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Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City full-back Issa Kabore, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Kabore profiled

Signed from Belgian top-flight club KV Mechelen in 2020, Man City immediately allowed the right-back to return on loan before sanctioning a temporary spell at French Ligue 1 side Troyes last season.

As things stand the 21-year-old is yet to make a single senior outing for the Premier League champions but remains a highly-rated prospect, having been named the best young player at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Now as Forest boss Steve Cooper seeks an alternative to the reportedly Tottenham-bound Djed Spence after the youngster enjoyed a glittering loan spell at the City Ground, Kabore could be the chosen one…

The latest: Reds keen

As per The Athletic, Forest are believed to be ‘monitoring’ Kabore ahead of a potential summer swoop.

It’s claimed that the 27-cap Burkina Faso defender is viewed as a player with ‘similar character to Spence’ and is ‘hungry to prove himself’ to the top level.

The report makes no mention of a fee for the youngster hailed as ‘outstanding’ by European football expert Antonio Mango, who even tipped him as a potential Kyle Walker successor.

The verdict: Test the water

Valued at just £3.6million but under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), Kabore is expected to spend time out on loan once again next season due to being behind two world-class right full-backs in Walker and the versatile Joao Cancelo in Manchester.

During the 2021/22 season, the right-back earned a 6.60 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.7 duels and completing 1.5 successful dribbles on average per league game, less than Spence’s 5.8 duels and 1.8 completed dribbles.

Capable of operating as a right-sided midfielder as well as a right-back, Kabore appears ideally suited to play in Cooper’s system as a wing-back and as such the City Ground hierarchy should perhaps test the waters with a temporary move, including an option to buy in case he shines in Spence’s shoes next season.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has delivered an update on West Ham United’s pursuit of Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd. 

The lowdown: West Ham interested in Aguerd

This comes following a report from Le Parisien (via Get French Football News) last week claiming that the Hammers were progressing in their chase to sign the 26-year-old.

It has since been claimed that David Moyes views the Moroccan as a priority this summer, as the Irons manager attempts to bolster a problem area in the London Stadium squad.

One informed onlooker has now provided the latest situation surrounding this potential deal…

The latest: Crook on Aguerd

Speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer specialist Crook claimed that West Ham could tie up a move for Aguerd in the near future, whilst also ruling out a swoop for one Premier League defender who has been linked with the east Londoners.

He said: “I’m not convinced Michael Keane would be that attractive for West Ham if they’re trying to challenge for Europe again. I don’t think he had a brilliant season for Everton, maybe his best days are behind him.

“But Aguerd, they’re keen on him, they’ve scouted him quite a lot towards the back end of last season, they sent people over to France, so I’m expecting that one to happen.”

The verdict: Could be a good fit

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, Aguerd has been described as a ‘monster in the air’ by football consultant and writer Jonathan Fadugba, and would therefore fit the mould of what Moyes wants from a centre-back.

Last season, the 19-cap Morroco ace scored four times and provided three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions in France, highlighting his prowess in the attacking third. He also averaged an impressive 3.1 successful aerial duels and four clearances per game whilst helping his team to keep 10 clean sheets in Ligue 1 (Sofascore).

Closely indexed to Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk, Lille’s Sven Botman and Barcelona legend Gerard Pique in terms of playing style (FBRef), signing Aguerd this summer would appear to be a superb piece of business from GSB and Moyes.

In other news: Journalist says West Ham are ‘in talks’ to sign an ‘amazing’ forward, find out more here.

A huge update has emerged on a group purchasing 39% of Sunderland this summer…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports presenter and journalist Tom White has revealed that The Fans Together are closing in on purchasing a stake in the Black Cats.

The Athletic had revealed that the group were in discussions with Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven to take their stake in the club and White has now backed up those claims.

He Tweeted: ‘“The Fans Together” are moving closer to owning 39% of SAFC.

‘The group believe in fan ownership. Fans will be given the chance to buy in. TFT already have a stake in Greek club FC EPISKOPI. TFT were attracted to SAFC by the large fan base and the fact there is no debt.’

White added: “Bob Robinson is leading the project. Robinson was previously involved at Bradford Park Avenue, where he led a fan run initiative to resurrect the club. No comment from the EFL (they would never comment on an ongoing takeover or investment).”

Supporters will be excited

The Black Cats supporters will be excited by this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be pleased that the deal is ‘moving closer’ at the start of the summer. This suggests that an agreement can be reached well in advance of the 2022/23 campaign getting underway.

Fans will not want uncertainty hanging over the club as they head into their first Championship season since 2017/18 and having this 39% sale dragging over into August and September surely suits no one involved.

By getting it done and dusted as early as possible, Sunderland can move forward with everyone pulling in the same direction as they attempt to achieve survival in the second tier under Alex Neil.

Secondly, supporters will be excited by the prospect of being able to buy in and own a percentage of the club. This pledge from TFT shows – if their name is not enough – that they care about the fans.

The group are seemingly passionate about the fanbase and this suggests that they will work hard to have a healthy relationship with them. This will leave the Black Cats faithful excited for the future with TFT at the Stadium of Light and the notion that they will feel valued at the club moving forward.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: SAFC deal for gem who’s “loved by the fans” would get SOL rocking…

Former top flight striker Frank McAvennie has reacted to the news that Everton could be about to lose a massive behind the scenes component in assistant manager Duncan Ferguson. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

This comes as the 50-year-old Toffees favourite is strongly indexed with the vacant managerial position at Blackburn Rovers after a source informed Football Insider of the interest, following the departure of Tony Mowbray.

The Scotsman has been in situ at Goodison Park in a coaching capacity since 2011, having started out as an Under-18’s assistant before becoming a technical assistant and occupying the hot seat on a caretaker basis on three occasions.

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Now, after the appointment and subsequent relative success of Frank Lampard on Merseyside, Ferguson could be set to part ways with the Blues this summer…

The latest: McAvennie has his say

Speaking to Football Insider, fellow Scotsman McAvennie, 62, has suggested that it would be a ‘massive loss’ to the club were Ferguson to leave.

“He would be a massive loss if he went. He’s Everton through and through. He needs to be that go-between for the manager and the players at Everton. For a manager, it’s great to have Dunc on your side. I don’t know him and I don’t know what his ambitions are.

“But if his ambition is to become a manager then I always thought it would be for the Everton job. I’m surprised but if he wants to be a manager he has to go and try it.”

The verdict: Big blow

There can be no denying the potential departure of Ferguson would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow for the Toffees this summer.

One of the pillars of the club in recent years filled with turmoil, the towering ex-frontman may feel he has served his time as a bridesmaid and is deserving of a shot at the big job, and rightfully so.

However, the Everton hierarchy will no doubt be doing everything in their power to keep the experienced coach at the club to work closely alongside Lampard in what is hopefully the start of a resurrection on the blue half of Merseyside.

In other news: Everton: PSG ready to make move for Richarlison

West Ham United are eyeing a summer move for Moroccan centre-back Nayef Aguerd from Ligue 1 side Rennes this summer according to recent reports.

The Daily Mail recently revealed that The Hammers were looking to add depth to their squad after an impressive season that has seen them qualify for Europe and reach the semi-final of the Europa League.

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One their list of targets is defender Nayef Aguerd, with The Evening Standard recently reporting that talks between Rennes and West Ham over Aguerd were progressing.

Any move is expected to cost £15m with the player contracted until 2025. Moyes is searching for a defender who is fast and can provide balance on the left.

If he sings then one of the players he will be competing with for a spot in the starting line-up is Craig Dawson. Despite Dawson being Premier League proven, Aguerd would be an upgrade and an option for the long term.

When you compare both players this season, the 26-year-old excels in a number of areas and offers attributes different to Dawson. He has recorded a higher number of combined tackles and interceptions at 84 compared to the Englishman’s 63.

It’s in possession where he is the most impressive, completing 26 more progressive carries of the ball than Dawson this season and 401 more touches in the defensive third, despite playing fewer games.

The Morrocan international is even good in the air, having won 108 aerial duels this season compared to 103 won by West Ham’s 32-year-old.

Ultimately he offers a lot more than Dawson, and even though he has played a massive part in The Hammers’ successes this season, if they want to push on for a Champions League place it’s about time they upgraded him.

Aguerd would be a complete bargain and offers all round skill as well as experience on the international stage with 19 caps for his country.

He’s even been described as a “cerebral person” by former Rennes manager Julien Stephen.

It’s set to be an exciting summer ahead for manager David Moyes and it’s important that they spend the money they are given wisely.

They’ll struggle to compete with the bigger clubs in the league for the top players, so their best bet is to buy smart, and Aguerd should certainly be one of the first on the list – at £15m, he’s an absolute bargain.

AND in other news: “Said to fancy…”: Ex drop teasing West Ham transfer claim, supporters surely buzzing…

Leeds United escaped relegation back down to the Championship as they beat Brentford 2-1 away from home on the final day of the campaign.

Raphinha and Jack Harrison scored the goals as the Whites finished three points ahead of Burnley – who lost to Newcastle at home.

Jesse Marsch will now be looking forward to the future as he enters his first transfer window in charge of the Lillywhites, giving him the chance to put his own stamp on the team.

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One player the club have been linked with a swoop for is Derby County winger Tom Lawrence. The attacker is out of contract this summer and is attracting interest from a number of teams, including Leeds, Bournemouth, Southampton and Fulham.

Imagine him & Raphinha

Victor Orta must swoop in to land the Welshman on a free transfer as he can form a deadly wing duo alongside Raphinha.

In the 2021/22 Premier League, the Brazilian winger scored 11 goals and provided three assists cutting in on his left foot from the right wing. He provided a much-needed spark from out wide, for Bielsa and Marsch, and keeping hold of him would be a major boost because of his attacking quality.

By signing Lawrence, Leeds can bring in a player with similar qualities to Raphinha but on the left side of the pitch. The Derby man is a right-footed left winger who can cut inside, as the Lillywhites man does on his left from the right side, and shoot with his preferred foot.

One of his former managers, Gary Bowyer, previously showered him with praise, saying:

“He’s a wonderful player, a joy to watch. He’s one of these players that when he picks the ball up, half-turns and starts running, you get off the edge of your seat because you know something’s going to happen.

“I think today in the second half, he had a couple of runs and looked like he would make something happen. He’s a fabulous talent.”

These comments suggest that he will be an exciting player for the fans to watch, like Raphinha, and his statistics in the Championship suggest that he could have the end product to match.

The £27k-per-week gem ended the 2021/22 campaign with 11 goals and five assists as Derby were relegated. Lawrence was able to thrive in the final third in spite of his team’s position and this is why he has the potential to make the step up.

If he can translate that form over to the Premier League then he can form a deadly partnership with Raphinha on the wings for Leeds next season and that is why Orta must sign him.

AND in other news, Orta eyeing Leeds swoop for “exceptional” £20k-p/w “example”, Marsch needs him badly…

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham, is open to the idea of leaving Elland Road this summer, according to The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Spurs rumours

Harrison netted a late winner against Brentford on the final day, his 10th goal of the season, to guarantee Leeds’ Premier League status.

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The 25-year-old has been a regular over the last four seasons, making 166 appearances for the club. He eventually made his move from Manchester City permanent last summer, however, he has already been linked with a move away.

Tottenham view Harrison as a player who can turn out as a wing-back under Antonio Conte after a recommendation from Andrea Pirlo, who played with the Leeds man at New York City.

The Latest: Exit update

The Telegraph shared a story on Monday morning regarding the Whites after they survived in the Premier League.

They claimed that the club still have a task on their hands to keep hold of both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, adding that Harrison is also ‘open to the idea’ of an exit, labelling it as ‘one to watch’.

The Verdict: Decision needed

Harrison has proven to be an extremely reliable member of a mostly successful Leeds squad in recent years, contributing to 50 goals. He’s been a regular under Jesse Marsch and scored four times in the run-in which eventually helped the club secure safety.

However, it looks as if Leeds chiefs will now have a big decision to make as Harrison enters the final two years of his contract.

If he wants to leave, then perhaps now is the time Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers should maximise his value and cash in with Spurs seemingly keen.

As The Telegraph mention, it looks like it could be one to keep an eye on in what could be an extremely busy summer in regards to incomings and outgoings.

In other news: ‘Listen…’ – Sky Sports man reacts as Leeds and Marsch now linked with ‘exceptional’ PL forward. 

“My strength is to turn the ball, to get it to dip. I strayed from that itself [in the last game],” says the legspinner

Hemant Brar15-Jun-20224:18

Jaffer: Wristspinners need to be brave and Chahal was

It’s often said that if you keep doing the same thing over and over again, you cannot expect different results. But if you want the same results, you should perhaps keep repeating the same thing. That’s what Yuzvendra Chahal found out in the third T20I against South Africa in Visakhapatnam.Chahal came into the series as India’s lead spinner. He had an excellent IPL 2022, where he topped the wickets chart with 27 scalps in 17 outings. But the returns of none for 26 from 2.1 overs and 1 for 49 from four in the first two games in the ongoing series left a lot to be desired.Related

• Harshal, Chahal ensure India stay alive in the series

In the second match, especially, Chahal consistently pushed the ball through instead of looking to turn it. That allowed the South Africa batters to hit him through the line with little worry.After the game, Chahal sat with the coaching staff to figure out what he could do differently. The answer was he should revert to what had previously worked for him.So on Tuesday, Chahal was back to his tried and tested method – bowling more legbreaks and varying the pace. The desired results were back too as he picked up 3 for 20 and helped India register their first win in the series.Chasing 180, South Africa lost their openers, Temba Bavuma and Reeza Hendricks, inside the powerplay. But for India, it was their middle order that had been a thorn in the flesh – Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller in the first match and Heinrich Klaasen in the second.Chahal, though, ensured there was no repeat. Perhaps expecting dew later on, which didn’t prove to be the case, Rishabh Pant introduced Chahal into the attack as early as the fifth over.Yuzvendra Chahal claimed 3 for 20 in his four overs•BCCIChahal gave away only two runs in his first over. In his next, he got Rassie van der Dussen caught behind as the batter went for a cut. Dwaine Pretorius too fell in the same manner, trying to cut a fast legbreak only to edge it to Pant.That left South Africa on 57 for 4 after the ninth over but Klaasen was still in the middle.Before Tuesday, Klaasen had ransacked 74 runs off 28 balls against Chahal, at a strike rate of 264.28. In the second T20I, he smashing 30 off 13 balls against Chahal was a big point of difference after Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s three early wickets had put South Africa on the back foot.But here, Chahal kept Klaasen guessing by varying his line. When he returned in the 15th over, he tossed one up wide outside off. By then the asking rate had touched 15 and Klaasen had no other option than to go after it. He ended up miscuing and Axar Patel, backpedalling from extra-cover, held onto the catch. The match went on till the 19th over but the contest was over with Klaasen’s wicket.”In the last game, I was bowling a lot of sliders, and I was also bowling a bit faster,” Chahal said at the post-match presentation. “So even when I was bowling good balls, I wasn’t getting any turn. It was going like a flipper.”My strength is to turn the ball, to get it to dip. I strayed from that itself. So it became very easy for batsmen as the ball was just going straight.”Tonight I changed the seam position and bowled fast legbreaks in order to get some help [from the pitch]. I tried to vary my line too so that the batsmen cannot predict.”The plan was to just bowl to my strength. I was anyway going for runs, but if I bowl to my strength and still go for 40-45 runs, I would pick up at least three wickets too, which didn’t happen in the last game. And when you dismiss two batsmen in the middle order, the pressure shifts on the batting side.”If India are to secure the series, they must win the remaining two games as well. Chahal could play a big part in that, perhaps by doing more of the same.

“Complicated” is the best word to describe this FIFA window for Javier Aguirre and the Mexican national team. El Tri wrapped the October break with a 4-0 loss to Colombia and a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. As Mexico looks ahead to November’s friendlies against Uruguay and Paraguay, Aguirre is expected to present a clearer idea of his World Cup squad.

• AFP
  

  Better than Colombia performance

  Mexico showed better attitude and clear improvement against Ecuador following the painful 4-0 loss to Colombia over the weekend. El Tri started strong at Estadio Akron, taking the lead in the third minute through Germán Berterame, who capitalized on a defensive mistake by Ecuador.

  However, the advantage didn’t last long – Raúl Rangel conceded a penalty that Jordy Alcívar converted in the 20th minute to make it 1-1, a score that would remain until the final whistle.

  The match offered few real chances afterward, though Mexico looked more organized and disciplined. They even came close to winning it late, but the team still left the field to boos from fans hoping to see a victory – and a more convincing version of a squad that will host a World Cup for the third time next year.

  Looking ahead, Javier Aguirre is expected to have a clearer picture of his potential World Cup lineup when Mexico faces Uruguay and Paraguay in November.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  The MVP

  In September’s international window, Germán Berterame seemed to have run out of chances with Aguirre ahead of the World Cup, following underwhelming performances against Japan and South Korea. 

  However, the “Vasco” gave him another shot in October, and Berterame responded.

  The Monterrey striker opened the scoring early against Ecuador, capitalizing on a defensive mistake to net his first goal for El Tri in five appearances. The goal comes as a much-needed boost for Berterame, who now has renewed hope of remaining in contention for future call-ups – and perhaps even making the World Cup roster.

  Another standout performer was Julián Quiñones, who wasn’t part of the September squad but impressed with his energy and involvement. The América forward outshined both Hirving Lozano and César Huerta, putting himself back into the mix as Aguirre continues to evaluate his attacking options.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The big loser

  Luis Ángel Malagón clearly struggled in this window. The Club América goalkeeper conceded all four goals in the heavy defeat to Colombia, and while he didn’t feature on Tuesday, his stock took a hit.

  Raúl Rangel, who started against Ecuador, didn’t help the goalkeeping situation – his foul inside the box led to the penalty that sealed the 1-1 draw. It’s difficult to say who came out worse from this FIFA window, but what’s certain is that Aguirre won’t be pleased with either of his goalkeepers – both supposedly locked for the final World Cup roster.

  Also underperforming was César Huerta. The Anderlecht winger came on as a substitute and failed to make an impact. Meanwhile, César Montes and Erik Lira also struggled to find their rhythm, rounding off a disappointing night for several El Tri players hoping to secure their spot ahead of 2026.

  Meanwhile, Ramón Juárez, Carlos Acevedo, and Kevin Álvarez didn’t see any minutes in this international window.

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• Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐

Celtic are back from the international break and find themselves preparing for a tough run of fixtures, including the start of their Europa League campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

The Irishman has spoken in frank fashion about the frustration he faced during the summer transfer window, claiming his side ‘weren’t ready’ for their Champions League playoff match against Kairat Almaty after the Parkhead hierarchy failed to push critical deals over the line.

Not Nygren: Rodgers must bench Celtic flop to hand new signing a debut

Brendan Rodgers must drop this Celtic lightweight to unleash one of his new signings.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 14, 2025

Nevertheless, the Bhoys brought in ten new players by the end of the market period before Kelechi Iheanacho was released from his Sevilla contract to sign as a free agent.

However, the lack of synergy between the Celtic board and Rodgers has been on show for all to see, and one of his lesser-spotted summer signings has now sent an intriguing social media message that may explain his own situation in a little more detail.

Celtic loanee Jahmai Simpson-Pusey sends cryptic Instagram message

Taking to Instagram, Celtic summer signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey changed his profile picture on the platform to reflect a message that said ‘Delays teach patience, which prepares you for blessings’ after failing to make a first-team appearance since arriving on loan from Manchester City.

Becoming the Hoops’ eighth addition of the window, the 19-year-old has also been left out of the Bhoys’ Europa League squad by Rodgers alongside Callum Osmand, Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura, causing some to question why he was acquired in the first place.

For now, Lennoxtown product Dane Murray appears to be ahead of Simpson-Pusey in the pecking order and is usually first in line to come off the bench when Rodgers decides to shuffle his backline around.

Regardless, there is a long season ahead for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, and there is every chance that the England youth international could have a part to play as his loan club pursue another domestic treble.

What has Brendan Rodgers said about Jahmai Simpson-Pusey?

Shortly after his arrival in Glasgow was confirmed, Rodgers admitted to the press before his side defeated Aberdeen in August that Simpson-Pusey may be some way off featuring regularly due to his lack of a full-intensity pre-season.

He stated via Sky Sports: “He’s a little bit away in fairness to Jahmai. He’s been training with the small group at Manchester City and isn’t quite up to speed yet. You can see his quality straightaway and it’s just going to take a bit of time in terms of his fitness and the intensity.”

Clearly, Simpson-Pusey is a man with plenty of talent, given he claimed the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last term and also made six appearances in the first-team under Pep Guardiola.

Now, he faces the challenge of nailing down a regular slot in Celtic’s backline, which may require persistence as the Manchester-born man looks to unseat the likes of Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty over the coming months.