Wolves could sign "electric" Cunha partner in January

Wolverhampton Wanderers won't want to add too many bodies into the building this transfer window, Gary O'Neil more than content with the fortunes of his Old Gold squad currently.

The West Midlands side let a number of first-teamers leave in the summer such as Ruben Neves and Nathan Collins but have pushed on regardless, a revitalised and fresh Wolves side 11th in the current Premier League standings after a barnstorming 3-0 win over Everton last game rounded off an up-and-down 2023.

Still, to help key figures such as Matheus Cunha continue to impress and play their part in Wolves defying expectations, an addition here and there wouldn't go amiss into the tight-knit group.

O'Neil could well look to this former Watford man as a possible incoming through the door, the West Midlands-based club linked with exciting winger Ismaila Sarr who was a constant nuisance going forward whilst with the Hornets.

Wolves transfer latest – going in for Sarr

According to reports, via TEAMtalk, last month indicated that Wolves were keen on bringing Sarr back to England, the Senegalese forward currently on the books at Olympique Marseille.

He might not be sticking around in France for much long however if rumours are correct, the Old Gold prepared to battle with Fulham this month – who are also interested – to try and win Sarr's services.

The current Marseille man wouldn't be a cheap buy though, Sarr joining the Ligue 1 club for a fee of £15.5m from Vicarage Road.

Sarr could well fancy a return to familiar territory in the Premier League after a poor spell with Marseille to date, with Wolves gaining another skilful forward in the process who could be a joy to watch alongside Cunha if signed.

Ismaila Sarr's style of play

The senior Senegal international garnered a reputation as being a tricky, daring attacker during a celebrated four-season stay with the Hertfordshire-based outfit where he played 50 times in the top flight.

He wasn't all tricks and flicks with no end product though, a dependable scorer of goals for the Hornets.

ismaila-sarr-transfer-gossip-watford-everton-dyche-arnaut-danjuma

Sarr would amass 34 goals in total for Watford before departing the club last year for pastures new, where the goals have dried up now with just four managed this campaign for his new French employers.

At one point in time, Sarr was even linked with a move to Manchester United away from Hertfordshire at the peak of his powers – described by football journalist Rob Blanchette as "electric" when quizzed in 2020 about this prospective transfer deal.

The ex-Watford fan favourite could give Wolves another dangerous option going forward away from the calm and measured approach of Pablo Sarabia, an exhilarating and off-your-seat style attacker purchased to match Pedro Neto already at Molineux.

But, with Neto still nursing a hamstring knock and not near regular first-team minutes as of yet, Sarr could come into the team and become a dream partner going forward for Cunha.

This would see Sarr take on an attacking midfield role just behind Hwang as opposed to roaming freely down the channels, but Sarr has played centrally before in his career – scoring six of his 34 strikes for Watford as an out-and-out centre forward.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

Cunha and Sarr could complement each other well, Sarr the more potent and goal-hungry forward out of the two arguably whilst Cunha is the more aggressive and creative option further back attempting to make things happen – the Brazilian Wolves man averaging 2.94 progressive carries over the last year per 90 minutes according to FBRef.

In contrast, Sarr is more poacher-like in his play with 6.08 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes over the same time period.

O'Neil will just want his Wolves team to continue growing in confidence regardless of who is picked to play or who is signed this month, but Sarr looks like he'd be a worthwhile signing to make to strengthen the Old Gold without causing major disruption.

Chelsea set to break record with €65m bid to sign 17-year-old wonderkid Willian 'Messinho' Estevao from Palmeiras

Chelsea are prepared to table a huge €65 million (£56m/$70m) bid for the next Brazilian star from Palmeiras.

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  • Chelsea targeting young talent
  • Willing to fork out for 'Messinho'
  • Biggest transfer in Brazilian football
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Willian Estevao is attracting interest from the Premier League giants following his breakthrough in South America. The winger, who has earned the nickname 'Messinho', comes from the same crop as Real Madrid-bound Endrick. Chelsea are keen to continue their development of young talent and are keen to move for the 17-year-old this summer.

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    WHAT THE REPORT SAID

    GOALhas learned that the Blues are willing to sanction a deal that would make it the biggest transfer in Brazilian football, exceeding Palmeiras' sale of Endrick. Any move would have performance-based bonuses included that would go straight to the club.

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Chelsea have had a lot of success with South American talent over the years. A deal could also mark the end of the line for Raheem Sterling, who is reportedly on Mauricio Pochettino's unwanted list this summer.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ESTEVAO AND CHELSEA?

    The domestic season in Brazil has only just begun and Estevao will have to stay at Palmeiras for almost another year. The winger would not be able to move to Chelsea until he turns 18 in April 2025.

Ituano estreia bem no Paulistão e derrota o Guarani em Campinas

MatériaMais Notícias

Na noite desta segunda-feira, o Ituano foi até o estádio Brinco de Ouro da Princesa, em Campinas, e estreou bem no Campeonato Paulista 2021. A equipe de Itu derrotou os mandantes por 3 a 0 e somou seus três primeiros pontos no grupo C. O duelo marcou o fim da rodada inaugural do estadual, com exceção ao jogo Palmeiras x São Caetano, que foi adiado.

>> CONFIRA A CLASSIFICAÇÃO ATUALIZADA DO PAULISTÃO

Léo Santos abriu o placar, de cabeça, logo aos cinco minutos iniciais ao Ituano. Pouco depois, aos sete, Gabriel Taliari ampliou a vantagem dos visitantes após receber na área, fintar o marcador e bater colocado. O terceiro gol saiu logo nos primeiros segundos da etapa final, com um golaço de Breno Lopes, que acertou lindo chute de fora da área após vacilo na saída de bola do time bugrino, para definir a vitória.

Assim, o Ituano assume a liderança do grupo C, com três pontos. O Guarani é o lanterna do D. O Galo Rubro-Negro volta a jogar pelo Paulistão nesta quinta-feira (4), às 15h, contra o São Bento em casa. No mesmo dia, o Bugre tenta recuperação contra o Botafogo-SP, às 16h45, na cidade de Ribeirão Preto.

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New Edu target as report hints young forward could join Arsenal in January

Arsenal sporting director Edu has seemingly cast his eye on a new transfer target, as a report suggests one young attacking gem could join in January.

Edu plotting ways to strengthen this month

Despite the club facing many roadblocks in their pursuit of new signings, mainly their financial restrictions, Edu has still publicly admitted that transfer planning has taken place.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

"You need to put in a lot of effort and energy and dedicate a lot of time, but of course in January and the summer, it does intensify a bit," said Edu on this January window just before it opened.

"We are prepared. We have big people around the club to support me and the decisions. We always have our targets – it is important to be prepared for every single scenario – that is very important.

"We have so many people working on one signing – we have people who are in recruitment, leader of operations and it’s a big team effort to sign one player so that is what makes me proud because the way we are working and connecting as a club, that is what makes me so proud because I am part of it, but what makes me very happy is the way we are working today."

Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with the signing of a new striker, with many reports suggesting they're serious contenders for the likes of Ivan Toney, but the club are set to demand an "unbelievable" price (Thomas Frank).

dominic-solanke-ivan-toney-tottenham-opinion

Arteta is also believed to be keen on new full-backs and a midfielder (Miguel Delaney), but FFP limitations and the fact they spent over £200 million last summer means they'll have to be careful.

Reliable transfer source Fabrizio Romano has still hinted at the possibility of an Arsenal signing this month, and there are many links emerging to star players as we approach the business end.

Arsenal are said to have made a bid for Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri recently, while reports in early January claimed they had opened talks over a move for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana (Sacha Tavolieri).

Now, according to a report by French newspaper L'Equipe on Tuesday (via Sport Witness), Arsenal have their eyes on Angers SCO forward Jean-Mattéo Bahoya.

L'Equipe suggests Bahoya could join Arsenal in January

Arsenal are apparently "attentive" to Bahoya's situation as the Frenchman enjoys an eye-catching season in Ligue 2, scoring five goals and registering two assists in 19 appearances.

The 18-year-old has been subject to recent "advances" from unnamed interested sides, and L'Equipe state a January move for Bahoya "isn't to be excluded" – suggesting Arsenal could get him this month if they lodge a serious pursuit.

He's contracted until 2026, so it remains to be seen what type of fee Angers would demand for their teen sensation.

New Edu target as report hints young forward could join Arsenal in January

Arsenal sporting director Edu has seemingly cast his eye on a new transfer target, as a report suggests one young attacking gem could join in January.

Edu plotting ways to strengthen this month

Despite the club facing many roadblocks in their pursuit of new signings, mainly their financial restrictions, Edu has still publicly admitted that transfer planning has taken place.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

"You need to put in a lot of effort and energy and dedicate a lot of time, but of course in January and the summer, it does intensify a bit," said Edu on this January window just before it opened.

"We are prepared. We have big people around the club to support me and the decisions. We always have our targets – it is important to be prepared for every single scenario – that is very important.

"We have so many people working on one signing – we have people who are in recruitment, leader of operations and it’s a big team effort to sign one player so that is what makes me proud because the way we are working and connecting as a club, that is what makes me so proud because I am part of it, but what makes me very happy is the way we are working today."

Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with the signing of a new striker, with many reports suggesting they're serious contenders for the likes of Ivan Toney, but the club are set to demand an "unbelievable" price (Thomas Frank).

dominic-solanke-ivan-toney-tottenham-opinion

Arteta is also believed to be keen on new full-backs and a midfielder (Miguel Delaney), but FFP limitations and the fact they spent over £200 million last summer means they'll have to be careful.

Reliable transfer source Fabrizio Romano has still hinted at the possibility of an Arsenal signing this month, and there are many links emerging to star players as we approach the business end.

Arsenal are said to have made a bid for Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri recently, while reports in early January claimed they had opened talks over a move for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana (Sacha Tavolieri).

Now, according to a report by French newspaper L'Equipe on Tuesday (via Sport Witness), Arsenal have their eyes on Angers SCO forward Jean-Mattéo Bahoya.

L'Equipe suggests Bahoya could join Arsenal in January

Arsenal are apparently "attentive" to Bahoya's situation as the Frenchman enjoys an eye-catching season in Ligue 2, scoring five goals and registering two assists in 19 appearances.

The 18-year-old has been subject to recent "advances" from unnamed interested sides, and L'Equipe state a January move for Bahoya "isn't to be excluded" – suggesting Arsenal could get him this month if they lodge a serious pursuit.

He's contracted until 2026, so it remains to be seen what type of fee Angers would demand for their teen sensation.

Would Emma Hayes return to Chelsea? New USWNT boss leaves door open for incredible move back to the Women's Super League champions

Emma Hayes has left the door open for what would be an incredible return to Chelsea, after her time with the United States women's national team.

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Hayes won title in final Chelsea game on Saturday Will take over the USWNT this monthBut could return to the Blues one dayWHAT HAPPENED?

Hayes signed off as manager of the Blues on Saturday when she guided her team to an incredible fifth Women's Super League title in a row, beating Manchester United 6-0 at Old Trafford. It concluded her 12-year tenure in the role, which has delivered 16 trophies.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Hayes will now take charge of the USWNT, with her first game as head coach of the four-time world champions to come in a friendly against South Korea on June 1. It is the next step in preparation for this summer's Olympics, which the U.S. will be looking to win gold at for a fifth time.

WHAT HAYES SAID

Asked on Saturday if her time with Chelsea is done, or whether there is the chance of another chapter in the future, Hayes said: "If I were to ever be around club football again I don't suspect it will be in coaching. But when my tenure is done with the United States, if Chelsea ever need me, they know what my number is."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Hayes' successor has not yet been announced by Chelsea, but it is widely reported that she will be followed in the role by Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor. The former France international has won the Champions League with the club and could claim another European title next week, with OL facing Barcelona in this year's final.

Another Nottingham Forest points deduction? Premier League club scrambling to sell players before June 30 as they look to avoid further punishment

Nottingham Forest could face a further points deduction if they do not sell players by the end of June and are in breach of PSR rules.

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  • Forest risk breaching Profit and Sustainability rules
  • Must raise funds by selling players
  • Transfer window opens next month
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Inews reports that Forest must sell players before the end of next month or risk once again breaching profit and sustainability rules. The club were docked four points in March and dropped into the relegation zone but rallied to finish 17th, six points clear of Luton Town in 18th.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The report now makes it clear, however, that Forest will have to sell players to avoid breaching PSR rules. Clubs must submit their accounts for 2023/24 by June 30 and clubs are only allowed to lose £105m over a three-year period, or £35m per season. Without sales, Forest will not pass, and that could potentially trigger a points deduction to begin next season with.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    It is unclear how much Forest will be able to spend if they are not able to clear PSR, but some key players have already been linked away. Callum Hudson-Odoi, for example, has been linked with a summer switch to Tottenham.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    The transfer window opens on June 14 so Forest may be minded to line deals up now. Hudson-Odoi is one potential mover, but it remains to be seen if clubs are willing to meet Forest's demands, given that their desperation is widely known.

Sky journalist surprised as Moyes looks at unique West Ham forward signing

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has shared his surprise as West Ham look at signing a "unique" forward option for manager David Moyes.

West Ham seeking new attacking signings

Reports over the last week have suggested that the Irons are looking to make new attacking additions this winter, coming after a few injury worries.

West Ham open negotiations to sign "really fast" striker likened to Kudus

The east Londoners are on red alert over signing a new forward.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 13, 2024

Michail Antonio suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem recently, while the absence of star winger and makeshift centre-forward Jarrod Bowen also gives Moyes a real headache to deal with.

Mohammed Kudus is with Ghana at AFCON right now as well, resulting in West Ham having just the out-of-favour Danny Ings, Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and youngster Divin Mubama to choose from as alternatives.

Lucas Paqueta playing further forward isn't an option for Moyes either, as the Brazil international is reported to be out for around two months through injury.

West Ham's current absentees

Reason (via Premier Injuries)

Lucas Paqueta

Injury (Calf)

Jarrod Bowen

Injury (Ankle)

Michail Antonio

Injury (Knee)

Mohammed Kudus

AFCON

Nayef Aguerd

AFCON

As a result, West Ham are eager to bring in a new forward option in January, and it is believed Moyes is personally working hard to make a signing in that regard.

There have been a fair few targets named, such as Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez, Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy and Ajax captain Steven Bergwijn.

The latter player has been one of Ajax's shining lights in an otherwise dismal campaign for the Eredivisie giants. Indeed, Bergwijn has netted seven goals and grabbed three assists in the Dutch top flight this season – marking himself out as their best performing player per 90 by average match rating (WhoScored).

Steven Bergwijn for Ajax

The Netherlands international, who also featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, couldn't quite cut the mustard at former club Tottenham though. Bergwijn was sold by Antonio Conte in the summer of that same year, with reporter Michael Bridge expressing his surprise at West Ham's interest.

Sky journalist "surprised" as West Ham eye Bergwijn

The Sky correspondent backs that West Ham are looking at signing Bergwijn in January alongside a few other options, but claims the 26-year-old is a "very interesting" option given his lacklustre stint across London.

“I must say, I was a bit surprised when I saw this because when Bergwijn left, unless he was misquoted, he gave the impression that he didn't like the Premier League. But he might have liked London. That would be a very interesting one," said Bridge to GiveMeSport.

son-steven-bergwijn-tottenham-opinion

“I know it's been talked about, and there's interest there. But how far that goes, I don't know. Bergwijn signed for Ajax for over £20m, and I'm sure much would depend on how much West Ham are willing to pay this winter. That one is a bit of an eye-opener, I have to be honest because he didn't set the world alight at Spurs. He had a few injury problems. I think it's just interest at the moment, and he’s one of several players they’re looking at.”

Bergwijn did have an admirer at Spurs in former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who called him "unique".

UAE coach Dougie Brown makes adapting to conditions a priority for rest of series

The UAE coach felt his side had had to deal with ‘really juicy’ conditions in the first ODI, but wanted his batsmen to find ways to deal with similar challenges in the future

Peter Della Penna11-Apr-2019

Coach Dougie Brown gives instructions to his squad ahead of a warm-up drill•Peter Della Penna

After a memorable three-run win over Zimbabwe ended the host nation’s 2019 World Cup dreams at last year’s qualifying tournament, UAE entered the four-match ODI tour this week with hopes of replicating the feat across an entire series rather than just a one-off encounter.That goal got off to a bumpy start on Wednesday in Harare as Zimbabwe crushed UAE by seven wickets in a one-sided match. UAE coach Dougie Brown gave credit to Zimbabwe’s seam attack led by Kyle Jarvis and Man-of-the-Match Tendai Chatara for exploiting bowler-friendly conditions after UAE lost a crucial toss.”We lost the toss and got sent in on a pitch that had been covered after having heavy rain only yesterday,” Brown told ESPNcricinfo after the match. “So it was really juicy, really moist bowling conditions. They bowled exceptionally well to be honest. The ball seamed and it bounced. When the spinners bowled, it spun as well, but it stuck and it made scoring really difficult.”That said, we’ve still got to find a way if we do lose the toss to try and post a total that’s defendable. 200 may be defendable, but when you get bowled out for 110, you’re always against it.”While UAE’s lower order battled to stretch the innings out into the 45th over after they had been reduced to 42 for 6 in 23 overs, their final score of 110 wasn’t remotely competitive as Zimbabwe cruised to the target in just 23.1 overs. Brown said that although his bowlers showed heart, conditions had changed dramatically by the time Zimbabwe came out to bat.”You need early wickets,” Brown said. “We didn’t quite get them although we bowled really well. But the pitch certainly changed over the course of the day with the sun out.”Brown said he hopes that with two matches now under their belt, including a warm-up victory over a Zimbabwe Chairman’s XI prior to the first ODI, he believes UAE will soak up the lessons learned in foreign conditions to put in a stronger showing in the second ODI on Friday.”It’s a four-match series and we’ll bounce back strong,” Brown said. “Hopefully we’ll start to address what didn’t quite go right today and make some plans and try to put them in place for the game on Friday.”

Raina and Jadeja script another last-over CSK win

Chennai Super Kings extended their winning streak to four matches and lengthened their lead at the top of the table in IPL 2019 with another clinical chase in a five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders with two balls to spare. Knight Riders have now lost three straight matches after a hot start to the season.Suresh Raina made the most significant contribution, scoring the 36th half-century in his IPL career after wisely using a review to overturn an lbw decision against him when on the second ball of his innings. The reprieve was the turning point in the chase as Raina flicked his very next ball through midwicket for a boundary, then cruised to 50 off 36 balls before ending unbeaten on 58 off 42.The match was still very much up for grabs with 24 needed off two overs, but Ravindra Jadeja hit three consecutive boundaries off death-bowling specialist Harry Gurney to drag the equation to 11 off 8. Jadeja and Raina cantered across the line in the following over.Knight Riders paid for a tame finish to their innings as Imran Tahir swung momentum towards the visitors in the field with a sensational four-for. Tahir was supported by a world-class clinic in catching as Faf du Plessis, Shardul Thakur and substitute Dhruv Shorey converted three difficult chances coming off the boundary to claim the key scalps of Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn and Andre Russell to ensure that the Knight Riders set a below par total.Shaking off the fluChris Lynn supplied the firepower for Knight Riders in his comeback to the lineup after sitting out the last match with a bug. After Joe Denly made a golden duck in the Australian’s place last match, Lynn highlighted his value by top-scoring with 82 off 51 balls, including six sixes.After four overs, Lynn had raced to 31 while his opening partner Sunil Narine was stuck on 1. He brought up his 50 off 36 balls in the ninth over before going after Jadeja’s left-arm spin in the 14th. On the first ball of the over, he backed away to slap a drive over the extra cover rope. Staying in his crease for the next ball, he flicked a delivery pitching in the same location over midwicket for six before driving a third consecutive maximum over long-on. However, his fun came to an end in the following over as Tahir stamped his impact on the match.Suresh Raina goes airborne•BCCI

Tahir is hereThe South African legspinner had already begun causing problems after entering in the 11th when Nitish Rana drove a simple catch to du Plessis at long-on for the second wicket, then struck two balls later when Uthappa played an ill-advised slog that spun sharply to create a skied edge over mid-off. Du Plessis charged in 25 yards from the boundary to take a spectacular diving catch on the edge of the ring.Two bigger blows came in the 15th in the form of Lynn and Russell. Lynn had just concluded his rampage against Jadeja in the previous over when he shuffled across Tahir’s first ball in the over and slammed a flat pull to deep square leg, where Thakur pouched a sharp take coming at high speed. Russell arrived at the crease and began by biffing Tahir for a four and six over the leg side.But trying to repeat a straight hit maximum from the previous ball, Russell rolled his wrists to produce a top-spinning chance rather than get the elevation for six. Sub fielder Shorey judged the opportunity to perfection charging in from long-on for a stunning grab diving forward. At 132 for 5, the Knight Riders monster mashers had been wiped out. They only added 29 runs off the last 31 balls as a result.Raina’s Purple ReignOf Raina’s 36 IPL half-centuries, eight of them have been scored against the Knight Riders. For a brief moment, it appeared that would not be the case when he was given out in the fourth over lbw to Gurney just a few balls after Watson had fallen in the same fashion.Watson was talked out of using a review by du Plessis, which was vital as the Australian’s decision turned up three red lights on replay and would have resulted in a lost review. Instead, Raina had it at his disposal and didn’t hesitate to signal for it off what was shown to be a clear inside edge into the pads on replay.Super Kings were fractionally behind the required rate needing 101 off 11 overs as Sunil Narine pinned back Raina’s partners with an excellent spell of 2 for 19, beginning with a wicket-maiden to claim du Plessis swiping across the line and then later claiming a frustrated Ambati Rayudu picking out short extra cover in the 10th.But MS Dhoni’s charged six off Kuldeep Yadav in the 13th sparked similar aggression from Raina against Piyush Chawla in the following over. The required run-rate briefly climbed above 10 with four overs left but Jadeja’s flurry of fours off Gurney in the penultimate over eased any nerves in the Super Kings camp and they have now won seven of eight.

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