Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing an “unbelievable” player who is a standout figure in his position in his current league, according to a fresh transfer report.

Blackburn impressing in Championship

It has been such an encouraging start to the new Championship season for Rovers, who remain unbeaten in the competition after their first seven matches. John Eustace’s side sit third in the table behind West Brom and Sunderland, with Saturday’s 2-0 win at home Queens Park Rangers further suggesting that they should be aiming to finish in the playoff places this season at worst.

Perhaps most impressive is the fact that they have continued to excel despite losing star striker Sammie Szmodics to Ipswich Town during the summer transfer window, with last year’s top goalscorer in the Championship moving on to pastures new.

It is still early days, of course, so supporters are unlikely to be getting too carried away, but there is understandable positivity in the air, as Eustace continues to impress as manager. New signings in January could be ideal, in terms of giving the boss extra quality and depth in their promotion push, and it could looks as though they are eyeing up a key addition.

Blackburn want to sign "unbelievable" player in January

According to Football Insider, Blackburn are in the mix to sign Lincoln City centre-back Paudie O’Connor in the January transfer window, with Preston North End and Oxford United also thought to be in the race. He is said to have “established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the EFL”.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season, at which point the League One side would lose him on a free, assuming he fails to sign an extension.

O’Connor may be playing in League One, but he could be a brilliant addition for a team fighting at the top end of the second tier. The Irishman has grown into such a dominant performer for Lincoln since arriving from Bradford City back in 2022, with teammate Jack Moylan describing him as “unbelievable” and former Blackpool manager Terry McPhillips heaping praise on him.

“He was outstanding and he’s been the most unlucky (not to play more), I’ve said that before. To not have played for so long and to come in and play how he played, and then to be a real threat, is impressive.”

Now 27, O’Connor is a very experienced player, so there wouldn’t be the threat of him being overawed by the step up in quality, especially as he once played for Leeds United, meaning he knows how to deal with the pressure of representing a big club.

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If he joined Blackburn midway through the season, he would give Eustace’s side that extra stability in defence that could be vital in the promotion tussle, as well as a goal threat, having scored and assisted twice apiece already in League One this season.

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O Botafogo pode dar um grande passo para se tornar S/A. Em postagem divulgada no seu perfil no Linkedin, o CEO da XP, José Berenguer, adiantou que busca investidores para o Alvinegro. O diretor executivo fez a revelação ao celebrar o fato do ex-jogador Ronaldo adquirir o Cruzeiro.

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-Não tenho dúvida que começamos hoje a transformar a história do futebol nacional. O Cruzeiro é só o primeiro. Muitas outras negociações semelhantes envolvendo os clubes brasileiros estão por vir. O Botafogo será o próximo, também assessorado pelo nosso Investment Banking – afirmou.

A transformação em Sociedade Anônima foi aprovada emAssembleia do Conselho Deliberativo em 2019. O Botafogo confirmou seu acordo com a XP com o intuito para investidores em outubro. De acordo com “O Globo”, em 12 de dezembro, a empresa anunciou que iria anunciar em 30 dias os compradores da equipe celeste e do Alvinegro.

VEJA NA ÍNTEGRA A DECLARAÇÃO DO CEO DA XP
“Geralmente não venho aqui no Linkedin aos sábados, mas o momento é especial e merece ser celebrado. Acabamos de anunciar o acordo entre o Cruzeiro Esporte Clube e o Ronaldo, que irá investir R$ 400 milhões na Sociedade Anônima de Futebol (SAF) criada pelo clube.

Teremos times mais fortes e uma liga nacional ainda mais pujante. O futebol brasileiro nunca mais será o mesmo e sinto-me extremamente feliz por ver a XP capitaneando esse processo.”

