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A Seleção Brasileira não fará mais três amistosos na próxima Data-Fifa, no mês de junho, e jogará apenas contra Coreia do Sul e Japão. Nesta quinta-feira, a CBF informou que “não haverá a possibilidade de realização de uma terceira partida”, que era o planejamento inicial.

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Durante o anúncio da lista de convocados na última quarta-feira, o coordenador Juninho Paulista explicou que a empresa Pitch, responsável por organizar amistosos da Seleção, afirmou que o duelo com a Argentina, no dia 11, precisou ser cancelado.

+Quais jogadores ficaram mais longe da Copa do Mundo depois da convocação da Seleção?

Segundo Juninho, a ideia era que o Brasil fizesse uma nova partida no continente europeu, contra uma seleção africana, mas que ainda estava indefinida. A comissão técnica, no entanto, entendeu que, diante das opções sugeridas,as dificuldades logísticas interfeririam na preparação da equipe.

+ Veja os grupos da Copa do Mundo de 2022

Os comandados de Tite encaram a Coreia do Sul no dia 2 de junho, às 8h (de Brasília), em Seul. Quatro dias depois, o duelo será contra oJapão, às7h20 (de Brasília), em Tóquio.

Manchester City have been the most active side in the Premier League so far during January, making numerous moves that hopefully will improve Pep Guardiola’s side.

Victor Reis appears to be edging ever closer to a move to the Etihad, with the Brazilian flying over to England to complete his transfer from Palmeiras for around £30m.

The youngster will be looking to provide added cover to the club’s backline, potentially linking up with another new addition, Abdoukodir Khusanov, who also looks set to move to Manchester in the coming days.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal has been agreed with French side Lens over a move for the 20-year-old, with it just a matter of time until the move is completed.

The aforementioned pair could also be joined by another new addition in the North West, further aiding Guardiola’s chances of improving the current run of form in England’s top flight.

Man City’s move to land Omar Marmoush

Over the last few days, City have ramped up their efforts to land Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Omar Marmoush after his superb start to the 2024/25 season for the Bundesliga outfit.

The Egyptian already has 15 goals to his name, providing that attacking threat that the Citizens have often lacked in recent months – even with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland in the side.

He looked set for a transfer to Nottingham Forest in the summer, but the Reds failed to match the £25m price tag for his services, with their loss set to be City’s gain in the hunt for a top four spot come the end of May.

Journalist Romano has been on top of the move for the attacker, claiming that he’s already agreed terms, but that the two clubs are in talks over a potential fee for the 25-year-old.

City have already made a proposal for his services, but it remains to be seen whether it will be accepted or if they will have to up their bid to convince Frankfurt to part ways with their star man.

Whilst a deal could be heading in the right direction, should they failure to match the asking price, they could turn to another transfer target to provide the goods in attacking areas.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse Manchester City's dream Marmoush alternative

Jonathan David is a player who has also been touted with a move to Manchester in recent weeks, but they aren’t the only side in the race with Liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs also credited with an interest.

The Canada international could be set to depart current side Lille this month, with his contract expiring in the summer, he could be free to talk to foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement.

However, given his contact scenario, City could look to take advantage and sign the 24-year-old on the cheap, certainly providing a cheaper alternative to Marmoush.

Being cost-effective is one thing, but David would also provide serious quality to the side, scoring 11 times in just 17 Ligue 1 appearances, only registering four fewer goals to date.

However, David, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, has matched or bettered the Egyptian across numerous key areas throughout 2024/25.

How David comapres to Marmoush in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

David

Marmoush

Games played

17

17

Goals & assists

12

24

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

45%

Pass accuracy

82%

70%

Take-on success

52%

46%

Aerials won

0.6

0.4

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Stats via FBref

The Canadian may have scored fewer goals, but has registered a better shot-on-target rate along with a higher goal per shot-on-target rate, showcasing his clinical edge in attacking areas.

He’s also managed a higher take-on success rate, along with more aerials won, potentially being a more all-round option than Marmoush for Guardiola in the years ahead.

Whilst undoubtedly the Frankfurt man remains the number one target this month, David’s stats are evident that he would be the perfect alternative should any deal fail to materialise.

Related Man City could sign "world-class" Rodri replacement by raiding Real Madrid

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Posts ByBen Gray Jan 16, 2025

His current contract scenario could hand City the incentive to pounce and make a move to land the star to avoid him moving to a rival as a result.

The T10 tournament will feature six men’s teams and three women’s teams competing for their respective Universe Boss trophies

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jul-2022

Mohammad Amir will represent Jamaica Tallawahs in the 6IXTY•LPL

Chris Gayle has signed up for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for the inaugural 6IXTY, a T10 tournament that will run from August 24 to 28 in St Kitts, ahead of the Caribbean Premier League. West Indies openers Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher as well as South African Dewald Brevis will be turning up for Patriots.The 6IXTY is a joint venture between Cricket West Indies and the CPL and will feature six men’s teams and three women’s teams competing for their respective Universe Boss trophies, named in honour of Gayle who is also the ambassador for the tournament.Notable differences in 6IXTY

Each batting team has six wickets, rather than ten

Batting teams can “unlock” a floating third powerplay over by hitting two sixes in the initial two-over powerplay

Teams will bowl five consecutive overs from each end, rather than switching ends after each over

If teams fail to bowl their ten overs within 45 minutes, a fielder will be removed for the final six balls

Fans will be able to vote for a “mystery free hit” via an app or website

Gayle had earlier said that he was “genuinely excited” about the current innovations in this tournament after opting out of CPL 2022. “In particular, I am looking forward to the mystery team ball and hitting two sixes in the first 12 balls to unlock a third powerplay over,” he had said.The tournament will also witness overseas players such as Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir, Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane and Australia allrounder Chris Green – all representing Jamaica Tallawahs.New Zealand wickekeeper-batter Tim Seifert and Sri Lanka’s Seekkuge Prasanna will appear for Trinbago Knight Riders.South Africa’s Colin Ingram and Heinrich Klaasen, and Ireland’s Paul Stirling will strengthen the batting of Guyana Amazon Warriors, whereas New Zealand fast bowler Scott Kuggeleijn will add to Saint Lucia Kings’ bowling muscle.Barbados Royals, meanwhile, have picked Pakistan’s Azam Khan, Ireland’s Harry Tector and young South African allrounder Corbin Bosch.Women’s squads are yet to be announced.Men’s squadsBarbados Royals: Jason Holder, Obed McCoy, Kyle Mayers, Azam Khan (wk), Hayden Walsh Jr, Oshane Thomas, Rahkeem Cornwall, Harry Tector, Devon Thomas (wk), Joshua Bishop, Justin Greaves, Corbin Bosch, Nyeem Young, Teddy Bishop, Ramon SimmondsJamaica Tallawahs: Rovman Powell, Sandeep Lamichhane, Fabian Allen, Imad Wasim, Brandon King, Kennar Lewis, Mohammad Amir, Shamarh Brooks, Migael Pretorius, Chris Green, Raymon Reifer, Jamie Merchant, Amir Jangoo (wk), Shamar Springer, Nicholson Gordon, Kirk Mckenzie, Joshua JamesGuyana Amazon Warriors: Shimron Hetmyer, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Colin Ingram, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope, Paul Stirling, Heinrich Klaasen, Keemo Paul, Jermaine Blackwood, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, John Campbell, Shermon Lewis, Ronsford Beaton, Matthew Nandu (wk), Junior SinclairSt Kitts & Nevis Patriots: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Andre Fletcher, Qasim Akram, Sherfane Rutherford, Dwaine Pretorius, Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Dewald Brevis, Izharulhaq Naveed, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jon-Riss Jaggesar, Keacy Carty, Kelvin Pittman, Jaden CarmichaelSt Lucia Kings: Roston Chase, Johnson Charles (wk), Kesrick Williams, McKenney Clarke, Alzarri Joseph, Scott Kuggeleijn, Mark Deyal, Jeavor Royal, Matthew Forde, Leroy Lugg, Preston McSween, Larry Edwards, Ackeem Auguste, Rivaldo Clarke, Roshon Primus, Ravendra Persaud, Jesse BootanTrinbago Knight Riders: Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Tim Seifert (wk), Seekkuge Prasanna, Jayden Seales, Tion Webster, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, Terrence Hinds, Leonardo Julien, Shaaron Lewis

West Bromwich Albion have reached a verbal agreement to land their new manager, according to a new report.

West Brom in talks for new manager

The Baggies have been without a permanent manager since Christmas Eve after Carlos Corberan departed for Valencia, leaving Chris Brunt in interim charge and leading the club in four Championship fixtures.

West Brom make enquiry for "absolutely clinical" gem alongside Isaiah Jones

The Baggies are looking to sign a forward to help secure promotion to the Premier League.

ByDominic Lund Jan 8, 2025

A number of bosses have been linked with The Hawthorns vacancy, including Lee Carsley, with the England U21 coach thought to have turned down the job in order to stay with the Three Lions.

More recently, Fabrizio Romano revealed that West Brom had opened talks with former Manchester United assistant Rene Hake and that he was one of three main candidates.

Lewis Cox of The Express and Star has also claimed that Raphael Wicky has held discussions with the West Brom hierarchy, but it appears as if Hake could be the Baggies’ new boss after a fresh update.

West Brom verbally agree deal with Rene Hake

According to Football Insider, West Brom have reached a verbal agreement with Hake to take the Baggies job.

The report adds that contracts are being drawn up after Hake said yes to those in the west Midlands, pipping the likes of Urs Fischer, John Eustace and Wicky to the role.

Hake plays a defensive 4-3-3 style of football, as per Transfermarkt, and it will be his first managerial role since July 2024, where he swapped Go Ahead Eagles to take the assistant manager’s job at Old Trafford.

Go Ahead Eagles

75

1.37

FC Utrecht

60

1.50

SC Cambuur

63

1.60

FC Twente

75

1.28

It could be an appointment that has a mixed reception at The Hawthorns, with one Baggies fan pundit telling Football League World he is “cautious” at a move for the 53-year-old.

“In terms of Rene Hake, I can’t say I know too much about him. Looking at his record, he has had a mixed time in the Netherlands, managing sides such as Utrecht, Go Ahead Eagles, and several teams who lurked around mid-table in the Eredivisie.

“It’s hard to make an assumption over whether he will be a good fit. If he does play similar football to Erik ten Hag at Man Utd, that might put Albion fans off him a little bit. If he does get the job, the fans would have to get behind him.

“I’d be cautious at the minute about getting too excited or pessimistic before we hear the other names in the job. It’s said he is one of three candidates in the running, so I’d be looking forward to knowing who the other candidates that Albion are speaking to. The main feelings are mixed, and it’s difficult to make much of an assumption at the moment.”

Leask, Cross fifties go in vain as visitors race home with 25 balls to spare

Sam Dalling31-Jul-2022The last time Mark Chapman scored an ODI century was 2449 days ago. It came on his Hong Kong debut, having just completed both his exams and a 20-hour flight.A second came in the late-Sunday Edinburgh sunshine. Chapman’s century was his first in New Zealand colours, adding to the 83 he made in Friday’s T20I. It was an attractive, brutal knock, and as he reached the landmark off his 74th ball to point for a single, off came the helmet, and the bat swooshed through the air. Two balls later, a seven-wicket victory was sealed in the one-off ODI against Scotland.”I managed to score a few a couple of days ago, and I was happy to contribute again today,” he said after the match. “When Daryl (Mitchell) and I came together we had a lot of work to do. We talked about taking it deep, putting a partnership together and having wickets in hand come the end.”Daryl was encouraging me to go for it, and I just put my head down and tried to make contact. I’m stoked. Thankfully it came off today.”The problem, for the opposition at least, is that New Zealand are just so difficult to beat. Even when you think you’ve got them, they fight back. Chapman’s unbroken fourth-wicket partnership with Daryl Mitchell was worth 175 runs. The pair negotiated a potentially sticky situation with ease.Chapman took a particular shine to Hamza Tahir, who was peppered straight. Three sixes in an over towards the conclusion eased him through the 70s. He was dropped by Michael Leask in the middle of those, mind.Mitchell’s knock, on the other hand, contained a share of luck. Luck that largely evaded the Scots. But he is having a golden European tour, and there were touches of quality aplenty. It meant a tenth consecutive ODI victory for the Black Caps. And this, remember, is a line-up without Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.The win did not come without wobbly moments, though. Scotland will take much from the game, if not victory. Dreich is a popular Scottish adjective meaning grey and dreary. It was apt for the early morning weather. And when Scotland slipped to 107 for 5 having elected to bat first in this one-off match, it looked apt for their day.But then out came Leask. By mid-afternoon, the sun shone, Leask had walloped a rapid 85 – his highest score in this format – and his quickfire dismissals of Martin Guptill and Dane Cleaver had New Zealand up against it. For a while at least, it seemed game on.Michael Leask scored a rapid 85 off just 55 balls•SNS Group/Getty Images”It’s a week of missed opportunities,” Scotland head coach Shane Burger said. “We lost the big moments in the game, but ultimately, they go your way if you play more cricket. That one big partnership was the difference in the game.”I can’t fault the effort; the guys ran in and did the best we could. Our skill levels need to keep improving. It’s still building blocks but to see the resilience and the character shine out speaks 1,000 words.”Scotland had made a sprightly start with Kyle Coetzer racing to 20 from just 12 balls. But a miscued pull off Jacob Duffy brought about his downfall. Then came the New Zealand pressure. Michael Bracewell reeled off ten uninterrupted overs. Six overs between him and Blair Tickner cost just 11 runs, with Michael Jones falling to Bracewell, and Calum MacLeod to the latter. Bracewell then removed both Richie Berrington and Chris Greaves to leave Scotland reeling.Then came the counter punch. Finally, some home batting that mirrored the aggression of the in-house DJ’s excessive use of musical interludes. Matthew Cross reached 50 first with an emphatic pull off Lockie Ferguson that fizzed onto a neighbouring road.But Leask’s knock was the standout. Pure aggression. Bracewell was bludgeoned straight, before Ferguson – from around the wicket – dropped short and was swatted away. A later flat bat down the ground had Duffy sprinting. ‘You’ll nay catch that big lad’ came the cry from the hospitality tents. It was spot on. Leask then lifted Duffy over deep square and long on before falling 15 short of a century. Later, Mark Watt and Safyaan Sharif cameos took Scotland to 306.The hosts needed early luck but did not get it. Chris Sole was almost celebrating an immediate wicket, with Finn Allen edging just out of Cross’ reach. Shariff then thudded into Guptill’s pads, the ball struck the stumps, but the bails remained intact.Allen fell for exactly 50, Guptill 47 and then Cleaver soon after. But Chapman and Mitchell steadied before accelerating. Chapman boshed Tahir for a pair of maximums, Mitchell took ten off a Sharif over, and between them, they found 14 off Watt. Suddenly a run-a-ball was required. In the end, 25 balls were left spare.Quite what long-term value these games have for Scotland, when played in such isolation, is difficult to measure. This was their first ODI against a full-member nation since Sri Lanka visited in 2019. There is nothing currently in the fixture list. With the schedule packed, quite where additional games come from is difficult to see. In which case, it is ‘survive’ rather than ‘thrive.’

