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West Bromwich Albion fans will be somewhat apprehensive about the Championship season to come, despite having full faith that Carlos Corberan can still work his magic with a threadbare group.

Brandon Thomas-Asante and Conor Townsend both left for Coventry City and Ipswich Town in lightning-quick fashion recently, joining the likes of Okay Yokuslu and Cedric Kipre out the door as major departees.

Jayson Molumby could be the next face to exit the building this summer amid financial concerns, with Millwall reportedly keen to snap him up. However, one potential signing would immediately soften the slight blow of the 24-year-old leaving.

West Brom make offer for midfield star

According to a report by Swedish football outlet Expressen over the weekend, West Brom have made an offer to try and sign Djurgården IF star Besard Sabovic, with this attempted capture seeing the Baggies explore the Scandinavian market once more, after signing Torbjørn Heggem from the Allsvenskan.

The outlet states that a number of foreign clubs are keeping a close eye on Sabovic's services, with the 26-year-old's contract coming to a close soon at Djurgården, as less than six months remains on his current deal.

Corberan's men will be tempted to part ways with Molumby and swoop in for Sabovic even more so when you take into account the Irishman's unusual violent outburst this pre-season against RCD Mallorca, alongside the fact he had also unfortunately slipped way down the pecking order at the Hawthorns last campaign owing to injury.

As well as replacing the outgoing Baggies number eight, the Djurgården ace would also give the Championship side more options centrally with Yokuslu no longer present, as West Brom potentially gain another new player from Sweden.

What Sabovic could offer West Brom

Signing the 26-year-old would more than make up for the potential departure of Molumby to the Den, with the Macedonia-born midfielder netting nine strikes from 89 games playing for his current employers, compared to Molumby's lesser six from 149 second-tier clashes.

The Djurgården number 14 also has elements of Yokuslu's grit present in his own battling game, with 5.4 total duels won on average per Allsvenskan contest this ongoing season so far, from 15 games to date.

Sabovic's numbers in the Allsvenskan (2024) vs Heggem's (2024)
Stat (* = per 90 mins)	Sabovic	Heggem
Games played	15	12
Goals scored	3	1
Assists	0	0
Touches*	56.7	71.6
Accurate passes*	36.5 (84%)	43.7 (83%)
Interceptions*	0.9	1.2
Tackles*	2.3	1.8
Ball recoveries*	4.5	3.3
Clearances*	0.5	4.3
Total duels won*	5.4	4.8
Stats by Sofascore

Glancing at the table above, both Heggem and Sabovic could become stars for the Baggies if given time to settle in their new environment, with Heggem's promising numbers from the back potentially making up for Kipre now playing out in France.

Moreover, Sabovic's three goals from 15 games playing in the Allsvenskan so far this campaign could mean West Brom have another attacking presence in the middle of the park if Molumby moves on, alongside his well-rounded game as a defensive option plugging further gaps.

West Brom have obviously struck gold in the past with players from Sweden in the form of Jonas Olsson, who even went on to play for Sabovic's current employers coincidentally, and so this could prove to be a fruitful avenue in the now.

The XI that lines up to face off against Queens Park Rangers this coming weekend to open the new second-tier season could be very new-look in make-up, but West Brom supporters will hope they can push for promotion again, and new signings such as Heggem and Sabovic become memorable heroes in the process.

The next Fellows: West Brom lodge new bid for “terrific” ace

West Bromwich Albion look to be shopping for more young gems.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 1, 2024

RCB, without doubt, have the simplest path to the playoffs. The other two teams will be willing them to lose big on Tuesday night

Sampath Bandarupalli12-Mar-2024Will Royal Challengers qualify if they beat Mumbai?Royal Challengers have their fate in their own hands: a win against Mumbai on Tuesday will confirm their top-three finish. They will move to eight points to finish ahead of Warriorz (who have finished their league games with six points) and Gujarat Giants (who can at most reach only six).Are Royal Challengers out if they lose to Mumbai?Royal Challengers losing to Mumbai does not rule out a top-three finish. Their relatively healthy net run rate (NRR) of 0.027 will ensure they stay ahead of Warriorz (NRR -0.371) unless their losing margin is around 60 runs if chasing, or with seven overs to spare if defending.So, for an example, to stay ahead of Warriorz, Royal Challengers would need to score at least 115 if Mumbai score 175 batting first. The scenario for Royal Challengers if they bat first would be to drag Mumbai’s chase into the 14th over.So Warriorz qualify if Royal Challengers lose by a big enough margin?UP Warriorz will move to third spot if Royal Challengers lose big enough to fall below them on NRR. However, that will not confirm Warriorz’s place in playoffs, as Giants can overtake them on NRR if they win big in their last league match against Capitals. Giants’ NRR currently stands at -0.873, the lowest of all teams on the points table.If Giants are batting first, they would need to win by between 54 and 61 runs, based on the total they put up: a 54 run-win should do if they score 120, and a 61-run win if they post 200. If they are chasing, Giants will need to run their target down in roughly around 45 balls (between 43 and 47 balls based on the target).Can Giants overtake Royal Challengers on NRR?We know what Royal Challengers need to do to avoid slipping below Warriorz on NRR (see above), but they also face a slim threat from Giants on this front. Giants could go ahead of Royal Challengers in addition to Warriorz if they win by around 57 runs (if batting first) or with around 45 balls to spare (if chasing).So, much like Warriorz, Giants will hope to see Royal Challengers lose heavily on Tuesday. The lower the losing margin of Royal Challengers, the tougher the task ahead of Giants. And, for context, the highest winning margin for Giants in four matches across two WPL seasons so far is 19 runs. However, Giants have the advantage of playing last, so they will know exactly what they need to do.

Afghanistan sealed the T20I series against Zimbabwe, with a match to play, in another authoritative display with both bat and ball. Their 48-run win is their 15th consecutive T20 victory in the UAE and captain Asghar Afghan has equalled MS Dhoni’s record for the most wins in this format.Usman Ghani and Karim Janat’s 102-run second-wicket stand laid the foundation for Afghanistan to post a total close to 200. They fell seven short, but it was still more than enough against a Zimbabwe side that has not come to grips with how to pace a chase. Zimbabwe’s biggest partnership of 62-run between Ryan Burl and Richmond Mutumbami kept them in the game but collapses at the beginning and end of their innings meant they were always behind the game. Zimbabwe slumped to 56 for 5 inside seven overs and then lost four wickets for seven runs in seven balls at the end. They have not won a T20I since October 2019.Lucky No.13 Mohammad Nabi had gone 12 T20Is without a wicket before he bowled Zimbabwean captain Sean Williams, who missed a slog sweep and lost his offstump. The dismissal was celebrated enthusiastically by Afghanistan’s batting coach HD Ackerman but it wasn’t Nabi’s biggest contribution on the day. That came a little earlier with his 40 off 15 balls, and later, when he ended the 62-run stand between Richmond Mutumbami and Ryan Burl that threatened to keep Zimbabwe in the hunt.With the bat, Nabi took Afghanistan’s total from middle to mammoth and was an exhibition of power-hitting. Nabi struck three sixes off legspinner Brandon Mavuta in the 16th over, all over long-on to bring up 24 runs off 7 balls for himself and elevate Afghanistan’s scoring rate over nine runs an over. He hit one more six, off Muzarabani, when the tall seamer missed a yorker before holing out off a slower ball in the penultimate over of Afghanistan’s innings. By then, the stage was set for Asghar Afghan and Rashid Khan to have some fun and they took 18 runs off the last over to take Afghanistan close to 200.Rashid’s records mount The third-highest wicket-taker in T20Is. All because of three wickets in one over that ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of staying in the series. Rashid Khan went for runs – 23 in his first two overs, 21 of them off Burl – but he had the final say once again. Searching for big runs, Burl was caught at deep mid-wicket when he didn’t get hold of the first delivery of Rashid’s third over. Two balls after that, Brandon Mavuta swept to long-on. And three balls later, Donald Tiripano was bowled as he missed the reverse sweep.Rashid Khan poses with a special cap gifted to him on the occasion of his 50th T20I appearance•Abu Dhabi Cricket

Power in the powerplay Left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava’s two overs for three runs in the powerplay kept Afghanistan quiet in the opening period of their innings but with one over of fielding restriction left, Karim Janat decided to up the ante. He took 20 runs off Blessing Muzarabani’s second over including a six down the ground, two cuts that went for four, and upper cut off a short, wide delivery that sailed for six. Janat left Afghanistan one away from fifty runs at the end of the powerplay and had raced to 33 off 18 balls. While Ghani farmed most of the strike in the next six overs, Janat brought up his fifty off 31 balls in the 13th over.The first no-baller no-one wants Tinashe Kamunhukamwe enjoyed Zimbabwe’s best batting return from the first T20I and their worst in this match when he was dismissed off the first ball of the innings. He was hit on the back leg by a Naveen-ul-Haq ball that moved in sharply from outside off stump. Kamunhukamwe cleared his front leg to try and hit it to the leg side but missed and was struck on the knee, as the pad slipped down. Aleem Dar gave it out lbw, although there may be an argument for the ball sliding past leg stump especially as the wicketkeeper was moving that way, but Kamunhukamwe had more to worry about than that. He needed on-field treatment for what will likely be a painful bruise and had to be helped off the field.Decisions in the spotlight Zimbabwe had another batsman who may also have felt aggrieved with the decision made against him. Richmond Mutumbami had reached a run-a-ball 21 when he missed a reverse-sweep and was given out lbw to Nabi, although replays showed he may have been hit outside the line. There is no DRS in this series, but it would have been welcome.

Newcastle United are believed to be preparing a new-and-improved offer for a "simply brilliant" player this summer, according to a new update emerging from Italy.

Newcastle transfer news

Magpies supporters will no doubt be excited by the list of players being linked with moves to the club this summer as Eddie Howe looks to take his squad to the next level, ensuring they have an improved Premier League season next time around.

One key position that Newcastle appear to be keen on strengthening is right-wing, with upgrades on Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy required, especially in terms of delivering better end product. Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has emerged as a primary candidate to move to St James' Park, with a summer exit from Stamford Bridge increasingly on the cards.

Former Manchester City attacker Ferran Torres has also been linked with a switch to the Magpies, with the Spaniard not necessarily considered a key starter for Barcelona, particularly following the emergence of Lamine Yamal. Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville has also been mentioned as a target.

The heart of Newcastle's backline looks depleted currently, especially with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles long-term injury absentees. Chelsea ace Trevoh Chalobah has been backed to boost the defensive options at Howe's disposal. He can also play at right-back, so could even be looked at as an upgrade on the ageing Kieran Trippier.

Newcastle preparing new offer for "simply brilliant" ace

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are set to increase their offer for Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw, with the Italian giants wanting €40m (£33.8m) for his services.

The Magpies reportedly have "concrete interest" in the 22-year-old and are now ready to "raise the stakes" in order to acquire his signature in the current transfer window. It is also thought that both clubs are "in favour" of a deal.

Thiaw has the potential to be a fantastic signing for Newcastle if a move goes through, considering he is a young defender who has already achieved so much in his career, making 54 appearances for Milan and winning three caps for Germany.

Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as "simply brilliant", and Antonio Rudiger has heaped praise on his compatriot, saying after a 2023 friendly against Poland: "He surprised me. He started on the right foot and showed great personality. He played a really, really good game."

At 22, there is still so much more to come from Thiaw in his career. Last season, he averaged 2.6 clearances per game and enjoyed a 91.6% pass completion rate in Serie A last season. The latter tally is superior to any Newcastle defender in the Premier League in 2023/24, showing what he can offer the Toon defence, as well as the quality he possesses on the ball.

Related Bye-bye Trippier: Newcastle want Olympic star who'd be perfect for Isak

He’s set for a summer transfer ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 26, 2024

Granted, £33.8m isn't cheap, but given the German's long-term potential, he could end up being a steal for the Magpies – especially if they can get him for anything less, which is hinted as a possibility in the Italian media.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos destaques na boa campanha do Joinville no Campeonato Brasileiro série D, o meio-campo Chrystian projetou o duelo das oitavas de final contra o Uberlândia. Líder de assistências na equipe e fundamental na vitória diante do Bangu na 2ª fase do torneio, o meia considera o JEC um dos postulantes ao acesso.

O atleta crê que a chave para a vitória está na entrega tática da equipe. O time ainda não perdeu na temporada e está com a confiança em alta. O objetivo é bloquear a saída de bola do adversário.

– A gente sabe da qualidade do rival e sabemos do estilo de jogo deles. Se conseguirmos fazer uma marcação eficiente no ataque, mantendo a concentração alta, podemos criar perigo para eles. Estamos treinando e sabemos como fazer para conseguir o resultado. Estamos invictos, mas estamos diante de uma grande equipe – disse, ainda falando sobre seu momento individual.

– Acho que tudo passa pela confiança. E a comissão técnica me deixa a vontade para jogar. Tendo a confiança deles, consigo arriscar mais, tentar mais jogadas e encaixar os passes. Eu comemoro cada assistência que dou na temporada. Cada passe e cada gol. Tudo isso é fruto de trabalho e entrega. Estamos nos empenhando para conseguir essa classificação – concluiu.

A equipe enfrenta o Uberlândia nas oitavas de final da série D. Por ter tido melhor campanha na fase de grupos, o Joinville decide o duelo em casa, na Arena. A CBF ainda não divulgou as datas dos confrontos entre Joinville e Uberlândia.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is personally a real fan of one electric forward, and the Gunners are now deciding whether to move for him after a £37 million drop in his asking price.

Edu and Arteta pursuing new winger alongside striker

The north Londoners have been tipped to bring in a new wide player, alongside a prolific striker, as Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar look to mount another Premier League title challenge next season.

Prolific £15m striker asks to leave club after Arsenal join race for him

The forward racked up 30 goals in all competitions last season.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2024

Arsenal were thwarted in their attempts to land Benjamin Sesko, who committed to RB Leipzig by putting pen to paper on a new contract instead of making a move to England, but the north Londoners have alternatives to the Slovenia international.

Indeed, Arsenal are in the race to sign Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy, whose contract is rumoured to include a tempting £15 million release clause this summer. In terms of wingers, links surround Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, amid his excellent Euro 2024 campaign with Spain.

Bukayo Saka

7.67

Declan Rice

7.38

Martin Odegaard

7.37

Kai Havertz

7.16

Gabriel Magalhaes

6.99

Williams has held talks with Arsenal over joining, even if Barcelona are his preferred destination, as Edu and co look to sign possible alternatives to star wingers Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.

They racked up a total of 37 goals and 16 assists in all competitions between them, but if Arsenal are going to finally pip Man City to the league, Arteta may need stand-ins – in case either or both are unavailable.

Saka played nearly 50 games last season, so bringing in a new winger would allow Arteta to rotate and rest the England star on a more regular basis. Alongside the likes of Williams, it is believed Arsenal are showing an interest in Premier League stars to come in as elite new wide men as well.

Wolves forward Pedro Neto, who enjoyed an electric start to 2023/2024, finished the season with nine assists and has been a star player at Molineux for a number of years. However, the Portuguese star also possesses a concerning injury record.

Arsenal deciding whether to make Pedro Neto move

According to Football Transfers, the 24-year-old is "massively admired" by Arteta, and Wolves have slashed their asking price by £37 million.

He was valued at around £80 million in January, but now Gary O'Neil's side seem ready to do a deal for £43 million. This has alerted club chiefs, with Arsenal assessing Neto and deciding whether to make a move, depending on a review of his medical history.

The former Lazio star has missed a combined total of 584 days through injury since joining Wolves (Transfermarkt), so it is understandable that this is a cause for concern for Edu and co, no matter the reduced asking price.

Neto has displayed flashes of true brilliance, though, so if he can keep fit, there is little doubting he'd strengthen Arteta's ranks ten-fold.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na súmula da partida onde o Grêmio acumulou mais uma derrota na temporada, desta vez para o Corinthians pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, o árbitro Ricardo Marques Ribeiro relatou os motivos que o fizeram dar cartão vermelho direto ao meio-campista Maicon.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Segundo o que foi preenchido na súmula, o camisa 8 do tricolor teria reclamado seguidas vezes com o árbitro sobre o lance que originou o gol da equipe paulista em relação a falta sofrida por Jô.

Situação essa que, mesmo depois do cartão vermelho, seguiu ocorrendo com o descontrole do jogador gremista que teria chegado a dar um tapa no braço de Ricardo Marques antes de deixar o gramado da Arena.

-Aos 34 minutos do segundo tempo expulsei com cartão vermelho direto o atleta número oito, Sr. Maicon Thiago Pereira, da equipe do Grêmio, por proferir de forma grosseira, acintosa e desrespeitosa as seguintes palavras: não foi falta c…, vai tomar no c…, apita essa p… direito, seu m… – relatou o árbitro do duelo em um trecho da súmula.

Outro fato marcante da partida envolvendo Ricardo Marques Ribeiro ocorreu depois de lance onde o goleiro Cássio fez falta fora da área. Indignado com o cartão amarelo dado pelo árbitro, o atacante Diego Souza chegou a tomar o símbolo de advertência das mãos do árbitro, querendo a punição do adversário com o vermelho.