Messi, who scored. Nashville responded twice and went up 2-1 at halftime. 

  Then, the Blaugrana boys turned it on properly. Messi scored twice more in the second half, and set up a third. Alba purred up the left wing. Suarez was a constant irritant and saw a couple of shots well denied. Still, 5-2 wins don't always keep coaches happy. Sure, it's nice to score five. But conceding twice isn't the hallmark of a team in control.

  Control, however, has never been Miami's thing. And that's why they are so dangerous. This side can wake up in an instant, and rattle off four second-half goals without breaking a sweat. They sacrifice defense in the name of a rip-roaring attack. Is it borderline reckless, and the kind of thing that might see them undone? Sure, but it's the way they play. 

  Nashville, Miami's opponent in this rematch from Decision Day, will be tricky. Last's week's loss notwithstanding, they are structured, disciplined, well coached, and have excellent attacking players, Hany Mukhtar and the ruthless Sam Surridge. There likely won't be any more 5-2 Miami wins here.