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Rumours abound now that the season has shifted into January, with the winter transfer market open for business and clubs perusing their menus as they ascertain whether deals might be viable.

For Liverpool, no news concerning the incoming department. Arne Slot is satisfied with his first-placed squad, and though there’s a clear need for a new left-back, expect movement in that area during the off-season.

Six points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Reds have their sights set on silverware and may launch a winter bid if the right opportunity comes along.

It might just have at that.

Liverpool planning for new forwards

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are plotting a move for Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj-Moussa, with the 22-year-old impressing in the Dutch Eredivisie this term.

Transfer Focus

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

Feyenoord, Slot’s old stomping ground, welcomed the Algerian winger at the start of the season after Slot had previously failed to sign him. He’s gone from strength to strength this year, validating the Liverpool coach’s intrigue, and he might even be an excellent backup option for the mighty Mohamed Salah.

Slot has allayed rumours concerning Federico Chiesa’s potential Anfield exit, six months on from his eye-catching £12.5m arrival from Juventus.

In spite of this, Chiesa has only started once for Liverpool this season amid frustrating fitness problems and a player such as Hadj-Moussa could be perfect to maintain the Merseysiders’ exceptional campaign.

Why Liverpool should take a punt on Hadj-Moussa

Feyenoord snapped the clinical left-footer up for a nominal fee and thus would turn a big profit if suitors were to meet their reported £10m asking price – FSG love a bargain and this may be something that entices them.

He’s young and playing with an unfettered avidity that is tempting Liverpool toward lodging an official offer, starting his campaign with Feyenoord on the fringes but growing in stature after showcasing his clinical quality.

Indeed, Hadj-Moussa might have only scored six goals across 19 matches in all competitions this term but each one has been posted in November or later. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has even described him as “one of Europe’s most pleasant surprises” this season.

Given that he’s bagged three goals across five Champions League fixtures, there’s clearly a degree of quality that could elevate Liverpool’s system, and it might actually work out best for Hadj-Moussa if Salah were to extend his stay at the club, for he could absorb rich fruits as his understudy for the next couple of years.

As per FBref, the Algeria star ranks among the top 2% of positional peers performing in the Champions League this term for non-penalty goals (1.06) struck and the top 15% for progressive carries (6.00) per 90 minutes, making a convincing remark upon his chances among Liverpool’s talented forwards.

Equally, he also ranks among the top 5% for dribbles (successful take-ons per 90) among those in his position across Europe’s next best 14 leagues, further emphasising that sense of unpredictability.

There’s actually a sort of similarity to Salah that could see him emulate the Egypt sensation, for he would arrive before achieving greatness with a natural-born goalscoring sense.

Hadj-Moussa – who Dutch legend Ruud Gullit lauded as an “unpredictable player” – is blessed with a high-paced and versatile attacking style, and his directness could serve him well as he acts as a focal point, curving in from the right.

Note that he is also composed. He’s confident and assured in his quality. Sofascore record that his three-goal campaign in Europe’s elite competition has yet to be blemished by a single missed big chance, speaking of a clinical edge that is perhaps already ahead of certain members of Slot’s frontline. No names.

It’s hard to articulate how good Salah has been this season, with the 32-year-old posting 21 goals and 17 assists across 27 matches for his club. That doesn’t tell the whole story, but it paints a relevant picture.

Liverpool are undoubtedly over-reliant on their talisman’s potency, but it hasn’t derailed the campaign so far. Liverpool might feel in command in the Premier League, but what about the Champions League’s dangerous business end? What about the FA Cup?

There’s enough going for the Redmen that they will feel capable of wading deep down each stream, but with Chiesa’s unreliability, it may be crucial for an extra part in the mould of Hadj-Moussa. Hark back to Takumi Minamino, back in 2021/22, whose goals in the Carabao Cup proved invaluable in winning the competition while fighting across every other front.

1.

Alan Shearer

441

260

2.

Harry Kane

320

213

3.

Wayne Rooney

491

208

4.

Andy Cole

414

187

5.

Sergio Aguero

275

184

6.