Napoli have reportedly joined the race for Marcus Rashford as Antonio Conte wants a replacement for PSG-bound winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Rashford could leave Man Utd in January
• Napoli are vying for his services
• Conte wants him at Napoli as Kvaratskhelia's replacement

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Georgian winger is expected to depart for Paris Saint-Germain, where he has been identified as a key component in Luis Enrique's setup. In fact, Kvaratskhelia has also attracted interest from Liverpool and the forward has already handed a transfer request to the club. Conte, while resigned to the winger’s potential exit, has made it clear that finding a high-calibre replacement is imperative to maintain Napoli’s Serie A title ambitions.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Conte has reportedly set his sights on Rashford, whose availability has caught the attention of several top European clubs. Manchester United are open to offers for Rashford, valuing the England international at £70 million. However, a loan deal may emerge as the most feasible option due to the steep asking price. Rashford’s current contract sees him earning £300,000 per week, a figure that has posed a hurdle for potential buyers. AC Milan had previously expressed interest but sought United’s assistance in covering a portion of the player’s wages.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  If Kvaratskhelia’s transfer to PSG materializes, Napoli will gain additional financial flexibility, potentially giving them an edge in the race to sign Rashford. The departure of their star winger would allow the Italian club to present a more attractive financial package to Manchester United, increasing the likelihood of a deal.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

  While Napoli have emerged as a strong contender, Barcelona’s interest in Rashford remains a factor. The Catalan giants have expressed a desire to bring the English forward to Camp Nou but face significant financial obstacles. La Liga regulations require Barcelona to reduce their wage bill, a task complicated by their ongoing legal battle to register recent signing Dani Olmo. Rashford is reportedly considering waiting to see if Barcelona can make the necessary moves to facilitate a deal. However, the complexities of the Catalan club’s financial situation may push him to explore more immediate opportunities with PSG, Monaco, and Borussia Dortmund – all remaining in the queue.

Carlos Brathwaite is headed back to the BBL after re-signing with Sydney Sixers as they chase a hat-trick of titles.The West Indies allrounder was a key part of the Sixers’ title last season, particularly with the ball taking 16 wickets for the season. He claimed 4 for 18 in a win over Brisbane Heat and took 1 for 25 from four frugal overs in Sixers’ Qualifier win over Perth Scorchers which secured them a home final.Brathwaite, 33, had a lean season with the bat, but he did hit 21 off 12 balls to help Sixers steal an amazing win from Melbourne Stars on the Gold Coast early in their campaign and he cited Sixers’ title ambitions as a key reason for his return.Related

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“Obviously winning [BBL 10] and the team’s success last year made it attractive to want to come back,” he said. “As you get older you definitely want to be somewhere you can hopefully be challenging for trophies but at the Sixers, there is a deeper camaraderie and sense of family atmosphere.”As a team, we went through a tumultuous season last year on the road without getting back to Sydney until the final, and we built a very strong bond. The BBL is one of the biggest T20 tournaments in the world and hopefully, that bond can help us to succeed again, this time in front of our fans at the SCG all season.”Brathwaite joins Englishman Tom Curran in Sixers’ squad as the only two overseas at present. Curran withdrew from last season’s BBL due to bubble fatigue but is expected to return to Sydney this season.Sydney Sixers squad: Moises Henriques (capt), Sean Abbott, Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies), Daniel Christian, Tom Curran (England), Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Hughes, Stephen O’Keefe, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Ben Manenti, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk.

Stoneman makes duck on debut before century stand between White and Andersson

ECB Reporters' Network30-Aug-2021

Middlesex 218 for 5 (White 101*, Andersson 53) vs DerbyshireRobbie White struck his maiden first-class century to rescue Middlesex from a disastrous start against Derbyshire on the opening day of their LV= Insurance County Championship clash.The Seaxes stumbled to 14 for 3 – all lbw – after opting to bat at Lord’s as Derbyshire seamers Sam Conners and Luis Reece made the most of the early movement in overcast conditions. But White, who had previously passed 50 six times without registering a ton – including 99 against Kent last year – finally achieved that landmark as he led Middlesex’s fightback, hitting an unbeaten 101 to lift them to 218 for 5.The 25-year-old shared a century stand with Martin Andersson, whose 53 was his highest score of the season, while John Simpson was undefeated on 29 when bad light brought play to a premature close.Middlesex’s decision to bat looked questionable when Mark Stoneman, making his debut after moving across the river from Surrey, lasted only three balls before Conners’ inswinger trapped him in front for a duck. Sam Robson followed later in the same over, the victim of one that stayed low, while Stephen Eskinazi had little chance against a Reece delivery that swung viciously to leave Middlesex reeling.Despite a couple of edges that flew through the slips, White soon settled down to oversee a rebuilding job and weathered the onslaught alongside Max Holden in a partnership of 38.Reece collected his second lbw scalp before lunch, with Holden unlucky to be given out to a ball that looked too high, but Andersson announced his arrival at the crease with a series of sweetly-struck cover boundaries.The fifth-wicket pair made good progress during the afternoon session, with White leg-glancing Reece for four to bring up his half-century and Andersson quickly followed suit, reaching that milestone from 93 balls.With Derbyshire deploying both spinners in tandem, it was Alex Thomson who achieved the breakthrough with his maiden first-class wicket for the county, tempting Andersson forward to nudge to slip. However, Simpson maintained Middlesex’s momentum while White advanced steadily to his hundred, carving Conners over point for four and then taking advantage of a wide ball to punch another off-side boundary that brought him to three figures.That proved timely for White as, with the light deteriorating, umpires Muhammad Syed and Peter Hartley took the teams off just two overs later.

أعلن النادي الأهلي تقديم شكوى إلى لجنة الانضباط والأخلاق بـ اتحاد الكرة، بشأن تطاول جماهير الزمالك على إمام عاشور لاعب الفريق الأحمر خلال مباراة القمة الأخيرة بالدوري المصري.

وتعادل الأهلي والزمالك بهدف لكل فريق في المواجهة التي جمعت بينهما في إطار لقاءات الدوري المصري، مساء السبت الماضي.

ووجهت جماهير الزمالك عبارات قوية بالسباب ضد إمام عاشور لاعب الأهلي خلال سير مباراة الفريقين.

وطالب الأهلي بسرعة الفصل في الشكوى وإصدار قرار رادع ضد جمهور الزمالك.

طالع |شوبير يشيد بـ إمام عاشور بعد زيارته للاعب الزمالك السابق.. ويُناشد المسؤولين بيان الأهلي بشأن تقديم شكـوى إلـى لجنة الانضباط والأخلاق ضد تجاوزات جماهير الزمالك بحق إمام عاشور

تقدم النادي اليوم بشكوى إلى لجنة الانضباط والأخلاق بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم ضد جماهير نادي الزمالك، نظرًا لما بدر منها من تجاوزات غير لائقة، وسباب، وشتائم، غير مبررة بحق لاعب الأهلي إمام عاشور، أثناء مباراة القمة الأخيرة التي أقيمت يوم السبت الماضي.

وجاء في الشكوى أن جماهير الزمالك قامت بتوجيه الألفاظ الخارجة وأقبح الشتائم ضد اللاعب، الذي التزم بأقصى درجات ضبط النفس تجاه هذا السباب الجماعي.

وطالب النادي بسرعة الفصل في هذه الشكوى ليكون قرارًا رادعًا عن تكرار مثل هذه المخالفات، للحفاظ على الجوانب الأخلاقية وقيم المجتمع والصورة الحضارية للكرة المصرية.

Manchester United secured their second win of the season, beating newly promoted Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s Stadium. It was a huge win for the Red Devils, who responded well to two disappointing defeats against Brighton and Hove Albion and most recently Liverpool at Old Trafford.

There was an early scare for Erik ten Hag’s side after Diogo Dalot brought Tyler Dibling down just inside the penalty box to give the Saints a penalty. However, Andre Onana pulled off a save low to his right from Cameron Archer’s spot-kick, also managing to save the rebound.

From there, United dominated, and took the lead through new centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who scored from a well-worked corner routine, meeting a Bruno Fernandes cross with a bullet header.

Marcus Rashford then doubled the Red Devils’ lead, scoring from range and sending his effort past Aaron Ramsdale’s far post and into the bottom corner. Alejandro Garnacho sealed the three points with a late strike off the bench.

United will be pleased with their performance, getting a crucial three points and their second clean sheet of the season. There were some impressive defensive showings from their backline, with Lisandro Martinez putting in a particularly good shift.

Lisandro Martinez’s stats vs. Southampton

The 2023/24 season was frustrating for United defender Martinez, who suffered several long-term injuries. In total, the Argentine World Cup winner missed 42 games and 188 days last term with three separate injuries.

However, he has seemed very much his old self so far this term and was integral to United’s three points on the South Coast on Saturday afternoon. The defender played with another former Ajax player, De Ligt, for the fourth time at St Mary’s.

Indeed, the Argentine international was so impressive against Russel Martin’s side that GiveMeSport journalist Louis Wheeldon gave him a post-match rating of 8/10. The journalist stated that Martinez put in “several critical” defensive contributions, before praising his “perfect” passing.

That was also reflected in the 26-year-old’s SofaScore stats. He completed an impressive 58 out of 60 passes, at an accuracy of 97%. Not only that, the defender won four out of four ground duels and both of his attempted tackles.

Stat

Number

Passes completed

58/60

Pass accuracy

97%

Touches

70

interceptions

4

Ground duels won

4/4

Tackles

2/2

Dribbles completed

2/2

It was certainly an impressive showing from the defender, although he was arguably outshone by his partner De Ligt, who was superb outside of the goal he scored.

Matthijs de Ligt’s stats vs. Southampton

It was a brilliant first goal for the Red Devils for the man Ten Hag made captain of Ajax at the age of just 17. Now an experienced campaigner despite being just 25 years of age, De Ligt showed all of his class at St Mary’s this afternoon.

United’s number four went off injured, and Ten Hag will be desperate for him to be available for next weekend’s trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, given the nature of his performance against the Saints.

Indeed, Wheeldon gave the Dutchman a higher rating than his defensive partner after the game at St Mary’s. He graded De Ligt’s performance a 9/10, describing him as “imperious at the back” to go along with his goal.

The 25-year-old’s stats on SofaScore also made for impressive reading. He made 59 passes out of 64 he attempted, with a 92% accuracy. Defensively, the centre-back was colossal, winning three from three aerial duels and making six clearances.

It was a phenomenal performance from, the defender, who has made himself undroppable for the time being under a manager who knows him so well.

Ten Hag must keep the Dutch international in the starting XI moving forward as he has shown the defensive steel and strength that will be needed to enjoy a successful campaign.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has confirmed that an “impressive” player has picked up an injury, having missed the defeat to Plymouth Argyle.

Sunderland suffer shock defeat

The Black Cats turned up for their Championship clash with Plymouth on Saturday full of confidence, having won all four of their opening games in the competition this season. For that reason, they were resounding favourites to pick up another victory, but things didn’t pan out that way.

A Patrick Roberts penalty in the first half gave Sunderland the lead, suggesting that three more points were coming their way, but Le Bris’ men found themselves 2-1 down relatively late on.

Just when it looked as though Romaine Mundle had snatched a point for the visitors, they conceded in stoppage time, sending the travelling fans home miserable. It was a disappointing afternoon for anyone of a Sunderland persuasion, with the defeat acting as a reality check in the Championship promotion battle, but they still look like one of the leading contenders to be in the mix come the end of the season, and are still top of the table.

Le Bris confirms Sunderland injury

Speaking after the loss to Plymouth, Le Bris confirmed that Ian Poveda missed the game through injury, with a thigh problem keeping him sidelined, acting as a concern alongside star centre-back Dan Ballard, who limped off and was on crutches and in a brace after the Home Park loss: “He felt a small discomfort on his thigh so he was not available, but we think that it is not serious”, said Le Bris on Poveda.

Poveda’s absence on Saturday wasn’t ideal for Sunderland, given the attacking quality he possesses, potentially being a difference-maker with his unpredictability in the final third. The 24-year-old has only featured for 17 minutes of action for the Black Cats after joining from Leeds United on a permanent basis in the summer transfer window, but he is a talented footballer who Leeds United manager Daniel Farke once said of:

“Ian came back with a smile on his face, lots of confidence because he had good performances on this level. He was also quite impressive during this training week. I like what he’s showing so far.”

As Le Bris alludes to, it doesn’t look as though Poveda’s injury is serious, so the hope is that he is back in the fold as soon as possible, and he is going to be an exciting player to watch in the coming months.

Granted, the two-cap Colombia international has had a nomadic career to date, spending time at Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday, all on loan, but the hope is that he can now settle at Sunderland and be an important squad player for Le Bris.

Liverpool now register interest in "wonderful" Real Madrid target for Slot

He’s a future star.

1

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 13, 2024

He is still only 24 years of age, so he has plenty of time on his side, and it is now a case of finding the right club and kicking on, hopefully making up for the departure of Jack Clarke in the process.

Holden 94, Davies fifty help visitors to within three runs of victory at Hove

ECB Reporters Network12-Aug-2021Captain Tom Haines and Ben Brown scored maiden List A centuries as Sussex ended their Royal London Cup campaign by beating Middlesex by three runs in a thriller at Hove.Haines made 123 and Brown 105 as they shared a stand of 219 for the second wicket, the county’s fourth-highest partnership in one-day matches, out of a total of 333 for 4 after Haines had won the toss.With Travis Head and David Wiese adding 54 off 21 balls at the end, Sussex finished with their second-highest List A total in matches at Hove after plundering 130 off the last ten overs.Middlesex, who needed to win to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, were in a decent position on 145 for 1 in the 28th over, but Sussex’s four slow bowlers maintained pressure and wickets began to fall, including opener Max Holden who top scored with 94.But left-hander Jack Davies made a rapid 51 off 37 balls and even when he departed in the 46th over Martin Andersson kept his side in the hunt. Middlesex took 23 off the penultimate over from Danny Ibrahim and when Andersson hit Wiese for six off the first ball of the final over they needed eight off five balls and were favourites.But Wiese held his nerve. He had Josh De Caires caught in the deep and conceded singles off the last three deliveries to see his side home. They swapped places with Middlesex to finish seventh in Group 2.Haines and Brown had earlier come together in the eighth over after Middlesex captain James Harris held a catch off his own bowling to dismiss Ali Orr for 13.It was the last success Middlesex enjoyed for 36 overs as Haines and Brown built their partnership in ideal batting conditions. The only chance either of them offered came when Haines was dropped on 117. He struck 11 fours and four sixes with only De Caires going for less than five runs an over.Haines made 123 from 131 deliveries before he was caught at deep mid-wicket off a mis-timed pull and Brown also departed to a standing ovation when he holed out to deep extra cover, his runs coming off 109 balls with eight fours. Head and Wiese then thrashed 54 from just 21 balls, 46 of which came in boundaries, Wiese making 33 off 11 and Head 46 from 20.Middlesex made a solid start with Holden sharing 65 with Steve Eskinazi (28) and 80 with Varun Chopra (45), but the required rate had climbed to nine an over by the time skipper Peter Handscomb was lbw sweeping James Coles for 16.Holden moved to 94 from 95 balls with 12 fours when Head took a sharp return catch to end a fine innings. The Australian off-spinner finished with 2 for 35 while Wiese and Will Beer also picked up two wickets.

In a frustrating blow for Daniel Farke, Leeds United will once again be forced to cope without one star player following a recent injury update ahead of their clash against Coventry City this Saturday.

Leeds injury news

Given how their squad was decimated by the summer transfer window, Leeds could at least do with a full side to choose from as they look to make up for last season’s promotion heartbreak by returning to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

So far, however, that has not been the case. Farke has been forced to cope without the likes of Joe Rodon and Maximilian Wober at different stages of the campaign, in which his side initially struggled to remain consistent.

As things stand in the Championship, Leeds sit sixth and five points adrift of West Bromwich Albion at the top of the league. The Yorkshire club have finally shown glimpses of their quality in recent weeks though, to put a poor start behind them with one loss in their last five league games.

If they are to continue their recent form this weekend, however, then Farke’s side will have to do so without one summer signing. As confirmed by Farke, Leeds will be without Manor Solomon when they play host to Coventry this weekend after the Tottenham Hotspur loanee suffered a new injury.

The winger had just recovered from a back problem and looked on course to return on Saturday, but a hamstring injury has now delayed that return, much to the frustration of those at Elland Road.

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Speaking on team news ahead of Coventry, Farke told reporters: “A few injury updates. Manor’s back issues have resulted in a hamstring problem and will miss this game. Dan still out, Max had a setback in training with his knee. There’s a question mark with Pascal and his adductor, not able to train today.”

More frustration for "sharp" Solomon

After showing glimpses of his quality in the early stages of the season, a second injury setback in as many weeks will undoubtedly leave Solomon feeling incredibly frustrated. His loan spell to Elland Road was supposed to hand the winger crucial game time as he looks to rediscover the form that initially earned him a big move to Spurs in the first place. But as things stand, there will be concerns over his ability to remain fit and firing.

Farke will certainly hope to see the £60,000-a-week loanee return after Coventry, having told reporters via Leeds United News earlier in the campaign: “Solomon has experience in England. He has shown a lot. He was a bit in his rhythm already. I was sure he could deliver with his experience and he did. It was also crucial to give that perfect assist. He looked sharp in training.”

Following Coventry, Leeds travel to Norwich City in a repeat of last season’s play-off semi-final, in which the Whites eventually eased past the Canaries in dominant fashion.