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For the second year running, frustrations bubbling from the summer transfer window have threatened to slam the brakes on Eddie Howe’s project. But Newcastle United are made of sterner stuff.

Blunted by the absence of Alexander Isak at Villa Park last weekend, Newcastle kept a clean sheet and played well, albeit shaking hands with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa after failing to move forward from parity. But there was much to like, the visitors showing signs of eliteness maintained.

Tougher tests lie ahead – not least the clash with Premier League champions Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Monday night – but there’s every reason that the Tynesiders will find success once again in their travels this season.

As Arne Slot’s side continue to pursue the wantaway Isak, so too does PIF’s resolve remain taut. We’ve only a week until the transfer window slams mercifully shut, but whether the Sweden international remains on Tyneside is anyone’s guess.

The latest on Isak's Newcastle future

Isak’s incendiary comments last week put to rest any confusion or hopes regarding his stance: he is desperate to leave Newcastle and sign for Liverpool.

But ‘I want’ does not always get. The 25-year-old is contracted for three more years, and while he believes it had been intimated that he could leave for a new challenge this year, external forces have made that difficult, and he has little power from which to leverage his position.

While Isak will not play a part against Liverpool, a fixture seemingly dated by fate, all things considered, Howe is firm in his belief that Isak can still be reintegrated, if and when.

And PIF? Their stance has not changed: Isak isn’t for sale. Many figures have been bandied about, but it truly seems like an offer in the region of £150m is required if Newcastle are to part with their prized piece.

But the transfer market is a vicious beast, and every eventuality remains on the cards. With this in mind, Newcastle continue to push for new recruits at number nine.

Newcastle's search for a striker

The protracted bid for Yoane Wissa still hasn’t come to a head. There are parallels to Isak’s situation, for sure, with the DR Congo forward desperate to leave Brentford and join Newcastle within the week.

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However, Isak’s future at Newcastle and the prospect of Wissa joining are not mutually exclusive; Callum Wilson left the Toon at the end of his contract last season, and so two strikers must be signed for Isak to leave.

And in the dreaded event of that happening, Italian outlet Tuttosport have claimed – via Sport Witness – that Newcastle have made a late approach for Paris Saint-Germain star Randal Kolo Muani, who has been slated to join Juventus after his recent loan spell.

Differences between French and Italian terms have proved a sticking point, with PSG looking for €70m (£61m), and if a breakthrough cannot be found, Newcastle could swoop in, having already made an official approach, along with an unnamed Saudi club.

What Randal Kolo Muani would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle need a striker. Kolo Muani would be a fantastic buy in replacing Isak, especially if welcomed along with Wissa, who is far less dynamic and athletic, yet a reliable marksman in front of goal.

In September 2023, Kolo Muani left his rich career at Eintracht Frankfurt and signed for PSG in a £76m deal, but his time back in his homeland has been disappointing, posting only 11 goals and seven assists over 54 matches.

However, a short-term move to Juventus in January has built the 26-year-old back up, eight goals scored in Serie A, 13 goal involvements racked up in all competitions, just 22 matches played.

The Les Bleus star’s big move to PSG hasn’t worked out, but that’s okay. He’s still one of the most dangerous strikers around, proven across other divisions, hailed as a “superstar” by German legend Lothar Matthaus during his Frankfurt days.

With Wissa adopting a more straightforward role in Howe’s system, Kolo Muani could step into Isak’s boots, taking the veritable form of the £120k-per-week sensation and preserving his presence, that style of play which has served United so well.

Nick Pope once described Isak as being “like a wizard” after setting up that goal against Everton, but Kolo Muani has a similarly creative slant to his game.

Across his 13 matches in the Serie A last year, the Frenchman averaged 1.1 key passes per game, as per Sofascore, and regularly sparked chances when taking on his man, beating him.

Actually, looking at Kolo Muani’s metrics across the past year in comparison to Isak’s, Newcastle’s interest becomes clearer. He’s the real deal, all right, and has the mobility and roundedness to replace the Swede, should he leave.

Goals scored

0.48

0.78

Assists

0.11

0.17

Shots taken

2.45

3.21

Touches (att pen)

6.28

6.31

Shot-creating actions

2.34

3.04

Pass completion

70.2%

75.3%

Progressive passes

1.49

2.94

Progressive carries

1.54

2.80

Successful take-ons

1.54

1.42

Ball recoveries

2.24

1.79

Tackles + interceptions

1.28

0.44

These are centre-forwards with skill beyond that of merely scoring goals, complete strikers both. While Isak is clearly the more confident and productive man, it’s worth noting that Kolo Muani spent the first half of the 2024/25 campaign languishing in Paris, scoring twice and assisting once across ten Ligue 1 games.

Would Kolo Muani replicate Isak’s output? Perhaps not. Isak scored 27 goals and assisted six more across all competitions last season, with his clinical edge a large part behind his billing as England’s record-breaking man, should Liverpool sign him.

But Kolo Muani would be a more than adequate replacement, retaining some of the Scandinavian star’s same style. With Wissa joining too, it could be a fantastic deal for Howe’s side.

He's perfect for Elanga & Gordon: Newcastle offered "monster" CF for £35m

Newcastle United offered chance to sign Juventus outcast who’s ideal for Elanga and Gordon.

ByWill Miller Aug 24, 2025

After his breakthrough the youth system at Manchester United in recent years, Kobbie Mainoo was once seen as the future of the side – potentially playing a key role in any success down the line.

Despite being just 20 years of age, the youngster has already produced numerous moments of magic, many of which have helped the Red Devils in key moments.

The midfielder has already racked up a goal in an FA Cup final, whilst also scoring a vital goal in the Europa League last season – helping Ruben Amorim’s side reach the final in Bilbao.

However, his future at Old Trafford appears up in the air, potentially departing his boyhood side before Monday’s deadline, with the likes of Real Madrid, Leeds and Everton all interested in his signature.

Other options are being considered by the hierarchy in an attempt to bolster the side, with the side potentially getting a new addition before the window slams shut on Monday.

United’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer

Over the last couple of days, Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller has emerged as a key target for United this window, after the German made 47 appearances in all competitions last campaign.

It’s been reported that he could be allowed to leave the Bundesliga outfit for a fee in the region of £32m this window – but time is rapidly running out to complete a deal for his signature.

However, other options have been considered by the board, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher another player INEOS are considering, according to TBR Football.

They claim the Red Devils are one of multiple sides currently interested in the 25-year-old’s signature, with the LaLiga side potentially allowing the Englishman to depart the club this summer.

It’s also been reported that the former Chelsea star could be tempted by a return to the Premier League, with Diego Simeone’s side demanding €50m (£43m) for his signature.

Why United’s latest target would be bad news for Mainoo

Despite rumours about his future at United, Mainoo started the Carabao Cup defeat against Grimsby Town on Wednesday night – in what was a night to forget for the football club.

The academy graduate featured for the entirety of the contest, even scoring his penalty in the shootout, but it wasn’t enough as Amorim’s side crashed out at the first hurdle.

However, he did get the assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, helping produce the first goal of what’s been a slow start to the 2025/26 campaign – leading to questions about Amorim’s future in the role.

Last night was Mainoo’s first appearance of the new season, previously being an unnamed substitute in the two Premier League outings against Arsenal and Fulham.

It’s clear that the youngster isn’t in the manager’s immediate plans, as seen by his lack of league action, with a move for Gallagher only pushing him further down the pecking order.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the 2024/25 campaign, the Atlético star managed to better Mainoo in various key areas – highlighting the quality he could add to the Red Devils midfield.

Gallagher, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, completed more progressive passes per 90, with more of his attempts going into the opposition box – handing the new attackers the chance to thrive at Old Trafford.

How Gallagher & Mainoo compared in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Gallagher

Mainoo

Games played

32

25

Goals & assists

6

0

Progressive passes

3.5

3.4

Passes into the opposition box

0.8

0.6

Progressive carries

1.4

1.2

Carries into final third

1.3

0.9

Tackles won

1.8

1.5

Blocks made

1.3

0.8

Interceptions made

1.1

0.9

Recoveries made

5.9

4.8

Stats via FBref

He also completed more progressive carries per 90, taking the ball into the final third more per 90, further showcasing the excellent ability the Atlético star possesses with the ball at his feet.

However, Gallagher has been just as effective without the ball, winning more tackles per 90 and making more blocks – subsequently handing Amorim the ball-winning option he’s craved this summer.

£43m could prove to be an excellent addition by the club, with the Englishman having key Premier League experience in the Red Devils’ hunt for glory once again.

Any move could spell the end of Mainoo’s time at Old Trafford – with the supporters potentially unhappy with the hierarchy should they decide to part ways with the youngster.

Related Bigger blow than Mainoo: £50m Man Utd ace in "very advanced" talks to leave

Manchester United look set to offload another star as Kobbie Mainoo exit rumours pick up pace.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 27, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O momento delicado do Corinthians comandado pelo técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo abre discussões relacionadas ao time titular e, consequentemente, às escolhas do treinador. Na derrota por 1 a 0 para o Flamengo no último domingo (21), no Maracanã, pela sétima rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, Luxa optou por mudar o esquema do time para o 4-4-2, voltando com Yuri Alberto e Róger Guedes juntos na equipe titular do Timão, algo que ele não faria, a princípio.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCom Luxemburgo garantido e elenco confiante, Corinthians prioriza Brasileirão em relação aos mata-matasCorinthians22/05/2023ListasFlamengo x Corinthians bate recorde: veja os 20 maiores públicos do Brasileirão 2023 até aquiListas22/05/2023Fora de CampoCraque Neto diz que Corinthians ‘amassou’ o FlamengoFora de Campo22/05/2023

+ Após sétimo jogo do Corinthians sem vitória, Alessandro banca permanência de Luxemburgo

Antes, Luxemburgodeixou claro que prefere Róger Guedes atuando mais centralizado, em declaração após jogo contra o Fortaleza, no dia 8 de maio. Ele também deu a entender que quando o camisa 10 joga pela ponta com Yuri no comando de ataque, a equipe fica vulnerável defensivamente.

– Você percebeu que eu dei uma liberdade para ele (Róger Guedes) e em duas jogadas do primeiro tempo ele recebeu bola na frente com condições de ir para o gol? Ele pode jogar no lado, mas ficamos vulneráveis. Nós trouxemos o Biro (no segundo tempo), porque o Yuri não tem característica de meio-campo. Biro pode fazer as três. Róger jogando pela esquerda, com Yuri, nos traz uma vulnerabilidade importante, mas pode acontecer ao longo do jogo – disse Luxemburgo em entrevista coletiva.

continua após a publicidade

O discurso de Luxemburgo era similar ao de Vítor Pereira, que em um primeiro momento relutou em colocar os dois atacantes juntos no time pelo mesmo motivo.

+ ANÁLISE: Corinthians segue afundado na crise, mas evolui pela primeira vez com Luxemburgo

A MUDANÇA DE IDEIA

Apesar da má fase de Yuri Alberto, Luxa insistiu na tentativa de encaixar o camisa 9 ao lado de Róger Guedes, acreditando que o poder de fogo da dupla pudesse superar as vulnerabilidades defensivas.

continua após a publicidade

Na saída de campo após o confronto, o próprio camisa 10, que jogou com menos obrigações na marcação, reconheceu a evolução da equipe, que chegou a ser superior ao Flamengo em momentos da partida.

– Mais uma vez a vitória não veio, mas hoje saiu um pouco mais feliz por sentir que nós jogamos. Estávamos deixando de jogar, conversei isso lá dentro, para tentar agredir o adversário, e hoje aconteceu. Atitude, essa era a cobrança que nós fizemos no vestiário, independente se vai errar atrás, no meio, não só marcar o adversário. Hoje fomos muito bem no jogo, mas a vitória não veio. Se jogarmos assim e nos impormos fora de casa, vamos conseguir os três pontos e ganhar as partidas – disse Guedes.

Agora o Corinthians se prepara para o seu próximo compromisso: a Libertadores. O Timão entra a campo nesta quarta-feira (24), contra o Argentinos Juniors-ARG, às 21h30, no Estádio Diego Armando Maradona, pela quarta rodada da fase de grupos.

Tudo sobre

CorinthiansLuxemburgoRoger GuedesYuri Alberto

Paris Saint-Germain have now submitted a staggering £130m offer for an “unbelievable” Chelsea star, who Luis Enrique has personally requested, according to a report.

Maresca's star players attracting interest

It should come as no surprise that Cole Palmer has been attracting interest from rival clubs this summer, given the attacking midfielder’s exploits at the Club World Cup, and there have even been suggestions that Manchester City launched a £170m offer.

Palmer has also caught PSG’s attention, with the French club being touted to smash the existing world-record transfer fee with a £217m move for the Englishman, but the deal did not come to fruition.

In what has proven to be a savvy move, BlueCo tied the former Manchester City man down on a deal spanning until 2033, meaning they remain in a very strong negotiating position, and there is little reason to cash-in this summer.

However, Palmer is not the only Chelsea star attracting interest from elsewhere, with a report from Spain revealing that PSG have now submitted an offer amounting to €150m (£130m) for midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

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Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is set to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season.

ByBen Goodwin Aug 11, 2025

Enrique has personally requested the signing of Fernandez, with the PSG manager of the belief that the Argentine would be the ideal replacement for Fabian Ruiz, and the French club are now hoping to close the deal within the next few weeks.

While the central midfielder is regarded as one of their main targets, it could be difficult for PSG to get a deal done, given that he is under contract until 2032, which means there is little reason for Enzo Maresca’s side to cash-in anytime soon.

"Unbelievable" Fernandez must remain at Stamford Bridge

After a shaky start under BlueCo ownership, Chelsea look like they are now building something under Maresca, having won the Club World Cup, and they shouldn’t risk that by cashing-in on one of their most important players.

Moreover, the Blues should be on a solid footing financially after defeating PSG in the Club World Cup final in New York, so there is little reason to sanction the Argentina international’s departure this summer.

The 24-year-old played a key role in the Blues securing a top-five finish last season, picking up six goals and seven assists in 36 Premier League outings, while he has also been lauded as “unbelievable” by journalist Lloyd Canfield and “world-class” by members of the media.

Rather than making any sales of key players, BlueCo should continue to strengthen Maresca’s squad prior to the window closing on September 1st, and it is now particularly important to bring in a new centre-back, with Levi Colwill suffering an ACL injury.

Trevor Gwandu returns to the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2024

Trevor Gwandu has played two T20Is so far•Zimbabwe Cricket

Zimbabwe have named the uncapped duo – allrounder Tashinga Musekiwa and fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa – for the T20 World Cup regional qualifiers to be played in Kenya this month, to try and earn a spot for the main tournament in 2026. The selectors also recalled fast bowler Trevor Gwandu in the 15-man squad which sees 11 players from the series against India in July.Zimbabwe go into the six-team T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B under new head coach Justin Sammons with a young squad with an average age of 26, a Zimbabwe Cricket release said. The team will be led by the experienced Sikandar Raza. The qualifier also includes Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda and the Seychelles. The top two sides from these will progress to the regional final to be joined by Namibia and Uganda.Musekiwa, 24, has just 21 T20s to his name – apart from one first-class game and 29 one-dayers – for Mid West Rhinos. His T20 high score is an unbeaten 38 and his best figures are 3 for 24 out of his total wickets tally of 10. He most recently played for Zimbabwe Emerging against the South Africa Emerging side in two one-dayers, and scored an unbeaten 51 in the second.Maposa, 21, has featured in five first-class games for 14 wickets and is yet to play white-ball games in domestic cricket. His last series was the Logan Cup in which he played four red-ball games for Matabeleland Tuskers in January-February for 12 wickets with one five-for.”We have picked a young squad that is good enough to make us qualify and I am confident they will deliver in Kenya,” convener of selectors David Mutendera said in the release. “If you look at the direction we are taking, with the 2026 T20 World Cup and the future in mind, we have been blooding in youngsters who will definitely do the job like they did in winning single matches against Bangladesh and India in our last two series.”Raza is still there for now, but we had to start the process of building a younger team for the future.”Gwandu makes a return having last played for Zimbabwe in December 2023, against Ireland at home. After playing the domestic T20 competition for Southern Rocks in March this year, he too played for Zimbabwe Emerging, but in the African Games in Accra, Ghana, where Zimbabwe won the tournament.Zimbabwe squadSikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava

See every player who has put their name forward and their availability

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2024Below is the complete list of 432 BBL and 161 WBBL nominations for the draft which will take place on September 1. In the tables you can search by name, country or availability to find players. You can also click through the pages of the BBL version, or expand the WBBL list.BBLFollowing players can be retainedAdelaide Strikers: Adam Hose, Jamie Overton, David Payne
Brisbane Heat: Paul Walter, Tom Banton
Hobart Hurricanes: Corey Anderson, Sam Hain
Melbourne Renegades: Joe Clarke, Jordan Cox, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Melbourne Stars: Dan Lawrence, Imad Wasim, Liam Dawson, Olly Stone, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf
Perth Scorchers: Zak Crawley, Stephen Eskinazi, Laurie Evans, Tymal Mills
Sydney Sixers: Izharulhuq Naveed, Rehan Ahmed, James Vince
Sydney Thunder: Alex Hales, Zaman Khan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore