كشف هاني سعيد المدير الرياضي لنادي بيراميدز، حقيقة ما يتردد عن انتقال رمضان صبحي إلى الزمالك مقابل التعاقد مع مدافع الأبيض حسام عبد المجيد.

وقال سعيد خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “هاتريك” المذاع على قناة “أون سبورت”: “ما يتردد بشأن رمضان صبحي وانتقاله للزمالك مقابل حسام عبد المجيد، غير صحيح تمامًا، لا توجد أي مفاوضات تمت بهذا الشكل”.

وأضاف: “كرة القدم كلها متغيرات، ومن الممكن أن أقول لك شيئًا مستحيلًا اليوم، وبعدها يحدث، هذا ليس بخصوص رمضان فقط، لكن بشكل عام، الكرة ليس بها ثوابت، وكل شيء وارد، أما بخصوص هذ الصفقة تحديدًا، فلا، الموضوع غير موجود أصلًا، ولا أي حديث أو مفاوضات تمت بشأنها”.

طالع | إكرامي الشحات يوضح حقيقة بيع بيراميدز لـ رمضان صبحي.. ويرد على تصريحات كريم نيدفيد

وعن إعلان فيستون ماييلي إسلامه، أوضح: “هذا كان بسبب زملائه في الفريق، خصوصًا كريم حافظ كان يتحدث معه بالفرنسية، وبدأ يتقرب منه ويتحدث معه عن الدين، فيستون رأى أمامه قدوة جيدة، وبدأ يسمع ويتعلم، والحمد لله الأمور ذهبت في الاتجاه الصحيح، هو عمومًا شخص محترم جدًا، وتعاملاته احترافية لأقصى درجة، ومن الشخصيات الجميلة داخل الفريق”.

وبسؤاله ما سبب تكرار إصابات رمضان صبحي، قال: “هذا له تأثير كبير على رمضان في الفترة الأخيرة، لكن الموضوع ليس له تفسير واضح، لأنه يتعرض للإصابات أثناء التدريبات، وليس في المباريات”.

وأكمل: “تحدثنا معه، أبلغناه أنه إذا كان نظام حياتك يحتاج لتغيير، لا بد أن تعيد النظر فيه، هو لاعب محترف، ومن المفترض أن يكون لديه وعي كافي للمحافظة على نفسه، لكن في النهاية، من الممكن أن تكون المسألة نصيب وقدر، وربنا يشفيه، وإن شاء الله يعود قريبًا في حالة بدنية جيدة”.

وعن ماذا يقول يورتشيتش عن رمضان صبحي، كشف المدير الرياضي لنادي بيراميدز: “يورتشيتش دايمًا كان يرى إن رمضان من العناصر المهمة جدًا في الفريق، ويعتبره من الأعمدة الرئيسية، وكان دايمًا يخطط على أساس وجوده، لأنه يعلم تأثيره الكبير داخل الملعب، لكن بعد إصاباته المتكررة بدأ يعتمد على عناصر غيره أكثر جاهزية”.

Kyle Jamieson has also been removed from the squad, while Zak Foulkes and Will O’Rourke have been retained

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Mar-2025Matt Henry, who had been included in New Zealand’s squads for the fourth and fifth T20Is against Pakistan despite an injured shoulder, has been officially ruled out, and will continue “his injury rehabilitation programme,” New Zealand Cricket said on Saturday.Zakary Foulkes, who had been selected only for the first three games of the series, has been retained for the last two games as Henry’s replacement. Foulkes was persisted with after returns of 1 for 11 (three overs) in the first game and none for 32 (three overs) in the second game, both of which New Zealand won.In another tweak to the squad, Kyle Jamieson, who was Player of the Match in the first T20I for his returns of 3 for 8 but was expensive (none for 54) in the third game, which Pakistan won, has been left out for the last two games. Will O’Rourke, who had originally been picked only for the first three games, has been added to the squad in Jamieson’s place.Henry had injured his right shoulder while diving in the outfield during the Champions Trophy semi-final win over South Africa earlier this month, which put him out of the final against India, and has also been managing an ongoing left-knee issue.Of the New Zealand quicks, Jacob Duffy has played all three matches of the series, and leads the wicket-takers’ list with seven strikes, while James Neesham and Ben Sears have played two games each. Ish Sodhi and captain Michael Bracewell, the two spinners, have also played all three games.New Zealand lead the series 2-1, with the fourth and fifth games to be played on Sunday (in Mount Maunganui) and on Wednesday (in Wellington).New Zealand squad for last two T20Is vs PakistanMichael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk), Mark Chapman, Zakary Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi

MatériaMais Notícias

A caminho do Athletico-PR, a saída do volante Arturo Vidal do Flamengo já era esperada. Ainda no começo de junho, o jogador anunciou que deixaria o clube carioca em dezembro deste ano, quando seu contrato chegaria ao fim. Os altos salários, aliados ao baixo rendimento dentro de campo, já faziam com que os dirigentes não buscassem uma possível renovação do chileno.

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Agora, o volante tem tudo certo para seguir sua carreira no Athletico-PR. O jogador busca uma rescisão amigável com o Flamengo e deve defender o Furacão até dezembro deste ano, mesmo período em que defenderia o Flamengo. Dessa forma, o Lance! separou alguns momentos marcantes, positivos ou não, da passagem do jogador pelo Flamengo.

+ Renove o seu estoque de Mantos Sagrados com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

TÍTULOS E LIDERANÇA

Depois de um flerte antigo, o Flamengo finalmente contratou Vidal junto a Inter de Milão, em julho do ano passado. O volante chileno chegou com status de craque após passagens por Bayern de Munique, Juventus e Barcelona, mas a diretoria rubro-negra estava ciente de que ele já não estava no seu melhor nível. Mesmo assim, no início da passagem, o chileno entregou bastante.

Ao longo dos primeiros seis meses, Vidal participou de 26 partidas, sendo 12 como titular e balançou as redes em duas oportunidades, contra Juventude e Botafogo. O chileno foi liderança importante no time que jogava as partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro e foi reserva utilizado nas duas decisões disputadas pela equipe, na Copa do Brasil e Libertadores.

+ Marcos Braz minimiza lesão de Allan e revela panorama de negociações do Flamengo

POLÊMICAS

Até a virada do ano, a relação entre Flamengo e Vidal era excelente. O volante era querido nos bastidores e exercia uma liderança importante no elenco. Contudo, 2023 trouxe uma face do volante que desagradou a diretoria e torcida rubro-negra, desgastando de vez a parceria. É possível dividir os problemas em dois atos, ambos às vésperas do Mundial de Clubes.

Primeiro, Vidal se ofereceu para o Colo-Colo em live no Instagram e causou desconforto no grupo antes da ida para o Marrocos: “Venham me buscar”, disse na época o jogador. O volante chegou a se retratar com a torcida, mas o estrago já estava feito. Ainda no mesmo dia, o chileno jogou chuteiras de maneira agressiva após saber que não seria titular em jogo contra o Boavista, pelo Carioca. Pelo episódio, ele foi multado.

Não foram muitas oportunidades entre os titulares com Vítor Pereira, mas a chegada de Sampaoli trouxe esperança para Vidal. O jogador já havia trabalhado com o argentino na seleção chilena, e a dupla se sagrou campeã da Copa América em duas oportunidades. Quando recebeu chances, no entanto, ele não correspondeu e, no momento, está atrás de Pulgar e Victor Hugo na rotação.

Como mencionado, o contrato de Vidal com o Flamengo teria duração até dezembro e o jogador já poderia assinar um pré-contrato com qualquer equipe. Ao todo, Vidal disputou disputou 51 jogos pelo Rubro-Negro desde sua chegada, em meados do ano passado, marcou dois gols e concedeu três assistências.

