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Leeds United are reportedly keen on completing the signing of a 24-year-old goalkeeper this summer, being seen as an alternative to heavily linked targets like Sam Johnstone and Caoimhin Kelleher.

Leeds eyeing new goalkeeper this summer

The Whites may have only recently sealed promotion from the Championship, but focus will already be on life back in the Premier League next season and what surgeries in the squad are required.

Indeed, Leeds need to conduct plenty of business in the transfer market, in order to have a squad that is capable of coping in the top flight, with a new goalkeeper near the top of Daniel Farke’s wishlist, due to Illan Meslier continuing to be an error-prone player and 34-year-old Karl Darlow not being the long-term solution between the sticks.

Wolves ace Johnstone is one rumoured target for the Whites, having had to generally play second fiddle to Jose Sa this season, with the Englishman no doubt keen on being first choice elsewhere and regularly being on the pitch during the peak years of his career.

Meanwhile, Liverpool stopper Kelleher has also been linked with joining Leeds, with the Republic of Ireland international behind Alisson in the pecking order and highly unlikely to oust arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. He could be an excellent signing, having played his part in the Reds winning the Premier League title this season, starting 10 league games.

Leeds planning offer for Orlando Gill

Writing on X, journalist Uriel Lugt claimed that “offers will arrive” for San Lorenzo goalkeeper Orlando Gill this summer, and Leeds are one of those sides “interested” in snapping him up. While his club are in no rush to sell him, their head could be turned if the right bid arrives. The 24-year-old’s current contract runs until December 2027, but the Whites look like they are going to try and entice him away from the club long before then.

Gill is certainly a lesser-known option for Leeds compared to those mentioned above, currently plying his trade in Argentina with San Lorenzo. That’s not to say that the Paraguayan wouldn’t still be a good choice for the Whites, though, having kept nine clean sheets in 18 appearances for his current club at senior level.

Johnstone or Kelleher would arguably still be more of a surefire bet for Leeds, however, having both not only proven themselves in the Premier League, but also represented England and Ireland at international level.

Farke needs to bring in a ‘keeper who can hit the ground running from the opening day of the season, and there is more chance of one of them making more of a seamless transition from their current club to Elland Road, compared to a player who hasn’t yet tasted English football.

Leeds now make approach to sign "fantastic" £25m Premier League attacker

He could be a great signing for the Whites this summer.

By
Henry Jackson

May 11, 2025

That said, Leeds’ recruitment team need to be trusted if they ultimately see the 6 foot 5 Gill as the best choice to sign in the summer window, during a potentially exciting period in which Paraag Marathe is reportedly ready to give Farke as much as £150m to spend on new signings. Bringing him in as second choice feels more likely, though, given his lack of experience at the top level.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has now been told by club chiefs to sign a “special” £25 million star this summer, according to a new report.

Crystal Palace eye multiple free transfers

The Eagles have still got an FA Cup final to prepare for this season, but already club chiefs are working hard behind the scenes to bring in new players this summer. Winning the FA Cup would see Palace play European football next season, and that might have something to do with the fact that the club are not wasting any time when it comes to contacting potential transfer targets.

Crystal Palace make enquiry to sign 28 y/o on free transfer ahead of Fulham

Crystal Palace are now in a race with Fulham to sign an experienced midfielder from La Liga.

By
Brett Worthington

May 7, 2025

It’s been recently reported that Palace have made an enquiry to sign midfielder Yvan Neyou, who will leave Leganes at the end of the season. The 28-year-old will be a free agent this summer, and Palace as well as Fulham have already made contact over a move to England.

As well as Neyou, the South Londoners have also been in contact with the agents of Junior Firpo over a possible move to Selhurst Park. The attacking left-back looks set to leave Leeds United when his contract expires, and Palace have now joined the long list of teams who are keen on snapping him up.

The free transfer targets don’t stop there, as a report has now revealed that the Eagles are close to signing Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahçe. Palace have offered a four-year deal to the right-back worth £3.8 million a season, and it seems to be enough to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Parish now told to sign £25m Newcastle star

According to The Everything is Black and White Podcast, relayed by The Chronicle, Crystal Palace officials have recommended signing Newcastle United’s Joe Willock.

