After winning their third-straight CONCACAF Nations League Sunday evening, USMNT captain Tyler Adams praised boss Gregg Berhalter's role in the team.
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U.S. defeat Mexico 2-0Adams praises boss BerhalterTeam heading in right directionWHAT HAPPENED?
Following their 2-0 victory over Mexico, where Adams himself notched a blistering goal in the first half to give the U.S. the lead at the break, the American captain showered praise on the team's leader on the touchline. The Bournemouth midfielder believes the USMNT is on the right track under their head coach and says he's "developing" the group in a proper manner.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT ADAMS SAID
"What are you really judging him off, you know what I mean? We continue to win in certain situations. Our first World Cup experience was a positive in a lot of people's minds. He's developing us in the right way. He's having conversations with us off the pitch that are continually developing us and, most importantly, he's challenging us," he told Fox reporter Doug McIntyre/
"He won't talk about that goal that I scored ever to me. He'll talk about why didn't you hit this pass? Why didn't you do this? Why wasn't your body open to play forward in this situation? And as a player, you really, really embrace that.
"He's doing more for us as a country in developing us as young players than people see, obviously, on the field. It's not easy to come into camp and have two days to train. Some guys played 90 minutes and get in a day before the game and have to play again. So this camp was a success, and I think we need to continue to have more moments like this."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
There has been criticism of Berhalter's reign, notably of late – after the U.S. nearly didn't advance to the final, escaping past Jamaica via an own-goal from the Reggae Boyz that sent the match to extra-time, where the USMNT came out on top
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WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT AND ADAMS?
Adams will return to Bournemouth this week looking to play a role at the weekend with the Cherries when they take on Everton in the Premier League. The USMNT, meanwhile, will report for action this June with a pair of international friendlies against Colombia and Brazil before the 2024 Copa America begins.
The West Indies batters hit 78 off 39 balls during their thrilling ninth-wicket stand but fell short in a close contest
Ashish Pant09-Nov-2025
Ish Sodhi took three wickets to derail the chase•Getty Images
The series that keeps on giving. After two humdingers in Auckland, the third T20I between West Indies and New Zealand in Nelson was shaping up to be a more one-sided contest, with the visitors having slipped to 88 for 8 in 12.3 overs, chasing 178, staring at a comprehensive defeat. Surely game over, right?Shamar Springer and Romario Shepherd, however, had other ideas. In a stunning rearguard action, the duo added 78 runs for the ninth wicket off just 39 balls to keep West Indies’ chase alive. From 90 off 45, they brought the equation down to 13 off seven. But New Zealand, just as they did in the second T20I, held their composure in the end.Jacob Duffy pulled off a stunning return catch off the final ball of the 19th over to send back Springer. And with 12 needed of the final over, Kyle Jamieson stepped up for the second game running to dismiss Romario Shepherd. New Zealand won the third T20I by nine runs to go 2-1 up in the five-match series.Electing to bat, New Zealand recorded 177 for 9 in their 20 overs on the back of Devon Conway’s 56 off 34 balls and Daryl Mitchell’s 24-ball 41. The final score was threatening to be a lot more, but three run-outs and Matthew Forde and Jason Holder’s two-fors denied New Zealand a late charge.Ish Sodhi’s 3 for 34 and Duffy’s two-wicket opening over had West Indies on the mat, before the visitors threatened to pull off the improbable again. In the end, they fell short… again.Shamar Springer gave West Indies hope at the death•Getty Images
Shepherd and Springer spring a surpriseThe game was done, the writing was surely on the wall, but Shepherd and Springer proved otherwise. When the duo got together, West Indies were in all sorts at 88 for 8 in the 13th over. Springer slog swept Sodhi over deep midwicket first ball. Shepherd soon joined him, smashing Duffy for six over fine leg and then slicing him over point. At the time, a comprehensive New Zealand win felt just two mis-hits away, but these mis-hits never came.Both Springer and Shepherd found the boundaries regularly. Springer muscled Mitchell Santner over long-on, and then walloped Jamieson for back-to-back fours. By the time the 18th over from James Neesham was taken for 19, West Indies believed. With 24 needed of 12, it was their game to lose, especially when Duffy was sent out of the stadium for a 103m six over long-on by Shepherd.But Duffy, who had struck two telling blows earlier, dove low to his left and plucked out a stunner as Springer fell for a superb 20-ball 39. Jamieson, who had defended 16 in the previous match, was now tasked with defending 12 in Nelson. He went the hard-length way, rattling Shepherd with the extra bounce. With the equation down to ten off two, Jamieson bowled a shin-high full toss that was miscued to only as far as Mitchell at long-off, as a third-straight last-over finish went New Zealand’s way.Kyle Jamieson had a torrid time in his opening spell•Getty Images
West Indies slip and tumbleMuch before the Shepherd-Springer mayhem, West Indies looked in complete disarray. Jamieson conceded three fours in his opening over, but as Duffy had all series, he kept at it. He bowled Amir Jangoo, chopping back onto his stumps first ball. Three balls later, he had Shai Hope caught at deep backward square leg. At the other end, however, Jamieson continued to bleed runs and also put down Alick Athanaze, as West Indies breezed past 50 in 6.3 overs.Sodhi’s introduction flipped the script. He had Athanaze caught behind with a long-hop, while Michael Bracewell sent back Sherfane Rutherford. Sodhi then found Rovman Powell swinging for the hills, but Powell missed instead and saw his stumps in a mess. By the time Sodhi trapped Forde lbw for 4, West Indies had lost 6 for 35 in less than six overs.Forde shines, others disappointEarlier, Conway – managing to avoid his series nemesis Forde in the opening over – got into his groove, pumping Akeal Hosein over deep midwicket for a huge six. Forde himself was tight with his lines and conceded just 14 in his three overs in the powerplay. This spell included getting rid of Tim Robinson, who was looking to turn the fast bowler around the corner, but popped a straightforward return catch instead.However, West Indies bled runs at the other end. Hosein’s two overs went for 21, while Shepherd conceded 11 runs, as New Zealand reached 47 for 1 after six overs.Matthew Forde picked up 2 for 20 in his four overs•Getty Images
A failed Athanaze experiment and Conway’s fiftyAthanaze, more in the side for his top-order batting, had never bowled in any of his 11 T20Is before this game. The decision to introduce him right after the powerplay was surprising. Bowling with his cap on, Conway first pulled a short ball through midwicket, before lifting Athanaze inside-out over covers, on a delivery that also turned out to be a front-foot no-ball. While Conway couldn’t make use of the free-hit, Ravindra ended the over lofting Athanaze straight down the ground as New Zealand collected 16 runs in the seventh, giving their innings much-needed impetus.By this time, Conway had gotten a hang of the Nelson surface and brought out his repertoire of shots. He scooped Shamar Springer over short fine leg, before thrashing him past point to move into the 40s. He reached his 12th T20I fifty by mowing Hosein over cow corner, while Ravindra at the other end also got going nicely. He struck back-to-back fours against Holder, as New Zealand racked up 49 runs in the four overs after the powerplay.The New Zealand slideAt 96 for 2 after ten, New Zealand had their eyes set on 200, but poor running and effective West Indies bowling held them back. Ravindra’s sprightly knock was cut short by Shepherd, whose slower offcutter stopped on the surface and caught Ravindra’s leading edge to extra cover.Conway was then undone by some Athanaze brilliance: Mitchell squeezed a fuller-length Springer delivery to the left of deep midwicket and called for two right away. Conway responded, but Athanaze sprinted to his left and fired a direct throw at the non-striker’s end to find the opener well short.With the run rate slowing down, Mitchell took Hosein downtown for two sixes and a four in the 15th over before Bracewell was run out. Forde made a mess of Neesham’s stumps with a quick and full ball, while Santner sliced a low Springer full toss outside off to deep point.When Holder removed Mitchell and Mitchell Hay in the 19th over, New Zealand had slid from 144 for 3 to 169 for 8 in 21 balls. The hosts managed only 35 runs in the last five overs, losing six wickets to fall well short of what they would have wanted at the halfway stage of their innings.In the end, it was just enough.
Looking to beat the clock ahead of the deadline, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a midfielder who could replace Mario Lemina in a deal worth over £17m.
Wolves transfer news
Whether the headlines have named Axel Disasi, Kevin Danso or Coady, it’s been no secret that Wolves have been after another central defender ever since welcoming Emmanuel Agbadou at the beginning of the window. Up until the deadline, the Midlands club have faced more and more frustration, however, with Danso eventually choosing Tottenham Hotspur, Disasi seemingly closer to Aston Villa and Coady off the table.
In pursuit of Premier League survival, Vitor Pereira’s side have a matter of hours left until the window slams shut and they’re denied the chance to welcome what would be a crucial addition. It’s not just potential incomings taking place at Molineux either, with Mario Lemina also threatening to steal the headlines on the exit front and reportedly closing in on an exit to join Galatasaray.
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As the former captain departs, he could yet finally make room for a fresh arrival though. According to Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, Wolves have now reached an agreement to sign Marshall Munetsi having initially opned talks with Stade de Reims in pursuit of the defender.
In a deal set to be worth over €20m (£17m), Wolves are reportedly confident that they’ll get the reinforcement that the so desperarely need. At 28 years old, the experienced Reims defender represents an option who should need little time to make his mark and develop into a viable option for Pereira in the remainder of his side’s campaign.
Munetsi can reunite with Agbadou
In one January swoop, Wolves could end the window with two players who already know each other well in Munetsi and Agbadou, who played together at Reims this season. Replacing Lemina at the same time, the 28-year-old will be looking to make an instant impact and build on what has been an impressive campaign at times.
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15
Progressive Passes
26
48
Progressive Carries
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1
As the stats show, Munetsi should also provide more of an attacking threat than Lemina in what should be a boost for Pereira’s side in the face of Jorgen Strand-Larsen’s recent injury.
The midfielder may not be the end of Wolves’ business just yet either, given their aforementioned need for another central defender. Just who that will be remains to be seen, however.
For now, the Midlands club are at least on course to welcome a much-needed replacement for Lemina as he heads to Galatasaray. All being well, Wolves will hope to have their new signing on show as soon as their next Premier League clash – a difficult trip to Anfield to face league leaders Liverpool.
With Mohit Sharma confounding batsmen with two kinds of slower balls and Sandeep Sharma firing in yorkers from around the wicket, Kings XI Punjab managed to defend 54 off the last six overs against a power-packed Delhi Daredevils line-up
Sidharth Monga08-May-2016There’s a reason why, going into Saturday night, that teams defending totals had won only nine times in the 35 previous matches. Batting while chasing has gone to the next level, and bowlers are struggling to keep up. It seemed Kings XI Punjab would continue the trend when they had only 53 runs in the bag in the last six overs. Their fielding was coming apart a little. There was dew around. Delhi Daredevils had eight wickets in hand. Only excellent death bowling – a commodity that is becoming rarer every day with heavy bats and short outfields everywhere – could prevent Daredevils from winning. It came from two of the best bowlers in this IPL, Mohit and Sandeep Sharma, with Marcus Stoinis and KC Cariappa contributing an over each.Mohit and Sandeep have arguably been the biggest delight of this otherwise predictable IPL. Sandeep has used the width of both the creases to make his yorkers less predictable. Mohit has added a yorker and an offcutter to his one big trick, the back-of-the-hand slower legcutter. The two have played a big role in all three wins for Kings XI this season.This comeback began with Mohit, who conceded only four runs in the 15th over, although it should have really only been two. He began with a slower legcutter, followed it with a quick bouncer, then the slower offcutter bouncer, and gave Karun Nair the yorker fourth ball. There was no room on the bouncers, the yorker was accurate, and Nair had now faced three dot balls. He had fallen behind a run a ball. The pressure showed in how he didn’t pick the next slower legcutter, only to watch David Miller drop it at wide long-on. Miller, running to his right, dropped the ball because he took his eyes off the ball momentarily to check if there was any danger of Glenn Maxwell, stationed at deep midwicket, was going to collide into him.going for the catch. Maxwell, who had earlier failed to dive for a ball not more than six feet away from him, was nowhere near him. That would have hurt more than the drop.The pressure on Nair, though, didn’t lift, and he lofted one towards Miller in the next over too. Cariappa benefited this time. His over went for just six, and Daredevils now needed 44 in the last three overs. With seven wickets in hand, two of them being Carlos Brathwaite and Chris Morris, Daredevils were still the favourites. The