da prosport bet： Nottingham Forest are now willing to make a £21m bid for a “superb” midfielder, which would be enough to get a deal over the line, according to a report.
Forest eyeing new signings amid Elanga uncertainty
da cassino online： After making an unexpected push for the Champions League places last season, there was also going to be interest in some of Forest’s best-performing players this summer, and the future of Anthony Elanga remains very much up in the air.
Newcastle United, who pipped the Tricky Trees to a fifth-place finish, are now thought to be closing in on a move for Elanga, which would be a major blow, given that the Sweden international amassed 17 Premier League goal contributions in the 2024-25 campaign.
As such, Nuno has been running the rule over potential replacements for the winger, with FC Porto’s Pepe believed to be of interest, having held talks over a deal for the 28-year-old, while Juventus’ Timothy Weah has turned down a move to the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest set to make £20m+ move for EURO 2024 Golden Boot winner
Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign a promising young striker.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 30, 2025
Having missed out on Weah, Nottingham Forest have now turned their attentions to another Serie A player, with a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) revealing they are now willing to make a €25m (£21m) offer for AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah.
Musah is described as being one of the key candidates to leave Milan, with the Italian club looking to raise funds for their own transfer business, and a move to the City Ground could be on the cards, as there is a belief he could shine in the Premier League.
AC Milan'sYunusMusahin action with Girona's Donny van de Beek
Milan would be likely to accept a £21m offer, but there is set to be competition for the central midfielder’s signature, with Wolverhampton Wanderers also willing to make a bid of the same value.
"Superb" Musah could flourish at Forest
Despite being just 22-years-old, the maestro already has plenty of experience in some major European leagues, making 108 appearances with Valencia, before going on to receive regular game time with current club AC Milan.
During that time, the USA international has displayed his versatility, predominantly featuring in central midfield, but also playing on both wings, perhaps due to his stellar dribbling ability, ranking in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year.
Scout Jacek Kulig also lauded the American for his “superb” performances at the 2022 World Cup, showcasing his ability to perform at the top level, which could make the Milan ace a solid signing for a Forest side with aspirations of competing in Europe.
Nuno’s side should be wary of Wolves’ interest, but Europa Conference League football being on offer at the City Ground next season could give them an edge in negotiations for Musah.
All you need to know about Mexico's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Mexico are undoubtedly one of the most entertaining teams to watch at any World Cup and have built a reputation for causing upsets and putting up strong fights against some of the biggest teams in the tournament.
They have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts and will be optimistic about making a deep run. Most recently, they defeated rivals USA in the final to lift the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Although El Tri are a reasonably strong side, their performance at the previous edition of the World Cup in 2022 was disappointing. They were knocked out in the group stage, despite having previously reached the Round of 16 seven times in a row.
Mexico's best-ever performance at the World Cup is now a distant memory, having reached the quarter-finals in both the 1970 and 1986 editions of the competition. Will they be able to go further this time around? Let's find out by taking a closer look at their squad strength.
Getty Images Sport
Goalkeepers
When it comes to Mexican goalkeepers, every football fan is familiar with the name Guillermo Ochoa. The 40-year-old keeper will be 41 by the time the World Cup kicks off next year. However, despite his age, Ochoa is expected to make the Mexico squad, having already played in three World Cups.
This time around, though, Ochoa is expected to serve as the backup, with Luis Malagon of Club America showing great promise for El Tri between the sticks. Malagon started all of Mexico’s matches during their triumphant Gold Cup campaign and is currently the front-runner to be the first-choice goalkeeper at the tournament next year.
Player
Club
Luis Malagon
Club America
Jose Rangel
Deportivo Gualdalajara
Guillermo Ochoa
AVS
Carlos Moreno
Pachuca
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AFP
Defenders
Mexico's backline for the 2026 World Cup will be filled with experience. Although they may not have the depth to rotate many players, some names are undroppable regardless. Johan Vasquez of Genoa will be an essential figure at the heart of the defense, while Jesus Gallardo and Jorge Sanchez, in the wider areas, bring immense experience and will be key for Mexico if they are to make a deep run in the tournament.
Cesar Montes is also a valuable asset for Gerardo Martino's side and could partner Vasquez as the second center-back, having already featured in the 2025 Gold Cup final.
Meanwhile, Julian Araujo has performed decently for Bournemouth in the Premier League and could be an interesting option moving forward if he continues to deliver at the top level.
Player
Club
Johan Vasquez
Genoa
Victor Guzman
Monterrey
Jesus Orozco
Cruz Azul
Rodrigo Huescas
Copenhagen
Julian Araujo
Bournemouth
Bryan Gonzalez
Deportivo Gualdajara
Jorge Sanchez
Cruz Azul
Cesar Montes
Lokomotiv Moscow
Jesus Gallardo
Toluca
Mateo Chavez
AZ Alkmaar
Getty
Midfielders
Unlike the defense, Mexico have a balance of young talents and experienced players in midfield. Edson Alvarez has been a key figure for West Ham United in the Premier League and has also played a crucial role for the national team in the defensive midfield position. Alvarez will be essential for Mexico at the World Cup in maintaining their shape and dictating the tempo of the game. He also scored the winner for Mexico in the recent Gold Cup final against the USA.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Gilberto Mora also started in the Gold Cup final and, despite his young age, has already secured his place as a starter for the national team. Although Mora will be just 17 by the time the World Cup kicks off, he could emerge as one of the star players of the tournament if Mexico go far.
Marcel Ruiz and Carlos Rodriguez have also performed well for the national team and could have a role to play for El Tri at the showpiece event next year.
Player
Club
Edson Alvarez
West Ham
Erik Lira
Cruz Azul
Luis Chavez
Dinamo Kyiv
Marcel Ruiz
Toluca
Gilberto Mora
Tijuana
Orbelin Pineda
AEK Athens
Carlos Rodriguez
Cruz Azul
Luis Romo
Deportivo Guadalajara
Fernando Beltran
Leon
Getty
Attackers
In the forward line for Mexico, Raul Jimenez is expected to play a key role as the center-forward. The Fulham striker will carry the responsibility of finding the back of the net for Mexico, alongside San Diego’s Hirving Lozano. Back in 2018, Lozano scored the only goal in a shocking upset against then-defending champions Germany.
Santiago Gimenez, who recently joined AC Milan from Feyenoord, has also been a regular in the national team and is expected to feature in the starting lineup at the World Cup for Gerardo Martino’s side.
Julian Quinones has also made a strong case for himself in recent months, thanks to his brilliant goal-scoring run for Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League. He finished the season as the fifth top scorer in the league, behind big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
The USA batter is the fourth man to hit six sixes in an over in international cricket, after Gibbs, Yuvraj and Pollard
Daya Sagar11-Sep-2021As you would expect after equalling an international record previously achieved only by Herschelle Gibbs, Yuvraj Singh and Kieron Pollard, there are 4000-5000 unread WhatsApp messages on Jaskaran Malhotra’s phone. One of the first to congratulate Malhotra after he hit six sixes in an over for USA against Papua New Guinea was Pollard, who was also his captain at St Lucia Stars during the 2018 edition of the CPL.Like his more famous colleagues at the Stars from that year, like David Warner, Daren Sammy and Lendl Simmons, 31-year-old Malhotra aspires to play in the IPL one day, his early ambition of turning out for India having come to nothing. That said, there is pride and satisfaction of being a part of an improving USA outfit.Related
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Barry Ganese smacks six sixes off an over
Six sixes in an over
Thisara Perera smashes six sixes in an over
“It’s quite amazing, really. I had not planned on any such thing when I went in to bat,” Malhotra told ESPNcricinfo about his innings of 173* (in 124 balls, with four fours and 16 sixes), also the first ODI century in men’s cricket for USA. “I entered the field with our team in a spot of bother, having lost three wickets for 29 inside the first ten overs. My first target was to just stay till the end. As the innings progressed, I got the confidence to play my shots.”In the final over (bowled by the unfortunate Gaudi Toka), once I was able to hit four sixes, that’s when the thought of six sixes first came in. I am grateful that I was able to equal this record.”Of the six sixes, which took USA to 271 for 9 and a 134-run win, Malhotra picked out the second as his best, having gone inside-out over cover. Shades of the third one Yuvraj had hit off Stuart Broad back in that 2007 T20 World Cup game there.And though there has been a surfeit of messages and calls since September 9, the one Malhotra has been waiting for hasn’t. “I know Yuvi (Yuvraj) will also be calling me soon. I am eagerly looking forward to that.”It’s a long way, that international fixture – his 13th across ODIs and T20Is – in Al Amerat from his formative years playing in Himachal Pradesh.”I captained Himachal Pradesh at Under-15 and Under-17 levels. I was also the most prolific domestic wicketkeeper-batter at Under-17 level. In fact, I was rewarded with a place among the 20 probables for the Under-19 World Cup in 2008, and was part of the NCA camp,” Malhotra said. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the final 16, which won the tournament under Virat Kohli.”Malhotra did, however, find a place in the Himachal Pradesh senior team, but never got a look-in at the first-class level. A chance encounter with cricket in the USA came after the 2010 domestic season in India, when he was visiting a relative in America, ended up playing in a local tournament while there, and did well.After that, there were invitations each year from cricket bodies in the USA, and simultaneously a drop in the likelihood of ever making it big in India.In 2014, Malhotra decided to make his move to the USA. Permanently.”I did dream of playing for India at the highest level, but playing for USA in international cricket has been very satisfying too,” he said. “Cricket here is on the right track, and with possible inclusion at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, it will give us a chance to take on the best on a global stage quite soon.”Besides this, we need to make the most of the qualifying rounds for World Cups in T20 and 50-over formats, so that we can get better exposure at the highest level.”
Liverpool are in uncharted waters, with these deep fathoms threatening not only the future of Arne Slot, who won the Premier League a matter of months ago, but that of Mohamed Salah, one of the greatest players in the club’s history, too.
Where is the respite? At the moment, Liverpool can’t catch a break, fumbling a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at Leeds United on Saturday after previously drawing against well-worth-their-money Sunderland at Anfield. All told, the Reds have won only two of their past ten league fixtures, losing six.
But Liverpool have sculpted this disaster themselves. They have patented a startling ability to wreak havoc on their own progress, with tactical imbalances sparking crises of confidence, sparking mutiny.
Salah’s flaming interview at Elland Road will go down in the history books, and though FSG have since underlined their faith in Slot’s stewardship, the severity of this crossroads cannot be understated.
The latest on Slot's Liverpool future
Slot is in an unenviable position, with Salah’s outburst proving the latest and most damaging in a long line of mishaps since the summer.
While FSG retain the faith in the 47-year-old, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title last year after Jurgen Klopp stepped down, there’s an acceptance that results are needed quickly if something is to be salvaged from this campaign.
The fact of the matter is that Slot’s Liverpool started wobbling well before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and he now needs to show that he can sort out the defence and restore balance to the team. He needs to show that quickly.
27
Games
52
23
Wins
26
3
Draws
10
1
Losses
16
2.66
PPG
1.69
73
Goals scored
91
27
Goals conceded
69
Liverpool are in big bother, and though FSG have been steadfast in their backing of the Dutchman, their leniency will only stretch so far, especially when there is such an exciting successor for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to consider.
Liverpool could hire Slot upgrade
Last week, it was reported that FSG have been considering Julian Nagelsmann as a candidate to replace Slot, should the Reds coach be sacked, though they will face a tough task in wrestling him away from the German national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming large.
Nagelsmann, 38, is among the world’s finest young coaches, having managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in his homeland.
Would he be willing to park his international ambitions? Probably not. That’s why it’s anticipated he could be lined up ahead of the start of next season, meaning Liverpool would need to find an interim boss if Slot is dismissed before the end of the term.
What Nagelsmann would offer Liverpool
Nagelsmann has been described as the “best young coach in Europe” by journalist Josh Bunting, and though he’s the junior of practically all of the game’s standout managers, he’s hardly inexperienced, with a keen tactical mind that could be the remedy to a Liverpool team who have fallen by the wayside.
Bayern's Julian Nagelsmann
This is a fluid and interchangeable tactician. Nagelsmann employed a counter-pressing system at Leipzig before changing to a more dominant playing style at the Allianz Arena. He recognises the quirks and whims of the players at his disposal, and he crafts a system that caters to his troops.
Journalist Kai Iliev has even named him a “world-class manager” for his ability to fix a range of flaws within Germany’s national set-up. Now they are contenders. Now they believe again.
Liverpool could do with a bit of that, right? The appointment of Nagelsmann might even play into keeping Salah at the club; with the Egyptian King’s relationship under Slot having broken down, something has to give.
