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Celtic and Brendan Rodgers still have plenty of work to do in the market before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of September.

When asked about what the Hoops need to do, Rodgers said: “I think it’s bringing goals to the squad. Especially when you score four goals, it seems like you’re okay. But we lost an important player in Kyogo [Furuhashi] in January. He brought us a lot of goals. We lost Nicolas Kuhn. He brought us a lot of goals. Matt O’Riley even last summer.

“So even though we scored a lot of goals last season, we still want more. And our ambition is to have more. So I think all across the front areas, we have to be active in order to give us that depth we need.”

This suggests that the Scottish Premiership champions will be looking to add more attacking players to their squad, which is backed up by their reported interest in Go Ahead Eagles forward Jakob Breum.

However, the Hoops should also be looking for reinforcements in the middle of the park in the coming weeks, as they look a little light in the number six department.

Why Celtic need to sign another number six

Callum McGregor, the captain, is currently the only player in the squad who you would describe as a natural number six, a tempo-setter who can sit at the base of the midfield to dictate play and screen in front of the back four.

Reo Hatate, Arne Engels, Luke McCowan, and Paulo Bernardo are the manager’s other options in the middle of the park, and they are all more traditional number eight or number ten types, who want to be all-action and pushing forward to get involved in attacks on a regular basis during games.

McGregor is the player who sets the standards, as the captain, and really drives the style of play for Rodgers with his fantastic ability to be a metronome in midfield.

24/25 Premiership

Callum McGregor

Midfield rank

Pass accuracy

94%

1st

Passes attempted per game

80

1st

Passes made per game

74

1st

Least possessions lost per game

6.9

1st

Accurate long passes per game

1.4

2nd

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, no midfielder in the squad is as effective or efficient as a passer than the former Scotland international, which is why he is the starting number six for Celtic.

However, there is no depth behind the 32-year-old star in that position, which is why it should come as good news that the Hoops are looking at another option for that role.

Celtic eyeing up Premier League starlet

According to TEAMtalk, Rodgers is ‘planning’ a raid to sign Liverpool central midfielder Stefan Bajcetic to bolster his Celtic squad before the end of the summer window.

The report claims that the Spanish youngster has emerged as a target for the Scottish Premiership champions, who are looking for more reinforcements in the coming weeks.

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It adds that Liverpool, who won the Premier League last season, are willing to sanction an exit for the 20-year-old talent, and that they would be willing to explore a loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.

However, TEAMtalk explains that the potential valuation of that permanent option could make it a difficult deal for Celtic to do, as they do not want to go overboard on their budget, which makes this a difficult deal for them to get over the line.

If the Hoops are able to reach an agreement with Arne Slot’s side to bring Bajcetic to Parkhead, though, they could have a McGregor clone on their hands.

Why Celtic should sign Stefan Bajcetic

The 20-year-old starlet could come in as the perfect understudy to the Celtic captain as a natural number six who can step in and play when the Scottish ace needs a rest, with a view to him eventually taking over as the starter in the future.

At the age of 20, Bajcetic is 12 years younger than McGregor and could be the future for the Hoops, as a young player with plenty of time left ahead of him to grow and develop, whilst the skipper is in the latter stages of his career.

In terms of how he would fit in from a stylistic perspective, the Liverpool youngster would also be an ideal signing because he was the most comparable player to McGregor, statistically, in the Champions League last season, as per FBref.

The chart above backs that up, as they appear to excel in similar areas of the game in and out of possession, as Bajcetic caught the eye whilst on loan at RB Salzburg in the first half of the season.

During his time in the Austrian Bundesliga, the Liverpool youngster showcased his potential as a number six who can dictate games as a passer, whilst also being strong out of possession.

24/25 Bundesliga

Stefan Bajcetic per 90

Percentile rank vs midfielders

Passes made

41.55

Top 19%

Pass accuracy

81.8%

Top 27%

Accurate long passes

3.08

Top 17%

Tackles made

1.91

Top 16%

Duels won

8.37

Top 7%

Duel success rate

62%

Top 1%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, he ranked highly among midfielders in areas of the game that a number six needs to excel at, in terms of setting the tempo with passes and winning his duels in front of the back four.

As you would expect at the age of 20, Bajcetic is not the finished article, as shown by his pass accuracy of 81.8%, compared to McGregor’s 94% in the Premiership, but he has time on his hands to develop.

Journalist Leanne Prescott once claimed that it was “staggering” how in control Liverpool looked with the Spaniard at the base of their midfield, which further backs up the belief that he could come in as the perfect understudy to the Celtic captain.

Related Giakoumakis repeat: Celtic are in "talks" to sign "exciting" £7m forward

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jul 29, 2025

Bajcetic is a McGregor clone in the making with his qualities in and out of possession in the number six position, which is why he could be a fantastic addition to the squad this summer.

Chelsea are set for a hectic next few days, as they attempt to take advantage of this unique registration period and sign new players before the June 10 deadline.

Chelsea attempting winger signing before Club World Cup

Despite reported talks for targets in other positions, there is a belief among some reliable media sources that Chelsea hold a serious desire to upgrade their wide options after completing a deal for Liam Delap.

£80m forward clear he wants to join Chelsea with "positive talks" held

Enzo Maresca’s side are very active in the market right now.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 6, 2025

Chelsea haven’t given up on signing AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who’s told the Rossoneri he wants a move to Stamford Bridge, but plans to bring in a winger have also been accelerated after the departure of Jadon Sancho.

Sancho returns to Man United after Chelsea failed to agree personal terms with the £300,000-per-week forward, and they will now pay a £5 million penalty fee to Ruben Amorim’s side after opting out of the obligation to buy in his contract.

This leaves Maresca a wide-man short, and Myhkailo Mudryk also remains ineligible due to his on-field ban for failing a drugs test.

“Chelsea’s next priority after Liam Delap is a right-footed left winger,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on X this week.

“Alejandro Garnacho, Nico Williams and Jamie Gittens are three names under consideration. The desire to add another winger is more with Mykhailo Mudryk’s absence in mind. Process likely to take time regardless of the outcome.

“Another forward is also possible as Christopher Nkunku is expected to leave. This could be another number nine, despite faith in Nicolas Jackson. Or it could be a versatile attacking midfielder. Chelsea will be opportunistic should Morgen Rogers become available, but Aston Villa have no intention to sell even with a tight PSR position.”

Movement has occurred behind-the-scenes in Chelsea’s pursuit of some targets, mainly Williams and Gittens.

Chelsea have informed Williams’ agents that they’re prepared to pay his £50 million release clause, and have been pushing for Gittens as an alternative to the Spain winger recently (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea propose swap deal in discussions for Mohammed Kudus

According to reports from the last 24 hours, Maresca’s side do have another option – West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian’s contract includes an £85 million release clause, which becomes active in July, but the Hammers are open to entertaining other offers.

That is according to The Mirror and journalist Ryan Taylor, who report that Chelsea have held talks with West Ham over Kudus. The Blues are said to have proposed a “multi-player-package deal” during these discussions, meaning they’re prepared to use more than one squad member as makeweights to bring the African’s price down.

However, West Ham are not interested in a transfer of this nature, meaning Chelsea may have to go back in with another proposal if they’re to strike a deal for the 24-year-old.

Kudus is widely expected to leave the London Stadium, two years after Chelsea tried to sign him from Ajax in 2023, and despite a mixed 2024/2025, the former Eredivisie starlet has still impressed in flashes during his time at Rush Green.

“He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet,” said teammate Aaron Cresswell.

“I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball. I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming. You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”

Manchester United find themselves 14th in the Premier League table after their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

The Red Devils needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund to avoid a 16th defeat in the top-flight this season, in what has been a significantly below-par campaign for the club.

INEOS and Ruben Amorim must work together to ensure that the recruitment work this summer is spot on, as there have been too many missteps in recent years, including the signing of Mason Mount in the summer of 2023.

Why Mason Mount has been a flop for Manchester United

The England international signed for the Red Devils from Chelsea for a reported fee of £55m ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and has had a rough time in Manchester so far.

Since the start of last season, Mount has missed a whopping 50 matches through calf and hamstring injuries, which have heavily disrupted his time at Old Trafford.

When available, however, the English attacking midfielder has not done enough to justify the money spent on his services, with a return of one goal and one assist in 39 appearances in all competitions.