big decision for Kings XI was to be made now. Mohit had one over left, Sandeep had two. If they didn’t bowl Sandeep now, he would have to bowl 18 and 20. They trusted him enough to do so, and asked Stoinis to bowl the 17th.Now Stoinis knew the batsmen had to go after him. He knew the batsmen couldn’t afford to leave too much for the other two bowlers’ overs because they were in good form, and also because Mohali is a big playing field. Stoinis had already gone for 37 in three overs. If he kept up the rate, it would be difficult for the Sharmas to defend. He had to do better. He was up against the in-from Sam Billings and Brathwaite. Billings is dextrous, Brathwaite had hit seven sixes in 23 balls faced before this match. Stoinis gave it away that he was going to bowl slower balls by bringing third man and fine leg up. He wanted the batsmen to hit towards the bigger square boundaries. Brathwaite started cleverly with a bunted two, but Stoinis managed three perfect slower balls to Billings later in the over. The third was a bouncer, which Billings edged to the keeper as he looked to cut him over short third man.Now it was muscle v muscle. Brathwaite and Morris in, 40 to get off three overs, and the first of them would be bowled by a youngster they were hoping to bully. Sandeep bowls yorkers. He doesn’t do slower balls. But his yorkers can be wide, at the stumps, angling across the batsman from round the wicket or at the toes from that angle. On this day he chose to go round the wicket, asking Brathwaite to hit against the angle and into the bigger square boundary on the leg side.Sandeep’s first yorker to Brathwaite was a little short, perhaps by six inches, and Brathwaite whipped it through midwicket with a top-handed grip. Four. Still, Brathwaite knew if Sandeep got the yorker right it would be difficult to keep hitting there. Sandeep followed it with a short-of-a-length slower ball. Brathwaite tried the cute reverse shot over short third man, and missed. It might have looked strange, but Sandeep had executed his plan, bowling into the pitch with a strong leg-side field. Sandeep erred again next ball with Brathwaite biffing the low full toss way back into the stands.This can be demoralising for a young Indian bowler, who would have watched with awe as Brathwaite dismantled Ben Stokes in the World T20 final, but Sandeep didn’t budge from his plan. The next ball was a bouncer, which gave no room, and Brathwaite top-edged it to the deep fielder on the leg side.With 27 to defend in the last two, Mohit delivered the final blow. Four yorkers, a slower legcutter, and an offcutting slower bouncer handcuffed Morris and Rishabh Pant to leave Sandeep 24 to defend. This was excellent defensive bowling without mystery balls or unorthodox actions. This was just good plans and good execution of those plans. In a game with little room for error, this was one performance to cherish.
Despite Suryakumar Yadav’s recent lean form, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes India should back him going into the home 50-over World Cup later this year.In India’s last ODI assignment, Suryakumar was dismissed for three consecutive golden ducks as Australia won the series 2-1 in India. But Ponting said that he is the kind of player who can “win you a World Cup”.”Everyone around the world knows what Surya [Suryakumar] can do in white-ball cricket. They should stick with him, I feel,” Ponting told the . “Because he is I think the kind of player that can win you a World Cup.Related
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“He might be a little bit inconsistent but he’s the sort of guy who in big moments can win you something,” Ponting said. “A bit like the late great Andrew Symonds did for Australia.”When you invest in these guys, you give them an opportunity, you give them a pretty clear direction and get some clarity around the role you want them to play, they’ve got so much talent that they can single-handedly win you games.”That’s definitely the way that I’d look at it for India. I wouldn’t be playing it safe, I’d be going with match-winning players and I think he’s a match-winner,” he said.Suryakumar, in 21 ODI innings, has scored 433 runs at an average of 24.05 with two half-centuries.Ponting picked out the No. 5 slot as the best option for Suryakumar.”I think he was only batting at 5 anyway, and I wouldn’t want him much lower than that, especially with Hardik [Pandya], [Ravindra] Jadeja and Axar [Patel] and all those guys there,” Ponting said. “I’m a big believer in giving your best batsman as much time as you can in all formats of the game.”Because if you keep them down the order quite often, sometimes you don’t get to use your best players and that’s the last thing you want. So I think the No. 5 slot is perfect for him and he just needs to grow into that role.”
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2016Dhananjaya de Silva got three boundaries away, but he could not kick on; he was out for 25, caught off Graeme Cremer•Associated PressAsela Gunaratne, batting on Test debut, hung around longer•AFPHe managed to mark his maiden Test innings with a fifty•Associated PressTharanga, holding firm at the other end, got to a second Test hundred just after tea•AFPCarl Mumba dismissed Rangana Herath with a short ball for his maiden Test wicket•AFPEventually, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 537 in the final session. The Captain Cremer topped the bowling figures for Zimbabwe, taking 4 for 142•Associated PressIn reply, Zimbabwe lost opener Brian Chari early but Tino Mawoyo and Hamilton Masakadza went to stumps unscathed as the hosts ended at 88 for 1•AFP
Megan Schutt’s career-best T20I figures, and a crisp half-century from Ellyse Perry opening the batting, spearheaded Australia to a convincing eight-wicket victory in the opening T20I against Pakistan as they began the final build-up to their T20 World Cup title in South Africa last month.Schutt became the fourth Australia bowler to take a five-wicket haul in T20Is and finished with their third-best figures behind Molly Strano (5 for 10) and current team-mate Jess Jonasssen (5 for 12).A target of 119 was always unlikely to challenge Australia and they eased home with 38 balls to spare. Perry, who earlier claimed 2 for 3 from two overs, opening with captain Meg Lanning as Beth Mooney managed what was termed a “niggle” although she had been able to keep throughout Pakistan’s innings.Lanning was beaten by an excellent arm ball from Sadia Iqbal but Perry, dropped on 3 when Iqbal missed a tough return catch, followed her rapid scoring in India – and prolific WNCL form – with a confident 57 off 40 balls which included a six pulled over wide mid-on against a free hit from Fatima Sana.Schutt’s first wicket came courtesy of a superb catch down the leg side by Mooney to remove Bismah Maroof although Australia needed DRS to confirm it had touched the glove. Three balls later Sadaf Shamas spooned to mid-on as Pakistan lost their way after a promising start.Schutt completed her maiden five-wicket haul when she returned at the death, getting Sana taken at cover then top-scorer Omaima Sohail and Tuba Hassan with slower deliveries.However, the single standout moment of Australia’s display in the field was the remarkable return catch snaffled by Alana King from a fiercely struck drive by Nida Dar. King, who barely had time to react, flung out her right hand and even appeared to surprise herself at holding on.King’s figures were only dented marginally in her last over when Ayesha Naseem launched her third six of an impressive counterattack, although King had her revenge.Naseem’s 20-ball innings was the highlight of Pakistan’s display as she showed a boldness that is not always on display. She launched Tahlia McGrath into the fig tree over long-on and played a ferocious pull off Darcie Brown onto the grass bank at midwicket.Brown had an off day which included consecutive no-balls in her opening over and the 34 she conceded was the most of what remains a T20 career in its infancy.It had been Perry, a player at the opposite end of the experience spectrum, who had opened the wicket-taking for Australia with a superb yorker to remove Muneeba Ali which ended a spritely opening stand of 27 in 4.2 overs.In her next over Perry added Javeria Khan via a bottom edge as Pakistan lost 4 for 5 but she wasn’t called upon to bowl again by Lanning who used seven options and that still left Annabel Sutherland not required.
The former USMNT player stated that Mexico should not be overconfident in the match against the Canucks.
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Mexico and Canada will face off this Thursday for a spot in the Nations League Final.
El Tri is on a three-match winless streak against the Canucks.
Mexico reached the Semifinals after defeating Honduras, while Canada did the same against Suriname.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Marcelo Balboa, former USMNT star and Club León player, warned the Mexican National Team not to be overconfident in Thursday's match against Canada, calling them "the team in the region that is in the best form."
In light of this, Balboa urged Mexico not to overlook Canada.
"The key is that the Mexican National Team can play a great match, but Canada has a strong squad and individuals who can change the outcome in an instant," Balboa said in an interview with the Mexican newspaper El Universal.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mexico had their final training session on Wednesday in the Sports Dignity Health Stadium ahead of the match against Canada on Thursday. Javier Aguirre was able to count on a full squad after goalkeeper Carlos Moreno reported late due to issues with his visa. The former USMNT player, who also played in Mexican football with León, stated that this match will be "the early final" and that neither team "should be overconfident."
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WHAT MARCELO BALBOA SAID
"It will be the early final of the Nations League, the best semifinal, but neither team can be overconfident -anything can happen on the field," Balboa said.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Mexico dominate the head-to-head matchup against Canada with 21 victories, while have won 5 times, with 10 draws recorded. Despite dominance, they have not been able to defeat the North Americans in their last three encounters.
As of today, Javier Aguirre has coached 61 matches with the Tri, achieving 38 victories, 10 draws, and 13 losses. This represents a 61 percent win rate and a 66.6 percent points earned rate.
Nottingham Forest are plotting to sign a £10m player on loan in the January transfer window ahead of Wolves.