Liverpool, of course, will now back Salah over Slot. To do the contrary would result in anarchy. But this latest splinter in an outfit splitting wide open is not the root cause. Slot’s system is in a tailspin, and if he cannot establish form and fluency quickly, he will find that he has exhausted all the credit in the bank, and Edwards and Hughes will be forced into making a tough call.
The German coach’s principal 4-2-3-1 set-up would accommodate new signing Florian Wirtz and allow Salah to arc inwards once more and find passages into the danger area. This season, the 33-year-old has only posted five goals and three assists across all competitions.
Who could have expected this when Liverpool lifted the Premier League title? Salah was not the main man but the author of his long-term outfit’s illustrious success.
It’s not controversial to suggest that many, many Liverpool supporters would be dejected if Salah were to leave this winter, and it would be sure to put more than just a dampener on Slot’s reign at the Anfield helm.
If results do not continue over the coming weeks – with Salah off to AFCON after Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend – FSG will have to face the reality of theirt spiraling situation and make a change.
Could that prompt Salah to stay? Working under Nagelsmann on Merseyside, it just might, though whether the Reds are able to keep the African legend appeased and reach a decision that would see him remain at the club he has served so well over the past nine years remains to be seen.
In any case, this is a staggering, stomach-sinking situation, one that nobody could have foreseen, and Liverpool’s powers that be need to make sure an upswing is found – quickly.
Sell him before Salah & Konate: FSG must bin Liverpool's "major issue"
Liverpool have collapsed this season, and some tough decisions need to be made.
Bayer Leverkusen have named Malik Tillman as their successor to Florian Wirtz by officially handing him the No.10 shirt following the German's move to Liverpool.
Wirtz left Leverkusen for LiverpoolTillman brought in to replace midfielderHanded No.10 shirt by Ten HagFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Leverkusen have had some major rebuilding to do this summer after losing Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and head coach Xabi Alonso, and they have put their faith in former PSV midfielder Tillman to take on the former's role under Erik ten Hag.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The No.10 shirt is symbolic in the game of football and bears a lot of responsibility. That heavy burden will fall onto the shoulders of the USMNT youngster as Leverkusen look to continue on their upwards trajectory, having finished as runners-up behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last term.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tillman came through the Bayern academy but spent time out on loan at several clubs, including Rangers. Last season for PSV, he bagged 21 goal contributions across all competitions on the way to winning the Eredivisie title.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR TILLMAN?
Having recently returned from Gold Cup duties with the USMNT, Tillman is hoping to hit the ground running at Leverkusen after his move and fans will be behind him all the way, with the club even offering free printing of his name and number for the next few days, in a similar move to Arsenal for striker signing Viktor Gyokeres.
Zak Chappell lifted Derbyshire’s hopes of securing an elusive County Championship victory at Derby by demolishing Glamorgan on the opening day of the Division Two match.The fast bowler took 6 for 47, his best figures for the county, as the visitors were bowled out for 168 with Timm van der Gugten top scoring with an unbeaten 46.Glamorgan were 32 for 6 before Dan Douthwaite and van der Gugten led a mini recovery but Derbyshire closed on 119 for 2 with Harry Came not out 58. It leaves them in a strong position to push for a first Championship victory at the County Ground since they beat Sussex in August 2019.On a morning more in keeping with October, Derbyshire’s decision to bowl first on a grassy pitch paid immediate dividends with three wickets falling in the first five overs.In blustery conditions, Glamorgan’s top order had no answer to Chappell’s relentless accuracy and Luis Reece’s swing as they slumped to 9 for 3. Ben Kellaway’s promotion to opener was short-lived and he followed a pair on his first-class debut last September by edging a ball from Chappell that moved away late to register another duck in his third red-ball innings.In fairness, his more experienced team-mates fared little better with Billy Root bowled by a Reece delivery that kept low before Sam Northeast pushed forward to Chappell and was caught at second slip.Kiran Carlson played across one from Chappell that appeared to be going down before Reece got some late swing to have Colin Ingram caught behind. When Chris Cooke was caught behind down the leg side off one of the few bad balls Chappell bowled, Glamorgan were in disarray and grateful for the rain which resulted in an early lunch.Chappell, who passed 50 wickets in all formats for the season, left the field with outstanding figures of 4 for 9 from 6.4 overs but after the resumption they were dented when Douthwaite hit him for three fours in an over.With van der Gutgen playing solidly, the pair added 55 from 97 balls in relative comfort before Pat Brown removed Douthwaite with a snorter that nipped away late to take off stump.Chappell celebrated his fifth wicket when Mason Crane fenced at one to give Brooke Guest his fourth catch but Fraser Sheat on his debut looked capable until he top edged a pull to midwicket.Ned Leonard marked the first match of his loan spell from Somerset by helping van der Gugten take Glamorgan past 150 and drove Jack Morley’s second ball for six before he tried again next ball and holed out to long-on.Van der Gugten matched Chappell’s discipline with a probing spell but Sheat and Leonard could not exert the same pressure. Reece and Came shared an unbroken treble-century stand against Glamorgan last season but this time they managed only 21 before Reece was defeated by a full-length ball from van der Gugten.Guest played a loose stroke, clipping Leonard to midwicket with the score on 41, and Came should have gone on 28 but Ingram at first slip dropped an edge of Leonard.Came took advantage, seizing on any width to reach an 84-ball fifty which contained 10 fours, and with Wayne Madsen motoring to an unbeaten 41, they added 78 before bad light ended play.
As speculation continues to arrive about Sandro Tonali’s future, Newcastle United are reportedly in pole position to sign a midfield star who could replace the impressive Italian.
Juventus interested in Sandro Tonali
When Newcastle were without Tonali at the start of the season, it showed. Eddie Howe’s side struggled in pursuit of Champions League qualification and were lacking that added power in the middle of the park. Ever since the return of the Italian, however, the Magpies have dominated the majority of their midfield battles and formed quite the trio between Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
Starts
28
38
29
Progressive Passes
128
271
116
Tackles Won
32
47
35
Ball Recoveries
117
188
149
The perfect blend of combative midfielders and those who have the ability to step onto the front foot, not many can stand in the way of Newcastle’s bulldozing midfield three at their best.
As a result, interest was always likely to arrive with reports in Italy now indicating that Juventus are interested in signing Tonali in this summer’s transfer window. The Italian giants are seemingly looking to bring the midfielder back to the Serie A for the first time since he left AC Milan in what should send alarm bells ringing around St James’ Park.
Jamie Carragher has been among those to praise the Newcastle midfielder this season, even including him in his Monday Night Football Team of the Season. The Sky Sports pundit said when asked why: “I went for Tonali because Newcastle look like they are going to finish third in the Premier League.
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“I don’t think many people would have predicted that. They’ve won a trophy for the first time in 70 years. But they actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.”
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Tonali will give into the temptation of Italy, but it seems as though Newcastle have a much-needed plan in place nonetheless.
Newcastle now leading race to sign Matteo Guendouzi
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now leading the race to sign Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio this summer. The former Arsenal midfielder is reportedly valued at just €40m (£34m) and could now be on his way back to the Premier League if Tonali decides to leave St James’ Park.
Starts
28
37
Progressive Passes
128
316
Tackles Won
32
21
Ball Recoveries
117
173
Not only does Guendouzi progress play better than Tonali, he has also outperformed the impressive Guimaraes in that department. Since leaving the Premier League with a whimper, the Frenchman has simply discovered another level to his game.
Matteo Guendouzi at Lazio
Earning plenty of praise ever since his time at the Emirates, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Guendouzi a “fantastic signing” by Marseille in 2021 and the midfielder has only proved to be equally as fantastic at Lazio.
A third FA Cup victory in six years for Manchester City might not make up for a dismal 2024/25 campaign, but it could plant the seed for rejuvenation under Pep Guardiola next term.
Losing Rodri so early on in the season proved to be the catalyst for the club’s worst run of form since the Spaniard took over in the summer of 2016.
This ensured none of the big prizes would be heading to the Etihad. But it wasn’t just losing Rodri that impacted the club. As a group, the team underperformed as the most successful era in the club’s history drew to a close.
Phil Foden has gone from 40 goal contributions last season to registering just 16 throughout 2024/25 in what has been a steady decline.
Elsewhere, Jack Grealish has also been poor, recording only eight goal contributions all season, while even Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t quite been his influential self as he shows signs of slowing down.
Manchester City's KevinDeBruynecelebrates after the match
One of the biggest disappointments was Erling Haaland. The Norwegian had scored 52 and 38 goals across his first two seasons at the club, but has failed to hit those sorts of numbers this term.
Why Erling Haaland has struggled for Man City this season
The striker certainly began the campaign with a bang. Across his first five Premier League games, Haaland netted an impressive tally of ten goals.
This included back-to-back hat tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United. At this point, it appeared as though no one was going to prevent him, or City, from powering to another top-flight title.
Between the start of October and the end of 2024, however, Haaland managed to find the back of the net just three times. Even though his form picked up between January and March, an ankle injury sidelined him for a few games, and he hasn’t scored since March 30.
To put it into context how much of a drop-off the forward has endured this term, he has averaged a goal every 123 minutes in the Premier League this season, compared to every 95 minutes last year.
Metric
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
37
27
21
Goal conversion percentage
29%
22%
20%
Shots per game
3.5
3.9
3.6
Goal frequency (minutes)
77
95
123
Assists
8
5
3
Via Sofascore
Furthermore, Haaland’s goal conversion rate has dropped from 22% to 20% while he is averaging fewer shots per game (3.9 vs 3.6). These statistics might not indicate a serious drop-off, but considering he is about to end the season with his worst goal tally at a club since the 2021/22 season, there is a problem.
With Guardiola keen on bolstering his squad this summer, it looks as though he is eyeing a move for one of the finest wingers in Europe.
Could his potential arrival revive Haaland next season?
Man City eye move for Real Madrid superstar
City’s main transfer target this summer appears to be Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. His agents apparently flew to England recently, but it is unclear whether they spoke to City about a move when the window opens.
It would be a major coup if they could secure his signature, but is another one of Europe’s finest being earmarked for a move to the Etihad?
According to Spanish news outlet Sport, City have contacted Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo in the hopes of bringing him to England.
The Brazilian will likely wait until Madrid have appointed a new manager following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to take over as the Brazil manager.
The right offer could certainly tempt the La Liga giants into a sale, with a price tag set at around the €100m (£85m) mark, then the winger could be on the move.
Much will depend on how much Guardiola is willing to spend on the player, especially if he is successful in a deal to sign Wirtz, but City are lining up a swoop for the Brazil international.
Rodrygo on the right flank could certainly provide some much-needed attacking dynamism to the first-team, and he would work wonders for Haaland.
Why City should sign Rodrygo
Across 267 games for Madrid, the 24-year-old has registered 118 goal contributions – 68 goals and 50 assists in all competitions.
These goal involvements have helped the club win two La Liga crowns and two Champions League titles, but it looks as though his time in the Spanish capital might be coming to an end.
Capable of scoring goals in the biggest and most important games, he was hailed by journalist Dougie Critchley as being a “big game player” and this is someone Guardiola would surely love to have at his disposal next term.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues, the Brazilian ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes, progressive carries, touches in the opposition penalty area, and progressive passes received per 90.
Additionally, he also ranks in the top 9% for assists and top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90 across the previous 365 days.
These qualities could be a dream for the Norwegian sensation. With Rodrygo getting into dangerous positions so often, especially in the attacking penalty area, Haaland would be the one to benefit, being offered countless chances in front of goal.
In La Liga this season, the Madrid winger has created five big chances while averaging 1.6 key passes per game. Add in the fact he succeeds with 1.6 dribbles – a success rate of 52% – per game, and it is clear to see exactly what he could offer to City from this summer onwards.
He and Haaland would make for a dream partnership that Guardiola would hope not only gives the club a chance at reclaiming back the Premier League title, but also for another chance of winning the Champions League.
Real Madrid'sRodrygolooks on
A lot of factors will have to work in City’s favour for a move to go ahead, but as the Spaniard knows, he cannot afford for his team to perform so poorly throughout 2025/26.
With Rodri set to return from injury soon, plus new signings like Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush settling in nicely, City have the tools ready to begin a brand-new era at the Etihad.
Adding Rodrygo would be the icing on the cake.
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Man City could well be ready to step up their interest in an alternative to Tijjani Reijnders
Nottingham Forest are making a strong move to sign an international forward with Champions League experience.
Nottingham Forest back in Champions League spots after 2-1 win at Tottenham
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side showed their top four credentials by winning 2-1 at Spurs on Monday evening. Forest went into the meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium outside the top five Champions League spots after wins for Manchester City and Chelsea over the weekend.
However, early goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood settled the nerves and ensured the Reds would go back up into the Premier League top four.
Talking after the win at Tottenham, Espirito Santo said: “We have a clear way to play and when we found ourselves in our identity. We had goals [against Tottenham] but also they created chances in the second half and we had to hold on to what we had. We’ve been able this season to compete well and fight for every ball.”
Attention now turns to the weekend and an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Pep Guardiola’s Man City side as Forest look to add silverware to what has been an outstanding season.
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Dan Emery
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Away from the pitch, owner Evangelos Marinakis looks to be making preparations ahead of the summer transfer window where Forest could be readying themselves for Champions League football.
Now, Forest are moving behind the scenes to sign a player who has Champions League experience.
Nottingham Forest making strong moves to sign Alexis Saelemaekers
According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Alexis Saelemaekers from AC Milan.
The 25-year-old is currently on loan at AS Roma, however Forest are making a strong move to sign Saelemaekers, with Milan wanting €20m (£17m) to sell for good. Should Forest qualify for the Champions League, the report states that it could be crucial in a move for Saelemaekers.
A Belgium international, Saelemaekers can play as a right or left winger and is valued at €20m by Transfermarkt. Interestingly, the attacker also shares the same agency as Forest right-back Neco Williams and has actually scored twice in the Champions League in his career.
Similar players to Alexis Saelemaekers
Club
Alex Grimaldo
Bayer Leverkusen
Dejan Kulusevski
Tottenham
Kenan Yildiz
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Roma boss Claudio Ranieri hailed the Forest target earlier in the season, saying: “Saelemaekers is an international player, a good player who can play different roles. I needed him on this wing to execute certain plays, and he is doing well in interpreting what I want from him.
“So, this is my comment: he is fine like this. But this does not mean that it will always be like this, because, from game to game, coaches make choices, maybe change their minds and evaluate other solutions.”
Now, it looks as if a move to the City Ground could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, providing things go to plan for Forest in the final stages of the season.
Aston Villa will have to go for broke when they welcome PSG to Villa Park in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
The Premier League side trails 3-1 after the first leg and, given how dominant the French side has been this season, it will be an extremely tall order for Unai Emery to mastermind a 3-0 win which will secure progress into the last four.
The club take on Southampton in the top flight this weekend. However, Emery will likely make a change or two, especially considering how important the second leg is.
Morgan Rogers shone against the Ligue 1 outfit, but the manager should rest him up ahead of the second leg.
How Morgan Rogers performed against PSG
Despite the 3-1 loss to the current French champions, Rogers was one of Villa’s shining lights. The Englishman opened the scoring after 35 minutes at the Parc des Princes with a nice little finish inside the box to give the away side a confidence boost.
Elsewhere, Rogers also created a big chance, made one key pass, attempted four dribbles – succeeding with one – and was fouled twice during his time on the pitch.
Southampton have already been relegated from the top flight after a dismal season. With this in mind, Emery must ruthlessly ditch Rogers from his starting XI in order to unleash a player who hasn’t had many chances to shine since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund in January.
Donyell Malen, however, scored in their last two league outings, against Brighton and Nottingham Forest respectively, indicating that he deserves another chance this weekend.
Why Donyell Malen must start against Southampton
The Netherlands international wasn’t included in Villa’s Champions League squad for the knockout rounds, hence why it makes perfect sense to bring him back into the starting XI this weekend.
Across nine league matches, Malen has scored twice, while having a 22% goal conversion percentage and has even missed two big chances, suggesting he might have had another goal or two with more accurate finishing.
Donyell Malen’s statistics this season (league only)
Metric
Bundesliga
Premier League
Goals
2
3
Assists
0
0
Big chances created
0
1
Shots on target per game
0.8
0.4
Goal conversion percentage
22%
16%
Via Sofascore
During his spell in the Bundesliga, Malen received high praise from his former teammate Mario Götze, who said: “Donyell is extremely fast and very dangerous. If he has a chance, it’s usually a goal, too.”
In the first half of the season for Dortmund, Malen scored five goals for the German side, including one against Real Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League.
Hardly the most prolific tally in the world, yet when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Malen currently ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.64) and in the top 9% for total shots per 90 (3.47) over the previous 365 days.
These statistics make him the perfect choice for Emery against the Saints. Not only will it give Rogers a rest ahead of the second leg, but unleashing Malen will give him the chance to score for the third Premier League game in a row.
Therefore, the Spanish must axe the England international from the starting XI for his own good, rather than for performance-related reasons, to bring the January addition in.
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