Golaço de Marcelo marca último treino do Fluminense antes da final do Campeonato Carioca

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A manhã deste sábado (8) do Fluminense foi de trabalho de olho na decisão do Campeonato Carioca, contra o Flamengo. O treino realizado no CT Carlos Castilho teve um momento marcante.

Durante a atividade em campo reduzido, o lateral Marcelo marcou um golaço, ao se desvencilhar do marcador e acertar uma trave pequena. O camisa 12 está cotado para ser titular no Fla-Flu deste domingo (9), às 18h, no Maracanã.

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Marcelo ainda fez algumas embaixadinhas e equilibrou a bola no pé em outro momento da atividade no CT Carlos Castilho.

O Fluminense tem um árduo desafio neste domingo (9). Após a derrota por 2 a 0 para o Flamengo na ida, os tricolores têm de vencer por três ou mais gols para serem campeões diretamente. Uma vitória por dois gols força uma decisão por pênaltis.

A equipe das Laranjeiras tem ao menos duas baixas confirmadas por suspensão. Samuel Xavier e o técnico Fernando Diniz receberam o vermelho no jogo anterior. O lateral Guga e o auxiliar Eduardo Barros devem entrar em campo em seus respectivos lugares.

Owners of Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals to own teams in MLC

With KKR already involved, four of the six teams in the new US-based T20 league, Major League Cricket, will have owners from the IPL

Nagraj Gollapudi16-Mar-2023

The Mumbai Indians team in their seats as the WPL auction gets underway•BCCI

Three prominent IPL franchises have bought stakes in Major League Cricket (MLC), a new T20 franchise league in the USA, which is scheduled to be launched this July. Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, ESPNcricinfo has learned, have all bought stake in the MLC and will anchor franchises in New York, Texas and Seattle respectively.That means four out of the six teams in MLC overall will be helmed by IPL franchises, after Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the earliest investors in the tournament, took charge of the Los Angeles franchise. While Mumbai, like Knight Riders, will run the New York franchise on its own, Capitals will run the Seattle franchise in partnership with Microsoft chief executive officer Satya Nadella. While Capitals in the IPL is co-owned by the GMR Sports Private Ltd and Jindal Sports West, it is learned that it is the former that has entered into a partnership with Nadella to run the Seattle franchsie.In a media release issued on Thursday, the MLC confirmed the alliance between Seattle franchise and Capitals, and said the team would be called Seattle Orcas. Other than Nadella and GMR, the other investors in the Orcas franchise comprise Soma Somasegar (managing director of Madrona Ventures), Samir Bodas (co-founder and CEO, Icertis), Ashok Krishnamurthi (managing partner, GreatPoint Ventures) and Sanjay Parthasarathy (former senior executive at Microsoft and Avalara).Super Kings, too, have allied with a local investor in the Texas franchise.Related

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The two other franchises in the league are based out of Washington DC and San Francisco. The Washington DC franchise – to be called Washington Freedom – is owned by local American investor Sanjay Govil, who has tied up with New South Wales Cricket, to provide the operational expertise including helping set up the squad and putting a cricketing structure in place. A similar strategic tie-up has been struck between San Francisco franchise, owned by Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan, and Cricket Victoria.The development aligns with the constant endeavour of IPL franchises to expand their brands outside of India. All the four IPL franchises that have bought stakes in MLC are already part of more than one overseas domestic T20 franchise leagues. Outside of MLC, Mumbai own teams in South Africa’s SA20 and the UAE-based International League T20 (ILT20), Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League and ILT20, Super Kings in SA20, and Capitals (GMR) in ILT20 and SA20.The inaugural season of MLC will be played between July 13 and 30 at the newly renovated facility in the Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie, Texas, with the player draft for local US players scheduled to be on March 19 at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. The squad size will comprise minimum 15 and maximum 18 players, of which nine can be overseas players. At least six players in the playing XI will need to be from the USA. The overseas players will be direct signings by the franchises, not part of the draft.It is understood that teams will have a purse of USD 800,000 for overseas signings and USD 300,000 for the US-based players.

Giants and RCB desperately need full points and a net run-rate boost

A win will leave both teams with a chance of sneaking into the playoffs if other results go their way

Shashank Kishore18-Mar-20234:15

Devine: It’s really cool to open the batting with Mandhana

Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in must-win contestRemember when Royal Challengers Bangalore cheered wildly for a Mumbai Indians win over Delhi Capitals during the final group game of IPL 2022? Royal Challengers could end up doing something similar at the WPL if they beat Gujarat Giants on Saturday, because it will leave them with a chance of sneaking into the playoffs if other results go their way.They would want UP Warriorz to lose their remaining games and stay on four points. Then, if Royal Challengers win their last two, they can get to six points and take the third place ahead of Giants on NRR, since their current NRR of -1.55 is better than that of Giants. They would have to hope Giants knock over Warriorz on Monday.But a win against Royal Challengers and Warriorz will strengthen Giants’ chances.And as much as Giants haven’t helped their cause with by constantly chopping and changing, they showed there’s enough in the tank when they overcame Delhi Capitals. But they have not utilised their resources properly. For example: Mansi Joshi, an India international, has bowled all of one over in two games.Royal Challengers, too, have struggled with the ball. Renuka Singh, their spearhead, has been taken to the cleaners match after match. But Sophie Devine being able to bowl again after a niggle has lent some balance with her seam-ups. They would also be pleased to see some of their uncapped players – Asha Shobana and Kanika Ahuja, especially – pull their weight.All set then for a compelling contest between two misfiring teams with playoff spots on the line.Players to watchKanika Ahuja showed her 360-degree game in the previous outing, helping turn a potentially challenging chase against Warriorz into a canter. She made 46 off 30 balls, exhibiting the virtues of being fearless. What more can she do?Adjusting to Indian conditions, especially Mumbai’s sapping humidity, can take a toll at the best of times, but three games in, Laura Wolvaardt has had time to soak it all in. Now for the opportunity to deliver that one blockbuster performance at the fag end of what has been a challenging season.3:01

Ash Gardner: ‘We’ve been inconsistent, but tonight was clinical’

Likely XIsRoyal Challengers Bangalore: 1 Smriti Mandhana (capt), 2 Sophie Devine, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Heather Knight, 5 Richa Ghosh (wk), 6 Kanika Ahuja, 7 Disha Kasat, 8 Shreyanka Patil, 9 Megan Schutt, 10 Shobana Asha, 10 Renuka Singh/Komal ZanzadGujarat Giants: 1 Sophia Dunkley, 2 Laura Wolvaardt, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Ash Gardner, 5 D Hemalatha, 6 Ashwani Kumari, 7 Sushma Verma (wk), 8 Sneh Rana (capt), 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Kim Garth, 11 Hurley Gala/Mansi JoshiQuotes”Always think about the opportunity that you have rather than how bad it is right now. There is always a flip side to it, and it could always be worse than this.”
“Gujarat have multi-fold problems. How can a team having Rachael Haynes and Mithali Raj have such poor thinking? It just seems cluttered. Sophia Dunkley was in good form, she was the Player of the Match, and you dropped her. You play Laura Wolvaardt with confidence in the next match, you feel she will do good, but you drop her when she gets out and bring back Sophia. Will you change in the next match again?”

Travis Head claims Bairstow tried to dismiss him in a similar manner

Australia batter says England wicketkeeper tried to stump him at Edgbaston, just like Bairstow was stumped at Lord’s

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jul-2023

Travis Head in conversation with Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s•AFP/Getty Images

Australia batter Travis Head has claimed Jonny Bairstow tried to dismiss him in a manner similar to the hotly-debated stumping that ignited the fifth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.Bairstow’s dismissal occurred when England were five down and needed a further 178 runs to win: he ducked underneath a short ball from Cameron Green, scratched the crease with his boot and walked down the pitch towards his partner Ben Stokes at the non-striker’s end. Before Bairstow had begun to leave his ground, wicketkeeper Alex Carey had gathered the ball on the bounce and, in one motion, under-armed a throw at stumps at the striker’s end. The on-field umpires referred the decision to TV umpire Marais Erasmus who gave the batter out – and the dismissal was recorded as stumped. Bairstow glared at the Australian huddle as he walked off and boos rang out around Lord’s. The crowd – who were largely subdued throughout the first four days of this Test – then chanted repeatedly: “Same old Aussies, always cheating.” And as the Australian players walked through the long room at the lunch interval, they were booed and abused by some MCC members.Related

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Speaking to the podcast, however, Head revealed he had nearly been on the receiving end of such a dismissal at Baristow’s hands during the first Test at Edgbaston.”I sort of reminded Jonny last week I walked out of my crease at Edgbaston, at the end of the over,” Head said of the conversation he had with Bairstow after the Lord’s flashpoint. “And the ball got whipped in, and I quickly whipped my bat back and questioned Jonny: would you take the stumps? And he said, ‘Bloody oath I would,’ and ran off.”So I sort of reminded him that remember last week when you said you’d do exactly the same thing? Whether he remembered saying that or not, but two days before he also tried to throw Marnus’ stumps down.”So in the moment, in the heat of the battle, things come out and things have played out. I know they have questioned it differently if they were in the same situation, but with all the heat out there, doing it a couple of hours later and saying that is a little bit different than in the moment. We’ll never know that, we move on, and at the end of the day to the letter of the law it was out. That’s their opinion and we’ve got ours.”Australia went on to win the Lord’s Test by 43 runs and took a 2-0 lead in the Ashes, but the furore over Bairstow’s dismissal has only snowballed as the series moves to Headingley on Thursday. While Australia’s captain Pat Cummins defended his decision to appeal for the wicket, his England counterpart Ben Stokes said he wouldn’t want to win that way. England’s coach Brendon McCullum said the teams wouldn’t be sharing a beer any time soon, and that the nature of the dismissal would galvanise England for the rest of the series. The Prime Ministers of both countries – Rishi Sunak and Anthony Albanese – have also got involved, taking their respective team’s sides.

Keaton Jennings' 172 puts Hampshire on the ropes

Will Williams’ late double gives Lancashire a shot at victory on day four at the Utilita Bowl

ECB Reporters Network14-Apr-2024

Six of Keaton Jennings’s last seven first-class centuries have been in excess of 150•Getty Images

Keaton Jennings quickly disproved a Utilita Bowl jinx with a fine century to ease Lancashire into a large first-innings lead over Hampshire.Five batters – Nick Gubbins, James Vince, Tom Prest, Liam Dawson and Luke Wells – had scored fifties without converting to three figures in the first fixture at the newly renamed ground. But Jennings turned his overnight 85 into 172 with barely a moment out of shape, 21-year-old George Bell brilliantly accompanied him – but he was left cursing himself after running himself out for 99, with a maiden first-class century at his fingertips.Lancashire were eventually bowled out for 484 – with Liam Dawson picking up 4 for 156 – boasting a 117-run lead. Hampshire lost two wickets to Will Williams before the close as they reached 39 for 2. Neither the pitch nor the Kookaburra ball have assisted the bowlers in any way shape or form, but batters have been able to make hay at the Utilita Bowl.The only time Jennings had looked at ease during his seven-and-a-half-hour vigil had been on day two when he was dropped at point, when on 36, by Nick Gubbins. Otherwise, it was a 360-degree showcase of his skills, with the lack of movement from the fast bowlers not troubling him, and his renowned brilliance against spin made threats low.The former Test opener reached his 28th first-class century in 234 balls with an effortless cover drive as he and Bell eased through the morning session. In fact, Hampshire’s solitary moment of joy came when they thought James Fuller had produced an edge out of Jennings, but their celebrations were cut short by the lack of the umpire’s finger.Jennings moved through 150 – something six of his last seven red ball centuries have done – with Lancashire reaching 350 before the bonus points ended. That point will mean Lancashire will take one extra point if this ends in a draw.The 40th over of the day finally ended the 166-run stand between Jennings and Bell, as Dawson pinned Jennings while he played a reverse sweep.Bell was largely risk-averse throughout his innings but showed he was capable of driving attractively and adeptly finding gaps.He wouldn’t be rushed with his 50 coming in 132 balls, with a century seeming inevitable – despite seeing Dawson have Matthew Hurst caught at first slip and Tom Bailey leg before, having previously stood his ground after James Vince wrongfully claimed a catch.The only time he looked skittish was in the 90s and taking off for a single – when one was needed for a fine first ton. A run was never really in the offering, something Jack Blatherwick recognised and sent him back but too late for Ian Holland to directly hit from point.It was the second time that Bell had fallen in the 90 – having hit 91 against Middlesex last September – with a century surely not far away.Dawson’s tireless twirling away for 49 overs concluded by bowling Will Williams, before Fuller claimed his second of the innings when Blatherwick edged behind.In 21 twilight overs under the lights, all of the visiting bowlers beat the bat countless times, but were rewarded with a pair of wickets. Williams tickled a defending Fletcha Middleton’s outside edge and a swishing Ali Orr to give Lancashire a slight hope of forcing an unlikely win.

Leeds have an "unplayable" star but he's in danger of being Costa 2.0

Leeds United had some excellent players in their squad back in the 2019/20 campaign, the season they got promoted back to the Premier League.

The Whites’ core of the squad was built upon homegrown hero Kalvin Phillips, who went on to become a key player for England and earned himself a major move to Manchester City.

Patrick Bamford was entering his very best years that season, too. The Englishman scored 16 goals and grabbed four assists for the Yorkshire side across competitions in the promotion season. Club legend Pablo Hernandez was also on fire with 18 goal involvements.

Leeds striker Patrick Bamford.

One of the more underrated players in that campaign was Helder Costa, although he did struggle to adapt to life in the top flight.

Costa's transition from Championship to Premier League

Costa’s impact in the Championship during Leeds’ promotion campaign was excellent. The attacker, who was on loan for that season in the second tier, scored four goals and grabbed five assists in 43 games.

In total, he played 2956 minutes under the legendary Marcelo Bielsa, featuring for the equivalent of 32 full 90-minute games. Mainly playing on the right wing, the attacker was a key part of the Whites’ side that finally took them back to the first tier.

Costa signed for the club permanently for £16m in 2020, but his time in the Premier League was nowhere near as easy. He was far less of a key player in the 2020/21 campaign, the year in which football was played behind closed doors due to COVID-19.

In total, the Angola international played 22 times in the top flight that term, scoring three goals and assisting three times. Two of those strikes came in the second game of the season, in the excellent 4-3 win over Fulham.

It was not the impact Costa may have hoped for in the Premier League, and he soon departed on several loans before his contract expired.

Leeds' modern-day Costa repeat

Well, in a season in which they are once again chasing promotion, perhaps Leeds have the 2024/25 version of Costa in their squad.

Manor Solomon has had an important role to play for Leeds this season. The winger has contributed seven goals and eight assists as his side fight for promotion back to the Premier League.

However, as it was with Costa, it has not been plain sailing for the Whites’ number 14 this season. After an assist on the opening day of the campaign, he went seven games without contributing a goal and has recently just ended an eight-game goal involvement drought. There are certainly similar levels of inconsistency.

With that being said, the winger has chipped in with some important goals at key times. One of those moments came against Oxford United, in a 4-0 win for Leeds, where Solomon scored once and assisted twice.

According to a report in March from GiveMeSport, the Yorkshire outfit are looking to make the 25-year-old’s loan move from Tottenham Hotspur permanent. Ben Jacobs explained they are currently working on “trying to buy” the attacker this summer.

He is a player who has featured in the Premier League before, for Fulham and Spurs. However, with just four goals and two assists in 24 games in the English top flight, are Leeds fans looking at another player who could struggle at the highest level?

The stats, via Sofascore, suggest that Solomon has not really performed well in the Premier League yet. In his only full season in the top flight for Fulham, he managed just six key passes and just 19 dribbles across the campaign.

Solomon stats for Fulham in 2022/23 Premier League

Stat

Whole season

Per 90

Goals

4

0.6

Key passes

6

0.9

Dribbles completed

19

2.9

Tackles and interceptions

26

4.1

Expected goal involvements

1.92

0.3xGI

Stats from Sofascore

If Solomon does make the permanent switch to Elland Road, the Leeds faithful will no doubt be hoping life in the Premier League will be easier, given they don’t slip up in their promotion bid, of course.

Former Leeds manager Neil Redfern once described him as “unplayable”, and their fans will certainly be hoping that version of the 25-year-old will be on show if they get promoted.

If not, it could be a repeat of the Costa situation under Bielsa.

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Tottenham set Ange Postecoglou sack timeline with "top candidates" shared

Tottenham Hotspur have mapped out their timeline to find a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, with chairman Daniel Levy also earmarking two “top candidates” for the potentially vacant Spurs job.

Tottenham could sack Ange Postecoglou regardless of Europa League

As reported by The Mirror’s John Cross earlier this week, an impressive campaign in the Europa League might not necessarily save Postecoglou.

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The consensus was that Postecoglou is relying on a good run in Europe to save his job at Tottenham, as per reliable sources like Fabrizio Romano, but it is now believed that might not even be enough after a truly torrid Premier League campaign.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

The Australian admitted in a recent press conference that he’s aware of this growing sentiment, so the pressure is truly on for him to turn the tide and somehow convince a discontented fan base that he’s the right man to take Spurs forward.

Behind-the-scenes, Tottenham are doing due-diligence on potential replacements for Postecoglou.

Bounemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi, ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić, Thiago Motta, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are all rumoured Spurs managerial targets,

If the Lilywhites fail to get past Eintracht Frankfurt in their Europa League quarter-final second leg on Thursday, with the tie currently level on aggregate, we’re very likely to see even more reports linking prospective managers to the Tottenham hot seat.

It is unclear whether Levy and new CEO Vinai Venkatesham are open to relieving Postecoglou of his duties before the end of 2024/2025, which would mean they could end up appointing Ryan Mason as interim boss again.

Tottenham's Ryan Mason

However, it has now been revealed when Spurs would aim to have a new manager in by.

Tottenham set Ange Postecoglou timeline with top candidates identified

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, if Postecoglou is sacked, Tottenham want a manager in before the first summer transfer window on June 1st – as they’d be very keen to work on targets with their new tactician already appointed.

Levy and co want any prospective boss to have the opportunity to work on new arrivals “early” in the off-season, and aim to sign-off on a hire “as soon as possible”, in the event Postecoglou is shown his P45.

As things stand, both Iraola and Silva are their two “top candidates”, even if the former is reportedly more inclined to remain at Bournemouth (The Telegraph).

Other reports state that Silva is emerging as a frontrunner for the Tottenham job off the back of Iraola’s stance (talkSPORT), following yet another impressive campaign at Craven Cottage where he’s led Fulham to European qualification contention.

Over the course of 2024/25, Postecoglou has led Spurs to 21 defeats in all competitions, with 17 of them coming in the top flight.

Regardless of injuries, numbers like these are unacceptable for a club like Tottenham, and any new manager will have a serious task on their hands to revitalise the mood around N17.

Tottenham very keen on "sensational" forward as Levy prepares £50m+ bid

Tottenham Hotspur are now very interested in signing a “sensational” Premier League forward this summer, and they are preparing a €60m (£51m) offer for his services, according to a report.

Spurs planning for the summer transfer window

The 1-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night was a stellar effort, with Ange Postecoglou’s side booking their place in the Europa League semi-final, but there is still a great deal of uncertainty lingering over Tottenham as we edge closer to the summer transfer window.

Given Spurs’ very poor Premier League campaign, Postecoglou’s future remains in doubt, and AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been invited for talks over a potential move to north London this summer.

The Lilywhites are also putting plans in place to improve their squad, and there could be a focus on bolstering their attacking options, with Athletic Bilbao attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet recently joining the list of targets, given the Spaniard’s goalscoring exploits.

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Signing a new winger is also on the agenda for Tottenham, and scouts have been left hugely impressed by Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa, having recently watched the Frenchman in action.

However, given that Bakwa remains unproven in the Premier League, it could be viewed as a risk to sign the 22-year-old, and Spurs have also set their sights on a winger from much closer to home, namely AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

Antoine Semenyo in Premier League action for Bournemouth.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states the Lilywhites and by extension Daniel Levy are now preparing to make a €60m (£51m) offer for Semenyo, having been impressed by the forward’s performances in the Premier League this season.

Bournemouth are open to negotiations over a move, which suggests the door could be open for a deal, should the north Londoners be willing to stump up a sizeable fee.

"Sensational" Semenyo impressing for the Cherries

The Ghanaian made a flying start to the campaign, and he has continued to impress throughout the season, picking up ten goals and six assists in all competitions, most recently scoring the winning goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over Fulham.

Journalist Thierry Nyann lauded the Bournemouth star as “sensational” earlier in the campaign, and he has developed a reputation for scoring some spectacular goals, including a fine effort in his side’s 3-1 victory against Southampton in September.

The only concern about signing the winger will be the fact he is yet to prove himself at the very highest level, but he has shown remarkable signs of development throughout his career, working his way up from League 2 to the Premier League.

At 25-years-old, Semenyo still has time on his side to improve even further, and he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham this summer.

Approach made: Chelsea now ready to splash out £60m to sign "amazing" star

In search of boosting their frontline once again, Chelsea chiefs are now reportedly ready to match the £60m asking price of one impressive forward having already made their first approach for his signature.

Chelsea's UCL push going down to the wire

Whilst there would have been plenty of relief around Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford in midweek, Chelsea still have it all to do in the race to secure Champions League qualification. Sat fifth on goal difference and in the last remaining Champions League spot, the Blues may need to win all four of their remaining games to finish above the chasing pack of Forest and Aston Villa.

With Premier League champions Liverpool to face this weekend too, it doesn’t get any easier for Chelsea who may be hoping to come up against a side in celebration rather than the ruthless Reds that English football has become accustomed to this season.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca recently had his say on the Champions League race, telling reporters: “How many times in the last two years has Chelsea been in the Champions League [places]? Zero.

“How many times this season? Almost all season. It is an improvement or not? It is already an improvement because we spend all season there. Now, we are going to try our best to finish there no doubt.

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“We want to finish there, no doubt. We are happy to finish there, yes. Is it enough? No, because we want to compete for titles. But compared to the past two years, I think it is quite clear that there is an improvement. Now, if you want to see it, you see it. If you don’t want to see it, you don’t see it. It depends which way. I see it.”

Meanwhile, should the London club go on and confirm their place among Europe’s elite this month, they could be well placed to welcome an impressive Premier League rival.

Chelsea ready to meet Watkins price tag

According to Football Transfers, Chelsea are now ready to match Ollie Watkins’ £60m valuation to welcome the Aston Villa striker this summer, having already made their first approach for his signature.

Watkins was, of course, at the centre of attention in January when Arsenal came calling. Unlike Chelsea, however, the Gunners were reluctant to meet Villa’s asking price and the England international therefore stayed put in the Midlands.

At 29 years old, the Villa star goes against BlueCo’s usual transfer route of young stars, but an established Premier League goalscorer could be exactly what Maresca’s side need if they are to improve this summer.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Ollie Watkins

Nicolas Jackson

Starts

27

26

Goals

15

10

Assists

7

5

Expected Goals

14.5

12.2

Dubbed “amazing” by Villa boss Unai Emery earlier this season, Watkins’ numbers compared to Nicolas Jackson highlight the upgrade that he would instantly offer Chelsea and Maresca.

"Dynamic" Crystal Palace teenager has at least 3 offers to leave the club

A “dynamic” Crystal Palace academy talent is wanted by some big clubs in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Ins and outs expected at Crystal Palace this summer

The Eagles have once again enjoyed a solid season in the Premier League, preserving their top-flight status for another year and reaching the FA Cup final against Manchester City later this month.

It could be a busy summer at Palace both in terms of incomings and outgoings, with star man Eberechi Eze linked with a move to Manchester United. The south Londoners will do well to keep hold of the England international, but they will of course only allow him to leave for big money.

Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy

In terms of possible signings, Holstein Kiel striker Phil Harres has been touted as an option for the Eagles, with the 23-year-old scoring eight goals in the Bundesliga this season. Wolves are also thought to be in the mix to sign him.

Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has also been backed to move to Palace ahead of next season, following the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League to the Championship. The 28-year-old would be an experienced addition to Oliver Glasner’s midfield.

"Dynamic" Crystal Palace ace a wanted man

Taking to X on Monday, Romano claimed that Crystal Palace youngster Hindolo Mustapha is wanted by a host of clubs this summer, including Eredivisie giants Ajax and Feyenoord.

Losing Mustapha so early in his career would be a shame for Palace, considering he is among the most eye-catching young players at the club.

Hindolo Mustapha’s Crystal Palace stats

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Crystal Palace Under-18s

32

5

12

Crystal Palace Under-21s

27

12

6

The 18-year-old has registered 35 goal contributions (17 goals and 18 assists) in 59 appearances for the Eagles’ Under-18s and Under-21s combined, and analyst Ben Mattinson has praised him for his “dynamic” style of play.

For that reason, sending Mustapha on loan for the 2025/26 season arguably makes more sense than allowing him to leave on a permanent basis.

£50m Crystal Palace star tells chiefs he wants out amid Man Utd interest

A Crystal Palace star is now ready to start a new challenge at the end of this season.

ByBrett Worthington May 2, 2025

Palace could then reassess the situation this time next year, looking at how well he has done on loan and weighing up whether he is a long-term part of the club’s plans or not.

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