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Wrexham are renewing their interest in West Ham's Andy Irving, just months after the midfielder rejected the advances of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac. The Red Dragons saw a £3.5m deal for the 25-year-old fall through late in the summer transfer window, as Irving opted to remain in east London and fight for first team opportunities with the Premier League outfit.

Irving struggling for game time at West Ham

reports the north Wales club has rekindled their interest in Irving. Despite making six appearances in the top flight this term, the Scotland international is deemed surplus to requirements at the London Stadium. Wrexham are expected to log another bid for the 25-year-old. 

However, they could face stiff competition from Celtic and Rangers, with both Glasgow clubs alerted to Irving's availability as Nuno Esprito Santo looks to revamp his squad in the coming transfer window.

Irving started the first two games of the Portuguese's tenure after he replaced Graham Potter in October. However, both games — against Brentford and Leeds — ended in defeat for the Irons. Irving has been an unused substitute since. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportIrving explains reasons for staying at West Ham

Irving addressed the links between him and the Red Dragons in an interview back in September. He said: "There was a lot of speculation and media [during the summer], but ultimately for me, I'm in a good place here at West Ham. I really enjoy it here, so I was keen to stay and continue giving my best for the club.

"There was a lot of speculation and media [during the summer], but ultimately for me, I'm in a good place here at West Ham. I really enjoy it here, so I was keen to stay and continue giving my best for the club."

Irving's career in brief

The 25-year-old midfielder joined the Irons during the summer of 2023, completing a €1.7m transfer from Austria Klagenfurt in 2023. Irving rejoined the Austrian Bundesliga side for a loan deal the following season. 

The Hearts academy graduate has had an unusual career, making it to the Premier League via the German third tier. Irving joined Turkgucu Munchen in 2021 after his contract expired with his boyhood club. 

Irving has represented his country four times as a youth player, making his debut for Scotland in a 4-0 friendly win over Leichtenstein earlier this season.  

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Getty Images SportWrexham look to build on promising start to life in the Championship

While he may not have felt Wrexham was the right move for him in the summer, Irving could well be persuaded given the Red Dragons recent turnaround. 

Phil Parkinson's side currently sit in 10th place in the Championship table, and are unbeaten in their last seven games, with a statement 3-2 win over Frank Lampard's Coventry City among that run. 

Wrexham's chief exec Michael Williamson has confirmed that Parkinson will have money to spend in the upcoming January window. Even after making 13 signings in the summer, pundits are calling on the Red Dragons to invest further, as they can push on towards another promotion. Recent reports suggest the Hollywood brains trust at the north Wales club is already drawing up plans for life in the Premier League. Maybe Irving would be wise to take a step down, to maybe return to England's top tier with a club on the rise. 

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Botafogo e Universitário, do Peru, se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (24), pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores. A bola vai rolar a partir das 19h (de Brasília), no Estádio Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro, com transmissão da ESPN e Star +.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFinançasQuanto vale cada vitória na fase de grupos da Libertadores?Finanças23/04/2024Copa do BrasilVeja data e hora dos jogos da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil 2024Copa do Brasil23/04/2024Fora de CampoDenúncia, negação e afastamento: entenda o caso envolvendo meia do Botafogo e ex-namoradaFora de Campo23/04/2024

➡️ Placar exato! Coloque R$50 no Lance! Betting e fature R$510 se o Botafogo bater o Universitario-PER por 3 a 1

➡️ Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Botafogo

Confira todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre Botafogo e Universitário-PER (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
BOTAFOGO X UNIVERSITÁRIO
3ª RODADA – FASE DE GRUPOS DA LIBERTADORES
🗓️ Data e horário: quarta-feira, 24 de abril de 2024, às 19h (de Brasília);
📍 Local: Estádio Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ);
📺 Onde assistir: ESPN e Star +;
🟨 Árbitro: Jesús Valenzuela (VEN);
🚩 Assistentes: Jorge Urrego (VEN) e Alberto Ponte (VEN);
🖥️ VAR: Juan Soto (VEN).

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⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES:

BOTAFOGO (Técnico: Artur Jorge)
Gatito Fernández; Mateo Ponte (Damián Suárez), Lucas Halter, Bastos, Hugo; Danilo Barbosa, Marlon Freitas, Savarino, Jeffinho; Júnior Santos, Tiquinho Soares.

UNIVERSITÁRIO-PER (Técnico: Fabián Bustos)
Britos; Corzo, Riveros, Di Benedetto; Rodrigo Ureña, Martín Pérez, Jario Concha; Andy Polo, Portocarrero; Alex Valera e Edison Flores.

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O Bahia anunciou nas redes sociais do clube a contratação do meia Caio Alexandre, que atuava no Fortaleza. O Esquadrão de Aço comprou o jogador em definitivo, que assinou com o Tricolor até 2028, os valores da transferência não foram divulgados.

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

Caio Alexandre se destacou no Fortaleza na última temporada, em que conquistou o Campeonato Cearense e foi vice-campeão da Sul-Americana. Atuou em 65 partidas, com cinco gols e seis assistências.

✍🏽 Seja muito bem-vindo, Caio Alexandre!

Meio-campista assina até 2028 com o Esquadrão de Aço. Leia tudo aqui ➡️ https://t.co/fr4MDHt8ov #PaixãoQueVibra pic.twitter.com/PjXoBD59FA

— Esporte Clube Bahia (@ecbahia) January 18, 2024

Antes de atuar pelo Fortaleza, Caio Alexandre vestiu a camisa do Vancouver Whitecaps, do Canadá, em 2021 e 2022. O meia é cria da base do Botafogo, seu clube de origem. No Rio de Janeiro ele atuou como profissional apenas em um ano e ganhou destaque em 2020, após 50 jogos e 05 gols.

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Christian Pulisic believes, at 27 years of age, he could have another 10 years left in him. The USMNT star has also revealed that he intends to head home to MLS at some point in his career. While looking to the future, the United States international admits to feeling happy and settled at AC Milan for now – with life in Italy more enjoyable than his London-based stint at Chelsea.

• European adventure: Germany, England & Italy for Pulisic

  Pulisic left America in 2015 when making his way to Europe. He linked up with German giants Borussia Dortmund while still in his teens and has since taken in spells with Premier League and Serie A heavyweights.

  Considerable success has been enjoyed along the way, becoming a Champions League winner, while personal bests continue to be posted with Milan. Pulisic has, however, stopped short of signing a contract extension there.

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• Getty
  

  Future plans: Pulisic intends to play in MLS

  He feels comfortable at San Siro – with golf pro girlfriend Alexa Melton paying him regular visits – and sees no reason why he could not play for another decade, with a retracing of steps to the States being enjoyed along the way.

  Pulisic has told of his present and future: “My Italian has improved a lot, and I feel much more confident in interviews now. I did a first telephone interview and found it difficult because I couldn’t see the person. I’m at a similar level to when I spoke German better. I like it here, I like the Italian culture, which I find very calm. I like the people, and the food is also very good. Does it beat London? Definitely.

  “Where will I be when I retire from football? I’ve thought about it. I don’t know, it depends on where my career takes me. I’ll definitely spend some time in the United States. I’ve been away from my family for a long time.”

  Pulisic added, with inspiration being taken from current Ballon d’Or-winning team-mate Luka Modric: “It’s hard to know when it’s time to retire. Looking at him [Modric] now, I see at least 10 years ahead of me. I want to keep going as long as possible. I see Luka in the dressing room: this guy is 40 years old and is performing like a 10-year-old. I wonder how he does it. I hope I can hold out, too. We’re so lucky to have this job.”

• Ambitious targets: Pulisic wants Serie A title triumph

  Pulisic has been nursing an injury of late, but has registered six goals for Milan this season – having hit 17 last season and 15 across his debut campaign with the Rossoneri. He is considered to fill the ‘world-class’ talent bracket and has plenty left to achieve at the very highest level.

  The highly-rated forward said: “Am I in my prime? I’m at a good age in my career, probably in my best moment physically. I’ve learned a lot. I always say I hope my prime is next season because that’s always my goal. But if this is my prime, I want to enjoy it. But I definitely feel like I’m living my best moment in football right now.”

  On his ambitious targets, Pulisic added: “The Scudetto? That’s our goal, definitely. I don’t want to look at it from the negative side, like it will be if we don’t win. We’ll do our best, and we’ll be judged game by game. There have been seasons where I haven’t won anything, but we’ve done so many great things. When you win that trophy, there’s nothing like it; the work pays off.

  “Scoring goals is a private matter, at least for me. I wouldn’t share it. There’s enough pressure on us; there’s no need to put more. People don’t realise the pressure we put on ourselves. I ask a lot of myself, but all professionals do. I set goals to help the team.”

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  Pulisic contract: Will USMNT star sign AC Milan extension?

  Pulisic is under contract with Milan through to 2027, with that deal including a 12-month extension option. The Rossoneri had hoped to have fresh terms in place by now, as they recognise the importance of their No.11 to the collective cause, but the relevant paperwork remains unsigned and questions continue to be asked of whether Pulisic could be on the move again in an upcoming transfer window.

July 7, 2025 may not invoke the same grand feeling of that unforgettable summer afternoon at Lord’s last month, but it’ll still have a reverence of its own for Wiaan Mulder, who, only weeks earlier, stood on the winner’s podium as a newly crowned World Test Champion.One of cricket’s most iconic and celebrated records – Brian Lara’s majestic 400 not out, which he held like a crown jewel after reclaiming it from Matthew Hayden – was in real danger of being knocked off its perch after 21 long years. When Mulder, South Africa’s stand-in captain, went into the lunch interval unbeaten on 367, it seemed a matter of time before history books would be rewritten. Then came a quiet message from the change room, like a bolt from the blue. South Africa had declared. Mulder had declared.”Why did he do that?” is a question that lingered on for much of the day as Zimbabwe collapsed in just 43 overs, and were asked to follow-on. With so much time left in the match, the decision will be rightly debated for a while. Sure, barring Blessing Muzarabani, the quality of Zimbabwe’s attack was hardly Test class, but the opportunity to etch yourself into Test history doesn’t come knocking everyday.Related

• Mulder makes 367*, the fifth-highest individual Test score of all time

• Stats – Wiaan Mulder breaks records and Zimbabwe with 367*

• Mulder: 'Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be'

• Five highest individual scores in Test cricket history

South Africa declared on 626 for 5. Mulder’s feat became all the more special as it came in front of his father, who had made the trip to soak in the occasion after he had been informed of Mulder’s promotion to captaincy in the lead-up to the game after Keshav Maharaj had been ruled out due to an injury. Along the way, Mulder may have cemented himself as South Africa’s new No. 3, a spot once occupied by legends he may have grown up watching, Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla among them.In the morning session, every run or over carried the weight of a milestone either impending or ticked off. Records came; records went. Mulder went past some heavyweights in South Africa: Gary Kirsten, Daryl Cullinan, Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers. And soon after his triple-ton, he went past 311 to eclipse Amla, and achieve the highest Test score by a South African.Mulder could’ve chosen a calmer, more serene path if he had wished. South Africa’s run-scoring on the opening day, where they surged to 465 for 4, meant time was never going to be a consideration. Mulder, though, had other ideas. Except for his first boundary very early in the day off Muzarabani, off a streaky edge that flew through vacant third slip, there was control and authority in every stoke he played and every run he ran.Mulder’s authority stemmed from his own confidence, and Zimbabwe’s hit-me lengths. Without any swing on offer, even with the second new ball that they took late on the opening day, the pacers erred on the shorter side and kept getting punished square of the wicket on both sides. When spin came on, Mulder channeled the golfer in him to club them downtown. He hit 49 fours and four sixes in all – one of them landed out of the ground – forcing them to bring out a different ball.Wiaan Mulder and Dewald Brevis added 88 off just 94 balls for the fifth wicket•Zimbabwe Cricket

Amid Mulder’s run-fest, that South Africa lost Dewald Brewis was lost on everyone. He survived on 24 when Craig Ervine put down a regulation chance in the fifth over off Muzarabani at slip, but couldn’t capitalise. On 35, Brevis attempted to flay a cut, only to get a thick outside edge to the wicketkeeper. Kyle Verreynne then came and enjoyed a good hit out to remain unbeaten on 42.The day’s big moment – Mulder’s triple – arrived in the 101st over when he clipped a low full toss off Tanaka Chivanga to fine leg to wild applause and cheer from his team-mates on the balcony. It had come off 297 balls, the second-fastest in Test history, behind Virender Sehwag’s that had come off 278 balls against South Africa in Chennai 17 years ago.After Mulder got past the 300, there was carnage aplenty as Muzarabani was dispatched for three boundaries in an over, the third of those helping him surpass Amla. There was more punishment in the next as Mulder cleared his front leg to wallop him out of the ground to enter the 360s. This is when everyone seemed to be readying for the moment, when the declaration came.Mulder wasn’t done yet. With the ball, he took out Wesley Madhevere and Ervine in quick succession. Madhevere was out to a nip-backer that flattened the stumps; Ervine was felled by an effort ball that lifted off the deck to have him fend one into the hand of backward point. Mulder’s fiery spell wasn’t the highlight, though. Debutant Prenelan Subrayen and Senuran Muthusamy’s flight and loop were equally noteworthy. Subrayen ended with 4 for 42.Sean Williams, who spent much of the first evening and the opening session on the sidelines due to an illness, came out swinging and raised his half-century off just 32 balls, the fastest by a Zimbabwean. But he ran out of partners, and remained stuck on 83 as last man Chivanga’s wicket meant Zimbabwe were bundled out for 170.Made to follow-on, Zimbabwe lost Dion Myers early, but Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Nick Welch batted a tricky last 30 minutes to take them to stumps on 51 for 1, with Zimbabwe still needing 146 to surpass Mulder.

Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to appoint a “sensational” new manager following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou on Saturday.

Ange sacked by Marinakis after 3-0 defeat against Chelsea

Nuno Espirito Santo left big shoes to fill, after leading Forest to Europe last season, but Ange’s reign as Forest boss was nothing short of disastrous, with the Australian becoming the second-shortest reigning manager in Premier League history.

The 60-year-old lasted just 39 days as manager of the Tricky Trees, picking up just one point in five Premier League matches, while also struggling in the Europa League, with his side falling to a 3-2 home defeat against FC Midtjylland earlier this month.

The final straw was Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat against Chelsea, although the scoreline arguably didn’t reflect the performance, with Morgan Gibbs-White, Igor Jesus, Neco Williams and Nikola Milenkovic all missing big chances across the 90 minutes.

Evangelos Marinakis didn’t wait around, sacking the former Tottenham Hotspur boss before he could even do his post-match interview, and the owner has now set his sights on a replacement.

According to an update from Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett on X, Sean Dyche is now in advanced talks to become the new Nottingham Forest manager, and the move could materialise quickly if Marinakis decides the 54-year-old is the right man for the job.

There is a belief Dyche would offer stability and motivational skills, which could bring the Tricky Trees’ poor run of form to an end, with the Europa League side currently in the relegation zone after a very poor start to the season.

Nottingham Forest chiefs want Marinakis to replace Postecoglou with "master" tactician

The Greek billionaire has finally called time on Ange’s nightmare stint.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 18, 2025

The former Everton boss is not the only manager on the shortlist, however, as Dorsett reveals that Roberto Mancini hasn’t been ruled out, with the 60-year-old available after leaving his role as Saudi Arabia manager last year.

"Sensational" Dyche could steady the ship at the City Ground

The Englishman has developed a reputation for being able to steady the ship at clubs staring down the barrel of relegation, leading Everton to safety on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign, after replacing Frank Lampard in January.

With Forest massively underperforming and perhaps set for a relegation battle of their own this season, having collected just five points from their opening eight games, it would make sense to appoint the ex-Burnley boss, who has received high praise from journalist Mark Douglas.

There are question marks over appointing Dyche on a long-term contract, having been unable to kick on with Everton after avoiding the drop, being sacked after less than two years in charge, but giving him a contract until the end of the season could be a savvy move,

Bayern Munich have announced that manager Vincent Kompany has penned a contract extension with the Bavarian giants. Kompany has put pen to paper on a new deal with the club that runs until June 2029 after winning the Bundesliga title in his first season in charge. Kompany's side have also started the new season well and currently sit five points clear at the top of the table.

Kompany commits future to Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich announced the news in an official statement that read: "FC Bayern and Vincent Kompany have extended their contract until 30 June 2029. The head coach’s current deal was due to expire in summer 2027. Kompany, 39, arrived in Munich from Burnley FC in England ahead of the 2024/25 season and guided the team to the Bundesliga title in his first year. The Belgian also lifted the Supercup with Bayern at the start of this season."

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Wonderful journey' – Kompany loving Bayern tenure

Kompany spoke of his pride at extending his stay with the Bundesliga giants and is looking forward to bringing more success to the club. He told the club's media: “I’m grateful, honoured and would like to thank FC Bayern for the trust and the working environment they’ve given me from day one. It feels like I’ve been here a lot longer and that I know the club well. It’s been a great experience so far. We’ve started on a wonderful journey. Let’s keep working hard and celebrate much more success!” 

Meanwhile, Bayern president Herbert Hainer hailed Kompany for doing an excellent job at Bayern since arriving from Burnley. He added: "The contract extension with Vincent Kompany is a strong vote of confidence from the club after the great job he’s done up to now, as well as a clear sign for continuity and stability at FC Bayern. Vincent is held in high regard by the players, the club management and the fans. We’re happy about the early extension of our cooperation.” 

Kane next in line for new contract?

After securing Kompany's future, Bayern could now look to hand top scorer Harry Kane a new contract. The England captain is tied to Bayern until 2027 and has said he's "open" to renewal talks with the club. Bayern Munich's sporting director Christoph Freund has also confirmed the club's interest in renewing Kane, saying that he is the "perfect player" for Bayern and adding that "we hope he'll stay in Munich for a few more years."

Kane has been a huge hit at Bayern since moving from Tottenham. The striker ended his trophy jinx last season by firing Bayern to the Bundesliga titles and bagged his 400th career goal in Der Klassiker on Saturday. Kane has now scored 104 goals in 107 appearances for the Bavarian giants and is averaging a goal approximately every 52 minutes this season.

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Kompany has 'brought the fun back to Bayern'

Kompany's side won the title by 13 points last season, scoring 99 goals in 34 Bundesliga outings, and securing their 34th league crown. The victory put Bayern back on top in Germany, after losing out to Bayern Leverkusen the season before, and CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen feels Kompany has brought the good times back to the club.

He told Bayern's website: “Vincent Kompany has brought the fun back to FC Bayern – and the spark has really caught on. Under his leadership, a real team has grown that plays dominant and attractive football. The extension is also a signal to our players. Moreover, I like Vincent's level-headedness. He never pushes himself into the limelight and makes our players better with his meticulous work.” 

The Bayern boss has also been hailed as a role model by Max Eberl, board member for sport, who added: "I’m delighted about this extension. When we appointed Vinny, we had a clear vision of our shared path and he quickly proved that he would help FC Bayern move forward – both on and off the pitch. He’s a role model who unites players, fans and everyone at the club, and we want to build something long-term with him.”  

His 107 and sixth-wicket stand of 148 with Luis Reece puts Derbyshire firmily in control against Middlesex

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Apr-2025

Martin Andersson gave his former team-mates a big reminder of his qualities with a career-best century to put Derbyshire firmly in control of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match against Middlesex at Derby.The ex-Middlesex allrounder scored 107 and shared a county record sixth-wicket stand of 148 with Luis Reece, who made 60, to lift Derbyshire to 472 all out.Andersson’s memorable day continued when he took a catch and then had Stephen Eskinaz caught behind before Blair Tickner claimed his second wicket to leave the visitors on 101 for 3, 371 runs behind.Middlesex’s hopes of early wickets slowly evaporated in the hazy sunshine although Andersson looked fortunate to survive an lbw shout when he was beaten by Toby Roland-Jones.The Middlesex skipper and Dane Paterson both found some swing and seam movement to trouble Andersson and Reece but the pair batted with patience and discipline to frustrate the visitors.Andersson was made to wait for his 50, facing 12 dot balls on 49, before a thickish outside edge off Ryan Higgins flew to the vacant third boundary.Reece had combined watchful defence with calculated aggression and he brought up the 100 stand in style by coming down the pitch to launch Zahar Gohar over long on for six.He reached his first 50 of the season in the last over of the morning which had emphatically belonged to the hosts with 102 runs coming from 30 overs.The pair went on after lunch and eclipsed the previous Derbyshire sixth-wicket record stand against Middlesex of 130 by Michael Di Venuto and Graeme Welch at Lord’s in 2002 before they were finally parted.Reece came a long way down the pitch before he was sent back and wicketkeeper Jack Davies scored a direct hit at the bowler’s end to run him out.Alex Thomson was caught behind playing back to Gohar but Andersson reached an excellent hundred when he cut Nathan Fernandes for his 15th four.He was warmly applauded by his former team-mates who recognised how well he had played when the game was in the balance.Andersson missed a sweep at Fernandes before both Zak Chappell and Blair Tickner fell to catches in the deep leaving Middlesex to score 323 to avoid the follow-on.By now, the clouds had rolled in and Reece found some swing to take Eskinazi’s outside edge but the ball dropped just in front of first slip.Tickner made the breakthrough when Fernandes failed to get over a drive and sliced to gully where Andersson made no mistake and the allrounder then had Eskinazi caught down the legside off a glove with the total on 57.Middlesex lost the in-form Max Holden when Tickner got one to straighten and there was more concern for the visitors before the close.Former Derbyshire batter Leus Du Plooy had been struggling after he was struck a painful blow on the right foot by a Reece yorker and had to retire hurt on 10 towards the end of a day which belonged to Derbyshire and Andersson.

Manchester City will start the new Premier League season without the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed last week that the Spaniard will be absent due to an injury suffered in the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal.

Of course, that is a huge blow for City, but they have made recent signings to help cope with the loss. Nico Gonzalez joined last January, and Tijjani Reijnders was a summer acquisition from Italian giants AC Milan. He made the move to the Etihad Stadium for a fee of £46.5m.

However, it does seem like the Citizens will be chasing a new midfielder before the summer window slams shut in two and a half weeks.

Man City’s latest transfer targets

One of the areas of the pitch in which City are looking to strengthen is on the wing. It was reported earlier this week that they are plotting a move for Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo, in a deal that could be worth £85m.

Transfer Focus

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

The big spending might not stop there. According to a recent report from Caught Offside, it is believed that Guardiola’s side are ‘stepping up their interest’ in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Their Spanish boss is ‘known to be a long-time admirer’ of the Cameroon international.

However, they face a fight to acquire his signature. Cross-city rivals Manchester United are said to be ‘leading the race’ to sign the Seagulls star this summer. A fee of £100m is reportedly what Brighton will demand if he is to leave the Amex Stadium this month.

Why Baleba would be a good signing

Few players in the Premier League are spoken of as highly as Baleba at the moment. The 21-year-old was described as a “powerhouse” midfielder by Ryan Adsett of Talk Seagulls.

Last term for the Seagulls, the former Lille star was a key player. He made 40 appearances in all competitions, with 34 of those coming in the Premier League. More often than not, he played as a number six, although he operated further forward as an eight, and even as a centre-back at times.

The midfielder is known for his spectacular goals, too, and is a good contributor going forward. Last season, he chipped in with four goals and two assists across all competitions, including this stunning hit in the 93rd minute to secure all three points against West Ham United.

There is certainly a case to be made that the 21-year-old is a bigger talent than Reijnders. City’s new number four has only played three times for the club, but is already someone who you can see will be a “special footballer” for City.

At least, that is according to City social media presence Steven McInerney.

Indeed, in those three games for his new side in the Club World Cup, the Dutchman has left a big impression. He dazzled with his quick feet, sharp touches in tight spaces and ball-carrying ability, on show in this video.

Factor in the cost difference, however, with Brighton’s asking price for Baleba double what City paid for Reijnders, and it is easy to see how the 21-year-old is a bigger talent.

The stats from domestic football last season back that up, too. For example, in the Premier League, Baleba averaged more completed open play passes with 37.9 and won more duels with 6.8 each game. Compared to Reijnders, he completed an average of 36.3 open play passes and won just 2.7 duels per 90 minutes.

There is a strong case to be made that Baleba is a far bigger talent than Reijnders. Not only do the stats reinforce that idea, but he is valued at double the price, and well spoken about by one of the leading analysts in the game.

A fee of £100m is hefty, but there is little doubt that Baleba would improve this City team leaps and bounds. As analyst Ben Mattinson has noted, he is already “one of the best midfielders in the league”.

He's Cherki 2.0: Man City now targeting "technically beautiful" £60m star

Man City have still got business to do this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 14, 2025

Tottenham have held fresh talks to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this week, which are believed to be heading in a very positive direction, and the player himself is extremely eager to swap London clubs.

The 27-year-old has already agreed personal terms to join Spurs, and according to Fabrizio Romano, he directly informed the Eagles of his wish to play in Lilywhite by transfer deadline day on September 1.

After Spurs made an offer of £60m including add-ons, it is believed that Tottenham started creeping towards a full agreement for Eze. There were still details to hash out, like payment structure, and Palace are apparently holding off on giving their full green-light as they look to sign a replacement for the England international first (Miguel Delaney).

However, Eze’s move to Spurs is currently far more likely than not to happen.

Now, the former QPR star is seriously on the verge of a move to N17.

Ben Jacobs, among other reliable media sources, has revealed that an agreement in principle has been reached between Tottenham and Palace for Eze, but the Eagles still need to find a replacement before allowing the player to leave.

Before Tottenham agreed the finances of this deal, Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri revealed just how keen Eze is on a transfer to Tottenham.

Eberechi Eze's threat to Crystal Palace as he looks to force Tottenham move

According to Tavolieri, the player has never been closer to joining.

The attacking midfielder and James Maddison’s potential replacement is apparently so desperate to make the move that he’s been pressuring Selhurst Park chiefs to approve it, going as far as to make a stern threat over the weekend.

As per the Sky reporter, Eze threatened not to play for Palace in their 0-0 draw against Chelsea, but eventually rescinded this when Steve Parish personally gave the player assurances that his transfer wouldn’t be delayed.

Eze also held a discussion with Oliver Glasner on Sunday morning to confirm his place in the starting line-up, but the situation is clear; Eze is clamoring for a switch to Spurs.

Once/if Palace and Tottenham agree a full deal and the paperwork is signed, Eze has approved a five-year contract in north London, and there is reason for supporters to get excited by this potential arrival.

The forward bagged a brilliant 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Palace last season, including their FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City, with Eze averaging more shots, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than all of his teammates in the top flight.