Tag Futebol

Liverpool transfer target Ryan Gravenberch is open to the idea of leaving Bayern Munich for the Reds this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Do Liverpool want to sign Ryan Gravenberch?

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield throughout the summer transfer window, being seen as one of many midfield options to come in and bolster that area of the pitch.

After signing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, talk of a move for Gravenberch has cooled overall, but rumours have started to return again in recent days.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

The Dutchman moved to Bayern from Ajax last summer, but he found it hard to be a regular starter in his first season there, starting just three Bundesliga matches and having to make do with a squad role instead.

Will Liverpool sign Ryan Gravenberch?

Speaking on the Born and Red YouTube channel [via The Boot Room], Romano said that Gravenberch would be open to trading Bayern for Liverpool in the current transfer window:

"They love [Ryan] Gravenberch, 100%. It’s about the director [Jorg Schmadtke], it’s about Jurgen Klopp. They really, really like the player and the player is open to the idea of making a move.

"But, at the moment he didn’t go there and say, ‘Let me go’. It’s still something that’s in the early stages between Gravenberch and Bayern and at the moment Liverpool can only wait. It makes no sense to submit proposals or start negotiations if Bayern don’t want to sell."

It does appear as though Liverpool still view Gravenberch as a good option to bring in this summer, and if Jurgen Klopp and his new transfer guru are big admirers, it is hard to go against the legendary Reds manager, especially as the Netherlands international has been called a "better version of Pogba" by former Ajax coach Brian Tevreden.

That being said, the Bayern man is arguably at his best as a box-to-box No.8 in the mould of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, at a time when Liverpool need a No.6 to come in and replace Fabinho. Signing him as well as the other recent recruits would arguably leave the midfield feeling unbalanced, so the money could be used better elsewhere, such as on Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia and Fluminense enforcer Andre, both of whom continue to be linked with moves.

If Gravenberch does come in, it can only be assumed that Klopp believes he could thrive as a No.6, but it would feel like a risk, at a time when the midfield issue simply must be nailed.

علّق ستيفانو بيولي، المدير الفني لفريق ميلان، على هزيمتهم في مباراة الإثنين أمام جارهم إنتر ميلان، حيث حسم الأخير لقب الدوري الإيطالي.

واستضاف ميلان منافسه إنتر ميلان، في قمة منافسات الجولة الثالثة والثلاثين حيث فاز الضيوف بهدفين مقابل هدف.

وحصل إنتر ميلان بذلك الفوز على لقب الدوري الإيطالي هذا الموسم بشكل رسمي، للمرة العشرين في تاريخه.

وقال بيولي في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “فوتبول إيطاليا” بعد المباراة: “حاولت رفع معنويات اللاعبين، فمن الواضح أنها هزيمة مؤلمة لكل المشاركين بها، حاولت قدر الإمكان طمأنة لاعبي فريقي، لأننا بحاجة إلى إنهاء الموسم بشكل جيد، لدينا مباراة مهمة أخرى يوم السبت”.

وأضاف: “لسوء الحظ، لم نتمكن حتى من تحقيق التعادل في هذا الديربي، كانت الأولوية هي إزالة التكافؤ بين الطرفين في الهجوم وإيجاد مساحة للهجمات المرتدة”.

وواصل: “لقد تأخرنا في النتيجة، وأعتقد أن إنتر لم يضرنا إلا في تلك الركنية والهجمات المرتدة، ولكن عندما تكون متأخرًا، عليك المخاطرة، لقد قاتل الفريق بإصرار ورغبة، ولم يكن لدينا القليل من الحظ الذي كان من الممكن أن يمنحنا التعادل، لأننا خلقنا الفرص”.

واستمر: “لقد خاض إنتر موسمًا استثنائيًا، لم يخسر سوى مباراة واحدة، لكن لمدة ثلاث أو أربع سنوات حتى الآن لا يمكن لأحد أن يشك في أنه يمتلك أقوى فريق في الدوري، أما نحن فقد أهدرنا النقاط في بعض المباريات الحاسمة وافتقرنا إلى الثبات”.

وأوضح: “إذا كانت الفجوة بيننا وبين إنتر ميلان كبيرة إلى هذا الحد (يتواجد ميلان في المركز الثاني بفارق 17 نقطة عن البطل)، فهذا يعني أنهم فريق قوي للغاية وعلينا جميعًا رفع المستوى”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لاوتارو مارتينيز باكيًا بعد تحقيق لقب الدوري الإيطالي: إنتر ميلان يريد المزيد

وخاض ميلان تلك المباراة بعد أيام من خروجه من الدوري الأوروبي، حيث خسر على يد روما ذهابًا وإيابًا، في ربع النهائي.

واستطرد: “لقد حققنا سبعة انتصارات متتالية، لذا فإن مباراتي الدوري الأوروبي ضد روما لم تكن كما أردنا أو توقعنا، كان الجميع في حالة جيدة ويشعرون بالثقة، لكننا قدمنا لقائين كانا أقل من معاييرنا”.

واستأنف: “ثم كان الديربي هو التالي، أعتقد أنه ربما كان الديربي الأكثر توازنًا في اللقاءات الأخيرة، ولم يحالفنا الحظ”.

وسئل بيولي عما إذا كانت هذه نهاية حقبة، خاصة وسط تقارير عن رحيله في نهاية الموسم، حيث رد: “لا أعرف، بدا إنزاجي (مدرب إنتر ميلان) وكأنه يعاني قبل 14 شهرًا وفقًا لما ذكرته وسائل الإعلام وانظروا ماذا حقق بعد ذلك”.

واختتم: “أنا سعيد هنا، وأعمل بشكل جيد وأعتقد أن الفريق لديه مجال للتحسن، سنرى أين نحن جميعًا في نهاية الموسم وسنناقش الأمر”.

Norwich City look to be on the verge of yet another signing this summer, with Derbund, via Pink Un reporting that Christian Fassnacht is in talks with the club.

Who is Christian Fassnacht?

The 29-year-old has spent the entirety of his career in his native Switzerland, having come up through the divisions and landed with Young Boys in the Swiss Super League.

He's been a success there too, with his side claiming the league title in 2022/23. The midfielder played 29 times during that campaign, 26 of which were starts, and produced eight goals with six assists. It meant that his goal contribution tally hit double-digits for the third consecutive season – only in one league campaign has he ever hit less than ten goals + assists.

He's been with his current side since the 2017/18 season and has gone on to rack up nearly 200 league outings for the club during his time there (182 to be exact). That has led to a return of 68 goals and 33 assists – impressive when you consider he plays almost exclusively out wide.

It means that he has a total rate of 0.58 goals or assists per 90 over the entirety of his time with Young Boys – meaning he guarantees one or the other in every second game he features in, extremely good numbers over such an extended period of time.

He was equally as impressive for Thun before that, with ten goals during his lone season with them.

The wide man's showings in his native country have also led to appearances for his national side. He has 19 caps to his name as things stand, with four goals, and remains involved in and around the squad on a consistent basis under Murat Yakin.

Are Norwich signing Christian Fassnacht?

Now, according to a report from Derbund, via Pink Un, the midfielder may finally be about to leave Switzerland and head to England. Championship side Norwich City are in discussions over a potential move for the Young Boys star and the report states that he has already got a medical lined up with the Canaries.

It means that once negotiations are sorted out and a medical is passed, he will almost definitely become a Norwich player – although it is unclear yet just how much he is going to set the second tier side back in terms of a transfer fee.

If Norwich do manage to get a transfer sorted though, his record makes him look like a promising signing for the club. His goal and assist record is exciting, with the midfielder regularly standing out and hitting double-digit tallies in Switzerland. There will likely be some adapting to a different country and league but the 29-year-old has also played for his country, which will be valuable experience that not every member of the Canaries squad will have.

Fassnacht then could be a deal that goes under the radar but ends up being a very good addition if Norwich complete a deal.

Khalid Latif and Shahzaib Hasan could be facing more charges for breaches of the PCB’s anti-corruption code.ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB might have found fresh leads in the ongoing investigation into the allegations of corruption surrounding the second season of the PSL. The board issued fresh notices against the players, who are already provisionally suspended, on Monday, asking them to appear for interviews before its Security and Vigilance Department. Latif was asked to appear on April 26, and Hasan on April 27.”In furtherance of its fight against corruption in the game of cricket the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Security and Vigilance Department has today issued fresh Notices of Demand to Cricketers Khalid Latif and Shahzaib Hassan,” PCB said in a statement. “These Notices of Demand have been issued under Article 4.3 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code and require both Cricketers to appear before the PCB Security and Vigilance Department for interviews relating to investigations into possible further breaches of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code.”Article 4.3, as well as requiring the players to be interviewed, allows the PCB to seek any information it believes to be relevant to the case, including access to personal records such as bank statements and phone records.Latif has already been charged with six breaches of the PCB’s anti-corruption code during the PSL in February. He was provisionally suspended for alleged misdemeanours and was sent home from the tournament. He has already challenged those charges and is set to be heard before a three-man tribunal on May 5. He will now, however, appear in this separate investigation on April 26.Latif challenged the status of the tribunal in the Lahore High Court during his hearing last week but the writ petition was shot down by the court. His lawyer subsequently decided to appear before the tribunal under protest.Shahzaib was charged for allegedly failing to report a suspect approach in time and in full detail, and also for allegedly inducing players in corruption. He was charged with breaching three major clauses of the PCB’s anti-corruption code and is scheduled to appear before the tribunal on April 21. He will now have to appear again on April 27.

