Manchester United got themselves back on track with a vital three points in the Premier League this weekend and supporters will be intrigued to see that one of their targets has been unsettled after an approach from the Old Trafford club.

Manchester United look to build on win over Chelsea

Ruben Amorim has faced plenty of critics this term as his side look to put some troubling times behind them at Old Trafford, and he will feel vindicated in his decision to remain firm on his system after seeing off Chelsea last weekend.

Despite Casemiro’s dismissal and a late Trevoh Chalobah reply from the visitors, Manchester United are now only three points off the Premier League top four and have an encouraging run of matches to come where they will hope to pick up valuable results.

While Amorim’s side have come under the microscope after a mixed start to the season, the former Sporting boss admitted his side made it harder for themselves than it needed to be against Chelsea, though lauded his players after finding a way to come through proceedings.

He stated via BBC Sport: “Every win especially in this moment is important, against a great opponent. We started the game in the right way. Really aggressive. The red card helped us dominate the game but we were already there. We scored two goals and then we tried to complicate our game again. It’s always complicated with us. It should have been different this game.”

Face-to-face consultations between Amorim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe paint their own story. However, it appears both parties are in this for the long haul, and the Red Devils will be aware of the danger that comes with regularly trading in managers before they have time to see through their project.

Above all, Manchester United remain an appealing environment for players due to their status as an elite football club, something reflected in recent comments surrounding one of their targets from an existing Premier League manager.

Fabian Hurzeler admits Carlos Baleba unsettled by Man Utd approach

Speaking to GOAL, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler has admitted Carlos Baleba could be unsettled after Manchester United made a summer approach for the Cameroon international. In the end, the Red Devils couldn’t force a deal over the line, but the German boss has now issued a revealing response that indicates he has been influenced by the thought of a move to Old Trafford.

Better than Casemiro: Ten Hag sold "incredible" Man Utd star for just £9m

Manchester United must now regret offloading one talent given his rise away from Old Trafford.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 22, 2025

Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte remain to anchor the midfield alongside much debate as to Bruno Fernandes’ role, and there will be a sense of unfinished business in the market for Manchester United that they will hope to rectify in January.

Ultimately, the Red Devils need to deal with the options they have at their disposal for now, though it doesn’t seem like a move is off the table for Baleba further down the line.

Switzerland and Como Women’s star Alisha Lehmann has been having some fun on the training ground with Johan Djourou while on international duty. The former Arsenal defender is currently working as the assistant coach of the Swiss women’s team and was taking part in some drills when a simple error saw Lehmann jokingly request some assistance from VAR.

• Lehmann back with Switzerland team

  Lehmann is back with the Swiss national team for October's international friendlies against Canada and Scotland. The Como star has been showing off her skills on the training ground but hit a problem after a pass to Djourou seemingly went astray. Lehmann was convinced that Djourou could have headed the ball and kept possession, but the assistant coach refused to accept the blame and revealed that "heading is not allowed." The footage was posted on social media, with Lehmann then asking fans to take on the role of the VAR and decide who was in the right and who was in the wrong.

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• Lehmann wins the vote

  Lehmann appears to have been given the benefit of the doubt, with a quick poll on social media going in the former Juventus and Aston Villa star's favour. The Swiss star boasts over 16 million followers on Instagram, making the decision no real surprise, and leaving Djorou feeling a little hard done by. 

  "But honest people, what is this?" he said. Lehmann then asked Djourou what he'd learned from the experience and was told: "I learned that people love you, because it's you. And I have no chance. I have no chance!"

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lehmann feeling Swiss 'passion' after Euro 2025

  Lehmann has spoken about her passion for the Swiss national team recently and feels there is room for growth for the Euro 2025 hosts. She told : "The Euros were unforgettable. It was emotional seeing how many people came out to support us. I really believe it changed how people see women’s football in Switzerland and beyond. The passion is there, the audience is real. Now it’s about turning that momentum into long-term growth.”

A “world-class” forward is now a top attacking target for Tottenham Hotspur, alongside AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Spurs vying to sign Son Heung-min replacement

Son Heung-min has proven he still has plenty left to give since making the move to LAFC in the summer, with the South Korean picking up eight goals and three assists in his opening nine MLS games, so Tottenham may be ruing the decision to sanction a sale.

Initially, Xavi Simons featured at left-wing in Son’s place, but the Dutchman has since moved into a more central role, with Wilson Odobert being given the nod against Leeds United, but the young Frenchman is still yet to register a Premier League goal contribution this term.

On the opposite flank, Mohammed Kudus has made a more impressive start, scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 victory against Leeds, but Thomas Frank may feel he is a little light on top-quality options on the left.

As such, it is no doubt exciting news that Spurs are preparing a January move for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, with Frank of the belief the 25-year-old would be the “perfect fit” in his squad.

With nine goal contributions to his name in the Premier League already this season, a move to a Champions League club could provide the platform for Semenyo to become one of the best wingers in the world.

Tottenham now in contact to sign "complete" fast winger ahead of Rangers

He would be one for the future for Spurs.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 12, 2025

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Semenyo is one of Tottenham’s top targets to replace Son, but so is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, with the north Londoners expected to spend a significant amount of money on a new left-winger.

Spurs came close to signing Lookman in the summer, at which point he was valued at £43m, but the deal fell through, as the Italian club were unwilling to sanction a loan move and wanted a permanent sale.

Since then, however, the forward has worked his way back into first-team contention, starting against FC Como last time out, and the Nigerian’s previous exploits suggest he could be a fantastic addition to Frank’s squad…

"World-class" Semenyo could flourish at N17

BBC reporter John Bennett hailed the Atalanta forward in light of his remarkable performances across 2024, perhaps most notably scoring a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League to lead his side to victory against Bayer Leverkusen.

Since leaving England for Italy, the London-born attacker has also maintained a very impressive goal and assist record in the Serie A.

Season

Serie A appearances

Goal contributions

2022-23

31

21

2023-24

31

19

2024-25

31

20

There may be some concerns over the fact Lookman hasn’t set the world alight in England in the past, scoring just four goals in 48 games for Everton, but he has clearly developed since then, and at 27-years-old, the ex-Fulham man may now be in his prime.

Seventh wicket stand of 96 keeps honours even after Mason Crane takes three on opening day

ECB Reporters Network29-Jun-2025

James Bracey remains unbeaten overnight•Getty Images

Gloucestershire 279 for 7 (Akhter 58, Bracey 57*, Crane 3-55) vs Glamorgan A seventh wicket stand of 96 between James Bracey and Zaman Akhter gives Gloucestershire hope at the end of a hard-fought and fluctuating opening day in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two clash with Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens.Glamorgan looked to have taken complete control of proceedings shortly after tea with leg-spinner Mason Crane (3 for 55) ripping through the visitors’ middle-order but Gloucestershire’s early evening counterpunch ensures that at 279 for 7 they have a foothold in this absorbing contest.Having asked the visitors to bat beneath cloudy skies Glamorgan’s seamers failed to threaten in the early exchanges as Gloucestershire’s openers, Cameron Bancroft and Joe Phillips, serenely progressed to a half-century partnership midway through the morning session. It was a masterclass in low-risk batting, the pair expertly rotating the strike and simply waiting for the bad balls to arrive before duly dispatching them to the boundary.With the Glamorgan quicks struggling to create chances and sustain pressure, Sam Northeast, turned to Ben Kellaway’s spin after just 25 overs of the morning session, a decision which soon paid dividends. With his ninth delivery, Kellaway removed Phillips for 38, the Gloucestershire man’s leg-glance superbly caught by Chris Cooke’s behind the stumps to give Glamorgan their first breakthrough with the score on 77.Buoyed by that success, leg-spinner Mason Crane was introduced to work in tandem with Kellaway and found some instant grip and turn. However, Bancroft and Oli Price stood firm to guide the visitors to lunch on 90 for 1, with Bancroft having progressed to an unbeaten 45. A satisfying morning’s work having been asked to bat.The former Australia Test-star looked in ominous form and when he steered Timm van der Gugten to the third-man fence shortly after lunch he brought up his fifth consecutive County Championship score of 50 or more. At that stage, you could have forgiven Glamorgan for fearing the worst, in his last two red-ball innings against the Welsh county, Bancroft had registered 184 and 163 and came into the match off the back of scoring 58 and 176 in Gloucestershire’s thrilling draw with Derbyshire last week.Therefore, the relief among the home players and supporters was almost palpable when van der Gugten trapped the shuffling Bancroft LBW in his next over without any further damage inflicted, the Gloucestershire skipper departing for exactly 50 to leave the visitors on 97 for 2.Miles Hammond joined Ollie Price and put on 43 for the third wicket, but both men struggled for rhythm and fluency, particularly against the accuracy of Crane, and when left-hander Hammond prodded at a googly, he could only guide it straight into the hands of Kiran Carlson at first slip.It was the first of three wickets to fall for just 8 runs, Crane picking up Graeme van Buuren caught behind for 4, before Price’s stodgy stay came to an end with a mistimed pull shot off James Harris which picked out Carlson at mid-wicket. It rather summed up Price’s struggles, his 24 runs coming off 93 deliveries and the visitors were suddenly at a rather precarious looking 148 for 5. By tea, they had limped to 156 for 5 – the afternoon session had yielded just 66 runs in 32 overs for the loss of 4 wickets.It appeared Glamorgan’s stranglehold would continue when Crane picked up the wicket of Ben Charlesworth shortly after tea. The tall left-hander pinned LBW for 16 by a sharp turning leg-break and with Gloucestershire having slipped to 179 for 6, Glamorgan were now firmly in the box seat.However, the ever-dependable Bracey and Akhter had other ideas, launching an early evening counter-attack which added 96 runs in 24 overs. Akhter the chief aggressor, blazing 58 from just 67 balls with 10 fours before falling LBW to van der Gugten (2 for 45) in the penultimate over of the day. Bracey remains unbeaten on 57 and will hope he can find some more willing allies tomorrow and push Gloucestershire’s first innings total towards 300 and beyond.

Milan Rathnayake, who is uncapped in white-ball internationals, also receives a call-up but his involvement depends on fitness

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Jun-2025Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has returned to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the series against Bangladesh, having been unavailable for the Australia series in February due to injury. He replaces the now-injured Lahiru Kumara in the ODI squad.Also in the 16-member ODI squad is allrounder Milan Rathnayake, who has played five Tests but is uncapped in white-ball internationals. His involvement depends on fitness – he is out of the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh with a side strain, but is expected to have recovered by the time the ODIs begin, on July 2.Making a return on the batting front is wicketkeeper-batter Sadeera Samarawickrama, who last played for Sri Lanka in November 2024, and was dropped due to modest form. He essentially replaces Nuwanidu Fernando in the squad.Seamer Eshan Malinga also keeps his place, having had a good run with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025. Asitha Fernando is the other fast bowler in the 16-member squad.The remainder of the squad is largely on expected lines. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana lead the spin contingent, which also features legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay and left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage. The likes of Avishka Fernando and Nishan Madushka are also competing for top-order spots, having been named in this squad.The first two ODIs will be played in Colombo, before the series moves to Pallekele on July 8. A three-match T20I series follows, with the first match on July 10 in Pallekele.Sri Lanka’s ODI squadCharith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga

Stumps On a surface that Bangladesh’s batters had laboured on a day earlier, Sri Lanka’s batters made hay, as a 194-run second-wicket stand between Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal took the hosts to a 43-run lead at stumps on day two.At the close, nightwatcher Prabath Jayasuriya was in the middle to keep Nissanka – unbeaten on 146 – company, as light began to fade quickly. Jayasuriya had survived a few nervy moments, including a lbw review late, but Sri Lanka went home the happier of the two sides.Related

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• Sri Lanka surprised by uneven bounce on 'unusual' SSC pitch

Chandimal fell 93 late in the final session, agonisingly short of a 17th Test hundred, attempting a reverse sweep, giving Bangladesh some consolation. The only other wicket had been Lahiru Udara, who had made a meaningful 40 during an 88-run opening stand before being trapped lbw shortly after lunch.In-between those two wickets though, Nissanka was the headline act of another day of Sri Lankan dominance. His was an innings that showed all aspects of the man, from the stoicism which brought him a gritty Test ton on debut, to the belligerence that made him Sri Lanka’s first ever ODI double centurion.With Bangladesh’s final two wickets picked up inside the first hour of play in the morning session, Sri Lanka would have been wary of not succumbing to the same pitfalls that befell the Bangladesh batters, particularly on a wicket that was turning out to not be as batter-friendly as first assumed.But from the very first delivery he faced, an insouciant back foot punch through the covers for four, Nissanka set the tone – and showed that he, and the rest of the Lankan batters, would not be afraid to pounce on any errors. As it turned out there were a fair few of those in the first 10 overs of the Lankan innings, as Sri Lanka racked up nine boundaries in the opening salvo. Their run rate during that time a staggering 5.5.But over the next 11 overs – up until the end of the session – Sri Lanka scored just 28 runs, as Bangladesh led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam reeled things back. And so the innings would ebb and flow in a similar vein, as Sri Lanka gave due respect to the bowlers for their stints of disciplined bowling, but jolted into action when anything loose was on offer.Pathum Nissanka celebrates his fourth Test ton•Associated Press

For much of the final session, it was more of the former as Bangladesh kept things very tight for the first hour or so after tea – attempting to frustrate the Sri Lankan batters with a barrage of short deliveries; Nissanka took two blows on the grill so as to attest to this strategy. It was during this period where runs were at their most premium, but both Nissanka and Chandimal showed admirable patience and refused to take the bait.This was primarily down to the fact that Sri Lanka were confident in the knowledge that runs would be available elsewhere at some point. And so it proved. Twenty-eight runs were scored in the first 12 overs after tea. The next 16 overs brought 72 runs at 4.5 an over.The seamers in particular received a brunt of Sri Lanka’s aggression, with neither Ebadot Hossain nor Nahid Rana able to stick to the consistent lines and lengths that had so well served Sri Lanka’s seam pairing. They had bowled a combined 19 overs for 87 runs, and it might have been worse if not for that period in which they peppered the batters with bouncers in an attempt to dry up the runs.Nayeem Hasan, meanwhile, struggled to replicate the nagging lengths that made him such a difficult proposition in Galle. Though Nissanka and Chandimal did their part admirably in not letting the young spinner settle.In just his second over they struck him for a trio of boundaries, punishing anything too short or too full. Of the 43 deliveries Nayeem bowled to the pair, 45 runs were scored. Nayeem though wound up getting the final say on the day, grabbing the wicket of Chandimal, though he’ll need to put forward a better showing tomorrow if Bangladesh are to keep Sri Lanka from batting them out of the game.At the start of the day, Taijul had shown promise with the bat during a 60-ball 33. He had taken on some short bowling from the seamers, while confidently stepping out against the seamers. Such was his confidence, he was even shielding numbers 10 and 11 from the strike.Sri Lanka though, like they had done throughout day one, stuck to their plans, which in this instance involved lots of short stuff to push the batters back, before sneaking in something fuller. It was this strategy that got the first break of the morning, as Ebadot was caught on his crease that he ideally should have been coming forward to.It wasn’t all perfect for Sri Lanka, however, as they added yet another drop to their catalogue of missed chances in the innings – Kamindu Mendis spilling a low chance off Taijul at mid-off. But Sonal Dinusha returned shortly after, and took just three deliveries to get the last man, as Taijul skied one for mid-off to safely pouch.

Manchester City are preparing a club record bid worth more than £100m to sign a Paris Saint-Germain star who is a mix of Paul Pogba and Casemiro.

Man City after new midfielders with Bernardo Silva out of contract in 2026

Despite a busy summer transfer window that saw Man City spend more than £180m, there are already Etihad rumours of more cash being splashed in 2026.

Man City signings	From	Fee
Tijjani Reijnders	AC Milan	£46.5m
Rayan Ait Nouri	Wolves	£36m
Rayan Cherki	Lyon	£34m
James Trafford	Burnley	£27m
Gianluigi Donnarumma	PSG	£26m
Sverre Nypan	Rosenborg	£12.5m
Marcus Bettinelli	Chelsea	Undisclosed

Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders was City’s most expensive addition in the summer, whereas Sverre Nypan also arrived at the Etihad before being loaned out to Middlesbrough.

Midfield does appear to be an area where City want to bolster even further, though, especially with Bernardo Silva being out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

Talking in his pre-match press conference before Man City’s Champions League clash with Monaco, Pep Guardiola hailed Silva, calling him “one of the best players ever in training”.

“He cannot do better as a captain. He is one of the best players ever in training, it is a luxury for me to have had him these 10 years. He is intelligent, smart. I am really happy to have him and of course he accepts the role (as captain). He is doing really well.”

Man City now circling to sign £70m Premier League star with 6 G/A in 2025/26

City are looking to sign a new attacker, who is near the top of the goal-scoring charts at the start of the Premier League season.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 30, 2025

Meanwhile, star midfielder Rodri was missing from Saturday’s Premier League victory over Burnley. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was absent for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign through injury, however, Guardiola admitted that Rodri is already feeling better.

“Yes (he is fit to start) He feels much better. Day by day to feel how best he feels and the game against Burnley he didn’t feel good, today he feels a little bit better.”

Man City ready £100m+ bid to sign PSG star Neves

Now, reports from Spain have revealed that Man City are preparing a €120m (£105m) bid to sign Joao Neves from PSG, a fee which would eclipse the current transfer record that saw Jack Grealish arrive from Aston Villa.

However, it is suggested that PSG have already made it clear that Neves is an ‘essential part of Luis Enrique’s plan and has no intention of negotiating his departure’.

Any offer will be rejected, but City loves Neves’ versatility and will need patience if they are to secure the Portugal international’s services in the future.

Midfielders similar to Neves (Football Transfers database)	Club
Casemiro	Man Utd
Adam Wharton	Crystal Palace
Paul Pogba	Monaco
Aleix Garcia	Bayer Leverkusen
Romeo Lavia	Chelsea

As can be seen, Neves has been compared to former Man Utd midfielder Pogba and current Red Devils player Casemiro among others.

The 21-year-old can play as a holding midfielder or in a box-to-box role and is currently under a €4.82m per year contract until 2029.

Cristiano Ronaldo achieved his milestone 950th career goal as Al-Nassr comfortably beat Al-Hazm 2-0 to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Saudi Arabian top-flight. Joao Felix opened the scoring in the first half with a brilliant header, while his compatriot and Portugal captain finished the job with a precise strike from close range to secure another crucial three points for his club.

Al-Nassr edge out Al-Hazm to extend winning streak

Al-Hazm showed resilience in the first half as they patiently defended against a more dominant Al-Nassr side. Goalkeeper Bruno Varela made a couple of excellent saves in the first half from Angelo Gabriel and Sadio Mane efforts as the hosts managed to keep a clean sheet until the 25th minute when the league leaders finally broke the deadlock. 

Ayman Yahya received a long ball from defence and made a run down the left side before sending an inch-perfect cross inside the box. Felix was left unmarked as the Portuguese striker found the back of the net with a clinical header to finally break the deadlock for the visitors. Thereafter, Al-Nassr dominated proceedings in the remainder of the first half as Hazm's priority seemed to be keeping the scoreline at 0-1 until the half-time whistle.

The hosts, however, bounced back in the second half as they went in search of an equaliser. Al-Nassr, on the other hand, had a quiet start to the second 45 minutes, as they found it difficult to break into the Al-Hazm box, thanks to some compact defending.

Ronaldo did have some moments in the second half as he tried to feed Kingsley Coman and Mane with a few quality passes but the star-studded Al-Nassr attack failed to add to their tally. The Portugal legend, however, managed to get his name on the scoresheet towards the end of the match as he picked up his 950th career goal from Coman's assist. The move was initiated by Mane, who took a sudden turn near the centre circle and beat his marker before sending a through ball on the right flank for Coman. The Frenchman ran into the box and found Ronaldo with a low cross and the 40-year-old sealed the game with a quality finish from close range. 

Al-Nassr, who turned 70 a day ago, celebrated their milestone birthday with a comfortable win over Al-Hazm as the Saudi Pro League giants maintained their 100 per cent record in the league.

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Felix's purple patch continued in the 2025-26 campaign as he maintained his unbelievable goalscoring form by netting his ninth goal in the Saudi Pro League in only his sixth league appearance for the club on Saturday. With Ronaldo transforming himself into more of a provider, Felix has taken up the role of an out-and-out No.9 and has been delivering consistently for the Saudi giants. 

The big loser

Al-Nazm defenders tried their hearts out to keep the star-studded Al-Nassr silent throughout the game and, to some extent, had succeeded as the visitors did not have many positive and looked less lethal than in other matches in the 2025-26 campaign. However, they were caught napping in two crucial moments, which led to Al-Nassr's goals. In a crunch clash like this, there was never any margin of error for the defenders. 

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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has led the Lilywhites to a pretty promising start so far this season, but one internal decision has sparked some debate.

Thomas Frank averaging close to 2 points per game at Spurs

Following their gritty 2-1 win over Leeds United just prior to the international break, Frank has averaged close to 2 points per game over his first 11 games at Spurs so far.

Ex-chairman Daniel Levy’s controversial decision to axe former boss Ange Postecoglou, who guided them to their first major trophy in 17 years last season, looks vindicated as the Australian endures a torrid time at new side Nottingham Forest.

Matches

11

Wins

5

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

As Postecoglou struggles to chalk up his first Forest win after replacing Nuno Espírito Santo, with reports suggesting that Tricky Trees owner Evangelos Marinakis is considering his unceremonious sacking already, Frank’s tenure in North London has been very positive by contrast.

While some concerns surrounded their performances against Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, with Tottenham rescuing dramatic draws against the two teams they were expected to beat comfortably, Frank has certainly solidified what was a fragile-looking Spurs side.

Only Premier League leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer goals than Tottenham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace over the first top flight games of 25/26, and Spurs’ performance at Leeds was built upon their newly-found resilience as a unit.

Tottenham ended the Yorkshire side’s year-long unbeaten run at home in the league by overcoming Daniel Farke and co at Elland Road, whilst also ending their torrid record of seven consecutive defeats in games just before an international break.

Frank is undoubtedly making his mark at N17, with the Dane also deciding his leadership group to spearhead Spurs through a long campaign where they’ll be competing on multiple fronts.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, who have been called one of the best centre-back partnerships in world football, are among the chosen leaders, with long-serving defender Ben Davies, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and playmaker James Maddison making up rest of the five.

However, pundit John Wenham has been left shocked by a key omission from the group.

Pundit "surprised" by key Thomas Frank decision at Tottenham

Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham believes that right-back Pedro Porro should be in there.

The Spaniard, who’s played the fifth most league minutes out of any Tottenham player under Frank, has also made more clearances per 90 on average than all of his teammates in the top flight this season (WhoScored).

The 26-year-old has attracted criticism at times, but he was a solid candidate for the leadership group, with Wenham left “surprised” by Frank’s decision not to include Porro given the defender was captained for the very first time against Doncaster Rovers.

The former Sporting CP star, who was originally signed to slot into former boss Antonio Conte’s wing-back system, has gone on to make 116 appearances in all competitions.

His flair as an attack-minded full-back has seen Porro rack up 22 total assists for the club, including a sumptuous cross for van de Ven to head home against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League most recently — which eventually helped to prevent a humbling defeat in Norway.

Frank has also compared Porro to Real Madrid and former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, so while the Dane doesn’t view him as one of the leaders, it is clear how highly he’s rated by Tottenham’s new boss.

Juventus have decided to part ways with head coach Igor Tudor, ending their seven-month journey together in which he guided the club to a top-four Serie A finish and Champions League qualification. But after an eight-game winless run and mounting pressure, the club have acted decisively by appointing Juventus Next Gen coach Massimo Brambilla as a stopgap while directors probe short-term fixes and long-term replacements to steady a wounded team.

• Juventus sack head coach Igor Tudor

  Juventus confirmed the sacking of head coach Tudor on Monday after an alarming eight-game winless run that leaves the club languishing outside the Champions League places. The decision was driven by the team’s ongoing struggles in front of goal and the sense that Tudor’s ideas had failed to take hold. The 46-year-old, who joined Juventus in March, departs just months after signing a contract extension until 2027.

  Juventus went to the Stadio Olimpico aiming for a response but instead suffered a 1-0 loss to Lazio that underlined a wider crisis. The Bianconeri have now failed to score in four consecutive games and are eight matches without a win. The attack has dried up and despite deploying two strikers at times, the final third has been blunt, chances have been wasted and defensive lapses punished. Como’s earlier surprise win and the subsequent run of draws and defeats revealed structural problems rather than one-off bad luck.

  After the final whistle on Sunday, tensions spilled over in Turin and inside the club the decision was taken: Tudor would be relieved. Before the announcement, the Croatian faced the media and addressed his players’ responsibility and morale, offering a mixture of realism and defiance. He insisted the squad must stay united and work harder to fix their mistakes which could be a message aimed at keeping dressing-room cohesion even as the board prepared a managerial change.

  "Juventus FC announces that it has today relieved Igor Tudor of his duties as head coach of the Men's First Team, along with his staff consisting of Ivan Javorcic, Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci," a statement read.

  "The Club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers.
  "

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• AFP
  

  Tudor’s brief but eventful reign in Italy

  Tudor’s tenure began with promise. Appointed in March 2025 to replace Thiago Motta, he was tasked with stabilising Juventus and leading them back into the top four, a goal he achieved, securing Champions League qualification and earning a two-year extension until 2027. His early record spoke volumes with five wins, three draws, one defeat in nine Serie A matches.

  Under Tudor, Juventus displayed renewed tactical discipline and defensive stability. He reintroduced aggression and compact pressing, while young stars like Kenan Yildiz flourished under his guidance. “We feel terrible, but we need to stick together and pull through,” Tudor had said after the 1-0 defeat to Lazio. “Everyone is responsible — we’ll play again in two days, and with a win we can get going again.”

  But the momentum evaporated quickly. Juve have now gone four matches without a goal and eight without a win, a sequence that saw them crash out of domestic rhythm and stall in Europe. Their last victory came in mid-September with a thrilling 4-3 win over Inter, but since then, their attack has dried up. Even Tudor admitted after the Lazio defeat:

  “Today we tried with two strikers, we were there and had chances, but we’re definitely missing something. When you get to the final 20 meters, someone has to score, otherwise you get punished.”

  The loss to Lazio was the tipping point. Fans grew restless, and internal discussions intensified as the gap widened between Tudor’s tactical stubbornness and the club’s evolving vision under incoming CEO Damien Comolli.

• Who could be Juventus’ next manager?

  With Brambilla appointed only as a temporary solution, Juventus have already begun evaluating long-term candidates. According to multiple reports, Roberto Mancini, Luciano Spalletti and Raffaele Palladino top the list.

  Mancini, recently departed from Saudi Arabia, brings experience and composure, with a track record that includes a Premier League title, three Serie A crowns and the Euro 2020 triumph with Italy. His structured yet flexible style appeals to Juventus’ management, who seek stability and tactical maturity.

  Spalletti, the architect of Napoli’s 2023 Scudetto, represents another high-profile choice. Known for fluid football and nurturing young talent, his methods align closely with Comolli’s long-term vision for Juventus with a dynamic, high-tempo side built around emerging stars like Yildiz and Jonathan David.

  Palladino, though less experienced, has admirers within the club for his progressive ideas and his success with Monza and Fiorentina. From abroad, names such as Edin Terzic and Marco Rose have also surfaced, both renowned for their modern tactical identities and youth development credentials.

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  Brambilla steps in to begin Juve's new chapter

  In the wake of Tudor’s dismissal, Brambilla steps up from Juventus Next Gen with the task of steadying a side short on confidence and cohesion. This is not unfamiliar territory for the 51-year-old coach, who has earned respect within the club for his tactical clarity, calm temperament, and commitment to developing young talent.

  Brambilla first managed Juventus Next Gen between 2022 and mid-2024, leading them to the Coppa Italia Serie C final and the Serie C play-offs, where they achieved their best-ever league finish clinching the seventh spot. After briefly departing, he returned to the setup in November 2024, taking charge of a struggling side that had won just once in 14 matches. Within months, Brambilla revitalised the squad, steering them clear of relegation danger and back into the play-off zone. His success in nurturing players like Dean Huijsen and Yildiz showcased his ability to blend youth with a structured, attacking philosophy.

  That same progressive mindset now gives Juventus hope. Brambilla favours constructive, possession-based football, encouraging vertical play and intelligent pressing – an approach that contrasts Tudor’s rigid structure. As Juventus prepares for a demanding run, starting with Udinese, then Cremonese away, and Sporting CP in the Champions League, Brambilla’s interim spell doubles as an audition. If he can inspire a response from this underperforming squad, the hierarchy may be tempted to extend his stewardship.