Free agent first baseman Pete Alonso remains unsigned as January hits its midway point, and the New York Mets are starting to explore other options at first base.
Four-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, opening the possibility that the Toronto Blue Jays will deal him if they cannot reach a long-term agreement. Guerrero recently avoided arbitration with a $28.5 million agreement for the 2025 season, and is prepared to negotiate a long-term deal until the start of spring training.
SNY's Andy Martino reports that the Mets have been "checking in" with the Blue Jays about Guerrero's availability, but cautions that as of now a trade "remains in the realm of fantasy baseball."
New York made the signature move of this free agency period, signing slugger Juan Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal. Owner Steve Cohen is not afraid to make a splash, and a deal for Guerrero would certainly fit the bill, but a reunion with Alonso seems more likely as a strong market for the 30-year-old first baseman has failed to develop.
Alonso has reportedly informed the team that he would be OK with a shorter three-year contract. Guerrero, 25, would likely demand a much more lucrative deal.
England will consider making changes to their bowling attack after a gruelling workload in their 336-run defeat to India, and have added Gus Atkinson to the squad for Thursday’s third Test at Lord’s after time out following a hamstring injury.England’s three frontline seamers – Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes – have all bowled between 77 and 82 overs in the first two Tests of the series. Atkinson joins Jofra Archer, Sam Cook and Jamie Overton as the alternative seam-bowling options in the 16-man squad for Lord’s, and the tight turnaround between Tests could prompt changes.”It’s no secret that we have spent some time in the field and bowled some overs in the first two games, and we’ll have to see how everyone pulls up over the next two days,” Ben Stokes said. “With it being a quick turnaround, there probably will be a decision we have to make given how everyone does pull up after this game.”Related
England want pace and bounce at Lord's, Jofra Archer 'ready to go'
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Archer has not played a Test match since February 2021, but bowled regularly during intervals at Edgbaston this week, and Brendon McCullum hinted he will make his comeback next week. “We’ll let this one settle, and when we get to [Lord’s] we’ll have a good think about it,” McCullum told the BBC’s .Asked about Archer’s availability, McCullum said, “He’s fit and ready to go. Obviously the other boys have had two Test matches on the spin now, so you’d anticipate you would make a change at some stage with the line-up, and Jofra is one we’ll look at.”Stokes added, “Everyone’s in consideration for the game at Lord’s.”England’s margin of defeat – 336 runs – was their third-heaviest since Stokes took over as captain on a full-time basis, but he insisted that it will not affect them moving forwards. “We’ve obviously had some unbelievable wins and some bad defeats,” he said. “I feel I’m quite good – and the team is – at staying level throughout those ups and downs.”That is so important in a series where we knew coming in that it wasn’t going to be easy… We have to wipe this one under the carpet as quickly as we can, because Lord’s day one will be coming around pretty quickly. We will have one or two days to get the bodies right and recover, and all of a sudden, we will be out there flipping the coin.”He also played down the significance of England’s inability to take 20 wickets at Edgbaston. “You do have to appreciate how well India played with the bat,” Stokes said. “[They were] obviously pretty favourable conditions if someone got in; two of our lads showed that this week… You are allowed to let your opposition play well, and they definitely did that.”
England squad for Lord’s Test against India
Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
Roy Keane has accused Jamie Carragher of playing “games” with Arsenal after billing the Gunners as Premier League title favourites. Mikel Arteta’s side are trying to wrestle that crown away from Carragher’s former employers at Liverpool. Manchester United legend Keane expects the north London outfit to go well, but is wary of making too many bold predictions so early in the 2025-26 campaign.
Arsenal chasing down Premier League & Champions League titles
Carragher has never been shy when it comes to offering an opinion and has stated that he considers Arsenal to be front of the queue when it comes to a title coronation. Arteta’s troops have moved to the top of the table, opening up a three-point lead on the chasing pack and pulling four clear of defending champions Liverpool.
The Gunners have also been faring admirably in Europe, picking up maximum points from three Champions League fixtures. Carragher is tipping them to be serious contenders in that competition as well, with major honours being chased down on domestic and continental fronts.
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Keane responds to Carragher & prediction from Lionesses' legend
Ex-Lionesses star Jill Scott told the podcast after hearing Carragher talk up Arsenal again while appearing on CBS Sports’ coverage of elite European competition: “Jamie said last night that Arsenal are favourites for the Champions League, well he put them as favourites.”
Keane chipped back with: “Jamie plays games like that, doesn't he? He puts them favourites to put the pressure off Liverpool, a little bit, there's a little bit of that. But we all sit here and say, who's going to win the league and we're all going to say Arsenal now and that's putting pressure on them.”
Scott responded by saying: “I'm still sticking with Chelsea.” That statement drew a puzzled response from Keane, who said: “Jill I'm serious now, do you drink alcohol in the morning? How do you think Chelsea can win the league, they gave up about 10 chances against Nottingham Forest by playing out from the back. You think they're better than Arsenal?” Scott retorted with: “You change your mind all the time.”
Keane was not having that and reminded his fellow panelists of his pre-season prediction: “When did I change my mind, who did I say at the start of the season for the title? I said Arsenal.”
Scary depth: Arsenal backed by Neville to pull clear
Paul Scholes said when offering his assessment of Arsenal so far: “I don't think we've seen one great team this year. Arsenal are very good team but I've not seen one performance where I've thought, they're going to win the league this year, other than maybe Newcastle away.”
Another United great with multiple Premier League titles to his name, Gary Neville, added when suggesting that Arsenal should be expecting to pull clear at the summit: “They've played United away, Man City, Liverpool away. They've played nearly everybody already and they're where they are. It is wrong to say this because it is ridiculous and we've all been in title races. If they don't win it from here… we've all predicted Arsenal to win the league right, we know it can go wrong.
“If they don't win it from where the other teams are and the confident position they're in now… a lot can change but they're in a good place. It feels like the Newcastle game turned the corner.
“It's not a putting pressure on them statement, they just must be thinking, ‘this is us, this year, we've got to win it’. When you can bring in [Myles] Lewis-Skelly for [Riccardo] Calafiori and Ben White, [Cristhian] Mosquera coming in with no drop off, it's looking scary.”
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Arsenal fixtures: Next up for high-flying Gunners
Keane ended the debate by saying: “We've got to be careful. We've got a responsibility saying stuff, two or three weeks ago, we see what happened to Liverpool. If Arsenal got a few injuries, things could change very quickly.”
Arsenal are on a six-match winning run across all competitions, with their only defeat this season coming away at Liverpool in August. They will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a testing derby date with London neighbours Crystal Palace.
After the dismissal of Erik ten Hag nearly 12 months ago, Manchester United fans will have been excited by the appointment of Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP.
The 40-year-old won two league titles back in his homeland, even beating Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League just a couple of weeks before his appointment at Old Trafford.
However, his stint in charge of the Red Devils has been nothing short of a disaster, with the manager achieving a win percentage of just 39% in his 49 outings.
His latest defeat against Brentford has once again cranked up the pressure on his shoulders, with his £200m attacking additions still struggling to have the desired impact.
His future at the Theatre of Dreams remains hugely up in the air, with the INEOS hierarchy already seemingly targeting other alternatives to replace him should he be handed his marching orders.
The Man Utd shortlist to replace Amorim
Over the last couple of days, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has emerged as a potential option to replace Amorim at United should he be given the boot in the near future.
Whilst the Cherries want to keep hold of the Spaniard, they could have no choice in allowing him to depart, with the 43-year-old’s current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
AFC Bournemouth manager AndoniIraolalooks dejected after the match
However, he’s not the only name currently on their shortlist, with former England boss Gareth Southgate once again emerging on the INEOS radar, as relayed by FootballTransfers.
They claim that the 55-year-old could be open to returning to management and moving to Manchester after taking time out of the game following his departure from the national team in July last year.
It remains unclear if he will be the club’s main target for the role should Amorim depart, but the board have been impressed with his ability to get the best out of his players at international level.
Why United’s latest manager target would revive Mainoo
United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has endured somewhat of a frustrating last 12 months on the pitch, with boss Amorim often looking past him for selection in his midfield.
The Englishman only registered 20 league starts out of a possible 38 last season, with the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro ahead of him in the manager’s pecking order.
However, he has previously nailed down his place in the starting eleven, with Ten Hag often relying upon the 20-year-old to produce the goods during his tenure in charge.
Mainoo racked up various key goals in 2023/24, from last-minute winners to derby day goals and an FA Cup final strike – it truly was a year to remember for the youngster.
Such performances secured him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad last summer, further showcasing his remarkable rise over such a short period of time.
He even started four of the nation’s six games in such a tournament, showcasing the faith that Southgate had in the youngster to deliver on the biggest stage for his country.
The appointment of the former England boss would certainly hand Mainoo the chance to regain his place in the side, whilst also instilling the confidence he’s been massively lacking in recent months.
For the Red Devils, the potential decision to hire Southgate may not be many supporters’ first choice, but it is one that could deliver the needed turnaround in form they’ve been craving.
The 55-year-old, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Scott Parker, achieved a 63% win record in charge of the Three Lions and subsequently took them to two major international finals.
Games managed
102
Wins
64
Draws
20
Losses
18
Goals per game
2.3
Goals conceded
0.8
Points per game
2.1
Win percentage
63%
His side’s also achieved an average of 2.3 goals per game under his guidance, offering the Red Devils the needed attacking quality they’ve lacked in recent weeks under Amorim.
Such numbers are nothing short of remarkable, with the former England boss potentially able to end the club’s decade-long wait for a league title in the years ahead.
Success in the role is one thing, but the development of the players at his disposal would also be a massive part of his task in charge at Old Trafford.
Mainoo could be a huge beneficiary of such an appointment, potentially starring under Southgate’s reign once again and getting back on the trajectory he was once on at the Theatre of Dreams.
Arteta 2.0: Man Utd now targeting "best coach in the PL" & it's not Glasner
Manchester United appear to be targeting a manager who could replace Ruben Amorim.
England superstars Harry Kane and Alessia Russo have teamed up on World Mental Health Day, with inspiring messages being passed out to those who are struggling. Kane and Russo have experienced tough times themselves on and off the pitch and want to use their voice, as prominent figures in society, to help spread the word of never being afraid to speak up and ask for help.
Kane & Russo overcame difficulties to reach the top
Kane and Russo have reached the very top of their chosen profession. The former is the all-time leading scorer for Tottenham and England’s men’s national team – while reaching 100 goals for current employers Bayern Munich – while the latter is a two-time European Championship winner with the Lionesses that also helped Arsenal to Champions League glory in 2024-25.
Their respective rises have not been without their difficulties. Kane took in several loan spells before making his breakthrough at Spurs, leading to questions being asked of his ability to perform at a high level, while Russo has spoken out in the past about online trolls causing her body image and personal wellbeing issues.
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Russo's advice to younger self in times of struggle
The pair have now linked up on Mental Health Day 2025, with Kane asking Russo: "If you could go back and speak to your younger self during a particularly difficult setback, what is the most crucial piece of advice you would give?"
Arsenal and England forward Russo replied with: "I would tell her to stay calm. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. You may not feel it in the moment, but the tough times don’t last and I think staying positive, working hard, tapping into the people around you, your friends, your family, your support staff, your team-mates. Everyone wants the best for you. They want you at the top of your game, they want you to feel your best and be your happiest.
"It’s OK to reach out, it’s okay to ask for help. Just stay positive, don’t be too tough on yourself and enjoy the process. You’ll look back on it and have learnt so much and you’ll remember it in the highest of highs. I think it’s important to go through, learn about yourself and use it for the future when other things arise. You have the tools, you know how to deal with it, it always makes you stronger."
The Harry Kane Foundation: Important work to be done
The Harry Kane Foundation was launched on Mental Health Day 2022, with that project forming part of the Bayern striker’s past, present and future plans. He told in May 2025: "I think just normalising the conversation is huge. Mental health is something I’ve related to throughout my career – the ups and downs – and I think a lot of people can relate to that. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. It can just be chatting with someone in a coffee shop. That’s how we start changing the narrative."
Kane added on his foundation, which will eventually take up more of his time once he hangs up playing boots for the final time: "We’re on a journey. We’re learning about mental health, what younger people are going through. We’ll just continue to have those conversations.
"Once I retire, I’ll probably be more involved with the Foundation. It’s good to get a head start now and really learn about it. I’m sure there’ll be other things we do in the future with other athletes or companies to see how much change we can make. But already, in the three years, I feel like we’ve come a long way and done some good stuff."
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How Russo removed the source of her discomfort
Russo said in June 2025 of removing the sources of her discomfort: "I think you have to remember that they are the people you need to lean on in tough times. As I’ve got older, I understand more what works for me. In my first Euros I was on social media and I would have a look, have a scroll, and I got caught in a trap sometimes.
"Going into the World Cup, I completely came off everything and I had people to run my Instagram. I just focused on the tournament. Staying away from it and staying focused as a team is what works for me."
That mindset is allowing Russo to thrive on the field, while Kane has mastered the art of turning a deaf ear and blind eye to any of his detractors. There is, however, still much work to be done when it comes to helping those struggling in everyday life deal with the problems that they are facing.
Batter surpasses Langer to record the highest score in the county’s history as Worcestershire are made to toil
ECB Reporters Network05-Apr-2025Somerset 637 for 6 (Banton 344*, Rew 152) lead Worcestershire 154 by 483 runsTom Banton made history at the Cooper Associates Ground in Taunton as Somerset assumed a position of dominance on day two of the Rothesay County Championship First Division match against Worcestershire.The 26-year-old batter made the highest first-class score in the county’s history, his 344 surpassing the 342 made by Justin Langer against Surrey at Guildford in 2006. The right-hander faced 381 balls, struck 53 fours and a six and batted for just over eight hours. He became only the eighth Somerset player to register a triple-century and the first since James Hildreth in 2009.In a dramatic finale, Banton pulled Kashif Ali to the midwicket boundary off the penultimate ball of the day to break the record and make it a day to remember for all Somerset supporters.”It’s a weird feeling and I was a bit emotional up there in the dressing room,” Banton said. “This is the best day I’ve had in cricket and will probably be the best day I’ll ever have. It feels special and you cannot take it for granted. These days don’t come along very often and you have to make the most of them.”On a day when records tumbled, Banton and James Rew staged a mammoth stand of 371 in 86.3 overs as the home side amassed 637 for 6, a substantial first-innings lead of 468. Rew raised 152 from 275 balls, striking 14 fours and two sixes, he and Banton establishing the highest fifth–wicket partnership in Somerset history, eclipsing the 320 made by John Francis and Ian Blackwell against Durham UCCE at Taunton in 2005.It was a day to forget for Worcestershire, who toiled in the sun and now face a mammoth task if they are to save the game over the course of the next two days.ESPNcricinfo LtdAll notion of a Worcestershire fightback on day two was dispelled in a morning session that went altogether in Somerset’s favour, Banton and Rew extending their partnership to record-breaking proportions. Banton set the tone, moving from his overnight score of 84 to post his fourth first-class century in quick time from 124 balls, glancing Matt Taylor off his legs to raise that landmark with his 20th four.Worcestershire deployed seven different bowlers during the session, but Ben Allison was the only one to inconvenience the batsmen. When Rew, having advanced his score to 31, took on the seamer and top-edged a pull shot to deep mid-wicket, Tom Hinley contrived to drop a sitter.Thereafter, Worcestershire ambition unravelled with indecent haste. Ensuring the Pears were made to pay for their profligacy, Rew went to 50 from 102 balls, dispatching a short-pitched delivery from Allison through midwicket for his eighth boundary as Somerset’s lead entered three-figure territory. The hundred stand occupied 165 balls, while Banton clipped Adam Finch to fine leg to register his career-best first-class score, eclipsing the 133 he made against Kent at Taunton 11 months earlier.Rew lofted Hinley high over long-on for the first six of the match, Banton went to his maiden 150 from 173 balls and, in what seemed like no time at all, the pair established a new record Somerset stand for the fifth wicket in matches against Worcestershire, surpassing the 176 mustered by Australians Bill Alley and Colin McCool at New Road in 1959. Out of sorts with the ball and increasingly prone to errors in the field, Worcestershire conceded 131 runs in the session, Somerset reaching the interval on 318 for 4, a lead of 164.If Worcestershire hopes were invested in the new ball, which was taken shortly after lunch, they were sorely disappointed as the Banton and Rew show continued unabated, these extending their alliance to 200 from 298 deliveries.Rew may be just 21, but he has already established a reputation for consistency in excellence. There was almost a sense of inevitability that, having registered his 16th half century in first-class cricket, he would go on to achieve his ninth hundred in his 41st match. On this occasion, he brought up the landmark in 186 balls, pulling Taylor for his eleventh four to elicit a standing ovation from an audience of more than 1,500.They were on their feet again moments later, acknowledging Banton’s maiden double-hundred, a landmark attained from 241 balls with 33 fours. A breakthrough indeed for a player who, until recently, was typecast as a one-day specialist. It was fitting that Banton should then cut Taylor for four to establish a new Somerset record fifth wicket partnership with Rew.Having banked maximum batting bonus points, there was still time for Banton and Rew to extend their partnership to 300 from 413 balls before tea was taken with Somerset on 482 for 4, a substantial lead of 328.Ethan Brookes afforded Worcestershire overdue relief when taking a brilliant return catch to end Rew’s five and-a-half hour innings, after which Banton took centre stage during a dramatic final hour.”I won’t lie, I was pretty tired out there and I kept saying to myself ‘just keep batting, keep going’,” Banton said. “There were a few moments when I felt I wanted to be back in the dressing room, but I wanted to go for it (the record) tonight, so I tried to play my shots when possible.”It was also a great day for James Rew and it was special seeing him go about his work. But we cannot get too carried away, because this is a good pitch and we still have a game to win over the next two days.”
Sarwate’s 66 not out steered Kerala to 131 for 3 at stumps
Ekanth27-Feb-2025
Nedumankuzhy Basil picked up three wickets•KCA
Kerala’s pace trio of Nedumankuzhy Basil, MD Nidheesh and Eden Apple Tom ensured that Vidarbha did not run away with the advantage on day two of the Ranji Trophy final in Nagpur. Aditya Sarwate, who is a bowling allrounder otherwise, was promoted to No. 3. The move came off as he finished the day unbeaten on 66 to carry Kerala to 131 for 3.Vidarbha, finalists from the previous edition, did post a challenging total, though. Nachiket Bhute, who came in at No. 11, scored a crucial 32 off 38 balls. The 44-run stand between Bhute and Harsh Dubey for the tenth wicket extended the first session from its scheduled two-and-a-half-hour duration to three hours and took Vidarbha to 379.Darshan Nalkande then took out both Kerala openers in his first two overs. They recovered, thanks to a 93-run stand between Sarwate and Ahammed Imran. The latter fell to a Yash Thakur bouncer close to stumps, but Sarwate and Sachin Baby ensured that Imran’s was the last wicket to fall on the day.The day started with Vidarbha on 254 for 4 and runs flew early on. Thakur flicked the first ball of the day to the midwicket boundary and the fifth ball of the next over to the square-leg boundary. Nidheesh found some swing and adjusted his lengths to keep the batters in check, but Apple Tom’s lines were inconsistent and he was driven when he bowled full.An attempted bumper to Danish Malewar was pulled behind square for the first six of the day. It brought up his 150, and reduced Apple Tom’s opening spell to a two-over stint, in which he went for 18 runs.Danish Malewar puts one away during his 153•PTI
Vidarbha slowed down after the introduction of Basil as he offered Nidheesh support and his team control. The latter induced an outside edge off Thakur in the 95th over but it didn’t carry to gully. In the next one, Basil got one to nip back and smash Malewar’s stumps to end his innings on 153.Bassil removed the other set batter, Thakur. He angled in a full ball from wide of the crease to beat Thakur on the flick and pin him lbw.Apple Tom’s return in the next over was rewarded with the wicket of Yash Rathod, who is Vidarbha’s highest run-getter this season so far. A length ball from around the wicket straightened off the pitch, took the edge, and was caught at first slip as Vidarbha slumped to 297 for 7.The Yashes were gone, but the two Akshays – Wadkar and Karnewar – kept the innings afloat with a 36-run stand for the eighth wicket. Wadkar punched Basil through the covers off the back foot, and Karnewar picked up a streaky boundary each off Apple Tom and Basil. Wadkar carved a six just over deep-backward point off Nidheesh before a streaky boundary came in the form of leg-byes.The stand was broken when Rohan Kunnummal took a sharp, low catch at cover to dismiss Karnewar. In what was supposed to be the final over before lunch, Wadkar went for a powerful cut but the length ball from Apple Tom seamed away, took the edge and led to a caught behind.Bhute smashed two sixes off Jalaj Saxena, the first of which took Vidarbha past 350. Dubey, his partner, was comfortable as he rotated strike and swept Saxena for four. The stand went past the 35-over session, which yielded 119 runs and five wickets, but ended 13 balls later as Bhute was out caught behind off Nidheesh while trying to run a back-of–good-length ball to deep third.Aditya Sarwate brings up his half-century•PTI
Nalkande speared in a yorker on off stump in the first over to catch Kunnummal by surprise. The ball dribbled onto the stumps off the bat and Vidarbha were rolling. From the other end, Thakur missed his line and went for three boundaries. That didn’t stop Nalkande, though, as he swung in a full ball to catch the inside edge of Akshay Chandran’s drive that clattered onto the stumps.Thakur overpitched again and Sarwate cover drove his way from 0 to 8. In his next over, he bowled a short ball that was cut past cover for four more. Kerala were 30 for 2 off six overs, with 28 runs coming off Thakur.A double-change nearly worked for Vidarbha after that as Bhute drew an edge off Imran’s bat but Atharva Taide, the substitute fielder, dropped the chance at second slip. Sarwate picked up two more boundaries through the off side as Kerala breezed through to tea on 57 for 2.The batters looked assured in the final session that began with spin. Parth Rekhade was replaced by Nalkande after being swept for two fours in consecutive overs. Dubey, the highest wicket-taker in the tournament by a distance, found turn and stacked back-to-back maidens with Nalkande. While Nalkande created two near chances in the 24th over, the batters were safe.Sarwate hit Nalkande for two fours in his next over and ended his spell. He brought up fifty and Kerala’s hundred in the 30th over. Thakur tried out the bouncer which cost him a boundary but earned Imran’s wicket soon after as the batter miscued a pull to midwicket. Sarwate picked up a couple more boundaries with Baby holding fort at the other end as Kerala finished the day trailing Vidarbha by 248.
Leeds United have less than two weeks to prepare for their opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign against Everton at Elland Road.
It will be the club’s first top-flight match in more than two years, since their 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in West Yorkshire under the management of Sam Allardyce at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Daniel Farke will now be hoping to be more Marcelo Bielsa than Sam Allardyce or Javi Gracia, as the German head coach attempts to guide the team to safety.
The Whites boss will want more options to pick from at the top end of the pitch, though, as Lukas Nmecha is currently the only attacking player who has been added to the squad during the summer transfer window.
As you can see in the quotes above, Farke has made it clear that the club need to bring in more attackers, including a replacement for Manor Solomon.
The Championship champions should also be on the lookout for a marquee number nine addition, as it remains to be seen whether or not Joel Piroe has what it takes to make the step up.
Leeds have doubts over Joel Piroe's Premier League ability
Back in May, Football Insider reported that Leeds would not build their Premier League attack around the Dutchman, because they have doubts over his suitability for the top-flight.
The outlet stated that the Whites were not planning for the former Swansea marksman to be their first-choice number nine for the 2025/26 campaign, because of their doubts.
This may seem like an odd stance for the club to take after Piroe won the Golden Boot with 19 goals in the Championship for Leeds last season, but it is one that makes sense.
The Whites won the league with 100 points and were utterly dominant in the second tier, which meant that they were able to carry a striker like Piroe, who does not offer much to the team from a physical perspective.
In the Premier League, however, his lack of mobility and strength could cause problems as a starting number nine, as Leeds will be fighting against relegation rather than dominating matches.
Duels won
2.24
Bottom 3%
Duel success rate
26.9%
Bottom 10.6%
Aerial duels won
0.9
Bottom 12.9%
Aerial duel success rate
21.4%
Bottom 17.6%
Fouls committed
0.7
Bottom 7.1%
Fouls won
0.44
Bottom 9.4%
As you can see in the table above, Piroe was far too weak in duels with opposition players and ranked incredibly lowly among his positional peers in a host of physical metrics.
Leeds pushing to sign Serie A striker
Piroe’s lack of physicality, in terms of both speed and strength, may be why the Championship champions are reportedly eyeing up a new centre-forward.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Leeds United are “pushing” to complete a deal to sign Montenegro international Nikola Krstovic from Italian side Lecce.
The reporter claims that the 25-year-old marksman has been given the “green light” to pursue a move away from the Serie A outfit this summer, which has opened the door to a potential transfer to Elland Road.
Montenegro's Nikola Krstovic celebrates
Vidal adds that the former Red Star Belgrade marksman is “high” on Farke’s wishlist of attacking reinforcements, with the club now pushing to get a deal done for the striker.
Earlier this summer, it was reported that Lecce value the centre-forward at a fee of around £26m, although it remains to be seen how much Leeds are willing to pay for his services.
Why Leeds should sign Nikola Krstovic
The Whites should sign the Serie A number nine because he would come in as a big upgrade on Joel Piroe for Farke ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser against Everton.
Unlike the current Leeds forward, Krstovic has already proven his quality in one of Europe’s major leagues with his performances for Lecce over the past two seasons, proving that he can score goals at an impressive rate.
The £26m-rated striker scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 37 appearances in the Serie A during the 2024/25 campaign, which is a very respectable return for a player in a team that battled relegation, and successfully, it is worth noting.
Krstovic’s contributions at the top end of the pitch helped Lecce to finish 17th in the division, three points above the bottom three, which shows that he can step up and deliver crucial goals to help a team in a relegation battle.
Along with his potential to be an excellent goalscorer for Leeds, having scored 21 goals in the last two seasons, the Serie A star would also come in as a big upgrade on Piroe from a physical perspective.
Duels won
5.31
Top 38%
Duel success rate
40.6%
Bottom 46%
Aerial duels won
2.76
Top 29%
Aerial duel success rate
41.4%
Top 50%
Fouls committed
1.67
Top 39%
Fouls won
1.61
Top 33%
As you can see in the table above, the Lecce centre-forward ranked above average in most of the physical metrics that Piroe ranked among the worst in the Championship for.
Krstovic, who was hailed as “integral” by former boss Roberto D’Aversa, is a strong number nine who can hold his own in duels, on and off the ball, to provide his team with a strong outlet up front.
Wales' Neco Williams in action with Montenegro's NikolaKrstovic
This means that he would be far more useful to Farke as a starter in the Premier League, as Leeds are likely to be battling the drop and will need a striker who can provide relief by winning fouls and duels, which is not Piroe’s strong suit.
Therefore, Krstovic could be an ideal signing for the Whites to come in as a proven goalscorer and physical presence in the number ninerole ahead of Piroe.
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Zimbabwe have picked three uncapped players – Trevor Gwandu, Tashinga Musekiwa and Tinotenda Maposa – in their ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series at home against Pakistan.While Gwandu and Musekiwa have both played T20I cricket for Zimbabwe, quick bowler Maposa, 21, is uncapped in international cricket. He has played just three List A matches so far, picking up four wickets at an economy rate of 6.29. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will continue to lead the seam attacks in both ODIs and T20Is.”The series against Pakistan is an important platform for Zimbabwe, and we believe the ODI squad we have selected is well-rounded,” David Mutendera, Zimbabwe’s convener of selectors, said in a statement. “The presence of seasoned players like Craig [Ervine], Sikandar [Raza] and Sean [Williams] provides stability, while young players like Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers and the uncapped trio bring energy and the potential for game-changing moments.”Sean Williams, who had missed the white-ball series in Sri Lanka earlier this year because of an injury, returned to the ODI side, but was omitted from the T20I squad. ODI captain Craig Ervine was also left out of the T20I side. Williams last played an ODI in July 2023.Zimbabwe retained the same T20I squad that had won the men’s T20 World Cup 2026 sub-regional qualifier in Kenya last month. During that tournament, Zimbabwe had broken the record for the highest T20I total.”We felt it was essential to maintain the same T20I squad that excelled in Kenya,” Mutendera said. “This continuity allows the team to build on the cohesion and confidence that drove their outstanding performance.”The white-ball series against Pakistan will begin with the first ODI on November 24 and will run until December 5, with Bulawayo set to host all the games – three ODIs and three T20Is.
Zimbabwe ODI squad for series against Pakistan
Craig Ervine (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
Zimbabwe T20I squad for series against Pakistan
Sikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava
So far this summer, the Gunners have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, with the latter unveiled on Thursday.
Meantime, a £52m move for Noni Madueke appears to be close, while the Gunners continue the chase for both Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres.
It was clear that Mikel Arteta needed to add plenty of attacking firepower to his squad, but do they now have a new defender in their sights?
Arsenal's pursuit of a new centre-back
Earlier in the window, as noted by Stuart James and Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Arsenal, amongst many other clubs, held a genuine interest in signing Dean Huijsen, before the Spain international chose to move to Real Madrid instead.
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Thus, despite having William Saliba and Gabriel, who Oliver Hopkins of Opta’s the Analyst notes is arguably the best duo in the Premier League, the Gunners recognise they require greater depth in that position.
Thus, as reported by Football London, Arsenal remain interested in signing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, adding that the Spanish youth international is ‘keen to sign’ for the Gunners, so much so that he has rejected a new contract with los Murciélagos.
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How Cristhian Mosquera would improve Arsenal
Mosquera has been with Valencia since the age of 12, his senior debut coming against Atlético Baleares in the Copa del Rey in January 2022, accumulating 90 appearances for los Che’s first team, scoring his first-ever senior goal against Leganés in February.
He was also part of the Spain squad at this summer’s under-21 European Championships, starting three of their four matches in Slovakia, having also helped la Rojita win Olympic Gold in Paris 12 months ago.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
Analyst Spencer Mossman praises Mosquera’s ‘tenacious tackling’ and ‘impressive’ improvement when it comes to his ‘ball playing’ ability, while also left impressed by his versatility.
Meantime, Jonas Bartsch of Total Football Analysis adds that the youngster has an ‘outstanding footballing IQ’ and ‘exceptional situational awareness’, so let’s assess his statistics from La Liga last season.
Minutes
3,319
5th
Tackles
56
42nd
% of dribblers tackled
77.5%
3rd
Blocks
37
33rd
Interceptions
35
26th
Clearances
128
26th
Ball recoveries
190
2nd
As the table outlines, Mosquera ranked generally very highly for all defensive metrics in La Liga last season, especially when it comes to the percentage of dribblers tackled and ball recoveries, made all the more impressive by the fact that Valencia spent the campaign battling against relegation.
Now though, let’s assess how he compares to Arsenal’s first-choice target – and Mosquera’s compatriot – Huijsen.
Passes attempted
54.2
59.5
Passing accuracy %
91.2%
84.2%
Duels contested
5.9
7.7
Ground duel success %
70.5%
51.5%
Aerial duel success %
45.2%
60.7%
Clearances
3.4
7.3
Interceptions
1
1.9
Touches
66
76
As the table outlines, Huijsen’s statistics are pretty much all more impressive than Mosquera’s, but this is to be expected considering the former Bournemouth man is a full-Spain international, and is the one of the two who has just joined Real Madrid.
Valencia defenderCristhian Mosquera.
Nevertheless, Mosquera’s statistics are still impressive, ranking higher for passing and ground duels, ensuring he is an exciting, high-potential Spanish defender in his own right.
Thus, it is clear that the 21-year-old would be an excellent addition to the Arsenal squad, joining Madueke and co in bolstering Arteta’s already talented ranks.
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