Crystal Palace are now readying a January move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, with Oliver Glasner personally keen, and they hold an advantage in the race for his signature.
Palace are one of many clubs looking like they could make a push for the European places this season, should they manage to keep their squad together, and there has recently been a positive update on that front, despite Liverpool retaining an interest in Marc Guehi.
There has also been a new update on Adam Wharton’s future, amid widespread interest from Premier League clubs, while the Eagles have been forced to make do without Eberechi Eze this season, with the 27-year-old moving to Arsenal in the summer.
Following Eze’s departure, Glasner’s side brought in Yeremy Pino, but it has now been revealed they want to bring in another forward to soften the blow of losing their talisman in the previous window…
Crystal Palace readying January move for Raheem Sterling
According to a report from SportsBoom, Crystal Palace are now readying a January move for Chelsea’s Sterling, with Glasner personally keen, and the Blues willing to pay part of the winger’s wages to get him off the books.
There is expected to be competition for the Englishman’s signature from Leeds United, but Palace may hold a key advantage in the race for his signature, as he wants to remain in the south for personal reasons.
The South Londoners’ location could give them the edge in the battle for the Chelsea outcast, who has been named as one of the best wingers in Premier League history, given that he lives in Berkshire, but there are doubts over whether they should even pursue a move.
Pep Guardiola has lauded the former Manchester City man in the past, saying: “For his confidence it will be massive, the first goal is brilliant, when Raheem executes without thinking he is excellent.”
However, the 30-year-old has had little opportunity to show his brilliance in recent times, having not made a single appearance for the Blues this season, and he struggled on loan at Arsenal last term, scoring zero goals and picking up just two assists in 17 Premier League games.
Having amassed a whopping 198 goal contributions in 396 Premier League matches and won 11 trophies, there can be no denying that Sterling was a top player in his prime, but his best days might be behind him, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Leeds beat Palace to his signature.
Crystal Palace join race for "extraordinary" forward likened to Kvaratskhelia Crystal Palace join race for "extraordinary" forward likened to Kvaratskhelia
The Eagles are looking to bolster their options in attacking areas during the January transfer window.
Something about Arsenal feels different this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have now tried and failed to win the Premier League for three years on the bounce, and so it does feel like this time, it’s do or die.
Fortunately, the North Londoners seem to have taken this added pressure in their stride, as they currently sit atop the league with three wins from three in the Champions League.
Moreover, while they are more fluid in attack than many have given them credit for, they’re utterly incredible at the back, and one player in particular is performing so well that he could help Bukayo Saka do even better.
Arsenal's world-class defence
While there is plenty of debate over which teams have the best attack and midfield in the Premier League and Europe, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to deny that Arsenal have the best defence around.
For example, on the domestic front this season, the Gunners have played eight games in the league and one in the League Cup.
In the former, they have scored 15 goals and conceded just three, and then in the latter, they haven’t conceded any.
Arsenal
4.7
Newcastle
5.7
Man City
8.2
Leeds
8.3
Spurs
9.0
Liverpool
9.2
Sunderland
9.5
Wolves
10.0
Brentford
10.0
Brighton
10.5
Moreover, according to FBref, the North Londoners have only given up a grand total of 4.70 expected goals against in the league, and faced 18 shots on target, both comfortably the lowest in the competition.
What about the Champions League, then?
Well, it’s a similar story, with them keeping three clean sheets in three games and conceding an average of 0.50 expected goals against per 90, which, again, is the lowest in the competition.
What makes the Gunners’ outrageous defensive record even more impressive is the fact that they have conceded just a single shot on target across the last three games, courtesy of Atletico Madrid’s Thiago Almada in the 77th minute on Tuesday night, when his team were already 4-0 down.
In short, it’s impossible to deny that, as things stand, Arsenal have the best defence, not just in England, but Europe, and now one of the back four looks like he could even help get more out of Saka going the other way.
The Arsenal defender who could help make Saka even more dangerous
While there are certainly arguments to be made for Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel, the defender doing the most to help Saka offensively this season is Jurrien Timber.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Often seen as an elite lockdown full-back with mediocre attacking abilities in the past, the former Ajax star is seemingly doing everything in his power this season to prove he’s unreal in all phases.
Whether Arteta has given him the license to roam up the pitch more this season, or he’s simply more comfortable doing so, the Dutchman has become a genuine outlet for the Gunners on the right.
While his passing range has improved slightly so far, his close control and movement have taken the most significant step forward this year, with performances against Newcastle United and Atleti being the best examples.
For example, against the Toon, he attempted six dribbles, completed three, took three shots and ended the game with a combined expected goal and assist figure of 0.74.
Then, against the Madrid outfit on Tuesday night, the 24-year-old monster, who analyst Ben Mattinson has described as “one of the best Emirates-era signings,” completed another dribble, played two key passes, and took a shot.
The Utrecht-born titan’s reward for his newfound attacking prowess this season currently stands at two goals and two assists in 11 games, but with all that said, why is this good news for Saka?
Well, simply put, a more dangerous Timber just behind him, or to his right on occasion, should lead to a bit more space for him to operate in.
After all, as teams become more familiar with the attacking talents of the Dutchman, they won’t be able to leave him unmarked in their own third.
Moreover, his improved technique and better understanding of attacking situations could lead to him creating more goal-scoring opportunities for the Englishman or finishing those created by the Hale Ender.
Ultimately, Arsenal have a truly world-class defence, and now Timber’s improved attacking ability could help make Saka into even more of a monster than he already is.
"Phenomenal" – Merson blown away as Arsenal do what "no one" ever does to Atletico
Merson believes Arsenal sent a serious message to the rest of Europe on Tuesday.
Jansen misses out as he’s recovering from surgery to his left thumb while Miller will be playing in the Hundred
Firdose Moonda24-Jul-2025
Temba Bavuma had missed the Zimbabwe Tests with a hamstring injury•ICC/Getty Images
South Africa’s regular white-ball captains Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma will return to lead the T20I and ODI squads, respectively, for next month’s tour of Australia. Markram was rested from South Africa’s Test and T20I series in Zimbabwe while Bavuma missed the Zimbabwe Tests with a hamstring injury he sustained at the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. Both skippers will have relatively full-strength squads available to them.Notably, the squad was announced a week before Patrick Moroney, the new convenor of selectors, starts work on August 1, which means this was the last squad that all-format Shukri Conrad picked independently.”It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final,” Conrad said in a statement. “Their experience and quality add real value to the group as we continue to build a strong core in both formats. Every series from here on plays a part in shaping our squads for next year’s T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup at home in 2027.”Of South Africa’s regulars, Marco Jansen and David Miller are the only two not named. Jansen is recovering from surgery to his left thumb from an issue picked up at the WTC final, while Miller will be playing in the Hundred. He is expected to return for South Africa’s white-ball tour of England in September.South Africa’s squads for Australia tour•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