Newcastle United may have moved their attention to defence in regards to their next transfer business, with Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, reporting that the Toon are now keeping close tabs on Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

How many games has Giovanni Di Lorenzo played for Napoli?

The right-back has spent the last four seasons with current club Napoli, and has long been an important player for the side. Even when he first linked up with the Serie A outfit from former club Empoli, he was thrown straight in and given 33 appearances in that very first campaign.

He has since managed to rack up 139 league outings for the now champions of Italy during his time there, and with ten goals and seventeen assists along the way, he has proven to be an asset going forward for the club too.

Having spent the entirety of his career in Italy though, it appears a potential change may be on the cards. That's because according to a report from Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, the right-back is now on the radar of Newcastle United.

The Premier League side are keeping a close eye on the player now, with the 29-year-old seemingly now on their transfer wishlist. It adds that this interest in Di Lorenzo has only materialised over the "last few hours".

It means that no bid has yet been made and no official approach has come forth but Napoli are "worried" by the interest due to the financial might the Magpies now possess.

How much is Giovanni Di Lorenzo worth?

It's unclear how much a potential deal for Di Lorenzo may cost Newcastle. However, Transfermarkt suggest that his value is around the 25 million Euros mark (or £21.5m). It means that a deal wouldn't break the bank for the Toon if it was that amount, especially considering their new ownership, but it would still represent a profit on the player for Napoli.

He could be worth that amount too when you consider how well he has played for Napoli. Football journalist Josh Bunting has previously stated that a goal from Napoli was helped by a "perfect" ball from Di Lorenzo and has also called the player "excellent" too.

The Napoli man has warranted these superlatives then and it means that his signing could represent good business for Newcastle. They already have Kieran Trippier on that right flank but he would provide a good battle for that spot and sufficient depth as they embark into four competitions next term.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has personally held talks with the representatives of Leicester City star James Maddison, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Maddison is being pushed as a top target for Spurs by sections of the press with some sources even suggesting that the 26-year-old was at the centre of a double bid last week.

The Lilywhites were said to have lodged an offer for both Maddison and his teammate, Harvey Barnes, worth in excess of £50 million which was swiftly rejected by Leicester.

Sky Sports rebuffed this claim, stating while Spurs had a serious interest in both, no formal proposal of any kind had gone in for the duo.

As well as the Foxes playmaker, it is believed that Tottenham are targeting a new goalkeeper, central defender and possible forward additions.

David Raya of Brentford is wanted to replace Hugo Lloris, meanwhile the likes of Man City defender Aymeric Laporte have been tipped with potential moves to Spurs.

Galasary forward Nicolo Zaniolo has emerged as a target in recent days, too, with Postecoglou seemingly looking to strengthen in various areas of the pitch.

Going back to Maddison, a report by Football Transfers has shared some interesting news on Tottenham's chase for the England international.

According to their information, Postecoglou has personally held talks with Maddison's agents recently, and he is thought to have made a really good impression on them,

This has apparently helped to sway Maddison more towards Tottenham than Premier League rivals Newcastle, and the former Norwich City star may be tempted to join.

Despite this, Maddison is yet to have any personal contact with Spurs, but Postecoglou coming across well to the player's camp could be crucial.

How many goals did Maddison score last season?

Maddison starred for Leicester over the course of 2022/2023, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in the league alone, totalling an impressive 19 attacking contributions (WhoScored).

The Three Lions ace also attempted more shots at goal per 90, completing more key passes and registered their joint-highest rate of successful take-ons in the top flight (WhoScored).

These numbers make one thing crystal clear – he is far too good for the Championship.

Whether it is Newcastle or Spurs, either side may be on to seal a very potent and capable attacking threat in the final third.

Former West Ham and Leicester City star David Connolly has also called Maddison "absolutely magnificent" for his form at the King Power.

Aston Villa are ready to discuss a summer deal to sign Galatasaray star Nicolo Zaniolo, according to reports.

Where is Nicolo Zaniolo?

Zaniolo was linked with all sorts of clubs before he left AS Roma, but currently plays his football at the Nef Stadium having joined from the Italian capital back in February. He’s since gone on to make 11 appearances for Gala, but his game time has been far from regular.

In the Super Lig last season, the 23-year-old was only handed two starts by Okan Buruk so is significantly out of favour despite being one of his manager’s most recent new signings, meaning that he could be looking to complete a move elsewhere to get more minutes under his belt.

The Italy international has been previously linked with a move to the Premier League after attracting significant interest from Tottenham Hotspur in January, and despite a move failing to come to fruition, it turns out a switch to the top-flight could be on the cards after all.

Are Aston Villa signing Zaniolo?

According to Turkish outlet Takvim (via Sport Witness), who name-check Monchi specifically, Aston Villa are “interested” in signing Zaniolo ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Midlands outfit are one of seven clubs to be “sat at the table” waiting to open talks over a swoop for the midfielder, who has had a €35m (£29m) price tag placed on his head.

Galatasaray “do not consider accepting offers below” the specified fee, though at this stage, the player is “thinking of staying” for one more year due to the fact that his side will be playing in the Champions League.

Aston Villa appointed Monchi as their new President of Football Operations earlier this month and he’s clearly wasting no time in getting to work with Unai Emery by identifying transfer targets.

Zaniolo has been dubbed a “monster” by journalist Nick Mercadante, and it’s no surprise that he’s one of the names under consideration given he seems to be somewhat of a mercurial talent who is yet to find a home where he can reach his true potential.

Sponsored by Nike, the attacking midfielder has posted six goal contributions (five goals and one assist) in 11 Galatasaray outings whilst averaging 2.2 shots per league game since joining, showing how much of a prolific impact he can make even on limited opportunities.

Now a Super Lig champion, Zaniolo would also provide the manager with wonderful versatility having operated in six various positions across the pitch since first bursting onto the scene, including everywhere across the frontline, so should the opportunity present itself for a reasonable price, this really is a no-brainer of a deal to complete.

Newcastle United have opened "talks" regarding a contract extension for Joelinton at St. James' Park, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

When is Joelinton out of contract at Newcastle?

The Brazil international first arrived in the Premier League from Hoffenheim back in 2019 and has since gone on to become a regular feature in the northeast, clocking up a total of 157 appearances to date.

The Magpies talisman still has another two years remaining on his contract at St. James’ Park, but having established himself last season in a remarkable personal campaign as Eddie Howe’s overall second best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.24, he’s bound to attract interest during the upcoming window.

PIF and the boss will be pleased to learn that the 26-year-old is yet to have any clubs chasing him as far as public knowledge is concerned, but you can never be too careful as we approach this busy time of year and it sounds like the hierarchy are keen to tie him down before any potential suitors start circling.

Have Newcastle offered Joelinton a new contract?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Newcastle have now entered discussions with Joelinton about the possibility of him putting pen to paper and committing his long-term future to the club. He wrote:

"Excl. News #Joelinton: @NUFC wants to extend his contract beyond 2025 now! Talks have started. Early stage. Result open. After a top season the 26 y/o is about to make his debut with Brazil. Key player."

Newcastle will know that Joelinton was one of their most standout performers last season, and considering the high standard of quality that he displayed, the attacking midfielder being rewarded with improved terms is nothing less than he deserves.

The ROGON client, who earns £85k-per-week, racked up eight goal contributions (six goals and two assists) in the top-flight during the previous term and ranked in the 97th percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and the 94th percentile for successful take-ons, as per FBRef.

The Alianca native, who offers wonderful versatility with his ability to operate in seven different positions, is also highly regarded among his fellow players and black and white striped supporters having taken home the Player of the Year award in 2021/22, and this love story will only develop even further should he sign on the dotted line in the weeks ahead of us.

Former England Test batsman Graeme Hick has been appointed as Australia’s batting coach for the next four seasons

Brydon Coverdale15-Sep-20162:07

Conditions in India need a little bit more patience – Hick

Former England Test batsman Graeme Hick has been appointed as Australia’s batting coach for the next four seasons. Hick joins head coach Darren Lehmann, fielding coach Greg Blewett and new bowling coach David Saker in the Australia set-up, and will begin his contract at the start of the home Test series against South Africa in November.However, his first significant challenge will be to help Australia’s batsmen improve their output on the subcontinent, with a four-Test tour of India in February-March. Australia have lost their past nine Tests in Asia and were recently humiliated 3-0 by Sri Lanka in a series that was notable for Australia’s consistent batting failures against spin.When he was appointed Cricket Australia’s high performance coach based at the Centre of Excellence in 2013, Hick stressed the need for patience from Australia’s young batsmen, instead of expecting that they could score at limited-overs speed in first-class cricket. He believes a similar mental approach will be necessary for Australia’s batsmen to succeed in India.”At times maybe the Australian way is to really dominate,” Hick told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday. “In Test cricket the daily run-rate has increased a lot. Maybe India is a place where you need a little bit more patience. The teams that have been successful there recently have been guys who have got big runs up front.”If one of our top order get in, batting a couple of sessions maybe is not enough. You’ve got to look to post a big first-innings score and take that responsibility if you get in. That may require a little bit more patience than maybe some of the players would normally play at.”Hick would appear well qualified to discuss patience, as a man who scored 41,112 first-class runs, 15th on the all-time tally, and as one of only eight men in history to have scored a quadruple-century in first-class cricket. Hick also played 65 Tests for England from 1991 to 2001, and his lengthy contract appears partially designed to ensure he will be around for the 2019 Ashes in England.”I played there for 25 years, I think there was maybe a bit of that in the planning and the appointment,” Hick said. “If I feel like I can add to that and contribute to us doing well … there’s plenty to happen before that, but I’m sure there was a bit of that foresight to my appointment.”The swinging ball has been almost as much of a challenge for Australia’s batsmen as the turning ball in recent years, from 88 all-out against Pakistan at Headingley in 2010, to 47 all-out against South Africa in Cape Town, to last year’s Ashes humiliation of 60 all-out at Trent Bridge, where Stuart Broad proved to be almost unplayable in collecting 8 for 15.”At the end of the day, the players are out there themselves,” Hick said. “All the players will be able to reflect on that [Trent Bridge] experience and think they could have played it differently. That goes back to the mental side of it and the mental approach. I played in a game for England where we were bowled out for 46 in the Caribbean. It was just one of those occasions where before you can get prepared and everything, the innings is over.”People didn’t necessarily have time there to sit and plan and take stock of what was happening, it all happened so quickly. That’s all part of the challenge. Without doubt, you go to India and you’re going to get their subcontinent wickets, you go to England now, certainly Trent Bridge and Headingley will be seaming and swinging around, Edgbaston maybe as well. That’s the challenge.”Hick takes on the role as batting coach after it was vacated by Michael di Venuto in February, when he was named as Surrey’s new head coach. Blewett had filled in as batting coach since di Venuto’s departure but will now return to his original position as fielding coach.”Graeme worked with us during the recent ODI tour in the West Indies and we were really impressed with what he brought to the group,” Lehmann said. “He is a very experienced player in all conditions and will bring a wealth of knowledge with him. With an ICC Champions Trophy, an Ashes Series and an ICC World Cup all to be played in England in the near future, his knowledge of those conditions will also be invaluable.”

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is wanted by Arsenal this summer, according to an intriguing update from reliable journalist David Ornstein.

Is Gundogan leaving Man City?

The 32-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, producing some magnificent performances for the newly-crowned champions. He has been lauded as "exceptional" by manager Pep Guardiola, scoring nine goals and registering six assists, in all competitions.

There has been plenty of talk surrounding Gundogan's future at the Etihad, however, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season, and an extension not yet being signed. A move to Barcelona has been mooted, with the German possibly wanting one more big move at this stage in his career.

Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding the silky City star's next step, with Premier League title rivals Arsenal seemingly in the mix to sign him.

Could Arsenal snap up Gundogan?

Taking to Twitter on Monday morning, The Athletic's Ornstein claimed that the Gunners are interested in making a move for Gundogan in the summer window:

"Arsenal trying to sign Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan. Arteta wants 32yo if Xhaka goes. Fresh attempts will be made to keep him at #MCFC + other options. #AFC additionally pushing hard for Rice & Mount + renewed efforts to secure Nwaneri."

Losing Gundogan would be a big blow for City this summer, with his influence highlighted so much in recent months, and his performances going up another gear. He has arguably been as good as anyone since the turn of the year, Erling Haaland included, and the £140,000-a-week ace is someone who will hopefully decide to commit his future to the club.

Leaving for Arsenal wouldn't make a great amount of sense, considering Guardiola's men have ended up blowing the Gunners away in the title race, and it would feel like a step down, at a point where Gundogan still feels like someone performing at the peak of his powers.

The hope is that he eventually decides that signing at extension at the Etihad is the sensible option, hopefully even seeing out the rest of his career there, and further cementing his legendary status at the club in the process. He has already done so much good, making 301 appearances and famously scoring the title-clinching goal against Aston Villa last season, and there is still more to come from him.