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West Ham United find themselves ready to move on from the dissapointment of last campaign under Graham Potter and have now turned their attention to an England cap also desires by their rivals, according to a report.

West Ham look to kickstart slow transfer window

Without putting too fine a point on it, the Hammers have endured a slow transfer window so far as they weigh up what direction to go down at the London Stadium. Despite a lack of notable links, former scout Mick Brown has detailed that West Ham are set to make a ‘formal approach’ for Rangers striker Hamza Igamane following his debut campaign in Scotland.

He stated: “West Ham are about make a formal move for Igamane. They’ve had scouts up there watching him and he’s one of the names on their radar.

“But I’m told they’re not convinced he’s ready to make the step up to the Premier League. He’s looked impressive for Rangers at times, but he’s playing in a side which finished 17 points short of Celtic, so it’s a difficult one to judge.”

Talks have also been held between the Hammers and Adama Bojang, so there is a clear appetite there for Graham Potter to add attacking reinforcements.

Free transfer: West Ham in contact to sign £100k-p/w star who Potter loves

The Hammers could land themselves a bargain.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 15, 2025

However, the forward line won’t be the only place strengthened by those in the corridors of power. Vladimir Coufal has left West Ham on a free transfer, signalling that a right-back will be on the agenda to replace the experienced Czechia international.

With that in mind, the Londoners could now look to beat one of their city rivals in pursuit of a defender who has been capped by England and is available for free.

West Ham line up Kyle Walker-Peters move

According to CaughtOffside, West Ham have positioned themselves to sign Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, though he is also attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Crystal Palace.

The 28-year-old has been identified by Thomas Frank as a sensible signing and Spurs are front of the queue, but the Hammers are ‘closely monitoring’ his situation and could launch a counter to any attempts from their London rivals to win the race for his signature.

Kyle Walker-Peters’ Premier League campaign in numbers (Fotmob)

Chances created

24

Successful dribbles

38

Recoveries

135

Duels won

145

Fouls won

52

Intriguingly, the former Spurs man has featured in a variety of different positions this campaign, including both flanks, either full-back berth and even as a central defender.

His availability on a free transfer is majorly appealing to top-flight clubs alongside Walker-Peters’ homegrown status, though he has the monopoly of choosing his next destination and will likely take his time to do so.

Labelled “brilliant” by Russell Martin, Everton were also in the running before they opted to sign Kenny Tete on a free transfer from Fulham.

Attracting a significant level of interest, Walker-Peters, who earns £20,000 a week at St Mary’s, is an intriguing proposition on the market this summer and whoever lands him will be laying claim to a wealth of experience and quality.

Preparing to spend big once again this summer, INEOS are now preparing to offer £13m-a-year in contract negotiations with one of their summer targets in the hope of luring him to Manchester United.

INEOS spending big despite financial cuts

Across the last 12 months, a lot has been made about Manchester United’s financial situation. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reiterated that any job cuts or attempt to lower the Red Devils’ budget off the pitch have been necessary for the club to maintain itself. And after Manchester United missed out on Champions League qualification by losing against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, more staff were informed about their redundancy.

Man Utd want Premier League target man to play up front with Mbeumo and Cunha

The Red Devils have already signed Cunha and submitted a bid for Mbeumo.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 6, 2025

It was always difficult to guess just how Manchester United would spend this summer. The redundancies and lack of Champions League football, or European football at all for that matter, suggested that they would need to sell big before they even consider spending.

Yet, in one of the earliest deals of the window, INEOS have already spent big to trigger Matheus Cunha’s £63m release clause and reports have since arrived which give a glimpse as to how the Manchester club have already spent such an impressive fee.

As The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell revealed, Manchester United’s revenue is up and their wage bill is down from what it was, with Ratcliffe’s ruthless redundancies contributing to that.

It means that, even after Cunha, those at Old Trafford still have room to spend and have already set their sights on their next target to do exactly that in the coming weeks.

INEOS preparing stunning £13m-a-year Mbeumo offer

According to The Mirror, INEOS are now preparing to offer Bryan Mbeumo a contract worth £13m-a-year to join Manchester United this summer in what would be five times more than the £50,000-a-week he currently earns at Brentford.

What’s more, Ratcliffe and co. are also reportedly preparing to table a £60m offer to convince Brentford to sell their star man this summer – taking their spend to £123m in the space of just a few weeks.

Mbeumo only wants Manchester United, who are set to offer him a staggering £250,000-a-week to complete a summer switch. Whether the forward is worth such a price is the big question and one that many will disagree on.

Casemiro

£350,000

Bruno Fernandes

£300,000

Mason Mount

£250,000

Bryan Mbeumo

£250,000

Matthijs de Ligt

£195,000

Whilst some may disagree with Manchester United’s reported decision, the stats don’t lie. The Brentford forward hit the 20-goal mark last season and that alone should be enough to put him amongst the Red Devils’ highest earners.

Dubbed “incredible” by Brentford boss Thomas Frank last season, Mbeumo looks destined to become Manchester United’s second big-money signing of the summer.

Newcastle United are now racing to sign a “splendid” goalscoring midfielder, who could be available for a fee of just £17m this summer, according to a report.

Howe sets sights on new midfielder

Newcastle are well-stocked in central midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes’ and Sandro Tonali’s impressive performances this season attracting the attention of Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window.

It is unclear whether the Magpies would be willing to strengthen a direct Premier League rival by selling one of their star midfielders, but if they do decide to cash-in, there are a number of possible replacements on the shortlist.

The PIF are said to have joined a tug-of-war for Man City midfielder James McAtee, while Eddie Howe is particularly fond of Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, with signing a new midfielder deemed to be a priority if Tonali moves on.

Newcastle have strong interest in £25m PL ace who Howe called "magnificent"

The Magpies have set their sights on a Premier League player who Eddie Howe has been left very impressed by.

ByDominic Lund May 4, 2025

Guendouzi specialises in a defensive role, but there are indications that Howe could also be keen on signing a midfielder capable of making an impact in the attacking third of the pitch.

According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are now racing Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest for the signature of Girona maestro Yangel Herrera, with Howe looking to complement his current options in midfield.

Although the rival interest in Herrera may be an issue, there is a sense that a deal could be possible, with the Spanish side willing to sanction his departure for a fee of around €20m (£17m), which would easily be affordable for PIF.

The Venezuelan has been a key player for Girona this season, catching the eye due to his physicality and passing ability, while the central midfielder has also proven himself in front of goal during his time in La Liga…

"Splendid" Herrera impressing on the front foot

The Girona midfielder has been particularly impressive going forward in La Liga this season, picking up four goals and three assists, while ranking in a high percentile across a number of key attacking metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.17 (88th percentile)

Touches (Attacking penalty area)

2.42 (87th percentile)

Shots total

1.84 (92nd percentile)

The Venezuela international is also a dominant force in the air, placing in the 91st percentile for aerials won, and he received high praise from Opta Jose for his attacking output back in March.

Herrera has limited top-level experience, making just five appearances in the Champions League, but Newcastle will need to increase their squad depth to compete on all fronts next season, and the 27-year-old has proven he could be a solid option.

Celtic are pushing on with their hunt for another domestic treble, but they will also be planning ahead for the summer window to navigate potential incomings and departures.

Celtic expecting movement in both directions this summer

The Bhoys only require three more victories at a maximum to guarantee a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title and travel to St Johnstone this weekend hoping to hasten the process ahead off taking on Kilmarnock next Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers could also secure the Scottish Cup should he navigate past the Perthshire side at Hampden later in the month followed by either Hearts or Aberdeen in the final. Still, the Irishman will have one eye on a summer transfer window that is set to produce incomings and outgoings at Parkhead.

Notably, Kieran Tierney will complete an emotional return to Celtic on a free transfer once his contract at Arsenal officially expires. Expected to be joined by plenty of new faces, the Scotland international is likely to become the preferred choice at left-back ahead of next season’s Champions League qualifiers.

Honing in on the engine room, the Hoops also have Augsburg midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj on their radar and the Kosovo international may be attainable for a fee between £3 million and £3.5 million.

Celtic’s upcoming fixtures as run-in begins for Brendan Rodgers

St Johnstone (A)

Scottish Premiership

Kilmarnock (H)

Scottish Premiership

St Johnstone

Scottish Cup semi-final

Optimism is high in Glasgow’s east end over new signings, though several key stars may be linked with moves elsewhere following an excellent campaign for all involved at Parkhead. Reo Hatate, Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda are all players Rodgers will be desperate to keep hold of heading into 2025/26.

Nevertheless, the former Liverpool boss may be forced to part ways with one of his established core in the off-season, per recent developments.

Dinamo Zagreb table significant offer to sign Celtic's Greg Taylor

According to The Daily Record, Dinamo Zagreb have put forward a contract offer to Celtic star Greg Taylor that is deemed to be a ‘significant increase’ on his current £15,000 weekly pay packet at Parkhead.

The Scotland international has also attracted interest from Major League Soccer, which isn’t dead in the water, but a switch Croatia’s reigning champions appears to be his likeliest port of call. Rodgers previously emboldened him to extend his time at the club, though has now publicly conceded defeat on that front.

Celtic have already signed incredible Taylor replacement & it's not Tierney

Celtic have already found their dream replacement for Greg Taylor and it is not Kieran Tierney.

ByDan Emery Apr 2, 2025

Taylor has gone on to become a valiant servant for Celtic since arriving from Kilmarnock back in 2019, registering nine goals and 32 assists in 208 appearances across all competitions.

Playing his part in the Bhoys claiming ten trophies, the Greenock-born man has earned respect from his peers north of the border after seeing off the likes of Boli Bolingoli, Diego Laxalt and Alexandro Bernabei for the first-choice left-back slot in Glasgow.

However, all good things come to an end, and it appears that Tierney’s arrival from Arsenal has prompted Taylor to look elsewhere as he approaches the prime of his career.

The allrounder has scored more than 900 runs and taken 26 wickets to put himself in contention for the higher honours

Tristan Lavalette18-Mar-2024Whenever doubt creeps in, like reconsidering whether to counterattack on a grassy Bellerive Oval surface, Beau Webster has advice from a mentor ringing in his ears.”Get them [the bowlers] before they get you,” experienced Tasmania team-mate Matthew Wade once told him. It’s words of wisdom that have helped unlock Webster’s aggressive batting in Tasmania’s middle-order as he continues to elevate his standing amid Australia’s sudden stock of seam-bowling allrounders.At almost 6 foot 8 he’s slightly taller than Cameron Green – they compared heights recently – and he has a better first-class batting average than Mitchell Marsh.Related

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Sheffield Shield team of the season: Webster, Davies, McAndrew… and who else?

Webster was the standout performer during the Sheffield Shield’s home-and-away season after scoring 914 runs and taking 26 wickets at 28.46. Only Norman O’Neill, Sir Garfield Sobers, and Tom Moody have scored 900 runs and taken 25 wickets in a season as Webster has become the talisman for Tasmania, who will play Western Australia in the final starting on March 21 at the WACA.Much like Marsh, Webster, 30, has rejuvenated his career through a fearless approach at the crease and backing his power-hitting. Making No. 6 his own, Webster is the Shield’s leading run-scorer and averages 65.28 with three hundreds. His strike-rate of 57.48 is made more impressive by his home ground of Bellerive Oval generally sporting a notably green surface and being particularly difficult to bat on during the opening two days of matches.”That positive mindset and the line of ‘get them before they get you’ has really stuck with me,” Webster told ESPNcricinfo. “If I’m going through a tough patch, the first thing that comes into my mind is how can I get more balls that I can score off… and that’s by putting pressure back on.”Having the backing of the playing group and coaches is massive because you do look a bit silly when you play a big shot and get out on a green seamer.”From the small town of Snug, with a population of around 1500 in Tasmania’s south, Webster made his way into the state squad at 18 before making his first-class debut in early 2014. He mainly batted in the top four and he bowled offspin due to having to mostly forego seam bowling because of back issues.

Players with 900 runs and 25 wickets in a Sheffield Shield season:
Norman O'Neill, 1957-58 (1005/26)
Garry Sobers, 1963-64 (973/47)
Tom Moody, 1994-95 (900/26)
Beau Webster, 2023-24 (914/26)

— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) March 15, 2024

Webster showed enough potential that in late 2016, a few months before turning 23, he was selected for Australia A against India A in a two-match red-ball series in Brisbane.He thwarted an attack that boasted Shardul Thakur and Hardik Pandya in a key half-century partnership with Cameron Bancroft to navigate a tricky 159-run target after a deluge spiced up the surface at Allan Border Field.”I got selected off a couple of hundreds at No. 3 in my first 10 [Shield] games,” Webster said. “I definitely got some experience from it [Australia A], but the game has changed a lot since then.”Webster then fell off the national radar after middling results in the top-order, while his spin was effectively part-time. “I don’t think my defence is the best part of my game, so ultimately I was pretty inconsistent batting in the top order,” he said.

It’s going to be a big challenge, but we’re going to tackle it head on. We’ve played some really brave cricket all year and that’s what we’re going to do in the final

His career received an unexpected jolt in early 2020 during a home Shield match against Western Australia. With Green and Sam Whiteman looking impregnable, Tasmania captain Tim Paine was desperate for a wicket and looked beyond his frontline pace attack.He overlooked Webster and instead threw the ball to diminutive batter-wicketkeeper Jake Doran, who was five years into his first-class career but had never bowled at that level before. His innocuous left-arm seamers appeared unconvincing until he nicked off Whiteman with his fifth ball in a dismissal that left an impression on Webster, who was finally given a go only to leak 22 runs off three overs with his spin.”When I saw what [Doran] did I felt like I could have made an impact if I was bowling seam,” Webster said. “The offies were more to give a chop out for a few overs, but I wasn’t really used for the purpose of getting wickets.”Having not long before shifted down to No. 7, with Tasmania’s brains trust wanting to unleash his attacking batting lower in the order, Webster then smashed a typically strong WA pace attack for 187 from as many balls before blasting them over the line in run chase of 235 with an unbeaten 29 from 18 balls.Beau Webster has revived his seam bowling to become a key part of the attack•Getty ImagesIt foreshadowed the future for Webster, who had found the right role. “We needed an allrounder, so batting at No. 7 worked for me and I decided I wanted to seriously take up seam,” he said.Webster excitedly told his then coach Adam Griffith, a former quick, of his plans. “If we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it properly and start from scratch and get your action sorted,” Griffith told him.The Covid-19 shutdowns happened not long after with the final stages of the 2019-20 Shield season cancelled. Isolation and boredom was then experienced for many around the world, but Webster decided to use his time wisely and learn the craft of seam bowling.Firstly he hit the gym hard and got physically stronger before picking the brain of experienced seamer and then team-mate Jackson Bird, who played the last of his nine Tests during the Ashes in 2017-18.”Your strength is moving the ball across the left-hander. Don’t try and shape down the line too much and don’t overdo things early,” Bird told him. “Just get to a position where it’s about getting the confidence to hit a length consistently.”Webster had modest success initially in his new role but stuck to his guns and has moulded into a formidable allrounder. He’s averaged 53.46 with the bat in the last three seasons to lift his first-class mark to 36.44, while this season he has emerged as a genuine wicket-taking option, using his towering height to impressive effect.Webster has rekindled the interest of the national hierarchy and was selected in a strong Prime Minister’s XI team against Pakistan in December. With Green and Marsh cemented in Australia’s Test team, and Aaron Hardie being groomed through the shorter formats, international opportunities might not be forthcoming but those around him know Webster’s ready for the next level.”If someone like Marsh got injured, he would have to be the next player in. He’ll be pushing for that. He’s been huge,” Wade said last week.During the Prime Minister’s XI match, Webster had conversations with national chief selector George Bailey, his former Shield captain. “It was nice recognition to be selected. That team was a genuine Australia A team,” he said. “I think I’m absolutely ready for the next level. But I have to stay in-form and help win games for Tassie.”Webster showed off his match-winning abilities in a pivotal late season match against Victoria when he smashed an unbeaten 167 off 180 balls under pressure and combined with Riley Meredith for a 153-run final-wicket stand. It was the biggest tenth-wicket partnership in Tasmania’s first-class history and proved the difference in a 57-run victory that sealed them a spot in their first final since 2017-18.Webster’s explosive performance laced with a succession of mighty blows to the boundary had shades of what Green did alongside Josh Hazlewood against New Zealand in Wellington. “Bellerive is a high boundary ground, so you can get on a roll. It was a helluva lot of fun,” Webster said.Attack first: Beau Webster takes a positive mindset into the middle•Getty ImagesIt’s the type of belligerent knock that might catch the attention of T20 leagues around the world with Webster eyeing opportunities on the franchise circuit.Last year Webster had a county stint with Essex in the 50-over competition and he also played in the inaugural season of Zimbabwe’s T10 league. For the upcoming off-season he’s locked in a gig with Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast and two County Championship matches against Yorkshire and Glamorgan in June.”It’s my first taste of T20 franchise cricket overseas,” says Webster, who has been a solid performer in recent BBL seasons for Melbourne Stars. “I want to play as much as I can and hopefully it opens some doors. I want to throw everything at the Blast. There will be a lot of eyes watching.”Amongst those watching might be IPL powerbrokers. “I think the IPL is a bit of a lottery. A lot of good players miss out,” Webster said. “That’s not really on my radar, but the other big leagues are.”Before all of that, Webster will be hoping to finish the domestic season with the ultimate success of a Shield title. When Tasmania last won in 2012-13, Webster was a wide-eyed youngster coming through the ranks as he watched Bailey and Ricky Ponting inspire Tasmania to their third title.”I was nowhere near getting into the team back then, barely getting a game for Tasmania in the second XI,” Webster laughed. “When we won, the whole state almost stopped. It was a magical feeling, I’ve really strived to be able to experience that feeling again. It would be really special for the state.”In their way will be two-time defending champions WA as Tasmania journey to Perth after blowing a chance of a home final with a shock loss to South Australia at Bellerive Oval.Tasmania will be fuelled by Wade’s red-ball swansong, but their chances of an upset seemingly hinge with Webster being able to produce a dynamic allround performance to cap a spectacular season.”Wadey in the last half of my career has been massive for me, so there is extra motivation to do well for him,” he said. “It’s going to be a big challenge, but we’re going to tackle it head on. We’ve played some really brave cricket all year and that’s what we’re going to do in the final.”

The opener’s assault against the fastest bowler in IPL 2022 changed the complexion of the game

Hemant Brar02-May-20222:40

Vettori: Gaikwad looks fearless against pace

Ruturaj Gaikwad doesn’t have the big frame of Kieron Pollard. Nor does he possess the bulging biceps of Andre Russell. He has a “six-pack” but he doesn’t muscle the ball. And on Sunday, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he showed he need not, as he took down Umran Malik – the fastest bowler in IPL 2022 – with sheer timing.The pitch for the game in Pune was slightly on the slower side, but this being Gaikwad’s home ground, he knew that once he got his eye in, things would become easier.He started slowly. At the end of five overs, he was on a run-a-ball 18. After he reached 90, he slowed down again, scoring only nine runs off the last seven balls he faced. In between, though, he smashed 72 off 32 balls, his onslaught against Malik changing the complexion of the game.Related

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Chennai Super Kings were 47 for no loss after seven overs when Kane Williamson gave the ball to Malik. Most teams turn to their spinners to control the middle overs but Sunrisers rely on Malik’s pace. His 12 wickets are the most by a seamer in overs 7 to 16 this season.However, Gaikwad decided to take Malik on. On the fast bowler’s very first ball, he skipped down the track, and even though he didn’t get the timing right, he got enough on it to clear mid-off for a couple of runs.But then, as if a switch was flicked. Two balls later, Malik bowled one short outside off. Gaikwad stood tall and slapped him over covers for four. The next ball was fuller around off. Gaikwad wasn’t caught on the back foot. He planted his front foot forward and punched it over long-on for a six.Malik is an out-and-out fast bowler. He rarely bowls a slower one, but here he tried that variation too. Gaikwad was up to it, though, and dabbed it towards backward point with little fuss.Ruturaj Gaikwad holds the pose after hitting Umran Malik for a six over long-off•BCCIThe best was yet to come. In his next over, Malik bowled a 154kph thunderbolt – the fastest delivery of IPL 2022 yet – only for Gaikwad to drive it on the up towards long-on, where a misfield gifted him a boundary. That was followed by a top-edged four, which took him to a 34-ball half-century.Sunrisers were also handicapped by the absence of Washington Sundar, who once again hurt the webbing on his right hand while trying to prevent a boundary. T Natarajan too had a niggle, for which he was off the field for quite some time and, therefore, was allowed to bowl only towards the end of the innings.This resulted in Aiden Markram bowling to a well-set Gaikwad, who lined him up for back-to-back sixes. Gaikwad’s all-out attack meant despite Devon Conway languishing on 29 off 28 balls, Super Kings reached 100 inside 11 overs.Then came, arguably, the shot of the match. In the next over, the 12th of the innings, Malik pitched one fuller. Gaikwad took a short stride forward and extended his arms to drive it over mid-off. Such was the timing that the ball sailed all the way.In all, he took 33 off 13 balls against Malik, without playing a shot in anger. All he did was maintain his shape, and convert timing into power.”I thought the wicket was a little bit slow, and he provided the right pace [to bat against],” Gaikwad said of his attack against Malik. “So I just tried to put him under pressure right from his first over.”

“I don’t like to believe in form because in every game, you start from zero. Irrespective of whatever you have scored in the last game, you have to start again”Ruturaj Gaikwad

He eventually fell for 99 off 57 balls, and while Sunrisers did manage to pull things back somewhat at the death, his innings had already set up the win for Super Kings.This is Gaikwad’s third IPL season. In 2020, he had scores of 0, 5 and 0 in his first three outings before notching up three successive half-centuries. In 2021, he started with 5, 5 and 10 and still finished as the leading run-scorer for the season. This year, it was 0, 0 and 1 and now he has scores of 73 and 99 among his last four knocks.To outsiders, it might feel as if he has a magic wand to turn his form around. But the man himself had an even interesting take.”Personally, I don’t like to believe in form,” he told Star Sports, “because in every game, you start from zero. Irrespective of whatever you have scored in the last game, you have to start again. I believe in that, I believe in starting from zero in each and every game. That’s what has helped.”

The 2025 MLB season has come to a close, and it was capped off by a wild weekend.

While most of the playoff spots had been earned before the weekend, a lot happened over the season's final three days to get us to the final playoff picture. What follows is a chronological look at all the biggest moments from the weekend, starting on Friday.

Tatis Sinks the Snakes

The Diamondbacks somehow stayed in the NL wild-card race over the season's final two months after selling at the deadline. It was a valiant effort from Arizona that ended with a bang on Friday evening.

The Dbacks led the Padres 2–1 in the fourth inning with rotation stalwart Zac Gallen on the hill. The veteran righty loaded the bases, then tried to slip a 95 mph fastball past Fernando Tatis Jr. on a 3–2 count. He immediately regretted it. The ball left Tatis’s bat at 111.7 mph and landed in the second deck at Petco Park for a grand slam.

The Padres took a 5–2 lead en route to an eventual 7–4 win. The loss eliminated Arizona from playoff contention.

Red Sox Walk Off Into the Playoffs

Boston entered the bottom of the ninth of Friday's game against the Tigers locked in a 3–3 tie with their magic number down to one. A two-out single by Romy Gonzalez gave Ceddanne Rafaela the chance to be a hero. He delivered.

Rafaela blasted a 1–0 pitch from Tommy Kahnle off the center field wall. It kicked around in the outfield, and Gonzalez raced home with plenty of time to spare to send Boston to the postseason.

The Red Sox will travel to Yankee Stadium to face their bitter rivals in what should be a blockbuster wild-card series.

Busch Goes Deep Twice as Cubs Clinch

Michael Busch homered twice in the first five innings on Saturday against the Cardinals; the second gave the Cubs a 3–1 lead they never relinquished.

Busch hit a home run, double, and another home run to rack up 10 total bases in his first three at-bats. He ended the game 4-for-4, with two home runs, a double, and a triple, leaving him a single short of the cycle. More importantly, he launched the Cubs to a 7–3 win, which clinched the top wild-card spot and a home series against the Padres in the opening round of the playoffs.

Jahmai Jones Clutch Single Lifts Tigers to Playoffs

After a horrible September that saw them lose their massive lead in the AL Central, the Tigers were able to salvage a playoff spot thanks to a 2–1 win over the Red Sox on Saturday night.

Jahmi Jones had the big hit with a two-out, fifth-inning single that scored two runs and put Detroit in the lead for good.

They closed out the game to finally earn some good news by clinching a playoff spot.

Guardians Unconventional Walk-Off Clinches Spot

The Guardians joined the Tigers in the playoffs in one of the weirdest ways possible Saturday night. Cleveland's remarkable march back into the AL Central race overcame the longest of odds, and what happened in the ninth inning against the Rangers Saturday night only added to the surreal nature of their September surge.

After Rangers reliever Robert Garcia got the first two outs in a 2–2 game, Johnathan Rodriguez walked and Kyle Manzardo singled, sending pinch runner Petey Halpin to third. Texas intentionally walked Gabriel Arias, putting CJ Kayfus at the plate with two outs and the bases loaded.

After getting strike one, Garcia hit Kayfus, forcing in a run and sending the Guardians to the playoffs.

Incredible.

Red Sox Win Central for Cleveland

On Sunday, the Tigers entered Fenway Park on Sunday with a chance to win the AL Central. All they needed to do was beat the Red Sox and hope Cleveland lost. Neither of those things happened.

The Tigers took an early 3–1 lead, but in the bottom of the fourth, Chris Paddack gave up a two-run home run to light-hitting infielder David Hamilton, then back-to-back doubles to Nick Sogard and Jarren Duran.

That gave Boston a 4–3 lead, leaving Detroit with five innings to get another run. The Tigers couldn't do it. They put two on base in the top of the ninth but couldn't bring anyone across and surrendered the division to the Guardians with the loss.

Cleveland's players found out it had won the AL Central during their game with Texas and celebrated.

To top it off, Brayan Rocchio launched a walk-off, three-run home run in the bottom of the 10th against the Rangers to enter the playoffs in style.

Alejandro Kirk Leads Blue Jays Blowout For AL East Crown

Toronto's task was simple on Sunday: beat the Rays and clinch the American League East and the top seed in the AL. The Blue Jays did that. Emphatically.

Alejandro Kirk stepped to the plate in the bottom of the first inning with the game tied 1–1. It didn't stay that way for long. On a 2–2 pitch from Ian Seymour, Kirk sat on a changeup and annihilated it. He sent the ball 387 feet into the left-center field stands at the Rogers Centre, and sent Blue Jays fans into a frenzy.

The rout was on after that, and Toronto wound up taking a 13–4 win. That relegated the Yankees to the AL’s top wild-card slot, setting up a series against the Red Sox.

Mets Complete Collapse, Exit Postseason Picture

The Mets needed to win and get help on Sunday. One of those things happened, the other didn't. The Reds owned the head-to-head tiebreaker with New York, and the two teams entered the day deadlocked with identical 83–78 records. Cincinnati lost to the Brewers 4–2, which meant all New York had to do was beat the Miami Marlins. You can guess what happened.

Miami and its $67 million payroll team bested the franchise with a $323 million payroll by the score of 4–0, as the Mets went out with a whimper. They only mustered five hits off of Edward Cabrera and four relievers. The game and the team's season ended when Francisco Lindor grounded into a double play in the top of the ninth. New York's broadcasters lamented the team's epic collapse.

The Mets had MLB's best record on June 12 at 45–24. They went 38–55 after that. A deserved, depressing ending to the season.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has taken a fresh swipe at Mohamed Salah ahead of the team's Champions League clash with Inter at San Siro on Tuesday evening. Salah has been left out of the squad for the game in Milan following his critical comments after Saturday's draw with Leeds, and his future at the club remains in doubt. Carragher has already branded Salah a "disgrace" for his outburst and has now followed that up with a fresh post on social media.

• Salah in the spotlight amid Liverpool struggles

  Salah vented his frustrations at Liverpool after being left out of the starting XI by Arne Slot for the third straight match against Leeds last time out. The 33-year-old Egypt international, who has scored 250 goals in 420 Liverpool appearances, claimed he had been "thrown under the bus" at Anfield and alleged someone at the club wants him out. Salah also claimed his relationship with head coach Slot had broken down. His comments shocked the football world and drew a critical response from Carragher who dubbed Salah a "disgrace" and claimed his comments were designed to "cause maximum damage and strengthen his own position." Slot has responded by admitting he has "no clue" if Salah will play for the club again and subsequently left him out of the squad travelling to Italy for their Champions League match.

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• Carragher takes fresh swipe at Salah

  Salah has posted an image on social media on Tuesday of himself training alone in the gym at Liverpool while his team-mates are in Milan preparing for their Champions League match without their talisman. Carragher has reacted to the post by responding: "I'm not sure I've wanted Liverpool to win a game more than tonight for a long time! Come you mighty reds."

• Will Salah play for Liverpool again?

  While Salah will play no part against Inter, it's still not clear if he will feature for the Reds again. Slot's side are in Premier League action on Sunday against Brighton, a fixture which will be Salah's last before he is due to link up with the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Liverpool boss has been asked if Salah will feature against the Seagulls but was coy in his response. He told : "We are here for the Inter game. And I think you can understand that the last two days were already a lot. A lot of things going on, after conceding in the last minute against Leeds. Not for the first time this season. Then what happened afterwards. So I think you can understand that my full focus is now on Inter Milan, and we will see what the future is."

  Slot was quizzed further on the saga with Salah and added only: "No, far from ideal. Not good for anyone. First of all, not for the club, not for the team, not for him as well. So, far from ideal, but, yeah, we reacted in the way we did not to take him here. And that tells you what we felt about his comments."

  The drama has brought a fresh wave of speculation about Salah's future, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal reportedly willing to sign the forward in the January transfer window if he does decide to move on from Liverpool.

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  Liverpool face tough task in Italy

  Liverpool must now focus on their clash with Inter and what promises to be tough match against the Serie A giants. The Nerazzurri, who reached last season's Champions League final, head into the game with four wins from their opening five matches in the competition and are also currently sitting in third place in the Serie A table. The Reds were humbled 4-1 last time out in the competition at home to PSV and know another poor result will pile more pressure on Slot during what's fast become a nightmare second season at Anfield for the Dutchman.

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Athletico-PR e Internacional se enfrentam neste domingo (21), pela terceira rodada do Brasileirão 2024. A bola vai rolar a partir das 16h (de Brasília), na Ligga Arena, em Curitiba (PR), com transmissão da Globo (Aberta no Paraná), TNT Sports (Fechada), Cazé TV (Youtube) e REDE FURACÃO (Streaming).

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🗓️ Data e horário: domingo, 21 de abril de 2024, às 16h (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Ligga Arena, em Curitiba (PR),
📺 Onde assistir: Premiere, TNT Sports, Cazé TV e RECE FURACÃO
🟨 Árbitro: Felipe Fernandes de Lima (MG)
🚩Assistentes: Guilherme Dias Camilo (Fifa-MG) e Celso Luiz da Silva (MG). VAR: Marcio Henrique Gois (SP).

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⚽PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

Athletico-PR (Técnico: Cuca)
Bento, Léo Godoy, Kaique Rocha, Thiago Heleno, Esquivel; Fernandinho, Christian, Zapelli, Cuello, Canobbio, Pablo (Mastriani).

Internacional (Técnico: Coudet)
Sergio Rochet; Fabricio Bustos, Vitão, Gabriel Mercado (Robert Renan) e Renê; Thiago Maia, Bruno Henrique e Mauricio; Wanderson; Wesley e Rafael Borré.

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Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are yet to oversee a repeat of their Wrexham success in another venture with South American club La Equidad, with that team – which also includes Eva Longoria among its backers – ending the 2025 Colombian top-flight campaign in last place. There is only one way up from the bottom, with a major rebrand set to be delivered in 2026.

Relocation project: Why La Equidad are being moved

A standing at the foot of the division was confirmed on Wednesday when taking in a final outing of what has been a disastrous season. La Equidad did win that contest, against Deportivo Pereira, 4-0 but were unable to become upwardly mobile.

They will be hoping positive steps in the right direction are taken next season, but will no longer be operating in their current guise. The team will compete under a new name, while donning different colours, in 2026 as Reynolds and Longoria begin to make their mark.

Colombian reporter Felipe Sierra said at the time of relocation proposals first being aired: “Not only is the name change being evaluated, but also the change of city. It is one of the alternatives, although the name is almost a fact. Next week the document has to be signed to make the transfer official.”

AdvertisementGettyBright future: Big plans for Colombian outfit

Fans were encouraged to attend the final fixture in 2025 as La Equidad took to the field one last time. The club posted on social media: “Let’s experience together the close of a story that defined Colombian football.”

Club president Nicolas Maya delivered an end-of-season message as he outlined the team’s vision for what they hope will be a brighter future. He apologised for the shocking 2025 campaign, with La Equidad ending the year with a record of three wins against 12 defeats and a goal difference of -15.

Maya said: “We know that the sporting results this season were not what we expected nor what our fans deserve. We made risky decisions, betting on young talent and building a model with projection, but not everything went as we wanted. Even so, we are convinced it was a necessary step to start building something lasting and sustainable.”

He hinted at the mooted rebranding being announced shortly, saying of the planned changes that are about to be implemented: “Many of them will be known soon.” La Equidad are preparing to move out of their Bogota base.

Who forms part of the La Equidad ownership group?

The team was taken over by a U.S. consortium in January 2025. Said group is fronted by real estate investor Al Tylis and Club Necaxa executive Sam Porter but also includes Reynolds, Mac, Longoria, MLB superstar Justin Verlander and his model wife Kate Upton.

They are said to have purchased a 99 per cent stake in La Equidad at a valuation of over $30 million (£23m) – as reported by .

It remains to be seen what the new ownership team have in store, with it possible that inspiration will be taken from other ventures at Wrexham and Necaxa. Reynolds, Mac and Longoria have made a point of combining their sporting interests with their love of storytelling, with documentary series being delivered in Wales and Mexico.

Those productions are intended to cover resurgences on and off the field, with ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ opening up a window to the world for a club that has risen out of the National League in British football and to within touching distance of the Premier League.

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Getty Images EntertainmentAnother documentary after success at Wrexham & Necaxa?

A docuseries all about Necaxa – who boast ex-Arsenal and Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil among their investors – was released on FX and Hulu in August 2025. With Reynolds, Mac and Longoria among the executive producers, that show intends to showcase how celebrity owners will “reignite the soul of one of Mexico’s most storied football clubs”.

A similar project could be lined up for La Equidad, as they enter a bold new era, with famous faces behind the scenes hoping to oversee a renaissance there that delivers more drama for a worldwide audience that can be drawn in through global streaming services.