Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign an in-form Serie A striker in the January transfer window.

Dyche "disappointed" by VAR call

On a night that saw Nottingham Forest edge past Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers courtesy of Jesus’ second-half effort, it was VAR that stole the biggest headlines. Once again, the technology was at the centre of the controversy after Dan Ndoye was adjudged to have been interfering with play in an offside position for what many believed to be Jesus’ initial opener.

It’s the type of call which has split opinions in recent weeks and the type that Sean Dyche didn’t understand – telling reporters at full-time: “Well, I’m the only manager who ever mentions why they (referees) go over to the screen. It’s funny how it goes against us, that was interesting.

“Managers in the old days could lose a job on a bad decision. At least now it gives you a better chance of everyone, in theory, having similar decisions. There’s always going to be tough decisions, even with VAR.

“Tonight I’m bound to say he (Dan Ndoye) doesn’t impede anyone. He doesn’t. He just stands still. He’s not trying to deflect it in or anything like that.

“I’m bound to say I’m disappointed in it. I don’t think the keeper would have saved it. But you never know, these keepers are so agile. He’s a good keeper as well, so he might have. But I’m bound to say that I’m aggrieved.”

Nottingham Forest now keen on £117k-a-week UCL defender who may replace Murillo

The Tricky Trees are looking at signing a new centre-back in the January transfer window, amid doubts over Murillo’s future.

ByDominic Lund Dec 2, 2025

Eventually, the decision did not prove costly as Forest picked up three points for the fourth time in their last five games in all competitions – highlighting Dyche’s impact.

Evangelos Marinakis will be most relieved that his managerial call is finally working out after already sacking Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou earlier this season. The Greek owner, with relegation fears eased, now has the chance to strengthen Dyche’s side in January.

Nottingham Forest racing to sign Pellegrino

As reported by Calcio Mercato and relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now battling to sign Mateo Pellegrino from Serie A side Parma in 2026. The Tricky Trees are joined by Tottenham and West Ham United in the race, but could yet get one over on the two London clubs.

With Jesus still finding consistency and Chris Wood yet to match last season’s outstanding form, Dyche could certainly do with a player of Pellegrino’s talent.

The Parma striker has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far and is reportedly unlikely to come cheap if Forest want to make their move in the January transfer window.

Minutes

579

1,100

Goals

1

4

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

2.3

1.9

It’s easy to see why Premier League sides are interested in Pellegrino. Compared to Jesus, the 6’3 forward has outperformed his expected goals by just over two and is on course for an impressive Serie A season.

Nottingham Forest now eyeing £15m Europa League midfielder after Anderson update

Arsenal have held initial talks with the representatives of a budding midfield talent after his rapid rise, according to a new report.

Arsenal look to bounce back against bottom-side Wolves

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday evening against bottom-side Wolves at the Emirates Stadium in a classic David vs Goliath encounter.

The Gunners saw their advantage at the summit trimmed to just two points following last weekend’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, where Emi Buendia’s last-gasp strike ended their 18-match unbeaten run.

Man City’s victory over Sunderland has intensified the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side, though Saturday’s late kick-off offers an opportunity to extend the gap to five points before City face Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Arsenal responded impressively to that Villa disappointment with a commanding 3-0 Champions League triumph at Club Brugge on Wednesday evening.

Noni Madueke put in a sensational performance, scoring twice, including a stunning 25-yard strike, while Gabriel Martinelli added another beauty to maintain their perfect European record.

Arteta says "really special" Arsenal star has been so good in training lately

The Spaniard is thrilled with him.

By
Emilio Galantini

3 days ago

The victory all but secured automatic qualification for the knockout stages as one of the seeded teams, but Wolves present an entirely different challenge.

Arriving in north London still searching for their first victory of the campaign, Rob Edwards’ side remain rooted to the foot of the table with just two points from 15 games, sitting an alarming 13 points from safety.

Their Monday night 4-1 home humiliation against Man United extended Wolves’ losing streak to eight consecutive defeats, matching their worst run in Premier League history.

Only QPR in 2012/13 and Sheffield United in 2020/21 have endured longer winless starts to a Premier League season than Wolves’ current nightmare.

Their two points also represent a joint-low after 15 games in top-flight history, highlighting the severity of their catastrophic start.

Arsenal boast an intimidating record against Wolves, winning eight consecutive meetings with an aggregate scoreline of 17-3. The north Londoners remarkably haven’t failed to score against them since February 1979, a remarkable 35-match run, so Edwards’ men are certainly the underdogs heading into this one.

Away from the pitch, sporting director Andrea Berta is continuing his mission to identify top talent for Arteta.

Reports this week suggest that Arsenal have held talks with Yan Diomande’s entourage ahead of a potential move for the teenage RB Leipzig winger, and now the same can be said of Polish sensation Oskar Pietuszewski.

Arsenal hold talks with Oskar Pietuszewski's camp

That is according to TEAMtalk, who report that Arsenal have held discussions with the representatives of Pietuszewski, even if City threaten to hijack their pursuit of the 17-year-old starlet.

Berta dispatched senior Arsenal scouts to Poland on multiple occasions to watch the Jagiellonia Białystok talent in action this season, alongside Chelsea and City, with all three Premier League giants ‘hugely impressed’ by the teenager’s performances.

Arsenal have engaged in preliminary talks with Pietuszewski’s camp as they assess whether to launch a formal bid for one of Poland’s ‘most complete teenage talents in years’.

However, City have intensified their interest by sending their head of emerging talent to Poland, holding their own discussions with Pietuszewski.

Their aggressive approach appears to have positioned them ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in the three-way battle, but that doesn’t mean Berta should give up.

Pietuszewski has dazzled in the Polish first tier this season, bagging three goals and two assists across 16 appearances, and according to Transfermarkt, he’s now the Ekstraklasa’s ‘most valuable player’ by transfer value.

Primarily deployed as a left-winger, the versatile youngster can operate as a holding midfielder or anywhere across the forward line.

Arsenal have been informed they must pay a minimum of £13m to secure Pietuszewski’s signature, a figure that could rise with performance bonuses and shatter Jagiellonia’s outgoing transfer record.

Born in Białystok, Pietuszewski rose through Jagiellonia’s academy before breaking into the senior squad last season.

His international breakthrough came with four goals in six caps for Poland’s Under-21 side, underlining his rapid ascent.

While open to a Premier League move, Pietuszewski wants first-team minutes. European rivals including Ajax, PSV, Lille, Bologna and Barcelona have also scouted him, so the player could have a long list of suitors knocking at the door very soon.

يستعد النجم الدولي المصري عمر مرموش، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي للانضمام إلى معكسر منتخب مصر للمشاركة في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025.

وتستضيف دولة المغرب بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا في الفترة بين 21 ديسمبر 2025 و18 يناير 2026.

كان المنتخب الوطني بقيادة حسام حسن، يأمل في تواجد الثنائي محمد صلاح وعمر مرموش قبل المباراة الودية المقرر إقامتها أمام نيجيريا في 14 من شهر ديسمبر الجاري.

منذ قليل كشف الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول أن محمد صلاح، قائد منتخب مصر سيغادر الريدز في 15 من شهر ديسمبر.

وسيسافر منتخب مصر إلى المغرب في 17 ديسمبر قبل مواجهة زيمبابوي (22 ديسمبر)، وجنوب أفريقيا (26 ديسمبر)، وأنجولا (29 ديسمبر) في المجموعة الثانية.

وبطبيعة الحال، سيكون هذا نفس موعد مغادرة عمر مرموش لفريق مانشستر سيتي استعدادًا لكأس أمم إفريقيا المقبلة.

اقرأ أيضًا | المباريات التي سيغيبها محمد صلاح عن ليفربول بسبب كأس أمم إفريقيا

وبالتالي، وفي حال وصول مصر إلى نهائي البطولة، ستكون المباريات التي يغيبها عمر مرموش عن مانشستر سيتي على النحو التالي:-

مانشستر سيتي وبرينتفورد، على ملعبه، ربع نهائي كأس كاراباو: 17 ديسمبر.

مانشستر سيتي ووست هام يونايتد، على ملعبه، الدوري الإنجليزي: 20 ديسمبر.

مانشستر سيتي ونوتينجهام فورست خارج ملعبه، الدوري الإنجليزي: 27 ديسمبر.

نهاية دور المجموعات في كأس أمم إفريقيا سيكون 29 ديسمبر.

مانشستر سيتي وسندرلاند، خارج ملعبه، الدوري الإنجليزي: 1 يناير.

دور الـ16 من كأس أمم إفريقيا: 3/5/4 يناير.

مانشستر سيتي وتشيلسي، على ملعبه، الدوري الإنجليزي: 4 يناير.

مانشستر سيتي وبرايتون، على ملعبه، الدوري الإنجليزي: 7 يناير.

دور ربع نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا: 9/10 يناير.

دور نصف نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا: 14 يناير.

مباراة تحديد المركز الثالث في كأس أمم إفريقيا: 17 يناير.

مانشستر سيتي ومانشستر يونايتد، خارج ملعبه، الدوري الإنجليزي: 17 يناير.

نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا: 18 يناير.

مانشستر سيتي وبودو جليمت، خارج ملعبه، دوري أبطال أوروبا: 20 يناير.

إلى جانب مباراة في بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي سيتم الإعلان عنها لاحقًا عند إجراء القرعة وذلك في دور الـ64، مع العلم أن تلك الجولة ستنطلق يوم 10 يناير المقبل.

Eddie Howe says there is “no chance” Newcastle will accept a draw as he plots a first Premier League derby victory over Sunderland in ten attempts.

Newcastle prepare for Tyne-Wear derby

The sides meet in the top flight for the first time since March 2016 on Sunday, when the Magpies will make the short trip to the Stadium of Light looking to end a wait for a win in the fixture which dates back to August 2011.

Head coach Howe and many of his players had a taste of what to expect in January last year when they went to Wearside and emerged with a 3-0 FA Cup third round success over the then Sky Bet Championship Black Cats, and he is conscious of the need for balance in their approach.

He said: “If you don’t get the arousal levels right, if you hype the players up too much, then you can go out and not perform because you’re over-thinking things, you’re not playing the game, you’re playing the atmosphere.

“You need cool heads, but you also need to have the fire in there. If the fire’s not there in this type of game, then you’re not going to perform either. It’s a balancing act of trying to get the players in the right frame of mind.”

Newcastle will arrive on Wearside on the back of a four-game unbeaten run in all competitions to face a Sunderland side who have confounded those who predicted they would go the way of many promoted sides and struggle to keep their heads above water.

Despite last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, Regis Le Bris’ men sit in ninth place in the table on 23 points – one more than their neighbours – after 15 games, and it would take a major collapse for them to slip into trouble.

However, asked if he would take a point, Howe, whose side drew 2-2 at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, replied swiftly:

He continued: “We prepare every game to win. This will be no different.

“We’ve got to get the preparation right in a very short period of time. That’s been a challenge we’ve had all season, and I think we’re doing okay at this moment in time.

“We know we can improve, there’s areas to get better in and we’ve got minimal training time to get those tweaks adjusted. But by kick-off, I can assure everybody that we’ll be ready.”

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Sunday’s game will be the first clash between Howe and Le Bris – Michael Beale was in charge at Sunderland for the FA Cup tie – but the Newcastle boss has been impressed by what the Frenchman has achieved since taking the helm in July last year.

He said: “I don’t know him and it’s my first time going up against him, but I think they’ve done well this season. I’ve been impressed by how they’ve played.”

MatériaMais Notícias

A 48ª edição da CONMEBOL Copa América já tem sua bola oficial pronta para rolar pelos gramados dos Estados Unidos entre os dias 20 de junho e 14 de julho. A PUMA, patrocinadora oficial da competição e fornecedora da bola Cumbre, também disponibilizará para venda camisetas e bonés para os fãs de futebol.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Inspiração

O nome PUMA Cumbre busca inspiração na cordilheira que se estende por toda a América, uma forma de homenagear e levar o futebol da região para um novo patamar. Seu design é inspirado no formato do continente, apresentando 16 linhas que remetem ao total de países participantes da CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™. Desta forma, a bola entrelaça todas as nações que competem no torneio de seleções mais antigo e emocionante do mundo.

Puma apresenta destaques

PUMA Cumbre destaca-se pela sua tecnologia de alto nível e máximo desempenho, atestado pela FIFA Quality Pro, certificação que atende aos mais altos padrões de desempenho da FIFA. Seu design é composto por 12 gomos selados que proporcionam uma distribuição de peso equilibrada, com costuras expandidas e profundas que garantem aero dinamismo. Apresenta ainda a válvula PAL (PUMA Air Lock), assegurando retenção de ar. A PUMA Cumbre é um exemplo do compromisso da marca esportiva em estar na vanguarda de design e tecnologia.

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No contexto do ano do esporte, a marca esportiva de vestuário de esporte reforçará a comunicação da PUMA Cumbre através de sua campanha de marca mais importante dos últimos anos, “FOREVER. FASTER. – See The Game Like We Do”. Durante a competição, a campanha também apresentará os marcos alcançados por diferentes nações latino-americanas nas edições anteriores da CONMEBOL Copa América™, tendo a PUMA como protagonista.

Uma versão especial da PUMA Cumbre, com detalhes dourados, será a protagonista da final do torneio no dia 14 de julho, no Hard Rock Stadium, em Miami Gardens, nos Estados Unidos.

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Copa AméricaPuma

Big picture: Can Sri Lanka end the tour on a high?

After nearly 20 days of Sri Lanka appearing unimpressive in Rawalpindi, they are one win away from going home with a tri-series trophy when they face Pakistan in the final.Sri Lanka were winless in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan, and appeared on the brink of early elimination with a thrashing at Zimbabwe’s hands midway through the tri-series. But they roared back in their final two group games, first dispatching Zimbabwe by nine wickets before edging Pakistan out in Thursday’s thriller. They are, incredibly, just a repeat performance away from getting their hands on a trophy that will ensure they convert a possible debacle of a tour into an unmitigated success.Pakistan will be wary of Sri Lanka peaking at the right time, but also assured they are favourites against an opposition they have had plenty of experience besting this month. It required a near-flawless performance from Sri Lanka to squeeze a narrow win on a clear off-day for the home side, whose bowling and top-order batting were well off the mark. In their current form, Pakistan will be aware that even a modest improvement on those two facets should be enough to see off their home season with more silverware in the bag.Related

• Who is Usman Tariq, Pakistan's latest mystery spinner and hat-trick hero?

• Chameera, Mishara take Sri Lanka to the final with a thrilling win

It is, for Pakistan, the near-culmination of a season where they have played an inordinate amount of T20 cricket in a bid to be prepared for the 2026 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. In the six months between the end of the PSL 2025 and now, Pakistan have played 28 T20Is against nine different teams, with a better than 2:1 ratio of wins and losses. The strength – or lack thereof – of some of those teams remains a lingering question mark, but victory in their 29th game on Saturday should have them feeling they have largely controlled the one thing they could in this period – results.For Sri Lanka, co-hosts of next year’s T20 World Cup, this is an opportunity to conclude a difficult second half of the year – home series loss to Bangladesh, two defeats in four against Zimbabwe, and a bottom-place finish at the Asia Cup Super Fours – with some success.

Form guide

Pakistan: LWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka: WWLLLMohammad Nawaz’s all-round brilliance has been on show all through the series•PCB

In the spotlight: Mohammad Nawaz and Dushmantha Chameera

Mohammad Nawaz has contributed with either bat or ball in every game this tri-series, and was on the cusp of knocking Sri Lanka out of the tournament altogether in a late charge during Pakistan’s run chase on Thursday. His tournament batting strike-rate of 162.50 is the highest, while his contributions with the ball, too, are second to none – the joint-top wicket-taker (7) in the tournament while his economy rate of 6.07 is the best (min. five overs). As an allrounder, Nawaz has become an integral member of the T20I side over the past few months, and one more performance will drive the point home.It is invariably difficult to look past Dushmantha Chameera after one of the T20I bowling performances of the year kept his team alive in this series. Four wickets for 20, including three in two overs in the powerplay, combined with a yorker masterclass in the 20th over that kept Pakistan to just three runs, demonstrated just how high his ceiling is. It is a level he has found it difficult to sustain consistently, but the final comes just as his confidence is at a zenith.Dushmantha Chameera is the joint-highest wicket-taker so far in the series•PCB

Team news: No changes expected for Sri Lanka

Pakistan have chopped and changed their bowlers through the tournament. Expect Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed to return for the biggest game.Pakistan: 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Salman Ali Agha (capt), 5 Fakhar Zaman, 6 Usman Khan (wk), 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Mohammad Wasim, 10 Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar AhmedSri Lanka have kept the same side for their last two games, and there is unlikely to be a reason to change a winning formula.Sri Lanka: 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Janith Liyanage, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Pavan Ratnayake, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Eshan Malinga

Pitch and conditions: Cold and dry in Rawalpindi

There is little change to the weather in Rawalpindi, which has been cold and dry for the last month. Expect a touch of dew as the second innings kicks in, meaning sides will almost certainly opt to field.

Stats and trivia

• Fakhar Zaman’s T20I record in finals is generally impressive: a strike rate of nearly 152 at 41. However, in the only T20I final he has played against Sri Lanka – at the 2022 Asia Cup – he was dismissed for a golden duck
• The 2022 Asia Cup remains Sri Lanka’s last T20I tournament win. In five such finals, they have won three – including the 2014 T20I World Cup final – and lost two

The opener is one of a crop of young batters who will feature in the two-day pink-ball game

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Nov-2025

Sam Konstas made century from the PM’s XI last season•AFP/Getty Images

Sam Konstas has been named in the Prime Minister’s XI to face an England team in Canberra at the end of November in a two-day day-night fixture with the side including some of the best young batting talent in Australia.Ollie Peake, Campbell Kellaway and Hugh Weibgen will also feature alongside Nathan McSweeney who played three Tests against India last season. The side will be captained by the experienced Peter Handscomb and also includes former Test quick Peter Siddle.It was the corresponding fixture last season that helped propel Konstas into the Test side when he flayed 107 off 97 against India in what became a one-day game due to rain.Konstas has lost his Test place for the start of the Ashes after struggling in West Indies then making 161 runs at 20.12 in four rounds of the Sheffield Shield.Kellaway, meanwhile, has been one of the standout batters in the early stages of the season with 317 runs at 39.62 opening for Victoria, recently facing down a rapid spell from Mitchell Starc at the SCG.His state coach, Chris Rogers, earmarked him as one of the frontrunners to replace Usman Khawaja when his career ends.”It’s proven once again he could be the successor to Khawaja. He’s going to do fantastic things in his career,” Rogers, said. “I spoke to Campbell about it after and he wouldn’t have faced that challenge throughout his career.”But if he’s going to go on and play international cricket then he will have to face things like that, where tall, fast bowlers are kind of aiming at his front shoulder.”So that’s something that he’s going to have to work on, the positions he gets into. But to come out and get 50 and line the ball up so well against Starc and Hazlewood, I thought that was a real tick.”Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “This team showcases the depth of talent in our domestic cricket system, and I’m particularly excited to see some of our emerging stars earn this opportunity.”I am also looking forward to the Ashes commencing in Perth from 21 November, it’s the oldest rivalry in world cricket – Australia and England in an Ashes Series always means something extra.”The PM’s XI match takes place on November 29 and 30 between the first and second Tests.Prime Minister’s XI squad vs England
Peter Handscomb (capt), Benji Floros, Campbell Kellaway, Campbell Thompson, Charlie Anderson, Doug Warren, Hugh Weibgen, Joel Curtis, Nathan McSweeney, Oliver Peake, Peter Siddle, Sam Konstas, Sam Skelly

The hosts took an unbeatable 2-0 lead against West Indies in the three-match ODI series

Ashish Pant19-Nov-2025Another New Zealand-West Indies game, another last-over finish, another heartbreak for West Indies.For the longest time, the stars seemed to be aligning for West Indies. After Shai Hope’s unbeaten 69-ball 109 took them to 247 for 9 in the rain-reduced 34-overs-a-side contest, the visitors would have fancied their chances. And they were in this, particularly when New Zealand found themselves at 194 for 5, needing another 54 runs off 29 balls. But then, as it has so often happened in the white-ball leg of this tour, Mitchell Santner came clutch and took New Zealand to a five-wicket win, giving them an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.With the equation coming down to 40 off 18 deliveries, Santner took on Matthew Forde, who, by then, had gone at only four runs an over. Santner carted Forde for 4, 6, 4 to take 18 runs off the 32nd over. Santner then smashed Shamar Springer for four and six in the second-last over, leaving New Zealand eight runs to win off the 34th.Related

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It could still have been anyone’s game, but Jayden Seales bowled a chest-high no-ball, which Tom Latham calmly glided over the wicketkeeper. Then Santner fittingly sealed the chase with a crash through extra cover as New Zealand prevailed with three balls to spare. Seales was distraught, flinging his cap to the floor, sinking to it himself, and needing help from several of his team-mates to come off the field.As has been the case all through the series, the second ODI ebbed and flowed all the way through. Chasing 248, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra found the going tough on a treacherous Napier surface. But once the duo settled down, the runs started to flow. They added 106 runs off 99 balls, New Zealand’s first century opening-wicket stand in ODIs in 74 innings since February 2020.They were quite scratchy early on, though, against some tight West Indies bowling. Forde got the ball to move both ways as Conway played out a maiden first up. Ravindra got going with a couple of runs before Conway got off the mark with a crisp square drive through point. There were a couple of very tight leaves, while both batters were beaten several times outside off with the exaggerated movement as New Zealand squeaked to 13 for 0 after five overs.Conway took the attacking route when he thrashed Seales through point, while Ravindra deposited him over deep midwicket for the first six of New Zealand’s innings. Romario Shepherd was introduced into the attack right after the powerplay, but was unable to stem the flow of runs.Rachin Ravindra had a century opening stand with Devon Conway•AFP/Getty ImagesRavindra, by now in full flow, pulled Forde over cow corner before Conway went after Justin Greaves, pulling him over deep square leg. Springer was dumped over the leg side fence twice in an over as New Zealand started catching up. Ravindra reached his sixth ODI fifty in style by slog sweeping Roston Chase for six.However, Ravindra fell soon after, when, in a bid to up the scoring rate, he sliced Greaves to backward point, where Chase timed his jump to perfection. Will Young, short of runs, came in at No. 3, and failed to inject any momentum into the chase. He was beaten multiple times, and fell 14 balls into his innings, slog sweeping to deep square leg.Mark Chapman came and went as the hosts lost three wickets in a hurry. Conway, meanwhile, stood firm and continued to rack up boundaries regularly. He reached his fifty off 54 balls, and stepped on the accelerator with the required rate climbing. Just when it seemed Conway would break his century-drought, he fell for 90, thrashing a cut off Springer straight to point.With the required rate now past ten an over, Latham and Santner joined forces. They took their time to settle in, targeting the short square boundaries on both sides. It wasn’t until the 31st over, with the required rate in excess of 13, when Santner flipped the switch, and, along with Latham, took New Zealand over the line, helping them register their 11th straight bilateral ODI series win at home.Earlier, West Indies captain Hope showed his class as he single-handedly propelled his team from 130 for 6 in 24 overs to 247 for 9 in 34, on the way notching up his 19th ODI century.Shai Hope made 109 not out off 69 balls•AFP/Getty ImagesThe match, supposed to start at 2pm local time, was delayed by close to three hours due to rain and a wet outfield. When the toss did eventually take place, Santner, with a smirk on his face, had no hesitation in bowling first. From the outset, it was clear that batting would be hard work. Kyle Jamieson got the ball to move heaps as West Indies played out three maidens in the first four overs.After multiple wafts and across-the-line attempts, Ackeem Auguste pumped Matt Henry straight over his head in what was the first commanding shot of the day in the fifth over. But West Indies soon lost John Campbell, whose difficult innings was ended by Jamieson. He got a length ball to move away from off stump, and Campbell, looking to flay him across the line, only managed a thick leading edge that nestled into deep third’s hands.West Indies, having managed just 18 runs in the reduced powerplay of seven overs, targeted Blair Tickner, brought into the side in place of Jacob Duffy. Auguste first clubbed him over his head before Keacy Carty sliced him over point for four more.Carty’s innings was, however, short-lived as he fell soon to Jamieson, whose opening spell read 5-2-12-2. West Indies continued to go after Tickner as Hope got into his groove. He first hooked Tickner to the vacant deep midwicket fence, and then laced him through covers to bring up 6000 ODI runs. Among his compatriots, only Viv Richards has got to this mark quicker, by one innings (141 vs 142).Nathan Smith made an impact with the ball•Getty ImagesWest Indies lost Auguste soon, with his attempted pull spooning straight up for Jamieson to take a catch running back from midwicket. That didn’t impact Hope and the incoming Sherfane Rutherford, who refused to curb their aggressive instincts. Hope pulled Santner deep over midwicket, while Rutherford thumped Nathan Smith twice into the stands to get West Indies moving again.However, two quick wickets got New Zealand back into the game. Santner first got rid of Rutherford while Smith breached Chase’s defences with a peach of an indipper that decked back to castle his off stump. While Greaves also fell relatively early, Hope continued on his merry way.He reached his fifty off 42 balls, and just went up a gear. At 130 for 6 after 24 overs, Hope took charge and belted the bowlers all across McLean Park. He got decent support first from Shepherd, who pumped Henry for two sixes in three balls, and then dumped Tickner over deep midwicket.Once Shepherd fell, Forde took Jamieson to the cleaners, thrashing him for three fours and a six. Hope moved through his 90s in a flash, crashing Henry for back-to-back fours before reaching his first ODI century against New Zealand with the straightest of straight hits in the final over of the innings. Arms aloft, he soaked in the applause, finishing with 13 fours and four sixes. But it wasn’t enough.

Vincent Kompany has explained why it's a "luxury" for Bayern Munich to have Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson at their disposal. The Belgian coach is pleased with how Jackson is contributing to Bayern's assault on three trophy fronts, but has also confirmed he will be heading to the AFCON with Senegal.

• Jackson slowly adapting to new conditions

  The Senegalese striker joined the German champions on a year-long loan deal for a fee of £14.2m on the summer transfer window deadline day. Initially, Bayern fans were not pleased to see Jackson in their club colours as they were sceptical of his abilities, especially after it was revealed that the deal had a €65 million (£57m) obligation for Bayern to buy the player permanently next summer.

  However, it has now been revealed that the obligation can only be triggered if the ex-Villareal forward starts in at least 40 matches across all competitions for the Bavarian side. So far, the 24-year-old has featured in 17 matches across all competitions, out of which he has started only six and has clocked 525 minutes on the pitch, scoring five goals. 

  While Jackson is not a regular starter under Kompany due to the presence of star attackers like Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise in the club's ranks, the striker has delivered a decent level of performance whenever he has had an opportunity. 

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  'I have a very positive impression of Nicolas'

  Despite not handing him regular starts, Kompany heaped praise on Jackson as he told reporters: "I have a very positive impression of Nicolas. He’s helped us a lot – his goals-per-minute ratio is good. Of course, with Harry Kane up front, you have a bit of competition, and that’s part of the game. So, as a coach, it’s a real luxury to see how Nicolas is handling that. What many people don’t see is what Nicolas does in training and every time he comes on. Against Sporting, I was planning to sub him on, but then Lenny scored, and I had a completely different game plan. Hopefully, he’ll continue to capitalise on the chances he gets."

  Jackson, like many other African footballers from Europe, will be busy with their national team commitments later this month as AFCON 2025 is all set to kick off on December 21. Jackson has been called up by the Senegal national side and Kompany revealed when the striker will leave for Morocco.

  The Belgian coach added: "My understanding is that he will travel after the game against Mainz. We hope he goes as far as possible. Of course, I hope Congo will win the cup, but otherwise I wish him all the best. The importance of this competition for African players shouldn’t be underestimated."

• Will Jackson return to Chelsea?

  Jackson is likely to return to Chelsea next season as he still has to start in 34 matches for the obligation in his contract to get triggered. Bayern would roughly play around 30 more matches across all competitions, which means the Blues can't force the German giants to make the purchase. The only way Jackson can stick around at Bayern is if he shows exceptional form in the second half of the season and wins over Kompany and the club management's trust.  As of now, it seems Jackson will head back to Stamford Bridge next summer.

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  What comes next for Jackson?

  As revealed by Kompany, Jackson's final game for Bayern in 2025 will be against Mainz in the Bundesliga on Sunday. The German champions will then play one more game on December 21 against Heidenheim, before the winter break in Germany kicks in. 

Borussia Dortmund winger Julien Duranville is reportedly on the verge of a January exit after manager Niko Kovac delivered a dismal assessment of the teenager's current standing in the first-team picture. The coach admitted that "others are better" than the Belgian starlet, despite his long-awaited return to full fitness following a nightmare run of injuries.

Duranville yet to play this season

The highly-rated 19-year-old was once tipped for a bright future at the Westfalenstadion when he joined from Anderlecht in 2023. However, his time in the Bundesliga has been defined more by the treatment table than his performances on the pitch. He has made just 27 appearances in all competitions since then and is yet to make a senior appearance for the club this season. The last time he played was a brief appearance against Real Madrid in the Club World Cup during the summer after a season in which he started two of 12 Bundesliga appearances and two of his nine games in the Champions League.

According to reports from , Duranville’s camp is actively exploring options for a loan move in the winter transfer window. The decision comes directly off the back of Kovac’s public explanation for the winger's continued absence, a statement that has effectively frozen him out of the squad for the foreseeable future.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKovac gives blunt reality check

When pressed on why Duranville continues to be omitted from matchday squads despite recovering from his latest muscle injury, Croatian coach Kovac offered a response that left little room for interpretation. Kovac did not hide behind fitness concerns or tactical jargon. Instead, he pointed to the sheer weight of competition at a club of Dortmund's stature.

"We are at BVB and there are really good players at BVB," Kovac stated when asked about his absence for last weekend's game against Hoffenheim. "He is too, but the others are better."

Kovac's verdict highlights the immense challenge the player faces in trying to dislodge the likes of Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt and Maximilian Beier, who have established themselves as Kovac's preferred options in the wide areas.

The report highlights that Duranville’s time at Dortmund has been severely hampered by recurring setbacks. Since his move from Anderlecht, the winger has been plagued by muscle injuries that have stunted his development. A move back to Anderlecht in January has been considered, though Werder Bremen have been identified as a possible destination.

Cole Campbell also wants out

Duranville is not the only young talent looking for the exit door as Kovac looks to trim his squad. Cole Campbell, the 19-year-old American forward, has also reportedly submitted a request to leave in January.

Like Duranville, Campbell has found his opportunities limited and feels his development is stagnating in the Regionalliga with the reserves. He has reportedly grown frustrated with the lack of perspective in the first team and wants to prove himself at a higher level elsewhere.

With multiple young attackers expressing dissatisfaction with their game time, Dortmund face a potential reshaping of their attacking depth in January. Kovac appears willing to sanction these departures, prioritising a tighter group of players he feels he can rely on to deliver immediate results.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

Following the fallout from the Champions League draw against Bodo/Glimt, where defender Nico Schlotterbeck criticised the substitutes for a lack of intensity, manager Kovac is under pressure to field only those players who can meet the physical and tactical demands of his system.

For Duranville, the coach's verdict is final for now. While his talent is acknowledged, the "others are better" comment confirms that his immediate future lies away from Dortmund. The January window will likely see him depart in search of the minutes he cannot find at the Westfalenstadion.