Tottenham Hotspur have now made contact over a deal for an “outstanding” defender, having emerged as the club showing the most interest in his signature.

Tottenham struggling defensively

Given Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style of play, it will always be difficult for Tottenham to keep a great number of clean sheets, and they have often looked poor defensively in the first half of the campaign.

Spurs’ 6-3 defeat at home to Liverpool in the Premier League displayed their frailties at the back, and their defensive struggles may soon be exacerbated further by a number of defenders being sidelined with injuries.

With the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie all currently on the treatment table, Postecoglou may be forced to enter the transfer market for a new defender this month.

Tottenham eyeing bargain January move for "pure quality" £54,000-p/w star

Ange Postecoglou is keeping tabs on a midfielder.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 2, 2025

A number of targets have been identified by the Australian, with AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori now on the list, alongside the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Ikatura and Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov, having opened talks for the latter two players.

Tottenham clearly have a number of options in mind, and there is another player on the shortlist, with journalist Alessandro Giovanni Pagliarini reporting they have made contact with Atalanta to ask for information about Ben Godfrey.

“Not only #Wolves and #NFFC, also #Tottenham asked for information for Ben #Godfrey. The defender did not convince Gasperini and will leave #Atalanta in the January market.”

The 26-year-old, who cost £10m in the summer, has not done enough to convince manager Gian Piero Gasperini and is set to leave the Serie A club this winter, potentially opening the door for a move to north London, although Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest are also keen.

Journalist Rudy Galetti has confirmed that Spurs have shown “the most interest” in Godfrey, as they look to reinforce their defence this winter.

Godfrey could reignite his career at Tottenham

Things may not have worked out exactly to plan for the centre-back in Italy, but he has put in some impressive performances over the past year, showcasing his defensive attributes.

The York-born defender ranks in the 99th percentile for clearances per 90, and the 97th percentile for aerials won, when compared to his positional peers, displaying his dominance in the air.

During his time with Norwich City, the defender was hailed by former manager Daniel Farke, who said: “You can speak about the best centre-backs in the world now but at 19 and 20 they will have made mistakes.

“The best ones learn. Ben is playing without mistakes and that is outstanding. He is a pretty emotional player and I like that a lot because it means you are capable of finding another gear.”

The Englishman has a great deal of Premier League experience, making 112 appearances in the competition, and he could be a solid signing for Tottenham as they look to fix their defensive issues between now and the end of the campaign.

Leeds United are currently top of the Championship table and know that a win over Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday night will ensure that they remain there.

The Whites are aiming to secure promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking after they fell short in the play-offs after finishing third in the division in the 2023/24 campaign.

Daniel Farke’s side will want to avoid going through the lottery of the play-offs and they moved one step closer to automatic promotion with a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in West Yorkshire last time out.

Goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani, and Ao Tanaka secured all three points for the Whites in their clash with the Owls on Sunday.

Despite the club’s excellent position in the Championship, Leeds may still look to utilise the January transfer window to bolster their squad before it slams shut at the start of next month.

In fact, the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly in the market to add another attacking player to their squad before the window officially closes.

Leeds eyeing deal for new striker

According to The Lower Tiers, an account dedicated to EFL content, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign St. Gallen centre-forward Willem Geubbels this month.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that the French striker has impressed for the Swiss side this season and has attracted interest from several clubs in England, who are now eyeing up moves for his services.

It states that Leeds, Sheffield United, and Burnley – three of the teams vying to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League – are all considering bids to sign the 23-year-old dynamo to bolster their respective attacks.

The report does not reveal how much St. Gallen would demand for their star striker, however, so it remains to be seen how much money the Whites would need to splash out to land his signature.

Geubbels is valued at around £4m by Transfermarkt, which may provide a rough idea as to his worth, but the Swiss outfit could demand more if they do not want to sell their main man midway through the season during the January transfer window.

Leeds should not be deterred by this, though, because the St. Gallen number nine could come in to improve Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch, as an upgrade on current Whites striker Mateo Joseph, in particular.

Mateo Joseph's form this season

The Spain U21 international was used sparingly by the German head coach in the 2023/24 campaign during his first season of semi-regular first-team football.

Joseph made all 20 of his Championship appearances as a substitute and contributed with one goal, whilst being behind the likes of Georgino Rutter, Patrick Bamford, and Joel Piroe in the pecking order at Elland Road.

Rutter’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer and Bamford’s regression to being a back-up option in the squad has provided the academy graduate with an opportunity to stake a claim for his place in the starting XI this season.

The 21-year-old whiz has started 11 of his 27 appearances in the Championship so far this term but has been the second-choice behind Piroe for the most part, due to his struggles in front of goal in the second tier.

Mateo Joseph

4.86

2

-2.86

Patrick Bamford

1.91

0

-1.91

Wilfried Gnonto

5.45

4

-1.45

Pascal Struijk

3.98

3

-0.98

Ethan Ampadu

0.83

0

-0.83

As you can see in the table above, no other player in the Leeds squad has underperformed against their Expected Goals tally by more than Joseph, who has only scored twice from 4.86 xG worth of chances.

This shows that the team have created plenty of high-quality opportunities for the Spanish striker to find the back of the net, only to be let down by his wasteful finishing more often than not.

With this in mind, Leeds could find an upgrade on the misfiring youngster by swooping to sign Geubbels from St. Gallen before the end of the January transfer window to come in and compete with Piroe for a starting berth in the side in the second half of the season.

Why Leeds should sign Willem Geubbels

The 23-year-old star’s form in the Swiss Super League so far in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that the potential is there for him to come in and improve Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch.

RangersJournal writer and content creator Kai Watson described Geubbels as a “powerful” and “quick” attacker who can use his pace on the last line to get in behind and cause defenders problems, which could make him an ideal alternative to Piroe, who lacks the athleticism to stretch defences.

The former Monaco and Lyon whiz has backed his physical attributes up with technical quality in the final third in recent seasons, with a return of eight goals and nine ‘big chances’ created in 26 starts in the Swiss Super League last term.

Geubbels has followed that up with an impressive first half of the current league campaign with St. Gallen, as he has once again proven himself to be adept at scoring and creating goals from a centre-forward position.

Appearances

27

13

Goals

2

6

Big chances missed

6

2

Conversion rate

6%

21%

Big chances created

4

4

As you can see in the table above, the French dynamo has provided far more quality in the final third at league level in comparison to Joseph, with more goals and fewer ‘big chances’ created in 14 fewer appearances.

These statistics suggest that Geubbels is a better finisher than the Spanish forward, given his vastly superior conversion rate, and that could mean that he has a better chance of making the most of the quality opportunities that Leeds have been creating this season.

Leeds have hit gold with "explosive" star who's worth more than Louie Barry

Leeds United have been linked with an interest in Aston Villa forward Louie Barry this month.

2 ByDan Emery Jan 21, 2025

Therefore, Leeds should push to beat Burnley and Sheffield United to the 23-year-old star’s signature before the end of the January transfer window.

James Bracey scored a brilliant unbeaten century to propel Gloucestershire to a thrilling five-wicket triumph over previously unbeaten Nottinghamshire in an entertaining Royal London One-Day Cup contest at the sun-drenched Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol.Chasing 295 to win, the home side reached their target with 10.2 overs to spare thanks to a superb fifth wicket stand of 179 between Bracey and Jack Taylor, who made 104 not out and 95 respectively to help Gloucestershire achieve a second success on home soil in the space of four days.Australian Marcus Harris weighed in with a useful 48, while offspinner Matt Montgomery proved the pick of the Nottinghamshire bowlers, returning figures of 2 for 48 from seven overs.Sol Budinger had earlier staged a high-class innings of 89 from 56 balls, dominating an opening stand of 77 in 10.3 overs with Ben Slater, who contributed 34. Lyndon James contributed a workmanlike 47 during the middle overs and Zak Chappell, Brett Hutton and Dane Paterson also contributed as Nottinghamshire recovered from 216-8 to register a competitive 294 all out in their 50 overs.Gloucestershire relied heavily on spin, Taylor, Tom Smith and Zafar Gohar sending down 30 overs and taking five wickets between them, while Paul van Meekeren claimed 3 for 73 on a day when the home side’s seam attack found the going hard.Back-to-back victories over Somerset and Nottinghamshire have revived Gloucestershire’s prospects of making the knockout stages and their account will move into credit if they defeat Durham at Riverside on Friday. Despite suffering a first defeat of the campaign in this format, Nottinghamshire will remain well-placed to reach the quarter-finals should they overcome Middlesex at Trent Bridge in their next outing.In buoyant mood following comprehensive victories over Sussex and Somerset, Nottinghamshire’s top-order seized the initiative after winning the toss, Budinger and Slater trading almost exclusively in boundaries to raise 50 in 7.5 overs as Gloucestershire’s seamers struggled with their line.Boasting a career average of 55 in List-A matches, Slater had moved effortlessly to 34 from 36 balls when he drove Zafar and was brilliantly held by Chris Dent on the run at mid-on.Striking the ball cleanly from the outset, Budinger required 33 deliveries to raise 50, in the process taking van Meekeren for 17 runs in one over. Demonstrating guile in the face of spin, he was just 11 runs short of what would have been a sparkling hundred when an unexpected loss of concentration caused him to hoist slow left armer Smith to the long-on boundary.Unperturbed by Nottinghamshire’s early onslaught, Gloucestershire opted to take the pace off, Taylor and Smith bowling in tandem to good effect as the visitors, handily-placed on 117 for 2, lost six wickets for the addition of 99 runs in 22 overs.When James was bowled by Jared Warner in the 40th over, so ending a sensible knock, Gloucestershire sensed an opportunity with Notts teetering on 216 for 8 and in danger of falling short.Thereafter, the lower order took matters into their own hands, the last three batsmen between them amassing 48 runs in boundaries as Nottinghamshire reasserted their authority during the final 10 overs.Inside knowledge garnered during two loan spells with Gloucestershire this summer no doubt assisted Chappell, who bit the hand that had so recently fed him by staging an exhilarating stand of 52 for the ninth wicket in 5.5 overs with Hutton, who then added a further 28 valuable runs with last man Paterson.In need of solid foundations, Gloucestershire lost openers Dent and Ben Wells inside 11 overs, the latter falling for 28 to a wonderfully acrobatic catch by Montgomery at mid-wicket off the bowling of Paterson, leaving overseas hired hand Marcus Harris and Bracey to carry the fight to the visitors. These two added 56 in seven overs to keep the required rate below six, only for Harris to be bowled by a straight delivery from the ubiquitous Montgomery when just two runs shy of 50.Montgomery’s off breaks yielded further dividends in his next over, Oli Price pushing uppishly to mid-wicket, his tame dismissal leaving the home side on 115 for 4 in the 20th over.That was the cue for new batsman Taylor to inject a surge of positivity, Gloucestershire’s captain producing a flurry of boundaries to fundamentally shift the balance of power and ease the pressure on Bracey, who himself proved no slouch in raising a progressive 50 from 54 balls.In authoritative mood, the no-nonsense Taylor required 24 deliveries fewer to attain the same landmark and the partnership entered three-figure territory in the 33rd over, at which point Gloucestershire needed to score a further 80 runs at less than five an over. Now under intense pressure, Nottinghamshire’s bowlers were powerless to part the fifth wicket pair, much to the delight of the home crowd.Bracey won the race to reach 100, smashing Hutton back over his head for a huge six to spark a standing ovation. With the scores level and one run needed to win, Taylor attempted to hoist Singh high over mid-wicket in pursuit of the six that would have secured him a hundred of his own, only to hole out to Martindale.His high-octane innings occupied 55 balls and included 10 fours and 5 sixes, while Bracey’s 93-ball sojourn was adorned by 9 fours and a brace of sixes, these two providing rich entertainment for those brave enough to endure the searing heat.

The Philadelphia Union prodigy may be one of the best talents the U.S. has ever produced, with considerable support on his journey

Cavan Sullivan could have cut the ball back. His brother was open, and there was another Philadelphia Union man making a run into the box. It was stoppage time, and the 14-year-old had a slither of space on the left wing in his professional debut in July 2024.

But instead of the smart, he went for the spectacular, unleashing a strike from 20 yards from a difficult angle. New England Revolution keeper Aljax Ivacic parried it into the ground. Philadelphia would win 5-1, anyway.

The whole sequence is chronicled in the Apple TV+ docuseries “Onside: Major League Soccer.” Here’s Cavan Sullivan, doing his math homework (he gets a 7/10.) There’s Cavan Sullivan, not knowing that he should eat the pasta with his pre-match chicken parmesan ("It’s the his older brother points out.)

But throughout this all, Sullivan seems a kid mature beyond his years. If there is any pressure associated with 38 minutes of television, a camera crew at his house, and the constant background chatter about just how good he is, then Sullivan doesn’t feel it.

“It’s something you’ve got to get used to, especially when they’re a documentary film crew at your crib. So yeah I did have to get used to it,” he told GOAL in an interview at Philadelphia’s training center.

And therein lies the point. Sullivan is a youngster suddenly in the pressure cooker of the American soccer world before most are ready. But where most prodigies have failed – Freddy Adu is the cautionary tale raised with every other breath – Sullivan looks mighty comfortable. There’s a confidence, perhaps, at times a cockiness. Sullivan might be the biggest talent American soccer has ever seen. And he’s entirely comfortable with it.

“I know the pressure is there,” he says. “But once I step within these white lines, it fades away.”

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  'I look up to my mom'

  The story is well chronicled, at this point. Sullivan is basically a walking book of records. The fifth-youngest player ever to sign a homegrown contract in MLS. The youngest playoff goalscorer in MLS Next Pro history. The youngest player to make a matchday squad. The youngest debutant in American professional sports league (breaking Adu’s record by 13 days).

  This all comes in an era – and a sport – that does not always cater well to young talents. The United States, in particular, has had a difficult relationship with top prospects. There is a line to be drawn that starts with Adu, runs through Julian Green, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and now lands at Sullivan. Not all of those stories have been successful.

  But Sullivan is different. It’s not just the money, the swagger, or the pre-contract signed with Manchester City that will see him move to the Etihad Stadium upon his 18th birthday (still more than two years away.) Sullivan is protected from this all by a family that appears simultaneously meticulous and demanding, yet also immensely delicate. He is the youngest of four brothers, raised by parents who both played collegiate and professional soccer, so the people around Sullivan know how difficult this all is – and how challenging it might yet be.

  “I look up to my mom off the field, the person she is, how kind she is, how respectful, and how she helps me every day. I want to be just like her, and treat people the way she does,” Sullivan said. “And in terms of on the pitch… my Dad has taught me everything I know.”

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• 'This could happen sooner rather than later'

  Of course, some of the cliches are here. Yes, Sullivan had a soccer ball in his crib. Inevitably, he could run, catch and kick a little earlier than others. There is video proof that at 18 months old he could use both feet with a ball inside the house. It was clear, from a young age, that he was of a different level. The standard platitudes of “things that can’t be taught” very much apply.

  He had always played a couple of years up. It was at the Generation Adidas Cup when his talent became apparent. The tournament routinely attracts scouts from around the world. In the 2023 iteration, he tore up Arsenal’s U15 side at just 13. Last year, Sullivan showed up in Prada boots with bleached hair, led the Union to the title, and scored an equalizing goal in the final.

  At that point, it became clear that a first team debut was near.

  “When I first started getting recognition in that aspect, I felt that was when I envisioned ‘This could happen sooner rather than later,’ ” he said.

  But Sullivan has never been allowed to think that way. His siblings still insist they’re better than him. After Cavan’s debut, his older brother Quinn, who also plays for the Union and is a fine midfielder in his own right, walked up to the docuseries cameras and immediately criticized his younger brother’s finishing ability (Quinn curled in a lovely fifth goal for the Union in the win.)

  And off the pitch, with the cameras turned away, there remains a competitive aspect to this all. Family 2v2s had to be canceled because of a disagreement over goalkeepers on small-sided nets. One brother was blocking a goal. Words were exchanged. Someone blasted a ball at someone else. The details are a bit fuzzy.

  “It wasn't even that deep,” Cavan recalled. “He smashed the ball at us. We got into a fight, and then we just dipped after that.”

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  'They're used to competing up'

  “You want to know what Cavan’s like?”

  Dr. Nooha Ahmed-Lee is the Head of School of the YSC Academy, the Union’s educational center. She understands the question. And knows the answer isn’t simple. There is, as Ahmed-Lee says, a “360 piece” to Sullivan’s life. Start in the classroom. Sullivan had always played two years up. So, when the Union brought him into their academy in 2020, he was in sixth grade, learning eighth grade material.

  That wasn’t a problem.

  “He’s academically very, very astute,” Ahmed-Lee told GOAL. “He's an intellectual kind of learner.”

  In a way, he doesn’t have much of a choice. Play up, and you've got to learn up. Cavan’s father, Brenden, is a history teacher at the school. All three of his older brothers have, at some point, been enrolled. But Ahmed-Lee insists that it’s Cavan himself – not the pressure from family – that drives him.

  “When you have that kind of personality, that you just know that person's not going to get left behind – whether it's academically or soccer wise – they're just used to competing up,” Ahmed-Lee said.

  That applies to everything. Sullivan is competitive in pretty much all things, Ahmed-Lee said. At a mock trial in school, Sullivan stood out. Even there, he wanted to be the best.

  "We did a mock trial, and his role was public defender, and it was like, ‘Cavan, hey, listen, if the soccer thing doesn't work out, well, you're like a great public defender,’ ” Ahmed-Lee joked.

  Fame and fortune can have corrosive effects on even the most seasoned of players, let alone a 15-year-old trying to navigate life in the spotlight on the pitch and meshing with his peers in the classroom. But Ahmed-Lee says Cavan parks the public persona at the door.

  “He's the kind of person that will get along with everybody and treat everybody the same,” she says. “And so he's not stuck up, you know? He's very humble. He feels like, you know, he recognizes kids who are working hard and he applauds them.”

  And there are constant reminders that Sullivan is still just 15. He still needs signatures from his parents to attend a school dance. A few years ago, when Ahmed-Lee asked him what he would do with his first paycheck, Sullivan told her he wanted to buy a car. She had to remind him that he can’t legally drive it yet. But she considers that a healthy attitude.

  “The school is very aware, as I'm sure his parents are, that the best thing to do for Cavan is to treat him like everybody else in the school and keep him as a kid,” Ahmed-Lee said.

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  'I like the hunger I see in him'

  It was one of Sullivan’s first training sessions with the senior team, and he was getting stuck in. Everyone there was bigger, faster, and stronger (he may yet grow but is currently listed at 5-7.) Sullivan went in for a 50/50 with an established pro, and was absolutely clattered. Cavan crumpled on the ground, rocking back and forth. No one helped – not immediately, at least.

  Such is the life of a young player training with the first team. Sullivan gets tossed around by the big boys. Players twice his age are throwing an elbow, or leaving a foot in. But Sullivan gets his own in, too, breaking out flicks, nutmegs and sharp turns.

  “I got some cool plays in there,” he said after training. “A meg. I'm not gonna say on who, but yeah, I've been showing my confidence a little bit more.”

  But there are still some blips sprinkled in. Before his debut, Sullivan – given the No. 6 jersey – forgot that the shirts are pinned up in the dressing room in ascending numerical order. He needed help from Quinn to take his expensive watch off. His brother made fun of him for not wearing his own suit to his signing video.

  In interviews, he remains confident, but also slightly cheeky. He has admitted that he wants to be in Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. men’s national team World Cup squad next year. But 2030 might be more realistic, he said, with a grin.

  Former pros can see the drive, too.

  “I like the hunger that I see in him,” former USMNT and MLS star Taylor Twellman told GOAL. “I like the humility that I see in him, while also being confident in what he wants to do. There is a fine line between cocky and confident. And I say he's still hungry and confident, and he's trying to prove something.”

Manchester United have reportedly slashed their asking price for Alejandro Garnacho as the Red Devils prepare for a fire sale this summer.

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Man Utd ready to sell numerous playersSlash Garnacho's asking price to €45mNapoli interested in signing the ArgentineFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Garnacho has been linked with a potential exit since the start of the season, as the Argentine winger has struggled for form under both Erik Ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils have struggled themselves, however, the board is opting to give Amorim his preferred squad for next season, and as such, they are considering making a fire sale in the summer.

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Reports have suggested that United want to give Amorim a transfer budget of around £200 million this summer, and to achieve that budget, they will have to make a number of sales at slashed prices. As per Tutto Mercato’s Niccolo Ceccarini, the Red Devils have slashed their asking price for Garnacho from €60 million (£51.6m/$67.8m) to €45 million (£38.7m/$50.8m) for this summer.

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Napoli had been interested in signing Garnacho since last summer, however, a move never came to fruition as United preferred to keep the Argentine at Old Trafford. However, with the 20-time Premier League champions now potentially open to selling the 20-year-old, Gli Azzurri could be free to strike a deal for the winger.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO?

Despite his lack of form, Garnacho will continue on as a regular for Amorim in the squad, as the entire squad has struggled since the Portuguese boss' arrival, and he will not be keen on trying new combinations when United take on Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash.