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The legal case against Manchester City may not be concluded until the end of the season, it has been revealed.

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City have allegedly broken 115 financial fair play rulesCase may not conclude until after the season's endCity likely to be able to appeal if found guiltyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

City are at the centre of a landmark legal case in which they have been accused of 115 breaches of Financial Fair Play rules. The potential punishments range from a hefty fine to potential relegation from the Premier League. However, any verdict still appears to be months away.

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Per , who quote The Lawyer website, the hearing has been paused as closing arguments are prepared. They will not begin until December, and there could be another three months before a judgement is made. Either party is able to appeal the judgement, be it in favour of the Premier League or City, and that would take several more months. It raises the prospect of the affair not being concluded until the season is over, which means a potential headache for the league if City are punished.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Premier League have been investigating Pep Guardiola's side for over five years, and both sides are expected to spend vast sums on legal representation as they bid for the outcome they want.

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GETTYWHAT NEXT?

We will have to wait until December for any further updates on the court case but on the pitch, City are in crisis. They have not won any of their last six games in all competitions and play Liverpool this weekend. Guardiola's men are eight points behind the Reds at the top of the league.

West Ham United have now made contact over signing a 21-year-old right-back instead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

West Ham struggling to agree Wan-Bissaka deal

The Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten have managed to secure six new signings for the Irons this summer, however, none of those have been at right-back.

West Ham summer signings

From

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

New manager Julen Lopetegui lost Ben Johnson recently, with the full-back leaving the London Stadium as a free agent. He’s since joined Ipswich Town, leaving Vladimir Coufal as the only recognised senior right-back option.

Wan-Bissaka has been heavily linked with coming in and rivalling Coufal, with rumours claiming a five-year deal had been agreed with the player and a £10m offer submitted to the Red Devils.

However, as we know, deal is yet to be agreed with Man Utd, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently saying: “West Ham already did many things in the last 48 hours. They signed three players, so I think West Ham will still be active. But as of now, they are still negotiating, especially in the case of Wan-Bissaka, it's an important one for them.”

West Ham enquire about “special” star who could make Fullkrug unplayable

West Ham looking at winger to unlock Niclas Fullkrug

ByConnor Holden Aug 8, 2024

There have been some alternative targets to the Man Utd man, including Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier, and now, a new name has emerged.

West Ham make contact with Arnau Martinez

According to a report in Spain, relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham have been in contact with Girona full-back Arnau Martinez, making it clear they would like to secure his services.

The Irons have ‘conveyed the confidence’ they have in him, with the report claiming an offer may even already be on the table for Martinez, who is out of contract in 12 months time.

A Spain U21 international, Martinez is primarily a right-back who can also play as a centre-back and a right midfielder, offering plenty of versatility to Lopetegui, should a deal get done.

Once on the books of Barcelona as a youngster, Martinez has seen with Girona since 2018, progressing through their academy and turning professional in 2021.

Since then, he has gone on to make an impressive 123 senior appearances for Girona, scoring six times and registering a further 15 assists. He played 21 La Liga games last season as well, helping his side to an unlikely third-place finish to qualify for the Champions League.

Sevilla 1-2 Girona

7.07/10

Girona 3-0 Getafe

7.01/10

Almeria 0-0 Girona

6.97/10

Girona 1-0 Celta Vigo

6.94/10

Girona 5-2 Almeria

6.83/10

Who knows, a move to the London Stadium could now be one to watch in the final weeks of the window, following this update, and Martinez may be cheaper than Wan-Bissaka, while also being five years his junior.

Southampton will have been hard at work this week preparing for their second Premier League challenge of the new season, with Nottingham Forest up next for Russell Martin's Saints.

Supporters of the South Coast outfit will be optimistic that this could be the game where their team get their first league points on the board, after an encouraging, if frustrating, performance away at Newcastle United saw them somehow come up empty-handed, despite dominating for large spells of the 1-0 loss.

The Saints boss will have new recruit Mateus Fernandes at his disposal for the clash at St. Mary's, with more new faces expected through the door soon, to link up with the promising Portuguese midfielder.

Southampton interested in loan swoop

As per a report by journalist Graeme Bailey, Southampton's opponents on the opening day in the form of Newcastle are willing to allow Matt Targett to leave the club on loan, before transfer deadline day comes around at the close of the month.

Southampton are named as one keen party for the 28-year-old, who has previously lined up for the Saints during his varied career, having once been a product of their esteemed Academy.

Yet, as per Bailey, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Brentford are also actively looking at the Magpies number 13, to boost their own defensive numbers without significantly breaking the bank, with Targett available on a loan deal.

The South Coast outfit will hope they have an upper-hand in any tussle to come for Targett's services, however, owing to the 28-year-old's past connections to the club.

The 6 foot left-back could get back to his best donning the familiar red and white of Southampton, offering Martin's men another expansive option down the channels, alongside star man Kyle Walker-Peters.

What Targett can offer Southampton

Targett would slot into the side down the left flank under Martin, with Walker-Peters having to start here on the opening day, due to a lack of options at the manager's disposal.

The Saints Academy graduate's last full season for his former employers saw him shine bombing down the left-hand side of the pitch, with one goal and three assists registered from just 16 top-flight clashes during the 2018/19 season, leading to Aston Villa snapping him up for a bumper £17m.

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Newcastle

42

0

0

Aston Villa

89

3

5

Southampton

63

1

5

He would go on to become an important squad player at Villa, with eight goal contributions managed from 89 games, before unfortunately seeing his playing days in the top-flight fizzle out located on Tyneside.

If Martin can get Targett back to his best, in terms of offering the Saints another attacking outlet when moving forward in their mission to stave off relegation, the Saints boss could have two tricky options in the full-back areas, alongside already having Walker-Peters.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man has been linked with a return to North London recently, but Martin will continue to rely on his electric number two's creativity until any potential move gets off the ground.

On the way to Southampton winning promotion last campaign, the "fantastic" defender – as he has been described by football pundit Carlton Palmer – notched up two goals and four assists, amassing 90.8 touches on average per second-tier clash as a key part of the Saints jigsaw.

Creating 12 big chances as well across the regular season, Targett will hope he can explode back into life in a system at St. Mary's that has made Walker-Peters into even more of a hard-to-contain attacking threat.

If the move does end up being somewhat of an underwhelming flop, at least the £100k-per-week man – as per Capology – wasn't purchased permanently, but it could prove to be a gamble worth exploring to add more depth to the Saints squad.

Expected to leave: Southampton could land Downes 2.0 in "underrated" star

Southampton could soon be welcoming this new signing in through the door.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 20, 2024

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been tipped to join Harry Kane at Bayern Munich if his contract stand-off at Anfield continues.

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Salah out of contract in summerStill waiting for Liverpool offerEgyptian tipped to head to BayernFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Salah is into the final year of his existing contract at Liverpool and his future remains unclear. The Egypt international has said he's "more out than in" at Liverpool and is able to talk to overseas clubs from January 1st. Liverpool's lack of a contract offer is said to have left Salah "exasperated" at the situation, and he is doubtful the club are willing to offer him what he wants in terms of salary and contract length.

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Salah turned 32 in June but remains one of the most devastating players in world football and has played a key role in Liverpool's rise to the top of the table this season under new manager Arne Slot. The forward would have no shortage of suitors should he decide to call time on his Anfield career, and former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann feels Bayern Munich could be a good option.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

He told Genting Casino: "It’s bizarre if the club hasn't spoken to him, but I do think he will be offered a new two-year contract. He will want a four year deal but things can change so quickly when you are in your 30s. Clubs always have to be so wary over that and I have no doubt he has two more years at the top level, but if he wants a longer deal then it could be an issue. I’m not sure Mohamed Salah can be replaced when it comes to scoring big goals in big games, you can always count on him. There are other talented players out there but not like Salah.

"If Liverpool don't offer him a contract, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mohamed Salah end up at Bayern Munich. At the moment, they've got wingers who haven’t really set the world alight on the pitch. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to bring him in. They won’t be the only club either, he wants to play at the highest level and if that’s not with Liverpool it will be at another huge club. Liverpool have always done their business differently to other teams. Mohamed Salah has been their best player for eight years, he still averages 25 goals, but he is 32 now."

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SALAH

Salah has five goals and four assists in his last six outings for Liverpool in all competitions and has another opportunity to remind the Liverpool hierarchy of his enduring quality on Wednesday when Slot's side take on Newcastle in the Premier League.

Batsman to the rescue with 129*, Ollie Robinson shows his class with four wickets for Sussex

ECB Reporters Network17-Apr-2021Kiran Carlson scored his second hundred of the match as Glamorgan brought themselves back into the contest against Sussex in the LV=Insurance County Championship.Sussex finished their first innings on 481 all out, 196 runs ahead of Glamorgan. As in the first innings of this match, Glamorgan’s top order struggled but Carlson came to the rescue once again.Related

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Kiran Carlson ton keeps Glamorgan in contention

Ollie Robinson was a class apart, claiming 4 for 59, but the other Sussex bowlers struggled to match his penetration.Carlson’s 129 means that Glamorgan go into the last day leading by 62 runs with five second-innings wickets in hand.It took just three balls to wrap up the Sussex first innings with Robinson dismissed for 67 and no runs added to the overnight score.With Glamorgan having a large hill to climb to bring themselves back into this match they wanted a strong start from their top order. Robinson prevented that from happening, claiming three lbw dismissals before lunch. With Henry Crocombe chipping in with an lbw of his own Glamorgan found themselves four wickets down for 95, still 101 behind.Ollie Robinson showed his class•Getty ImagesIt was then that Carlson stepped up. He had finished undefeated on 127 in the first innings, and he cruised to another century, this one coming from just 115 balls. While Carlson was finding things easy the same could not be said for the rest of the Glamorgan top order with Chris Cooke lucky to survive when he was dropped on three off the bowling of Jack Carson.Cooke departed for 12 when he feathered an edge to Ben Brown off the impressive Robinson to leave Glamorgan 150 for 5. It was then that Carlson found some support from Calum Taylor as they took Glamorgan into the lead.With Carlson and Taylor looking untroubled by seam Sussex turned to the spin of Carson and Delray Rawlins to see them to the new ball and they were creating chances. Carson was unlucky not to claim the wicket of Taylor when another chance went down at first slip.Robinson looked dangerous with the new ball but Carlson and Taylor stood firm, taking their partnership past the 100 mark to reach the close with Glamorgan on 258 for 5 heading into the final day.

Leigh Kasperek picked up three wickets in five balls to boost New Zealand, but in the end it wasn’t enough

Daniel Brettig10-Apr-2021Before this match, in the several hours of waiting created by persistent showers in Mount Maunganui, there was not inconsiderable debate over whether or not Australia’s world-record ODI winning streak would be thwarted by a no result on account of the weather. Like most possible concerns about the fortunes of this team, it did not take long for them to be rendered academic.Just as theoretical conversations about no result were ramping up, the skies cleared enough at the Bay Oval for a truncated, 25-over affair in greasy conditions. The delay and the shortened contest did serve to change Australia’s batting line-up, switching it from ODI to Twenty20 mode.But it made no difference to the outcome, as Meg Lanning’s team once more demonstrated too great an array of influential performers for New Zealand to cope with, despite another startling spell from Leigh Kasperek to pluck three Australians in the space of five balls.Her efforts were more than matched by the Australian spinners, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen and Ash Gardner, who claimed 4 for 64 from 14 overs between them.Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney gave the tourists the strongest of starts after being sent in to bat, swift enough to mean that though their union of 73 in 62 balls was followed by the loss of seven wickets for 76 in the remaining 88 deliveries of the innings, the tally of 149 was still eminently defensible.Kasperek’s crafty finger spin squeezed out Healy, Gardner and the demoted Rachael Haynes in the space of a single exemplary maiden over, and after Lanning and Ellyse Perry were unable to regain control of proceedings, it was left to Nicola Carey, Wareham and Jonassen to scramble handy and extremely necessary runs at the finish.Similarly to game two, the conditions offered both swing and spin for Australia’s bowlers, luxuries they rejoiced in given some of the more unresponsive pitches they commonly have to ply their trades upon in Australia.Darcie Brown moved the ball at pace, albeit without enough control, on her ODI debut, and Megan Schutt’s inswing was sharp as ever. After Katey Martyn shovelled a Schutt full toss to long-on, the stage was left for Wareham, Jonassen and Gardner to flummox the hosts with spin bowling of high quality and no little variety.Hayley Jensen was cramped by Wareham’s spin first ball, pulling straight to mid-on, and once Amelia Kerr was ruinously run out it was only a matter of time before one of the left-handed Amy Satterthwaite or Brooke Halliday succumbed to Gardner’s sharp offbreaks – in the end it was New Zealand’s captain who snicked straight to Lanning at slip.Halliday and Maddy Green also fell to the turning ball, and as the scoring rate slipped ever more into the mire, it was clear a long way before the final ball that the Australians would be returning to home comforts with a 3-0 Rose Bowl sweep and a 24-game winning streak still very much alive.

After Callum Burton was ruled out for the season, Wrexham have announced the signing of a new goalkeeper to provide cover.

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Wrexham sign Brad FosterGoalkeeper will offer coverBurton and Okonkwo out injuredFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons have announced the signing of 23-year-old Brad Foster to provide cover on a short-term basis. Wrexham announced they had signed the player, who had been training with the club for weeks, following the injury to Burton that will prevent him from appearing again this season. Foster was previously on the books at Stoke City, Derby County and West Brom, although he never made an appearance for any of their respective first teams.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT WREXHAM SAID

Announcing the signing, Wrexham said: "Foster, 23, will provide short-term cover for the goalkeeping department, while Arthur Okonkwo (wrist) and Callum Burton (thigh) recover from their respective injuries, and help to share the training workload.

"He has been registered to play, and is available for selection if required.

"Foster has been training with the Red Dragons for several weeks, alongside Mark Howard, Liam Hall and Callum Burton prior to his injury".

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Wrexham's number one and number two, Okonkwo and Burton, have suffered long-term injuries and left Phil Parkinson short between the sticks. It is unlikely that Foster will get many minutes at the Red Dragons before his short-term contract expires, but he will offer competition to Howard and Hall while Okonkwo is sidelined. It is a blow for Phil Parkinson's side who are chasing a remarkable third-straight promotion.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

The Red Dragons host Crewe in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday with the aim of progressing to the next round. They then host relegation-battling Cambridge United and have a chance to keep the pressure on league leaders Wycombe Wanderers.

Since the arrival of Arne Slot earlier this summer, Liverpool have been working tirelessly to try and bolster the midfield department, but so far to no avail.

Ryan Gravenberch was handed a start in the middle of the park during the Premier League opener against Ipswich Town last weekend, operating in a deeper role than normal.

The Dutchman featured in a number six berth, sitting in front of the back four, allowing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to play in a more advanced box-to-box role.

Although Gravenberch produced an admirable display in that 2-0 triumph – winning six duels in total – more options are needed if the club are to mount a serious title charge during Slot’s first campaign at the helm.

However, they’ve found it harder than expected, especially after missing out on a primary target despite agreeing to pay his release clause.

Liverpool’s attempts to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer

Liverpool were just one of a number of sides interested in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, with Arsenal also touted with a move to sign the Spaniard.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a successful Euro 2024, replacing Manchester City’s star man Rodri in the final against England, coming on at the break and controlling the game, helping his nation win the tournament for a fourth time.

His excellent form at the competition saw the Reds enter talks for a deal to sign the star, but despite being willing to pay his £51m release clause, Zubimendi rejected a move to Anfield in favour of staying with the LaLiga outfit.

It’s hugely disappointing, with the midfielder undoubtedly having the ability to be a monster hit in the Premier League, but Slot and his recruitment team will have to look elsewhere for other transfer targets.

They could look to pursue a move for a player previously linked with the Reds, who could prove to be their own version of one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

Why Rabiot could be Liverpool’s own Rodri

Manchester City ace Rodri has cemented himself as one of the best midfielders in the world in recent years, winning every major honour there is at club level with Pep Guardiola’s side.

After winning another Premier League title last season, whilst claiming the Euro 2024 title along with the Player of the Tournament award, he could claim the Ballon d’Or award in the near future – a reflection of how impressive he’s been for City.

However, Liverpool could land their own version of the superstar in the form of Adrien Rabiot, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Juventus at the end of last season – with L'Equipe noting that Liverpool are among those interested.

The Frenchman, who featured at Euro 2024 for his nation, has previously been on the club’s radar and is yet to find a new side despite his impressive displays over the summer.

His subsequent performances saw FBref rank the 29-year-old as a similar player to Rodri, an understandable comparison when delving into their respective stats from the European Championships.

Statistics (per 90)

Rabiot

Rodri

Games played

5

6

Pass accuracy

92%

93%

Successful take-ons

1.2

0.4

Progressive passes

6.8

6.9

Interceptions

0.2

0.2

Tackles won

2.2

2.4

The “extraordinary" ace, as described by former Juve striker David Trezeguet, matched or even better than the Spaniard in numerous key areas, highlighting what a brilliant addition he would be for the Reds.

Rabiot excelled in possession, registering a 92% pass completion rate along with an average of 6.8 progressive passes per 90 – with both tallies narrowly less than the City star.

He continued his trend of starring with the ball at his feet, averaging more successful take-ons, demonstrating how effective he could be in progressing the play for Slot’s side. Rodri did win slightly more tackles than the Frenchman, but Rabiot has demonstrated that he’s able to regain possession, averaging the same number of interceptions per 90 – a feature that would hugely improve the Reds’ midfield.

With Rabiot being a free agent, it could be an excellent pickup for Liverpool and Slot, with his experience and quality potentially a huge boost in the club’s ambition of returning to a title fight this season.

Late move: Liverpool could repeat Salah signing with "complete" £51m winger

He’s mooted for a transfer this month…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 20, 2024

West Ham United won’t be signing an exciting transfer target despite reports claiming they even had a bid accepted, according to Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg.

West Ham’s summer transfer business

The Hammers, led by technical director Tim Steidten, have been extremely productive behind the scenes at the London Stadium this summer, making nine new signings for Julen Lopetegui.

In total, the club have spent just over £120m on their new additions, with the Hammers recording their first Premier League win under Lopetegui at Crystal Palace last weekend.

West Ham summer signings

From

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

Carlos Soler

PSG

Loan transfer

Mohamadou Kante

Paris FC

Undisclosed

West Ham summer departures

To

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Flynn Downes

Southampton

€17.85m

Said Benrahma

Lyon

€14.4m

Thilo Kehrer

Monaco

€11m

Nathan Trott

FC Copenhagen

€1.5m

Ben Johnson

Ipswich Town

Free transfer

Joseph Anang

St. Patrick's Athletic

Free transfer

Angelo Ogbonna

Watford

Free transfer

Divin Mubama

Man City U21

Undisclosed

Mohamadou Kante

Paris FC

Loan transfer

Kurt Zouma

Al-Orobah

Loan transfer

Nayef Aguerd

Real Sociedad

Loan transfer

James Ward-Prowse

Nottingham Forest

Loan transfer

Maxwel Cornet

Southampton

Loan transfer

There is still time for West Ham to make it double figures for incomings, with the window open until 11pm on Friday, and they have been linked with a number of players. One target in recent weeks has been Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler, with the two clubs locked in talks for the Spaniard.

Elsewhere, another centre-forward after Niclas Fullkrug has also been on the radar in AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham. Reports even claimed that West Ham agreed on a deal to sign the Englishman, an initial loan deal worth €2 million and an obligation to buy at €22 million, which is over £20 million. Talks over salary terms were thought to be ongoing, however, a new update has now emerged.

West Ham transfer update – Tammy Abraham

According to Plettenberg, Abraham “will not join West Ham”, even adding that there are no negotiations.

Since then, it has been claimed that Abraham is now close to a shock move to AC Milan, which will see Alexis Saelemaekers head to Roma.

It does feel as if a move for Abraham is well and truly off the cards following Plettenberg’s comments, and he could have been a shrewd addition at the age of 26 because of his experience in the top-flight with Chelsea and Swansea City, scoring 26 Premier League goals in 89 appearances.

Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Lopetegui feels the need to go after another forward before the deadline. Fullkrug, Danny Ings and Michail Antonio are the centre-forward options for the Hammers at the age of 31, 32 and 34 respectively, so in the long run, West Ham may need to look for a younger attacking option.

Ings has even been linked with a move away before the deadline, so the Irons may not be done just yet in regards to incomings.

Afridi was ruled out with a back injury, while a Covid-19 violation cost Naseem Shah his involvement in the league

ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-2021Multan Sultans allrounder Shahid Afridi will not play any part in the remainder of the Pakistan Super League after being sidelined with a lower-back injury. The Sultans announced he felt pain in his lower back while training for the resumption of the league, with the doctor advising complete rest.Afridi will be replaced by left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, who hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With Shahid Afridi’s absent, the Sultans lose out on one of the competition’s most experienced players. Shahid Afridi has participated in 50 PSL matches throughout his career, with Mohammad Nawaz the only spinner to have taken more wickets than his 44. He has also scored 465 runs at a strike rate in excess of 150 in a career that has also seen him play for Peshawar Zalmi and the Karachi Kings.

While training for the remainder of @thePSLt20, I felt lower back pain & had to consult a doctor. Unfortunately I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team @MultanSultans. I am heartbroken as I was practicing and training really hard. pic.twitter.com/OjaHD1w9cg

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 24, 2021