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This has led to his market value, as per Transfermarkt, plummeting to just £24m, which shows that he has been a flop for Manchester United so far because the midfielder has not delivered goals or assists, or consistent availability, and is now worth significantly less than the fee they paid for him.

Mount is not the only player from that batch of recruitment in 2023 who has not been good enough, though, as Andre Onana should be ruthlessly ditched by INEOS this summer.

Why Man Utd should sell Andre Onana

Manchester United reportedly paid £47.2m to sign the Cameroon international from Ajax in the summer of 2023, and his value has plummeted in the two years since then.

It was recently reported that the club would consider offers of at least £20m for Onana, which means that he could be sold for even less than Mount is currently worth (£24m).

As you can see in the highlights above, Onana most recently had a night to forget against Lyon with two mistakes in the Europa League, which led to him being dropped against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

That came directly after former United midfielder Nemanja Matic dubbed him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history” after being asked about Onana’s claim that his team were better than Lyon.

Whilst the Red Devils eventually won the tie over two legs, the Cameroon international’s personal performances did not do much to dismiss Matic’s harsh claim.

Andre Onana (Premier League + Europe)	23/24	24/25
Appearances	44	43
Goals conceded	73	59
Errors leading to shots	3	1
Errors leading to goals	3	5
Penalties committed	1	0
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, making errors is not a new issue for Onana because the shot-stopper has been error-prone throughout his two seasons in Manchester to date.

He has not been a reliable, safe, pair of hands between the sticks, due to these errors in the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Europa League, and that is why INEOS must ruthlessly cash in on him this summer.

United should look to move Onana on, whether that is for a fee of £20m or another figure, and then attempt to recruit a replacement who can be relied upon week-in-week-out at the top level, without Amorim having to be concerned about his goalkeeper making calamitous errors consistently.

Better signing than Huijsen: Man Utd preparing bid to sign £51m "monster"

Manchester United are plotting a bid to sign a star who’d be an even better addition than Dean Huijsen.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 28, 2025

The Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler talks about how he has found success on flat pitches, his new variations, and what it’s like to be captained by Pat Cummins

Interview by Deivarayan Muthu04-May-2024From being a yorker specialist, T Natarajan has evolved into a more versatile bowler who now has the on-pace and slower bouncers in his repertoire. In an IPL season where bat has dominated ball like never before, Natarajan has been so impressive with his defensive skills that he even bowled a triple-wicket maiden. The left-arm seamer was “unlucky” to miss out of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup, according to former Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody, but he continues to front up to bowl the difficult overs for his franchise. Natarajan spoke to us about the challenges of being a bowler this IPL, Pat Cummins’ leadership, and bowling to MS Dhoni at Chepauk, among other things.When you, Heinrich Klaasen and Co visited a mall in Hyderabad, a lot of people were chanting your name and Klaasen’s. Are you enjoying the reception you’re getting in Hyderabad this season?
I was very excited. I don’t think we’ve had this much attention during all these years in Hyderabad. There was a lot of crowd and we got mobbed ( [poor] bowlers? (, too, has given me a lot of confidence to bowl the slower one. I’ve had a chance to work with Bhuvi for seven years. He has always advised me to not take too much pressure and keeps telling me I have all the skills as a bowler. Even after the end of a match, I sit down with him and try to rectify the mistakes I have made in the match. All of this has helped me execute my variations.You also did well for Tamil Nadu in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare tournaments. How did that help you prepare for the IPL?
Yes, the white-ball tournaments went well for me, but the focus has been more on fitness than my bowling in the lead-up to the IPL. I missed the Ranji Trophy because of some pain in my knee. I played the practice game before Tamil Nadu’s first Ranji match [in early January], but I couldn’t play and went back to rehab.”Pat Cummins gives me a lot of freedom, and in terms of communication with the entire bowling attack, he is very strong. He has told me: ‘Don’t worry, whatever happens, I’m there for you'”•Associated PressHow did you deal with being on the sidelines once again?
I’ve worked with Shyam Sundar [the current SRH physio] for ten years and he knows my body well. I also trained regularly at the TNCA and used their gym facilities to be in good shape. My recovery was: gymming one session, training at Chepauk one session, and bowling one session. Also, whenever I need something with my bowling or fitness, I seek inputs from Sreenath Aravind, the former Karnataka left-arm seamer who is now the bowling coach of Baroda. He’s my bowling coach. Even during the IPL, I’m in regular touch with him about my bowling.I have to be patient with the rehab, though. I’ve had three surgeries, so I started from scratch, and it has been going well so far in the IPL. Touch wood!You often discuss fields with Cummins during games. How has his captaincy empowered the team and especially the bowling attack?
He gives me a lot of freedom, and in terms of communication with the entire bowling attack, he is very strong. I feel he understands my mindset as a bowler, so it’s a big plus that he is my captain. To start with, I will go with my plans and strengths. If I get confused, I have a chat with him and get more clarity. He has told me: “Don’t worry, whatever happens, I’m there for you.” I’m a quiet person, sometimes I don’t even speak much with Indian players. But I’ve become very attached to Pat Cummins. Obviously, [I’m] delighted to play under a captain who has won world titles.What’s it like to bowl to someone like Klaasen in the nets?
I’ve bowled to him a few times in practice matches – both in 2024 and 2023. Nets is a closed space, but yes, any bowler, including myself, fears bowling to someone like Klaasen. He’s hitting the ball long and far. Too long and too far! It’s a learning process for me too. I can understand his strengths and use that information when I come up against him as an opponent.”After three years, there was chatter around my potential [India] selection. Not being selected for the T20 World Cup hasn’t disturbed me. I always believe that whatever is meant to happen will happen”•BCCIYou came up against CSK for the first time in the IPL at Chepauk this season. How did you keep calm while bowling to MS Dhoni when the crowd was screaming and dancing to the Rajinikanth song ?
Only now that you’re telling me do I realise that they played that song (). I had to focus on my job and my execution against him. There was also a lot of dew, but I’ve played a lot of cricket at Chepauk, so I had the belief that I can even execute with the wet ball. I haven’t bowled to him in the IPL at Chepauk, but on other grounds I’ve bowled a set of four-five decent balls to him. My mindset was that I shouldn’t make any errors.Sameer Rizvi didn’t play the game against SRH at Chepauk. But do you recall coming up against him while playing Uttar Pradesh in a thriller in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last October?
Yes, I remember it was a very close game. Tamil Nadu had scored only 140 [146] and I bowled a tight 19th over, taking the wicket of Dhruv Jurel. It was a good pitch and once the sun was out, the ball came onto the bat in Dehradun. It also had something for the bowlers. I hope we can play all games on that pitch (laughs). To start the domestic season like that was a confidence-booster. It gave me self-confidence for the rest of the season. Rizvi scored 75, but despite him being not out, it was a satisfying feeling for us to win the game.When you burst onto the scene in Tamil Nadu, you used to swing the ball in sharply. Did the swing disappear somewhere along the way?
I believe I can still get inswing. Even during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, I got wickets with the inswinger. These days, however, the new ball swings for just one or two overs in T20 cricket, and when I come to bowl in the last over of the powerplay in T20 cricket, there is no swing.Actually, there is no swing for any bowler in this IPL. The wickets have been like that. I think we’ve played about nine games, but the ball hasn’t swung much. Not just for SRH but for most of the teams. But yes, even during practice, I try to swing the new ball and it has been coming out nicely.”Bhuvi bhai [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] keeps telling me I have all the skills as a bowler. Even after the end of a match, I sit down with him and try to rectify the mistakes I would have made in the match”•BCCIHave you had an opportunity to pick the brains of the other left-arm seamers, like Marco Jansen or Fazalhaq Farooqi?
I’ve travelled with Jansen and Farooqi for two-three years. Farooqi can bowl a lot of slower balls and Jansen can get swing naturally. Jansen also bowls a lot of inswingers, so I try to pick that up from him. All four – Farooqi, Jansen, [Jaydev] Unadkat and Akash [Singh] – have different styles. So, during training I try to learn off them and I’ve also shared my experiences with them.Given your recent form and excellent defensive skills at the death, did you expect to be picked for the upcoming T20 World Cup?
Firstly, I was happy to even be part of the selection conversation. I have to thank God for that. After three years, they [selectors] are considering me and there was chatter around my potential selection. Whether I’m selected or not, it’s not in my control. To be even part of the discussion is an achievement for me. If you want to climb to the top of a building, you have to take one step at a time. My focus is to execute well and help SRH win games. Not being selected for the World Cup hasn’t disturbed me. I always believe that whatever is meant to happen will happen.You have a stretch of home games coming up. Are you relieved that you will have some cushion to work with on a bigger ground?
Oh yes, very, very happy that we have games coming up on a bigger ground in Hyderabad. Bigger ground – that’s the key. Home conditions are an advantage for any team. We will have to assess the wicket, but we can use the boundaries to our advantage if we can execute well. We hope that we can do well, as a bowling attack and as a team, in these conditions.

With the multi-format series beginning on Thursday here are four players to keep a close eye on

Andrew McGlashan and Valkerie Baynes19-Jan-2022Tahlia McGrath

Tahlia McGrath is a very different cricketer to the one who was part of the 2017-18 Ashes series where she made her Test debut at North Sydney Oval. It was a more-than-handy performance with three wickets and 47 – adding 103 alongside Ellyse Perry who made her famous double century – but that would be her last international appearance until a one-off outing in late 2020 against New Zealand.This season, however, has seen her state her claims as a top-class allrounder having worked on her game at domestic level. Against India she made 74 in the second ODI to help resurrect the chase with Beth Mooney then produced two key innings in the T20I series having batted nicely in Test before finding point. Her return has further added to Australia’s middle-order options with the bat and pace-bowling options in the field.Related

'I want to be involved as much as I can' – Healy still keen to keep and open in Tests

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Tahlia McGrath all-round excellence trumps Wyatt 70 as Australia take Ashes opening honours

Ellyse Perry's T20I place under scrutiny for start of Ashes

Beth Mooney suffers fractured jaw ahead of Ashes

Sophia Dunkley

After spending 18 months on the fringes of selection through 2019-20, Sophia Dunkley made quite an impression during the English summer of 2021. She debuted at the Women’s World T20 in 2018, but it was an assured 74 not out against India in June, when she became the first black woman to play Test cricket for England, that set her on course to make a place in England’s middle order her own across formats.The nerveless nature of that innings pervaded limited-overs series against India and New Zealand when, more than once, she kept a cool head to see England to victory. Her unbeaten 73 batting for the first time in ODIs was instrumental in England’s win against India at Taunton and she scored a four off the penultimate ball to clinch a tight chase – and the series – in the third T20I against New Zealand.In England’s warm-ups against England A in Australia, Dunkley struck 15 off 12 balls in the rain-affected 35-over match, where her sharp fielding was also on display with three catches, while in the two T20s, she hit 10 off eight and 17 off 10. Her legspin has been used sparingly by England but she provides another option while her batting is key.Charlie Dean made a promising start to her England career•Getty ImagesDarcie Brown
It feels like Darcie Brown, the 18-year-old quick bowler, is on the verge of taking the cricket world by storm. Capable of rapid late outswing and also possessing one of the best bouncers in the game, Brown has put together two impressive WBBL seasons – 29 wickets across the two editions at an economy under a run-a-ball – and earned her first call-up for last year’s tour of New Zealand.In just her second ODI, earlier this season against India, she served notice of her potential with a Player of the Match 4 for 33 with her scalps all being among the top five of the order. She was wicketless on her Test debut at Metricon Stadium and there is an understandable caution about over-bowling her as she continues to develop, but there are few more exciting prospects in the game.Charlie Dean
Something of an unknown in Australia, 21-year-old offspinner Charlie Dean has made the most of her handful of opportunities. She made her debut in the first ODI against New Zealand in September and played all five fixtures. It was her 4 for 36 to help England to victory in the rain-hit match at Worcester – just her second match at this level – which really caught the eye, as did her enthusiasm in the field throughout.Dean had been in line to feature earlier in New Zealand’s tour when she was named in England’s squad for their three-match T20I series before she and Maia Bouchier had to isolate as possible contacts of a suspected Covid case in their Southern Vipers team. Fifty overs is Dean’s preferred format at this stage and that may be where she features most heavily in this Ashes series, but her ability to deceive batters by generating plenty of overspin and drop makes her a valuable addition for England.

