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Flamengo e Fluminense divulgaram vídeo com balanço geral do Maracanã desde abril de 2019, quando assumiram a concessão do estádio. Em meio à queda de braço nos bastidores com o Vasco, que quer participar da nova gestão, a dupla Fla-Flu teve nova cessão, com duração de 180 dias, oficializada pelo Governo do Rio de Janeiro na última quarta-feira.

De acordo com o vídeo publicado pelos clubes, foram investidos no Maracanã, desde o início da gestão da dupla, mais de R$ 100 milhões. O gramado com nova tecnologia, além da melhoria de infraestrutura e segurança para torcedores e imprensa, foram aspectos citados pela dupla Fla-Flu.

RelacionadasFluminenseApós publicação do Vasco, Fluminense destaca pedido por paz nos estádiosFluminense29/04/2023FlamengoFlamengo x Botafogo: rubro-negros esgotam ingressos para o clássicoFlamengo28/04/2023VascoApós disputa com o Fluminense pelo Maracanã, Vasco pede aos torcedores um basta no ódio e na violênciaVasco28/04/2023

+Após publicação do Vasco, Fluminense destaca pedido por paz nos estádios

-O melhor para o Melhor do Brasil! Nos últimos quatro anos, desde que assumiu o Maracanã, a gestão Flamengo & Fluminense não tem poupado esforços para deixar a Casa do Inesquecível do jeito que ela merece. Foram mais de R$ 100 milhões de investimento entre infraestrutura, segurança e manutenção. Tudo pensando no melhor para clubes, jogadores, imprensa e, é claro, torcedores. Momentos inesquecíveis que ficam na história do futebol merecem o melhor palco do país. Seguimos juntos, Maraca. Dentro e fora de campo. Por nós e por todos! – escreveram as equipes, nas redes sociais.

18-year-old Kwena Maphaka is the only uncapped player in the squad that will play Pakistan in three ODIs

Firdose Moonda12-Dec-2024South Africa have selected their strongest available squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan in order to make full use of their last opportunity to play together ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy.Though South Africa will play a tri-series in Pakistan, which also includes New Zealand, in February next year, those matches will take place too close to the conclusion of the SA20 on February 8 for a first-choice squad to be available.There are nine additions to the squad that last played the format, against Ireland in the UAE, including the return of Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who last played an ODI almost a year ago.South Africa vs Pakistan ODI series

Dec 17 – 1st ODI, Paarl
Dec 19 – 2nd ODI, Cape Town
Dec 22 – 3rd ODI, Johannesburg

Eighteen-year-old quick Kwena Maphaka is the only uncapped player in the squad, Maphaka was the leading wicket-take at this year’s Under-19 World Cup, which is played in the 50-over format, and has impressed with speeds of up to 152kph in the T20I series against Pakistan. He also gets an opportunity thanks to the absence of several injured quicks. None of Anrich Nortje (broken toe), Lungi Ngidi (hip injury), Gerald Coetzee (groin injury), Wiaan Mulder (broken finger) and Nandre Burger (lower back stress fracture) could be considered for selection.The squad will be led by regular captain Temba Bavuma, who was injured when playing an ODI against Ireland in October but has since returned to form in the Test arena. It is likely he will be partnered by Ryan Rickelton at the top of the order with Reeza Hendricks, who did not cross 20 in his last five ODIS, dropped. Tony de Zorzi is another top-order option. Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Klaasen and Miller all give South Africa an experienced and strong batting line-up.ESPNcricinfo LtdTwo seam-bowling allrounders in Andile Phehlukwayo and Marco Jansen have been selected, while one other specialist seamer, Ottneil Baartman, and two frontline spinners – Maharaj and Shamsi – have come in at the expense of Bjorn Fortuin and Nqaba Peter. Shamsi’s return is significant because he opted out of a national contract in October in order to have flexibility for league performances and was not included in the T20I series to play India last month. He has since been recalled for the Pakistan matches.”The bowling line-up features one of the fastest in the game in KG, and this series offers another great opportunity for a young talent like Kwena to come in and learn first-hand from the best,” Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach, said. “In the batting department, we are thrilled to welcome back David and Heinrich, two of the most destructive players in the game. Overall, we are very pleased with this squad.”Bavuma, de Zorzi, Jansen, Maharaj, Markram, Rabada, Stubbs and Rickelton will have a four-day turnaround between the end of the ODI series and the start of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. South Africa need one more Test win to guarantee themselves a place at next year’s World Test Championship final.South Africa squad for ODI series against PakistanTemba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

After years of inconsistency, Manchester United find themselves back in the market for a reliable defensive midfield presence.

The Casemiro experiment, while initially promising, has faltered.

The Brazilian’s declining mobility and positional indiscipline have left United exposed against high-intensity opposition.

In 2023/24, Casemiro ranked among the Premier League’s worst for tackles and interceptions per 90 among defensive midfielders.

His struggle to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, combined with United’s chaotic structure, has led to criticism from pundits and supporters alike.

Now approaching 34, his time at the top level is running out.

United’s recruitment strategy under new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is shifting toward more structured, long-term planning.

One target under close consideration fits that profile, and while he may not possess the same elegance or influence as Manchester City’s Rodri, the parallels between them suggest he could become United’s answer to their rival’s midfield metronome.

Man United looking at signing new defensive monster

João Palhinha may not possess the same quality as Rodri, but few midfielders in Europe are more adept at the dark arts of defending.

The 30-year-old Portuguese has built a reputation as one of the continent’s best destroyers, a player capable of stopping attacks, dominating duels, and providing structural discipline in front of the backline.

Labelled a “defensive monster” by recruitment analyst Marcus Bring, Palhinha first caught the Premier League’s attention during several successful campaigns with Fulham.

His blend of controlled aggression, timing in the tackle, and elite aerial strength quickly earned admirers across the continent.

After a €50m (£43m) move to Bayern Munich in 2024, things haven’t quite clicked. He played just 25 games in all competitions last season, only ten of which were starts, and has struggled to fit into Vincent Kompany’s plans.

With Bayern aiming to cut their losses, Portuguese outlet O Jogo reports that both Tottenham and Manchester United are monitoring his situation, with Spurs the only club to open formal negotiations.

Still, for the right system, Palhinha remains a force of nature.

How Palhinha compares to Rodri

According to data from FBref, across the last 365 days in the top five European leagues, Palhinha ranks in the 93rd percentile for tackles per 90 (3.19), the 96th for aerial duels won (2.34), and the 97th for pass completion (92.4%).

Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha competes for possession.

His numbers show a player who is not only a defensive disruptor but also safe and smart with the ball.

Where Palhinha particularly excels is in winning duels and preventing counterattacks.

He successfully tackles 67.8% of dribblers he faces, compared to Rodri’s 48.3%, highlighting his superior one-on-one defensive ability.

He also makes 1.90 blocks per 90, almost double that of Rodri (0.98), and wins 5.07 tackles per 90, more than twice Rodri’s average of 2.15.

Yes, Rodri is the superior all-rounder; his vision, ball progression, and tempo-setting abilities are unrivalled in England.

Rodri Pep Guardiola Manchester City

He dominates games with his positioning and intelligence, often dictating possession for a Manchester City side that sees upwards of 60% of the ball in most matches.

But Palhinha operates in a different context. At Fulham, he was regularly facing wave after wave of pressure, tasked with breaking up play, covering space in transition, and dealing with long periods without possession.

He was forced to defend far more often and far more urgently than Rodri. Yet he still maintained an elite-level pass completion rate and positional discipline.

For United, he’s far more suited to Premier League intensity than Casemiro has proven to be in the last 12 months.

At 30, he offers experience and leadership, but also still has the engine to cover ground and the sharpness to dominate aerially.

United’s interest also makes particular sense when considering Rúben Amorim, who coached Palhinha at Sporting CP.

Crucially, Palhinha would also give United’s new attacking signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the freedom to operate higher up the pitch, knowing that the base of midfield is secured.

He wouldn’t necessarily be tasked with orchestrating the build-up play or dictating tempo, but rather providing the solid platform others can build from, the same role Rodri played in his early City years, before evolving into a deeper playmaker.

He may not be Rodri. Few are. But if United want their own version, a player who can quietly and consistently protect the backline, win the midfield battles, and bring much-needed control – then Palhinha is the closest they’ve come in years.

He'd be amazing with Cunha: Man Utd to discuss deal to sign £60m "monster"

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move to sign a star who would be amazing with Matheus Cunha.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 28, 2025

A decade ago (allow us the leniency of three weeks because it was actually Boxing Day 2014), a young Temba Bavuma made his Test debut at St George’s Park to mark one of the most significant full circle moments in South Africa cricket.Bavuma, who traces his roots back to the Eastern Cape, was the first black African specialist batter for the national men’s team and represented hope and change; the former for a majority population disenfranchised by segregation and the latter for what a team of the future could look like: inclusive, representative, and accessible to all.Now, Bavuma is captain of that same team and their most senior batter. He leads a side that is in the running for their first World Test Championship (WTC) final. Like the narrative that has (perhaps unfairly) followed him from day one, he has come the full circle.Related

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So, what’s changed between the Bavuma of 2014 and the Bavuma of 2024?”I’ve got less hair,” he joked at St Georges’ Park on the eve of the second Test against Sri Lanka. “In terms of the way I view the game, I see it a bit differently. When I came here as a 24-year-old, I was naive to a lot of things. Now, ten years later, having gone through the journey, the ups and downs, you appreciate things a lot more. You don’t take things for granted. And you try to find moments and memories in everything that is happening around you.”The Bavuma of 2014 entered a team filled with superstars who had already started retiring and that were about to enter a slide. They beat West Indies in his first outing, but went on to lose heavily in India, which ended a nine-year unbeaten away run, and opened up a period of uncertainty. In every year that Bavuma played, a big name called it a day.The leadership changed hands three times in the first two years from Hashim Amla to AB de Villiers to Faf du Plessis and the champion fast bowlers were battling serious injuries. South Africa slipped down the rankings and were taken less seriously as a Test team while Bavuma himself was considered a bit-part player.Temba Bavuma is airborne as he upper-cuts•Gallo Images/Getty Images

In his first eight years, he scored only one century and though most of his 20 fifties came in trying situations, numbers mattered. As did reputation. Between 2021 and 2024, he missed ten Tests through injury, was made white-ball captain and led the T20 side through two group stage exists at World Cups.Bavuma was also replaced as T20 captain and promoted to the Test leadership. Some of what Bavuma went through would have made a less steadfast cricketer walk away, but the strength of his conviction made him stay and now that he marks a decade as an international, he is glad he did.”I’ve been very grateful for the journey that I’ve been on, everything that has come with it. People always say that in hard times you really get to discover yourself, and I really do think that is true,” he said. “The one thing that hasn’t changed or won’t change is my passion and love for the game. It’s through that I’ve been able to overcome everything that has come my way. And, also there’s an ambition and a fire inside of me of certain things that I want to achieve.”One of those things must be the WTC final, which he spoke about as having put a “bigger value on Test cricket.” Another has to be hundreds. He now has three, two of them as captain. When Bavuma leads the side, he averages 54.22 which speaks to how that has brought out the best in him even as he has worked to balance the roles of skipper and senior batter.”The challenge that I’ve found as captain is separating those two. It’s important that you are able to do so,” he said. I focused a lot more on Temba the captain, to be honest, and everything that comes with it and I haven’t really given the energy and time that Temba the batter requires.”Yet the runs have come and Bavuma puts that down what time away from the game has forced him to do. “Being injured and not being able to be in the middle gave me time to kind of reflect on myself as a batter, what my goals are, how I want to go about doing my business, and obviously putting in the time and effort to do so.”Bavuma’s latest niggle is an elbow problem which kept him out of the matches in Bangladesh. He now bats with significant strapping and has had to put his beloved golf clubs down to prioritise his batting. Those are all things Bavuma is willing to do as he chases his cricketing dreams and despite being ten years in, he has promised there’s more to come.”I feel that I’ve got a couple of more years in me. Mentally, that is; physically, not too sure,” he said. “As long as I’m still enjoying the game, I’m still passionate about the game, I still get joy from seeing other guys perform and become inspired, I’ll still be well and truly on this journey.”

In an attempt to finally get their summer transfer business underway, Fulham are now reportedly set to make a formal approach to sign a Premier League rival.

Fulham get pre-season underway

Their summer business may not be underway just yet, but Fulham have officially commenced their pre-season schedule. The Cottagers most recently defeated West Bromwich Albion courtesy of Emile Smith Rowe’s effort and are set to travel to Portugal, where they will square off against Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

Meanwhile, the most important business at Craven Cottage so far this summer has come internally. Having managed to keep hold of Marco Silva at the end of last season, the West London club have since announced new deals for captain Tom Cairney and young star Josh King. Cairney was one who looked particularly likely to leave, before putting pen to paper to end any speculation.