Toon podcast host Andrew Musgrove revealed that Palace chiefs have put the idea forward to Parish: “I’ve been told that transfer chiefs at Crystal Palace have recommended Willock to Steve Parish and that they think they can get him. I think that move would work out for them.”

Willock, who was once dubbed a “special talent” by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, has been at Newcastle since August 2021, during which he has been a regular in the side. However, this season the 25-year-old has found it hard to nail down a regular starting spot, as he’s started just 11 of the 30 Premier League games he’s played.

Willock has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, and therefore he could be a player the Magpies look to move on this summer.

His arrival at Palace could take some of the burden off finding a direct replacement for Eberechi Eze, who may be on his way out of Selhurst Park. Willock may not have produced the numbers Eze has, but the Newcastle man has shown that he can produce moments of quality in the Premier League, and his goals from midfield would take some pressure off any attacking signings.

Newcastle spent £25 million to get him from Arsenal, and the likelihood is that they are going to want to get their money back for the midfielder, who still has two years left to run on his contract.

Manchester United’s recent fortunes would suggest that a place in the Europa League final isn’t quite guaranteed, not just yet, although Ruben Amorim’s men certainly have one foot in the showpiece following a stunning first-leg triumph on Thursday night.

Up against an Athletic Bilbao side who had conceded just 12 goals at home all season in LaLiga and in European competition combined, the Red Devils romped to a brutal 3-0 win in San Mames, maintaining their unbeaten run in this year’s edition.

After a nervy opening – which saw Inaki Williams notably guide his effort over the crossbar – the visitors took control through Casemiro’s backpost header, before ever-reliable skipper, Bruno Fernandes, converted from the penalty spot following a last-ditch foul on Rasmus Hojlund.

With Dani Vivian dismissed for the action that led to the spot-kick to compound matters for the home side, United swiftly extended their advantage just minutes later, with that man Fernandes rounding off an intricate team move just before the break.

A fourth and potentially tie-clinching goal did not emerge after the interval, although Amorim can have few complaints on a night in which his experienced heads, in particular, kept their cool.

Casemiro and Fernandes rise above the rest

If the former Sporting CP boss is to have any reason for negativity following Thursday’s convincing win, the Portuguese tactician may be concerned at the shaky start which his side endured, with Victor Lindelof notably among those to have needlessly squandered possession in the early exchanges.

The Swede did, thankfully, redeem himself soon after with a vital goal-line block, with Manuel Ugarte also enjoying his own in-game redemption, having shaken off a careless beginning to ultimately register two assists on the night, including a clever backheeled flick for Fernandes’ second.

Some initial nerves may have been understandable, although in the case of the captain and Casemiro, the experienced pairing proved to be “the difference again”, in the words of journalist Samuel Luckhurst, having been head and shoulders above the majority of their teammates.

For Fernandes, such a performance has simply become the norm, with the influential skipper now boasting 37 goals and assists this season in all competitions, including seven goals and four assists in the Europa League alone.

To see the 30-year-old pulling the strings is no surprise, although for his veteran teammate, this recent resurgence has been a welcome one, not least considering it appeared as if he was approaching the end of a storied career not too long ago.

Once looking like “he is playing in Soccer Aid” under Erik ten Hag last term, as per pundit Jamie Redknapp, Casemiro has been reborn in the Amorim regime, with the return to Spain seeing the former Real Madrid warrior win ten of his 12 attempted duels, alongside getting on the scoresheet.

A starter in every knockout stage game in the competition, this redemption arc continues for the 33-year-old – much like it does for Harry Maguire.

The Man Utd hero who's now undroppable again

The importance of Fernandes and Casemiro was evident as even at 3-0, Amorim opted not to rest the star duo despite making a raft of changes, with the two men simply pillars in this developing 3-4-3 system.

Performance in Numbers

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In a similar manner, the fact that Maguire was withdrawn just after the hour mark was also a sign of his growing stature under the new regime, with Amorim unable to afford an injury setback to the 6 foot 4 Englishman.

