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Sunderland will hope next season in the Championship is a drastic improvement on the one that just slammed shut, finishing in a dire 16th spot in the final league standings after once being talked of as promotion hopefuls.

There have been no real concrete developments on who will be in the dug-out at the Stadium of Light next season, however, with a lack of activity on the transfer front only adding to the quiet nature of the Wearside outfit currently.

Mike Dodds certainly won't be in charge after his time as interim boss came to a natural end after the final game, despite the 37-year-old coach's insistence to play young gems at Sunderland paying off at points, with 16-year-old Chris Rigg netting another senior goal during his short-lived tenure.

Whoever is the next Black Cats boss could do far worse than attempting to bump up more academy prospects to the first-team ranks when given the reins, potentially ignoring the opportunity to splash the cash during transfer season, with one promising defender potentially ready for senior opportunities.

Academy gem ready to step up for Sunderland

Described as being a "strong" defender by Academy manager Robin Nicholls when putting pen to paper on a new Sunderland deal last year, Oliver Bainbridge could well now be viewed as mature enough to be given chances in the first-team picture.

The 18-year-old has been linked with a loan move away to Bradford City as of late, but with past rumours also linking him with a switch to the Premier League with Sean Dyche's Everton, he might well be more suited to Championship action over the lower reaches of the EFL at the Bantams.

Starring in the U18 and U21 fold for some time now, with nine goals managed from down the left flank from 57 games for the U18s, Bainbridge has been largely everpresent in the Premier League 2 this season too by missing just four clashes.

The teenager could now feel he's outgrown the youth set-ups at the Black Cats, therefore, and when viewing how well the likes of Rigg have taken to the leap of the men's football, he could be chomping at the bit to be in the next manager's plans.

Bainbridge will also be eager to leave a lasting impression knowing the lack of numbers Sunderland have available in this spot, with serious injuries seeing Dennis Cirkin and Niall Huggins sidelined for some time, alongside new recruit Leo Hjelde looking shaky in defence.

Sunderland's left-back situation

With Huggins and Cirkin only making a combined 30 appearances between them last campaign, Bainbridge will fancy his chances that he can unsettle the status quo and become Sunderland's starting left-back soon.

Hjelde has arguably also failed to settle, with his last appearance against Bristol City seeing him win zero duels, before being benched or out of the team completely for his side's last five Championship clashes.

Bainbridge's inclusion in the first team could also result in Sunderland becoming a far more exciting team going forward, having only scored 52 goals last season from 46 games with just two managed in April alone. As such, the 18-year-old's direct approach – hence his high goalscoring numbers playing out from defence – could be a huge help.

The promising 18-year-old could be perfect for Jack Clarke down the left flank consequently, with Sunderland desperately wanting their 15-goal star to stay put for hopefully a far more successful campaign coming up.

As much as messing around with the squad personnel could unearth an absolute gem, Sunderland know getting this next manager appointment spot on is equally as crucial to try and right the wrongs of a dreadful season just finished.

Next Sunderland manager: Who could replace Mike Dodds?

With Mike Dodds’ interim spell as Sunderland’s boss coming to an end, who is in the running to be their next manager?

By
Kelan Sarson

May 29, 2024

Erik ten Hag's job is at risk after Manchester United's slow start, however, the club are ready to be patient before making a decision on his future.

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• Ten Hag could be shown the door
• Man Utd ready to be patient
• Have two names lined up as replacements

• Imago
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ten Hag and Manchester United have had a very poor start to the season as they have only won three matches out of nine in all competitions. In the Premier League, the Red Devils sit 12th in the standings with just seven points from six games having suffered thrashings at the hands of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Ten Hag's potential sacking has been heavily discussed in public, however, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are reportedly not going to be hasty with the decision.

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• THE EXPLANATION

  As per , the board are reluctant to pull the trigger because they are happy with the players they brought in in the summer – including Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte – and want to give them time to settle in, as they take a long-term view of the project.

  United are ready to afford Ten Hag at least two more games to turn things around – the Europa League clash against Porto and the Premier League meeting with Aston Villa this week. If results and performances do not improve in those two matches, the board may well review the Dutchman's position.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  has reported that if United part ways with Ten Hag, they will look to go all out for Inter boss Simone Inzaghi or ex-England manager Gareth Southgate, who remains without a job in coaching after departing the Three Lions following Euro 2024.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  The Red Devils will take on Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, October 3 at Estadio do Dragao before they visit Villa Park to take on Aston Villa before the start of the international break. Whether Ten Hag is still in charge thereafter remains to be seen.

It was another year of painful almosts for Arsenal this season, as they missed out on the Premier League title on the final day and were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals by a single goal.

However, Mikel Arteta's side have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, and it's starting to feel more like when, rather than if, they finally lift a major trophy.

That said, adding a genuinely clinical striker this summer would go a long way toward speeding things up, and based on recent reports, that may well happen, which can only be good news for Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal's striker search

According to a recent report from Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli's star striker Victor Osimhen 'expects' Arsenal to make a move for him this summer.

The report has revealed that while fellow Premier League side Chelsea have ruled themselves out of the race for the Nigerian's signature, the Gunners have maintained a presence 'in the background', leading to the player's belief that they will eventually make a move for him.

If the North Londoners make said move, they will have to pay €120m to activate the forward's release clause, which converts to around £102m.

It would be a costly deal, but with the margins so close this year, it might be worth it, as adding a clinical number nine can only help make Saka even better.

How Osimhen could improve Saka

Now, if Arsenal are going to spend north of £100m on a new striker this summer, they have to be certain that they are getting an upgrade on the two they already employ – Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus – and it looks like they would be. In fact, when comparing the trio's pure output from the last two seasons, it's not even close.

For example, despite enduring a slightly less fruitful campaign by his own lofty standards this year, the "Nigerian nightmare", as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, returned a mammoth 57 goals and assists in 71 games since the start of 2022/23.

In the same period, Havertz returned 31 in 98 games, whereas Jesus managed 34 in 69, and while these are impressive numbers in their own right, they don't hold a candle to what the former LOSC Lille star managed.

His impressive ability to consistently find the back of the net while also providing a reasonable number of assists is why his addition to the side could help Saka reach an entirely new level next season.

The Hale End superstar cemented his status as one of the best players in the country this year by racking up a staggering 20 goals and 14 assists in just 47 games for the Gunners.

However, according to Understat, the English international should've chalked up more assists this season, as he underperformed his expected assists figure by 3.33.

This isn't a failing on the winger's part. Instead, it is indicative of his teammate's failure to finish off their chances, which could well become a problem of the past with the "frightening" Napoli ace in the side, as dubbed by journalist Emmet Gates.

Even if he missed a sitter one moment, he'd almost certainly make up for it later on in the game, thus helping Saka further increase his assist tally.

Ultimately, it would be an incredibly expensive deal to complete, but bringing Osimhen to the Emirates this summer could be the final piece of the puzzle that turns Arsenal from also-rans into title winners.

Arsenal could land Martinelli upgrade in "unstoppable" £80m Sesko partner

The incredible attacker could be transformational in North London.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 1, 2024

Lionesses star Hannah Hampton had to withdraw from Chelsea's starting XI ahead of the Champions League group stage clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday.

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• Hampton was in Chelsea XI to face Real Madrid
• Goalkeeper was a late withdrawal before kick-off
• Macario and Cuthbert also absent for Blues

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hampton was set to start in between the sticks as the Blues kicked off their European campaign but pulled out of the team before kick-off, with Zecira Musovic instead emerging from the tunnel at Stamford Bridge as the starting goalkeeper.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea were already without a number of key players going into the game. As well as long-term absentees like Sam Kerr, Mia Fishel and Sophie Ingle, Niamh Charles was still sidelined with a shoulder injury, Kadeisha Buchanan was suspended and Erin Cuthbert and Catarina Macario were also missing, amid reports that there had been a sickness bug during the week.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  According to broadcaster , Hampton was "taken ill" before kick-off and that is why Musovic had to be drafted in for what was her first start of the new season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HAMPTON AND CHELSEA?

  The Blues will certainly hope that Hampton, Cuthbert and Macario can all be back available for their next fixture, with them set to take on London rivals Arsenal in the Women's Super League on Saturday.

The Catalan is already considered among football's best ever coaches, though is yet to try his hand in the international game

When England met Greece in the Nations League last Thursday, they were the odd team out in the contest that had never won a European Championship before. The Three Lions have lost the last two finals, yet that is the closest they have come to continental glory in the men's game.

That famous '30 years of hurt' phrase will have rolled over to 60 by the time the next World Cup comes around – we'll be as far away from Euro 1996 as the release of that Lightning Seeds song from the 1966 World Cup. Sorry for making you feel old and potentially thrusting you into existential crisis, but this is a time for home truths.

England have a managerial vacancy, and a leading candidate for the job is Pep Guardiola, whose Manchester City contract expires at the end of the season. He's left a trail of success wherever he's been, and that extends to the countries he's managed in.

Some pundits, such as Roy Keane, have warned the FA they need to "go for the best", which is inarguably the charismatic Catalan. There is a notion that England are at a slight disadvantage in trying to woo Guardiola, yet that isn't the case at all – if anything, he needs such a job more than they need him.

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  Foundations for Spain & Germany

  It would be quite overeager and presumptuous to claim that Spain and Germany's respective World Cup successes were down to Guardiola's work in those countries at the time of those glories, but it would be equally cynical to suggest he didn't in-part influence the way those sides came and conquered.

  Spain, though traditionally a possession-heavy side anyway, leant heavily on relationships and partnerships built within Guardiola's Barcelona – remember when there was a genuine debate over whether Lionel Messi should have chosen to represent La Roja instead? Barca were the idyllic team of that generation, and Spain boss Vicente del Bosque implemented a lower-pace style which mimicked that side but as to suit the different demands of international football.

  Of course, Germany are perennial favourites in essentially every match they've ever played too, and Guardiola had only been at Bayern Munich for one season, yet there was a new-found ruthlessness and savviness about their 2014 displays which had evaded them at Euro 2012.

  Whether merely coincidental or with underlying intention, Guardiola has built up enough stock for the masses to think it conceivable he had a hand in swinging the pendulum of the international game by footballing osmosis. That should count for something, and this process has extended to his time in England.

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  Changing English football

  Guardiola didn't simply bring principles such as playing out from the back and dominating the ball to English football, but he did fasten those trends and perfect them. All down the pyramid are teams trying to bait the press or build from deep, which may have happened eventually anyways, though not at such a steep, and sometimes reckless, trajectory.

  When City were on the cusp of winning the 2017-18 Premier League title – their first under Guardiola and with a record points tally of 100 – John Stones spoke of the impact his coaching had on the international team and what then-manager Gareth Southgate was benefitting from.

  "I think we try to bring all the attributes and what we learn under Pep into the England squad, and are open to learn from Gareth as well," he said. "We work hard on the training pitch under Pep, learn a lot of things, different styles of play, how to play against different formations. I think it gives you that head start coming into England, and we can share our ideas as well."

  Southgate went on to oversee the most successful period in the history of the England men's national team since the sixties, with his famed man-management working in tandem with his players' tactical and technical brilliance.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Carsley's 'world-class' warning

  Interim manager Lee Carsley is currently mid-Hokey Cokey on whether he should actually get the job on a full-time basis, but he did have an ominous warning after Sunday's win away at Finland: "This job deserves a world-class coach that has won trophies and I am still on the path to that."

  That seems to be the way of the international game at the moment. Julian Nagelsmann replaced Hansi Flick as Germany boss last year, Mauricio Pochettino is in charge of the USMNT, Luciano Spalletti is beginning to get a tune out of Italy, Luis de la Fuente enjoyed Spanish success at youth level (similarly to Carsley, in fairness) and Thomas Tuchel is another contender to take the England job.

  Any fanciful dream the FA had of instilling Jurgen Klopp is dead, leaving Guardiola as the best manager available for hire. The least they can do is ask him about taking over from Carsley.

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  Thirst for international management

  Even before Guardiola's recent comments neither confirming or denying any interest in the England gig, he left the door ajar in the recent past to international management.

  When asked back in March 2024 what he has left to achieve, the Catalan replied: "A national team. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.

  "I don't know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club."

  Well, you're in luck then, Pep. This vacancy has come at the perfectly opportune time for all parties involved.

Chelsea have already got two new additions through the door this summer, although not both of them are players. Following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the season, the Blues had to search for a new manager, and, after much deliberation and rumours linking them with several targets, they finally got their man.

Chelsea appointed Leicester City’s Championship-winning manager, Enzo Maresca on a five-year contract, with the option of a sixth season at Stamford Bridge. His time in west London will be the first time Maresca has managed in the Premier League, but he has experience as a coach at the highest level, having been under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in previous years.

Maresca was joined by another person linked with City just days later, after centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo signed for the Blues on a free transfer from local rivals Fulham. He becomes the first signing of the Maresca era.

However, there is no doubt that Chelsea will not stop there, given their extortionate spending in recent transfer windows. They have been strongly linked with one Premier League star this week, with a deal for the player having great potential in the last few days.

Chelsea looking to sign Premier League striker

The player in question here is Manchester City and Argentina attacker Julian Alvarez. Having already signed Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer from the Cityzens in recent seasons, Chelsea could once again look to buy from the Premier League champions.

According to a report from Argentine media outlet TyC Sports, Alvarez is currently thinking 'about his future' whilst away on international duty with Argentina. However, the report states that City have a 'categorical position' on Alvarez’s future; that is, they do not intend to sell him this summer.

However, despite City wanting to keep Alvarez, the World Cup winner has one aim for next season, 'which is to play more', according to the report. He has played second fiddle to Erling Haaland for his whole career at the Etihad Stadium, and understandably wants to move on in order to get more minutes.

In terms of a price, Chelsea – who are said to be ready to make a bid – could have to pay upwards of €80m (£68m) for the attacker, as per the report. They are also competing with two European heavyweights for Alvarez’s signature. The two other sides interested are PSG, who need to replace Kylian Mbappe and Atletico Madrid, although the Spanish side would struggle to meet City’s valuation should they pursue a deal over the summer.

How Alvarez would benefit Chelsea

If there is one thing that Chelsea struggled with last season, it was consistently finding the back of the net. Palmer scored 22 times in the Premier League, but Nicolas Jackson was the only other player in double figures, with 14 strikes last season. Alvarez, however, did manage to break the ten-goal barrier for City last season, with 11 goals in the Premier League.

Instantly, you can see what he would bring to this Chelsea side, an influx of much-needed goals, and with more game-time, he could find the back even more than 11 times. As Tifo Football presenter Jon Mackenzie described him Alvarez is a “cheat code footballer” who will “play elite attacking football”, certainly something Chelsea could add to their side.

Not only that, Alvarez possesses impressive versatility. Last season for Guariola’s side, the 24-year-old played in six different positions, albeit three of those were only for a sole appearance each. However, suppose Chelsea were hoping to fit both Alvarez and Jackson into the same side. In that case, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue, given Jackson’s ability to play out wide, and Alvarez’s proficiency as a second striker.

The Argentine is also a superb creator, registering nine Premier League assists to go along with his 11 goals last season. As per Fbref, the 2.55 key passes per 90 minutes he averaged last season placed him in the top 1% of forwards in Europe, showing off his impressive creative nous.

Should Chelsea manage to get a deal for Alvarez across the line this summer, he would represent a superb piece of business. It could even eclipse the £40m deal to sign what was then a relatively untested Palmer from the Etihad, given his goals and assists record and his pedigree in winning trophies – the Englishman having notably made just three Premier League starts prior to moving to Stamford Bridge.

The one-time River Plater man would only add to the quality and experience of Chelsea’s side, increasing Maresca’s chances of success in his first season in charge.

After Tosin: Chelsea eye PL "monster" who’s the “closest thing” to Drogba

The Chelsea target could be an alternative to Benjamin Sesko.

By
Tom Lever

Jun 7, 2024

The Hammers had taken the lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium only to capitulate in a game that saw Mohammed Kudus completely lose his head.

Tottenham eased the pressure on Ange Postecoglou with a 4-1 win against West Ham, whose own boss Julen Lopetegui will be facing fresh criticism after watching his side fall apart in north London.

The hosts faced plenty of scrutiny for their collapse at Brighton heading into the international break, and their weak attempts at defending came under the microscope again when West Ham took an early lead. Jarrod Bowen was easily able to spin away from Destiny Udogie down the right-hand side of the 18-yard-box and fire a low cross towards the back post for Mohammed Kudus to lash in.

Pent-up frustration was emanating from the stands to the pitch, but Spurs managed to channel that emotion and found an equaliser soon after. James Maddison led a counter-attack through the middle of the pitch and shifted play out wide to Dejan Kulusevski, who cut back infield and fired in off the inside of the post.

On the other side of half-time, Tottenham turned the game around and went in front for the first time. Son Heung-min combined well with Udogie in the left channel, and the Italian's cut-back found Yves Bissouma – the midfielder thundering in past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

All of a sudden, West Ham were in free-fall. A swift counter-attack saw Kulusevski break into the box and lay the ball back for Son, whose strike bounced between the boots of Areola and Jean-Clair Todibo and rolled over the line.

Tottenham weren't done yet and they had their fourth before the hour mark. Pape Matar Sarr's quick thinking saw him pick out Son, who ran through to goal and slotted home to send the home fans into bashful delirium.

The visitors' misery was compounded late on when Kudus received a red card after a VAR check for kicking and lashing out at multiple Spurs players, with Tottenham, in the end, cruising to victory.

GOAL rates Spurs' players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Guglielmo Vicario (6/10):

  Made a fine save early doors to keep out Kudus before the Ghanaian gave him no chance for the opening goal. Donned a cap in the second half in a real throwback to a forgotten age of football. Hardly troubled on corners and crosses on this occasion.

  Pedro Porro (6/10):

  Often afforded a lot of space to the dangerous Kudus, though made up for this porous attempt at defending with some fine contributions going forward, testing West Ham with his whipped crossing.

  Cristian Romero (7/10):

  The player Tottenham, for the most part, leant on to start attacks from the back. Lived on the front foot with his centre-back partner dealing with runs in behind.

  Micky van de Ven (6/10):

  Made light work of his duels with Antonio, though his subpar agility was put to the test by the tricky wing duo of Bowen and Kudus. The latter was sent off late on for kicking and then clawing the Dutchman across the face.

  Destiny Udogie (6/10):

  West Ham targeted the young Italian in the opening exchanges and found their opening goal down his side. However, he showed great mental resilience to not let that deter him and ended up putting in one hell of a shift up and down the left flank. Came off for Gray in the closing stages.

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  Midfield

  Yves Bissouma (7/10):

  Brought back in for Rodrigo Bentancur and appeared rusty at first, with a couple of heavy touches fortunately going unpunished. Came out for the second half with renewed vigour and put Spurs ahead with his second goal of the season.

  Dejan Kulusevski (8/10):

  Relishing life as Tottenham's main central midfielder. Consistently took up the invitation to run at West Ham and carry the ball between the lines. Rewarded for his hard graft with a lovely goal, which saw him match compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic's tally for Premier League strikes.

  James Maddison (6/10):

  Provided the assist for Kulusevski in the first half. Took a few bruises from heavy tackles before being withdrawn at the break.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Brennan Johnson (6/10):

  Went close to extending his run of goals to eight in eight for club and country, but just came up short. Provided the pace needed to stretch West Ham's defence and open up holes for his fellow attackers to get into.

  Dominic Solanke (6/10):

  Like Johnson, was unlucky not to have scored. Pressed all afternoon long and made light work of Todibo. Again proved to be a perfect fit for Postecoglou's system.

  Son Heung-min (8/10):

  What a way to mark your comeback from injury. A slightly prolonged rest did Son the world of good and he looked five years younger, sizing up West Ham and tearing them apart. Replaced by Werner for the final 20 minutes.

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  Subs & Manager

  Pape Matar Sarr (8/10):

  Introduced at half-time in place of Maddison and brought the requisite energy needed to steamroll West Ham into submission.

  Timo Werner (5/10):

  Missed a header and brought out a disappointed head-shake from Lord Sugar in the stands when running the ball out of play.

  Richarlison (6/10):

  Greeted with a standing ovation upon his return from injury. Given a run out for the final 10 minutes.

  Rodrigo Bentancur (6/10):

  Brought on at the same time as Richarlison in place of goal-scorer Bissouma.

  Archie Gray (N/A):

  Took to the pitch for the final minutes, replacing Udogie.

  Ange Postecoglou (7/10):

  Tottenham were too easy to play through at points but ultimately his side's attacking prowess proved too much to handle. A welcome three points after the capitulation at Brighton.

Looking to flex their Champions League muscles for the first time, Aston Villa are reportedly in pole position to sign a Euro 2024 star who could slot straight into Unai Emery's side.

Aston Villa transfer news

Of course, whilst it would be easy to assume that Villa are in a position to spend big after qualifying for the Champions League last season, the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules mean that they've got to sell before they can think about spending big, which could result in Douglas Luiz's exit this summer.

According to reports, the Brazilian could swap the Midlands for Italy and Juventus this summer in a deal that would see Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling-Junior move the other way in quite the shake-up for all involved.

Once they solve their profit and sustainability dilemma, however, Villa can turn their attention towards potential reinforcements and one Euro 2024 star. According to Il Giorno, Aston Villa are in pole position to sign Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan this summer, with the right-back at a stalemate with the Italian giants over his future.

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The Villans need to balance their books through sales.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 15, 2024

Part of the Netherlands squad for the Euros, Dumfries' future is unlikely to be settled before the end of his side's tournament, but Villa will seemingly be there waiting when the opportunity comes their way. A Serie A winner, the Midlands club could be making quite the statement by welcoming Dumfries in the coming months.

Given that Emery will have Champions League football to balance next season too, competition for places will be no bad thing in his ever-improving side.

"Brilliant" Dumfries would be an upgrade on Cash

Whilst Matty Cash enjoyed another solid season at Villa Park, Villa would be doing themselves no harm by welcoming a player of proven Champions League quality in Dumfries, who could be an upgrade on the Poland international. And if those in the Midlands want to continue their recent rise, making ruthless decisions will be an important part.

Given that Cash's numbers highlight his defensive ability whilst Dumfries is better on the ball, Emery would suddenly have two options who can provide two very different traits when needed, which could prove to be crucial next season. The Dutchman has already earned plenty of praise in England too, with Micah Richards saying via TeamTalk:

“Denzel Dumfries. What a player he is. I just thought his whole game was brilliant. It was his timing of his runs… He didn’t sort of mix it up too much but when he did it was the right moments. Down this right-hand side he was just breathless.”

So, once his Euros campaign is over, Dumfries seems like a player to watch this summer, as Villa enter pole position for his signature.

After losing out in the Championship playoffs semi-finals last season, West Bromwich Albion are looking to improve their squad during the summer transfer window by providing Carlos Corberan with a new attacking talent.

Baggies targeting summer signings

The latest news out of The Hawthorns has suggested that West Brom are eager to bring in a number of new signings this summer. Moussa Diarra is the most recent name linked with a move to the West Midlands with the Baggies reportedly keen on adding the free-agent defender to their ranks this summer.

West Brom hit gold signing gem who's worth more than both Mowatt & Kipre

West Bromwich Albion will be more hopeful that this gem will line up for the Baggies next season.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 23, 2024

With reinforcements at the back clearly a priority for the Baggies, the club are now set to confirm the signing of IF Brommapojkarna defender Torbjorn Heggem. The 25-year-old is set for a medical with West Brom ahead of a permanent move to the Hawthorns.

Whilst defensive recruits are clearly high on West Brom's shopping list, the club are still eager to bring in fresh faces in attack with the club set to battle their rivals for a Championship proven free agent.

West Brom move for Wednesday want-away

As first reported by Birmingham World, West Bromwich Albion are expected to challenge Birmingham City to sign Josh Windass on a free transfer. The 30-year-old's current deal with Sheffield Wednesday is set to expire on the 30th June and with talks over a new deal stalling Windass now looks set to depart Hillsborough at the end of this month.

Whilst the two Midlands outfits are among the numerous Championship sides expressing an interest in the attacker, the report from Birmingham World states that the Baggies have now made contact with the player’s representatives to gauge his level of interest in a move to the Hawthorns.

Windass has endured something of a mixed spell with the Owls but ended last season as one of Danny Rohl's most important players. The attacker scored in all three of Wednesday's final league games as the South Yorkshire outfit defied the odds to stave off relegation.

The 30-year-old may be best remembered by the Baggies' faithful from Wednesday's victory against West Brom back in April in which Windass notched the winning goal as his side ran away 3-0 winners on the day.

Rohl has been outspoken on Windass' performances this season with the Owls' boss taking the time to praise the attacker's development, telling the press:

"For Josh the last weeks were not easy, a big injury and (fitness problems) again and again."

"But I said to him he also has to take responsibility. If you want to be a good player and a strong leader on the pitch you have to show up. It makes no sense just to talk. He fought for every inch, he showed his quality."

With Coberan's side massively struggling for depth in attack, a player like Windass would be perfect for the Baggies. Able to play anywhere across the forward line including as a central striker, the 30-year-old would be a massive asset for West Brom next season.

Portugal star Vitinha says team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo will be at the 2026 World Cup as he is "not going to give up" despite widespread criticism.

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• Ronaldo still playing at 39
• Backed to make 2026 World Cup
• Portugal ace not hinting at retirement

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 39-year-old was widely criticised for his goalless Euro 2024, with many claiming the veteran is hindering Portugal going forward. However, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha is confident the former Real Madrid man will be at the showpiece tournament in North America – partly because he keeps himself in such good shape.

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  WHAT VITINHA SAID

  He told RMC podcast : “39 years old and still a starter for the national team, I have no explanation for this longevity. He has already said it, and I imagine it’s the professionalism he has in everything he does. In the morning, in the evening, every day of his career, it’s incredible. I can imagine the efforts and sacrifices he must make and has made. And I also imagine that’s what has kept him in this condition at 39 years old. But yes, it’s a privilege for me. We are small, we are children, we dream of playing with him one day, and it’s happening. Luckily, I’ve had quite a few years to enjoy the national team with him… Of course, he will be there [at the 2026 World Cup]; he’s not going to give up.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo himself has said he wants to score 1,000 goals in his career, with the former Manchester United star passing the 900-mark in September. However, questions have been asked about whether Portugal boss Roberto Martinez should still pick the forward to lead his side's attack. He is still prolific in the Saudi Pro League but that didn't matter a great deal at the Euros, where he failed to score in the tournament.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Ronaldo is likely to feature in Portugal's next two Nations League fixtures, which include a home clash against Poland and an away trip to Croatia on November 15 and 18 respectively.