Frank Lampard

609

177

7.

Thierry Henry

258

175

7=

Mohamed Salah

282

175

9.

Robbie Fowler

379

163

10.

Jermain Defoe

494

162

Salah is one of the finest goalscorers in Premier League history and to say that this relative unknown in Hadj-Moussa, who is only two months into his first real purple patch, could be his successor is quite a brazen claim.

However, he is endowed with similar properties that could see him operate within similar parameters to Liverpool’s biggest threat and were he to perch under the Egyptian’s umbrella, protected by the lashing scrutiny that would be posted with a big-time role in Slot’s squad, there might just be a chance that he could become a major player.

Hadj-Moussa has been on Slot’s radar before, and Liverpool fans have been treated to some expert tactical qualities in recent months. Let’s trust his judgement, and bring him in to serve under Salah’s wing.

Gakpo upgrade: FSG target £90m ace who'd be Liverpool’s best LW since Mane

Liverpool may look to strengthen their frontline this year, but perhaps not on the right flank.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 7, 2025

Somerset trail by 400-plus as Essex’s South African spinner looks the likelier threat

David Hopps26-Jul-2022Comparisons are odious, and they have been since John Lydgate, a 15th century monk and poet once based in these parts, first uttered something approaching the phrase nearly 700 years ago. But odious or not, with the South Africa Test series approaching it was hard to ignore the match-up between Jack Leach and Simon Harmer.Leach ground away for 39 overs without taking a wicket as Essex built a first-innings total beyond 500. By the time he turned one really sharply, Nick Browne was 203 and the ball ran away for a leg bye. Over ten-and-a-half hours, Browne, amassed an unbeaten 234, the worthiest and most consistent of efforts from a batter who knows his own limitations and is comfortable with them. It was his fourth double hundred in the Championship and the 20th in this season’s Championship – already the most since 2016.When Somerset replied, and Harmer was introduced for the ninth over, it took him only four balls to take a wicket that had eluded Leach for the best part of two days. His first ball to Tom Lammonby turned sharply, enough to get into his head. The fourth delivery, a length ball, ran straight on to strike his off stump. Lammonby had gone the way of many before him. He was lost in confusion, front foot splayed way out to the leg side, maybe a pull, then maybe a late cut, then nothing at all. Harmer strolled out to the off side to be joined by grinning teammates. It was his 45th first-class wicket of the season, only Ollie Hannon-Dalby ahead of him.There is a confidence about Harmer, a spin bowler devising sequences to befuddle his opponent. There was little sense of that from Leach, England’s premier spinner, good enough to have played 26 Tests, but often in a holding role. Not helped by bowling in the first innings of the match, he largely plugged a defensive line and rarely hunted out the rough to the left-hander outside off stump even though Browne was his major adversary. Browne took him for only three off-side boundaries and ticked over now and then with a leg-side single.In Matt Renshaw, he found a stoutly supportive teammate. “I know he went for none for a hundred but to bowl 39 overs into the wind to the short side was a testament to him and his skills, he said. “I was pleased how he bowled even if he didn’t get the wickets people might say he needed to.”Out on the boundary, if some Twitter jousting between a group of Essex supporters and Craig Overton was to be believed, Overton had identified this Chelmsford surface as “a Harmer pitch” on the opening day. In essence, it is, although it lacks pace and bounce, and Matt Renshaw and Tom Abell appeared to put things into perspective, both countering Harmer calmly enough, and picking off the seamers. Then from nowhere, just before the close, a ball flew spitefully past Renshaw’s outside edge. They negotiated the second day, gratefully, at 99 for 1.Just the thought of what might be to come had been enough to put Overton in mildly acerbic mood when he bit back at his Twitter taunters: “You forgot I was moaning about the fact [we] were changing in a marquee, have no showers and also portaloos for toilets at a first-class ground”.Chelmsford has always been a cramped, if characterful, ground comprised in part by curious wooden huts, fulfilling a variety of purposes, although now quite a few of them appear to be closed. Add the racism allegations that will bedevil the county until the results of their independent enquiry are published – that enquiry began last November and should be published before the year is up – and John Stephenson, the chief executive, has quite a task ahead in charting a way forward. Some of the most prominent criticism has come from Jahid Ahmed, who played seven first-class matches between 2005 and 2009, and who ultimately came to the conclusion that Essex felt like: “a white man’s world where brown people were outsiders”.As Browne batted staunchly on, adding another 107 to his overnight 127, a marquee rung to speeches and laughter to mark a 75th birthday celebration for David Acfield, a former Essex offspinner, chairman and president, and one of five Board members who were forced to resign in May during the racism affair. Acfield, apparently, will still have a committee room named after him.His birthday was marked by many of his fellow Essex players from the most successful, and entertaining, period in their history. As they exchanged old stories for the umpteenth time, Browne provided a constant backdrop. Their day was three-day cricket, played adventurously, but fortunately the red wine did not flow so freely that they appeared on the boundary edge demanding that he hit out for a quick declaration.Browne is powerfully built, but he has been primarily used over his career as a Championship specialist. He has his own speed limiter built in, set just below 50 runs per 100 balls. On the rare occasions he did try to go big, a couple of thick edges persuaded him to banish the thought from his presence. But the nearest he looked to losing his wicket was on 205 when Harmer played the ball in front of square and hurried him through for a tight single. He did accelerate, but only marginally – his bedding-in 50 took 124 balls, followed by 104, 95, then 94 – but his tenacity never wavered.Tom Lammonby found some value in the day with a career-best 3 for 35 (he had only previously taken six first-class wickets), the best of them the removal of Paul Walter’s off stump when he seamed one back slightly through the gate. Matt Critchley fell trying to run a wide one and Adam Rossington, who played with gusto for his 32, slog-swept him to deep midwicket.The innings then came to a halt as Browne and Harmer ground on, Harmer having seven from 49 balls at one point. In the marquee, some famous old players might have been a little impatient. But Harmer was probably just timing the declaration for his own needs, awaiting signs that the ball was ready to turn. Leach will hope that Somerset bat well enough to give him another opportunity on a wearing pitch, but he will be lucky.

Ansu Fati is plotting a way out of Barcelona after growing tired of his minimal role under Hansi Flick.

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Fati frustrated with lack of minutes Ready to seek move away from Barca Plenty of suitors for wingerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Since returning from his loan spell at Brighton last season, Fati has struggled to integrate back into the Barcelona squad under Hansi Flick. The 22-year-old has made his frustrations very clear and is now reportedly looking to leave the Spanish giants in search of regular game time.

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Mundo Deportivo say Fati has been left 'very disappointed and affected' by the situation under Flick, particularly after he turned down multiple offers in the winter in hope of featuring for his parent club. But with his talents clearly not wanted under the current management, he is sure to find a solution in the summer.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fati has not seen a minute in La Liga since November and has only made eight appearances across all competitions in 2024-25.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR FATI?

The likes of Porto, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax all expressed their interest in taking Fati on loan in January and they could all, alongside some potential Premier League suitors, return with offers in the summer as the Spaniard looks to get his career back on track.

More misery at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United defeated by Brighton & Hove Albion to erase the feel-good factor that was nurtured at Anfield one week ago.

The cyclical nature of United’s form is deeply concerning, with the capacity for dazzling, front-footed performances clearly within this Red Devils mix but produced inconsistently.

Bruno Fernandes cut a dejected figure as he made his way down the tunnel, Seagulls elated around him. His revealed fear might just be coming true. Liverpool was a flash in the pan. United have relapsed back into old ways.

It’s clear that Amorim has the tactical mind to achieve great things but some of the players at his disposal simply won’t do in the long run. Man United need new signings, and they need to get it right.

Who Man United want to sell

Marcus Rashford looks nailed-on for a departure from his boyhood club this month, perhaps on loan but likely with a view toward a permanent future elsewhere.

Antony is also closing in on a winter move to Real Betis, freeing up some room on the wide flanks for investment. United’s issues have been mitigated by Amad Diallo’s growth, but the 22-year-old can’t be expected to carry the weight of Old Trafford on his back, and support is needed.

Perhaps this winger will do the trick…

Man United chasing exciting winger signing

According to Sky Germany, Manchester United have a concrete interest in signing Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, who has been tearing it up in the Bundesliga this term.

Dortmund have previously stated that they would be seeking a jaw-dropping €100m (£85m) payday for the 20-year-old’s exit, but it’s since been revealed that the tenth-place side will cede their bargaining power if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

With Antony and Rashford on the way out, this would be a fantastic deal for Amorim’s team, providing United with the fresh quality to spearhead a new era.

However, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Premier League rivals such as Chelsea and Liverpool are gearing up to make their moves, so it’s crucial that INEOS act swiftly.

Why Jamie Gittens would be perfect for Man United

Gittens’ emergence has come at a breakneck pace, with the young talent having impressed last term under Edin Terzic, notably racking up eight assists across all competitions as he settled into the senior stage over the final months of the campaign.

Transfer Focus

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

He’s young and malleable enough that Amorim can will him into his own design, and while the left-sided forward feels like the natural Rashford heir, it’s Alejandro Garnacho who he could prove to surpass.

Chelsea and Napoli have been interested in Garnacho this month, but it seems unlikely that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will green-light the Argentine’s sale, given the mini-exodus already taking place.

The 20-year-old practically oozes with quality, so dynamic and daring when on his a-game. However, Man United could find themselves enjoying the talent of an even better winger in Gittens, for the Englishman boasts an exemplary scoring record and could assume the talismanic role at the Theatre.

Garnacho has scored eight goals and added five assists across 32 matches this term but he has only bagged three times in the Premier League, with MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst noting that the winger “hasn’t distinguished himself” in recent appearances under Amorim after being ostracised from the first-team squad over the festive period.

As per FBref, Gittens ranks among the top 7% of positional peers in the Bundesliga this term for non-penalty goals scored as well as the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, illustrating the type of electric, goalscoring winger that Amorim would get his mitts on.

Garnacho, by way of comparison, ranks in the top 51% for non-penalty goals, the top 8% for progressive carries and among the worst 32% for successful take-ons in the Premier League, underlining that the English talent is, in fact, more efficient.

Most exciting, perhaps, is Gittens’ ability to hit the mark across multiple competitions, having also been in fine fettle for the Yellow Wall throughout their Champions League campaign, with Dortmund currently ninth, one point off the automatics.

Matches (starts)

18 (14)

6 (5)

Goals

7

4

Assists

3

0

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.9)

2.2 (0.8)

Big chances missed

4

0

Pass completion

83%

83%

Key passes*

0.8

1.0

Dribble (success)*

3.1 (52%)

2.3 (56%)

Ball recoveries*

2.1

3.2

Total duels (won)*

5.6 (51%)

4.3 (52%)

One of the most eye-catching aspects of Gittens’ skill set has got to be his clinical edge, having missed four big chances across Dortmund’s two major competitions this season while having scored 11 times – an excellent strike rate.

In fact, the wide forward has even been hailed as “England’s best left winger in 2024/25” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchlety, suggesting that Three Lions gaffer Thomas Tuchel will have a close eye on the rising star, who might just find himself in some exciting conversations across 2025.

It’s just more fuel for the transfer fire as far as United are concerned, but there’s no question that if Gittens was successful in translating his German and European form to English shores, he could unlock United’s attacking capacity under Amorim’s wing.

Ultimately, Amorim entered a disaster zone at Old Trafford and has struggled, so far, to establish the kind of enduring synergy that has been missing for ever so long.

Some might say that United have regressed since the Portuguese took to the helm, but he simply needs more time to stamp his authority onto one of the world’s biggest footballing institutions.

Will he be the one to lead Man United back to the limelight? He’ll need signings, and with Gittens on the market and attracting intrigue from some of the country’s biggest hitters, United need to ensure that they are the team to welcome him back to his homeland.

As bad as Onana: Amorim must drop 3/10 Man Utd who won just 14% duels

Manchester United suffered another harmful defeat in the Premier League at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion.

6 ByKelan Sarson Jan 19, 2025

Ochoa is aiming to become the first player to participate in six World Cups, but Sánchez didn't include him in his projected squad

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have also played in five World Cups

Ochoa was not called up by Aguirre for the Nations League FinalsThe former América goalkeeper has 152 appearances with Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

During the official unveiling of the 2026 World Cup poster for the city of Guadalajara, former Chivas goalkeeper and three-time World Cup participant with the Mexican national team, Oswaldo Sánchez, shared his thoughts on which three goalkeepers he believes should be called up for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

His response came as a surprise – he left out the legendary Guillermo Ochoa, who, alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, is aiming to become the first player in history to appear in six World Cups next year.

"I see both of them doing very well [Luis Ángel Malagón and Raúl Rangel). I’ve known Malagón since Santos Laguna, he’s a very proactive guy, but we can’t rule out Rangel either. There’s still more than a year left before the World Cup – injuries can happen, anything can happen – and I would add Carlos Acevedo," he said. "Those are the three who will be competing for a spot at the World Cup, depending on what the coaching staff decides, but for me, those are the three who should be fighting for the position."

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While Ochoa has done everything in his power to remain in European football in order to continue testing himself at the highest level—something truly admirable – the new generation of Mexican goalkeepers has been pushing through in recent years. And for now, everything seems to indicate that the Mexican national team's starting goalkeeper is clear: Malagón.

The América goalkeeper is one of Liga MX’s brightest stars and has proven he has no ceiling at 28. Another goalkeeper currently in fine form is Rangel from Chivas. Both were selected by Mexico manager Javier Aguirre to compete in the Nations League Final Four, along with young Carlos Moreno from Pachuca, whom the coaching staff wanted to evaluate up close.

But as Oswaldo Sánchez pointed out: “There’s still more than a year to go, and anything can happen.”

It remains to be seen which goalkeeper will call up for this summer’s Gold Cup, but signs suggest that the doors to the Mexico national team may be gradually closing for the legendary Ochoa. That said, knowing his professionalism and dedication, he will surely keep fighting to earn his place and achieve the dream of playing in a sixth World Cup.

AFPWHAT OSWALDO SÁNCHEZ SAID

“I got to play in a U-20 World Cup, the Olympics, and three World Cups, but I was only going to be the starter in one of them – so to miss it? I wouldn’t have forgiven myself," Sanchez said. "Getting to live it was incredible. The support from the people at that time, who were always by my side, meant everything. But above all, it was that childhood dream of playing in a World Cup – and that dream, I couldn’t let it go.”

The former goalkeeper, who played professionally from 1993 to 2014, added, “There are no words to describe what a World Cup is – the passion and the deep national pride you feel in that moment.”

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

This Thursday, the Gold Cup draw will take place, where the reigning champions of the tournament, Mexico, will find out their Group Stage opponents for the competition set to be played this summer in the United States.

will have two preparation matches ahead of the tournament—against Switzerland on June 7 and against Turkey on June 10.

The fast bowler knows her career does not have long to go, but there remains a big prize to focus on

Valkerie Baynes05-Aug-2022Katherine Brunt has a lot to think about at the moment.You wouldn’t necessarily know it watching her rip opposing players’ poles from the ground in true, vintage Brunt fashion. But with the spectre of retirement looming larger as England draw closer to their goal of winning a Commonwealth Games medal on home soil, this isn’t exactly the Brunt of old.Brunt hasn’t set a date for her retirement, publicly at least. But, having declared that she had played her last Test during the Ashes in January, she recently told ESPNcricinfo that, whether she calls time on her international career after the Commonwealth Games or presses on to next year’s T20 World Cup, the end would be “very soon”.”Everybody has ebbs and flows,” Brunt said, touching briefly again on the difficulties she faced while struggling with her action during England’s tour of Australia and then New Zealand for the ODI World Cup.Related

History beckons as India look for 'killing attitude' in their quest for gold

Brunt: 'I've considered retirement constantly' over 'most challenging year of my career'

Brunt, Wong set tone as England brush past New Zealand

“I’ve had a lot of questions for myself and I’ve worked exceptionally hard in the last three months before this tournament. So it is funny because I’m feeling good, playing well, and it’s hard to walk away from stuff like that. So yeah, a lot going on in my head right now.”She was speaking after claiming two wickets for just two runs in her first two overs to pound New Zealand into submission as they posted just 71 for 9 from 20 overs during their final group game. England won by seven wickets with 50 balls to spare to secure top spot in Group B and avoid favourites Australia in the semi-finals. New Zealand will face Group A leaders Australia in Saturday’s second semi-final, to be played in the evening UK time, after England take on India in the day game.

JUST IN: The timings for the Commonwealth Games semi-finals have been confirmed! #B2022 pic.twitter.com/PmUarWU1kk

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 4, 2022

Brunt has enjoyed an excellent tournament so far. She ended Thursday night’s match with 2 for 4 from three overs, while she took 1 for 16 and scored an unbeaten 38 from 23 balls in a 26-run win against South Africa and claimed 1 for 8 from three overs as England beat Sri Lanka by five wickets.Her fourth ball against New Zealand was an offcutter that sent Sophie Devine’s leg stump cartwheeling, a ball she added to her arsenal under previous England Women’s coach Mark Robinson.”He challenged me to get better as a player,” Brunt said. “He’s seen a lot of 30-year-olds not be able to up their game at that stage. You either fizz out or you step up.”It was a challenge and I wanted to prove him wrong, step up, so I gained a couple of balls and that’s my banker, and I bring it out when I need to against who I need to. I’m really happy for having picked that up in such a late stage of my career.”Issy Wong continues to shine as part of England’s new generation•Getty ImagesBrunt’s eighth delivery was similar but faster and pinged the top of Amelia Kerr’s middle stump as New Zealand slid to 10 for 2. Then Issy Wong, the 20-year-old quick representing England’s next wave of seam bowlers, took 2 for 10 from her three overs, including the tournament’s leading run-scorer, Suzie Bates, to have New Zealand in dire distress.Brunt was full of praise for the likes of Wong and left-arm seamer Freya Kemp, who is just 17, as is Alice Capsey, who sits second behind only Bates on the tournament run-scoring chart. All three England youngsters made their international debuts in the bilateral series against South Africa immediately before the Games and have taken to the task with ease, seeming to revel in the atmosphere of a 10,000-plus crowd at Edgbaston.”I know for a fact they love it, and they’re not intimidated,” Brunt said. “They’re very confident people and you can’t play international sport without confidence and arrogance in a healthy way.”It’s like boxers isn’t it? They talk a good game. They say they’ll never lose, they’re the best ever, and that’s the kind of arrogance you’ve got to have because it takes a lot to step out into a crowd like that and put yourself out there in front of thousands of people. I’m glad they’ve got it because I feel like that’s been a key ingredient for myself in my career.”Devine, the New Zealand captain, joked that the end of that illustrious career couldn’t come quickly enough.”To be perfectly honest, me and Suze [Bates] said we can’t wait till she retires,” Devine smiled. “She’s been pestering us for 15-odd years. She’s just outstanding. She defies her age and her skill is unbelievable, so full credit, to still be able to run in and bowl the way that she does.”She’s a really wily player. She probably isn’t as quick as she used to be, she’ll be the first to admit that… I hope so, because otherwise she’s probably going to send me a few beamers. But a really smart bowler and she leads that team well. She will leave a massive hole when she does retire, which is hopefully very soon.”

Newcastle United have been urged to keep hold of striker Alexander Isak by former Rangers forward Ally McCoist

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Isak led Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory last monthSwedish star has attracted interest from Premier League rivalsMcCoist claims Isak has been 'best centre-forward in Europe this year'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle have been warned against selling star striker Isak by Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist. The former Real Sociedad star has been a massive hit on Tyneside but has also been linked with a departure as rival clubs in England and around Europe monitor his progress.

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Isak helped the Magpies end a 56-year trophy draught as they beat Liverpool in last month's Carabao Cup final, but Premier League rivals such as Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with the Sweden international to bolster their own forward lines. However, Eddie Howe's side are well placed in the hunt for Champions League qualification and McCoist believes Newcastle are unlikely to sell to a rival unless a huge bid arrives.

WHAT MCCOIST SAID

Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, McCoist said: "He [Isak] could play anywhere, at any level. He's probably been the best centre-forward in Europe this year – absolutely terrific.

"Newcastle fans will be building a wall around St James' Park as we speak! I don't think the club would even consider letting him go – unless a ridiculous offer came in. Eddie Howe’s building something there.

"I get that money talks, but selling Isak would send the wrong message. Newcastle are on the verge of a phenomenal season – first domestic trophy in 70 years, possibly a return to the Champions League. That's massive. So while top clubs will come calling, I don't see him going anywhere."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have scored more Premier League goals than Isak's 20 so far this season, while the Swede has also contributed five assists for his teammates. His strike against Liverpool at Wembley proved to be the winner in the Carabao Cup final as the Magpies deservedly triumphed 2-1.

Yorkshire in disarray by the time rain finally descends on Chelmsford and lose top-three spot

ECB Reporters Network17-Aug-2022Grant Roelofsen’s sublime innings helped Essex to a third successive Royal London Cup win and bolstered their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.The South African recorded his third half-century in a row in the competition, finishing with a season’s high of 90 off 97 balls before Essex’s last eight wickets fell inside 14 overs for the addition of 56 runs.Roelofsen put on 151 – the only significant partnership of the game – with Essex captain Tom Westley, whose 52 was his fourth successive score above fifty.Yorkshire were soon in trouble in pursuit of 241, losing four wickets in the first six overs, and never recovered before heavy rain ended play – a relief not just for the Chelmsford outfield, but also or one of the most parched parts of the country. Essex, winning by 88 runs on DLS, leapfrogged Yorkshire into third place, though they have played a game more.Related

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Roelofsen dominated the third-wicket stand. Though not afraid to improvise with the reverse-sweep, the most eye-catching of Roelofsen’s impressive array of strokes was a punishing off-drive though the covers for one of eight fours.There were two sixes for the South African in an over from Harry Sullivan over midwicket, and a third even more effortlessly off Matt Revis. At other times he was content to keep the scoreboard ticking along with nudges and flicks for singles and doubles.Westley was very much the sleeping partner. His fifth boundary, clouted firmly past Revis, brought up not only his own fifty, but also 150 for the stand. However, without addition he miscued an attempted pull over midwicket and skied a return catch to Sullivan. Roelofsen perished not long after when he went for one reverse-sweep too many against Sullivan and picked out Shutt at backward point.The pair had come together 25 overs earlier after Feroze Khushi was bowled by Ben Coad playing down the wrong line, and was followed almost immediately by opening partner Josh Rymell, run out on his call by a direct throw to the non-striker’s end by Shutt fielding at mid-off.However, the parting of Roelofsen and Westley prefaced a collapse from 184-2 to 240 all out.Robin Das fell to a carbon-copy of Roelofsen’s dismissal, chipping up Dom Bess to Coad. Nick Browne was bowled trying to give himself room against Shutt. Luc Benkenstein attempted to slog Waite and was bowled before Aron Nijjar was castled by Shutt. Waite mopped up the innings by having Jamal Richards caught behind and Ray Toole held one-handed at full stretch by Will Fraine at wide mid-on.The target did not initially look onerous, but Yorkshire were quickly in trouble. Roelofsen, swapping batting pads for the wicketkeeper’s, was soon back on the scorecard, catching Harry Duke behind off a faint tickle and then stumping Will Luxton, who tried to charge Nijjar.Shane Snater then had Fraine edging to slip, and next ball trapped Jonathan Tattersall like a statue in his crease to claim his third wicket in 11 balls.George Hill and Waite dug in doggedly for nine overs until Waite’s 35-ball vigil for 15 ended when he was lbw to one that kept low from Toole. The New Zealand seamer followed that by finding the edge of Revis’s bat and Yorkshire had fallen to 71-6.Five runs later the players scuttled off as the first serious rainfall of an otherwise dry season quickly flooded the ground and forced Duckworth and Lewis into decisive action.Tom Westley, expecting rain, had even slipped in a couple of rapid overs himself to ensure there would be a positive resut. “With 10 overs constituting a game, I brought myself on early. It started spitting in the sixth or seventh over and you could see clouds building everywhere so that was the reason why I came on for those token two overs.”I suppose being bowled out before we had faced the full 50 overs went in our favour because it gave us a bit more time to move the game forward and give us a bit more time with the ball. It’s pretty infuriating though that our number 11 is having to bat in every single game after we have got ourselves into some fantastic positions.”We don’t want to sell ourselves short by making the same mistakes over and over again it is a learning experience for a lot of these guys but from where we started against Derbyshire, which was an appalling performance given the standards we set, we have gone from strength to strength.”

Everton have now made an enquiry over a “powerful” striker who could be allowed to leave his current club this month, according to a report.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin back amongst the goals

Prior to David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been struggling in front of goal in the Premier League, but the striker broke his duck by opening the scoring in the 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

Moyes was left impressed by Calvert-Lewin’s performance, saying: “The biggest thing today is he played like a proper number nine at times today.

“He made the centre halves worried, he was a threat, he was challenging, winning a good percentage of his aerial duels. He got involved in everything, a lot of really good things today.”

Although the Englishman has returned to form recently, there is still major doubt over his future on Merseyside, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season and a number of clubs being linked with moves.

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As such, the Toffees may need to bring in another striker this month, and they have now made their first concrete move to sign AS Monaco’s Breel Embolo by making contact and enquiring about his availability.

West Ham United have also taken the same course of action, but Como are believed to be leading the race for the striker’s signature, so there may be serious competition for Embolo’s signature this month.

Monaco are believed to be willing to sanction the forward’s departure this winter, having signed Mika Biereth, and Moyes is keen to strengthen his strike force, so it is a deal that could make sense for all parties.

What Embolo could offer Everton

The 27-year-old has plenty of experience in the Europa League and the Champions League, and he has proven himself in both the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, posing impressive numbers in front of goal over the past five full seasons.

Season

League appearances

Goal contributions

2019-20

28

16

2020-21

31

11

2021-22

29

13

2022-23

32

14

2023-24

5

1

The Switzerland international missed nearly the entire 2023-24 campaign through injury, but he has since managed to force his way back into the Monaco starting XI, scoring three goals in his last five matches.

Journalist Josh Bunting was full of praise for the former Borussia Monchengladbach man at the beginning of the 2022-23 campaign, and provided an overview of his key strengths.

Moyes will be hoping that Calvert-Lewin has turned the corner after scoring last time out, but it could still be worth pursuing a move for Embolo this month, considering his record in front of goal and ability off the ball when it comes to making runs.

Lionel Messi believes Barcelona's Lamine Yamal is already 'one of the best players in the world', and that the 17-year-old will continue to improve.

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Messi says Yamal "has incredible qualities" Argentinian backs youngster to growWinger will "add things to his game"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

The Barcelona legend was speaking about his heir apparent in an interview with . The GOAT was effusive in his praise for Yamal, and backed the youngster to continue adding to his game, just like he did.

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Messi applauded Yamal for the amazing things he's already achieved at such a young age, in particular the European Championship he won with Spain last summer. Just 16-years-old for the majority of that tournament, Yamal set records for the youngest player to play and score in a Euros, and scooped the Golden Boy award for his consistency over the tournament as a whole.

WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

Messi said: "It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal shows… he's already been a Euro champion with Spain.

"He’s still only 17, he's in a growth process, and he'll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did. He has incredible qualities and he’s already one of the best players in the world."

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APWHAT NEXT FOR LAMINE YAMAL?

Barca hold a four point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga, face off against Los Blancos in the final of the Copa Del Rey later this month and have a Champions League semi-final against Inter to prepare for. Winning a treble and an international trophy before his 18th birthday would give Yamal one of the greatest starts to a career we've ever seen.