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Manchester City are now ready to snap up a “superstar” Champions League player, with the same agent as two members of Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Man City looking to strengthen after Bayer Leverkusen setback

After putting together a solid run to re-establish themselves as Premier League title contenders, Man City have endured a dip in form over the past week, losing 2-1 at Newcastle United on Saturday, before succumbing to a 2-0 home defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.

It was a new-look defence for City, with Guardiola making wholesale changes to his starting XI, bringing in Abdukodir Khusanov to replace Matheus Nunes at right-back, despite the 27-year-old impressing in that area this season.

However, given that both Khusanov and Nunes aren’t natural full-backs, the Blues remain keen on bringing in another option, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has now told TEAMtalk that Man City will be ready to sign Livramento if the opportunity presents itself, saying: “He’s happy at Newcastle, he is in a good position, he wants to push the limits of a new contract. But equally he knows he could secure a big transfer if he really wanted it.

“City have respect for his situation and have had to wait for him to decide what he does next. If he looks to leave, they are right there and will snap him up.”

"Superstar" Livramento could be perfect for Pep

Of course, any player in a Guardiola system must be comfortable in possession of the ball, and the Newcastle defender, who has the same agent as Stones and Nathan Ake, has averaged an 85.4% pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 87th percentile compared to other full-backs.

Once referred to as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, the three-time England international is also proven in the Premier League, having reached the 100-game mark in his side’s 2-1 win against City, during which the full-back made three clearances, two interceptions and two tackles.

Having been ranked as one of the best right-backs in the world, ahead of the likes of Nunes and Khusanov, Livramento could be a real upgrade for Pep at right-back, but a deal could be on the expensive side…

Man City preparing £158m+ bid for star who wants to work under Guardiola

The Citizens are keen to make new signings and could now look to acquire one of Europe’s most prominent attackers.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 24, 2025

Newcastle value Livramento at the £80m mark, which would make him one of the most expensive signings in Man City history, and given that Nunes has been impressing this season, it is questionable whether they should spend that much on another right-back.

Pete Alonso's up-and-down 2024 MLB season ended on a high note, as the New York Mets' righty slugger delivered his best moment as a pro in one of the most high-pressure at-bats of his career.

With the Mets down 2–0 in the top of the ninth inning, with one out and runners on the corners of an elimination game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Alonso stepped into the box against closer Devin Williams. After working the count to 3–1, Alonso got a changeup over the plate and deposited it over the right field wall to give New York the lead, and eventually the series win to advance to the NLDS.

Before that home run, Alonso seemed fated to depart the Mets in the offseason, following his worst season after looking like a potential franchise icon after his rookie year. After a contentious offseason negotiation, he is back as New York looks like make a World Series push in '25. While he and the team are looking forward, he was happy to revisit the biggest home run of his career one more time during spring training.

Alonso explained that he knew Williams would be looking for a game-ending double play and that he'd likely be utilizing his deadly changeup, Alonso walked the podcast through the at-bat.

After staying patient and avoiding chasing three pitches out of the zone, Alonso was ready for a changeup over the plate on 3–1, and drove it over the fence. It wasn't quite a no-doubt home run, but he was confident it was gone.

"For me, that moment was surreal," Alonso said. "That was probably, easily the best baseball moment I've ever had."

Alonso will have the chance to build on his Mets legacy in '25. After his market failed to develop the way he and agent Scott Boras likely envisioned, he returned to New York on a two-year deal worth $54 million. He'll make $30 million this season, and has a player option for the '26 season, making this season another in which he can prove his long term worth to the franchise… or another MLB team willing to pay top dollar.

Match abandoned The last league match of the Global Super League (GSL) 2025 was replete with rain interruptions, and eventually inclement weather had the final say.A downpour in Guyana in the morning delayed toss by 45 minutes. Nurul Hasan called right and Rangpur Riders opted to bat – despite the weather around – but had to wait more because rain returned. The game began 90 minutes later than scheduled time as a 17-over contest.Central Stags opened their bowling with spinners from both ends and pegged back Riders twice inside the powerplay: Soumya Sarkar holing out off offspinner Angus Schaw second ball and Ibrahim Zadran falling to left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox. The heavens opened up again and this latest stoppage meant the game was further reduced to 14-overs-a-side affair.Upon resumption, fast bowler Blair Tickner broke the back of the Riders middle order. He accounted for Mahidul Islam Ankon, Iftikhar Ahmed and Nurul Hasan to leave Riders reeling at 66 for 6. Schaw and Lennox returned to mop up the tail as the Bangladesh Premier League side folded for a mere 79. Which was when another spell of heavy rain forced abandonment.Riders are already in the final with Stags finishing third in the season.

أسفرت قرعة دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، عن مجموعة الأهلي، التي سينافس من خلالها على لقب المسابقة القارية.

وكان الأهلي قد وصل إلى دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، عقب تخطي عقب إيجل نوار البوروندي، في دور الـ32 من البطولة.

وأقيمت قرعة دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، في تمام الساعة الثانية ظهر اليوم الإثنين، في جوهانسبرج بجنوب إفريقيا.

يذكر أن القرعة أسفرت عن وقوع النادي الأهلي في المجموعة الثانية من دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا لهذه النسخة

طالع.. قرار مُفاجئ من ييس توروب قبل سفر بعثة الأهلي إلى الإمارات

ويشارك في دوري أبطال إفريقيا، لهذه النسخة ناديا الأهلي وبيراميدز ممثلان عن مصر. مجموعة الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وتضم مجموعة الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا كلا من:

1- الأهلي 

2- شبيبة القبائل الجزائري 

3- الجيش الملكي المغربي 

4- يانج أفريكانز التنزاني

جدير بالذكر أن بيراميدز هو حامل لقب بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا في النسخة الماضية على حساب صن داونز الجنوب إفريقي

ويعد النادي الاهلي هو أكثر أندية إفريقيا، حصولا على لقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا، حيث توج بها 13 مرة. 

It is the start of a crucial period for Tottenham Hotspur, so can they continue their impressive start to the campaign?

Having accumulated 14 points so far, Spurs begin the weekend third in the Premier League table, following a 2-1 victory over Leeds United before the international break; Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus the scorers.

Next up, Sunday’s visit from Aston Villa commences a very tough looking fixture list for Thomas Frank’s team, who will take on Everton (A), Chelsea (H), Manchester United (H) and then Arsenal (A) in their subsequent four league fixtures.

If the Lilywhites are going to collect a respectable number of points from these matches, Frank must make one key star, reminiscent of Dele Alli, a central figure, both literally and figuratively.

Dele Alli's rise and fall at Tottenham

Last month, Dele Alli was released by Como, having made just one appearance for the Lariani, this a nine minute cameo against AC Milan at San Siro in March, cut short as he was sent off.

That was his first, and so far only, appearance for anyone for 748 days, back in the footballing wilderness at the age of just 29.

In his pomp though, Dele was one of the best midfielders in the world, earning 37 England caps, starting against Colombia, Sweden and Croatia as the Three Lions reached a first World Cup semi-final in 28 years back in 2018.

For Tottenham too, as the graphic below demonstrates, he made 269 appearances for Tottenham, directly involved in 126 goals, a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s incredibly strong side.

During this period, Pochettino labelled him “one of the most talented players in England”, while teammate Harry Kane stated “Dele has everything. He scores goals, makes runs, creates chances. He’s an unbelievable player”.

That ability to both create chances as a midfielder but also score goals like a centre-forward is what made prime Dele unique, so which member of the current Spurs squad could replicate this?

Tottenham's new Dele Alli

During a pre-season friendly against Newcastle in Seoul, James Maddison ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for, probably, the entirety of this season.

Thus, Tottenham acted fast, knowing that they needed to add some creativity, so, after failing in the attempt to sign Eberechi Eze, acquired Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig for £52m, who isn’t a bad alternative.

The Dutch international has been highly-rated for many years now, making his senior debut for Paris Saint-Germain, before really announcing himself on loan at PSV Eindhoven, scoring 22 goals and registering 11 assists during the 2022/23.

More recently, he has been at RB Leipzig, certainly impressing during his two seasons in Saxony, with Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelling him a “game changer”, while his market value has now soared to as much as £97m, as per CIES.

The Dutch international has featured in each of Tottenham’s last four Premier League matches, starting three of them, but is yet to score for Spurs, his sole assist coming on debut against West Ham.

So, let’s take a look at his statistics so far.

Shots

9

5th

Shots per 90

1.94

4th

Shot-creating actions

9

5th

Attempted take-ons

18

3rd

Progressive carries

16

5th

Carries into final 3rd

12

3rd

As the table notes, Simons has pretty impressive attacking statistics at Tottenham so far this season, despite the lack of tangible end product.

However, the majority of his minutes have come as a left-winger, which is very much not his best position, significantly more likely to thrive in a number ten role.

Well, against Leeds a fortnight ago, he was finally deployed through the middle, flanked by Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert, with Mathys Tel leading the line.

This has to be the set-up Frank uses going forward, especially in matches where Tottenham are going to be dominating territory and possession.

The recent 1-1 home draw with bottom of the table Wolves the prime example of this, with Simons shunted out to the left flank, with João Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur both starting at the base of midfield, which felt unnecessarily cautious.

Simons scored ten Bundesliga goals last season, the second-most of any midfielder, behind only Jamal Musiala, showing that he can be a goal-scoring threat when utilised correctly.

In his prime at Spurs, Dele was unplayable as a goal-scoring number ten, and Simons has shown similar attacking instincts at previous clubs, so he needs to be given attacking freedom in a similar way.

Not just Richarlison: Spurs trio are on borrowed time after Paratici return

Tottenham Hotspur could be set for a clear-out of the squad after Fabio Paratici returned to the club.

2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 18, 2025

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has praised Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise from La Masia to the first team, revealing the winger’s potential was obvious from a young age. Despite recent injuries and criticism, Yamal continues to show maturity beyond his years as Barcelona prepare for a crucial stretch after the international break.

Cubarsi reflects on Yamal’s journey from La Masia to stardom

Cubarsi has shared glowing praise for Barcelona and Spain teammate Yamal, recalling their early days together at the club’s famed La Masia academy. Both players are integral parts of Hansi Flick's first-team setup, representing a new generation of homegrown stars carrying Barca’s future.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBarcelona defender praises Yamal’s rise and resilience

Speaking to , the 18-year-old centre-back said that Yamal’s talent was evident long before his senior debut and that his success comes down to years of unseen hard work and resilience.

“When I arrived, Lamine was already at Barca. From a young age, you could see he was going to make it. I’m very happy about everything he’s been through, which hasn’t been easy,” the defender said. "People think it's easy to get there, but you don't see the work that goes into it. I'm very happy for him."

He also addressed the criticism surrounding Yamal, stressing the teenager’s ability to remain unfazed by outside noise.

"Being so good and having so many people against him, there are always people who say things to discourage him, but he's tough. He doesn't have to play those games; he has to keep doing what he does: playing and being a good person."

Barcelona’s struggles and Yamal’s recovery

The Blaugrana’s recent dip in form has been a concern, with consecutive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla before the international break. While Yamal’s recurring pubic injury has limited his minutes, the 18-year-old is working tirelessly at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to regain full fitness.

The plan is to have him ready for the high-stakes clash against Real Madrid on October 26. Early signs from training have been promising, with the winger expected to return for limited minutes against Girona later this month if recovery stays on track.

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AFPWhat’s next for Cubarsi, Yamal and Barca?

Cubarsi, meanwhile, is with the Spanish national team as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. After the 4-1 defeat to Sevilla, he criticised his team’s lack of intensity and urged Barcelona to “step up” as they look to regain form. Both players will play vital roles in the Catalan giants' push to regain momentum once club football resumes. For Yamal, the focus remains on returning stronger from injury, while for Cubarsi, it’s about leading by example in defence as two of La Masia’s brightest products aim to guide Barca back to winning ways when they face Girona on October 18.

Pakistan batter Usman Khan has been ruled out of the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday because of a hamstring injury. He sustained the injury while fielding in the opening match of the series on March 29. An MRI scan revealed that he sustained a low-grade tear, ruling him out of the Hamilton ODI.Usman made his ODI debut in the first match of the series and scored 39 off 33 balls while opening the batting. He added an 83-run partnership for the first wicket with Abdullah Shafique in Pakistan’s unsuccessful chase of 345. He has played 19 T20Is for Pakistan, having made his debut in 2024, and has batted at Nos. 3 and 4.Related

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In Usman’s absence, Pakistan have Imam-ul-Haq as the other option to open the batting with Shafique. Imam returned to the ODI squad during the Champions Trophy 2025 after Fakhar Zaman was ruled out due to an oblique injury. They also have the option of pushing Babar Azam up to open – like he did at the Champions Trophy – and play an allrounder in Khushdil Shah or Faheem Ashraf. Babar scored 78 off 83 balls in the first ODI batting at No. 3.Pakistan went down by 73 runs in the opening encounter McLean Park. It was their fifth defeat in six completed ODIs in 2025.

New South Wales veteran Sarah Coyte makes no secret of the fact a grand-final win on Sunday over Queensland would mean more than her first six WNCL titles with the state.”Just for the sheer fact that NSW have spent the last four or five years rebuilding,” Coyte told AAP.Coyte, at age 33, is one of the last remaining members of NSW’s days as the powerhouse of women’s domestic cricket. She won six competitions with the state between 2010 and 2015, as part of the Breakers’ record run of 10 straight titles in the 2000s and 2010s.Related

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So dominant were the Breakers in the early days of the 50-over WNCL, they claimed 20 of the first 23 competitions and finished runners-up in the other three.”Back when NSW kept winning, it was just an expectation, because we had all the big names,” Coyte said. “The program has completely changed since then. You don’t have as many big names, the Australian team have always got something on. Now we have to fight and work so hard for it, and it shows.”Coyte is no stranger to winning. On leaving NSW for South Australia in 2015-16, she broke NSW’s streak with a title there. Another two came in Tasmania, with the seamer now gunning for a 10th WNCL title in 13 full seasons separated by a mid-career break.”It would be the ultimate. It would mean everything for NSW to be back at the top,” she said. “Not just for me but for Cricket NSW to be back after having to rebuild.”Winning machine: Sarah Coyte is searching for a 10th WNCL title•Getty Images

The changed nature of the WNCL means Sunday’s final features no Australian players, with Queensland’s Georgia Voll the last to leave for India and the WPL on Friday. But that does open the door for other players to eye off lifelong dreams. For table-toppers Queensland, up to six of their XI will hunt a first title after losing to Tasmania in last year’s decider.”It’s disappointing – we would have loved her to play, and I know she would have loved to have played as well, but it’s a great opportunity for her and a good reward for her season so far,” Queensland captain Georgia Redmayne said. “Considering the urgency to get her to India, I really hope they give her the opportunity she deserves on Tuesday.””The good thing about having so many players in and out is that we’ve been able to give a lot of opportunities to a lot of girls throughout the season. Everyone in our squad of 13 has played games this season, so everyone’s been there and been exposed to it – we’re not bringing new players into the team suddenly for a final so I think that bodes well for us.”Georgia Voll has beeen handed a late call-up to the WPL•Getty Images

For NSW, a new generation wants success after finishing fifth and sixth for the past two years. And for the likes of senior Breakers quick Sammy-Jo Johnson and spinner Sam Bates, a title shot awaits after NSW’s dominance was a double-edged sword as teenagers.Knowing only of NSW’s stars winning, both were forced to move to Queensland and ACT respectively for a chance before returning in recent years.”The goal for me growing up was to play for NSW,” Johnson said. “That’s all I dreamt about, I just wanted to wear a baggy blue. But Queensland gave me an opportunity, and I wouldn’t have made a name for myself if I didn’t go chase it somewhere else.”Now, they know the chance awaits for NSW to create a new legacy on Sunday.”The history is very rich, but the cool thing about this group is we’ve forged our own path,” Johnson said. “We’ve gone through the struggles. We’ve had so many injuries … We’ve had to go through the grind.”

WNCL final squads

Queensland Georgia Redmayne (capt), Charli Knott, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Lucinda Bourke, Sianna Ginger, Lilli Hamilton, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Laura Harris, Grace Parsons, Courtney Sippel, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla WrigleyNew South Wales Georgia Adams (capt), Sam Bates, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Sarah Coyte, Hannah Darlington, Elsa Hunter, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Frankie Nicklin, Kate Pelle, Tahlia Wilson

The pair debate some key BBL talking points following the end of a successful season for the competition

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Feb-2025Former Australia captain Aaron Finch would like a full player auction to be brought into the BBL while Glenn Maxwell believes the power surge should be removed as it doesn’t replicate international playing conditions.Currently, overseas players are selected through the draft – with clubs now able to pre-sign one name before that event – while a trade window, that is currently open, has been introduced for the first time this season, but Finch has said the majority of domestic players should also be included in a process more aligned with how the IPL operates.Related

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“I’d like to see an auction come in,” Finch told the Powerplay on ESPN’s . “Each team potentially has the ability to retain maybe four of their players and then you say everybody else in the country, you’re into an auction. I think that that would create a great spectacle.”We see it in the IPL, it’s brilliant, creates evenness across the board I think. What it does give you as well is it gives you what the players are worth. So at times, depending on what your team needs, you might have to overpay for someone. But if it’s an auction, that’s generally what the price of a player is.”Maxwell, though, was uncertain about the idea, raising concern about clubs losing an identity with established names. “You’ve still got to have a way to keep your homegrown players in your home state, [to] still have that relevance,” he said.The BBL continues to be challenged on retaining overseas players with a number leaving in early January for either the SA20 or ILT20.Meanwhile, when asked what he would change about the tournament, Maxwell argued that while he could see the appeal of the power surge – the two overs of fielding restrictions that can be taken by the batting side after the 10th over – he felt it skewed the skills that were required away from how the rest of T20 is played. It echoed the views of Stars team-mate Marcus Stoinis who made similar comments ahead of the BBL season.”I’d get rid of the power surge,” Maxwell said. “I think unless the power surge was introduced in international cricket, I think it’s sort of probably lost its relevance. As a player, I think it probably misrepresents middle-order batting.”When you get picked for your country, you don’t have that luxury of having those two overs in the back ten to boost your strike rate, boost your score. It’s lost on the art of middle order batting to be able to find your way through those last ten overs. I know it’s great for broadcasters. I know it’s great for fans. But until it’s made an international rule, I don’t think we should have it.”Finch acknowledged he had held a similar view when he was a player, but having now retired from the game saw the value the power surge brings.”I think that it provides entertainment right through an innings,” he said. “It keeps games alive. Like if a team needs 15 and over, with a power surge up your sleeve, there’s still half a chance.”

Eyman Fatima, Anoosha Nasir, Sidra Nawaz and Shawaal Zulfiqar also miss out on contracts this season

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Nov-2024Former captain Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz have been omitted from the PCB’s new batch of central contracts announced on Saturday. Sixteen players were announced in the new contracts, with Fatima Sana, who took over from Dar as captain, moving up to Category A.Dar was in Category A in last year’s contracts, while Riaz had been demoted to Category B, though their omissions are not entirely unexpected. As well as dwindling form, there are believed to have been concerns about their attitude within the team set-up that were discussed with PCB hierarchy.Eyman Fatima, Anoosha Nasir, Sidra Nawaz and Shawaal Zulfiqar also miss out on contracts this season, while Bismah Maroof’s retirement earlier this year means she no longer features. The board said, “these players will remain available for selection, as the PCB shifts its focus towards developing the next generation of cricketers in alignment with the ICC’s Women’s FTP (Future Tours Programme) for 2025-29.”Getty ImagesTwenty players were awarded two-year contracts last year, with a significant pay bump, but with the proviso that performances would be reassessed after a year.Sana’s promotion is a reward for a series of outstanding all-round performances in the run-up to, and at the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka at the tournament but lost their three other group games to India, Australia and eventual champions New Zealand.Muneeba Ali, the wicketkeeper-batter, has also been promoted to Category A, joining Sidra Amin who retains her position. Gull Feroza and Rameen Shamim return to the central-contracts list for the first time since 2018 and 2022-23 respectively, while Tasmia Rubab is included for the first time.The contracts have been pending approval for some time now, having run out at the end of July. Players, however, will be paid backdated amounts from then. The delay in the contracts is part of a general trend of upheaval and uncertainty in Pakistan women’s cricket where the PCB has struggled to get projects off the ground. Most notable among them is the long-promised women’s PSL, which Ramiz Raja first promised as chairman nearly three years ago but is yet to materialise. Tania Mallick, Head of Women’s Cricket since October 2021, told ESPNcricinfo earlier this year she expected a women’s PSL to happen within the next 12 months. Last month, however, she quit the role, with no signs of that tournament being introduced in the near future.”The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme,” the PCB’s new Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed said. “By further investing in established players through significantly enhanced retainers and offering clear pathways to the emerging cricketer, we aim to strike a balance between nurturing future stars and sustaining competitiveness at the highest level.”Pakistan contracts list:
Category A: Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin
Category B: Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal
Category C: Diana Baig, Omaima Sohail
Category D: Ghulam Fatima, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani