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Manchester United have adopted a particular transfer strategy involving young players this window and could be about to move another prodigy out of the door at Old Trafford, according to a report.

Man United's January sales…

Youth development has played a crucial role in Manchester United's success as a club over the decades; nevertheless, more and more prodigious players are being farmed out by the club either with the intention of a sale or to offer first-team opportunities in an alternative environment.

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One who falls into the former category is Hannibal Mejbri, who has left Old Trafford to join Sevilla on a loan basis this window. According to BBC Sport, the La Liga outfit retain an option to purchase the Tunisia international for a fee of £17.2 million.

Alvaro Fernandez is another player who has departed this window on loan to join Portuguese giants Benfica as Erik ten Hag adopts a more ruthless approach at the club as he aims to raise the standard of academy players who warrant regular first-team inclusion.

Stockpiling has become an issue within the Red Devils' playing squad and deals like this are designed to ensure the Premier League giants stand a better chance of recouping money for individuals to help meet their Financial Fair Play obligations.

Uruguay international Facundo Pellistri has also informed Manchester United of his desire to leave the club this month with Granada believed to be circling for the 22-year-old, which would further support the notion of a culture shift in relation to player sales.

Unsurprisingly, a fresh report has suggested that another Red Devils youngster could now be set to follow the trio out of Old Trafford this month.

Rhys Bennett close to Man United exit…

According to Football Insider, Manchester United youngster Rhys Bennett is in advanced talks over a loan move to League Two leaders Stockport County, who are based in the Greater Manchester area.

Rhys Bennett statistics in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

8

Goals

0

Assists

0

The outlet indicates that the 20-year-old is highly rated at Old Trafford and signed a new deal last year and they now want him to go and gain regular senior minutes elsewhere for the remainder of the campaign.

Joining the Red Devils at Under-10 level, Bennett has been named in four senior matchday squads and captained their underage side to FA Youth Cup success back in 2022.

His promise was also realised in pre-season, where he played the first half of the Red Devils' 2-0 victory over Leeds United in Oslo before sustaining an injury that ruled him out of competing in their tour of the United States.

Nevertheless, he isn't going to develop much without exposure to senior football and a move to Stockport County will present an ideal opportunity to gain some regular minutes on the pitch.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were stunned at home Wednesday evening by Atlanta United

Saba Lobjanidze isn't as famous as Lionel Messi. His name certainly isn't as easy to spell, either. But, on Wednesday evening, for one night only, the Atlanta United star did his best GOAT impression right in front of the Argentine himself.

The 29-year-old Georgian international scored two stunning goals to lead Atlanta United to a 3-1 road upset of Inter Miami on Wednesday night. Both were curled finishes and both were Messi-esque, to say the least.

Messi's Argentine teammate, Thiago Almada, balled out as well, running the game from his spot in midfield. Five Stripes' forward Jamal Thiare got the third goal, and was assisted by U.S. U-23 star Caleb Wiley as Atlanta United ran away with all three points.

As for Messi himself, he got his goal: a lovely low-driven finish that gave his side a chance. It was the only bright moment, though, for a Herons team that fell way, way short against an Atlanta team that was ripe for a beating.

Instead, it went the other way, leaving Inter Miami frustrated by a missed opportunity on home soil.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…

Watch Inter Miami with the MLS Season PassStream nowGetty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense

Drake Callender (6/10):

Could he have done better on the goals? Probably not, but he wasn't exactly close to stopping them, either.

Jordi Alba (6/10):

Got really, really lucky to have a foul call go the other way on an Atlanta break. Also needed to step up to Lobjanidze on the second goal.

Serhiy Kryvtsov (6/10):

Of the two central defenders, the Ukrainian was far and away the better one. He was great in the first half and dropped off a bit in the second but, overall, a okay night.

Tomas Aviles (5/10):

He's just been so streaky. Struggled to win the ball back when he did step up and got cooked by Almada on the third goal.

Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):

Also had a rough moment against Almada but, outside of that, was decent as both an attacker and defender.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Sergio Busquets (6/10):

Got the assist on Miami's goal, but that was 90 percent Messi. Even so, a decent game from Miami's midfield leader, who did his part.

Federico Redondo (5/10):

Faded a bit as the game wore on. Needed to do a bunch more defensively, particularly in the second half.

Julian Gressel (5/10):

Never really got going. Gressel is in there to create danger, and those moments never really happened for him.

Getty ImagesAttack

Robert Taylor (5/10):

He balled out in Vancouver, but the Finnish star was mostly silent on Wednesday night before being taken out midway through the second half.

Luis Suarez (6/10):

Worked hard and had a few really good looks at goal, but just couldn't quite put them away.

Lionel Messi (7/10):

Another fantastic finish for Messi, who was mostly limited to shooting from outside the box. Credit to Atlanta for keeping him in check better than most, even if he still got his goal.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Matias Rojas (6/10):

Was rightfully called up on by Martino to bring life to the attack. That didn't quite happen as Atlanta turned things up.

Leo Campana (6/10):

Only a few touches after coming on as a "throw things at the wall" sub.

Tata Martino (6/10):

Sometimes, things just don't work out. Could argue that the midfield could have looked different, but Martino played a strong XI that didn't play that way, for whatever reason.

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could be hit with a lifetime ban from football if found guilty of breaching Football Association betting rules.

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Brazilian has been charged by FACould receive lifetime banWest Ham star has vowed to clear his nameWHAT HAPPENED?

Paqueta was charged by the FA for breaches of betting rules in May. It is alleged the Brazilian intentionally tried to get himself booked in games against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth. If found guilty, Paqueta could find his playing career over as the FA's charge sheet includes a recommendation for the Brazilian to be banned for life, according to .

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Further details of the allegations surrounding Paqueta have also now emerged. reports that one bet placed on Paqueta to be booked was for just £7 ($9). The tabloid also claims that "60 people" placed bets on the West Ham star to receive a yellow card in the four matches and placed stakes of between "£7 to £400" ($9-$511) which would potentially lead to "combined winnings of £100,000" ($128,000). Rather incredibly, the bets have been traced back to a place called 'Paqueta Island' near to Rio de Janeiro.

WHAT PAQUETA HAS SAID

Paqueta has strongly denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear his name in a post on social media after he was charged: "I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. For nine months I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name. Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing any further comment."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA

Paqueta's legal team have asked the FA for more time to respond to the charges, according to The Athletic. The Brazilian was originally given a deadline of June 3 which has now passed. Meanwhile, Paqueta is currently with the Brazil squad preparing for the Copa America.

Kieran Trippier has been linked with a move away from Newcastle United in January, and now another Magpies hero's future is also up in the air after a key contract update.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have been rocked by the news that Trippier is wanted by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich this month as they look to strike a loan deal for him until the end of the season. The 33-year-old has been such an impressive performer since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2022, and while he struggled for form in and around Christmas, he remains one of the best players at St James' Park.

Away from his potential exit, Newcastle have been linked with plenty of players during the January window, with Bournemouth's Philip Billing emerging as an option to come into the midfield, filling the void left by the injured Joelinton, who could even miss the rest of the season with a groin problem.

The Magpies could also be looking at a new centre-back to come in as a long-term partner for Sven Botman, and Lazio's Alessio Romagnoli is seen as a candidate to arrive at St James' as a strong option.

However, it is also important that Newcastle retain the services of some of their most important players, and a concerning update has dropped regarding one such figure.

Fresh Joelinton blow for Newcastle

According to an update from HITC reporter Graeme Bailey, Newcastle's contract talks with Joelinton have broken down, leading to potential doubts over his future at the club.

"HITC Football understands that contract talks between Newcastle United and Joelinton have broken down, putting the Brazilian’s future at St James’ Park in major doubt.

"Contract talks between club and player have, as of yet, failed to progress with sources revealing to HITC Football that these talks did not go very far with the two sides currently being some way off an agreement."

This is a big worry for Newcastle considering the impact that Joelinton has made, especially since being transformed into a central midfielder by Eddie Howe. This season, the Brazilian has made 16 appearances in the Premier League, scoring twice and averaging 1.9 tackles per game, while journalist Josh Bunting has labelled the Brazilian as "immense" in the past.

Newcastle interested in signing new "very good" midfielder

He could make up for the loss of Joelinton.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 20, 2024

The hope is that Newcastle and Joelinton can reach an agreement over an extension at the club – his current deal at St James' expires at the end of next season – but this update is an obvious concern for supporters, who know what an invaluable figure he has become in the middle of the park, providing a combination of strength, energy and technical ability.

Australia keeper, currently in England for the World Cup, will be available for full Blast campaign

ESPNcricinfo staff30-May-2019Sussex have signed Alex Carey, the Australia wicketkeeper-batsman, for their Vitality Blast campaign. Carey will link up again with Jason Gillespie, his coach at Adelaide Strikers, for the tournament in England, which begins after the conclusion of the World Cup.Carey is Australia’s vice-captain and first-choice gloveman for the 50-over tournament, and has been capped 38 times in the white-ball formats since debuting in 2018. He helped Strikers to the 2017-18 Big Bash title and has experience of playing club cricket in England with East Grinstead.”I’m very excited to get the opportunity to play with Sussex,” he said. “I played for East Grinstead in the Sussex Premier League a few years ago and now to play for the Sharks in the Blast is super exciting.”I’ve heard the fans are the best in the country and I can’t wait to join Dizzy and the guys in July.”A pocket-rocket batsman and tidy keeper, Carey has a T20 career strike rate of 128.93 and scored his maiden hundred in the format last year. His arrival comes after Sussex allowed Michael Burgess, who kept wicket during the club’s run to Blast Finals Day last season, to leave for Warwickshire.”We’re delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to Alex and excited for him to be linking up with us,” Gillespie, Sussex’s head coach, said. “He’s been impressive opening the batting for the Strikers in the Big Bash and now he’s getting experience in the middle order with Australia.”He can certainly clear the ropes but he’s also able to read and adapt to different conditions. That versatility will give us options on how best to utilise his batting in this year’s Blast. Alex is also a world-class keeper so to have a player like him joining the Sharks is a real coup for the club.”I know Alex well from the Adelaide Strikers and he knows Sussex well from his time playing league cricket in the county, so I’ve no doubt he’ll fit in nicely in our dressing room.”

Ex-Germany goalkeeper Uli Stein has claimed that Manuer Neuer doesn't deserve to play at Euro 2024.

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Stein calls out recent Neuer formGoalkeeper guilty of errorsGermany open Euro 2024 on FridayWHAT HAPPENED?

In a column for German publication , Stein didn't hold back in his criticism of Neuer and the decision from coach Julian Nagelsmann to select the Bayern Munich veteran for the tournament this summer.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Neuer's form has been patchy in recent years and he was culpable for the goal that Greece scored against Germany in a warm-up friendly last week, spilling a shot into the patch of a forward. He also got away with a late gaffe in the preceding 0-0 draw with Ukraine when a slack pass near the centre circle didn't result in a goal due to an offside flag. Germany additionally have Marc-Andre ter Stegen and uncapped 34-year-old Oliver Baumann in the squad, but Alexander Nubel was left out.

WHAT STEIN SAID

"If you take a Manuel Neuer with you, you have to let him play. But he no longer justifies it in sporting terms," Stein said.

"With a heavy heart, but with common sense, he should have been left at home – after this shaky preparation! At this European Championship, there will hardly be an opposing striker who is afraid of running alone towards the German goal. A goalkeeper over 30 also needs the luck to avoid injuries. Manuel was not that lucky. For a long time, he lacked the normal training and game rhythm that maintains confidence and security in his own processes in goal. You can see that in his performance now."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Stein played a handful of times for West Germany in the 1980s and was a back-up in the squad that reached the 1986 World Cup final. But he is most famous as Hamburg's starting goalkeeper when the club won the European Cup in 1983.

Aside from some poor performances and results in the domestic cups, West Ham United have been enjoying a rather successful season so far.

David Moyes has guided his team to sixth place in the Premier League and straight into the knockout rounds of the Europa League after finishing top of their group.

It's not just on the pitch where things have been going well, as the arrival of Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City will surely give the Irons a massive boost for the rest of their domestic and continental campaigns.

That said, they haven't had everything go their way, as Jota, who was heavily touted for a move to East London last month, ultimately failed to arrive before the window slammed shut. Still, the emergence of a talented youngster within the club might render that a blessing in disguise.

Why West Ham didn't sign Jota

In the last few days of January, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the Hammers were "really working on the Jota deal" and that "the player is open to making the deal happen."

Everything looked rosy for the Eastenders, as the Italian also revealed that Al-Ittihad – who the former Celtic ace had only joined in the summer – were also "quite open to finding the formula for the deal."

However, the deal ultimately collapsed, with a journalist from Saudi publication Aawsat News confirming that Al-Ittihad had registered the tricky winger in their squad, thus "ending all hopes of West Ham signing the player."

While missing out on a player who was so effective for Celtic north of the border is bound to leave some fans feeling disappointed, there is a chance that this failed move, combined with the unknown future of Said Benrahma after his move to Lyon collapsed, could leave space for an up-and-coming youngster to make the position his own.

Dan Rigge could be West Ham's own Jota

With the failed move for Jota, the absence of Benrahma, and the injury concerns around Lucas Paqueta, the left wing spot in West Ham's first team suddenly looks somewhat open, which is where 17-year-old Daniel Rigge could come in.

The "very talented" teenager, as described by academy manager Kenny Brown, joined the Irons' setup from Manchester City in July 2022, and since then, he has been electric for the youth sides.

Able to play anywhere from central midfield, right-wing and left-wing, the Stockport-born gem has been tearing it up in the U18 Premier League, FA Youth Cup, and recently, in the Premier League 2.

In all, he has made 35 appearances for the Hammers' youth teams, in which he has scored eight goals and provided nine assists, meaning he averages a goal involvement every two games, which is a pretty remarkable return for someone so young.

Alongside his impressive output, the "skilful" youngster, as Brown described him, was instrumental in the U18s winning the U18 Premier League South division title and came off the bench to help the club lift their first FA Youth Cup since 1999.

U18 Premier League

28

7

9

U18 Premier League Final Stage

1

0

0

FA Youth Cup

5

0

0

Premier League 2

1

1

0

Total

35

8

9

These achievements and his brilliant potential led to the club offering Rigge his first professional contract in October – a sign the club see a bright future ahead for him.

Latest West Ham United injury news, return dates and suspensions

FFC keeps you up to date with all the latest West Ham United news involving injuries and suspensions.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 10, 2024

Ultimately, failing to secure Jota's signature is far from ideal, but with the pathway to the first team now that little bit clearer, perhaps Rigge could become the club's next attacking superstar from the Rush Green ranks in the coming years.

Having won the two-match four-day series 1-0, Afghantsain A now lead the five-match one-day series 2-0 after their four-wicket win on Sunday

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jul-2019The method of Afghanistan A’s dominance of their hosts Bangladesh has surprised selector Habibul Bashar, who said that their brand of cricket has been more patient. Currently, Afghanistan lead the five-match one-day series 2-0 after their four-wicket win in Chattogram on Sunday, having already won the two-match four-day series 1-0.Bashar said that he was impressed by the way they played mostly cricketing shots during their tricky 279-run chase, which was anchored by Ibrahim Zadran’s 127 off 149 before Sharafuddin Ashraf and Fazal Niazai blasted 37 runs in three overs to complete the victory. Bashar also said that Afghanistan played by the book during the four-day matches, the first of which they won by seven wickets.”This Afghanistan side is playing a different brand of cricket, which has surprised me,” Bashar told , a Dhaka-based Bengali daily. “Their main team usually slogs the ball. They start going for big shots, but this team doesn’t play like that. They are playing in the traditional way, which is very different for them. Even when they went for big shots in this game, they didn’t just slog. They played good shots. They took 86 off the last eight overs against experienced bowlers like Shafiul [Islam] and [Abu Jayed] Rahi. This is a group of really committed cricketers.”On the flip side, however, Bashar said that he was worried about the home side’s performance in the series so far. There are thirteen Bangladesh capped players among the 14 who have played in the two one-dayers, including World Cup squad members Mohammad Mithun, Sabbir Rahman, Rubel Hossain and Abu Jayed. From this squad, Anamul Haque and later Farhad Reza have been added to the senior side that is touring Sri Lanka currently.Most of these players, according to Bashar, were picked on the back of excellent domestic showings from the last season, but it hasn’t reflected in what is considered a step below international cricket.”I am also wondering where the problem is,” Bashar said. “This team is made up of proven performers at the domestic level. They have scored runs and taken plenty of wickets, but I can’t figure out why they have been unable to perform against Afghanistan A.”It is a matter of prestige, but also worrying, isn’t it? The batsmen who played in the four-day matches all have 150-plus innings under their belt. They are now playing at almost the highest level, just below the senior team. They are in the A team because they have done well in domestic cricket. If they can’t do well at this level, how will they do well at the next step.”Bangladesh A still have a chance to make a comeback in the three remaining one-day matches, to be held on July 24, 27 and 29.

Will Still made his relationship with Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders official after posting pictures of watching England together at Euro 2024.

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Still & Saunders dating each otherTook to Instagram to reveal their relationshipCouple flew to Germany to watch England in actionWHAT HAPPENED?

The 31-year-old football manager took to social media on Friday to post two pictures of himself with Saunders, accompanied by emojis of a football and a heart to make their relationship Instagram official. The social media post marks the couple's first public acknowledgement of their relationship.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE GOSSIP

Saunders, a well-known journalist and presenter for Sky Sports who has also worked with BBC Sport, was tagged in the post, confirming the relationship status to their followers. The photographs show the couple at the Frankfurt Arena enjoying Gareth Southgate's men in action against Denmark. Still, originally from Belgium with English parents, sported a casual beige jumper, while Saunders, a devoted Watford fan, wore a Three Lions shirt, showcasing her support for the England national team.

DID YOU KNOW?

Still’s decision to join Lens came after he was considered for the managerial position at Sunderland. Opting to stay in France, he signed a three-year contract with Lens, committing to the club’s long-term vision and goals. Still has had a meteoric rise in the football world. He left his role at Reims, where he made history as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues at the age of 30 in October 2022. Despite a challenging end to his tenure at Reims, which saw a decline in results, Lens quickly seized the opportunity to bring Still on board, recognizing his potential to propel the team forward.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

In his new role at Lens, Still is tasked with building on the club's strong performance last season, where they finished seventh in Ligue 1 and secured a spot in the play-off round of the Europa Conference League. Lens are hopeful that Still’s innovative approach and youthful energy will help them break into the top six in the coming season.

Chelsea once again find themselves in trouble. Just one season and several more incomings after they failed to qualify for European football, the Blues are on course for a mid-table finish for a second consecutive Premier League campaign, sitting as low as 11th as things stand.

At a time when experience is key too, Mauricio Pochettino could be set to make an unexpected decision.

Pochettino still seeking Chelsea solution

There was so much hope at Stamford Bridge on the opening day of the season when Chelsea held a new-look Liverpool side to a 1-1 draw. But, as it turns out, where the hope began was where it ended, as the new normal service quickly resumed for the London giants, who have suffered 10 defeats in just 23 games so far this season. Despite their form, however, Pochettino has remained in charge with the backing of Todd Boehly and the board, despite rumours suggesting he could be under pressure.

With that said, it's now up to the Argentine to find solutions within his squad and that could come with dropping his most experienced player in Thiago Silva. The veteran defender was dropped in Chelsea's impressive FA Cup thrashing of Aston Villa and may now have lost his place. According to Fabrizio Romano, Silva's position "may now be in doubt" at Stamford Bridge.

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ByZak Anderton Feb 10, 2024

Romano said in his Daily Briefing column for Caught Offside:

"Thiago Silva’s position in the Chelsea starting line up may now be in doubt after he missed the game against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, but I honestly don’t know about this situation or what it means for his place in the side for the rest of this season.

“It’s not a transfer story so it’s not really my area, it will depend on Mauricio Pochettino. But they clarified the situation days ago, so it seems to just be a technical decision now up to the coaching staff.”

"Outstanding" Silva may need to step aside

There's no doubting the fact that Silva brings a wealth of experience to any side, but at 39 years of age, questions must naturally come about his ability to keep up with some of the Premier League's best-attacking players. Given how well Chelsea performed in his absence against Aston Villa, it could be time for the Brazilian to make way for the likes of Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile.

Pochettino is at a point when experience must be sacrificed for potential and the ability that comes with that, rather than falling back on a player edging closer and closer to retirement. Nonetheless, when Silva does call it a day on his time at Chelsea, or indeed his playing career as a whole, he'll be looked back on as a successful signing by all those involved at Stamford Bridge. Former manager Thomas Tuchel was certainly a fan of the defender, once saying via Football Daily:

“He almost scored twice. He’s so strong. The delivery was good for his goal. We are very happy that he was able to score and open the game for us. His performance, even in the first half, was outstanding. Fantastic performance."