Liverpool are closing in on their first signing of the Arne Slot era after it emerged that they have agreed personal terms with one of their targets ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Tricky summer for Liverpool

As it stands, Liverpool and Slot will be heading into the new season as the only Premier League side not to have made a signing this summer. It has not been for want of trying. The club were drawn into a protracted saga over Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who had previously rejected the chance to join Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona.

And, despite their best efforts to convince him otherwise, Liverpool joined that list after the Spaniard opted to remain at boyhood club Real Sociedad rather than swap San Sebastian for Merseyside this summer.

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There have been persistent rumours around a potential move to sign Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, but as of yet they have not reignited in earnest since the end of June, when a swap deal was mooted as a potential work-around for the Tyneside outfit's financial fair play concerns.

Slot's side were also thought to be in the market for a left-sided centre-back this summer amid ongoing uncertainty around Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutchman down to the final year of his contract at Anfield. Now though, they look to have prioritised another position.

Liverpool handed boost as "fantastic" player agrees to join

That comes as Fabrizio Romano reveals that Georgian goalkeeper Georgi Mamardashvili has agreed to join the Reds on a personal level, with the club still haggling with Valencia over a fee.

Mamardashvili, who starred at EURO 2024 for his nation, has been vocal about wanting to leave Los Ches this summer and had previously been linked with Newcastle United, but has now "accepted Liverpool plan and contract terms".

Most saves at EURO 2024

Player (Nation)

Saves

Georgi Mamardashvili (Georgia)

29

Bart Verbruggen (Netherlands)

18

Jordan Pickford (England)

17

Nita (Romania)

16

Mike Maignan (France)

16

That plan will see the 23-year-old head out on loan for the 2024/25 campaign with Bournemouth a potential destination for the Georgian – he will likely join the Cherries direct from Valencia ahead of joining Liverpool in 2025, due to rules regarding Premier League loans within the same window the player is purchased.

He is not expected to be an expensive addition either, with reports suggesting that he would cost around £30m to prise away from Valencia this summer despite still having three years left to run on his £25,000 a week deal in Spain.

Liverpool see that as excellent value for one of the most impressive young goalkeepers in world football, and it would allow greater flexibility over the future of current no.1 Alisson, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Though it is not the immediate first team addition that Liverpool fans have been crying out for across the transfer window, signing the Georgian could prove another piece of very shrewd business from the Reds.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has weighed in with an update on Arsenal's plans for the final few days of this summer window, following their now confirmed deal for midfielder Mikel Merino.

Arsenal announce £32 million Merino signing after weeks of talks

Earlier this week, news that Arsenal fans have been waiting a long time for was finally dropped after weeks of talks.

Related Fabrizio Romano: £276k-per-week star who Arsenal want could make late move

He’s been dubbed a “surprise” potential transfer.

Posts 4 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 28, 2024

Indeed, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta finally got his hands on Merino, with Arsenal officially completing a £32 million move for the Spain international midfielder. His arrival at the Emirates Stadium is set to seriously reinforce Arteta's left-side of midfield, as Merino's towering 6 foot 2 presence and reputation for winning duels provides Arsenal with more tenacity.

The former Newcastle United ace will don the number 23 shirt and could even make his Premier League debut this weekend against Brighton, with sporting director Edu Gaspar saying that Merino's physicality and athleticism will be a huge asset.

“We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino," said Edu to Arsenal's official website.

Mikel Merino's all-time stats for Real Sociedad in all competitions

Appearances

247

Goals

27

Assists

30

Yellow cards

56

Red cards

2

Minutes played

19,449

Transfermarkt

"This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.

“Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season. With Mikel’s arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead. We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt.”

After the 28-year-old put pen to paper on a long-term contract at Arsenal, the general consensus is that Arteta and Edu may not be done there, as we fast approach summer transfer deadline day.

Arsenal have been linked with a late move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, among others, as they consider upgrading their attacking options ahead of a long and challenging title race with Man City.

Arsenal looking at "last-minute" chance to sign new forward

This has now been backed up by respected transfer reporter Romano, who says that Arsenal are indeed looking at a "last-minute opportunity" to sign a new forward before the window closes.

“I think it’s not going to be a super big name. I don’t expect Arsenal to go for a central striker," said the journalist on Men in Blazers (via TBR).

"There was some fear around the injury of Gabriel Jesus, but I’m told it’s quite positive. The idea of Arsenal is to sign a winger rather than a number nine, looking at a last-minute opportunity on the market."

Despite a frustrating transfer window that has left several gaps in the Newcastle United first team, Eddie Howe will be delighted with his side's start to the Premier League season.

A draw against Bournemouth on the south coast is sandwiched between St. James' Park victories over Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, taking seven points from a possible nine into the September international break.

Newcastle failed in their bid to sign top target Marc Guehi, with Crystal Palace standing firm in their resolve to keep the centre-back. Lloyd Kelly was brought in to shore up the backline but more is needed, it is felt. Despite this, captain Kieran Trippier could soon leave, despite the transfer window having slammed shut.

Why Trippier is set to leave Newcastle

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle could part ways with Trippier this month since the 33-year-old has lost his place in the starting line-up to rising star Tino Livramento – who shone in the 2-1 win over Spurs.

While the majority of European transfer streams have closed off, the Turkish Super Lig is still open for business, and Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Eyupspor have all made enquiries.

Trippier is in the penultimate year of his £120k-per-week contract, placing him among the Toon's highest earners. This is not justifiable given his stark decline last year, making three fatal errors across his 28 Premier League appearances.

Though he's still one of the most creative right-backs in the business, the former England international is not the complete package anymore, and given that he wishes to play regular football from the outset, it's probable that he will move on soon.

Should that occur, Newcastle may well regret not signing a new right-back. Emil Krafth has been called to the centre with Fabian Schar suspended and Sven Botman recovering from an ACL injury that has ruled him out for the rest of 2024.

Michael Kayode was linked with a move to Tyneside, and perhaps Howe wishes his side took the leap and snapped the talent up.

Newcastle must rue not signing Trippier replacement

Trippier is 34 in two weeks, and though he's led a storied career and been a stalwart for Newcastle, he was noticeably on the decline last season and has now been replaced by Livramento.

He would be an excellent back-up, but Newcastle should have moved to sign Kayode from Fiorentina. As per Corriere dello Sport back in July – via Sport Witness – Newcastle were the latest of a long line of English clubs to take an interest in the 20-year-old.

Having enjoyed an exemplary breakout campaign on the senior stage, he had been tagged at €30m (£25m) by La Viola, but no outfit met the demands and he has stayed put to continue his development.

Matches (starts)

26 (22)

Goals & assists

2

Clean sheets

6

Pass completion

87%

Key passes*

0.6

Ball recoveries*

4.0

Tackles*

2.0

Clearances*

1.5

Dribbles*

0.8 (51%)

Ground duels won*

3.6 (63%)

Hailed as a "duel monster" by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Kayode is actually considered to be a similar-styled player as Livramento, as per FBref, with a steely defensive game and a technical sharpness that would play to the strengths of a team like Newcastle, seeking fluency and forward movements.

With physical strength and high-level athleticism blending with a defensive aptitude that suggests he would survive the test of the Premier League, and perhaps even thrive, Kayode could be a real superstar.

The Italian looks like he's only got better over the summer too, having made his seasonal introduction off the bench against Parma and dazzled. He was only on the field for 17 minutes, but the barrelling star won all five of his duels and completed each of his three dribbles.

There's so much to like, and given his quality, it seems likely that one top suitor or another will snap him up before too long. Might Newcastle rue their decision not to act down the line?

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اقتحم فريق المصري، المربع الذهبي في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، بعد الفوز اليوم السبت على الاتحاد السكندري، بهدفين مقابل هدف.

والتقى المصري والاتحاد السكندري، في إطار الجولة 12 من بطولة الدوري المصري، على ملعب برج العرب بالإسكندرية.

وأحرز كريم بامبو هدف المصري الأول في الدقيقة 20 من عمر الشوط الأول، بتسديدة رائعة بباطن القدم من داخل منطقة الجزاء سكنت الشباك.

وفي الشوط الثاني وعند الدقيقة 70، عاد كريم باميو من جديد ليسجل الهدف الثاني له ولفريقه، بعدما وصلته الكرة أمام المرمى من تمريرة المنطلق اللاعب التونسي فخر الدين بن يوسف.

وشهد الهدف الثاني، تأكيدًا من غرفة الفار، بعدما كان حكم اللقاء ألغاه في بداية الأمر بداعي التسلل على فخر الدين بن يوسف.

وسجل هدف الاتحاد السكندري، يوسف أسامة نبيه في الدقيقة 90+6.

وبهذا الفوز، حصد المصري البورسعيدي، 3 نقاط هامة تضعه في المربع الذهبي لجدول الدوري، برصيد 22 نقطة، حيث يحتل المركز الرابع.

طالع | الاتحاد السكندري يوضح عبر “بطولات” حقيقة منافسة الأهلي لضم مصطفى الدكش أهداف مباراة المصري والاتحاد السكندري اليوم في الدوري المصري

وحقق فريق المصري الفوز في 6 مباريات وتعادل 4 وخسر في مواجهتين، بعد مرور 12 جولة من عمر مسابقة بطولة الدوري المصري.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، فريق الاتحاد السكندري، يتواجد في المركز الثالث عشر بجدول ترتيب الدوري، برصيد 14 نقطة.

وفاز فريق الاتحاد السكندري في 3 مباريات وتعادل 5 وتلقى الهزيمة في 4 مواجهات.

تجدر الإشارة إلى أن بطولة الدوري المصري هذا الموسم تقام بنظام جديد، ينص على إقامة المواجهات من دور واحد كمرحلة أولى، ثم يتم تقسيم الأندية إلى مجموعتين، بداية من المركز الأول حتى التاسع، تتنافس على لقب الدوري.

بينما الأندية من المركز العاشر حتى الثامن عشر، تتنافس على البقاء والهبوط، على أن يهبط فريقان فقط بدلًا من ثلاثة إلى دوري القسم الثاني (دوري المحترفين).

MatériaMais Notícias

Antes de voltar todas as suas atenções para o histórico compromisso na final da Sul-Americana contra o Athletico-PR no próximo sábado (20), o Bragantino joga pelo Campeonato Brasileiro na terça-feira (16), diante do Grêmio, onde terá todos os seus jogadores do elenco em Porto Alegre.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

É extremamente provável que, para o compromisso do Brasileirão marcado para às 18h (de Brasília), na Arena, a equipe entre com uma equipe bastante diferente do que o técnico Mauricio Barbieri considera como a ideal por questão de desgaste e também para evitar lesões à beira da decisão continental.

Além da possibilidade de dar mais opções ao treinador, a questão de logística favorece a decisão do Massa Bruta em levar para o Rio Grande do Sul até mesmo atletas entregues ao Departamento Médico, casos do lateral Luan Cândido e do meia Lucas Evangelista.

A distância entre a capital gaúcha e a cidade de Montevidéu, palco da decisão da Sul-Americana, pode ser percorrida via voo direto em cerca de 1h30. Já entre a cidade de Bragança Paulista e a capital do Uruguai, mesmo fretando um voo, seria necessário se locomover até o Aeroporto de Viracopos (distante 65 quilômetros) e fazer uma viagem de, no mínimo, 2h30.

Manchester United questioned their players regarding the team leak a day before the club's 2-1 win in the Manchester derby.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man Utd questioned their players
• Investigating team leak ahead of Manchester derby
• Amorim claimed the problem is 'impossible to fix'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , at least two United stars were quizzed on the matter of the leaking of the team on social media. Samuel Luckhurst had reported that almost 17 hours before the clash at Etihad Stadium, Amorim's potential selection was revealed on social media and the final XI turned out to be the exact same.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The unfortunate leak, though, did not affect the team in the derby as the Red Devils staged a late comeback riding on Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo's strikes to beat their rivals 2-1. The manager is aware of the incident and has described the problem as unfixable when he addressed the media.

  "I know that story. I don’t know, I think it’s impossible to fix nowadays because you have a lot of people in the club, the players talk with agents," he said.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United have regularly seen their line-ups leak this season ahead of matches and have so far been unable to find a solution to the underhand sharing of insider information.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  A rejuvenated United side will now meet Tottenham in a Carabao quarter-final clash on Thursday before they face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe could make a "last-minute" signing after their move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd agree Manuel Ugarte deal

The Red Devils, Ratcliffe and new sporting director Dan Ashworth have brought in four new first-team players for Erik ten Hag this summer, but that will soon become five with the arrival of Ugarte.

It emerged on Tuesday that Man Utd will land their top midfield target before the deadline, with those in Manchester and Paris striking a deal worth just over £50m – a €50m initial fee followed by €10m in fixed add-ons.

France-based journalist Matt Spiro believes the Uruguay international’s game is suited for the Premier League, saying via the BBC: “They are signing a very tenacious midfielder, a young man who is going to be really determined having lost his way a little bit in the second half of last season at PSG.

"In terms of adapting to the Premier League, Ugarte's physicality and his ability to read the game and make tackles [mean] he could be a tremendous player."

Ugarte will join Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro. Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui at Old Trafford, but there appears to be the possibility of a sixth addition.

Romano shares Man Utd transfer update after Ugarte

Talking to GiveMeSport in the last 48 hours, Romano was asked what the transfer plans for the Red Devils will be after their move to sign Ugarte. The transfer expert stated there could still be time for a “last minute” incoming, saying the club may keep the door open.

"In terms of other business, it will depend. Maybe some player leaves, there could still be space for something last-minute for Manchester United. Nothing 100% confirmed yet, so Man United will decide [this] week based on opportunities, but I would keep the door always open for last-minute opportunities."

In regards to those opportunities, reports in recent days have been hinting a potential swap deal with Chelsea involving Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling. Talks are thought to be open between the two clubs, so perhaps that could be one to watch before Friday’s deadline.

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Should no further signings be made, though, United will be ending the window with five new players, providing Ugarte goes through as expected, at a cost of more than £180m including the £50m they will pay for the midfielder.

Pressure to deliver relatively quickly may therefore be on Ten Hag’s shoulders after receiving the backing from the new board over the summer.

Derbyshire blown away as Broad, Fletcher and Paterson steam in

ECB Reporters' Network29-Apr-2021

Ben Slater celebrated back to back centuries before Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire collapsed spectacularly as 18 wickets fell on the opening day of the LV= Insurance County Championship match at Derby.The former Derbyshire opener scored 107 off 191 balls, sharing a third wicket stand of 163 in 39 overs with Joe Clarke who made 66 from 95 balls. But the innings imploded with eight wickets falling for 62 runs as Fynn Hudson-Prentice claimed career-best figures of 4 for 36 and Ben Aitchison took 3 for 27 to bowl Notts out for 256.Related

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Stuart Broad responded by taking 2 for 22 before Luke Fletcher, with 3 for 23 and Dane Paterson, 2 for 28, left Derbyshire reeling on 86 for 8 at the close.Haseeb Hameed scored two centuries in the previous game but was out to the second ball he faced, edging Luis Reece to first slip. When Hudson-Prentice found lift to have Ben Duckett caught at second, Derbyshire’s decision to put Notts in looked good but they squandered the initiative by bowling short and wide.Slater and Clarke took full advantage, the latter passing 5000 first-class runs while his partner more than made up for his pair against Derbyshire last season while on loan with Leicestershire.Clarke pulled Reece for six and repeated the stroke against Sam Conners on his way to a 69 ball fifty, his second of the season. Slater reached his hundred from 160 balls by clipping Aitchison through midwicket but Clarke’s dismissal, fencing at Aitchison, plunged the innings into decline.Hudson-Prentice was rewarded for bowling full when he trapped Lyndon James and Steven Mullaney lbw and when Slater was caught in front pushing half forward at Matt Critchley to the second ball after tea, Notts had slumped to 205 for 6. Tom Moores and Liam Patterson-White counter-attacked briefly but the innings folded quickly after Moores miscued trying to pull Reece.After the last three wickets fell for two runs, Broad had Reece caught behind before Tom Wood failed to beat Luke Fletcher’s throw from midwicket.Broad removed Wayne Madsen with late inswing, Leus du Plooy was lbw shuffling across to Paterson and Fletcher trapped Harvey Hosein on the crease before Critchley edged Paterson behind.Fletcher then sent back George Scrimshaw and Hudson-Prentice to complete a day that promised a batting bonanza but ended in bowling carnage.

The state has been able to gain the leading run-scorer and leading wicket-taker from last season

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jun-2021The long-expected moves of Elyse Villani and Molly Strano to Tasmania have been confirmed along with the signing of Hayley Silver-Holmes from New South Wales.Securing Villani and Strano is especially significant as it gives Tasmania both the leading run-scorer and leading wicket-taker from last season’s WNCL.Villani was prolific with the bat as she scored 611 runs at 87.28 with three centuries while Strano captured 14 wickets at 14.42.Offspinner Strano, who was part of Australia’s successful T20 World Cup squad last year, was a late addition to Australia’s tour of New Zealand although did not feature in any of the matches but Villani has not been selected since early 2019.Silver-Holmes made her WBBL debut for Sydney Sixers aged 15 and her WNCL debut for New South Wales at 16 making her the second-youngster player for state. She will bolster Tasmania’s pace-bowling resources as they look to build on last season’s third-place finish.”It’s a really exciting group of players we’ve got here at the Tigers,” head coach Salliann Beams said. “We’ve worked to build both our program and our list over the past few years, and with the additions to our playing group this year, it’s a testament to the staff and players within our program – as well as the wider organisation – that we have players of this calibre wanting to be a part of our team.”Amy Smith, the 16-year-old legspinner, is among the current Tasmania players to sign new deals along with former New Zealand wicketkeeper Rachel Priest. Emma Thompson will miss the 2021-22 season on maternity leave.Tasmania squad Chloe Abel, Nicola Carey (CA contracted), Maisy Gibson, Heather Graham, Corinne Hall, Emma Manix-Geeves, Sasha Moloney, Rachel Priest, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Emily Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Emma Thompson (maternity leave 2021-22), Belinda Vakarewa, Elyse Villani.

Glasgow Rangers have endured a rocky start to the 2024/25 campaign with issues on and off the pitch for Ibrox giants, who are currently playing their home matches at Hampden Park.

The Light Blues have already been knocked out of the Champions League and will be competing in the group phase of the Europa League this term, after their 3-1 defeat on aggregate to Dynamo Kyiv.

Philippe Clement's side were also held to a draw with Hearts on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season, although they did win their second match against Motherwell and beat St. Johnstone in the League Cup.

The Belgian boss, along with those costly European defeats, has also been hit with an injury blow to defender Ridvan Yilmaz, who is set to be out for up to six weeks.

Rangers interested in new left-back

Earlier this month, it was reported by Index, as relayed by Football Scotland, that the Gers are interested in a late swoop for Salernitana left-back Domagoj Bradaric.

It was claimed that the Scottish giants are in the market to add another full-back to their ranks before the end of the window, with free agent Brandon Williams also mentioned as an alternative.

The outlet revealed that the Serie B side are willing to cash in on the defender before the deadline passes next week, but only if the price is right.

It was stated that a loan with an obligation to make the move permanent next summer could be on the cards and that Salernitana would want a fee of around £4.2m to give the go-ahead.

Clement must now push to get a late deal over the line before the end of the window next week as the Croatian talent could come in as an excellent addition to the squad.

Why Bradaric would brilliantly replace Yilmaz

The 24-year-old dynamo could come in as a brilliant replacement for Yilmaz, whilst the Turkey international is out injured, and then provide him with great competition when fit.

With Jefte possibly being used further forward in a left wing position, Bradaric and the former Besiktas star could battle it out for a starting berth later this season.

As you can see in the table above, both players offer a similar level of quality in and out of possession, as creative full-backs who are also strong in duels on the deck.

Both players are somewhat suspect in the air but make up for it by being dominant in ground duels, whilst Bradaric recovers the ball more frequently than Yilmaz.

The Croatian ace also assisted more goals in the Serie A than the Rangers man did in the Premiership, despite averaging fewer key passes per game, and could be a creative threat down the flank.

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Therefore, the Salernitana star could be a brilliant short-term, and possibly long-term, replacement for Yilmaz due to his qualities in and out of possession at left-back, if he can translate that form over to Scotland.