The 32-year-old hasn’t been a stranger to periods on the sidelines this season, having actually only featured on 34 occasions, although at present he looks the real bedrock in a back three that repeatedly chops and changes with each passing game.

A player his manager previously described as “perfect” for this setup, following the extension of his contract by a further 12 months, Maguire looks at home in the centre of the defensive trio, having been largely untroubled against the Basque outfit.

There was one hairy moment just prior to his withdrawal, amid appeals from the home crowd for a red card following a ‘foul’ on Maroan Sannadi, although it was otherwise plain-sailing, with the former Leicester City man spraying passes with ease after racking up a 97% pass accuracy rate in total.

Much like last month and his stoppage time heroics to clinch victory over Lyon, it was actually his impact in the final third that was most memorable from Maguire’s outing, with the towering defender proving an unlikely menace down the right flank, before whipping in a cross that eventually found its way to Casemiro, via the head of Ugarte.

The sight of the big man twisting and turning truly was a joy to behold, with that marking another “glorious” moment – as per The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell – in the revival of a player who was memorably stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag back in 2023.

There were even suggestions that a move to West Ham United was on the cards that summer, yet now the £190k-per-week powerhouse looks a key cog in the Amorim machine – with the aforementioned Luckhurst noting his ‘solid’ 8/10 performance on the night.

In an era of pursuing younger and younger signings, with the aim of looking to the long-term, the likes of Maguire, Casemiro and Fernandes are proving that experience and class are simply priceless.

Man Utd may have found the new Scott McTominay in an unlikely source

Man Utd have found a new figure who may soon emulate McTominay…

By
Robbie Walls

May 1, 2025

Will Celtic be crowned champions of Scotland again as soon as this weekend?

Following their 5-1 demolition of Kilmarnock, the Hoops are 15 points clear of fierce rivals Rangers with only five matches to go, and boasting a goal difference that is just the 42 superior.

So, even a draw against Dundee United on Saturday will secure a 13th Scottish Premiership title in just 14 seasons, rubber-stamping the title at Tannadice, just as they did in 2008 under Gordon Strachan as well as three years ago when Ange Postecoglou was in charge.

So now, as attention turns towards the summer plans, with a crucial Champions League play-off in August looming large, could Celtic save themselves a few quid in the transfer market by giving a young star, impressing out on loan, an opportunity?

Celtic's interest in Million Manhoef

As previously reported this month, Celtic are ‘eyeing’ a move for Stoke City winger Million Manhoef.

The 23-year-old Dutch U21 international joined the Potters from Vitesse Arnhem in January 2024 for a reported fee of £3m, scoring 11 goals and registering five assists in 51 appearances for the EFL Championship club to date.

His performances have earned rave reviews, including from Dean Jones, who told Give Me Sport that Manhoef is “the sort of player that will get fans off their seats”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him both “quality and versatile”.

As a result, journalist Graeme Bailey believes Manhoef is valued at £10m by Stoke, which would make him one of Celtic’s most-expensive signings of all-time, so could the Scottish champions save their money by reintegrating a youngster currently impressing out on loan on the other side of the world?

Celtic's forgotten sensation out on loan

Back in June 2023, Celtic signed a 21-year-old by the name of Marco Tilio from Melbourne City for a reported fee of £1.5m.

This was, at the time, a record outgoing transfer fee for an A-League player, with Beth Limb of Total Football Analysis believing Celtic had secured a great deal for such a talented player.

Well, so far, this has not transpired, with Tilio making just two appearances in hoops to date, making his debut during a one-minute cameo against Motherwell in November 2023, before seeing 27 minutes off the bench against Hibernian 11 days later.

Instead, he has been loaned back to Melbourne City, for whom he’s now made 102 appearances, really starting to rediscover his best form this season after a long spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

So far this year, the Australian international has scored four A-League goals, actually making him the Sky Blues’ joint-top scorer, with this season-by-season breakdown outlining his career so far.

As the table shows, Tilio has started to somewhat show the form that convinced Celtic to sign him in the first place.