Nottingham Forest make it successive wins after dramatic win vs Aston Villa
The Reds followed up their brilliant win at Manchester United with a come-from-behind Premier League victory against Aston Villa at the City Ground on Saturday evening. Late goals from Nikola Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga sealed another three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, with the manager praising his side after the game.
“It says a lot about the character, especially after what happened in the game. Both teams were very equal in the first half; both very organised with no gaps. Villa tried to control us and we tried to control them. We allowed possession to them and they allowed possession to us but without threat – for both teams, except with set-pieces.
“The moment of the game was an amazing save from Martinez, then Villa went and scored. After that, the reaction of the players was amazing. The help of the fans was huge. Chris had a goal ruled out and it could have been game over, but it went the other way. The fans reacted, helped the team and the boys started running and running. We achieved a huge moment for all of us.”
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With the prospect of pushing for European football in the second half of the campaign, Forest appear to be eyeing up potential new signings in January and are leading the race to sign Yuri Alberto.
An enquiry has also been made by Forest to sign Igor Jesus from Botafogo ahead of Wolves, and it looks as if the Reds want to beat those at Molineux to a defensive addition as well.
Nottingham Forest plotting Ben Godfrey loan move
According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are trying to sign Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey on loan in the New Year, with Wolves also in the mix for the ex-Everton man.
The 26-year-old moved to Italy in a £10m deal but could be in line for a swift return to England. He is keen to leave in January as he wants to be playing regularly, something he is not doing with his current employers.
Godfrey, who can play at centre-back or right-back, came in for praise back in 2020 from Rio Ferdinand for his displays on Merseyside for the Toffees.
“You’ve got two centre-backs playing at full-backs. Ben Godfrey has been absolutely outstanding. The pace he has shown in the last couple of games…were against Timo Werner, Chelsea, the last game against Arsenal.
“You look at the pace of the kid. Pepe, £72m worth, I am sure Mr Godfrey would be looking at his pocket and thinking ‘where is he? Someone causing me a bit of friction in my pocket.”
Now, it looks as if a move to Forest will be one to watch over the coming weeks.
Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing a potential move for a “fantastic” Champions League-winning ace, according to a new transfer rumour.
Latest Newcastle news
The Magpies return to Premier League action after the international break, welcoming a struggling West Ham side to St James’ Park on Monday evening. The 3-1 win away to Nottingham Forest last time around was a further sign that Eddie Howe’s side have found their groove, especially after winning 1-0 at home to Arsenal the previous weekend.
While much focus is on the improvements on the pitch, there are also plenty of transfer rumours doing the rounds, as Newcastle look to bolster their squad, whether that be in the January transfer window or next summer.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford was linked with a move to St James’ plenty of times during the summer, and while he has remained with the Clarets for the time being, he has again been mentioned as a target. He could be seen as not only a replacement for Martin Dubravka but also a long-term successor to Nick Pope between the sticks.
There is also every chance that this will be Callum Wilson’s final year at Newcastle, with his current deal expiring at the end of this season, and Botafogo striker Igor Jesus has reportedly been lined up as a possible replacement for him.
Newcastle eyeing move for "fantastic" player
According to a new update from The Boot Room, Newcastle are monitoring Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz “closely”, as they eye a move for him.
Fellow Premier League pair Arsenal and Tottenham are also mentioned as options for the 25-year-old, who has been limited to just two starts in La Liga this season, finding it hard to oust some world-renowned names from the starting lineup.
Diaz could be a shrewd signing for Newcastle if they managed to pull it off, with the Moroccan an incredibly talented player who could light up St James’ with his trickery and end product.
The Madrid star won the Champions League last season and has scored seven goals in just eight caps for Morocco, having switched his allegiances from Spain, initially appearing once at senior level for the reigning European champions.
Meanwhile, Italy legend Alessandro Nesta rates Diaz highly as a footballer, saying he “has these fantastic plays in tight spaces”, while Clarence Seedorf has hailed his creativity, saying:
“Getting past your man makes all the difference. One can make a thousand passes and not create a single chance. We need players who take responsibility, as Leao and Diaz did on the goalscoring occasion. When something special happens, it’s because someone got past their man.”
Players of Diaz’s ilk are exactly what Newcastle would welcome, in terms of providing a little more creative spark in the final third, and the Madrid ace could be perfect for the right-sided attacking role where Howe craves extra quality.
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At 25, he is both experienced and still relatively young, and if his current club are willing to let him leave, the Magpies may view him as a perfect option out wide.