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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is facing a potentially defining week in his career at the club ahead of Premier League clashes with Chelsea and Liverpool at Elland Road.

The Guardian reported on Monday that Farke’s job may be on the line in these next two matches, because senior figures at the club believe that two losses could lead to his dismissal.

It added that his position in West Yorkshire could be ‘untenable’ if he does not pick up at least one point, as the report states that his job hangs ‘in the balance’.

The Guardian, though, also revealed that some sources have expressed sympathy for the German manager because the results have not been as positive as the performances have been.

Leeds exploring move for English head coach

Whilst a final decision has not been made on the former Norwich City head coach’s future at the club, a fresh report has named one of the managers already in the frame to take his place.

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According to Football Insider, Leeds United are exploring the possibility of a move to appoint former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil as Farke’s replacement at Elland Road.

The report claims that the English tactician is ‘firmly’ in the running to be the next Whites manager if they decide to part ways with the German this week.

It adds that Farke will be in the dugout for the clash with Chelsea on Wednesday night, as the earlier report from The Guardian backs up, but his future beyond these next two games remains in doubt.

However, the 49ers should change their mind and avoid a deal to appoint O’Neil as their next manager if they opt to move on from Farke, because he could be a Javi Gracia repeat for the club.

Why Gary O'Neil could be a Javi Gracia repeat for Leeds

The Whites appointed Gracia to replace Jesse Marsch in February 2022 in an attempt to avoid relegation from the Premier League, and it seemed to be a shrewd move on paper.

Prior to joining Leeds, the Spaniard had finished 14th and 11th in the Premier League with Watford in his first two seasons with the Hornets, per Transfermarkt, before losing his job after three defeats in four games at the start of his third campaign.

He, therefore, arrived as a ‘proven’ Premier League manager, but that did not stop him from losing six of his 11 games in charge before being sacked by the Whites, who then brought in Sam Allardyce.

O’Neil would arrive at Elland Road with a similar reputation because he finished 15th and 14th with Bournemouth and Wolves in his first two seasons in the division, before being sacked after a run of 11 losses in 16 games in his third top-flight campaign, per Transfermarkt.

The English boss, who typically deploys a 3-4-2-1 formation, per Transfermarkt, lost his job with the Old Gold for a run of form that was even worse than Farke’s current performance at Leeds.

Premier League

Farke – 25/26

O’Neil – 24/25

Games managed

13

16

Wins

3

2

Draws

2

3

Losses

8

11

Points

11

9

Points per game

0.85

0.56

League position

18th

19th

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Farke would still have a better record than O’Neil did last season if he loses these next two games against Chelsea and Liverpool.

These statistics suggest that there is no guarantee that the ex-Wolves manager would be an upgrade on the German in the dugout, as Gracia wasn’t, despite his Premier League experience, when they sacked Marsch in 2022.

With this in mind, the 49ers should avoid moving for the out-of-work head coach if they decide to sack Farke, because it could be a repeat of the mistake that former sporting director Victor Orta once made with Gracia.

Instead, they should look to appoint a manager who is a clear upgrade on the German boss, whether they have Premier League experience or not, to help them in their battle against relegation.

Related Leeds lining up January spending spree for "phenomenal" Farke replacement

Daniel Farke will reportedly be sacked if Leeds lose their next two matches.

Posts ByBen Goodwin Dec 1, 2025

Of course, it would be remiss of us to ignore the possibility that Farke can turn things around in these next two games to save his job, which would alleviate any need for the board to step in and make a decision on a replacement for him in the coming weeks.

Pooran and Pollard had won the CPL and MLC together earlier this year

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Oct-2025MI Emirates have announced Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard as their wildcards for the upcoming season of the ILT20 in the UAE. Pooran and Pollard will rejoin forces after winning the CPL (Trinbago Knight Riders) and MLC (MI New York) together earlier this year.Pooran is also part of MI Cape Town in the SA20, which overlaps with the ILT20. Pooran, now 30, had made a shock decision to retire from international cricket at 29, but continues to be a sought-after player in franchise leagues around the world.Pooran and Pollard add more Caribbean flavour to a MI Emirates side that already includes Andre Fletcher, who had fetched the highest bid of USD 260,000 at the inaugural ILT20 auction in October, Ackeem Auguste, who was also an auction pick, and Romario Shepherd, who had been picked ahead of the auction.Related

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The ILT20’s fourth season, to be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, begins on December 2 and will run until January 4, featuring six teams who will play a total of 34 matches.MI EmiratesAuction Signings: Muhammad Rohid (USD 140,000), Jordan Thompson (USD 48,000), Naveen-ul-Haq (USD 100,000), Andre Fletcher (USD 260,000), Nosthush Kenjige (USD 10,000), Mohamed Shafeeq (USD 10,000), Zain Ul Abidin (USD 10,000), Usman Khan (USD 10,000), Ackeem Auguste (USD 10,000), Arab Gul (USD 10,000), Tajinder Dhillon (USD 10,000), Zahoor Khan (USD 10,000), Shakib Al Hasan (USD 40,000).Retentions + Direct Signings: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Tom Banton, Romario Shepherd, Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow, AM Ghazanfar, Muhammad Waseem, Kamindu Mendis.Wildcards: Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard.

The Pittsburgh Pirates put a little surprise gift in their fans' stockings on Monday morning by announcing they'll be bringing back a familiar face.

Citing themselves as the source, Pittsburgh can report that veteran outfielder Andrew McCutcheon will be flying under the Jolly Roger in 2025. Alex Stumpf reported that McCutchen's deal is for one year, $5 million.

McCutchen, now 38, starred for the Pirates during the first nine years of his lengthy MLB career, garnering five All-Star selections and slugging his way to the 2013 National League MVP. He bounced around between the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies before returning to PIttsburgh in 2023.

Last season the right hander hit 20 home runs and drove in 50 runs in 120 games before partially tearing his Achilles tendon. He opted to enter free agency on Halloween before ultimately deciding to return to the place where he is a fan favorite and wrote most of his baseball story.

Former Australia fast bowler Gordon Rorke, who played four Tests, has passed away aged 87.A tall pace bowler, considered one of the fastest in Australia at the time, Rorke’s Test appearances all came in 1959 – two against England in the Ashes followed by two away against India late in the year where he was struck by illness when he contracted hepatitis.He claimed five wickets in the match on debut in Adelaide as Australia won by ten wickets and regained the Ashes.However, his career was dogged by controversy over his delivery where he dragged his back foot so that he could deliver the ball with his front foot several feet over the bowling crease. Rorke’s ability to do this led to a review of the no-ball laws.”I was frightened that he might tread on my toes,” Colin Cowdrey, who made 84 in Adelaide, said.The lingering effects of illness from his India tour meant that his career ended aged 25. Overall in first-class cricket for New South Wales, he claimed 88 wickets at 24.60.”Cricket NSW extends its deepest condolences to Gordon’s family and friends at this difficult time while celebrating his contribution to our game,” the state said.

التقى ليفربول وريال مدريد، عملاقا كرة القدم الأوروبية مساء أمس الثلاثاء، في دور مجموعات دوري أبطال أوروبا، وحقق الريدز الفوز بهدف نظيف، على حساب الملكي، على ملعب أنفيلد.

وقد ساعد المدافع الفرنسي الدولي إبراهيما كوناتي، فريقه، للفوز على ريال مدريد، ولم يمر هذا الأداء مرور الكرام على إدارة ريال مدريد، التي شاهدت أداء اللاعب وهو يتغلب على هجمات الفريق الإسباني الخجولة.

ونشرت “فوت ميركاتو الفرنسية” أن أداء إبراهيما كوناتي كان يثير إعجاب إدارة ريال مدريد.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لابورتا يمازح مشجعًا بشأن هزيمة ريال مدريد أمام ليفربول

وكانت إدارة ريال مدريد تدرس بجدية إمكانية التعاقد مع اللاعب الفرنسي، منذ عدة أسابيع، حيث يسعى النادي الإسباني لتعزيز دفاعه والاستعداد لرحيل ديفيد ألابا وأنطونيو روديجر واللذين تنتهي عقودهما في يونيو 2026.

ويبحث ريال مدريد عن مدافع متمرس ليس كبيرًا ولا صغيرًا في السن، وسيصبح إبراهيما كوناتي لاعبًا حرًا في يونيو المقبل، وبالتالي ستكون صفقة مجانية.

وأصبح المدافع الفرنسي على استعداد لمغادرة ليفربول ويريد الانضمام لريال مدريد، وهناك اهتمام من ناديين آخرين لضمه وهما باريس سان جيرمان وبرشلونة.

وقدم ليفربول عرضًا لتمديد عقد إبراهيما كوناتي والذي كان يعد أولوية ريال مدريد القصوى، ومع ذلك أصبح دايوت أوباميكانو مدافع بايرن ميونخ على رأس أولوية النادي الاسباني بدلاً منه ولم يكن فلورنتينو بيريز بحاجة ليرى ما قدمه ضد باريس سان جيرمان ليقتنع بذلك.

وينتهي عقد أوباميكانو مع بايرن ميونخ في يونيو ولم يتوصل لاتفاق مع ناديه على التمديد وهناك اهتمام من باريس سان جيرمان أيضًا، وقد توصل اللاعب لاتفاق شفهي مع ريال مدريد ويمتلك اللاعب مهارة وخبرة وسيكون لاعبًا حرًا بنهاية الموسم.

West Ham United boss Nuno Espírito Santo is already having a major say on the club’s incomings and outgoings, with the tactician making his mark yet again following a key transfer decision.

Nuno set to spearhead West Ham overhaul in East London

Almost immediately after replacing Graham Potter in late September, Nuno wasted no time at all in dropping his predecessor’s vice-captain, James Ward-Prowse, from the Portuguese’s first ever Hammers matchday squad to face Everton.

Nuno’s decision to exclude Ward-Prowse from West Ham’s first-team raised eyebrows, but it was clear that the midfielder, despite being a mainstay figure in Potter’s engine room, wasn’t part of his long-term plans.

The 51-year-old had already axed Ward-Prowse once before, during the Englishman’s loan spell at Nottingham Forest last season, where he sent him back to Rush Green midway through the campaign.

While the exact reasons behind his exclusion remain a mystery, it’s claimed that Nuno wants to prioritise energetic midfielders who can get about the pitch more tenaciously, with summer arrival Soungoutou Magassa immediately jumping into Ward-Prowse’s place.

More key calls that Nuno will be forced to make surround the long-term future of Niclas Füllkrug and West Ham’s striker options.

Fullkrug’s recently sustained thigh problem is expected to keep him out for several weeks, and the German’s injury woes are nothing new.

Brentford (home)

October 20

Leeds United (away)

October 24

Newcastle United (home)

November 2

Burnley (home)

November 8

Since joining West Ham, he has struggled with recurring fitness problems — missing 28 games for West Ham and Germany combined last season alone. His return to the treatment table piles pressure on Nuno’s available attacking options, but January could come as a lifeline.

In light of Fullkrug’s latest absence, there is growing speculation that West Ham will look to bring in a new striker during the winter window, and it is believed that the Hammers are targeting Man United striker Joshua Zirkzee as a potential option.

Interestingly, it is reported that Nuno could even solve their centre-forward crisis before the window reopens.

West Ham have apparently been offered the chance to sign former Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis by representatives (Hammers News), and according to The Mail, there’s been tentative interest from their side too.

Nuno makes final decision on signing Emmanuel Dennis for West Ham

However, the outlet also reports that Nuno has blocked any West Ham move for Dennis, with the manager personally stepping in to stop the Nigerian from sealing a free transfer to the London Stadium.

The 27-year-old, who bagged 10 goals and six assists in 33 Premier League outings for Watford in 2021/2022, has failed to recapture that form ever since.

Dennis was on the books during Nuno’s tenure at Forest, but was never used — instead being sent out on loan to Istanbul Basaksehir, Watford and Blackburn Rovers until his contract was terminated by mutual consent in August.

Orel Mangala called his ex-City Ground teammate a “magician” during their time together at the City Ground, but this opinion definitely isn’t shared by Nuno, who’d rather wait until January to bring in a more elite-level number nine.

This is definitely the right call, and Irons supporters would arguably much rather see highly-promising young striker Callum Marshall get a good run out.

The Northern Irishman, who’s made just two senior appearances for West Ham, scored for fun at youth level and already boasts 13 senior caps for his country.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Huddersfield, where he bagged 10 goals in all competitions, and now could be Marshall’s baptism of fire.

Alex Lees excelled against his former county as he and fellow centurion Emilio Gay ensured Durham dominated day two of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Yorkshire at the Banks Homes Riverside.At the halfway stage of this Division One fixture, Durham have control having replied strongly to a first-innings 307 with 264 for 1 from 63.2 overs, bad light curtailing the day just before 5pm.Yorkshire had seemingly enjoyed a healthy day one as they compiled 295 for 8 in challenging batting conditions. But, in easing conditions, Durham pressed ahead to give themselves a great chance of ending a two-game losing streak at the start of the summer.Lees led the way with 148 not out off 194 balls, while Gay’s unbeaten 105 off 168 represented an expert supporting role. They shared an unbroken 242 – a Durham second-wicket partnership record in first-class matches against Yorkshire.Durham wrapped up Yorkshire’s tail in the first five overs of the day, Ben Raine and Matthew Potts striking, before captain Lees and fellow left-hander Gay united from mid-morning onwards. Thirty-three overs were lost to bad light.The pair came together after George Hill removed prospective England Test opener Ben McKinney for 6, caught at second slip by Adam Lyth, leaving Durham at 22 for 1 after six overs.Durham’s opening partnership is one made up of two players at contrasting stages of their careers.Even though it would be a surprise to see England return to 32-year-old Lees, who played the last of his 10 Tests in 2022, it is too early to write him off given he continues to rack up the runs for his second county.McKinney, however, is very much England’s future. There is increasing talk that the tall 20-year-old left-hander will make his Test debut this summer having impressed for the Lions in Australia over the winter before making a first-innings 153 in defeat to Warwickshire here last weekend.But this wasn’t a day when he advanced his cause. He got himself in a tangle against a full delivery angled in from Hill and departed early.Like Lees and McKinney, Gay is another left-hander who has been talked about as an England possible in recent times. This was his first century for Durham since a move from Northamptonshire late last summer.Lees was strong on both sides of the wicket but drove particularly well, while Gay was far more circumspect against a visiting attack who never got a foothold.Hill and new-ball partner Jack White were okay, but New Zealand quick Ben Sears took time to settle on debut, bowling 12 overs at a cost of 56.Incidentally, Sears had been the first wicket to fall on day two when he was bowled by Raine, who finished with 4 for 64 from 24 overs. Potts had Dom Bess caught in the deep pulling for 66 to wrap up Yorkshire’s innings.There was no doubt that Durham have had the better of the batting conditions. The second day was played under a much brighter skies for example, and the life has gone out of the pitch. But Lees and Gay impressively took advantage.Lees survived a close shave with a run out on 67 shortly after lunch and went on to reach his century off 126 balls, by which stage Durham were 162 for 1.Bad light forced an early tea – 224 for 1 – but just beforehand Lees hit four fours off a Matthew Revis over which cost 19.Gay reached his century off 163 balls shortly after the resumption, but he only faced three more balls and it was only a brief evening session because of the light.Meanwhile, when Durham come to bowl again during the next two days, they may have to do it without seamer Paul Coughlin, who suffered an abdominal injury whilst bowling during the opening day.

As the 49ers desperately look to sharpen Russell Martin’s frontline, Glasgow Rangers are reportedly eyeing a late swoop to sign a Premier League forward this month.

Latest on Rangers' transfer targets

It’s been a fairly disastrous start for Russell Martin at Ibrox. The Gers simply have not got going and their midweek thumping courtesy of Club Brugge summarised where they find themselves at present. They were hit by a 20-minute rout by the Belgian side to spark early Ibrox exits, before Danilo handed Rangers a slither of hope ahead of this week’s second leg.

Whether anything changes on the transfer front ahead of that crucial tie is the big question. With just over one week left until the transfer window slams shut, Rangers still have several reported targets on their radar and that includes Jamie Vardy.

The former Leicester City forward is still a free agent after leaving the Foxes as a club legend at the end of last season and may now be on his way to Scotland. If the Gers are attempting to spark their frontline into life then signing a Premier League winner is certainly one way to do it.

That said, at 38 years old, Vardy is not the only name on Rangers’ shortlist. The 49ers are also reportedly targeting Karl Etta Eyong, who has starred for Villarreal’s B team and since made his debut for the La Liga club’s senior side.

Martin could win over Ibrox with Rangers swoop for £3.5m 'Portobello Pirlo'

As the pressure mounts on Rangers manager Russell Martin, could he attempt to win over supporters by signing the “Portobello Pirlo” valued at £3.5m?

Aug 23, 2025

With one experienced option and another who arguably lacks experience, it remains to be seen which route Rangers decide to go down. They could yet, of course, find the perfect in-between by shopping in the Premier League this month.

Rangers eyeing late Chermiti swoop

As reported by Rangers Review, the 49ers are now eyeing a late Rangers swoop to sign Youssef Chermiti from Everton this month. The 21-year-old forward has had much of his Everton career interrupted by injuries since arriving for around £10.8m from Sporting Club in 2023 and now needs a loan move to guarantee game time.

Dubbed a “superb prospect” by scout Jacek Kulig during his time at Sporting, Chermiti is still very much a player full of potential despite his recent injury woes.

If Rangers can keep him fit then, alongside the likes of Mikey Moore, they could have an exciting core of attacking talents at their disposal. After stuttering to another draw in the Scottish Premiership – this time against St Mirren – it’s the type of firepower that the Gers so desperately need.

As the transfer window approaches deadline day and the Gers seek reinforcements, Chermiti and Rangers may well be ones to watch.

New Zealand were never able to recover from the rut they got into after their powerplay

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Mar-2025Debutant Malki Madara’s three-for combined with two-fors from Kavisha Dilhari and Inoshi Priyadharshani set up a comfortable victory for Sri Lanka in the T20I series opener in Christchurch. Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 64 off 48 balls then took the visitors home with seven wickets in hand. This was Sri Lanka’s first T20I win in New Zealand and second win overall against New Zealand in the format.Emma McLeod (44) was New Zealand’s highest scorer but only two of her team-mates got into double figures, and there was only one partnership that stretched past 20 balls.Despite Priyadharshani dismissing Georgia Plimmer early, the hosts got off to a decent start thanks to captain Suzie Bates’ 14-ball 21. Madara, Sri Lanka’s fourth bowling option, brought on in the fifth over, got the big wicket of Bates which dried up the scoring. The next two overs went for just five runs.Dilhari, the seventh bowler, struck twice upon being introduced in the ninth over as New Zealand slipped from 39 for 1 to 52 for 4. Maddy Green being run out cheaply had New Zealand play with caution as illustrated by the next two partnerships which produced a combined 29 runs off 41 balls.McLeod, who had three fours in her first five balls, finished without adding to that tally across her 46-ball innings. She was the last New Zealand batter to fall as Madara ended the innings in the penultimate over.Athapaththu then hit seven fours and took Sri Lanka to 46 for 0 at the end of the powerplay. Jess Kerr removed Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama in successive overs while Dilhari’s innings was cut short by a run out. Sri Lanka slipped to 66 for 3 but that didn’t stop their captain from attacking.She hit Eden Carson for four immediately after Dilhari’s exit and smacked two sixes and a four off Bree Illing, the first of the sixes brought up her fifty off 43 balls. It left the hosts no room to make an unlikely comeback as Sri Lanka romped to a victory with 35 balls to spare.

Excitement at Arsenal football club is at an all-time high during the Mikel Arteta reign, with their actions on and off the pitch fueling the expectations of the fanbase.

Eberechi Eze was confirmed as the Gunners’ latest addition on Saturday afternoon, joining the side in a £67.5m deal from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

His tally of 16 combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight adds a new dimension to the side’s attack, subsequently being able to operate in a number ten role, or off the left-hand side of the frontline.

The 27-year-old, who’s a boyhood Arsenal fan, was presented to the fans before the 5-0 triumph over Leeds at the Emirates – with their superb showing catapulting the side to the top of the table.

However, with less than a week remaining in the summer window, the manager is still targeting added reinforcements to the squad, leading to numerous names being mentioned with a move in recent days.

Arsenal’s hunt to land added reinforcements after Eze

Despite the move to land Eze over the last week, another attacker has appeared on their radar, with Rodrygo once again being touted with a move to join Arsenal this summer.

It was reported recently that the Gunners’ hierarchy were set for a meeting with the Brazilian’s representatives, with Real Madrid open to allowing the 24-year-old to depart on a permanent or temporary basis.

However, the winger isn’t the only player currently on their radar, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie another player they’re making a move for ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

According to one insider, the Gunners are big admirers of the Ecuadorian, with Arteta already holding talks with the player over a switch to North London this summer.

It’s also been reported that any move could hinge on Jakub Kiwior’s pending move to join Porto, with a £52m transfer fee being mooted for the star Leverkusen at present.

Why Arsenal’s £52m target would be a better signing than Eze

A move for Eze has injected a newfound sense of optimism within the Arsenal fanbase, which is understandable given his big-money transfer fee – making him the third most-expensive player in their history.

Such a deal has been sweetened, especially after the Gunners clinched his signature despite huge interest from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur before his move to the Emirates.

However, he will have a huge amount of expectations to live up to given the fee, but there’s no denying that the England international possesses a lot of top-level quality.

A transfer for Hincapie could arguably be a better addition this summer, offering needed cover in the centre-back and left-back departments – with the latter being a problem position for Arteta.

The likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Riccardo Calafiori have all tried to fill the void, but have massively struggled with injuries over the past couple of campaigns.

Calafiori has started both of the Gunners’ two Premier League games to date, even scoring the winner against Manchester United – often popping up at key moments.

A deal for Hincapie would offer an immediate and long-term solution to Arteta’s biggest problem in the defensive department, with the 23-year-old already racking up over 160 appearances for Leverkusen since his move to the German side back in 2021.

His underlying stats from the Bundesliga last campaign highlight the talent he possesses in and out of possession – potentially being an excellent pickup despite the £52m price tag.

He ranked in the 95th percentile for passes completed last season (88%), whilst falling into the 85th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.1) – demonstrating the talent he possesses in finding teammates in attacking areas.

Piero Hincapie’s stats for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

5.1

Passes into the final third

5.4

Carries into the final third

1.6

Progressive carries

1.8

Tackles won

1.4

Aerials won

2.2

Aerial success rate

60%

Stats via FBref

Such numbers could prove to be perfect for Eze, potentially handing the Englishman the tools to be a success during his debut year in the Gunners’ first team.

He also ranked in the 95th percentile for carries into the final third per 90 (1.6) – able to make overlapping runs if needed, offering an added creative threat in key areas to Arteta’s side.

However, Hincapie was just as impressive out of possession, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and achieving a 60% aerial success rate – tallies which could further bolster the club’s defence, which has been the best in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons.

Whilst £52m may appear to be a hefty sum for the youngster, it’s one that can finally put an end to the club’s hunt for a consistent starter on the left-hand side of the backline.

If he can transfer his numbers from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, Hincapie would be a phenomenal pickup and one that could prove to be more important than Eze in the Gunners’ hunt for Premier League glory.

Related Stunning Eze repeat: Arsenal agree personal terms to sign £52m star

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 26, 2025