He was a “prolific goalscorer” during his first spell at Melbourne City, as per one source, form he has begun to rediscover, with Liam Bryce of the Herald believing that he certainly has the talent to ‘flourish’ in Glasgow, while Emma Kemp of the Guardian outlines that Tilio is always capable of producing a ‘moment of magic’.

So, given Tilio’s undeniable talent, he should certainly be given an opportunity at Celtic, suggesting they don’t need to go into the market and spend big on a new winger.

Kuhn 2.0: Celtic could sign £10m sensation who gets "fans off their seats"

As Brendan Rodgers starts to turn his attention to summer recruitment, could Celtic sign a new winger?

By
Ben Gray

Apr 23, 2025

Off the back of a 30-goal season in 2022/23 under Erik ten Hag, it would have appeared ridiculous to suggest that just under two years later, Manchester United’s academy sensation, Marcus Rashford, would be lining up for anyone other than the Red Devils.

As it is, the Englishman – who left the club on loan in February – is now part of an Aston Villa side chasing FA Cup and Champions League glory, with a top-five finish also in reach for Unai Emery’s high-flying side.

Three goals and four assists have come the 27-year-old’s way in just 13 games in his new temporary home, with Emery even opting to start his red-hot forward ahead of compatriot, Ollie Watkins for Wednesday’s first-leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

There may be those ruing Ruben Amorim’s decision to let Rashford depart, although it’s worth remembering that the 2022/23 campaign was merely an outlier in what had been a turbulent last few years for the £300k-per-week star back at Old Trafford.

With Rashford already outlining his desire for “a new challenge” back in December, this is surely the beginning of the end for his United journey. Now, INEOS need to acquire a suitable replacement.

Man Utd's search for a new forward

The name doing the rounds at present is that of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha, with reports earlier this week suggesting that contact has already been made with the Brazilian’s agent, ahead of a potential summer swoop.

It would appear that the Red Devils are putting together a contingency plan in case they aren’t able to land the 25-year-old, however, with GIVEMESPORT outlining that Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is also under consideration.

As per the report, Amorim and co are on ‘red alert’ after assessing the data surrounding Mbeumo’s displays for the Bees this season, with there said to be ‘increasing confidence’ that the Cameroon international could reignite United’s misfiring forward line.

Transfer Focus

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

The piece outlines that while it would take a sizeable offer to land the 25-year-old, believed to be in the region of £50m, the wing wizard could be up for grabs as he enters the final year of his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Capable of operating off the right flank or through the middle, the France-born sensation could represent the perfect addition to Amorim’s attacking ranks, ahead of next season.

How Mbeumo compares to Rashford & Elanga

Not only have United seen Rashford find form again away from the Theatre of Dreams, but another academy graduate – Anthony Elanga – has also dazzled since moving to Nottingham Forest on a £15m deal back in 2023, having notably scored the decisive goal in stunning fashion against his former club last week.

The Swedish speedster has racked up 29 goals and assists in 74 games since moving to the City Ground, albeit with Amorim seemingly refuting claims that it had been a mistake to sell the winger, after he was given a “chance” to impress back in Manchester.

Even so, there is a lingering frustration over the decision to cash in on the 22-year-old on the cheap, albeit with the signing of Mbeumo allowing those of a United persuasion to forget all about Elanga – and Rashford – due to his status as “one of the best players in the Premier League”, according to Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell.

Indeed, the former Troyes starlet – who joined Thomas Frank’s side in 2019 – has scored 16 goals and provided a further five assists in the top-flight in 2024/25 to date, coming close to bettering Rashford’s best ever tally of 17 league goals, which he achieved in 2019/20 and 2022/23.

Described as “unplayable” at times by the aforementioned Frank, Mbeumo has lit up the division in recent times, with the left-footer ending last term with 15 goals and assists to his name, despite being hampered by injury.

Interestingly, too, the two most statistically similar forwards to the Brentford talisman in the league, as per FBref, are actually Rashford and Elanga, with Mbeumo possessing the searing pace of the latter, as well as the centre-forward instincts of the former – seemingly the perfect hybrid.

As indicated in the table above, it is the Bees man who comes on top across a string of attacking and defensive metrics in 2024/25, indicating that while he may possess the characteristics of his two Premier League counterparts, he would actually represent an upgrade as far as Amorim is concerned.

With 54 goals and assists in 129 top-flight games to date in English football, Mbeumo would represent the ready-made solution that United are desperately craving in the forward line.

Amorim already has his own Matheus Cunha in Man Utd's "sensational" talent

Man Utd have been heavily linked with a summer swoop for the Wolves sensation…

1

By
Robbie Walls

Apr 10, 2025

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has offered his thoughts on Xavi Simons and his performances in training, while addressing the decision to bench him in Spurs’ last four matches.

Thomas Frank set for Brentford reunion amid poor Spurs run

Spurs welcome Brentford to north London on Saturday, desperately needing to end a dismal run that has seen them plummet to 11th in the Premier League table with just 19 points from 14 games.

Frank’s side approach this clash winless in their last five league outings, including three defeats.

Cristian Romero’s dramatic late overhead kick salvaged a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their last match, with a controversial VAR penalty to Newcastle denying them all three points.

Their home form has completely collapsed too, with the club now going six consecutive league matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a single victory.

That shocking run includes 10 home defeats throughout the entire calendar year of 2025, matching the club’s worst-ever records for home losses in a single year.

Most concerning was their last appearance on home soil, where Fulham raced into a two-goal lead within the opening six minutes before securing a 2-1 victory.

The final whistle brought a cacophony of boos ringing around the stadium, aimed squarely at Frank and his struggling squad.

The ghosts of their 4-1 capitulation at Arsenal last month continue to haunt the team. During that humbling derby defeat, Tottenham managed an expected goals figure of just 0.07, one of their lowest outputs this season, highlighting their serious lack of creativity which has become a concern.

Injury problems compound Frank’s difficulties.

Player reveals Daniel Levy blocked his dream transfer to Chelsea from Tottenham

The ex-Lilywhites chairman held him hostage.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 4, 2025

Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined, robbing Spurs of crucial attacking impetus, with James Maddison not expected back until the new year. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma also has no set return date yet.

The Lilywhites really need Simons to step up right now after his marquee £55 million move from RB Leipzig, but the Dutchman has scarcely been given a chance lately.

Simons’ highlights in a Spurs jersey are few and far between, with the ex-PSG sensation putting in a Player of the Match display against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League and notching an assist against West Ham way back in September.

That is, however, the sum of his contribution this season, with the ex-Eredivisie starlet attracting criticism.

Thomas Frank makes Xavi Simons training claim in response to Tottenham snubs

Simons could end up costing the club £125 million when factoring in wages, agent’s fees and other add-ons over a potential seven-year contract, but to be fair to him, it’s hard to justify that price with limited game time.

Speaking in his latest press conference, Frank addressed why he hasn’t been starting for Simons for Tottenham lately — claiming it is down to a matter of form with alternatives and different personnel for contrasting matches.

The Dane also shared how Simons has been impressing in Tottenham training lately, so it is absolutely not a question of work ethic.

With the pressure on Simons to perform, Saturday sets the perfect stage, and he could become a hero by helping to arrest the club’s barren home form through a convincing display against Frank’s former club.

If there was ever a time for Aaron Judge to have a big at-bat, it was Tuesday night, with the Yankees facing elimination in Game 3 of the AL division series vs. the series-leading Blue Jays. And he did just that, with one huge swing.

With the Yanks down by three in the bottom of the fourth, Judge smashed a three-run homer off the left-field foul pole—his first dinger of the postseason—to tie the score 6–6 and give New York an actual fighting chance of winning the contest and living to see another game. Jazz Chisholm Jr. followed with a solo home run in the fifth and New York tacked on two more, eventually winning 9–6 to pull within 2–1 in the series.

Fans immediately went ballistic after Judge’s homer, as the Yankees watching in the dugout threw up their hands in joy.

Watch that below:

And here's another great angle worth checking out, too:

In perfect sync with the fans leaping to their feet at Yankee Stadium, viewers online were similarly amazed at what they had just seen:

With that, Judge is now slashing .524/.583/.762 this postseason and boasts a playoff-leading 11 hits, in addition to his one miraculous home run.

Jules Kounde was the unlikely hero for Barcelona on Tuesday in the Champions League. Eintracht Frankfurt silenced the Camp Nou by taking a shock lead in the first half through Ansgar Knauff. but were pegged back after the break. Marcus Rashford was the catalyst for the hosts, coming off the bench and teeing up Kounde to level matters minutes after the break, and the French full-back then sealed the 2-1 win with his second of the game from a Lamine Yamal cross.

Barcelona have made a habit of conceding first this season and did so again at Camp Nou midway through the first half. Nathaniel Brown clipped a superb ball over Barca’s backline to find Knauff running through on goal, and the winger managed to fend off Alejandro Balde and fire past Joan Garcia to hand Eintracht a shock lead.

Hansi Flick's side enjoyed plenty of possession after the goal, but struggled to create clear-cut chances, meaning it was no surprise to see the German coach tweak his side at the half-time break. The ineffective Fermin Lopez was replaced by Rashford as Flick sought more cutting edge and threat in attack.

The England international made an instant impact after being played through by Pedri down the left. Rashford could have gone for goal himself, but cut the ball back to Raphinha, who could only blaze wildly over the crossbar. Minutes later and Rashford's impact really was felt by the visitors, as the Manchester United loanee's deep cross from the left was headed home by Kounde to make it 1-1.

Kounde may have been an unlikely goal-scorer for Barcelona, but the France international was celebrating again just three minutes later. This time it was Yamal who swung in a cross from deep for Kounde to head Barcelona in front. The goals seemed to drain the belief out of Eintracht as Barca went on to dominate proceedings and secure the win that keeps alive their hopes of automatic qualification from the league phase.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Camp Nou…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Joan Garcia (7/10):

  Couldn't do too much about the goal but dealt confidently with everything else thrown at him.

  Jules Kounde (8/10):

  Still looks miles below his best form but popped up with two crucial headers to seal the win. He also becomes the first Barca player to score two headers in a Champions League match.

  Pau Cubarsi (7/10):

  Looks far happier with Martin alongside him. Put in a super challenge to deny Eintracht midway through the second half.

  Gerard Martin (6/10):

  Stretched out a leg but couldn’t block the pass to Knauff for the opening goal. Had a great effort in the first half which flew just over.

  Alejandro Balde (6/10):

  Chased back desperately with Knauff but could not prevent him opening the scoring.

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• AFP
  

  Midfield

  Eric Garcia (6/10):

  Should have closed down Brown quicker for the opener, but otherwise put in another solid shift. Much better in the second half.

  Pedri (8/10):

  The classiest operator on the pitch by some distance and helped Barcelona take control of the game after half-time.

  Fermin Lopez (5/10):

  Looked lost on his return to the team. Struggled to connect with his team-mates and his usual goal threat was missing. No surprise to see him hooked at half-time.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (7/10):

  Looked isolated in the first half and lost the ball in the build-up to Frankfurt's goal. He was better after the break and grabbed an assist for Kounde to make it 2-1, but picked up a booking which rules him out of Barca's next Champions League game.

  Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

  Scored an early goal which was ruled out for offside but otherwise offered very little. Taken off for Ferran just after the hour.

  Raphinha (6/10):

  Back in the starting XI but never really got going and was hooked early in the second half.

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• AFP
  

  Subs & Manager

  Marcus Rashford (8/10):

  Made the difference off the bench at half-time. Was really lively throughout and bagged an assist for Kounde. Could have scored himself but saw an effort deflected over the bar.

  Ferran Torres (7/10):

  Added more energy and invention to the attack. 

  Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

  Came on to firm things up and help Barcelona see out an important win. Not afraid to attack the box.

  Andreas Christensen (N/A):

  Late sub for Yamal.

  Roony Bardghji (N/A):

  Another late sub.

