With just two weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards a Champions League winner to replace Alexander Isak.

Latest on the Alexander Isak saga

It wasn’t so long ago that Isak was the talk of the toon for all good reasons. The Swede was wheeling away in celebration, ironically pointing back at the Liverpool backline after he sent Newcastle on their way to victory in the Carabao Cup final. Now, a great striker has gone on strike and been at the heart of the saga of the summer.

With the Premier League campaign now underway and Isak nowhere to be seen in the Newcastle squad, just where this saga goes next is difficult to say. Whilst he is doing everything to leave the Magpies – even going as far as moving out of his house in Tyneside – Newcastle won’t budge until their £150m price tag is matched, and they have a replacement.

Having his say on the matter in the build-up to the Aston Villa game, manager Eddie Howe told reporters: “We do [have to forget about Isak] – he’s not here with us.

“We have to focus on who is here and get the best out of them. The players are aware he’s not here, the focus will be on each player playing to the best of their ability. I want him to play. I want him to train. I’ve had those conversations [with Isak] but the details of those will remain private.”

Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle breakthrough to sign "amazing" ace is close

The Magpies could finally get their man.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 15, 2025

Meanwhile, the search for a replacement goes on. After missing out on Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, Newcastle have reportedly looked at the likes of Samu Aghehowa and are closing in on a deal to sign Yoane Wissa, but one more name is also threatening to steal the headlines.

Newcastle "interested" in Gonçalo Ramos

As reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Newcastle are now “interested” in signing Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, in what would be a “big transfer”, although the deal will not be an easy one to pull off.

The Portuguese forward did himself no harm in the shop window earlier this week when he emerged from the bench to equalise late on for PSG against Tottenham Hotspur in the Super Cup final.

The Champions League winner may not be first choice at PSG, but he would be the star man at St James’ Park. After scoring 19 goals in all competitions last season in a squad role, Ramos is more than capable of becoming the main man elsewhere.

Even in a bit-part role too, Luis Enrique was full of praise for his forward last season. The PSG boss told reporters in May: “He’s a wonderful player, capable of very high performances.

“If he plays a minute, he plays it very well. If he’s not on the pitch, he still helps the team. And today, he came into the starting eleven and scored three goals. So he’s a player who always performs at his best, and I would call him a guarantee.”

أصدرت رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة عقوبات الجولة التاسعة من المرحلة الأولى، وذلك طبقًا للائحة مسابقة دوري Nile ولائحة المخالفات والعقوبات ونظام ضبط الجودة لموسم 2025-2026.

وكانت الجولة التاسعة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز انطلقت يوم السبت الماضي، بـ4 مواجهات من الدوري، حيث فاز كهرباء الإسماعيلية على المقاولون العرب بهدف دون رد، وفاز حرس الحدود على زد بهدف نظيف.

طالع | عبد الواحد السيد: الزمالك في مرحلة الشلل.. وماذا تفعل الملايين مع ظروف اللاعبين الصعبة؟

وشهدت الجولة فوز الأهلي على الزمالك بهدفين مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي أقيمت يوم الإثنين الماضي. 

وجاءت أبرز عقوبات الجولة التاسعة، إيقاف محمود تريزيجيه مباراة واحدة، وتغريمه 5000 بالإضافة إلى إيقاف عبدالله السعيد لاعب الزمالك مباراة واحدة بسبب تراكم الإنذارات.  عقوبات الجولة التاسعة من الدوري المصريعقوبات مباراة الأهلي والزمالك

إيقاف محمود  حسن تريزيجيه، لاعب فريق الأهلي، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف عبدالله السعيد، لاعب فريق الزمالك، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

مباراة المقاولون العرب وكهرباء الإسماعيلية

إيقاف محمد سالم علي عبد القادر، لاعب فريق المقاولون العرب، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف لؤي وائل محمد ضياء الدين، لاعب فريق المقاولون العرب، لمدة مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه وذلك بسبب الطرد لمنع فرصة محققة.

إيقاف سيف حسن عبد المنعم، لاعب فريق كهرباء الإسماعيلية، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

مباراة زد إف سي وحرس الحدود

إيقاف أحمد سيد عبد النبي، لاعب فريق زد مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف محمد أشرف محمد توفيق، لاعب فريق حرس الحدود، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 2500 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب الطرد لحصوله على إنذارين في نفس المباراة.

مباراة المصري وبتروجيت

إيقاف بنهور موجيشا، لاعب فريق المصري، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف محمد سيد محمد مخلوف، لاعب فريق المصري، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف نبيل بن عمر الكوكي، المدير الفني لفريق المصري، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

مباراة طلائع الجيش وبيراميدز

إيقاف إسلام السعيد عبد المقصود محارب، لاعب فريق طلائع الجيش، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

مباراة مباراة مودرن سبورت وفاركو

إيقاف هاني علي عبدالله محمد، مدرب مساعد فريق مودرن سبورت مباراة واحدة وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 10000 جنيه وذلك بسبب الطرد للاعتراض.

إيقاف جابر كامل جابر، لاعب فريق فاركو، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث كما تم توقيع عقوبة عليه بالإيقاف لمدة ثلاث مباريات وغرامة مالية قيمتها 20 ألف جنيه وذلك بسبب التلفظ بعبارات بذيئة تجاه اللاعبين.

إيقاف محمود السيد علي، مدرب حراس مرمى فريق فاركو، مباراة واحدة وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 10000 جنيه وذلك بسبب الطرد للاعتراض.

مباراة وادي دجلة وسموحة

إيقاف سمير فكري محمد أحمد، لاعب فريق سموحة، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث. 

مباراة الجونة وسيراميكا كليوباترا

إيقاف محمود السيد محمد علي حسونة، لاعب فريق الجونة، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

Chelsea legend Florent Malouda says the Blues should do everything they can to make Raheem Sterling "feel at home" again & not terminate his contract.

• Sterling not in Chelsea's plans
• Blues told to reintegrate winger
• Urged to not terminate contract

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite interest from Fulham, among others, Sterling ended up staying at Chelsea when the transfer window shut, and now he is set for a season on the sidelines. But ex-Blues winger Malouda feels that the 30-year-old may still have a part to play in Enzo Maresca's team going forward.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT MALOUDA SAID

  He told Boyle Sports: "The first thing about Raheem Sterling is that he earned this contract through his performances. So I believe at this moment, he is not part of the plan, but he's still a good player.  We will mention injuries; it's not like there was an issue where you'd say: ‘OK, let's cross this player. We don't want him anymore'. I don't like the topic of his wages or the money involved. He earned his contract, and everybody was fine with it. Now it's more about how, as a club, you consider your players and how you bring them back to full confidence. I'm sure Raheem Sterling, in full confidence, without injury problems, terminating his contract wouldn’t be an option. The perspective must change. That comes with conversations, honest conversations, because you need players like him, but at his best level. While he's still a Chelsea player, we should do everything as a club for him to feel at home. I think that's the best way to get the best out of a player like Sterling."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sterling is said to be on wages in excess of £300,000 a week and the England international still has two years left to run on his contract. A January transfer move makes sense but the ex-Manchester City man may have to lower his salary demands. Ultimately, the winger's career is seemingly taking a turn for the worse.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Former Liverpool ace Sterling, who had an underwhelming loan stint at Arsenal last season, will continue to train but not with Chelsea's first-team squad. Maresca's side return to Premier League action on Saturday away at Brentford. 

Borussia Dortmund’s new away kit has sparked outrage among supporters, who branded it the "cruelest jersey in the Bundesliga" during the 2-0 win over Heidenheim. Fans held banners and chanted against the gray-and-neon design, forcing BVB bosses Carsten Cramer and Sebastian Kehl to publicly respond and promise the club will "address" concerns over tradition and identity.

Fan fury erupts over Dortmund’s new away kit

Dortmund’s controversial away jersey made its debut in Saturday’s 2-0 win against Heidenheim, but instead of excitement, it drew heavy backlash from the club’s passionate supporters. Large banners in the away end slammed the design as “the cruelest jersey in the league", while chants of “We want black and yellow jerseys” rang out before kick-off. The shirt, which replaces Die Borussen's iconic yellow-and-black colors with a light gray base, neon trim, and a bold red Vodafone sponsor logo, has been roundly criticised online since its unveiling. Supporters feel it betrays the club’s traditions and identity, with forums and social media dominated by calls for a return to the classic look.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhat Cramer and Kehl said after Heidenheim

BVB managing director Cramer admitted responsibility for the backlash, telling reporters: "The criticism has been received, and we are addressing it. The responsibility lies with me. We won't always be able to please everyone when selecting jerseys." 

Sporting director Kehl also struck a measured tone, acknowledging differing opinions but reminding fans of the positive outcome: "I think we have different opinions about jerseys every year. It will never be the case that a Borussia Dortmund jersey meets with 100 percent approval. Fundamentally, we know which colors represent our city and our club, and that this is reflected in the design of almost all jerseys." 

He added: "However, there are also people who want something younger, something fresh, something creative. The new jersey brought BVB three points in Heidenheim. A successful jersey, I'd say. Everything else is a discussion that we as a club consider normal."

Why Dortmund’s kit row goes beyond fashion

The controversy cuts deeper than simple aesthetics – for many Dortmund fans, black and yellow are symbols of the city, the club’s history, and its culture. Straying too far from that has been perceived as a lack of respect for tradition, especially by the “active” supporter groups that play a key role in shaping the atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park.

This episode also highlights the growing tension between commercial pressures, sponsors and modern design demands and fan culture, something Dortmund has always prided itself on respecting. By choosing such a radical departure, BVB risked alienating the very supporters who give the club its unique identity.

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Getty ImagesWhat’s next for Dortmund after the kit storm

Despite the controversy, Die Schwarzgelben will now turn their focus back to the pitch as they begin their Champions League campaign with a tough test against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium. Following that clash, they return to Bundesliga action against Wolfsburg at the weekend.

Glasgow Rangers have not been messing about in the summer transfer window in an attempt to ensure that Russell Martin has a quality group to work with.

The Scottish Premiership giants announced their latest summer signing on Thursday morning, confirming the arrival of Mikey Moore from Tottenham Hotspur.

Speaking about his new signing, Martin told the club’s official website: “His profile as a brave, aggressive attacking player is one that we were keen to add to the squad, and he is certainly a player who, despite his age, can make an impact on the team from day one.”

The 17-year-old will be hoping for a successful first season out on loan at first-team level, but he is not the only left-sided forward who is looking to make an impact on the pitch for the Gers.

Djeidi Gassama joined on a permanent deal from Sheffield Wednesday earlier this summer and may compete with Moore for a starting position in the team this term.

Why Gassama and Moore are exciting signings for Rangers

The 21-year-old has already got supporters excited about what he could do on the pitch for the Light Blues this season with his cameos against Panathinaikos across both legs of their second round Champions League qualifier.

Gassama scored in both games, at Ibrox and in Greece, and his strike on Wednesday was particularly important because it came just seven minutes after Panathinaikos had taken the lead on the night.

The French winger did only manage eight goals and one assist in 46 appearances in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign for Sheffield Wednesday, though, so it is still down to him to prove that he can deliver consistently in front of goal.

His two goals in two games so far, though, make him an exciting prospect moving forward, as Gers fans will be hoping that he can offer a big threat as a scorer on a regular basis.

Moore, meanwhile, has even more to prove at Ibrox because he has only scored one senior goal for Spurs, but his form at youth level shows that there is the potential for him to be an incredibly exciting winger for Martin if he can find his feet in Glasgow.

As you can see in the table above, the 17-year-old star has been sensational at youth level for England and Spurs, but it is now down to him to take this opportunity to explode on the senior scene with Rangers.