There are fewer than two months left in the 2025 MLB regular season, and the playoff races in the American and National Leagues are really starting to heat up. 

In the American League, five teams are within five games of the final wild card spot, while the No. 4 team – the Texas Rangers – is just a half-game out of the third spot. A lot could change in the next few months, especially with teams like the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays selling at the deadline, but there likely will be a team – or two – that misses the playoffs that was expected to make it in.

In the National League, the top wild card teams (New York, Chicago and San Diego) seem pretty set in stone, but the Cincinnati Reds (three games back) are still within striking distance with plenty of games to go.

Here’s a look at the playoff odds for every team in the hunt, and a few storylines to watch when considering bets for these playoff markets. 

American League Playoff Odds

Division Leaders

• Toronto Blue Jays: -2500
• Detroit Tigers: -5000
• Houston Astros: -1000

Toronto (19 games over .500), Detroit (17 games over .500), and Houston (14 games over .500) all appear to be locks to make the playoffs in the 2025 season.

Detroit has a seven-game cushion in the AL Central – the largest of these three division winners – which is why oddsmakers have it priced at -5000 to reach the playoffs for the second straight season.

It would be relatively surprising to see any of these teams fall out of the race, especially since they’d slot in pretty high in the wild card standings if a team were to overtake them in the division. 

Wild Card Race

• Boston Red Sox: -450
• Seattle Mariners: -360
• New York Yankees: -330
• Texas Rangers: +115
• Cleveland Guardians: +320
• Kansas City Royals: +650
• Tampa Bay Rays: +950
• Minnesota Twins: +1800
• Los Angeles Angels: +2500
• Baltimore Orioles: +5000

The AL wild card race is going to be extremely fun to watch down the stretch of the season.

Entering Wednesday’s action, the Texas Rangers could overtake the New York Yankees, who are just a half-game ahead of them in the standings. New York has played under .500 ball over the last few months, and despite some trade deadline moves, it is fading fast in this market.

Oddsmakers project the Yankees to be the team that is currently holding a spot to be the closest one to drop out (-330 to make the postseason). 

While Cleveland, Minnesota, and others are long shots to make the playoffs, Texas is a team to watch since it has been elite at home (36-20) and still has 25 games at Globe Life Field left in the 2025 season. 

National League Playoff Odds

Division Leaders

• Philadelphia Phillies: -3000
• Los Angeles Dodgers: -20000
• Milwaukee Brewers: -10000

All three of these division leaders appear to be locked into a playoff spot, as the implied probability for Philadelphia (the team with the worst odds) to make the playoffs is 96.77 percent.

There’s a chance that all three of these teams could lose their spot atop the division (Milwaukee has the largest lead at four games), but they’d all just fall into a wild card spot, barring a crazy run from the Reds or another fringe wild card team. 

Wild Card Race

• Chicago Cubs: -1400
• New York Mets: -650
• San Diego Padres: -575
• Cincinnati Reds: +250
• San Francisco Giants: +600
• St. Louis Cardinals: +1100
• Arizona Diamondbacks: +2500
• Miami Marlins: +3000
• Atlanta Braves: +5000

There is a lot less intrigue in the National League, as the Reds – who made some big moves at the deadline to acquire Ke’Bryan Hayes, Zack Littell, and others – are the only team that seems to have a chance to supplant New York, Chicago, or San Diego.

However, there is a lot of time left for a team like the Giants or Cardinals (both hovering around .500) to get hot and make some inroads in this race.

For now, Cincinnati is the only team at plus money that I’d consider in the NL playoff market. 

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Fábio Carille aprovou a ida de Neymar à Vila Belmiro na vitória do Santos contra o Palmeiras, pela partida de ida da final do Paulistão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasTorcida do Palmeiras detona titular na derrota contra o Santos: ‘jogo grande sempre entrega’Palmeiras31/03/2024Fora de CampoBenja critica atuação de jogador do Palmeiras contra o Santos: ‘Mal demais’Fora de Campo31/03/2024SantosGuilherme brinca com Otero após vitória do Santos na final do Paulistão: ‘Paga um jantar?’Santos31/03/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Para Carille, a presença de Neymar ajudou a tornar o clima na Vila Belmiro mais hostil e complicado para o Palmeiras. Ele também valorizou a presença de Pepe e Clodoaldo, ídolos do Peixe que trouxeram a taça do Paulistão ao gramado.

➡️ Com R$50 no Lance! Betting, você fatura R$255 se apostar no 1 a 1 entre Santos x Palmeiras

– É um nome grande no futebol mundial, é craque e diferente. Quando fiquei sabendo disso gostei da ideia, ainda mais para incendiar o estádio. Passou rápido pelo vestiário,e preferi assim. Pode muito oba-oba, mexe com pessoas, cara de Copa do Mundo e vencedor. Estava Pepe e Clodoaldo também. Gerações e histórias, isso só engrandece a história e motiva muito. Incendiou o torcedor – disse o treinador durante coletiva.

continua após a publicidade

Carille também indicou que não pretende mudar o sistema tático do Santos para jogar no Allianz Parque. Após derrota na fase de grupos jogando na casa do Palmeiras, o treinador do Peixe criticou o gramado sintético do rival, que passou por reformas.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários do Paulistão

– Muito difícil. Chegamos aqui assim e fazer algo diferente é arriscado. Acho melhor melhorar a parte ofensiva e defensiva em cima do adversário que vamos jogar do que mudar o sistema. Jogadores podem sentir desconfortáveis e isso não é bom para nós – ponderou.

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A grande decisão entre Santos e Palmeiras será no domingo (7), às 18h, no Allianz Parque. O Peixe pode empatar no próximo final de semana que ainda leva o título do Paulistão. Em caso de vitória da equipe de Abel Ferreira por um gol de diferença, o duelo será decidido nos pênaltis.

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Fabio CarillePaulistãoSantos

Nottingham Forest are now pursuing a January move for an “outstanding” British player, having monitored him closely over the past few weeks.

Forest looking to improve defence after Everton setback

Forest have certainly made progress since the arrival of Sean Dyche, now sitting two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, and they have often looked solid from a defensive point of view, keeping four clean sheets in their last seven matches in all competitions.

The Tricky Trees aren’t in the clear just yet, however, being brought back down to earth with a 3-0 defeat against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last time out, with Dyche critical of some aspects of his side’s performance, saying: “We were nowhere near it on the physical side. We had the ball in many places but the decisions went against us.”

The manager also added: “The players deserve a lot of credit, but they have to fight and play to their shape. We were well short of that.”

With Dyche perhaps looking to make his own mark on the squad he inherited, Nottingham Forest are now pursuing a January move for a new defender, namely Sassuolo’s Josh Doig, according to a report from Tuttomercatoweb (via Sport Witness).

However, the Italian side have no interest in sanctioning a departure this winter, as Doig is regarded as one of their most important players, so it may be difficult to tempt them into a sale.

The Scottish defender has been monitored closely over the past few weeks, but there are some doubts over whether the Tricky Trees need to bring in a new left-back, with Neco Williams and Oleksandr Zinchenko already on the books, and Botafogo’s Cuiabano set to return next month.

Related Nottingham Forest could launch 2026 move for £44m striker compared to Tevez

The Tricky Trees are looking to sign a new centre-forward next year.

Posts 1 ByDominic Lund Dec 8, 2025 "Outstanding" Doig impressing in the Serie A

Lauded as “outstanding” by coach Neil Critchley, the Scot has certainly impressed in the Serie A over the past year, ranking very highly across a range of defensive statistics, when compared to other full-backs.

Josh Doig’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Interceptions

1.53 (92nd percentile)

Blocks

1.53 (87th percentile)

Aerials won

1.62 (91st percentile)

Former Hibernian teammate Lewis Stevenson has also waxed lyrical about the Sassuolo star in the past, saying: “He has the potential to go to the top level. He is 6 foot 3, fast, strong. Even just looking at him with his top off – without meaning to sound creepy – he looks like Ronaldo, with that kind of physique. He just is an athlete.”

The Edinburgh-born defender has been a key player for the Italian side so far this season, making 13 Serie A appearances, and he earned his first cap for Scotland in a 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein in the summer.

That said, given that Dyche already has Williams and Zinchenko at his disposal, bringing in a new left-back shouldn’t be a priority this winter.

Tottenham’s first transfer window with their new-look, reshuffled boardroom will be a very intriguing one, and a striker is believed to be at the very top of their priority list.

Ever since replacing Ange Postecoglou in the summer, new manager Thomas Frank has been starved of a reliable focal point up front.

Dominic Solanke, who Spurs signed for a club-record £65 million fee last year, has struggled with injury problems that have limited his involvement to just 49 minutes so far this campaign. The Englishman suffered a ‘minor’ ankle problem at the beginning of 25/26, which eventually required surgery, and he’s still on the comeback trail.

Solanke is set to miss this weekend’s pivotal North London derby against Arsenal and won’t be available for their crunch Champions League tie against PSG either, with Frank forced to rely on the out-of-form Richarlison, who’s attracted criticism for his inconsistency.

The Brazilian is a shoo-in to start against PSG next week given Mathys Tel wasn’t named in Frank’s 22-man Champions League squad. Tel, according to some reports, is said to be ‘unhappy’ in London and keen to leave Spurs in January, with Roma taking a serious interest in the Frenchman (La Gazzetta dello Sport).

Solanke’s fitness woes, Tel’s dissatisfaction and Richarlison’s form have fueled speculation that a new striker could arrive at the turn of the year, and Spurs are being linked with a few interesting names.

Chief among them is Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who scored 20 Premier League goals in his best campaign at Brentford whilst working under Frank.

The tactician has apparently held ‘direct’ talks with Toney about a January move to Spurs, according to some reports, while others believe that the Lilywhites are in pole position to sign him at the turn of the year after ‘preliminary’ negotiations (TEAMtalk).

While links to the 29-year-old are rife given his obvious connection to Tottenham’s manager, co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are considering other options.

Tottenham eye 'dream' move for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa

As per TEAMtalk, FC Porto talisman Samu Aghehowa is a ‘dream’ target for the club.

Sources believe the 21-year-old, who’s bagged nine goals in 14 appearances already this season, fits perfectly into Frank’s long-term vision. Spurs’ boss is also said to have ‘repeatedly’ emphasised his desire for a physically imposing, mobile striker capable of pressing aggressively and connecting play.

Insiders within Tottenham’s recruitment structure apparently think of Aghehowa as the “younger, longer-term” striker successor they genuinely desire, despite ongoing interest in Toney as a potential 2026 alternative.

Standing at a lofty 6 foot 4 with surprising pace for his height, the Spaniard has even been compared to former Chelsea star Diego Costa during his prime years, thankfully not the version we saw at Wolves.

However, this all being said, a January move appears very unlikely.

Portuguese sources state that Porto are refusing to entertain winter offers, especially as they pursue a first Primeira Liga title in six years. President Andre Villas-Boas has reportedly informed intermediaries that Samu is not for sale “at any price in the winter”, casting major doubt on Spurs’ ability to prise him away mid-season.

Porto have also set an £71 million asking price for Aghehowa, meaning the north Londoners may have to fork out a new club-record fee. With that in mind, Frank and Lange will apparently continue to monitor Aghehowa’s development whilst maintaining Toney as a backup option.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Chelsea once came ‘very close’ to signing the forward, and he’s a player with ‘huge potential’.

The 2025 MLB season has its first walk-off, courtesy of the Miami Marlins.

On Opening Day, the Marlins defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4 on a game-winning single to right field off of the bat of outfielder Kyle Stowers at loanDepot park on Thursday. Facing 2024 National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes, Miami scratched a run across the board in the bottom of the third inning, but didn't plate another off the ace right-hander until the sixth frame.

Then, with Skenes out of the game and trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the 8th inning, the Marlins mounted a rally against the Pirates bullpen. And Stowers, who worked a leadoff walk, then came around to score on an RBI single by second baseman Otto Lopez before right fielder Dane Myers tied the game with another base hit.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, a leadoff triple from catcher Nick Fortes started the rally, and Stowers, after Pirates closer David Bednar intentionally walked shortstop Xavier Edwards, won the game with a single to right.

The game pitted a budding ace in Skenes against '22 NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara, and the two pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts, though neither pitched longer than 5 1/3 innings. The two clubs will take to the diamond again for the second game in the series on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET.