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In first half stoppage-time, the Argentine maestro stepped up, bending home a curling effort into the left-side of the net

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• Inter Miami defeat Columbus Crew 3-2
• Lionel Messi scores ridiculous free kick
• Herons clinch 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After Luis Suarez was fouled outside the box, Lionel Messi stepped up, lining up for a free kick. The Argentine maestro positioned himself and curled the ball around the wall and into the back of the net in first half stoppage-time for his second goal of the game against the Columbus Crew.

  His two strikes helped Miami to a 3-2 victory, a result that saw them clinch the regular season title.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It was his second goal of the match, with his first coming off a brilliant overhead through ball from his longtime friend and teammate Jordi Alba. The defender found him outside the box, and after a few tricky touches on the ball, he slid it past USMNT goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

  A third from Luis Suarez was enough to see them earn three points, and the MLS Supporters' Shield.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI, MIAMI?

  Inter Miami clash with Toronto FC on Saturday before players depart for the international break. Messi will join Argentina for their World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

Leeds United parted company with Victor Orta in May of last year and are now looking to fight their way back to the Premier League without him, with the play-off final against Southampton at Wembley on Sunday.

The former Whites sporting director ultimately contributed to the club's relegation from the top-flight last season as his appointments, Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia, failed to keep them in the division.

Now working at Sevilla, the Spanish chief did have his fair share of howlers and blinders in the transfer market, and one that looks to be in the former category is the sale of Rafa Mujica as the club had a nightmare with him.

The young striker was sold by Orta in the summer of 2021 and has since gone on to thrive away from Elland Road, with a reported transfer pending that makes him more valuable than Leeds star Pascal Struijk.

Rafa Mujica's form since leaving Leeds

Signed from Barcelona in 2019, Mujica did not make a single first-team appearance for the Yorkshire-based outfit in two year before his move to Las Palmas on a free transfer in 2021.

After one goal in 14 league matches for the Spanish side during the 2021/22 campaign, Portuguese side Arouca swooped in to secure his services and they never looked back.

He produced 14 goals and one assist in 32 matches in all competitions for the club in his first season in Portugal, before kicking on again this term.

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old marksman, who scored 23 goals in all competitions, was prolific in the Liga Portugal as he outperformed his xG by almost four goals.

Rafa Mujica's big-money transfer this summer

The former Whites youngster is now reportedly on course to make a move away from Arouca this summer to join Qatar-based side Al-Sadd.

Journalist Pedro Sepúlveda reported earlier this month that he is in advanced talks to join them for a fee of €9m with a further €2m in add-ons, taking the total package to €11m (£9.4m).

This means that Mujica is currently valued higher than a number of Whites stars, including Glen Kamara (€6m), Ilia Gruev (€5.4m), and Pascal Struijk (€9.5m) – per FootballTransfers.

Struijk had made 23 appearances in the Championship at centre-back during the first half of the campaign before a groin injury put an end to his season.

This speaks to the Spanish striker's turnaround in fortunes since leaving Yorkshire that he is now worth more than the Dutch defender, who has the eighth-highest Sofascore rating in the Leeds squad this term (7.12) and captained the team on many occasions this season.

It has been reported that, as one of the teams that helped to develop Mujica, Leeds will receive 5% of the initial fee, which would be roughly £380k from £7.6m in this case.

That £380k may not be enough to forget about how much of a nightmare they had by letting him go in 2021 as his 20 league goals this season suggest that he could have turned into a strong player for the club, given that Crysencio Summerville (20) is the only player with more than 14 strikes to his name this term.

Leeds have "inquired" about signing £55k-p/w star who'd thrive with Gnonto

The Whites are reportedly interested in a swoop to sign the soon-to-be free agent defender.

By
Dan Emery

May 22, 2024

Orta had a howler when he decided to let the centre-forward go as he was not given a single first-team opportunity to prove himself and should have been given a chance, which his form this term suggests Mujica may have taken, to prove himself.

Instead, he has gone on to be a roaring success in Portugal and is now looking set for a big-money move to Qatar, making him more valuable than several of Daniel Farke's stars.

It is remarkable to think that just over 18 months ago, Aston Villa found themselves languishing perilously close to the drop zone, after losing six of their opening 11 Premier League games of the season under Steven Gerrard.

Unsurprisingly, the Liverpool legend was duly sacked, with the Midlands side opting to give a certain Unai Emery a second stab at Premier League life – the Spaniard having previously been sacked after just over a year-and-a-half at Arsenal.

Once derided at the Emirates, Emery is now something of a hero at Villa Park, having steered the club to Europa Conference League qualification last season, before romping to a top-four finish this time around.

While a run of four league games without a win to end the campaign has somewhat dampened spirits, it would appear that the Villans are set to swiftly strengthen ahead of that upcoming Champions League campaign, with reports indicating that a deal for Luton Town's Ross Barkley is nearing completion.

With a chance to land the former England international – who Paul Merson claimed was "not far off player of the season" – on the cheap, Emery and co appear to be moving astutely already, amid additional reports that another midfielder could be targetted in the coming weeks.

Aston Villa's search for a midfielder

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Villa are reportedly set to make a bid for Lazio maestro, Matteo Guendouzi, with the fiery Frenchman believed to have had a falling out with manager Igor Tudor in Rome.

The report suggests that the Serie A side are seeking to rake in roughly €30m (£26m) with the sale of the 24-year-old, with Emery – who previously signed the mercurial talent back in 2018 while in charge at Arsenal – willing to cough up that figure to get a deal done.

The piece outlines that it is the Villa boss who is pushing to seal a reunion with his former Gunners asset, with Guendouzi having played 66 times under the four-time Europa League winner – more than he has under any other manager.

This news comes amid claims that the Midlands highfliers are also interested in plumping for Chelsea skipper, Conor Gallagher, with the Blues believed to be 'open to doing business' amid their own PSR concerns – as per the Independent.

With prior reports indicating that the Englishman would cost closer to £50m, despite having just a year left on his contract, perhaps Emery and Monchi would be wise to press on with their apparent interest in Guendouzi instead.

How Guendouzi compares to Conor Gallagher

Having been a mere teenager when arriving in north London from Lorient almost six years ago, it's fair to say that the best of Guendouzi – who scored just once and provided only four assists in 81 games for the Gunners – has been seen since departing English football.

An initial loan move to Marseille in 2021/22 – following a year at Hertha Berlin – proved particularly fruitful, with the instantly recognisable menace scoring ten goals and registering 19 assists in 103 games for the Ligue 1 side in total.

That included a return of five goals and 14 assists during his debut campaign at the Stade Velodrome, with the versatile asset – who even featured on the flanks that season – appearing to thrive in a more advanced attacking role.

As such, that serves as evidence as to why the eight-cap France international could be a dream alternative to Gallagher this summer, as he seemingly shares that knack for impacting proceedings in the final third.

In the case of the latter man, the former Crystal Palace loanee boasts a return of ten goals and ten assists in 95 first-team games at Stamford Bridge, including a haul of 16 goal contributions in all competitions in 2023/24.

Guendouzi, by contrast, registered only three goals and four assists of his own this season, although unlike Gallagher – who typically operated as a number ten – the 6 foot 1 ace was deployed in a more orthodox midfield berth.

As his prior time in France showcased, Guendouzi can be a real threat in a more attack-minded role if given the licence to get forward, with a reunion with Emery potentially set to allow the Spaniard to get the best out of him.

Guendouzi's record under Emery

As previously stated, the Villa target was just 19 when he arrived at Arsenal in 2018, although he certainly made a strong impression on Emery, making 48 appearances across all fronts during his debut season.

That early impact appeared to suggest a bright future lay ahead for Guendouzi, with the former Villarreal boss stating at the time: "Matteo is very young but he has talent and his talent is also to adapt to what we need or what is needed in the Premier League.

"It's also to be physically strong. We are working tactically and individually to improve, we are working with him on the videos and on the pitch and we are speaking to him because it's a big challenge for me, for our coaches and for him to achieve a big level here."

Lauded as a "warrior" by pundit Alan Shearer following a game against Villa, ironically, Guendouzi was certainly raw during his time in the Premier League, remarkably racking up 18 yellow cards in just 66 games under Emery's watch – including being sent off against Blackpool in 2018.

The suggestion was that the Poissy-born maverick had been a signing of the club rather than of Emery's own choosing, yet the experienced coach remarked that the teen's form had been a "very big, positive surprise", lauding the "hungry" youngster for his "character and quality".

That exuberance seemingly spilt over falling Emery's departure, as Guendouzi was exiled by Mikel Arteta following a falling out, yet the one-time Paris Saint-Germain youth asset has, to his credit, rebuilt a career for himself away from English shores.

Of course, Gallagher may represent the more Premier League-proven option, yet with his prior connection to Emery – and with a far cheaper £26m price tag – it would certainly make sense for Villa to add to their Barkley deal by snapping up another figure with a potential point to prove.

Aston Villa line up £52m "magician" who'd be perfect for Barkley

Emery’s side would revel in signing this Champions League star.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 28, 2024

Paul Pogba’s four-year doping ban has been cut to 18 months on appeal, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) now explaining their decision.

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• World Cup winner appealed original ruling
• Cleared to resume career from March 2025
• Questions asked of his future at Juventus

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The World Cup winner was handed a four-year suspension after failing initial tests in September 2023. Serious questions were asked of whether the former Manchester United midfielder would ever play again, as his contract at Juventus was reduced to the lowest possible terms.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pogba took his case to CAS, in a bid to clear his name and argue that he never intended to break the rules, and has now seen it confirmed that he will be cleared to resume his professional playing career in March 2025. Pogba had unknowingly ingested DHEA after being prescribed a supplement containing the banned substance, although the player accepted he should have been more careful.

• WHAT CAS SAID

  A statement from CAS reads: “The CAS Panel based its decision on the evidence and legal arguments made that Mr Pogba’s ingestion of DHEA, the substance for which he tested positive, was not intentional and was the result of erroneously taking a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida, after Mr Pogba had been given assurances that the medical doctor, who had claimed to treat several high level US and international athletes, was knowledgeable and would be mindful of Mr Pogba’s anti-doping obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code. Mr Pogba sought a sanction of only 12 months in recognition of the presence of some fault on his part (he did not seek a determination of no fault or negligence from the CAS Panel).”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Pogba has been informed that he should “as a professional football player, have paid a greater care in the circumstances” – meaning that he must still serve a ban – but the terms of his sanction have been reduced. It remains to be seen when and where his next appearance will be, with there suggestions that Juve may yet terminate a contract that is due to run until 2026.

Among the decisions facing incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot is whether to stick or twist with polarising striker, Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan hotshot still yet to truly convince as the club's leading number nine.

Signed on a club-record £85m deal back in 2022, the 24-year-old has since scored 33 goals in 96 games in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit, albeit with just 20 of those strikes having come in the Premier League.

With 47 'big chances' missed to boot in the top-flight, the former Benfica man's woes saw him fall out of favour in the last days of Jurgen Klopp, having started on the bench in five of the last six league games.

The German had seemingly seen enough and perhaps Slot has already made his mind up too, with the club believed to be seeking a potential upgrade on their profligate marksman this summer.

Liverpool seeking Nunez replacement

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are said to be among a handful of clubs – alongside Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United – who are all keeping tabs on Aston Villa talisman, Ollie Watkins, with the Englishman in high demand following a stunning campaign under Unai Emery.

Those interested parties believe that the 28-year-old could be available 'for the right price', even despite Villa remaining adamant that he will not be sold as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.

No price tag for the former Brentford man – who is valued at €60m (£52m) by CIES Football Observatory – is given, with it likely to take a considerable sum to force Villa's hand.

How Watkins compares to Darwin Nunez

In truth, Watkins has blown Nunez out of the water this season with regard to his goalscoring heroics at Villa Park, with the one-time Exeter City man netting 27 times in all competitions – nine more than Nunez achieved at Anfield.

Like the divisive Liverpool striker, Watkins also laid on 13 assists as an indication of just where his all-round game is at present, with Conor Coady suggesting that Emery has taken him to an "absolute new level" over the last 18 months or so.

When looking solely at league form across the last two seasons, the Villa ace has netted 34 goals and missed 40 'big chances', while – as previously mentioned – Nunez has scored just 20 times and missed 47 'big chances'.

A proven Premier League striker – having hit double figures in all four full seasons at Villa Park since arriving in 2020 – the 11-cap England international could represent an almost sure-fire upgrade, allowing Slot to employ a new attacking figurehead on Merseyside.

The £130k-per-week star has also received the backing of notable figures associated with Liverpool in recent times, with academy graduate Coady describing him as a "nightmare to play against", while club legend Steven Gerrard – who coached Watkins at Villa – previously noted a likeness between the in-form striker and a certain Fernando Torres.

Speaking back in 2022, Gerrard stated: "I picture Ollie Watkins at his best when he's really front-footed, aggressive with that bit between his teeth. He is a lovely player on the eye with the goals he scores and his technical ability. He reminds me in a lot of ways, in terms of his profile and how he goes about it, of a player I played with – Fernando Torres."

Prior to breaking Liverpool hearts after joining Chelsea in 2011, Torres was something of a goalscoring machine alongside Gerrard at Anfield, scoring 81 goals in 142 games for the club following his arrival from Atletico Madrid.

Attempting to replicate the Spaniard's feats would be a tricky task for Watkins, yet having proven his credentials repeatedly over the last few seasons, he'd undoubtedly be a worthy replacement for Nunez to lead the line.

Liverpool eyeing up “world-class” £50m star who’d finally unlock Nunez

Arne Slot would wield quite the frontline by getting his hands on this long-time Anfield target.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 28, 2024

The Jamaica international netted twice in the second half at Anfield to ensure Gareth Taylor's side remain on top of the table

Khadija Shaw came to Manchester City's rescue as the Women's Super League title-hopefuls came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday, with the Golden Boot-holder netting twice to secure victory for the early-season table-toppers.

Gareth Taylor's side, who were without the injured Vivianne Miedema, dominated possession from the off, and Lauren Hemp should have done better when she poked wide after combining well with Khadija Shaw. However, it was Liverpool who took the lead shortly before the break as Olivia Smith's low effort from 25 yards beat Ayaka Yamashita in the City goal.

City upped the pace of their place after half-time, and after Jill Roord fired wide when well placed, Shaw got the visitors back on level terms when she met Hemp's cross and saw her header creep inside the post.

Mary Fowler and Alex Greenwood both fired narrowly wide while Shaw hit the post as City chased a winner, and eventually they found a way through in stoppage-time as Shaw held off a defender before powering a shot high into the net.

GOAL rates City's players from Anfield…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ayaka Yamashita (4/10):

  No way she should have been beaten by Smith's effort from distance. Useful in possession, but her ability as a shot-stopper remains questionable.

  Kerstin Casparij (5/10):

  Was decent going forward but lacked security in defence. Her being dragged out of position led directly to Smith's goal.

  Laia Aleixandri (5/10):

  Might feel she should have done better in the build-up to Liverpool's opener. Couple of misplaced passes caused problems, too.

  Alex Greenwood (7/10):

  Reads the game so well and made a number of challenges as the last line of the City defence. Passing range was on full view on her return to her home city as well.

  Leila Ouahabi (6/10):

  Beaten in behind by Smith early on but fought back to help deny the Canadian forward. Always an option in attack as she dovetailed with Roord, even if she didn't see much of the ball.

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  Midfield

  Yui Hasegawa (7/10):

  Quietly superb at the heart of the City midfield. Uses her body so well to both win possession back and keep hold of the ball, as the Japan international kickstarted a number of attacks.

  Jess Park (5/10):

  Lacked dynamism in the first half as she too often turned back when picking up possession. Better after the break as she moved the ball quicker, but wasn't her best game.

  Jill Roord (6/10):

  Put herself about as she drifted all over the left-hand side of the field. Should have done better with a chance early in the second half, but didn't do much else wrong.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Mary Fowler (4/10):

  Couldn't get anything going down the City right. Set-piece delivery wasn't great, either, on what was a disappointing day for the Australia star.

  Khadija Shaw (7/10):

  Was having a dreadful game until her header snuck inside the post for City's equaliser. Her touch was off and she struggled to find much space, but her goal seemed to get her going and after hitting the post, she proved the difference with a powerful strike for the winner.

  Lauren Hemp (7/10):

  Electric at times as she used her pace to cause plenty of problems down the left. Should have done better with her chance in the first half, but superb skill and cross led to Shaw's headed goal, and she always looked the most likely to cause problems in attack.

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  Subs & Manager

  Aoba Fujino (6/10):

  Enjoyed a bright cameo after replacing Fowler for the final 15 minutes.

  Gareth Taylor (5/10):

  His team were far too slow in possession during the first half. Definitely improved after the break, and while his lack of substitutions was a little puzzling, Shaw got him out of jail.

Leeds United are currently preparing to embark on a second season in the Championship as they look to earn promotion back up to the Premier League.

The Whites attempted to make an instant return to the top-flight during the 2023/24 campaign but they fell at the last hurdle, losing 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley.

Daniel Farke's side finished third in the division with 90 points, only three fewer than Marcelo Bielsa's title winners in 2019/20, but could not come out on top in the showpiece clash in London.

The German head coach is now at risk of losing some of his key talent as some stars may not want to play in the second tier for another year, amid interest from Europe's major leagues.

Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich have been credited with an interest in teenage whiz Archie Gray and 22-year-old sensation Crysencio Summerville has been linked with Premier League giants Liverpool.

Italian forward Wilfried Gnonto is another player whose future at Elland Road remains in doubt and Leeds could brilliantly replace him by swooping for one of their reported transfer targets this summer.

Leeds United's interest in South American wizard

The summer transfer window officially opened for business on Friday and the Whites are said to be eyeing up a winger who could become their first signing, if they can get a deal over the line.

It was recently reported by Brazilian media, via the Yorkshire Evening Post, that Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Fluminense forward Jhon Arias in the coming weeks.

The report claimed that the Yorkshire-based outfit have put forward a proposal to the Serie A club but it is likely to be rejected as Premier League side West Ham United are in the driving seat at this moment in time.

It was stated that the Hammers have offered an initial fee of £10.9m with add-ons that could take the total package to a fee of around £14m.

Crystal Palace and Leicester City, who won the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League this season, are also said to have put forward bids to land the right-footed star this summer.

It, therefore, seems like Farke and his team have plenty of work to do in order to win the race for Arias' signature, amid interest from three top-flight sides.

If they can secure his services, though, then they could land a dream replacement for Gnonto if the Italian ace departs Elland Road before the window slams shut.

Wilfried Gnonto's unclear future at Leeds

The young winger had handed in a transfer request last summer in an attempt to secure a move away from Yorkshire after the club had been relegated from the Premier League.

Everton had made an offer worth up to £25m for the Italy U21 international and the player attempted to force Leeds' hand after they turned it down.

He was ultimately denied an exit and stuck around for the 2023/24 campaign in the Championship, but the young forward is now reportedly ready to push for a move again.

It was recently reported that Gnonto is pushing for a transfer out of Yorkshire as he would like to move back to Italy to play in the Serie A, as the Whites star believes that it would improve his chances of breaking into the national team.

This comes after the 20-year-old attacker enjoyed a fairly successful season in the second tier as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the right flank.

As you can see in the table above, Gnonto was directly involved in ten goals in 19 starts in the division – more than one every other start on average.

His eight goals from an xG tally of 5.36 also speak to the quality of his finishing in the final third, as the youngster rarely passed up a high-quality opportunity to find the back of the net.

These statistics suggest that Leeds will need to get his replacement right as they would be losing a big weapon from their arsenal, and would need to sign someone who can make an equally big, or bigger, impact at the top end of the pitch.

Why Leeds should sign Jhon Arias

The Championship side should now push to beat the three aforementioned Premier League clubs to the signing of Arias as he could be a dream replacement for Gnonto.

Like the Italian ace, the 26-year-old is a right-footed attacker who predominantly plays on the right wing, which suggests that he fits the profile of player Farke would want in that position.

Since joining Fluminense in 2021, the winger has racked up an eye-catching 35 goals and 38 assists in 168 games in all competitions, which shows that he can provide as both a scorer and a creator.

Arias has not had the best start to the 2024 campaign, with zero goals and one assist in seven Serie A appearances, but his form during 2023 and 2022 suggests that the quality is there for him to be a fantastic addition to the squad.

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old star caught the eye in both years with his exceptional finishing and creative ability for the Brazilian side.

He scored 14 goals from an xG of 9.25 and racked up 17 assists from 19 'big chances' created in the top-flight, which speaks to both his ability to score and create goals at an impressive rate.

The Colombia international, who was hailed as an "unsung hero" by South American writer Nathan Joyce, has not been on top form this year but Farke could hope to bring him back to his best, as his 2022 and 2023 levels indicate that he could be a dream replacement for Gnonto.

Alongside Aaronson: Leeds must bring back star who's "too good" for the EFL

The Whites should bring the impressive central defender back to Elland Road next season.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 12, 2024

Leeds could replace the want-away Italian with another right winger who can make a consistent impact in the final third, with goals and assists, by winning the race for his signature.

Scotland debutant Nicky Devlin has revealed who got Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt following a draw at Hampden Park that left the Portuguese upset.

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• Goalless stalemate in Glasgow
• CR7 played the full 90 minutes
• Shirt swap requests at final whistle

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure in Glasgow after failing to provide the required level of inspiration for his country that could have turned one point into three. Portugal were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in a goalless stalemate.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes against Scotland, meaning that he was on the pitch when the final whistle blew. Whenever that is the case, the all-time great sparks a mad scramble for his shirt – with swap requests often fielded before, during and after his appearances for Al-Nassr and Portugal.

• WHAT DEVLIN SAID

  Devlin, who made his Scotland bow off the bench against Portugal, was unable to claim a prized memento. He has told reporters of who won that race, with Ronaldo throwing a post-game strop: “I think Che [Adams] might have got his top to be fair. I don't think he was too happy at the end… I got one with my name on the back and the number one which the manager gave me, so I was delighted with that.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Evergreen Ronaldo, who is 39 years of age, earned international cap 216 when lining up against Scotland. He has a record-setting haul of 133 goals to his name at that level and is being tipped by many to extend his remarkable career through to the 2026 World Cup.

Ruben Amorim guided Sporting CP to the semi-finals of the Portuguese League Cup in what could be his final game before a move to Manchester United.

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• Sporting beat Nacional 3-1
• Viktor Gyokeres scored a brace
• Amorim wanted by Man Utd

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amorim managed Sporting for what could be the final time on Tuesday evening amid interest from United in appointing him as Erik ten Hag's successor. Sporting announced in the day that United had communicated their desire to pay his release clause as they bid to install him ahead of this weekend's clash with Chelsea, although confusion over his notice period could potentially delay the move.

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  WHAT HAPPENED IN SPORTING'S 3-1 WIN?

  Amorim was thus on the sidelines for potentially the final time, as they ran out comfortable winners over Nacional. Morten Hjulmand opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, before Viktor Gyokeres netted from the penalty spot to double their lead in the 65th minute. Ruben Macedo pulled a goal back from the kick-off somewhat inadvertently, as a long-range strike deflected in off him, but Gyokeres swiftly restored Sporting's two-goal lead. Amorim may well be considering his quality as an attacker if he does make the move to Old Trafford. He has also been linked with Chelsea.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Sporting were runners-up in the Portuguese League Cup last season, losing 2-1 to Porto in the final after extra time. Sporting made up for it by winning the Primeira Liga. In 2022-23, they failed to win a trophy, but in 2021-22, they won the League Cup. They are now into the last four, but it remains to be seen if Amorim will be in charge when they play the semi-final. At full-time, he merely shook his opposite number's hand and headed down the tunnel, with no grand farewell to the supporters, though he was greeted with warm applause prior to kick-off.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Post-match, Amorim told the press, "Nothing is decided yet… I don't know if it's the farewell game or not." Sporting's next game comes against Estrela Amadora on Friday, and they then face Manchester City in the Champions League next week. United hope to have Amorim in charge by Sunday, after they face Leicester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

After securing promotion to the Premier League last season, Ipswich Town are looking to use the summer window to build a squad capable of competing with the big boys.

McKenna looks to build top flight ready team

Following their exceptional second-placed finish in the Championship last season, the Tractor Boys are now making sure that their team is ready to stave off relegation in the next campaign.

Ipswich could smash transfer record to sign star who's perfect for McKenna

Ipswich Town could show they mean business moving up to the Premier League with this record purchase.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 25, 2024

Ipswich's recent retained list saw a number of out of favour players shown the door at Portman Road in order to make room for new signings.

In regard to incomings at Ipswich the most recent rumours have linked the Tractor Boys with moves for new defenders. Hull City's Jacob Greaves has long been a target for McKenna with the Tigers' vice-captain also attracting interest from numerous Premier League clubs.

Joining Greaves on Ipswich's shopping list is West Ham full back Ben Johnson. The 24-year-old has rejected multiple contract offers from the Hammers as he looks set to become a free agent this summer.

With shoring up their defence clearly a priority for Ipswich this summer, the club now look close to signing a highly rated shot stopper from a fellow Premier League outfit.

Ipswich set to complete deal for goalkeeper this week

As first reported by HITC, Ipswich Town are confident of getting deal done for Carl Rushworth this week. The 22-year-old is currently on the books at Brighton & Hove Albion, who are seemingly eager to move the Englishman on this summer.

The outlet understands that the one time England under 21 player is the Tractor Boys' number one target between the sticks as they look to sign a goalkeeper that they think is ready to compete in the Premier League.

Rushworth spent last season on loan at Swansea City, where he played in all 46 of the Swans' league games, keeping ten clean sheets in the process. The 22-year-old's performances in South Wales saw him earn significant praise from manager Luke Williams who waxed lyrical about the keeper back in February, telling the press: "Rushy is incredible – I think he is going to be a top keeper

"I think he is going to be with us next season of course, but after that he is going to go on and be a top Premier League keeper I am sure because of the quality he has but also the personality he has to go with it."

Whilst Williams' prediction of Rushworth playing Premier League football appears to have come true, the Swansea boss will not get his wish to keep the shot stopper for another year. Instead, Ipswich will allow Rushworth to leapfrog another season in the second tier and become McKenna's number one as they look to make a good account of themselves in the topflight.