  Hansi Flick (7/10):

  Made changes to his team and they simply didn't pay off as Barca struggled in the first half. Made the right decision to send on Rashford at half-time which helped spark the comeback.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been sent home by Portugal following his red card against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. Ronaldo received his marching orders on the hour mark, his first dismissal of his international career, having elbowed Ireland defender Dara O'Shea, as the Selecao crashed to a surprise 2-0 defeat at the Aviva Stadium. Portugal remain top of World Cup qualifying Group F despite the loss.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ireland claimed huge win over Portugal

  However, the Selecao's progression to the 2026 World Cup isn't quite so cut and dry following Thursday's reverse. Troy Parrott bagged a first half brace for the Boys In Green as Ireland made it back-to-back wins to give their play-off hopes a much-needed shot in the arm.

  Ireland now face Hungary, who sit one point above Heimir Hallgrimsson's side, on Sunday afternoon needing to win in order to leapfrog the Magyars into second place. Hungary may yet finish first if they win and Portugal lose to Armenia, though even without Ronaldo, that seems unlikely.

  The 40-year-old won't be hanging around to watch Portugal's game at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto on Sunday afternoon after the experienced striker was 'released from the national team' according to Portuguese publication . Ronaldo had put in a sluggish performance up until his dismissal in what proved a frustrating evening for the Portugal captain.

  Before the game, Ronaldo had promised to be a 'good boy' upon his return to Ireland, stating: "I really like the fans here. The support they give to their national team is lovely.

  "For me, it's a pleasure to play here again, I hope they don't boo me too much tomorrow – I swear that I'm going to try to be a good boy."

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• 'There's no violence'

  Ronaldo's red card was met with disbelief by the experienced striker, who turned to sarcastically applaud the home crowd before trudging towards the tunnel. And the Al-Nassr hitman had to be held back by former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho after the Portuguese hero appeared to mouth 'well done' in the direction of the Irish dugout.

  Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez came to the defence of Ronaldo after Thursday's defeat and argued that the captain's outburst was not 'violent'. "Of course, we spoke I think it's difficult for a player like Cristiano, who's in the box. And today he had two defenders constantly in physical contact," Martinez said.

  "There's no violence. He tries to push the defender away and he was unlucky that the VAR… the angle of the images [makes it look] worse than what happened. It's Ronaldo's first red card for the national team, it's incredible."

  A straight red card on the international stage tends to carry a two-match ban, which means Ronaldo may miss Portugal's World Cup opener if they to get the job done against Armenia and avoid needing to jet stateside next summer via the play-offs.

• AFP
  

  'He knows he made a mistake'

  Manchester United captain and Ronaldo's Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes has admitted that the frontman made a mistake but that his dismissal made things more difficult in Ireland last week. Fernandes, who sat out the game against Ireland owing to a ban of his own, said: "That happens in football, a moment where Cris had a reaction that cost him dearly.

  "Something he didn't want to do, but it ended up happening. He knows he made a mistake and unfortunately couldn't help us, but it doesn't change the fact that we were already behind in the game.

  "It made things a little more difficult, because we were playing with 10 men and didn't have a player who could score a goal at any moment."

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• Portugal expected to breeze past Armenia

  Portugal are still expected to finish top of Group F on Sunday as they gear up to take on Armenia on home turf. Armenia have lost four of their five World Cup qualifiers, including a resounding 5-0 loss to Martinez's men at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium back in September.

  Ronaldo scored twice in that resounding victory, while Joao Felix – twice – and Joao Cancelo also got on the scoresheet earlier in the year.

The Yankees' busy trade deadline continues.

New York is trading for Rockies reliever Jake Bird in exchange for second baseman prospect Roc Riggio and left-handed prospect Ben Shields, Jeff Passan of reports.

The right-hander heads to the Yankees after spending the first three and a half years of his career in Colorado. This season, Bird is 4-1 with a 4.73 ERA and 62 strikeouts over 53.1 innings. He notably had a 2.48 ERA at home compared to a 7.40 ERA on the road this season.

This marks the latest move for the Yankees, who added more help to bullpen earlier on Thursday by trading for David Bednar from the Pirates. On Wednesday, they brought in White Sox outfielder Austin Slater for Gage Ziehl, and traded for Ryan McMahon last week.