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Manchester United have an exciting production line of stars for the future, and now appear to be interested in adding to that by capturing a gem that shone at the Under-17 World Cup.

The Red Devils will have enjoyed taking some time over the international break to digest what has been a credible start to the Premier League campaign, even if Ruben Amorim came under pressure during the early stages at Old Trafford.

Sitting tenth with a game in hand, Manchester United could move as high as fourth position with three points against Everton on Monday night, albeit they could be without Matheus Cunha due to a surprise injury concern.

Ben Jacobs confirmed on X that the Brazilian had suffered a head knock during training, forcing him to miss Altrincham’s Christmas light switch-on as a result, sparking attention on social media.

Nevertheless, the nature of his injury looks only to be minor, so there may still be a chance that he features against the Toffees if deemed fit to do so by the Red Devils’ medical staff.

As ever, Manchester United will hope to avoid a mounting list of absentees over the festive period. However, that is bound to affect everyone, especially with a heavy fixture schedule.

The January window could prove pivotal at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are now favourites to sign Ajax prodigy Jorthy Mokio ​​​​​​amid concerns over Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo.

Now, they also have eyes on a gem who performed at his best during the Under-17 World Cup, which has garnered attention from clubs around Europe.

Man Utd make approach to sign Mohamed Zongo

According to Africa Foot, Manchester United have made an approach to sign Tenakourou Academy star Mohamed Zongo, who they are now keen to hold discussions over signing on a permanent basis.

At only 15 years of age, the Burkina Faso youth international shone at the Under-17 World Cup with two goals and three assists to his name, leading to him being dubbed a “revelation” in some quarters.

Earning man of the match awards several times during the competition, his highlight came in a 1-0 victory over Germany where he was the only scorer in a famous victory for his country.

An attacking midfielder by trade and capable of featuring across the forward areas, Zongo is also on the radar of Manchester City, Villarreal and Anderlecht, illustrating how high his ceiling could potentially be with the correct development path.

Ultimately, he still has a tonne of growth left before coming into contention at first-team level overseas. However, Manchester United may be the best environment to earn his stripes.

Mainoo 2.0: Man Utd can axe Ugarte for one of England's "best young players"

Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli did not raise any hopes regarding Paul Pogba's return to competitive football ahead of this weekend's Ligue 1 clash against Rennes. Pogba had suffered an ankle sprain ahead of this month's international break, but returned to team training last weekend. That said, Pocognoli is "trying not to get ahead of himself" as far as Pogba's return is concerned.

Pogba's wait continues

Pogba last featured in a competitive match in September 2023, during his spell with Serie A giants Juventus. An 18-month doping ban, cut from four years, then forced him out of the game. Earlier this year, having completed his suspension, he was offered a shot at redemption by Monaco. In an emotional return, Pogba signed a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 club, marking a new phase in his career as he aims to return to his best. 

It has, however, not been all smooth sailing for the 2018 World Cup-winning midfielder. It was always going to be a Herculean task for Pogba to return to full fitness immediately after spending two years away from the pitch. "We have to be realistic and honest," said Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro back in July, toning down all the hype and expectation surrounding Pogba's return. 

AdvertisementAFPMonaco boss shies away from giving Pogba return timeline

Speaking in an interview with on Monday, Monaco head coach Pocognoli admitted that Pogba was closer than ever to making his debut for the club. However, he exercised caution and avoided giving any definitive timelines.

"My communication will remain down-to-earth, like our internal analysis," Pocognoli said when asked if Pogba was closer to achieving his goal of making a return. "I said we’ll judge him based on what he offers now. That’s also out of kindness. I hope [he is close to playing]. But the last time I said that… So I'm trying not to get ahead of myself. It will happen when it's meant to happen. All I can say is that, when he's on the pitch, I see someone who is happy and focused on getting back to the top level. There's no doubt about it."

He also added that him and his coaching staff are working hard to ensure he attains peak physical condition.

“My role now is to help him with the staff," he added. "And if we can even just bring a smile to his face during professional matches, that will be fantastic. Will it be easy? I can’t say. But we’re working on it, and Paul has a strong character. And I think the mind controls a lot of things."

Pocognoli is also counting on Pogba's experience and leadership, urging the former Manchester United and Juventus star to pass his knowledge to the next generation. "During one of my first internal meetings, I spoke about the club’s legacy. I believe that leaders, like Paul, must pass on their knowledge to the next generation, to the fans, to everyone involved with the club," he stated. "These experienced players must mentor the younger ones. I have to make sure they succeed. The more leaders we have, the more the pressure is distributed. If Paul is used effectively, the group can benefit from his influence.”

Injuries have delayed Pogba's return

The club developed a meticulous three-month rehabilitation program designed to ensure Pogba receives the best possible help to recondition his body to the intensity of a top five European league. "We expect a three-month process to be able to rehabilitate him. When you see it on TV, high-level sport can seem easy, but you have to realise the intensity required," Scuro further explained in July. "And Monaco is one of the most intense teams in Ligue 1 and in Europe in terms of play. So our players have to be very fit to be on the pitch. But it's our job to give him the tools to do that."

There was hope in October. It was believed that the mercurial Frenchman would be named in the squad to face Angers on October 18, just after the international break. But a minor knock ahead of the game prolonged his wait. 

Ahead of the most recent international break, Pocognoli had hinted that Pogba could finally be named in the squad for the game against Paris FC. Much to the disappointment of the fans and the coach, as well as the pain of Pogba, he suffered a minor grade two ankle sprain during a training session just two days before the game. 

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Getty ImagesCould Pogba make his debut this weekend?

There is a lot of cautious optimism surrounding Pogba's availability for Saturday's Ligue 1 encounter against Rennes. The 32-year-old participated in team training on Friday, and has not suffered any relapse as things stand. If he does, indeed, make his debut this weekend, it would be 26 months after he last played a game.

Arsenal took a huge stride towards ending their two-decade wait for a Premier League title, after securing a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace earlier this afternoon.

Eberechi Eze’s goal against his former employers was enough to secure Mikel Arteta’s men all three points in a hard-fought encounter against the Eagles.

Three points alone is a huge deal for the Gunners, but given the slip-ups from their title rivals, the victory has become an even more important one for the club.

Liverpool suffered a 3-2 defeat to Brentford last night, whilst Manchester City fell to a 1-0 loss against Aston Villa this afternoon – resulting in a four-point cushion for Arteta’s side.

However, despite the triumph in North London, numerous players fell way below the high standards they’ve previously set for themselves in England’s top-flight.

Arsenal’s poor performers against Crystal Palace

Despite spending around £65m on the signature of Viktor Gyokeres, the striker has often failed to live up to the expectations of the Arsenal faithful in the last few months.

The Swede may have scored five goals for the Gunners to date, but he’s now without a league goal in any of his last five appearances for Arteta’s men.

His showing against the Eagles was yet another to forget for the 27-year-old, as he only registered 27 touches of the ball in his 90-minute showing – whilst also notching a solitary effort on goal.

Bukayo Saka has been another player who has made himself a fan-favourite at the Emirates, but there’s no denying that his showing against Palace was one below the expectations he’s set for himself.

The England international matched Gyokeres in failing to register a single effort on target, whilst also being unable to register a single chance for any of his teammates.

The 24-year-old also lost possession on 11 separate occasions, producing a somewhat wasteful showing – something which is highly unusual for his usual standards.

The Arsenal star who needs to be dropped after Palace

The three points will undoubtedly be the most pleasing aspect for Arteta, but he will certainly have a few issues to iron out ahead of next weekend’s clash with Burnley.

His men dominated the play in large spells, subsequently having 60% possession, but they were only able to muster three efforts on Dean Henderson’s goal.

Arteta’s side’s total xG of just 1.08 also reflected the lack of threat that the Gunners carried throughout the all-London affair at the Emirates this afternoon.

However, despite the disappointing performances from the aforementioned duo, Leandro Trossard once again failed to repay the manager’s faith in starting the winger.

The Belgian was handed his fifth successive league start this afternoon, but was unable to have the desired impact off the left-hand side of the Gunners’ attack.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but was unable to hugely threaten the opposition goal – even missing a big chance in front of goal during his performance.

The 30-year-old also only completed one dribble, whilst achieving a tally of just 44 touches – a figure lower than that of goalkeeper David Raya, who achieved a total of 46.

Trossard’s dismal afternoon was further reflected in his tally of 60% duels lost, often struggling to create any chances against Palace right-back Daniel Munoz.

To top off his afternoon, the wideman was given a measly 5/10 match rating by The Express journalist Tom Parsons – further highlighting how poor he was in North London.

After such a display, Arteta must be left with no choice but to drop the Belgian back down to the substitutes bench, with Gabriel Martinelli deserving of a run off the left-hand side.

It’s a shame to see Trossard struggling to deliver, but given what’s at stake for the club this campaign, the manager has to be brutal if his side are to end their extended wait for a league title.

He’d easily take the #14 from Gyokeres, but Arsenal let him leave for £0

This one-time Arsenal prospect has gone on to become a “world-class” striker.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 25, 2025

England expecting Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer to come into contention through series

Matt Roller19-Jun-20253:16

Does England’s inexperienced bowling even the scales?

Brydon Carse will play his first home Test match against India at Headingley and will do so in an unfamiliar role. England spent more than a decade with James Anderson and Stuart Broad as their new-ball bankers but this week opening the bowling alongside Chris Woakes will be Carse, taking on a job he has not done regularly since 2019.Carse was England’s standout bowler across their winter tours to Pakistan and New Zealand, showcasing his pace, bounce, ability to nip the ball in off the seam, and physical robustness to take 27 wickets at 19.85 in his first five Tests. But he only once took the new ball, and that was effectively by default, as one of two fast bowlers in the second Multan Test.England gave him the chance to open the bowling in their recent ODI series win over West Indies, when he took an early wicket in all three matches, and were sufficiently impressed to give him another opportunity this week. He may return to first change when Gus Atkinson returns to fitness, but his performance at Headingley could have long-term implications.Related

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Gill says India will go all out to take 20 wickets: 'You could maybe see four proper bowlers'

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England must engage with the WTC's oddities, not fight them

Ben Stokes insisted on Thursday that his players are solely focused on the India series, rather than the away Ashes that follows. But with Woakes’ struggles overseas well established, Carse will have the opportunity to turn himself into a viable opening bowler for England in Australia this winter – potentially sharing the new ball with Atkinson, with Mark Wood at first change.Stokes said that England’s decision to hand Carse the new ball will also help them get the best out of Josh Tongue who, like Carse, has spent most of his first-class career as a change bowler. Tongue had a quiet match for England Lions against India A in Northampton this month, but will win his fourth cap in Leeds after missing the whole of last summer through injuries.”I know it’s a different format and different colour ball, but Brydon looked very threatening with the Kookaburra in the white-ball series leading up to this,” Stokes said. “The skills Tonguey has, I think it suits him better in the role he’s got in this team, being first change. But Brydon looks all the part of a new-ball bowler.”Carse has practised with new balls in training this week to prepare for the role, and believes versatility is one of his strengths. “I’d like to think I can be quite adaptable,” he said. “Over the winter, we saw slightly different conditions and different roles used… Being adaptable and being flexible around my role in the team is something that I know is probably going to happen.”Brydon Carse is set to play his first home Test•Getty ImagesHe is fully fit after a serious toe injury ruled him out of the IPL and last month’s Test against Zimbabwe, and revealed – half-joking – last month that he had considered an amputation. “It was true, what I said. I’ve had a lot of friends giving me a lot of stick asking if I still have my toe,” Carse said on Tuesday. “It was a little tricky period over the winter.”It was an even trickier period for him last summer. This time last year, Carse had just started serving a three-month ban from all cricket for gambling offences; he did not place bets on any matches that he was involved in, but placed more than 300 on other cricket matches between 2017 and 2019, which violates the ECB’s anti-corruption regulations.The ban ended up working in his favour when he made his Test debut in Pakistan: rather than arriving in Multan at the end of a long season, he was physically fresh after working hard on his fitness while suspended, and was able to endure the challenge of back-to-back Tests on pitches which offered no lateral movement for fast bowlers.He should get more assistance in Leeds this week on a surface that had a healthy grass covering on Thursday afternoon. Carse has played seven Hundred games at Headingley for Northern Superchargers and an ODI for England last year, but believes his first home Test will provide a “different feeling” to anything he has experienced before.”I’m so excited,” he said. “To be at home and to be in familiar surroundings gives me a lot of confidence. It’s a good chance to see where our side is at the moment, with a couple of younger players and slightly less experience. It’s a great opportunity to stamp down our authority throughout the series.”England’s seam-bowling resources are depleted in Leeds, but they hope to bolster them as the series wears on. Atkinson, who has a hamstring strain, has trained at Headingley this week and could be in contention for the second Test in Birmingham, while Jofra Archer is set to make his comeback to first-class cricket this week for Sussex in the County Championship.Stokes revealed on Thursday that Archer had been texting him about the prospect of making his return against Zimbabwe. “I was like, ‘Let’s just hold it there, all right,'” Stokes said. “It’s great that he’s in a position now where we’re looking to build his overs and his loads back up to hopefully be considered at some point for the series, which would be great.”

Harry Kane made another piece of history on Wednesday night as the Bayern Munich striker hit 20 goals for the season in just 12 games for Bayern Munich. In a quite remarkable stat, this is faster than either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi managed to achieve the feat in their careers. Kane struck the second goal of the game as Bayern comfortably beat Club Brugge 4-0 in the Champions League.

• Kane eclipses Ronaldo & Messi with outstanding goal record

  According to Opta, Kane’s 14th-minute strike in the emphatic victory against Brugge meant that he had reached 20 goals in a domestic season quicker than either of the two men often regarded as the best of all time, and without doubt viewed as the best of this generation.

  But Ronaldo’s best record at the start of a season was 20 goals in 13 games in 2014-15, while Messi never reached 20 strikes in fewer than 17 games – achieving 17 three times.

  This only goes to further demonstrate the sheer levels of greatness at which Kane is operating so far in 2025-26, as he begins to stake an early claim to be in the running for the Ballon d’Or in 2026 – though he will most likely need to lead England to winning the World Cup in order to get his hands on the prestigious individual award.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Kompany makes Messi & Ronaldo comparison

  Manager Vincent Kompany lauded Kane’s start to the season after he bagged his 19th goal of the campaign in Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund last weekend, making the comparison with two of the greatest ever to play the game.

  “Harry Kane can of course still improve, even though he has been more than brilliant so far for us," said the Belgian. "I think [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo have set the bar so high that you feel like scoring in the manner Kane is scoring right now should be normal, but what he is doing is really outstanding. He worked so hard for the team tonight and was once again very important for us.

  "We like that all experts are asking themselves 'who was our striker tonight? Who was the attacking midfielder? Who was the playmaker?' – That is how we know we have a fluent attack and that we’re doing it right," he explained.

  He continued: "I can't teach Harry Kane how to head the ball the way he does it. Some things you can't teach – the feeling for the area, for example. He just does it so well.”

• Kane speaks as fantastic run of form continues

  Kane told after the result against Dortmund: "Of course, I'm still there to score goals and help the team. But I also dropped a little deeper with the ball, defended my own penalty area without the ball, and picked up second balls to find my team-mates behind the opposing line with long balls. There were a lot of good things there, and I feel good physically."

  He added: "I'm confident about my game overall. I always look forward to a match – knowing how we want to play and how we work together. There's a special bond within the team. Everyone always gives their all. And that's a valuable asset."

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• Gett
  

  2026 could be a defining year for Kane

  Kane’s form so far this season has been nothing short of exemplary. We thought we had already seen the very best the England captain has to offer, but then he reaches a whole new level that was not deemed possible.

  The 32-year-old struck 44 goals in 45 games in his first season for Bayern, a record which is already looking easily accessible as he closes in on half of that total before we have even reached November. There is every chance at this stage that the 2025-26 season becomes the crowning one of Kane’s career, if he continues to shine as much as he is currently. 

  Bayern look imperious in the Champions League, having won three out of three with a goal difference of +10, while the Bundesliga title already looks like a procession as the champions are five points clear, having already beaten second-placed RB Leipzig 6-0. Then, of course, comes the small matter of the World Cup in North America next summer.

  Kane recently reached the landmark of 400 club career goals. He said of the achievement on social media: "So proud to have reached 400 club goals! Too many people and team-mates to thank who have helped me get to that number but couldn’t have done it without everyone along the way. More to come!!"

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians não terá Gil, Murillo, Fábio Santos, Maycon, Renato Augusto e Yuri Alberto para o duelo deste sábado (19), contra o Cruzeiro, pela primeira rodada do returno do Brasileirão. A decisão partiu de Vanderlei Luxemburgo, que decidiu preservar os atletas citados.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansGustavo Mosquito volta a ser relacionado após nove meses, supera impasse e renova com o CorinthiansCorinthians18/08/2023CorinthiansCom multas milionárias, volantes assinam primeiro contrato profissional com o CorinthiansCorinthians18/08/2023CorinthiansMesmo com eliminação na semifinal, Copa do Brasil fez bem ao orçamento do CorinthiansCorinthians18/08/2023

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Quem será “baixa forçada” no Timão é Fagner. O lateral-direito deixou o Morumbi mancando após a eliminação na semifinal da Copa do Brasil, e clube informou que o camisa 23 sofreu uma lesão muscular na panturrilha esquerda e já iniciou o tratamento com o departamento de Saúde e Performance.

A grande novidade na lista de relacionados para o duelo contra o Cruzeiro é a presença de Gustavo Mosquito, que ficou nove meses afastado dos gramados após romper o ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito, em outubro de 2022. O lateral Léo Mana e o zagueiro João Pedro também são novidades para o confronto contra os mineiros.

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Veja a lista completa dos relacionados: 

Goleiros: Carlos Miguel, Cássio e Matheus Donelli

Laterais: Léo Mana, Matheus Bidu e Rafael Ramos

Zagueiros: Bruno Méndez, Caetano, João Pedro e Lucas Veríssimo

Meio-campistas: Biro, Fausto Vera, Gabriel Moscardo, Giuliano, Matheus Araújo, Matias Rojas, Roni e Ruan Oliveira

Atacantes: Adson, Felipe Augusto, Giovane, Gustavo Silva, Pedro, Romero e Wesley

A expectativa fica pela estreia de Lucas Veríssimo, que é relacionado pela segunda vez no Corinthians após seguir cronograma de condicionamento físico estabelecido pelo departamento médico. Uma provável escalação conta com: Cássio; Bruno Méndez, Lucas Veríssimo, Caetano e Bidu; Moscardo; Fausto Vera e Matheus Araújo (Giuliano); Rojas, Felipe Augusto e Wesley (Biro).

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão

Antes da viagem para encarar o Cruzeiro, os atletas realizaram uma ativação física na academia do CT Joaquim Grava. Luxa organizou um trabalho tático com os jogadores e também de bolas paradas ofensivas e defensivas.

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Manchester United once had a Zinedine Zidane-esque midfielder, who legendary Red Devils midfielder Paul Scholes compared to Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.

Man Utd looking to sign new midfielder in January

After missing out on a new central midfielder during the 2025 summer transfer window, Man United have set their sights on signing one in January, and a number of potential targets have already been identified.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Carlos Baleba

Brighton

£115m

Adam Wharton

Crystal Palace

£50m+

Conor Gallagher

Atletico Madrid

£45m

Elliot Anderson

Nottingham Forest

Unknown

There are clear indications that Ruben Amorim needs to bolster his options in the engine room, with Scholes suggesting Bruno Fernandes isn’t cut out to be a central midfielder, while also singling Casemiro out for criticism.

The 50-year-old said: “Fernandes [and Casemiro], they’re the two he’s [Amorim] going with, and Fernandes for me, he’s someone who fills in as a midfielder, he might get away with it for one, two or three games. He’s not got the discipline to be a central midfield player.”

“Bringing two No.10s (Cunha and Mbeumo) was that really necessary? You think you’ve got Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo can do that.”

Man Utd now eyeing January move for "unbelievable" £47m Baleba alternative

The Red Devils are looking to sign a central midfielder, who could be perfect for Ruben Amorim.

1 ByDominic Lund Sep 10, 2025

Having arguably gotten their priorities wrong in the summer, United look poised to make a move for a new central midfielder this winter, and they will be hoping the new signing can eclipse Paul Pogba’s achievements, with the Frenchman leaving on a free back in 2022.

Pogba’s career at United didn’t pan out the way anyone was hoping, but he received extremely high praise not long after returning to Old Trafford, with Gianluigi Buffon saying:

Scholes was also a keen admirer of the central midfielder, saying:

Pogba had the talent to be an all-time great

The 32-year-old’s time at Old Trafford was by no means a complete failure, having won two EFL Cups and the 2016-17 Europa League, but there is no doubt that the midfielder didn’t manage to hit the heights expected of him.

Given how highly the 91-time France international was rated by Scholes and Buffon, he had the ability to become an all-time great for Man United, but things didn’t work out that way, arguably due to his attitude, which Graeme Souness regularly criticised.

Souness said: “Paul Pogba plays for himself, it’s all about how cool he looks, showing us how clever he is. I reckon Pogba’s only in the team to maintain his transfer value until United can sell him, because he doesn’t merit his place for any other reason.”

With Pogba’s doping ban over, the former United man arguably has one last chance to get his career back on track, having now signed for AS Monaco on a two-year deal.

Newcastle United have made some late-window headlines and have put forward a proposal to land a new frontman before the close of play.

Newcastle United keen on acquiring late arrivals

Eddie Howe will realise he has his work cut out for him after a goalless stalemate against Leeds United on Saturday evening, which has put the cat among the pigeons regarding their lack of a goalscorer.

Seeking a clinical edge at the top end of the field, Nick Woltemade has arrived at Newcastle from Stuttgart, but had to make do with a place in the stands at Elland Road while William Osula earned a rare start through the middle.

Delivering an honest assessment of his side’s performance in Yorkshire, Howe admitted their lacklustre nature in the final third left a lot to be desired, even if the Geordies showed resilience to come away with a point.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: “I thought there was a lot of commitment from the players. This is a tough place to come to and I think we stood up to it really well. Defensively it was a very strong performance. I thought we looked organised, put our bodies on the line, blocked shots really well and stopped their main threats.

“We’re disappointed the other way that we didn’t cause them more problems. We had a few moments that you think could’ve led to more. We’re just in that moment where the goals aren’t flowing and that cost us today.”

When to expect announcement of Isak agreement between Liverpool & Newcastle

Alexander Isak and his proposed move from Newcastle to Liverpool keeps on heating up.

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 30, 2025

Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is a late target for Newcastle who could offer a level of dictation in midfield, though it appears that Howe is after a striker, and he may now be moving closer to securing an arrival.

Newcastle United submit verbal offer for Yoane Wissa

Taking to social media platform X, Ben Jacobs confirmed Newcastle have put forward a ‘verbal’ offer of £45 million overall for the Democratic Republic of Congo international, though the Bees delayed giving a response due to not finding a suitable alternative.

Furthermore, Keith Andrews and the Bees are said to want £60 million before being tempted into a sale due to their struggles to bring in a replacement, potentially creating a scenario where the Magpies need to fork out considerable money to acquire his signature.

Labelled “incredible” by Thomas Frank, Wissa scored 20 times and laid on five assists in 39 matches last term and has since been at the centre of vast speculation, which may favour Newcastle at this late stage.

Ultimately, a potent finisher is needed to supplement Woltemade’s arrival, and the former Lorient man would be more than capable of stepping up to the challenge.

Newcastle United are now believed to be planning a huge £69m offer for an attacking star who has been hailed for his “maverick” qualities.

Newcastle draw blank without Isak

The Magpies got their Premier League season started with a 0-0 draw away to Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime, with no sign of Alexander Isak in the matchday squad, as expected.

Newcastle were arguably the better team throughout, but they couldn’t break down Villa’s 10 men late in the day, with Eddie Howe giving his assessment of the Isak situation before kick-off.

“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. There is no change to the situation. All my focus has been on the training, Aston Villa and the transfer front in terms of getting players in – that is all-consuming for me. Alex’s situation has been unchanged for a while and that will continue to be the case.”

Newcastle are continuing to look for possible Isak replacements, before potentially selling the Swede to Liverpool, and an exciting player has now been linked with a move to St James’ Park.

Newcastle planning £69m offer for star

According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are now preparing a £69m bid for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo this summer.

The 25-year-old is reportedly seen as the ‘ideal’ option to help fill the potential void left by Isak, following two goals against Liverpool on Friday evening.

Semenyo could be a magnificent signing for Newcastle if they can strike a deal this month, with the Bournemouth ace arguably among the best wide forwards in the Premier League.

The Ghanaian not only displayed his quality against champions Liverpool on Friday, stunning them with two good finishes, but he also showed incredible mental resilience after being subjected to racist abuse from the stands.

Semenyo feels like a sure-fire bet for Newcastle, in terms of being a success for Newcastle from the off, with analyst Ben Mattinson lauding his “maverick” style of attacking play.

The Isak saga is reaching a point of no return, with the striker not training with his teammates and potentially alienating himself from them, so a sale may end up being the sensible decision, even though it would mean losing a world-class player.

Better than Ramos: Newcastle set to see bid accepted for "outstanding" CF

Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign a Premier League forward to bolster their squad.

1 ByWill Miller Aug 17, 2025

Signing Semenyo could go a long way towards helping make up for the loss of Isak, although he isn’t exactly a like for like replacement due to primarily being a wide forward.

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تفاصيل تعرضه لحادث سير، اليوم الأحد، مؤكدًا أنه رفض إجراء مداخلات تليفزيونية وشرح ما حدث.

وقال شوبير عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “اليوم صباحاً وقع حادث، وكنت أحب أن أحكي القصة بنفسي هنا دون أن أكتب على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي، واعتذرت لكل من تواصلوا معي لعمل مداخلات وقررت أن أحكي القصة باختصار لأن هناك نقطتين يجب التحدث عنهما”.

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وتابع نجم الأهلي السابق: “كنت عائداً من طريق صلاح سالم ولم أكن بعيداً عن القلعة، وكنت جالساً بجانب السائق، فجأة شاهدت سيارة تخرج دخاناً، فأشرت على السائق أن يتوقف، ثم فاجأنا نار كبيرة جداً في سيارة كانت بجانبنا في منطقة اسمها عرب مسار”.

وأضاف: “الشباب الذين كانوا هناك لم يترددوا، فتحوا السيارة وأنزلوني منها، بدأ الشعب المصري الجميل في التضامن، كان معنا طفاية صغيرة، استخدموها لكنها لم تطفئ النار”.

وأضاف: “الكثير من السيارات توقفت والناس بدأوا باستخدام طفايات الحريق والماء لمحاولة إطفاء الحريق، كانت السيارة تتسرب منها زيت، والنار كانت تزداد، وصاحب الحافلة العامة جاء ومعه طفاية كبيرة لكنه أيضاً لم يستطع إطفاء النار، الدخان كان كثيفاً داخل وخارج السيارة، وأنا كنت داخل السيارة”.

وواصل: “تعرفت على أسماء بعض من ساعدوني، منهم الرائد أحمد فتحي معاون مباحث، النقيب أحمد عبد الحكم، وهم كانوا يتعاملون مع الموقف بدون معرفة مالك السيارة، اتصلوا بالمطافي التي وصلت سريعاً، رغم أن النار كانت تنزل كتل نارية من تحت السيارة، واستغرقت نصف ساعة تقريباً لمحاولة إطفاء الحريق”.

وأردف: “كان العميد إيهاب عمارة أيضاً موجوداً، وكنت قد حفظت الأسماء لشكرهم لاحقاً لأنهم تعاملوا كأنهم مع حالة حريق عادية، بدون أن يعلموا من صاحب السيارة، هذا الموقف يعكس جمال وصدق الشعب المصري، في أقل من عشر دقائق كانت المطافي موجودة وكان الجميع يعملون بضمير”.

وأكمل: “الفاصل بيني وبين النار كان حوالي 20 سم فقط، ولولا التدخل السريع والطفايات والمساعدة لكان الحادث أسوأ، الحمد لله وأنقذنا الله من هذا الحادث، أغلب الناس الذين ساعدوا لم يعرفوا أن السيارة لي، وهذا يعكس أصالة الشعب المصري”.

واختتم: “أشكر كل الناس الذين تواصلوا معي من خلال الرسائل والاتصالات، وأعتذر لمن لم أتمكن من الرد عليهم بسبب تكرر الاتصالات، شكراً جزيلاً لكم، هذا هو ملخص الحادث بالكامل، وبعده عدت إلى بيتي ونمت جيداً ثم استأنفت برامجي، أسأل الله أن يحفظ الجميع”.