The experienced midfielder told Fulham’s official website after the news of his deal was revealed: “I’m happy to sign for another year at this amazing football club, I’m delighted. It feels brilliant. It feels right. It’s always been home.

“I’ve fully enjoyed the last three years in the Premier League, contributing on and off the pitch, and I just want to help take this Club as far as I can. I’ll always try and do that.”

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The focus for Fulham should now turn towards summer arrivals. As impressive as Silva’s side were last season – finishing as high as 11th – they’ll have their sights set on breaking into the top-half for the first time in two seasons when the next campaign gets underway.

It looks as though things are now finally beginning to emerge on that front too, with one Premier League rival now in Fulham’s sights.

Fulham set to make first Dewsbury-Hall approach

According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Fulham are expected to make a formal approach for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall if they believe that a deal is viable with London rivals Chelsea. The midfielder has struggled for minutes ever since arriving at Stamford Bridge, but could now cross the divide to get back to his best.

Despite a frustrating first season in the Premier League, Dewsbury-Hall still managed five goals and four assists in all competitions and even earned the praise of Enzo Maresca along the way.

The Chelsea boss told reporters: “I am very happy for Kiernan. He is now much better compared to the start of the season, probably because he is understanding his role. He is working very well every day in training, even if he doesn’t get many minutes in the Premier League.

“It’s not easy to work every day with the same intention, but he is working fantastic. He showed how important he can be for us, and hopefully he can be even more important from now on.”

علق فيل ماكنولتي المحلل الإنجليزي على قرار آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول ببقاء محمد صلاح على دكة البدلاء ضد جالطة سراي في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويحل ليفربول ضيفاً على جالطة سراي التركي في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويجلس محمد صلاح على دكة بدلاء فريقه ليفربول اليوم، وقد فضل آرني سلوت مدرب الريدز الاعتماد على لاعبين آخرين في الخط الهجومي ضد الفريق التركي.

وقد أعلن سلوت تشكيل ليفربول الذي يتكون من: أليسون بيكر، فان دايك، إبراهيما كوناتي، كيركيز، فريمبونج، كورتيس جونز، جرافنبيرخ، سوبوسلاي، فيرتز، جاكبو، إيكتيكي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ردود أفعال جماهير ليفربول على جلوس محمد صلاح على دكة بدلاء ليفربول أمام جالطة سراي

وقال ماكنولتي في تصريح نشرته “بي بي سي سبورت” البريطانية بشأن قرار بقاء صلاح على دكة البدلاء: “سيقدم آرني سلوت تفسيره بلا شك”.

وأضاف: “الغريب جداً أن نرى اسم محمد صلاح يستبعد من تشكيل ليفربول ليكون على دكة البدلاء ضد جالطة سراي هنا في إسطنبول في دوري أبطال أوروبا”.

وختم: “لم يكن محمد صلاح في أفضل حالاته هذا الموسم لكنه لا يزال لاعباً يعتمد عليه في المباريات الكبرى”.

Over the last few years, Liverpool’s midfield has undergone a serious rebuild with the final pieces of the puzzle looking to be completed this summer.

Despite Dominik Szoboszlai’s arrival two years ago, Florian Wirtz – a £116m signing – has been added to Anfield’s core and he’s ready to take the Premier League by storm.

However, despite the likes of Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch all arriving, Richard Hughes and Co are not content.

Indeed, they reportedly feel as though they still need a natural defensive midfielder. Graverberch filled in admirably last term, notably winning the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award, but he’s forward-thinking by nature and not the long-term holding midfielder that Arne Slot desires.

So, where could they look?

Liverpool's hunt for another midfielder

In recent years, Liverpool have done a lot of work on signing a new holding midfielder but haven’t quite got anything over the line.

Last summer, it was Martin Zubimendi, now of Arsenal, who they tried to lure to Anfield. They were confident too, only for the Spanish maestro to remain at Real Sociedad for another year.

Before that, there was Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo. Liverpool wanted to spend big money on Caicedo but he ultimately chose Chelsea.

The Ecuadorian was a key player for Brighton and made himself a household name while on the south coast.

Transfer Focus

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

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Carlos Baleba – Caicedo’s replacement as the Amex – is now earning himself a similar reputation in Brighton’s midfield.

He’s attracted big interest from Manchester United this summer with David Ornstein reporting that the Red Devils want to do a deal. However, it could be a difficult one to finalise this summer.

Now, according to Caught Offside, a number of other Premier League teams have also registered their interest in the 21-year-old.

Indeed, it’s revealed that Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Spurs are also all monitoring the Cameroonian’s situation.

However, Brighton reportedly have no interest in selling the midfielder and according to prior reports, it could take an almighty bid of £104m to prise him away.

Why Baleba could finally replace Fabinho

Liverpool are not missing many pieces of the puzzle heading into the 2024/25 campaign. They’ve added Wirtz – one of the best attacking midfielders around – and signed Hugo Ekitike, a player who some suggest could be “the next Mbappe.”

However, if you are looking for areas to critique, then it would be the defence. Amid links to Marc Guehi, the Reds want to sign a central defender before the window shuts with Joe Gomez injured, Ibrahima Konate linked with an exit and Jarell Quansah having already left Anfield.

Well, the other area of perceived weakness might be in holding midfield. Gravenberch was exceptional in that role last season, officially crowned as the Premier League’s best young player, but you sense that was only a short-term fix. The Dutchman’s future surely lies as a more advanced number 8.

As a result, the big-money addition of Baleba could finally see Liverpool replace Fabinho.

Since the Brazilian left following a hugely successful stint on Merseyside, the Reds have struggled to really replace him.

Indeed, Fabinho was a rock during the Jurgen Klopp era. After the midfielder left, the German told the club’s website that “Fab was for so long the insurance we had in midfield.”

The German continued: “He always gave us the freedom to play all the fancy stuff. He was involved in that from time to time as well but loved to be the hoover for the team, loved to do all the dirty work for the team.”

Baleba is very much cut from a similar cloth, but perhaps possesses more power and energy. Described by data analyst Ben Mattinson as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”, the young Brighton gem has quickly become a force to be reckoned with.

In the words of Seagulls writer Ryan Adsett, the youngster is a “powerhouse” and that comes across in the stats.

Baleba (24/25) vs Fabinho (19/20)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Baleba

Fabinho

Pass success %

87%

87%

Passes into final 3rd

3.68

5.58

Progressive passes

3.99

5.58

Tackles won

1.55

1.52

Interceptions

1.55

1.47

Blocks

1.59

1.08

Errors leading to a goal

0.03

0.04

Successful take-ons

1.11

0.39

Progressive carries

1.45

0.82

Data via FBRef.

Comparing Baleba in the 2024/25 campaign to Fabinho in his prime and there are some similarities, coupled with some big differences.

The duo both completed their passes with the same degree of accuracy and made a similar number of tackles and interceptions.

However, if we are to refer to that ‘powerhouse’ nature, we can see that as far as progressing the ball and getting up the pitch are concerned, Fabinho is bettered by the Brighton superstar.

He’s got a huge amount of energy in the locker and if Liverpool are to sign a player with Fabinho’s defensive work-rate but Gravenberch’s progressive ability, Baleba looks pretty ideal.

Liverpool have bigger priorities this summer, of course they do, but if the opportunity to sign the midfielder arises in the coming years, the Reds must be all over it.

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Erling Haaland was ecstatic at full-time as his two goals drove Manchester City to a confident derby victory against local neighbours Manchester United. Haaland was a threat from the very start and struck twice in the second period to seal a deserved victory for Pep Guardiola's side, who returned to winning ways following successive defeats before the international break.

• A crucial derby day victory for Man City

  Speaking at full-time, Haaland expressed how much the dominant 3-0 win over their rivals was needed. While derby day victory is always important, the City players could feel that this one meant more, reflected the prolific Norwegian striker, who has scored five Premier League goals in this new season already.

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  Haaland makes the difference in the derby – again

  Haaland is regularly a difference-maker in the Manchester derby, scoring eight times against City's closest rivals already including a notable hat-trick at the Etihad in 2022. This time, though, his goals ensured the Cityzens put an end to a worrying start to the season – which recently led Haaland to hit out at team-mates with claims it had been "not good enough" – with an emphatic victory. 

  Phil Foden also got on the scoresheet on his first start of the campaign, shortly after Guardiola had spoken of his desire for the Englishman to return to his best form for the club.

• Haaland's words after derby victory

  Haaland said at full-time: "You could feel it as well from the fans, we needed this. You always want to win the derby but you could feel it extra today. I'm so relieved, so happy we managed to do it altogether. We have to keep going. Today we're super happy."

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  Victory a sign of things to come?

  This result could be the one which propels Haaland and City on to an imperious autumn as they attempt to chase down league leaders Liverpool. Those of a Sky Blue persuasion will certainly hope so, though United have been inconsistent at the best of times in recent months and truer tests will come in pending heavyweight clashes with Napoli and Arsenal.

Newcastle United are believed to have made an approach for a recent Champions League finalist, with the Magpies also receiving a reply from his current club.

Newcastle continue to push for Wissa signing

The Magpies are still trying to keep hold of Alexander Isak beyond the end of the summer transfer window, with the saga surrounding the 25-year-old remaining complex.

Isak is training alone currently, playing no part in Saturday’s 0-0 draw away to Aston Villa in Newcastle’s Premier League opener, and while their fans will hope things blow over eventually, replacements need to be looked at in case he seals a move to Liverpool.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has emerged as a primary target for the Magpies, perhaps even regardless of whether Isak stays or not, and a new update claims that they are set to see a bid for him accepted.

Wissa is far from the only player linked with a move to Newcastle this month, however, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Villa star Ollie Watkins mentioned in recent weeks, but now a new update has dropped regarding a player in a different area of the pitch.

Newcastle make approach for Italy midfielder

According to Gazetta dello Sport, Newcastle have made an approach for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, but have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign him.

The Serie A giants are keen on keeping hold of the 25-year-old beyond this summer, potentially looking to offer him a contract extension in the process.

Frattesi, who was previously valued at £30m, is a popular figure at Inter, having gained a reputation for scoring important goals, not least the dramatic winner against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals last season.

The midfielder is also an eight-goal and 29-cap Italy international, outlining his pedigree, and Marco Tardelli has heaped praise on his influence for club and country.

“There are very few players like him. Inzaghi has several top players, and the three players he goes with in midfield are virtually a certainty: Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan. I can’t tell Simone who to play or not to play, obviously. But what Frattesi is doing with the national team is now there for all to say.”

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For now, it looks as though Newcastle could miss out on yet another transfer target, as has been the case throughout this summer, but if things change and a second bid is accepted, Frattesi could be a great addition to Eddie Howe’s midfield.

U.S. international Patrick Agyemang made his long-awaited Derby County debut and immediately made his mark, assisting the game-winner after coming on in the 69th minute against West Bromwich Albion. Manager John Eustace praised the forward’s impact and reflected on the challenges Agyemang has faced since joining the club.

A challenging recovery

The Derby manager highlighted the tough six to seven weeks the American had experienced while recovering from injury complications. The manager specifically noted how Agyemang's physical presence immediately troubled the opposition defense. The summer signing's impact culminated in the 84th minute when his headed pass found Andreas Weimann, who converted to secure Derby's first league win of the 2025-26 Championship campaign.

“Patrick today was great for that 20 minutes when he came on,” Eustace told Derby County’s YouTube channel after the game. “It’s been a tough six or seven weeks for him as well. So we’re getting minutes into the legs, we’re getting minutes into the squad.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRams getting back to full strength

Eustace further noted that the Derby County squad is finally showing signs of growth after a tough start to the season, with several players having been ruled out due to injuries. He also praised the fans for their support and said it was a big reason the players managed to rally together for an impressive second half performance.

“We’re all pulling in the right direction,” Eustace added. “It’s about Derby County family growing day by day, week by week. There’s going to be some really difficult moments, of course there are, but you know, two or three thousand [away] fans again today.

“We’re right behind that group, even in that first half. You know, when we’re under pressure, they’re right behind the boys, and you know, second half we did them proud and we did each other proud, and yeah, I’m just delighted to get the three points today.”

Getty Images SportMoving on from a tough start

Following their 1-0 win, the Rams sit 19th on the Championship table thanks to their first win of the season after five league games with five points to their name. That includes two draws and as many losses after a tough start to the season for Eustace and his side, as they sit four points off Coventry City in sixth.

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Getty Images SportFixtures ahead

Derby County face a tough run ahead as they host Preston North End FC next on Sept. 19 before going on the road to face newly promoted Wrexham AFC on Sept. 26.