Whilst both Moore and Gassama are exciting signings because of what they have the potential to be, the Gers could land an even more exciting signing than both of them by bringing in Salvatore Esposito.

Transfer Focus

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

Rangers have been linked with an interest in the £5m-rated Spezia star, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will make an official move for the Italy international before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

Why Rangers must sign Salvatore Esposito

The Light Blues must be pushing to do a deal for the 24-year-old star because he would be an even more exciting signing than both Gassama and Moore.

Unlike both of those young wingers, the Italian central midfielder has proven his ability to both score and assist goals on a regular basis, having delivered impressive performances in the Serie B last season.

The Spezia sensation scored seven goals, created 18 ‘big chances’, and delivered nine assists in the regular Serie B season, as well as another assist in two play-off matches.

Meanwhile, Gassama recorded nine goal contributions with Sheffield Wednesday, and Mikey Moore managed three with Spurs, which means that Esposito was directly involved in more goals in Italy than the two wingers were in England combined.

The £5m-rated star, who was described as “tenacious” and “elegant” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is a player who has the quality and performances at senior level behind him to come in as a very exciting signing for the Gers.

Because Esposito has already proven himself at a respectable level in Italy, he would arrive at Ibrox with a weight of expectation and excitement around him, as a player who the supporters can reasonably expect to score and create goals on a fairly regular basis.

As you can see in the table above, the Spezia central midfielder also provided quality out of possession to go along with his very impressive contributions at the top end of the pitch.

Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin both failed to win more than 6.6 duels per game in the Premiership, which suggests that Esposito could provide even more of a physical presence in the middle of the park for Martin.

This furthers the belief that the Serie B talent would be an exciting signing for the Gers because he is a well-rounded midfielder who could win fans over by winning duels, recovering possessions, scoring goals, and providing assists.

Two years ago, Esposito also showed his potential to be a threat from set-pieces with a fantastic goal against AC Milan in the Serie A, and was described as a “set-piece specialist” by Jacek Kulig.

Overall, supporters could be even more excited by the prospect of watching him play than Moore and Gassama, who still have a lot to prove, as he has put in the performances on the pitch to suggest that he would be a brilliant all-round midfield star for Martin.

As bad as Dowell: Martin must bin 4/10 Rangers flop for Premiership opener

Russell Martin must ruthlessly drop this Rangers flop who was as bad as Kieran Dowell against Panathinaikos.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 31, 2025

It is now down to the club to strike a deal to bring the central midfielder to Ibrox before the summer transfer window ends at the start of September.

“I don’t think the players are mentally down. We give them lot of confidence,” says Sri Lanka’s batting coach

Andrew Fidel Fernando03-Dec-2024Comebacks can happen. Sri Lanka have proved that already this year, when having lost a Test at Lord’s by 190 runs, they surged back at The Oval to win by eight wickets.This, at least, is what Sri Lanka are trying to believe, having lost their first Test in South Africa by 233 runs.They can look back at other series-leveling come-from behind Test wins as well, such as in 2018, when they won in Barbados having lost in Port of Spain. Or even at home, when having gone down to Australia in the first Galle Test of 2022, they roared back in the second.Batting coach Thilina Kandamby feels there are enough players in the group who have tasted comeback success.Related

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“We have a very experienced unit, and they have been in situations like this before,” Kandamby said. “We have given comebacks before as well. I don’t think the players are mentally down. We give them lot of confidence.”We started off in a similar fashion in England this year. We came from behind to win a game. We have identified that and we need to be at our best from day one.”Just as in that England series, Sri Lanka’s top order struggled substantially against the moving ball, crashing to a calamitous 42 not out in the first innings. Kandamby said the “options we took were wrong”, particularly the damp surface offered plenty to the bowlers in the first innings.Since that match, however, Sri Lanka have taken every opportunity to train. They’d rocked up to Kingsmead on what would have been day five of the first Test for a long session, and will also train the two days ahead of the Gqeberha Test, with Monday having been their travel day.”We had a chat, and the key here is to see off the new ball. There is no point being too aggressive, but we do have to put the loose balls away. Once we get past the first hour, it gets a lot easier.”Sri Lanka had also been at a significant advantage in Durban, as South Africa allrounder Wiaan Mulder had fractured his right hand while batting, and as such was unable to bowl. And yet, having collapsed inside 14 overs for their lowest Test total, Sri Lanka were in no place to capitalise on this advantage.”It’s so disappointing really – South Africa were one bowler short, and we should have made most of it,” Kandamby said. “Even with Marco Jansen we didn’t force him to a second spell. But the good thing is, we were a lot more organised in the second innings. If we’d batted the whole day in the first innings, it could have been very different.”The major positive for Sri Lanka, perhaps is that unlike for South Africa, there are no serious injury concerns for their bowlers. They’d had to bowl more than 150 overs in the first three days of the Test, but will have had five days potential recovery before the second Test starts. Although privately, some bowlers had expressed annoyance at having to bowl again so soon after dismissing South Africa for 191, at the time, they just got on with the job, Kandamby said.”Hats off to the bowlers. After one and half hours they had to go out and bowl again. They were not bitter. They just took on the challenge.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos está nas oitavas-de-final da Copa do Brasil. Com a vitória diante do Botafogo-SP na última quarta-feira (26), o Peixe acumulou premiações por ter se classificado pela terceira vez consecutiva na competição.

Até o momento, o Alvinegro Praiano possui R$ 8,5 milhões garantidos pela presença na quarta fase do torneio. Essa quantia é maior que a recebida pelos rivais estaduais do Santos.

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+É na terça! Veja os times e regras para o sorteio das oitavas da Copa do Brasil 2023

Esse mesmo valor só foi conquistado por América-MG, Bahia, Botafogo e Grêmio. Em contrapartida, Atlético-MG, Athletico-PR, Corinthians, Cruzeiro, Flamengo, Fortaleza, Internacional, Palmeiras, São Paulo, Fluminense e Sport receberam R$ 5,4 milhões.

O valor foi diferente, pois o grupo dos clubes que entraram no meio da competição receberam de acordo com as fases que participaram. Eles começaram na 3ª fase da competição por conta de vagas que são formadas por clubes classificados para a Libertadores e vencedores de três competições: Série B (Cruzeiro), Copa do Nordeste (Sport que herdou vaga do Fortaleza) e Copa Verde (Paysandu que foi eliminado). Além desses, o São Paulo ficou com uma vaga remanescente pela classificação no Brasileirão 2022.

Agora, os times esperam o sorteio das oitavas-de-final da Copa do Brasil, que será realizado na próxima terça-feira (2). Os vencedores da próxima fase embolsarão R$ 4,3 milhões de reais. Se o Santos for avançando até ser campeão da competição, acumulará R$ 92 milhões em premiações.

Nottingham Forest cruised to an opening-day win in the Premier League as Keith Andrews’ Brentford were brushed aside with ease.

New Tricky Trees recruit Dan Ndoye got on the scoresheet to the delight of his adoring City Ground masses, on top of Chris Wood asserting his dominance in the forward positions once more by firing home a brace in the 3-1 victory.

Amazingly, Nuno Espirito Santo still has Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee to add to the first team picture, with both new signings not ready to feature against the Bees, after joining Nuno’s ranks in quick succession just before this opening clash.

These two flashy buys don’t signal the end of Forest’s summer business, however, with more new signings looking to be completed before the month is out.

Nottingham Forest in talks to sign £30m star

Europa League football might well be triumphantly on the menu for the Tricky Trees this campaign, but this season will see Forest try to push into those coveted Champions League spaces.

Forest’s ambitious late dealings in the transfer market could make these bold dreams a reality, with Douglas Luiz reportedly close to linking up with McAtee and Co. from Juventus, having once stood out in the Premier League with Aston Villa as an exciting midfield presence.

Rumours are also circulating that Forest are in talks to sign Rico Lewis from Manchester City, with Caught Offside reporting – despite Nuno’s men having a recent £30m approach pushed back – that talks are still ongoing between the two sides over striking up a potential deal.

While McAtee’s name has dominated a lot of the conversation at the City Ground in recent days, adding Lewis could be an even more exciting capture than securing the skilful midfielder’s services, with the 20-year-old arguably more well-versed as to what it takes to be a success at such a daunting level.

Why signing Lewis could be more exciting than McAtee

Of course, a signing in the attacking positions will always catch the eye more than a defensive addition, particularly when it involves the amount of promise McAtee has in his locker.

Indeed, from just 34 appearances at the Etihad, McAtee has left a lasting impact on the City masses watching on, with a vibrant seven goals next to his name. On top of that, he has six goals and three assists in the Premier League alone, boosted by a standout two-season loan stint at Sheffield United.

However, while it’s undeniable that the 22-year-old will likely go on to be a success away from feeding on minimal scraps at Pep Guardiola’s men, Lewis has what it takes to be an instant, shining part of Nuno’s first team over one for the future, considering he has been in and around the Spaniard’s first team plans more regularly over the years.

Amazingly, despite only being 20 years of age, the City number 82 already has 59 Premier League appearances under his belt, meaning he won’t be taken aback by the bright lights of the City Ground if he were to shortly relocate to Nottingham.

Games played

59

28

Games started

40

23

Goals scored

3

6

Assists

3

3

Passes completed

2424 (93%)

619 (74%)

Crosses completed

13 (23%)

31 (19%)

Total duels won

158

118

He isn’t just an honourary member of the youth team that has been shoved into the senior scene for the sake of it, however, with an impressive return of three goals and three assists also coming his way, which included him linking up with Erling Haaland just this weekend to get City up and running in their 4-0 demolition job of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

With Nuno already possessing Morgan Gibbs-White, too, on top of having plentiful options down the wings where McAtee can also play, such as Ndoye, there is no guarantee that McAtee would instantly come into his starting XI.

Whereas, Lewis – who has been dubbed “special” in the past by football statistician Statman Dave – would have no qualms about trying to take Ola Aina’s starting spot from him, having had to compete with some top talents already over his time in Manchester.

Capable of also lining up as a defensive midfielder if needed, this feels as if it would be yet another exciting addition by Forest, with both the former Blades midfielder and Lewis adding sparks of quality that could propel Forest even further up the top-flight standings.

Deal close: Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign Celtic "sensation"

The youngster has already captained his national team.

ByCallum Kemp Aug 17, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now lodged an enquiry over a deal for an “unbelievable” striker, who has a price tag of £15m, according to a report.

Wolves keen to bolster attacking options

Wolves have already made major improvements to their frontline this summer, with centre-forward Jorgen Strand Larsen putting pen to paper on a permanent deal, while wingers Fer Lopez and Jhon Arias have also arrived at Molineux.

Larsen in particular could be a fantastic signing, given that the Norwegian scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League games on loan with the Old Gold last season, but it may be important to get another striker through the door, given the uncertainty surrounding Fabio Silva’s future.

As a result, Wolves have now stepped up their interest in a Championship striker, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they have submitted an enquiry over a deal for highly-rated Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic.

However, Millwall are said to be confident about keeping hold of Ivanovic, and the Championship side have set an asking price of £15m, in an attempt to ward off interest from elsewherd, with a number of foreign clubs scouting the centre-forward last season.

Vitor Pereira is keen to bolster his attacking options, following Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United, and the 20-year-old is very much of interest, off the back of an impressive debut campaign at The Den.

Wolves showing interest in signing "fantastic" free agent to replace Semedo

Wolves are now showing a strong interest in a new defensive target.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 28, 2025 "Unbelievable" Ivanovic could be ready for Premier League move

Despite his age, the Serbian youngster was able to make a real impact at Millwall during his first season with the Lions, scoring 12 goals in 37 Championship games, indicating that he may be ready to test himself in the Premier League.

Manager Alex Neil has also been impressed by what he’s seen from the starlet, saying: “Any 20-year-old that leads the line in the Championship and can get nearly [10 goals], and he’ll get double figures before the end of the season.

“If you do that, that’s an unbelievable season and it won’t be surprising me if people start talking about him. I’ve already seen something the other day talking about the top 10 young talents in Europe – he’s one of them.”

It would be a gamble to shell out £15m on Ivanovic, given that he is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time in the Championship, but he is clearly a very talented youngster, and Pereira could certainly do with bringing in another striker if Silva departs.

Joe Root has hailed Harry Brook as “far and away the best player in the world” after Brook powered England to their first series victory in New Zealand since 2008.Both Root and Brook registered centuries in an emphatic 323-run win in the second Test against the Black Caps that confirmed an unassailable 2-0 scoreline after just three days at the Basin Reserve. It was their 35th and eighth hundreds respectively, with Brook’s 123 in tough first-innings conditions earning him the player-of-the-match award.Brooks’ opening-day effort, reaching three figures in 91 deliveries (the second-fastest of his career), came in challenging conditions, dragging England to 280 inside just 54.5 overs, having at one stage been 26 for 3. The tourists were then able to dismiss New Zealand for 125, establishing a 155-run lead that Root’s 106 would eventually lift to a mammoth 582. In reply, New Zealand could only muster 259 in just 54.2 overs.Last week, Brook moved up to No.2 on the ICC Test rankings off the back of his 171 in the first Test at Christchurch, which set up an eight-wicket win. Root sits at No.1, but England’s all-time leading run-scorer believes his Yorkshire and England team-mate is currently at the top of the modern game.”Brooky is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute,” Root said, off the back of Brook’s exploits in New Zealand.”He can absorb pressure, he can apply it. He can whack you over your head for six. He can scoop you over his head for six. He can smack spin. He can smack seam.”He’s so hard to bowl to and dovetailed with someone like Pope [174 for the fifth wicket in the first innings], who’s extremely busy and scoring in awkward areas, [which] makes it very difficult to stop the flow of runs. I think they just played exceptionally well together.”Related

• Brook rises to No. 2 in Test batting rankings, closes gap with table-topper Root

• Joe Root: Harry Brook's 317 is just the first of his 'monster' scores

• Stats – England's first series win in NZ since 2008, New Zealand's worst home defeat

• England crush New Zealand to claim series despite Blundell defiance

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Brook returned the compliment to Root, who has a chance to beat his previous calendar-year best of six centuries (2021) in this Saturday’s third and final Test at Hamilton.”I’m trying to catch him, but he’s too good, isn’t he?” Brook said, when asked if he fancied taking the No. 1 tag off Root. “[He] got another hundred this week. No, he’s obviously one of the best players, if not the best player, to have ever played the game.”Though only two years into his Test career, Brook’s average of 61.62 from 23 Tests is currently third on the all-time list. Having become England’s first triple-centurion in 34 years with 317 against Pakistan, his work in New Zealand over the last two weeks has moved his average away from home to a remarkable 89.35, though he has only played in those two countries.Brook, however, insists on keeping his feet on the ground and believes he has more work to do to improve all aspects of his game.”I’ve only played 23 games, so them stats could soon come soaring down!” he said. “So I’m just trying to keep on getting as good as I can and working hard in the nets and improving areas that are uncomfortable. Just keep on going really. You can always get better everywhere.”Meanwhile, Root has been announced on the shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The award, to be judged by the public on who they regard as most accomplished sportsperson in 2024, has only been won by a cricketer on five occasions. Ben Stokes was the most recent, in 2019, while Stuart Board finished runner-up last year.”I didn’t expect that at all, really,” Root said of Monday’s announcement. “I guess I’m honored to be involved in it. You know, it’s been a wonderful year of sports so to even be considered is is pretty humbling, to be honest.”I wasn’t expecting at all, but it’s something I’ve watched as a kid growing up. I don’t really know how to sum it up.”England will meet up in Hamilton on Wednesday ahead of the third Test. A number of players left Wellington on Monday to explore New Zealand’s North Island and will travel separately to the inland city.