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Sean Dyche has now personally requested the signing of a “fantastic” Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku at Nottingham Forest, and his current club may be tempted to cash-in.

Reinforcements may be needed in the January transfer window, given that Forest are looking like they could be involved in a relegation battle this season, although there has been an uptick in results since Dyche arrived just under a month ago.

The 54-year-old has made a solid start in the Premier League, collecting four points from his opening three games in charge and signing off before the international break with a 3-1 win against fellow strugglers Leeds United, which could be an important result come May.

The former Everton boss has experience in relegation battles, having managed to guide the Toffees to safety in the 2022-23 campaign, while also stabilising Burnley in the Premier League, so Evangelos Marinakis should have full trust in his manager as we approach the January transfer window.

Sean Dyche requests signing of Jerome Opoku

Given Dyche’s impressive start, Marinakis may be willing to back him this winter, and the Nottingham Forest boss has now personally requested the signing of Istanbul Basaksehir defender Opoku, according to a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness).

The 27-year-old has attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs as of late, with Everton making an offer in January, while Fulham are also in the race, so the Tricky Trees may have to fend off competition from elsewhere to secure his signature.

Such is the level of interest in the centre-back, he could become ‘one of the hottest topics’ of the upcoming window, and the Turkish club may be tempted to cash-in, given that his current contract is set to expire in 2027.

The Basaksehir defender hasn’t played in England since a spell at Plymouth Argyle in the 2020-21 campaign, at which point he received plaudits from manager Ryan Lowe, who described the 6 foot 5 colossus as “fantastic”.

Since then, the Ghana international has gone on to establish himself as an important player for Basaksehir, making 14 appearances in all competitions this season and helping his side keep clean sheets in three of their last four matches.

Opoku is yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, meaning it would be a risk for Nottingham Forest to make a move, but Dyche knows what it takes to avoid relegation from the top flight, so if the manager wants to make the Basaksehir star his first signing, Marinakis should back him.

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign midfielder Dyche called "terrific"

David Alaba’s journey from Bayern Munich icon to injury-hampered Real Madrid defender continues to spark debate in Germany, especially as Austria’s World Cup qualification thrusts him back into the spotlight. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has now addressed rising speculation over a potential return, praising Alaba’s influence but insisting there are “no plans yet.”

Alaba’s Madrid struggles and Bayern's response to return talk

Alaba’s departure from Bayern in 2021 marked the end of a 13-year era defined by leadership and two trebles. But his move to Madrid has unfolded very differently from what many expected. Though he arrived at the Bernabeu as a Champions League-winning, world-class defender expected to anchor Madrid’s back line, a succession of serious injuries halted his momentum. A ruptured ACL in December 2023 ruled him out for over a year, followed by calf and meniscus issues that limited him to just 14 appearances in the 2024-25 season. At 33, these setbacks have reduced his pace and rhythm, making it difficult for him to consistently influence games in either centre-back or left-back roles.

Yet despite Alaba’s struggles, he remains a crucial figure for Austria, serving as captain, advisor, and unofficial player-coach during their World Cup qualification run. When asked whether Bayern could consider a reunion, Freund acknowledged Alaba’s legacy but was firm in his response: “There are no plans yet.”

AdvertisementAFPFreund praises Ralf Ragnicks impact in Austria's World Cup return

Freund expanded on Alaba’s and Ralf Ragnicks value to Austrian football and why Alaba remains so influential even during long injury spells in his conversation with . Austria have qualified for next year's World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, making a return after 28 years.

“Bayern fans know David and how important he was for the team. Off the pitch, he’s a really good guy who does a lot of integration work both on and off the field. The last few months and a year and a half haven’t been easy for him because he’s been injured a lot. But he’s always been there, even at the European Championship, supporting the team from the bench. He’s an important contact person for the coach, for this team, for the captain. He’s currently a very important factor as a player-coach,” said Freund.

Alaba's contract with Los Blancos expires in 2026. The club management is open to negotiating his departure if a suitable offer arrives, especially from teams in Saudi Arabia, as they aim to refresh the defensive lineup and free up salary space.

He also spoke on former coach Ragnick and Austria's qualification: "Austria hadn't been there for 28 years, so it's something special. The whole country was eagerly anticipating it. The team deserved it. They're playing fantastic football and have great energy. Ralf is doing a really good job. It was close at the end, but all the more emotional for it. All of Austria was in a state of euphoria. A really cool story. I'm personally happy for everyone involved because I know many of them. It's a really good story and it's good for Austrian football."

Alaba’s successor Upamecano and his renewal complications

Munich moved quickly after Alaba’s exit in 2021, identifying Dayot Upamecano as the long-term defensive pillar. Signed from RB Leipzig, the Frenchman has since grown into a central figure for Vincent Kompany, offering pace, aggression, recovery speed and strong distribution from the back. Under Kompany’s modern, proactive system, Upamecano has become indispensable, consistently starting in major Bundesliga and Champions League fixtures as Bayern maintain an unbeaten run across competitions this season.

However, Bayern now face a delicate situation regarding his future. Upamecano’s contract expires in June 2026, and while both sides are eager to agree on an extension, negotiations have hit obstacles, primarily over the signing bonus he is demanding. Bayern, working under stricter wage-structure guidelines, have been hesitant to meet the financial terms, even as major clubs such as Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool monitor the situation closely. Club president Herbert Hainer insists the defender is happy in Munich and enjoys an excellent relationship with Kompany, but if no deal is reached by January 2026, Bayern risk losing him on a free.

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AFPBayern prepare for Arsenal showdown amid unbeaten run

The Bavarians enter one of the biggest tests of their season as they prepare for a high-stakes Champions League clash against Arsenal. Kompany’s side has been in formidable form, unbeaten across Bundesliga and European competition thanks to a blend of defensive solidity and fluid attacking transitions. Their away victory over Chelsea and competitive showing against PSG highlight a team capable of handling elite opposition, but the Arsenal test brings its own challenges. Mikel Arteta’s side have been equally impressive, boasting one of Europe’s best defensive records and a structured, possession-driven style that demands total concentration.

Freund acknowledged the magnitude of the match, noting that games between Europe’s top two form teams “don’t happen often.” While Bayern’s immediate focus remains on domestic fixtures, the squad is well aware of the importance of the trip to London. 

In a painful—and record—day at the office, Philadelphia Phillies prospect Otto Kemp was hit by a pitch four times in the Lehigh Valley IronPigs' 7-3 win over the Columbus Clippers on Tuesday. On a night where fans at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pa., were treated to seeing Phillies lefthander Ranger Suarez pitch in a rehab assignment, Kemp stole the show—but not in the way he would have hoped.

In his first trip to the plate in the bottom of the first inning, Kemp was plunked in his left thigh by a 91-MPH fastball. In the second inning, Kemp again took a fastball to the body, this time to his left hand.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, the IronPigs third baseman mercifully broke up the painful pattern that was beginning to develop, as he laced a double to center field and later scored in the inning.

And with pitcher Parker Messick, who had plunked Kemp twice, out of the game, surely his troubles were over, right? Unfortunately, no. Facing Clippers righthander Mason Hickman in the bottom of the sixth, Kemp took one for the team off of his derriere. Moments later, he got some measure of revenge, swiping second base against Hickman.

Finally, in the bottom of the seventh inning, the 25-year-old was hit by an 82-MPH slider on his left ankle—by a third pitcher no less. Kemp's final line on the day—1-for-1 with a double and four HBPs, which is an IronPigs record.

Take one (or four) for the team!Otto Kemp set an IronPigs record last night, getting hit 4 times in one game#ironpigs #ottokemp #wegotice #baseball

Posted by Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Wednesday, April 23, 2025

While it's not exactly clear what the minor league record for HBPs in one game is, the big league record is three. Should Kemp one day make it to the majors, he could threaten that record, given his propensity to stand close to the plate in the batter's box.

In 270 career minor league games, Kemp has been plunked 54 times.

Leeds United are on the lookout for attacking potency in January and could be set to back Daniel Farke in his pursuit to bring a talented forward to Elland Road.

The Whites find themselves embroiled in a fight against the drop, and not everyone is feeling wholly confident in the former Norwich City boss, even if his side has produced some encouraging moments this term.

All too often, fine margins determine the outcome of Premier League matches, and Farke’s side has been on the wrong side of them, leading some to question his ability to lead the Whites forward.

With that in mind, Leeds are keen to source proven quality in the form of Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, even if his £325,000 wages may prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations.

Signings or no signings, Farke has vowed that his side won’t change as they aim to secure top-flight football for next term, claiming that their approach to being successful will pay off in the long run.

He said before his side took on Aston Villa: “If you follow our way of working over the past two and half years, you know exactly what we are doing, how we try to approach a game and try to be successful. This won’t change at all.”

Sticking by your principles can be the defining choice that determines whether a manager is successful in keeping their job. Farke has been a nice fit for Leeds since arriving at Elland Road, though he has routinely come under scrutiny and is now back under the spotlight.

Either way, the January transfer window is creeping closer, and the 49ers could now be set to back their man as they pursue an exciting striker.

Leeds in pursuit of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia

According to The Mirror, Leeds are willing to sign Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia on an initial six-month loan with a £20 million mandatory purchase option in the summer as the 49ers aim to back Farke in the New Year.

However, there has been a twist as Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso is said to have blocked the move, notifying the forward that he is still part of his plans both in the immediate term and further down the line.

Gonzalo Garcia at Real Madrid – all competitions

Appearances

21

Goals

5

Assists

3

Intriguingly, Leeds were confident that they could lure Garcia to England before the ex-Liverpool star’s intervention, and the Spain Under-21 international was also said to be keen on a move to the Premier League after finding regular minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu hard to come by.

Alonso is aware he will need to utilise his whole squad, potentially offering more openings for the 21-year-old to feature as Real Madrid chase more silverware both domestically and in Europe.

Leeds are also eyeing an alternative £20m forward

Bursting onto the scene at the Club World Cup, Garcia would certainly be a viable option in the Leeds attack if they were able to complete a deal, though any chance of that now looks to be unlikely unless circumstances change.

Shaw reached his double century in just 141 balls and only Tanmay Agarwal and Ravi Shastri have gotten there faster

Shashank Kishore27-Oct-2025Prithvi Shaw slammed the third-fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history on Monday — his maiden first-class century for Maharashtra and 14th overall — as Maharashtra set themselves up to try and force an outright result in an Elite Group B fixture against Chandigarh in Chandigarh.Shaw got to the landmark off 141 balls, which is a shade behind Hyderabad’s Tanmay Agarwal (off 119 balls v Arunachal Pradesh in 2024-25) and Mumbai’s Ravi Shastri (off 123 balls v Baroda in 1984-85). Incidentally, Shastri hit six sixes in an over in that match, making him the first and only Indian yet to achieve this feat in first-class cricket.Shaw’s 222 contained 29 fours and five sixes, helping Maharashtra score at 6.9 an over as they declared their second innings on 359 for 3. Chandigarh then ended strongly on 129 for 1, needing a further 335 runs.Related

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This is Shaw’s second impactful knock in four outings for his new side. Having begun with a four-ball duck on Maharashtra debut last week against Kerala in Trivandrum, he struck an aggressive 75 in the second innings to help consolidate their lead in a drawn fixture. In Chandigarh, Shaw managed just 8 in the first innings, before he stormed back into form with his double-century.Shaw’s up-turn in fortunes comes on the back of a forgettable 2024-25, where he found himself out of the Mumbai setup across formats. At the time, his poor fitness and lack of discipline had been cited as the reasons for his ouster. He also went unsold at the IPL mega auction last November.Ahead of the new domestic season, Shaw touched upon his work behind the scenes, including on his fitness and diet, during the pre-season Buchi Babu Invitational tournament in Tamil Nadu, where he flayed a century in his very first outing.”I mean, these two-three months [before the season] I had my trainer [working with me],” he had said. “He used to come personally to train me. And I’ve got a dietitian as well, and he gives me the meals [plan] and everything – like what a dietitian does. So, all this stuff in three-four months has really changed me physically and mentally as well. And, you know, it can be seen on the field.”Shaw had also said the transition to Maharashtra was smooth thanks to his familiarity with Ankit Bawne, the captain, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, with whom he’d played for India A.”Mumbai is not that far away from Maharashtra,” Shaw had said. “I mean, half of the team I know. I mean, obviously, I’ve played with Rutu, [and] Ankit; Mukesh [Choudhary] is there. Prashant Solanki and few other players are there. I just got to know a few youngsters. You know, Arshin [Kulkarni], Sachin Dhas and everyone. They have been really nice and welcoming to me.”While Shaw is unlikely to come into India conversations just yet, his knocks could serve a reminder to the selectors of his imposing presence at the crease should there be a need to pick a reserve opener, considering Abhimanyu Easwaran seems to have fallen out of favour for the moment. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who could’ve been possible contenders, now bat in the middle order.Shaw has so far played five Tests, the most-recent one coming against Australia in Adelaide on the famous 2020-21 tour. His last appearance overall for India came in July 2021, when he featured in three ODIs and a lone T20I in Sri Lanka with a second-string India squad.

Quentin Ndjantou delivered a fearless and mature Champions League debut as Paris Saint-Germain beat Tottenham, earning glowing praise from coach Luis Enrique and captain Marquinhos. The 18-year-old academy striker not only registered an assist but convinced his coach that he is “a real signing," sparking new confidence in PSG’s youth-first strategy.

Ndjantou earns stunning praise after Champions League debut

The French starlet Ndjantou’s first-ever Champions League start became one of the major storylines of PSG’s thrilling 5-3 victory over Tottenham. At just 18 years old, the academy forward was a surprise starter in Luis Enrique’s line-up, chosen ahead of Goncalo Ramos with Ousmane Dembele only fit enough for the bench. Despite not scoring, Ndjantou made a strong impact by providing the assist for Vitinha’s rocket just before half-time and consistently stretching the Spurs backline.

Boss Enrique described him as nothing short of extraordinary after the match, praising his courage and versatility. While, PSG’s captain Marquinhos echoed the sentiment, highlighting the youngster’s composure on such a massive stage. In a match filled with high-tempo exchanges and standout individual performances, Ndjantou managed to stand out as PSG’s latest academy revelation, strengthening the club’s emphasis on developing homegrown talent.

AdvertisementAFPEnrique and Marquinhos impressed by teenager

Coach Enrique did not hold back when assessing Ndjantou’s performance, using some of the strongest praise he has given a young player since arriving in Paris. Speaking post-match, he said: "To be honest, I think he was sensational! Because he has the ability to control the ball, to play as a number 9. And at the same time, he can provide continuity. He has a lot of mobility, he played everywhere, he showed his personality, and I'm very happy.

"He was a real signing, he is a real signing, and we don't need to go into the transfer window to sign a player like Quentin Ndjantou. I'm very happy. He can play anywhere, and I like this fearless way of playing football. Sensational, and he's a great signing. We're ahead of the other teams because we've already signed our first player."

The praise was not limited to the coach, and captain Marquinhos, who has witnessed several generations of PSG academy graduates arrive into the first team, emphasised how rare such maturity is at this level: "He played a very good match. He did what the coach wanted. He tried to find the open spaces between the lines… He played a very good match for a kid who's starting the season with us and who hasn't played many games with us yet."

The PSG captain highlighted not only Ndjantou’s technical showing, but also the importance of PSG’s academy producing first-team-ready talent, adding: "He made his debut in a Champions League match and showed a lot of character. I'm really proud that our youth academy is starting to produce results like this. I think he's an extraordinary player, and we'll be there to support him so he can develop at his own pace. He's still young, and he needs to know that a lot of things are going to happen in his life."

A bold tactical gamble that paid off for PSG

Enrique’s decision to start Ndjantou was bold, especially in a fixture of such intensity. The Spanish coach bypassed seasoned attackers like Ramos, and Ballon D'Or holder Dembele, Lee Kang-in and even fellow academy prospects Senny Mayulu, who scored in the Champions League final, and Ibrahim Mbaye to hand the false-nine role to the 18-year-old. His reasoning seemed rooted in exploiting Ndjantou’s pace, mobility and ability to attack spaces behind Tottenham’s explosive defensive line, especially against the athletic Micky van de Ven.

Ndjantou justified that trust and roamed between the lines, linked play cleanly, attacked every gap in the defence, and contributed directly to two key moments, the assist for Vitinha and the corner sequence leading to Pacho’s goal.

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AFPFuture opportunities and squad rotation

PSG’s packed schedule and Enrique’s emphasis on rotation mean that Ndjantou is likely to receive more opportunities in the coming weeks. The coach has already indicated that trust in young players is central to his game model, and performances like this only accelerate Ndjantou’s rise.

With Dembele returning from injury, Ramos competing for minutes, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola in strong form, the fight for attacking places will intensify. But Enrique’s post-match words, especially describing Ndjantou as “a real signing” – suggest he is now firmly in the manager’s plans.

PSG’s next fixtures in Ligue 1 and Europe will test squad depth, making Ndjantou’s versatility crucial as the club aims to avoid injuries during a long campaign.

MLB's protective netting was being a little too protective during Tuesday's game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Blue Jays infielder Addison Barger hit a 2-2 pitch into foul territory near third base, sending Rays third baseman Junior Caminero sprinting towards the protective netting. Caminero made the grab, then tumbled into the netting.

Somehow, Caminero's earring became tangled in the protective netting, forcing him to pause for a moment to separate his jewelry from the net. Check out the bizarre moment, which was perfectly summed up by the Rays broadcast.

It's difficult to overstate just how badly this could have gone for Caminero. We're thankful that his ear—and his earring—made it out of this encounter unscathed.

And Caminero certainly managed to leave his mark on the game, as he belted a go-ahead grand slam in the top of the ninth inning to give the Rays an 11-7 lead.

Evidently, the netting made Caminero angry.

Tottenham Hotspur did more than just end their interminable trophy drought when defeating Manchester United in the Europa League final last season; Ange Postecoglou opened up a road to the Champions League.

Given that Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, this was quite the saving grace at the end of a campaign that left so much to be desired, and it ensured the Londoners could make a compelling case to potential signings like Xavi Simons.

While Tottenham supporters were overjoyed when signing the Dutch playmaker from RB Leipzig for £51m, after intense interest from Chelsea earlier in the summer, there’s no denying that the 21-year-old has yet to perform on English shores.

Given his big-money profile and the expectation upon his arrival, there’s a concern that Simons is echoing the likes of Tanguy Ndombele before him.

Simons' start to life at Spurs

Thomas Frank hasn’t yet established his vision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with his side struggling for form in the final third. Simons has been a part of the problem, but it’s important to remember this is a young talent who has entered a team lacking offensive coherence.

In just two years in Germany, Simons scored 22 goals and supplied 24 assists across 78 matches. He was the difference-maker, and many Premier League clubs were keen.

Spurs won the race, and credit to them, but Simons has yet to prove he has what it takes to raise his game to the next level, thus prompting concerns that he might mimic Frenchman Ndombele, who became the Londoners’ club-record signing when joining from Lyon in a £54m deal in 2019.

Ndombele’s temperament and commitment were among the cruxes of his demise in English football, and Simons cannot be blamed for a lack of effort, but it’s a concern all the same, and one Frank will need to rectify quickly to get his side operating at full creative capacity.

The jury is still out for the Netherlands international, who is young and talented and settling into an outfit that lacks creative direction right now.

There’s actually another Lilywhites man with far more experience who might be deteriorating into Ndombele 2.0.

Spurs' new version of Ndombele

Frank has spoken of his players’ frustrations following their recent run of form, and this was clear to see last weekend when Fulham condemned Tottenham to yet another home defeat.

Pedro Porro was incensed, but the Portugal international might want to direct that anger inwards, given his spate of shambolic displays this year.

The 26-year-old has been in the English capital for almost three years now, and while he is among the most technically gifted players in the ranks, his awareness and accuracy in defensive phases could see him become a disappointment in a similar way to Ndombele, especially when considering he had such a furore about his signature in 2023 that Manchester City came sniffing around last year.

Porro is rudderless. Sofascore record that he has made five errors already in the Premier League this season, and he is among the most dribbled-past defenders in the division thus far.

#

Player

Stat

1.

Mats Wieffer

19

2.

Neco Williams

18

3.

Pedro Porro

17

4.

Hugo Bueno

16

5.

Matty Cash

16

In fairness, Porro sits among the top 16% of Premier League full-backs this season for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, but his defensive work has been well below the desired standard.

But his lack of focus and misuse of his own athleticism led one Tottenham podcast host to brand him “an absolute liability” last season, and that’s only been underscored since then, with Frank now facing his own Ndombele-like conundrum in working out what to do with this talented but toiling star.

Porro has enjoyed some high points across his Tottenham career, but he’s been culpable for too many poor performances over the past couple of years, and in this, it is he and not the young Simons who is shaping into the London side’s new version of Ndombele.

Just like Romero: Spurs prepare £40m bid for "crazy" Van de Ven upgrade

Tottenham are in the market for more defensive depth ahead of the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

The defending champions are off to a flying start with their stand-in captain leading from the front

AAP11-Nov-2025Melbourne Renegades 151 for 6 (Wareham 58*) beat Sydney Thunder 148 for 7Melbourne Renegades captain Georgia Wareham has claimed back-to-back player-of-the-match awards in a four-wicket win over Sydney Thunder.Filling in for the injured Sophie Molineux, Wareham smashed 58 off 32 deliveries in the run chase at Junction Oval after claiming 2 for 25 with her legspin.Wareham had starred just two days previously against Brisbane Heat with bat and ball and she backed that up.The heavens opened on several occasions during the match but the players pressed on through it. After the Thunder made 148 for 7 in their 20 overs the Renegades were in trouble at 73 for 5.Wareham and Nicole Faltum (37 off 26 deliveries) then combined in a match winning partnership that enabled the hosts to coast to victory with 11 balls to spare.Wareham’s placement was superb as she compiled her runs with minimal risk and plenty of nous in her fifth WBBL half-century .Earlier, Thunder had a solid start provided by Georgia Voll (26) and Tahlia Wilson (30). But from 60 without loss they slipped to 79 for four and that was largely due to the influence of Wareham.In her four accurate overs she dismissed the dangerous Thunder captain Phoebe Litchfield for just 12. Power hitting by Heather Knight and Anika Learoyd at the death gave the visitors a decent total but not enough to stop Wareham and Faltum.