Australia international Grace Harris has signed a deal with Surrey to play in the inaugural women’s Vitality Blast.The batting allrounder, who has represented her country 62 times in limited overs internationals, becomes Surrey’s first overseas player, and the first outright in the new professional era of women’s county cricket in England and Wales.The 2025 summer will be the first time all men’s and women’s counties will play alongside one another in the Vitality Blast. Harris’ first match will be Surrey Women’s opener against Hampshire Hawks at the Kia Oval on June 5, as part of the double-header alongside the equivalent men’s fixture.Harris is renowned for her big-hitting and wily off spin, skillsets which have made her a staple across a number of franchise tournaments. As well as featuring prominently for her home side Brisbane Heat in the women’s Big Bash, the Queenslander recently ended the WPL as UP Warriorz’ joint-highest runscorer, and is part of London Spirit in The Hundred. She also featured in the three T20Is that made up the winter’s women’s Ashes, helping Australia consign England to a 16-0 defeat.”I can’t wait to take to the pitch with the team at Surrey and the Kia Oval,” said Harris, in a statement released on Wednesday. “The club has shown a strong commitment to the women’s side and I know the team have been preparing hard over the winter. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team and making the most of my time with them.”Emma Calvert, Surrey’s Director of Women’s Cricket, added: “We are incredibly excited to be able to announce Grace as our first overseas signing for our newly professional Surrey women’s team.”Grace brings international and franchise experience which we believe will really add value to our squad both on and off the pitch. She plays exactly the style of cricket we look to play and I can’t wait to see her wearing the three feathers at the Kia Oval this summer.”Surrey will play in the top league of the women’s Vitality Blast, along with the seven other Tier One counties. The eight sides will play each other home and away across 14 group-stage matches, with the top three securing a spot at Finals Day, which will take place at the Kia Oval on July 27.

Manchester City have enacted something of a rebuild across the last two transfer windows and could now be set to continue their spending spree once the January window opens, according to a report.

Manchester City look to overcome mixed Premier League start

Despite making some impressive summer signings, Manchester City have lost consecutive Premier League fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Pep Guardiola has changed the guard in several positions and may need time to let new faces settle in at the Etihad Stadium, albeit he will be hoping for an improved return on the club’s investments after the international break.

Still, Joe Cole preserves optimism that one of Manchester City’s main men can go on to thrive this campaign and has claimed that Phil Foden is the best player in the Premier League when he is in form.

The former England international told talkSPORT: “He had a difficult season last year. We don’t know the problems he had off the pitch or injuries or what it was, but what you have to do is keep faith with these types of players.

“When Phil Foden plays to the best of his ability, like the season before last, he’s the best player in the country, you know, but there’s only one player who can produce that type of level of performance over the last 15 years consistently. That’s Lionel Messi. And there’s a reason he’s the greatest player in the world.”

Intriguingly, Guardiola could add a new superstar to the fold amid Manchester City’s plan to launch an ambitious move to sign Vinicius Junior in January, albeit it remains to be seen whether they could tempt him away from the Spanish top-flight.

Remaining on that topic, the Citizens could be set to raid La Liga for a rising young star who could now have a pivotal decision to make on his future.

Man City could launch January move for Dro Fernandez

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City want to sign Barcelona talent Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, who is viewed as a breakout star in his homeland after entering La Blaugrana’s second string at 17 years of age.

Predominantly an attacking midfielder, the Spain Under-17 star is also wanted by Chelsea and has registered four goals in 14 appearances for club and country at various youth levels.

"Unbelievable" Man City player in demand as clubs queue up to sign him

Would selling him make any sense?

ByHenry Jackson Sep 6, 2025

Adored by Hansi Flick for his contribution during Barcelona’s pre-season, he has already got off the mark at first-team level by scoring in a friendly against Vissel Kobe, potentially opening the door to further senior opportunities down the line.

Nevertheless, he now faces an intriguing decision amid interest from the Premier League, which could force his club to offer him a contract extension with guarantees that his developmental needs will be met.

Guardiola always has an eye out for prodigious talent and may have spotted an opening to convince one of Europe’s stars to move to the Etihad Stadium.

Dominant fourth-wicket partnership gives visitors chance to turn the screw at halfway mark of contest

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Apr-2025

England A 317 for 4 (Scholfield 138*, Capsey 108) trail Australia A 343 (Trenaman 77, Ginger 54, Knott 52, Faltum 52, Wong 5-63) by 26 runsPaige Scholfield and Alice Capsey seized the initiative in the unofficial women’s Test in Sydney with a fourth-wicket stand of 210, as England A’s batters built on a bowling effort led by Issy Wong’s five-for to move towards a first-innings lead on the second day at Cricket Central.Both batters made centuries in the course of a dominant day’s work, and by the close, Scholfield was still going strong on 138 not out, with England A well set on 317 for 4, trailing by 26 runs with two days of the contest remaining.After extending their overnight 315 for 7 to a first-innings total of 343, Australia A seemed to have taken charge when England slumped to 34 for 3 in reply. Lauren Cheatle had a role in each of the three wickets, first by catching Mady Villiers at fine leg in Tess Flintoff’s first over of the innings, and then in bowling Hollie Armitage and Grace Scrivens in consecutive overs.But Capsey and Scholfield turned the momentum of the innings in a boundary-studded 52-over alliance that spanned the afternoon session. Capsey swept and pulled Sophie Day for four fours in an over as England pushed on at a brisk tempo, and they weren’t parted until Maitlan Brown trapped Capsey lbw for 108, with the deficit already reduced to double figures.Scholfield, however, found another solid ally in Jodi Grewcock, with whom she saw out the rest of the day in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 73. Grewcock reached the close on 29 not out from 84 balls, with three fours.Earlier, England had needed 10 overs to pick off the remaining three wickets of Australia’s first innings, for the addition of 28 runs. Grace Potts grabbed two of these, including the final wicket of Sianna Ginger for 54, but the key moment came when Wong fired a yorker through Lilly Mills’ defences to pick up a well-deserved fifth wicket.

They have won just one out of four completed matches at home this season, and take on RR, who are already knocked out

Sreshth Shah03-May-20251:36

Rayudu: Narine completely dismantles oppositions

Big picture: Time running out for KKRKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) aren’t out of the playoffs race yet, but the margin for error has all but vanished. They can still reach 17 points, but that requires a perfect run in their final four games. Two of these games are at Eden Gardens, where they’ve managed just one win in four completed matches this season. Saturday afternoon’s match marks their penultimate home game.To stay in the hunt for a top-four finish, KKR need to break new ground this season by stringing together back-to-back wins for the first time. Their last game, against Delhi Capitals (DC), wasn’t perfect, but a few performances offered some hope that there’s still fight left in them. Rinku Singh and Andre Russell found their spark, Sunil Narine dismissed three high-quality batters, and the openers finally laid a solid foundation. For KKR, replicating all of that – and getting more out of Venkatesh Iyer – is essential for their playoff hopes. A loss wouldn’t eliminate them outright, but it would leave them hanging by a thread.Up against them are Rajasthan Royals (RR), already eliminated, but a side that’s hurting. The Vaibhav Suryavanshi – Yashasvi Jaiswal show against Gujarat Titans was scintillating, but what followed was a tame submission against Mumbai Indians, when they went down by 100 runs.Lifting themselves up to produce a performance with Sanju Samson still injured and Sandeep Sharma out of the tournament will be difficult, but a hurting side with nothing to lose can be a dangerous unit. And as their bowling coach Shane Bond suggested on the eve of the game, there’ll be some players waiting to make full use of any opportunities afforded to them in their last few fixtures, with the management having one eye on IPL 2026 and beyond.Form guideKolkata Knight Riders: WLLWL
Rajasthan Royals: LWLLLThe big questionKKR have three overseas players locked in: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Narine and Russell. But how do their best use their fourth? It appears Spencer Johnson and Anrich Nortje are not in the mix right now. Rovman Powell, the current preference, has been carded at No. 8 for their last two games, and a batter at that position averages fewer than six balls per game.In the spotlight: Venkatesh Iyer and Dhruv JurelVenkatesh Iyer is being plagued by inconsistency. In seven innings this season, a struggling top order has offered him ample opportunity. But he has been out in single digits four times, and has crossed 40 only once. Compared to last season, Venkatesh’s average has dropped from 46.3 to 20.3, while his strike rate has fallen from 159 to 139. Only Rishabh Pant and and Abdul Samad have poorer averages this season (minimum 100 runs). With the batters above and below Venkatesh beginning to stitch together scores, it’s time for KKR’s vice-captain to do the same with qualification for playoffs still a possibility.5:35

What all went wrong for Rajasthan Royals this IPL?

RR have shown a lot of faith in Dhruv Jurel, but his role this season has been a bit muddled. He has always been inventive and attacking against pace, but at both No. 4 or No. 5, his game against spin has been tested. Jurel strikes at only 110 against spinners this season, and it’s 179 against pace while boasting an average of 81.5. Is it time for RR to utilise him differently?Team news and probable XIIsWith only two right-handers in the RR top five, and KKR trusting Russell more with the ball, Anukul Roy, who picked up 1 for 27 against DC, might make way for Ramandeep Singh to get more batting power. Ajinkya Rahane had his right hand bandaged after being injured against DC, but Powell suggested he should be available.Kolkata Knight Riders: 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 4 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 5 Venkatesh Iyer, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Rovman Powell/Moeen Ali, 9 Ramandeep Singh/Anukul Roy, 10 Harshit Rana, 11 Varun Chakravarthy, 12 Vaibhav AroraAkash Madhwal got his first opportunity with Sandeep’s injury in RR’s last game, and should keep his place. Left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya remains a tempting option against KKR’s line-up. Wanindu Hasaranga could be back for his googlies against Russell.Rajasthan Royals: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 3 Nitish Rana, 4 Riyan Parag (capt), 5 Dhruv Jurel (wk), 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Shubham Dubey, 8 Jofra Archer, 9 Maheesh Theekshana/Wanindu Hasaranga, 10 Fazalhaq Farooqi/Kwena Maphaka, 11 Akash Madhwal, 12 Yudhvir Singh/Kumar KartikeyaPitch and conditionsA look at the surface showed rough marks outside both off and leg stump, and it could be a drier pitch that assists spin just a bit more. The last few days have been hot, with a short stormy period to cool the city down every evening. Chances of the game being affected by rain remain high.Yashasvi Jaiswal has struck four fifties in his last six outings•BCCIStats and trivia RR’s spinners have the second-lowest average (36.7) and economy (9.4) this season. Only SRH are worse. While Angkrish Raghuvanshi has a dazzling strike rate of 170 in his first ten balls in IPL 2025, it dips to 106 by the time he moves on to play his 21st ball and beyond. Jaiswal has struck four fifties in his last six outings. He has also hit the most sixes (18) in the powerplay this season. It has helped RR maintain the highest powerplay run rate (10.8) this time. The middle-order struggles for KKR and RR are evident in their dot-ball percentage between overs 7 and 16: KKR (37.2%) are the worst, while RR (32.9%) are right behind them. Quotes”Whatever happened before in the first half of the competition is history. We all know that in the IPL, it is important for teams to find their momentum at the back end of the competition. If we can do that, we give ourselves the best chance of being back-to-back champions.”
“Regardless of whether you’re in the competition or not, you’ve got the RR badge on your chest, and you’ve got players with the attitude of wanting to turn up, compete, win, and that shouldn’t matter if you’re in the competition or not. So that energy and intensity is expected from the players regardless of the points table, and we didn’t do that very well the other night [against Mumbai Indians]. It will be a hot day in Kolkata, and it will be challenging, but that’s what’s expected, and I want to see that from the boys.”

Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Manchester United has certainly divided fans, and the jury is still out as to whether it works or not. One of the major changes to the system compared to previous great United teams over the years is the midfield.

Amorim operates with two number sixes in a double pivot, with two number 10s ahead of those, either side of the striker. He has adapted Bruno Fernandes’ game, with the talismanic United midfielder now playing in that pivot, rather than close to goal, where he has had lots of previous success for the club.

Another player who has been affected by the different system is Kobbie Mainoo.

Why Kobbie Mainoo is in an awkward situation

It has certainly not been the easiest season for one of the most exciting young midfielders in the world, Mainoo. The 20-year-old ranked 36th in the recent Golden Boy awards, highlighting just how big a talent he is.

However, the 2025/26 season has not been plain sailing for Mainoo, through no fault of his own. The boyhood United star has only played 166 minutes across five games this term, and has registered an assist in that time. He’s yet to start a Premier League game.

Well, many United fans are confused as to why the England international cannot break into their starting lineup. Former Red Devils midfielder Owen Hargreaves said after the Manchester derby that he’ll “never know” why Amoirm isn’t picking Mainoo.

Indeed, it is strange, given the young midfielder’s exploits during his short career so far. The 20-year-old has started a final at a major tournament for England and scored an FA Cup final-winning goal.

Mainoo’s lack of involvement at United this season has certainly been disappointing, given his obvious talent, and left him in an awkward situation. Interestingly, there was a former United midfielder who was ahead of him at one stage.

The ex-midfielder ahead of Mainoo

Although Mainoo has not been given any opportunities this season, the 20-year-old is without doubt a huge talent. He could certainly be viewed as the heir in line to the throne when it comes to legendary United midfielders.

Well, before Mainoo made his first-team debut, there was someone else who could have staked a claim to that title. Fellow academy graduate Zidane Iqbal made his first-team debut just under a year before the England international, but did not quite follow the same career path.

Iqbal’s only game for United came in the Champions League against BSC Young Boys. He only played one minute of normal time, and never failed to get onto the pitch again, despite being on the bench several times.

The Iraqi international left the club for Dutch side FC Utrecht in 2023 and was sold for just £857k. He has since gone on to make a real impression for the Eredivisie side, making 41 appearances and scoring once.

The midfielder’s best skill is his passing, which has really shone during his time in the Netherlands. Last season, he averaged 6.58 progressive passes and 5.4 passes into the final third per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 11% and 16% respectively, of midfielders in the Dutch top flight.

Pass completed

46.21

83rd

Pass accuracy

88.3%

98th

Progressive passes

6.58

89th

Passes into final third

5.4

84th

Passes into penalty box

1.18

74th

If Iqbal had stayed at Old Trafford and been given a chance to show off his talent, he could have been the natural successor to the famous number 18 shirt. That has previously been worn by midfield maestros Fernandes and, earlier, Paul Scholes.

Interestingly, the Iraqi international looked up to Scholes as a youngster. He once explained, “I’d kind of just base my game off him and put myself in his shoes”, which is not a bad way to learn the art of control in midfield.

Well, to wear the number 18 shirt as a creative midfielder at United, you really do need to be a player capable of pulling the strings. Fernandes has 86 assists in Red so far, and the legendary Scholes amassed 82, per Transfermarkt.

The stats show just how well Iqbal can dictate the game in midfield. He has proven himself to be a true controller of the midfield in a top league, and surely could have been considered worthy enough of donning that famous number 18 shirt.

United fans can only look back on this as what could have been. Iqbal was ahead of Mainoo in his development and perhaps could have formed the perfect partnership alongside the 20-year-old, with the number 18 on his back.

Bigger mistake than McTominay: Man Utd sold their own Trent for just £5m

Man Utd’s recruitment record has been called into question, with Scott McTominay not the only former star now shining…

ByRobbie Walls Sep 23, 2025

Snoop Dogg is reportedly set to make his first appearance at a Swansea game when a derby date with Welsh rivals Wrexham is taken in. The Red Dragons are co-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynold and Rob Mac, who have made a habit of inviting celebrity guests to EFL fixtures down the years. Rap icon Snoop is now poised to make his bow with the Swans, having become a minority stakeholder.

• Getty Images/GOAL
  

  Star investors: Snoop & Modric involved with Swansea

  The legendary musician bought into the Swans back in July. He then helped to front the launch of the club’s home kit for 2025-26, with his global appeal being put to good use. Snoop is not the only familiar face to figure on Swansea’s board, with Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric – who is now with AC Milan after severing ties with Real Madrid – another with financial ties to the Championship outfit.

  Modric is otherwise engaged at present prolonging his playing career in Italy at 40 years of age, making trips to South Wales difficult. Snoop is, however, finding space in his schedule to take in that journey. The 53-year-old is a big sports fan and has previously been spotted at NBA matches and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

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• Derby date: When Swansea face Wrexham in the Championship

  Another change of scenery is about to be taken in, with Swans star Liam Cullen revealing that Snoop is due in Wales for the most glamorous of fixtures. There is no word on whether Reynolds and Mac will be joining him for a meeting between two geographical rivals.

  Cullen told the BBC when asked about Snoop’s ties to Swansea: “I've not seen him yet. I think he's actually coming over for the Wrexham game. That's what I've heard. So I'm looking forward to seeing him."

  Wrexham are due at the Swansea.com Stadium on December 19. Snoop could be on hand to deliver early Christmas presents, with Swans CEO Tom Gorringe having already talked up the commercial benefits that he brings to the club.

  Cullen added on embracing famous faces: “With the new investors in Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric, it adds a few more eyes on the club, and with the investment there's a higher expectation now, which is good for us. It's a good thing to have the expectation of going and needing to do well.”

• Getty/GOAL
  

  Snoop warning: Urged to remain behind the scenes

  Snoop’s son, Cordell C Broadus, has paid a visit to Swansea, taking in a 1-1 draw with Watford on August 23. He stopped by the dressing room to mingle with players and coaches, and his father has admitted that he is readying a “pep talk” for his trip to the United Kingdom.

  While Swansea are delighted to have Snoop involved, he has been urged not to interfere with team affairs. Experienced Welsh manager Tony Pulis has told sports betting site BetVictor: “Would I be pleased if someone like that came into a football club? Yeah, as long as they didn't poke their nose in and start picking the team and picking the players and picking the tactics, it'd be no issues to me.

  “I've met Luka Modric. What a wonderful, wonderful man. An absolutely fantastic player. Top, top player. And I mean a top, top player, but he's a fantastic lad as well. Having Luka around would be unbelievable. Snoop Dogg, I don't even know what he sings!”

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• Swansea target: Celebrity board brings added pressure

  Swansea have enjoyed a solid yet unspectacular start to the 2025-26 campaign. They have picked up 12 points from nine games that have delivered three wins, a trio of defeats and a few draws. They remain within three points of the play-off places in a congested Championship table – with Wrexham only two points behind them.

  Alan Sheehan is the coach charged with the task of generating positive results, with a permanent contract being passed his way after initially taking the reins on a caretaker basis in February. He is cutting his managerial teeth in a demanding division, with the presence of Snoop and Modric behind the scenes bringing with it added pressure. The Swans will return to action after the latest international break when taking in a trip to Southampton on October 18.

Nottingham Forest are now poised to sign a “brilliant” midfielder in an out-of-window move, with an announcement expected imminently.

More changes expected at Forest despite transfer window closing

The transfer window came to a close on Monday evening, and Forest are likely to be happy with the business they’ve done, with Evangelos Marinakis spending heavily to ensure Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are competitive once again this season.

The Tricky Trees were particularly busy on deadline day, securing the signings of two full-backs in the form of Cuiabano and Oleksandr Zinchenko, while also bringing in winger Dilane Bakwa from Strasbourg.

With Bakwa joining, you would perhaps expect Marinakis to have sanctioned the departure of fellow winger Jota Silva, but there have now been suggestions the owner cost the Portuguese forward his dream move to Sporting CP.

As such, Jota is continuing to explore his options, and there are more changes expected at The City Ground, despite the transfer window ending, with Taiwo Awoniyi thought to be attracting attention.

Not only that, but there is also a new arrival expected in the very near future, with a report from Football Insider revealing Nottingham Forest have now agreed an out-of-window deal to sign Rangers midfielder Blaine McClure.

An announcement is expected imminently, with McClure set to move to The City Ground on a loan deal to begin with, with a view to joining permanently at some point in the future.

Just 18-years-old, the starlet is regarded as an exciting young talent by national side Northern Ireland and Rangers, but he is set to be a part of the youth set-up at Forest to begin with.

"Brilliant" McClure is one for the future

Given that the Northern Irishman is yet to make a first-team appearance for Rangers, he is unlikely to be a part of Nuno’s plans anytime soon, but there are signs he could be an exciting long-term addition to the squad.

Former Linfield player Glenn Ferguson spoke particularly fondly of the central midfielder during their time working together at the Northern Irish club, saying he has a “brilliant attitude”, before also adding: “I always call Blaine the ‘wee old man’. He is small in stature but has a massive heart.

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“And when you see him playing, some of the tackles would scare you. He is afraid of nobody and he can dictate games with the way he gets on the ball and makes things happen.”

Given that McClure has just 13 senior appearances to his name, which came on loan at Scottish League One side Kelty Hearts last season, he is almost certainly some way off first-team level at a club like Forest, but he clearly has plenty of potential.