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O São Paulo apresentou nesta sexta-feira (21) Dorival Júnior como o seu novo treinador para o restante da temporada. E entre os assuntos debatidos em sua primeira fala neste retorno ao clube (onde passou entre 2017 e 2018), o novo comandante do clube não poderia deixar de falar sobre Alexandre Pato, que se recupera de contusão no Reffis e negocia um contrato de produtividade para também sacramentar sua volta ao Morumbi. Confira:

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoApós anúncio de demissão, Benja esclarece saída do SBTFora de Campo21/04/2023São PauloEm retorno ao São Paulo, Dorival Júnior enaltece trabalho de Ceni e aponta motivação como arma para a reaçãoSão Paulo21/04/2023São PauloO que esperar de Dorival Junior no São Paulo? Saiba como o Tricolor deve jogar com o técnicoSão Paulo20/04/2023

Crystal Palace could now “make a move” for an attacking midfielder who is Arsenal’s own alternative to Eagles star Eberechi Eze, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed on X.

Palace vying to sign new attackers amid Eze uncertainty

Losing Eze would undoubtedly be a major blow for Palace, given that the attacking midfielder is clearly held in very high regard by Oliver Glasner, who praised the England international throughout their triumphant FA Cup campaign.

Speaking after the quarter-final victory over Fulham, Glasner said: “The goal against Latvia and his first for England means a lot for him. He always has the confidence, we know he’s an amazing finisher to cut inside on his right foot with an amazing finish.

“We need this quality, he helped us today massively.”

However, the 27-year-old’s future remains very much up in the air, with a number of big Premier League clubs recently being named as potential suitors, such as Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Gunners are thought to be in the driving seat, however, and a bid is currently in the works, but he is not their only target in that area of the pitch, with Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss being identified as an alternative option.

El Khannouss has a release clause of just £22.5m in his Leicester contract, and he is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League, with Tavolieri recently taking to X to reveal that Crystal Palace could also “make a move”.

Related "Excellent" £20m forward now open to joining Crystal Palace with talks held

There has been a development in Palace’s pursuit of an attacker…

Posts ByDominic Lund Aug 7, 2025

An approach from the Eagles is dependent upon departures in the next week, amid uncertainty surrounding Eze’s future, but there could be competition for the Moroccan’s signature, with Leeds United scheduling a meeting to discuss a potential deal.

Europa Conference League being on offer at Selhurst Park should be an attractive proposition, but the prospect of playing in Europe is not thought to be a “decisive factor” in the Leicester ace’s decision-making.

"Magician" El Khannouss could be fantastic Eze replacement

Leicester, of course, endured a very disappointing 2024-25 campaign, but the 21-year-old managed to catch the eye at times, with Pep Guardiola even being left by his performance against Manchester City back in December.

Scout Jacek Kulig has also lavished the starlet with praise in the past, despite suggesting he still needs to be more clinical.

The Belgium-born maestro scored just two Premier League goals last season, but it was always going to be difficult for a young player to stand out in such a poor side, in what was his debut campaign in England.

As such, a move to Palace, who have developed a reputation for developing young players, could be ideal for El Khannouss, and if he fulfills his potential, the attacking midfielder could be a fantastic heir to Eze.

Manchester City are building towards a campaign where they will be vying for the Premier League title, and the Citizens could now be on the verge of securing a key reinforcement to address a priority position.

Manchester City pondering over Ederson's future

Despite the excitement over incomings such as Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri this window, much has been made over Ederson’s uncertain future at Manchester City.

The Brazil goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a move to Galatasaray, and there is an inkling from his side of the table that the opportunity to move elsewhere after a difficult campaign in England would be appealing.

Speaking about his situation, former Manchester City star Nicky Weaver believes Ederson could leave the Etihad Stadium due to the fact that he is in the last year of his contract at the Premier League giants.

He stated: “It’s gathered a bit of pace, especially in recent days. When it gets to this point, it almost looks like it’s going to happen.

“He’s into the last year of his contract now. Most summers he gets linked with a move away but you never think it’s actually going to happen. This summer, I think we could actually see it happening.”

Now, it is important to note that nothing definitive has come to light as of yet. Still, Manchester City’s wish to sign Porto stopper Diogo Costa does indicate Pep Guardiola is in the market for another goalkeeper.

Manchester City’s summer signings so far

Name

Club signed from

Tijjani Reijnders

AC Milan

Rayan Cherki

Lyon

Rayan Ait-Nouri

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Marcus Bettinelli

Chelsea

Sverre Nypan

Rosenborg

With the key question still to be solved between the sticks, the Citizens may have found one part of the answer amid recent developments involving their pursuit of an alternative target.

Romano: Manchester City set to sign Burnley's James Trafford

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester City are set to sign James Trafford from Burnley after the Englishman agreed a deal to return to his former club to work under Guardiola.

Newcastle United have missed out on his signature and were informed of his decision, leaving the Citizens to wrap up an agreement for a fee well under his £40 million buyback clause.

Later on, Romano confirmed Manchester City will sign Trafford for £27 million and that he is booked in for a medical early next week, stating: “More on exclusive story on James Trafford joining Manchester City: understand medical tests will take place early next week, main part on Monday. Man City to pay £27m fee to Burnley for the goalkeeper, as revealed.”

Enjoying a fantastic campaign at Turf Moor, the 22-year-old kept 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances as Burnley won promotion to the Premier League, leading Scott Parker to label the young goalkeeper “world-class” due to his immense contribution.

Maintaining a save percentage rate of 84.6% in the Championship, Trafford is now back where it all began and will hope to unseat either Ederson or Stefan Ortega for the number one jersey.

Classy centuries take centre stage at Sedbergh alongside Ackermann and de Leede

ECB Reporters Network24-Jul-2024Durham 344 for 4 (Lees 111, de Leede 72, Ackermann 59) beat Lancashire 287 (Bohannon 147, de Leede 3-33, Ackermann 3-37) by 57 runsCaptain Alex Lees starred with a superb 111 added to impressive all-round contributions from Dutch internationals Bas de Leede and Colin Ackermann as Durham claimed an opening day Metro Bank One-Day Cup win over Lancashire at Sedbergh School.Opener Lees cleanly struck eight fours and a six in a 126-ball innings which underpinned 344 for four – Durham’s sixth highest List A total. De Leede contributed 72 off 63 and Ackermann 59 off 33.In ideal batting conditions, and in front of approximately 2,000 spectators, Lancashire’s task of chasing was tall. Josh Bohannon top-scored with an excellent career best 147 off 119 balls, an even better innings than Lees’s. But Ackermann and de Leede equally shared six wickets in 287 all out – a Durham win by 57 runs.Lees made the most of his decision to bat first, hitting all of his boundaries on the leg-side and driving George Balderson’s seam over long-off for his only six.Every Durham batter contributed. Fellow Under 19s international Ben McKinney opened with a pleasing 43 – he shared 87 with Lees – before Scotland international Michael Jones added a late 41 off 21 against his birth county.Durham paced their innings beautifully against a Red Rose attack who failed to gain control. Only Balderson – one for 57 from 10 overs – went at less than six in over in a six-man attack.Lees and de Leede shared 129 inside 20 overs for the second wicket, advancing from 87 for one in the 20th. It was a Durham partnership record for the second wicket in List A matches against Lancashire.Lees reached a 117-ball century but didn’t last much longer.He followed de Leede’s departure, the skipper caught at long-off against Harry Singh’s off-spin – 250 for three in the 44th over.After that, 81 came from the last six overs as Ackermann and Jones set about a thrilling acceleration.New ball seamer Tom Bailey conceded 27 off the 47th – 308 for three. Jones hit a six and four and Ackermann two sixes and a four.Lancashire’s reply started well despite George Bell’s early departure. He cut Paul Coughlin to backward point.At 91 for one in the 16th over, their hopes would have been high as captain Keaton Jennings and Bohannon both approached fifties.But their second-wicket partnership was cut short at 72 when the former was run out for 44 at the non-striker’s end going for a third to deep midwicket, sparking a match-defining collapse of four wickets for 46 – Lancashire now 137 for five in the 23rd.Ackermann’s off-spin (three for 37 from six overs) accounted for three of them, bowling Balderson and Tom Bruce added to George Lavelle caught at backward point. The latter two fell in as many deliveries in the 23rd over.Bohannon shared a calming 61 for the sixth wicket with Singh, but the latter was one of two wickets to fall in the 34th to de Leede’s seam, leaving the hosts 202 for seven.Singh pulled to deep midwicket for 25 and Tom Aspinwall was bowled.De Leede (three for 33 from eight) bowled Bailey shortly afterwards before Bohannon reached a second List A century off 93 balls.But a win was the prize he craved. Unfortunately for him, that ship had long sailed as no team-mate could support him until it was too late.He also shared 62 for the ninth wicket with Will Williams, who fell to Jonathan Bushnell’s seam.The same man completed the visiting success when he bowled Bohannon in the 45th over after the England Lions captain had struck 13 fours and half a dozen sixes.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be chasing Club World Cup glory, but he certainly isn’t taking his eye off the ball regarding potential signings.

Defender Tomas Araujo has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, Jamie Gittens is a major attacking target, and the Blues are keen to wrap up a deal for him sooner rather than later.

Add in the fact that Maresca has already signed Liam Delap, it suggests that the manager is plotting an overhaul this summer.

Date

Opponent

Venue

Monday, June 16

Los Angeles

Mercedes-Benz stadium

Friday, June 20

Flamengo

Lincoln Financial Field

Tuesday, June 24

Esperance

Lincoln Financial Field

Hugo Ekitiké is another key target, and with Manchester United revving up interest in the young striker, now could be the time to act.

Latest on Chelsea's pursuit Hugo Ekitiké

Despite being one of the Blues’ top transfer targets, it now appears that the Red Devils are looking to secure his signature this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With a reported price tag of €100m (£85m), it is a significant outlay for the Blues as they seek to bolster their attacking options.

Last season, the Frenchman scored 22 goals and grabbed 12 assists, emerging as one of the most sought-after talents on the continent.

The striker would compete with Delap and Nicolas Jackson for a role in the team should he move to London, but for the price, Maresca will be determined to use him as his main option.

That said, could he perhaps make a move for another youngster this summer instead? Especially as a player who was on the club’s radar previously looks set to leave their current club.

Why Chelsea should reignite a move for Jhon Duran

The Colombian striker was close to a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but ultimately decided to stay with Villa.

Unai Emery couldn’t turn down an offer of around £65m for the talented hitman, however, and he made his move to the Middle East in January.

According to reports from Saudi Arabia (as per the Metro), Duran could be set to leave Al-Nassr in the summer, with the chance there for Chelsea – among other suitors – to reignite a move for the player. It is said that unnamed clubs have expressed interest in signing him on loan, should the chance of an exit emerge.

While Ekitiké shone in the Bundesliga for Frankfurt last term, is there a case to be made that Duran is the bigger talent?

When comparing the two strikers via FBref, Duran not only registered more shots per 90 (4.26 vs 4) than Ekitiké last term, but he also recorded more shots on target (1.92 vs 1.55) per 90 and won a higher percentage of aerial duels (50% vs 46.8%) domestically last season.

Given the fact he is younger and has a potentially higher ceiling for growth, Duran – who already scored 12 goals in 55 Premier League games – could perhaps turn out to be the better striker for the club.

Following his excellent first half of the 2024/25 season at Villa, football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “monster in the making” and with 12 goals in 18 games for his new club, he is living up to that statement.

Maresca must be on high alert in the coming weeks if Duran is available, especially if he costs less than the £85m that has been demanded for Ekitike.

He may be a “maverick”, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, although unlike Ekitike, he has already proven himself in England’s top flight.

Free agent defender now "close to finalising" Chelsea move after talks

The west Londoners are pushing.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

After claiming the Premier League title in his first season in charge, Arne Slot arguably faces his toughest test yet as Liverpool manager during the upcoming transfer window.

The Dutchman won the league with multiple games to spare, losing just three matches in the top flight to date – offering a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer.

However, despite the Reds’ success, key additions are needed in multiple areas of the first-team squad to help bolster the ranks and increase their chances of retaining their title in 2025/26.

It remains to be seen how much money will be handed his way by the club’s hierarchy, with countless names already touted with a move to Anfield in the coming months.

The foundations have already been laid for multiple transfers, with it only a matter of time before the manager lands his first summer addition on Merseyside.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer

Defenders have been high up on the club’s shortlist as of late, with Milos Kerkez one of the many players on their list over the last couple of weeks – emerging at the very top if recent reports are to be believed.

It was confirmed earlier this week that the Hungarian was ‘likely’ to make the switch to the club, with Bournemouth demanding a £40m transfer fee to part ways with their left-back.

However, interest has also been shown in players on the opposite side of the pitch, with the club making a move for Monaco right-back Vanderson, according to GOAL.

The report states that the Reds have enquired to sign the Brazilian this summer, with the Ligue 1 outfit demanding a fee in the region of £25m to offload the 23-year-old star.

It also confirms that the staff behind the scenes hold the youngster in high regard, potentially being the perfect replacement for outgoing defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Why Liverpool’s £25m target is the perfect Frimpong alternative

Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as Liverpool’s main target in such an area in recent times, undoubtedly being many supporters’ first choice this summer.

It has been reported in recent days that the Reds have already been plotting a move for the Dutch star, willing to pay his release clause, which is around the £35m mark.

The 24-year-old has been in stellar form in the Bundesliga over the last few months, registering four goals and five assists, helping the club once again secure a Champions League spot.

However, if they are unable to complete a deal for the Dutchman, they should pursue a move for Vanderson, with the Monaco star a superb option for the club going forward.

When comparing his stats to those of Frimpong, the Brazilian has outperformed him in numerous key areas, with his £25m asking price a potential bargain for Slot’s side.

The right-back, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one scout, has registered more progressive passes and completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted – highlighting the impressive nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He’s also won more tackles per 90 and made more interceptions per 90 – handing Slot with an added defensive option, but also a key star in attacking areas.

How Vanderson compares to Frimpong in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Vanderson	Frimpong
Games played	27	32
Goals & assists	4	9
Progressive passes	4.5	2
Pass accuracy	78%	76%
Passes into final third	3.3	1.1
Shot-creating actions	2.6	2.5
Tackles won	2.1	0.9
Interceptions made	1.8	0.3
Take-on success	50%	29%
Aerials won	46%	33%
Stats via FBref

His talents don’t stop there, registering more shot-creating actions and winning more aerials than Frimpong – having the tools to be an excellent option should the club pursue a move for his signature.

£25m for such a player would be an absolute bargain in today’s market, offering a cheaper and possibly a better option than the Leverkusen star in their hunt to replace Alexander-Arnold.

It’s a huge task to replace such a player in the coming months, but Vanderson has showcased that he’s more than capable of filling the void – with Slot needing to make the Brazilian his main target.

Shades of Firmino: Liverpool lining up move for "sensational" PL talisman

Liverpool could be about to pursue a deal for a star who could become Arne Slot’s own Roberto Firmino.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 10, 2025

Arsenal have made one “top” player an offer to join them this summer, after new sporting director Andrea Berta helped to sway Mikel Arteta into a summer switch-up.

Mikel Arteta reacts as Arsenal lose Champions League semi-final to PSG

The north Londoners will end 2024/2025 without any silverware, which comes as a real disappointment for Arsenal after they were widely tipped to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title at the beginning of the campaign.

Arsenal "closer to finalising" deal for £85m star with contract semi-agreed

The Gunners have made significant progress ahead of this summer.

2 ByEmilio Galantini May 7, 2025

A combination of debilitating injuries and their failure to put teams away, with Arsenal chalking up more draws than any other side in the top ten apart from Brighton, has resulted in Arteta’s side ending the domestic campaign empty-handed.

Arsenal sparked brief hope that they could make history by winning their first ever Champions League crown, especially after their statement 5-1 aggregate win over 15-time European champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

However, they were eventually outdone by Ligue 1 champions PSG in the semis, with their lack of ruthless finishing, alongside Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics, ultimately crushing Arsenal’s European dream.

“It’s probably difficult with words,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s emotions after being knocked out of the Champions League.

“The work that we put [in], the enthusiasm, the belief and whatever happens, you come here, and you do what we’ve done, it’s the first time for 95% of these guys because they’ve never played a semi-final. To do what they did in Paris today against this team is remarkable, but the fact is that we are out, and we want to improve, and we want to win it. We can never look back on it yet, but if we did or whatever, it’s just, why is it still on us to reach that and unlock that door to get to the final and then actually win it? And that’s the way it might be.”

Arsenal make offer to Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap

Now that Arsenal will be ending 24/25 without any silverware, attention is continuing to turn towards the summer transfer window and how they’ll prepare for next campaign, in a bid to go again.

It is no secret that Arsenal are targeting a goalscoring striker, and it is believed by some media sources that Berta is making serious progress on a move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

However, as per Football Transfers, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap could now join the Sweden international.

They report that Arsenal could bring in two centre-forwards, one to lead the line as a starter and one to work as an understudy. Gyokeres would arrive as the star front man, with Delap coming in as a back-up option to the 26-year-old.

The Englishman, who has a £30m release clause, has been made fully aware of this by Arsenal, who’ve also outlined exactly how they’d utilise him next term. Berta is also prepared to pay the 22-year-old’s clause, just one year after Ipswich signed him from Man City.

Football Transfers also state that Arsenal have made an offer to Delap and his representatives, coming after Berta “successfully convinced” Arteta to change their transfer strategy this summer.

Delap has been a rare bright spark for Kieran McKenna’s relegated side, bagging 12 goals in all competitions, with pundit Paul Robinson calling him a “top player” and an absolute “nuisance” to deal with.

Manchester United have endured a superb upturn in form over the last couple of weeks, with the squad now finally reaping the rewards of the faith shown in the manager.

Ruben Amorim was a man under pressure a couple of months ago, especially after the Red Devils endured yet another dismal start to a Premier League campaign.

The 40-year-old has since led the first-team squad to five games unbeaten in England’s top-flight – a run which is undoubtedly the best during his 12-month spell at Old Trafford.

Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur showcased their ability to bounce back from losing positions – something which may have been difficult in 2024/25.

There’s little disputing that the club are certainly on the up under Amorim’s guidance, but his side could be further improved during the upcoming January transfer window.

Man Utd’s hunt for new additions in January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been one of the sides touted with a move to land Palmeiras centre forward Vitor Roque after his impressive form in 2025.

The Brazilian youngster has scored 16 times in his 30 league appearances this calendar year, currently sitting as the division’s second top scorer at present.

His form has led to links to the Red Devils, but it would be yet another expensive addition, with the Serie A outfit currently demanding a fee in the region of £42m for his signature.

In terms of big-money additions, the Red Devils have also been touted with another move for Elliot Anderson after his incredible rise at Nottingham Forest this campaign.

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, United have already made contact with the Reds over a deal for the central midfielder, who’s also become an England international regular in recent months.

However, the journalist has also confirmed that any deal would set the hierarchy back upwards of £100m-£120m this January – a deal that would break the club record fee paid for Paul Pogba back in 2016.

Why Anderson would finally get Sesko firing

During their £200m spending spree in the summer, the United hierarchy forked out a fee in the region of £74m for the signature of Benjamin Sesko from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

Given the magnitude of such a fee, real expectations were placed on the Slovenian to provide the goods and lead the line for Amorim’s men in 2025/26.

However, his time at Old Trafford to date has been a huge disappointment, with the 22-year-old only finding the net twice in his first 11 Premier League outings for the Red Devils.

Sesko is currently four games without a goal in England’s top-flight, even being dropped to the substitutes bench and limited to just half an hour in the draw against Spurs.

He will no doubt need time to settle into life in England’s top-flight, but he could be aided in his attempts for success at Old Trafford should the board secure the services of Anderson this winter.

It would no doubt be a mammoth investment if they were to land the 23-year-old, but such a move would provide Sesko with the ammunition he needs to thrive in front of goal.

Anderson, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by Matt Forde, has completed 1.3 take-ons per 90 – ranking him in the top 3% of all midfielders in the division at present.

Elliot Anderson – PL stats (25/26)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	11
Goals & assists	2
Pass accuracy	83%
Progressive passes	8.8
Passes into final third	8.6
Take-ons completed	1.3
Ball recoveries	8.5
Tackles made	2.6
Duels won	7.7
Stats via FBref

The aforementioned tally showcases his ability to get the ball into attacking areas, which could provide the forwards ahead of him with the chances they need to impress.

He’s also 8.6 passes into the final third per 90 – with such a tally the highest of any player in the Premier League this season, highlighting his talents with the ball at his feet.

Other figures, such as 8.8 progressive passes and 1.4 key passes per 90, further demonstrate his talents at finding a teammate – with such numbers perfectly falling into the hands of Sesko.

The prospect of Anderson linking up with Bruno Fernandes is truly an exciting one, with the United fans potentially blessed with one of the best duos in the league.

If the youngster can replicate such numbers, there’s no reason why he can’t help Sesko finally kickstart his career in England – even if a deal would cost the hierarchy a club-record fee.

Man Utd "monster" is fast becoming their new Vidic and it's not De Ligt

Ruben Amorim may have uncovered Manchester United’s new Nemanja Vidic.

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 11, 2025

Celtic are now targeting a move to sign Wessam Abou Ali from Columbus Crew, according to reports, with Wilfried Nancy looking to bring one of his star men to Scotland.

At long last, the Bhoys are closing in on a managerial appointment. The Scottish giants have taken their time, waiting for the right appointment, with Martin O’Neill doing an impressive job as interim boss in the meantime.

The 73-year-old has reiterated every week that he will happily step aside once Celtic have found their next permanent option and that looks set to happen sooner rather than later amid recent reports.

The Columbus Crew manager looks set to take his first job in European football and has the task of bridging the gap on Hearts in a shock Scottish Premiership title race.

O’Neill, meanwhile, will bow out of his second stint in charge after steadying the ship. Whether he’s still in charge by the time that Celtic travel to face Feyenoord this Thursday is the big question.

Speaking to reporters, the veteran manager said: “The answer is this: the game is on Thursday so the plane leaves on Wednesday. They better make their minds up very quickly.”

Of course, if Nancy doesn’t arrive in time, then O’Neill will have the opportunity to win his first European game of his second stint in charge to cap off a small tenure full of nostalgia.

The ball will then be in the new manager’s court, who has already reportedly identified the need for a new striker at Celtic Park and set his sights on exactly who that new striker should be.

Celtic now lining up January move for Columbus Crew star

According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic are now targeting a move to sign Abou Ali from Columbus Crew in the January transfer window. The 26-year-old Palestinian striker has been one of Nancy’s best players in the MLS and quickly won the faith of his manager after arriving from Ahly SC.

Related Celtic chiefs learn Nancy arrival date as personal terms update emerges

The Hoops are closing in…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 20, 2025

Described as “clinical” by Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall, Abou Ali first grabbed the headlines when he scored a perfect hat-trick against Porto at the Club World Cup as the MLS side watched on, waiting to secure his signature.

Since then, the 26-year-old has only impressed even more in America and may yet be on his way to Scotland to strike an instant reunion with Nancy.

Abou Ali

Record with Nancy

Games

5

Goals

3

Assists

1

With four goal involvements in five games under Nancy, Celtic would be wise to go all out to sign the 6’1 forward, who could solve their own striker problem in January.

Whether Columbus Crew will allow their star striker to leave with their manager is another question, however. Losing Nancy is already set to deal them a blow in its own right, let alone their top star alongside him.

Celtic set to make quadruple backroom appointment to Nancy's staff

Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed how Erling Haaland convinced him to move from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City in the summer transfer window. The Italian goalkeeper left the European champions on deadline day to sign for the Premier League giants after falling out of favour under Luis Enrique, who had already signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille.

• Donnarumma shares special bond with Haaland

  Since his move to City from Paris on deadline day, Donnarumma has built a close friendship with the club's star forward Haaland. In an interaction with the , the Italy international opened up on his close bond with the Norwegian goal machine as he said: "I’d say we just got on well immediately. We have always respected each other, even before we met. We make a lot of banter about playing against each other in the national teams. I’d say they are in a better situation than us now, they have much more peace of mind. But there are still two games left to play. It will be difficult to face each other, as it will be difficult to play against him. I know how strong he is and what chances he can create. It will be hard to face him both as a player and as a friend."

  He also rated Haaland as a better player than former PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe as he added: "I think Erling does [have the hardest shot]. He is left-footed, so he is different from Kylian (Mbappe). They are both hard to play against. So it’s complicated. But I would rather have Erling playing for my side."

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  How Haaland pushed Donnarumma to join City

  Speaking about Haaland and his move to City, Donnarumma told : "He's a fantastic guy, so calm and he loves his family and being with them. We hit it off. There's that synergy there where there's just a natural feeling. Even when we played against each other, we were in touch and after the games we even spoke often.

  "Then I had the opportunity to come here, he wrote to me. He pushed hard for me to come and I think him so much for that. He's truly a great friend – and it's a good thing I play with him because it's so difficult to be against him! He's an alien!"

• Donnarumma thanked City team-mates

  The Italian custodian also thanked every member of the City squad for making him feel at home and helping him to adjust to the new conditions in the Premier League. Donnarumma has featured for Pep Guardiola's side in 12 matches across all competitions this season and has kept six clean sheets.

  When asked about his performances, Donnarumma said: "I'm a bit angry because I could have kept more. I didn't expect to have such a positive impact on the Premier League. But the team helped me a lot because the moment I arrived, they welcome me very well. They helped me a lot in the first games, especially the first one which was just three days in. In the first training session, it felt like I had been there for two years. The league is very different, there's a lot of running, a lot of intensity so I had to adapt immediately. But the team has been fundamental for me in these first few months."

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  Man City hoping to reduce gap with Arsenal

  After a forgettable outing in the 2024-25 campaign, Guardiola's men are back in form in the current season. They had a minor setback at the start of the season, where they lost back-to-back league games against Tottenham and Brighton but have now bounced back in style and are just four points behind league leaders Arsenal. 

  City will be back in action in the league on Saturday as they take on Newcastle United away from home. They would aim to win the clash and reduce their gap with the Gunners at the top of the table.