The rest of South Africa’s frontline attack, led by Kagiso Rabada in the seam department and Keshav Maharaj in the spin one, are all included. But Maharaj is not part of the T20I squad.Instead, left-arm spinners George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy, who are both currently in Zimbabwe, will play the T20Is alongside legspinner Nqaba Peter as South Africa assess their options for next year’s T20 World Cup. Tabraiz Shamsi, who opted out of a national contract last year, is not included in either squad. Conrad had indicated prior to the Zimbabwe series that he would speak to Shamsi to discuss his future.”Unfortunately, things got away from me, and I was never able to have that chat,” he said. “The spinners who have been selected have the inside track.”South Africa’s T20I playing group sees the return of Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs to the batting line-up, and the retention of Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, who are both in Zimbabwe. Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka make up the seamers, but Gerald Coetzee is not included.Rassie van der Dussen was not included in the ODI squad for Australia•Zimbabwe Cricket
“There are only so many quicks you can put in your team in terms of balance,” Conrad said. “The players who have been selected are ahead of Gerald in the pecking order. In the 50-over squad, I wanted to try and get as many allrounders in the squad. You cannot ignore what Corbin Bosch has done. Gerald sits behind him.”The ODI squad’s batting line-up has the four named above as well Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi. Wiaan Mulder provides an all-round option in Jansen’s absence. While Rassie van der Dussen, who has South Africa’s second-highest ODI average, is not included in the ODI squad, Conrad also conceded that he is “very much in contention for the T20 World Cup”.”He gives you the option of batting at the top and at No. 3, and he is a great in a leadership role. With the 50-over [team], because I’ve got time before 2027, it gives me the opportunity to blood new players and see how they develop.”T20I squadAiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der DussenODI squadTemba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen
O Palmeiras só volta a entrar em campo na próxima quinta-feira, quando encara o Boca Juniors na famosa e temida La Bombonera, mas enquanto o dia do jogo não chega, o palmeirense vai ter que buscar alguns programas para amenizar a ansiedade.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasQuais são os maiores títulos da história do Palmeiras?Palmeiras22/09/2023PalmeirasAbel Ferreira rasga elogios para Renato Gaúcho após vitória do Grêmio sobre o PalmeirasPalmeiras22/09/2023Futebol NacionalCom direito a gol olímpico, Palmeiras bate o Corinthians pelo Paulistão sub-20Futebol Nacional22/09/2023
+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
O Lance! decidiu listar algumas opções de lazer para que o torcedor do Verdão possa matar o tempo e o encontro com os Xeneizes chegue o mais rápido possível.
Se liga aí!
Maratonar os podcasts do Verdão
O Palmeiras é um clube privilegiado quando o assunto é podcast. Tanto o Palmeiras Cast quanto o Podporco são ótimas opções para o torcedor maratonar e passar o tempo assistindo boas entrevistas com personagens importantes da história do clube.
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Livros, séries e filmes sobre futebol
O Palmeiras possui uma longa variedade de produções bibliográficas que narram sua história e contam a vida de personagens importantes dos seus 109 anos. Ler é sempre um ótimo passatempo, mas se você não é tão praticante da leitura, você também pode buscar algumas séries e filmes sobre futebol e Palmeiras no canal de streaming mais próximo. Opções não faltam, como o documentário ‘Segundo Tempo’ que conta toda a transformação do antigo Palestra Itália em Allianz Parque.
Tour Allianz Parque
O Tour do Allianz Parque é uma ótima opção de entretenimento para o torcedor do Verdão. O passeio por todos os cantos da nova e moderníssima casa do Verdão acontece durante todos os dias da semana, das 10h às 17h (horário de Brasília) e especialmente neste sábado (23), o Tour será feito especialmente com o ídolo César Sampaio. Você pode garantir o seu ingresso por este link.
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Sala de Troféus do Palmeiras
Outra ótima opção de entretenimento para o palmeirense é visitar a nova sala de troféus do Verdão. Com mais de 4.500 taças em exposição, a Sala de Troféus do Palmeiras está instalada no 1º andar do Allianz Parque e reúne todas as conquistas e glórias palestrinas em uma área de mais de 2.200 metros quadrados. Os horários de funcionamento são: Sábado, domingo e feriados: 11h às 17h – última entrada às 16h Terça a sexta-feira: 11h às 19h – última entrada às 18h. Os ingressos podem ser garantidos por este link.
+ Opinião: ‘Abel tem uma semana para resolver pior fase do ataque do Palmeiras em sua era!’
Gabriel Jesus, Boca, Copa do Brasil e Sulamericana
Apesar de não ter jogo do Palmeiras neste final de semana, o palmeirense terá alguns jogos legais para acompanhar nos próximos dias, como torcer para o Arsenal de Gabriel Jesus na Premier League, ou ver como está o Boca Juniors no último jogo dos Xeneizes antes de encararem o Verdão, e claro, secar o São Paulo na grande final da Copa do Brasil e o Corinthians na semi da Sulamericana. O jogo do Boca Juniors diante do Lanús, pelo Campeonato Argentino, acontece neste sábado (23), a partir das 18h30 (horário de Brasília) com transmissão da ESPN 4 e Star +.
بدأ نادي فرنسي محادثاته مع فريق ريال مدريد الإسباني، من أجل التعاقد مع المهاجم البرازيلي الشاب، إندريك، في ظل قلة مشاركته تحت قيادة تشابي ألونسو.
ويعتمد تشابي على المداورة بين لاعبي ريال مدريد خلال المباريات، لكن إندريك من بين اللاعبين الذين لم يحصلوا بعد على دقائق كافية للعب تحت قيادة المدرب الإسباني.
وزادت التكهنات حول مستقبل إندريك، خاصة بعد تعافيه من إصابته وعدم حصوله على فرصة للمشاركة في مباريات ريال مدريد.
وبحسب ما أفاد الصحفي فابريزو رومانو، يرغب نادي أولمبيك ليون الفرنسي في ضم إندريك من صفوف ريال مدريد على سبيل الإعارة خلال سوق الانتقالات الشتوي في يناير القادم.
اقرأ أيضًا | كروس: فوجئت بعدم مشاركة لاعب برشلونة أمام ريال مدريد
وفي ظل سعيه للتواجد بقائمة منتخب بلاده البرازيل من أجل مونديال 2026، سيسعى إندريك لمغادرة ريال مدريد لضمان اللعب مع فريق آخر ومن ثم التواجد مع السيلسياو.
وفقًا لفابريزيو رومانو، بدأ ليون محادثات للتعاقد مع إندريك على سبيل الإعارة من ريال مدريد في فترة الانتقالات الشتوية
علاوة على ذلك، تواصل ليون مع إندريك وعرض النادي أيضًا مشروعه على اللاعب البرازي وخططه له.
وأصبح إندريك منفتحًا على مزيد من المحادثات لحسم مستقبله خلال الأشهر المقبلة، ولتقييم الخيارات المطروحة أمامه.
Twenty five games into IPL 2025, the top four run-scorers are from Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) top order. If that wasn’t unexpected enough, Shubman Gill isn’t on that list. It has allowed both teams to work around vulnerabilities in their batting.In a season where teams are looking to maximise their scoring throughout the innings despite the situation, GT follow an old-school T20 template. B Sai Sudharsan, who was the player of the match for his 82 in GT’s win over Rajasthan Royals (RR), said, “we try and keep a lot of wickets in hand and go full-on in the last five overs.”Their middle order has remained unburdened as at least one of Gill, Sai Sudharsan or Jos Buttler have scored a fifty in each of their five games so far. Not that that’s made them formulaic. In fact, after the last game GT’s assistant coach Parthiv Patel said, “there are no specific roles as such. As a team, we have a top three, but we keep shuffling the batting order. We react based on conditions and the situation.”Related
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That flexibility was on demonstrated by Washington Sundar being promoted to No. 4 in their win against Sunrisers Hyderabad – he made 49 off 29 balls – but then he was replaced with Shahrukh Khan, whose 20-ball 36 built on a well-set platform against RR.For LSG, the chance pairing of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh clicking has bolstered the impact of Nicholas Pooran’s onslaughts and nullified Rishabh Pant’s lack of runs.
Form guide
Lucknow Super Giants WWL () Gujarat Titans WWW3:13
Will LSG’s explosive top order face their toughest test yet?
Team news and likely XIIs
Parthiv had said GT played four seamers against Royals because of the conditions in Ahmedabad. Lucknow is unlikely to be as seamer-friendly and Washington is likely to replace one of the quicks.Gujarat Titans (probable XII): 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Jos Buttler (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 Shahrukh Khan, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 R Sai Kishore, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna, 12 Arshad Khan/Kulwant KhejroliyaLucknow Super Giants are unlikely to change their XII from the last game. They have the option of bringing in left-arm spinner Manimaran Siddharth to challenge the two right-handers in GT’s top order.Lucknow Super Giants (probable XII): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Mitchell Marsh, 3 Nicholas Pooran, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), 5 Ayush Badoni, 6 David Miller, 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Avesh Khan, 10 Akash Deep, 11 Digvesh Rathi, 12 Ravi Bishnoi
The big question
Rashid has bowled only one over in the powerplay so far this season. Marsh, Markram and Pooran have sub-120 strike rates against him, Pooran has even been dismissed twice in 66 balls. Rashid has only started to rediscover his form after a poor start to this season, but should he be brought on to bowl earlier given the strength of LSG’s top order?
In the spotlight – Digvesh Rathi and Prasidh Krishna
Five of Digvesh Rathi‘s seven T20s have come in IPL 2025. His celebrations might have landed him in hot waters but his impact cannot be written off. His economy rate of 7.75 is easily the best of all of LSG’s bowlers so far this season. In LSG’s last game, against Kolkata Knight Riders where 472 runs runs were scored, his economy was 8.25. While Ravi Bishnoi remains the primary legspinner in the side, Rathi’s position is only rising.Digvesh Rathi celebrated in a new way – by writing on the ground•Associated Press
Prasidh Krishna‘s pace and height have offered Titans a unique advantage in the middle overs. He has been able to hit the middle of the pitch and get extra bounce to challenge batters on the back foot. He is coming off five wickets in the last games and is a threat to LSG’s middle order.
Pitch and conditions
There are slight chances of rain in the evening but a large stoppage is unlikely. In terms of the pitch, 15 wickets have been taken by pacers so far in Lucknow and spinners only six. Lucknow did roll out a black-soil surface after Pant and LSG mentor Zaheer Khan had expressed disappointment over the lack of assistance for the spinners during their loss to Punjab Kings. But the spinners took only two of the ten wickets to fall in the 472-run game. They might have a better outing this time considering this is a day game.
Stats and Trivia
LSG and GT are also the only teams to have scored more than 500 runs in the middle-overs this season
GT, in this phase have lost only 8 wickets, the joint-least with Delhi Capitals
Rashid has dismissed Pant three times and conceded 114 runs in 103 balls across 15 innings. He has a great record against David Miller too, whom he has dismissed 4 times in 59 balls while conceding only 67 runs
Quotes
“The games that we have won, we’ve kind of found ways to win, been under pressure with our bowling and batting at certain stages and getting through that and still winning, so for me that’s the encouraging part for the team.” “Ashish Nehra is a very compassionate about the players, and that’s why it seems like [he is animated] from the outside. He cares a lot for people around him. It is good to see the combination of Ashish Nehra and Shubman Gill – they work very well and it’s like hand in glove.”
Liverpool’s summer transfer window shows no signs of slowing down.
Having already brought in Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, the Premier League champions continue to fine-tune their squad under Arne Slot.
Hugo Ekitike scores for Liverpool
The Dutchman, who delivered the title in his first season at Anfield, knows that the competition at the top of English football is fiercer than ever.
With Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz both departing and Federico Chiesa alongside teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha providing depth from the bench, the Merseyside club remain active in reshaping their attack.
Their pursuit of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak – which could cost upwards of £130m – has dominated headlines.
Newcastle United'sAlexanderIsak
Yet behind the Swedish international’s saga, another intriguing story is developing.
If Harvey Elliott seals his proposed switch to RB Leipzig, Liverpool are ready to test Aston Villa’s resolve over one of their brightest talents.
Liverpool prepare move for Premier League talent
According to Football Insider, Liverpool have set their sights on 23-year-old Morgan Rogers, with PSR potentially forcing the Midlands club into at least one major sale before the window closes.
The attacking midfielder – once described by journalist Jacob Tanswell as “a machine” – is valued at around £80m, a figure that reflects his rapid rise.
Liverpool’s interest is also closely tied to Elliott’s future.
The England Under-21 international has slipped down the pecking order at Anfield and is the subject of strong interest from Leipzig, who are pushing to close a deal believed to be worth between £45 – 50m.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Should Elliott depart, the report suggests that Liverpool are ready to make an approach for Rogers late in the window. The Villa man is viewed as the perfect replacement: a versatile creative force with Premier League experience and the athleticism to thrive in Slot’s pressing system. T
Rogers has been on a sharp upward trajectory since leaving Manchester City in 2023 in search of first-team football.
A short but productive spell at Middlesbrough convinced Aston Villa to secure his services for £8m, and the Midlands side were richly rewarded.
Last season, the Birmingham-born midfielder played 54 times in all competitions, including 37 in the league, producing 8 goals and 11 assists.
His impact extended into Europe too, where he scored four times and set up three in Villa’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Morgan Rogers for Aston Villa vs PSG.
Such performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad and alerted top clubs across the Premier League.
Tottenham are also circling, but Liverpool’s readiness to act swiftly – combined with Villa’s need to balance their books – makes Anfield a very possible destination.
Why Rogers could be the bigger prize than Alexander Isak
While much attention is understandably focused on Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak, the case for prioritising Rogers is compelling.
At 25, the Swede is a proven Premier League striker who scored 23 goals and provided six assists last term.
Alexander Isak – 2024/25
Matches Played
34
Goals
23
Assists
6
Progressive Carries
83
Progressive Passes
88
Source: FBref
He would be an immediate headline arrival but prising him from Newcastle requires a mammoth bid of around £130m.
In contrast, Rogers represents a younger, more malleable option, whose all-round game may prove just as valuable over the long term.
Statistically, the comparison between the two is closer than many might expect.
Rogers contributed to 18 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, while Isak managed 29.
Yet when examining progressive actions – the hallmark of a modern forward in possession-heavy systems – the Villa man stands out.
Morgan Rogers
According to FBref, he averaged 3.29 progressive carries and 3.55 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to Isak’s 2.71 and 2.88 respectively.
His creative spark is further underlined by a near-identical output in shot-creating actions: 3.04 per 90, edging the Swede’s 3.01.
Where Isak excels is in direct finishing.
The 25-year-old averaged over three shots per game, hitting the target with an impressive 43.2% accuracy.
Rogers, by contrast, attempts fewer efforts but contributes heavily in build-up, completing more passes on average (19.2 compared to Isak’s 17.0) and progressing the ball further with his distribution.
For Slot, who demands flexibility and interchanging roles across the front line, such traits could make the 23-year-old the more strategic fit.
There is also the question of squad balance. With Ekitike, Chiesa and Ngumoha providing a blend of direct running and finishing, Liverpool may not need another pure goalscorer.
What they arguably lack is another creative midfielder who can link attack and midfield while chipping in with goals.
Rogers fits that profile precisely.
Furthermore, the financial equation tilts in favour of the Aston Villa man. An £80m outlay, though substantial, is considerably less than the nine-figure sum required for Isak.
Given that Liverpool have already invested heavily this summer, spreading resources across multiple signings rather than one marquee addition may prove more sustainable.
Ultimately, whether Elliott’s departure to Leipzig materialises could be the decisive factor. Should that door open, Rogers is primed to step through it.
With his athleticism, intelligence in possession and growing pedigree at both domestic and European level, he may not only be a solution to Liverpool’s immediate needs but also a long-term cornerstone.
Slot and his recruitment team must now weigh their options carefully.
Isak would be the blockbuster arrival, but Rogers may turn out to be the smarter investment – a player capable of shaping Liverpool’s next era with the energy and versatility that has already made him indispensable at Villa Park.
Imagine him & Isak: Liverpool prepare last-minute offer for £100m "machine"
Liverpool are looking to complete a deal for a Premier League midfielder before Monday’s deadline.
Rangers are now reportedly bracing themselves for Premier League interest in one of their key players this month in what could deal Russell Martin “huge blow”.
Latest Rangers exit news
Rangers’ summer transfer business is far from over on all fronts. Following a disappointing start to Russell Martin’s tenure, which has featured just two wins in six games, the Gers still have work to do when it comes to both incomings and departures. On the exit front, it would come as no surprise if the 49ers got ruthless and showed the likes of Jefte the door.
Exciting Gassama repeat: Rangers submit bid to sign "dangerous" £3.5m star
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According to recent reports, the Brazilian left-back has already agreed personal terms to swap Ibrox for Palmeiras and it’s now up to the South American club to agree terms with Rangers. Whether that deal gets done in time this month remains to be seen, but it would signal the end of an inconsistent year-long spell for the 21-year-old.
The defender started in Rangers’ defeat against Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday, but that may have been his final game for the club if recent reports are anything to go by.
It was after that defeat that Martin aired his disappointment in his side once again even as they still managed to go through to the next round of Champions League qualifiers.
Rangers managerRussellMartinapplauds fans after the match
The former Southampton boss said: “I am disappointed we lost, we had some really good moments but I am disappointed how many shots we gave them, how many chances we gave them and also I’m disappointed with how many times we got in and around their box with an overload, big numbers and then don’t execute the final pass.”
He may need to get used to disappointment too, with reports now indicating that Rangers could yet suffer a “huge blow” before the end of this summer.
Rangers braced for Premier League interest in Raskin
As reported by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers are now braced for Premier League interest in Nicolas Raskin in what could lead to a “huge blow” for the Gers.
Martin is reportedly desperate to keep his star midfielder even after he was one of many players to face his wrath on the opening day of the season. Whether Rangers can fend off any Premier League interest will be the big question, however, as the transfer window ticks by.
Lionel Messi bagged a career first achievement despite missing Argentina's final World Cup qualifying game against Ecuador. After an emotional outing on home soil against Venezuela last week, Messi travelled for the Ecuador clash but was granted a rest by Lionel Scaloni. Argentina lost 1-0, but Messi still finished as the overall top scorer in the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign.
Messi bags career first achievement
Ended World Cup qualifiers as top scorer
Missed Argentina's clash against Ecuador
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi ended the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers as the continent's top scorer, with eight goals to his name. This was the first time he has achieved such a feat in his two-decade-long international career. This was also the lowest tally for a top goalscorer in the qualifying rounds since the current format was set up in 1996.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi, who has struggled with multiple injuries this year, was granted a rest by Scaloni so he can return to Inter Miami in peak condition ahead of their bid for MLS Cup glory. Last week, Messi shared an emotional moment with the fans after scoring twice in Argentina's 3-0 win over Venezuela, which is expected to be his final competitive game in his homeland at international level.
DID YOU KNOW?
Messi has left his international career in limbo as he is yet to confirm his participation in Argentina's World Cup title defence in North America next year.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Messi will be back in action for Inter Miami on Saturday as the David Beckham-owned side takes on Charlotte in a crucial MLS fixture.
When a player goes from being described as the heartbeat of one team to a forgotten figure in another, it’s rarely down to a simple drop in talent.
Often, as Chris Wood demonstrated, a change of scenery can make all the difference.
Wood left Newcastle as an apparent misfit, having struggled to make an impact after his move from Burnley, but found a fresh start at Nottingham Forest.
There, he reminded everyone of his qualities, scoring 20 Premier League goals last season and helping Forest to their first European campaign since 1996.
Football is filled with such stories: players who are able to flourish once more under the right conditions. One midfielder currently making headlines fits that mould almost perfectly.
Once a key performer in the Premier League, he has endured a frustrating year abroad, hampered by injury and an unstable tactical environment.
But with several English clubs circling for his signature this summer, there’s every chance he could engineer a comeback in the same spirit as Wood.
Latest on Nottingham Forest's transfer search
The midfielder in question is Douglas Luiz, who swapped Aston Villa for Juventus in a €50m (£43m) deal only to see his first season in Italy collapse into disappointment.
He failed to register a single goal or assist in 27 appearances, missed 20 games through injury, and never looked settled under either Igor Tudor or Thiago Motta.
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He played just 45 minutes at the Club World Cup, and Juventus are now reportedly ready to let him go after he missed the opening day of pre-season training – a disciplinary issue that looks set to force his exit.
The Old Lady are now hoping to recoup around €40m (£34m), accepting things haven’t worked out as planned.
According to Corriere dello Sport in Italy, Nottingham Forest have been in direct contact with his camp, sensing an opportunity to acquire a player with proven English top-flight pedigree. The report suggests that ‘a five-year offer with an increased salary is on the table’.
Luiz’s numbers at Juventus paint a stark picture of how things fell apart. He ranked 19th in minutes played with only 841, starting just six matches.
His 0.69 key passes per game put him 9th among Juventus midfielders, while a meagre 0.77 tackles per game ranked him 21st.
Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.
For a player described by Statman Dave as an “engine in midfield,” these struggles were uncharacteristic.
Instead, he is on the periphery in Turin, his World Cup 2026 ambitions in danger of being derailed. Could he follow Wood in being revived in Nottingham?
Another Forest revival could be on the cards
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Luiz could thrive again with the right manager, system, and consistent game time.
At Aston Villa, Luiz was the definition of a modern, dynamic midfielder.
According to FBref, stats from his final Premier League campaign in 2023/24 underlined that: an 85.7% pass completion rate while attempting over 71 passes per 90, and nearly four shot-creating actions per match.
He consistently progressed play, averaging 5.49 progressive passes and 2.15 progressive carries per 90.
Defensively, he contributed too, with 1.74 tackles per 90 and almost one block per match, using positional discipline and work rate to cover ground effectively.
The numbers made clear why Villa fans valued him so highly – a player who could link defence to attack seamlessly while breaking up opposition transitions.
Douglas Luiz at the Club World Cup with Juventus.
His last season at Villa saw him start nearly every game, a sharp contrast to the chaos of Juventus, where managerial turnover and persistent injuries destroyed any rhythm.
His 89.5% pass accuracy at Juve, still ranking him fifth-best at the club, suggests his technical quality remains intact. But without a consistent role, he looked lost.
The interest from Forest – as well as from Everton – makes perfect sense therefore.
Both clubs would welcome a midfield presence with ball-winning skills, tempo-setting passes, and Premier League experience.
Forest in particular could look to repeat their Chris Wood rescue mission by offering Luiz a stable platform and a clear tactical purpose. Wood had netted just five times in 39 games at St James’ Park, although has since showcased his prior form at Burnley, where the New Zealander scored 53 goals in 165 games.
Ola Aina with Chris Wood for Nottingham Forest.
As for Luiz also suits the style of English football far more naturally than the slower, more congested patterns he faced in Serie A.
His progressive passing, intensity out of possession, and capacity to make third-man runs all align with how many Premier League teams want their midfielders to operate.
What Luiz needs, just like Wood before him, is a manager willing to make him central to the team’s structure.
Wood rediscovered his confidence and instinct for goals at Forest, showing that a so-called failed signing can become an effective weapon when valued.
It is easy to forget how highly he was rated not long ago.
Leonardo Bertozzi’s prediction that Luiz could be a “leading name” for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup still has every chance of coming true, provided he finds a stable environment to rebuild his confidence.
With a Premier League return looking increasingly likely, fans might yet witness a redemption story worthy of Wood’s – proof once more that the right club, at the right moment, can revive even the most stalled careers.