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Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is in hot water with the FA after being accused of disgusting behaviour towards Leeds supporters during the recent Premier League clash between the clubs. The former Manchester United player has been charged over a spitting incident and has just under three weeks to respond, facing possible sanctions for his conduct.

Midfielder charged over alleged spitting

Hannibal was walking behind the goal at Turf Moor when the alleged spitting incident is claimed to have taken place – he appeared to react badly to something that was said, having been in thet area to pass a note to Clarets goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The Tunisia international, who later came on for the final seven minutes, plus stoppage time, was the subject of a complaint by a Leeds fan to Lancashire Police. The FA then reviewed the incident, prior to launching an investigation and now charging Hannibal.

An FA spokesperson confirmed: "Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri has been charged with misconduct following their Premier League fixture against Leeds united on Saturday 18 October. It's alleged that the player acted in breach of the Laws of the Game and/or in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters around the 67th minute. Hannibal Mejbri has until Friday 28November to provide a response."

AdvertisementHannibal's feud with Leeds fans

It isn't Hannibal's first run-in with Leeds fans. Influenced by his Manchester United past – the player spent a total of five years with the Old Trafford club after joining from Monaco as a teenager and was targeted with derogatory chanting likening his hair to that of Simpsons character Sideshow Bob during an FA Youth Cup tie in 2020 – he appeared to taunt Leeds supporters during a Championship fixture, shortly after signing permanently with Burnley in 2024. Last month's incident has seen an escalation of that ongoing feud that has now lasted several years.

What punishment is Hannibal facing?

The standard suspension in England for a player deemed guilty of a spitting offence is six games. That sanction was famously issued to Manchester United defender Jonny Evans over an incident during a clash with Newcastle in march 2015, while Magpie striker Papiss Cisse was slapped with a seven-game ban due to a previous suspension. Hannibal could get a longer ban, with reporting that it is considered a "non-standard" incident that is more complex than usual. He could, however, avoid a harsher punishment by quickly responding, accepting the charge and apologising. If Hannibal contests the charge, he would be summoned to a hearing to give evidence and an independent regulatory commission would decide what sanction to issue if he is found guilty.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Hannibal?

Hannibal has 17 days to respond to the FA charge, but it might be in his best interest to give his side of the story as soon as possible. Premier League football is currently paused and Burnley are not back in action until hosting Chelsea at Turf Moor on November 22.

Hannibal has joined up with Tunisia's squad for international friendlies over the course of the next week against Mauritania, Jordan and Brazil. The Eagles of Carthage have qualified for next summer's World Cup, making it a third appearance in a row for them after missing out in both 2010 and 2014.

Hannibal being banned might not actually be too much of a blow for Burnley. Aside from a stoppage time game-winning assist off the bench against Wolves the week after facing Leeds, his impact this season has been minimal. The 22-year-old hasn’t started a Premier League game since being substituted 65 minutes into Burnley’s 3-2 loss against Manchester United, while that aforementioned assist is his sole goal involvement across 10 league appearances spanning 290 minutes.

Juventus are reportedly ready to sell star forward Jonathan David in January, just months after his summer arrival, according to Sky Sports. The Canadian has scored just once in 11 games, with his team now contacting major clubs like Tottenham and Bayern Munich. With new boss Luciano Spalletti snubbing him, a "quick exit" is now being considered by the Bianconeri.

David's struggle to adapt to Serie A

Juventus have placed David on the transfer market and are considering a shock January exit, just months after he joined the club, according to a report from Sky Sports.

The 25-year-old striker has struggled significantly to establish himself in Turin following his summer switch from Lille. His entourage has reportedly been in constant contact with several major European clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich both inquiring about the conditions for a potential winter transfer.

David arrived at Juventus with a prolific reputation, having scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists in 49 games for Lille during the 2024-25 campaign. However, he has failed to replicate that form in Italy.

According to Sky Sports, David has featured in 11 matches for the Bianconeri but has played only 51 per cent of the available minutes. His statistical return has been minimal, registering just one goal and one assist. That lone goal came in the season's opening fixture against Parma in August, and he has failed to find the net since. This lack of output has alarmed the Juventus hierarchy, prompting them to explore a "quick exit."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTottenham lead chase amid attacking crisis

Tottenham have emerged as a primary suitor, driven by a desperate need for attacking reinforcements. Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Spurs have made a formal inquiry regarding the conditions for a January deal.

The North London club are reeling from a long-term injury to striker Dominic Solanke, which has left their frontline severely depleted. Head coach Thomas Frank is overseeing a dismal run of form that has seen Spurs win just one of their last five matches across all competitions. Most worryingly, they have failed to score in three of those five games.

The club's current backup strikers, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel, have been unable to step up, managing just one goal between them all season. This has forced the club to seek an immediate solution in the winter market, with David's potential availability seen as a timely opportunity.

Bayern Munich also monitoring situation

Spurs are not the only European giant monitoring the situation. The report states that David's representatives have also reached out to Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions have similarly inquired about what it would take to sign the Canadian, as they assess their own forward options heading into the second half of the season.

The involvement of both Spurs and Bayern suggests a competitive market could form if Juventus formally commit to a sale, despite David's poor run of form.

Any hope that a change in the dugout would immediately revive David's Juventus career appears to have been misplaced. The club dismissed Igor Tudor last week following a disastrous eight-game winless run.

New manager Luciano Spalletti was appointed on Thursday and oversaw his first match on Saturday—a nervy 2-1 away win against Cremonese. David's role in the victory was minimal, as he was left on the bench until the 85th minute, coming on for just five minutes to help see out the result.

Spalletti’s starting XI sent a clear message, preferring a front three of Dusan Vlahovic, Lois Openda, and Filip Kostic. This selection indicates that the former Italy boss currently views David as "impact cover" rather than a key part of his starting plans.

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Juve 'open' to sale as free transfer guarantees profit

From the Bianconeri's perspective, a January sale is financially appealing. A report from Gazzetta dello Sport claims Juventus are "open" to letting David leave.

Crucially, David arrived on a free transfer during the summer after his contract at Lille expired. This means any fee received for the 25-year-old would represent 100 per cent profit on the club's balance sheet.

Despite his struggles in Turin, David’s market value is still estimated to be around €45 million (£39m/ $52m), a valuation reflecting his stellar record at Lille, where he scored 109 goals, provided 30 assists, and won a Ligue 1 title in 232 games. This financial incentive may outweigh the sporting desire to wait for the player to find his form.

Transfer deadline day has come and gone, and thankfully, Kobbie Mainoo remains a Manchester United player, having been heavily linked with an exit in the last knockings of the window.

An unused substitute in the opening two Premier League games of the season – having also been afforded just mere minutes off the bench in the Europa League final back in May – the 20-year-old appeared to have his heart set on a loan exit from Old Trafford, amid the search for increased game time.

This is a World Cup year after all, with the United academy graduate firmly out of the England picture at present, despite playing a starring role in the knockout stage run at Euro 2024 just last year.

Having seen Thomas Tuchel elect to recall forgotten man Ruben Loftus-Cheek after a six-year absence this week, Mainoo’s place in the midfield pecking order is evident. He needs to get back playing regularly again.

Once the shining light under Erik ten Hag, the local hero is yet to win over Ruben Amorim. Something needs to change.

Mainoo's rise – and 'fall' – at Man Utd

This writer was there the day that a 16-year-old Mainoo truly announced himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a fine FA Youth Cup final display in May 2022, producing a composed, eye-catching performance at the base of midfield that has since become his trademark.

Fleeting first-team opportunities for the then-teenager followed in 2022/23 – just three to be precise – before he was belatedly unleashed the following campaign, having gradually been introduced after being struck down by injury during pre-season.

From his Man of the Match display away at Everton on just his first Premier League start, Mainoo simply didn’t look back over the next six months, with notable highlights including that late winner at Molinuex, alongside his stunning curler at home to Liverpool.

Such a remarkable rise was capped by his Wembley heroics in May 2024, a year on from the midfield maestro having been singled out by Ten Hag as the senior set-up celebrated their Carabao Cup triumph.

For all the negativity that surrounds the Dutchman, his faith in Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho was more than admirable. Amorim, take note.

Indeed, had it not been for Mainoo’s inclusion in the squad at Burnley last weekend, United would have been at risk of abandoning an 85-year tradition. Since 1937, an academy player has featured in every matchday squad.

That may seem trivial, but this is the essence of Manchester United. Amorim can’t lose that.

In the Portuguese’s defence, however, it isn’t as if he won’t put faith in young talents when suitable. He appears to have settled on his own boy wonder during his Red Devils tenure thus far.

Leny Yoro is the new boy wonder at Man Utd

Question marks remain over the new INEOS regime at Man United, with notable low points including the protracted pursuit – and subsequent dismissal – of Dan Ashworth, alongside the indecision regarding Ten Hag’s future following the FA Cup final.

Throw into the mix the ongoing off-field issues which have clouded the club in recent times, namely a string of redundancies under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s watch, and the new-look hierarchy still have a way to go to win over an expectant and committed fanbase.

That being said, an optimist could look to the odd success story on the transfer front thus far, with the capture of Leny Yoro an obvious case in point.

Poached from Lille on a £52m deal last summer, amid rival interest from the mighty Real Madrid, the ability to entice the teenage Frenchman appeared to be a real coup at the time. Just over 12 months on, and that remains the case even more so.

While an injury sustained against Arsenal last summer halted his introduction to Premier League football, in a similar vein to Mainoo a year earlier, the 19-year-old grew into the campaign in impressive fashion, following his competitive debut in December.

The doubters will look to his performance against Southampton, and more specifically against Kamaldeen Sulemana, as a reason for concern, but that was a rare blot on the copybook for a player yet to realise his full potential.

That night at the Theatre of Dreams aside, Yoro has looked simply sublime under Amorim, seemingly relishing his role at right centre-back or left centre-back in this much-discussed 3-4-2-1 system.

From his last-ditch challenge on Darwin Nunez away at Anfield, to his vital header out in Lyon, 2025 has proven to be the year of Yoro thus far, none more so than amid that Europa League run.

While others of more seniority and authority faltered around him, the £115-per-week talent – as per Capology – was a real driving force during that surge to Bilbao. Indeed, he quite literally drove Amorim’s men up the pitch from deep at any available occasion, namely against Athletic Club to tee up Mason Mount’s crucial curler.

Described as a “generational” talent by Statman Dave, Yoro ranked in the top 3% of centre-backs in the competition for progressive carries per 90 last term, as per FBref, as well as in the top 7% for pass completion.

Tipped to be ‘the new Rio Ferdinand’ by Amorim, he also started the new campaign in fine fettle, averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game in the top-flight, as per Sofascore, while winning 82% of his aerial duels thus far.

Bruno Fernandes

44

Noussair Mazraoui

41

Rasmus Hojlund

40

Alejandro Garnacho

40

Diogo Dalot

39

Manuel Ugarte

37

Leny Yoro

36

Andre Onana

35

Harry Maguire

34

Joshua Zirkzee

34

Positions are up for grabs across the park, but Yoro’s starting berth appears almost nailed on. Was it any coincidence that when afforded a rare rest for the trip to Grimsby, the team simply fell apart defensively?

Only six players have made more United appearances since Amorim walked in the door, with the youngster’s importance to both his manager and his team only looking set to grow and grow.

Every manager appears to have their favoured rising star when in the United dugout, and while Yoro may not be a product of the academy like Mainoo, he represents everything that this new regime should be looking for to build around.

Ten Hag sold him for £9m: Man Utd had the original Mainoo who Bruno loved

Manchester United must regret offloading one top-level talent whom Bruno Fernandes adored.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 5, 2025

Spinner sparks dramatic collapse as Derbyshire take first-day spoils

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 22-Jun-2025Jack Morley claimed career-best figures of six for 55 as Derbyshire dominated the opening day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match with Gloucestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.Bowling around the wicket from the Ashley Down Road End, the 23-year-old left-arm spinner sent down 18.2 overs, sparking a collapse that saw the home side crash from 68 for no wicket to 187 all out after winning the toss.Cameron Bancroft top-scored with 58, while James Bracey contributed 47 and there were two wickets each for Zak Chappell and Alex Thomson. By the close of a day in which six overs were lost to rain, Derbyshire had replied with 116 for two, Harry Came unbeaten on 29.Before play began, players, officials and staff from both clubs stood in line to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Gloucestershire president and former fast bowler David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE, who has passed away at the age of 61 following a long battle with motor neurone disease.Just 50 minutes play followed before rain forced an early lunch, taken at 12.30pm. By the break, Gloucestershire openers Bancroft and Joe Phillips, the latter making his first appearance of the season, had put 35 runs on the board in 12.2 overs.There was little sign of the carnage ahead as the resumption at 1.25pm saw Bancroft and Phillips extend their partnership comfortably before Phillips, on 27, drove Morley in the air to mid-on where Ben Aitchison took a good tumbling catch.It was 82 for two when Ollie Price was bowled on the back foot by a delivery from Morley that hurried through and 86 for three when Miles Hammond advanced down the pitch to the same bowler only to miscue a catch to Aitchison at mid-off.Bancroft went to a solid 114-ball half-century, with 8 fours, but fell with the total on 102, caught behind trying to pull a short ball from Chappell. Gloucestershire’s plight worsened when Graeme van Buuren went lbw to Thomson, pushing forward on off stump, and Ben Charlesworth followed for a duck, caught at second slip by Aitchison attempting to drive the off-spinner.At 114 for six, Gloucestershire’s innings looked in tatters. But Bracey and Zaman Akhter stopped the rot with a seventh-wicket stand that was worth 37 by tea, Akhter playing positively before the break, reverse sweeping Thomson for four and off-driving another boundary in the same over.The England Lions all-rounder continued in the same vein after the interval, timing a sweet straight four off the opening delivery of the session, sent down by Chappell, and quickly following up with a boundary through the covers.Bracey had begun his innings with two edged fours wide of second slip off Chappell. But under clearing skies and early evening sunshine, he also found his touch as the stand reached 64 before Akhter was bowled by Morley on the back foot for 32.Australia Test off-spinner Todd Murphy, making his Gloucestershire debut, could score only one before being caught at deep square pulling a ball from Chappell, Aitchison pouching a fourth catch. Ajeet Singh Dale was bowled by a ball from Morley that straightened and when Bracey, having run out of partners, holed out to long-on Gloucestershire had lost all ten wickets for 119 runs in the space of 36 overs.Derbyshire were left with 28 overs to face before stumps. Openers Lloyd and Caleb Jewell took the score to 49 in the 11th over before Jewell, who had just pulled a six off Akhter, fell to the same bowler, edging a back-foot shot to second slip and departing for 32 off 39 balls.Murphy, brought on as early as the eighth over, was unable to pose the problems caused by Morley from the same end, but 19-year-old seamer Archie Bailey struck with his eighth ball on seasonal debut as Lloyd, having moved untroubled to 35, cut a catch to point.Came and Wayne Madsen saw out the remaining overs as Derbyshire reached the close trailing by only 71 runs.

Sean Dyche had to pull out of a community event which had named him as their guest of honour following his appointment as Nottingham Forest manager. The 54-year-old was scheduled to make a special appearance in his home town of Kettering but was forced to cancel after making an emotional return to the City Ground following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking.

Dyche is Forest's third manager of the season after Ange and Nuno sackings

It has been a busy couple of days for Dyche since succeeding Postecoglou in the Forest dugout on Tuesday. The former Everton and Burnley boss took over the reins after his Australian counterpart was dismissed following a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea which ensured they failed to win any of their eight games under his stewardship. Former Tottenham head coach Postecoglou was Forest’s second manager of the season after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked just three games into the campaign.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEx-Everton and Burnley boss made perfect start with Porto victory in midweek

But despite having just a few days to work with his new players, Dyche led Forest to an impressive 2-0 victory over Portuguese giants Porto in the Europa League on Thursday evening. Goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus handed the club their first victory since the opening weekend of the Premier League season, when they defeated Brentford 3-1 on home soil.

New Forest manager was forced to pull out of local event following appointment

And while Dyche, a Forest academy graduate, has quickly felt the love from supporters following Thursday’s victory, he has been forced to disappoint one or two fans in his home town since taking the job. In a report from the Dyche was pencilled in to appear at the opening ceremony for the Poppies Community Centre in Kettering – where he was born – but texted to say he would no longer be able to make it.

However, in an interview with Paula Conde-Sharpe – from the community group – insisted there was no hard feelings, saying she had hoped Dyche was appointed as Forest’s new manager.

"He really selfishly got the Nottingham job, so he's not available,” joked Ms Conde-Sharpe.

"He's a great Kettering lad. He never forgets his roots. He's done so much for Kettering Football Club, he never charges the club for appearances."

Detailing how the centre was ready to open after local volunteers spent 16 years transforming the old Maplefields school, Ms Conde-Sharpe added: "It's been a long, long time to get this over the line. The school was very sad, tired – there were even trees growing inside, it had been neglected for so long.”

Ms Conde-Sharpe is not worried about Dyche’s absence ahead Sunday's opening, saying ”plenty of exciting guests are coming", including former Kettering Town midfielder Brett Solkhon.

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Dyche also had to cancel a commitment with a credit card company

Speaking before his side’s clash with Porto, Dyche confirmed he also had to cancel a commitment with credit card company Aqua Credit in order to attend his maiden press conference as Forest manager.

“Well, the briefing I was meant to be doing today was actually for Aqua Credit because I did an online advert for them," said Dyche. "That was planned for today. Needless to say I had to cancel that!

“No, it’s true. I had to let them know that I wouldn’t be available for that, so I’m pleased to say that I am available to be Nottingham Forest football manager and be here today.”

Opening stand with Smith puts contest beyond doubt despite Armitage anchoring visitors’ innings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay08-Jun-2025Surrey 143 for 1 (Wyatt-Hodge 74*, Smith 44) beat Durham 141 for 5 (Armitage 50) by nine wickets Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s blistering 26-ball half-century set Surrey on their way to a thumping nine-wicket win over Durham at the Oval.The England opener struck two sixes and 11 fours in her unbeaten 74 (36), sharing a stand of 94 for the first wicket with skipper Bryony Smith (44 from 28) as the hosts chased down a target of 142 with 43 balls to spare to return to the top of the table.The onslaught came after Durham fought back from 29 for 3 to total 141 for 5, Hollie Armitage anchoring the effort with 50 (49) while Bess Heath (27 from 18) and Mia Rogers (25 from 20) played eye-catching cameos.There were two wickets apiece for Ryana MacDonald-Gay (2 for 16) and Tash Farrant (2 for 25).Durham were soon in trouble, MacDonald-Gay uprooting Suzie Bates’ middle stump after the New Zealand international gave her the charge.MacDonald-Gay was at it again in her next over, spreadeagling Mady Villiers’s stumps and when Emma Marlow chipped one from Tash Farrant into the hands of Paige Scholfield, the visitors were 29 for 3.Durham fought back with Armitage playing the anchor role and Heath and Rogers providing the impetus. Heath twice drove powerfully over cover and then mid-off for four in racing to 27 before Smith clung on to a good catch at mid-off to cut her charge short.Rogers should have been stumped on 12 off the bowling of Dani Gregory, but celebrated the reprieve with some good straight hitting until she too didn’t get enough onto another drive, Scholfield again showing safe hands on the boundary.Armitage ran hard throughout and finally found the fence twice late on while Katherine Fraser hit the last ball of the innings for six to set the target.Smith was quick to take up the challenge clubbing Grace Thompson to the fence four times in her opening over and when spinner Katie Levick came on for the third over she was driven and pulled with equal disdain by the Surrey skipper.Wyatt-Hodge caught the mood, cutting and driving Trudy Johnson to the fence to raise the 50-partnership in 22 balls.Things got worse for Durham when Phoebe Turner dropped Smith a mid-off on 34, but brilliant fielding on the fence at backward square saved a six from the next ball, the England all-rounder parrying the ball back into play and keeping the hosts down to one.Wyatt Hodge produced the first six, hammering Levick over the mid-wicket rope, but with the hundred partnership in sight Smith pulled one from Turner into the hands of Villiers to end the stand at 94.Wyatt-Hodge though continued to brutalize the Durham bowling adding a second straight six to her boundary count as Surrey galloped home.

Leeds United are now “keeping close checks” on an “exceptional” player, and there is a “good chance” he completes a move to Elland Road.

Leeds looking to bolster midfield options

One of Daniel Farke’s main tasks this summer has been to improve his central midfield options, bringing in the likes of Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach, but two of the manager’s Championship promotion-winners stole the headlines against Everton.

Ao Tanaka was voted the Player of the Match by Leeds fans after the 1-0 victory against Everton, and the Japan international was not the only midfielder who impressed, with Ethan Ampadu winning six of the eight duels he contested to keep the Toffees at bay.

However, there has now been a disappointing new injury update on both Tanaka and Ampadu, with the two midfielders being ruled out due to MCL injuries.

As such, Farke may feel a need to dip bring in another central midfielder before the transfer deadline, and transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now revealed the Whites are in a strong position to get a deal for one of their former players over the line…

Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey suggested that Kalvin Phillips could soon be on his way to Elland Road, saying: “Leeds are keeping very close checks on Kalvin Phillips – am told that Man City might be trying to pay up his contract – there is still a good chance he ends up at Elland Road.”

Phillips still has nearly three years remaining on a £150k-a-week deal with City, but Pep Guardiola’s side are clearly eager to get him off the books, which could open the door for a return to Leeds.

Leeds now showing strongest interest in signing "incredible" £70m maestro

The Whites are very keen on bringing in a new central midfielder.

1 ByDominic Lund Aug 27, 2025 Signing Phillips could be gamble worth taking for Leeds

If Man City are willing to pay off the 29-year-old’s contract, bringing him in could be a risk worth taking for Farke, given that the former Leeds man has proven he has what it takes to perform at Premier League level in the past.

The defensive midfielder made 49 appearances across the Whites’ two previous stints in the Premier League, during which time his form was good enough to earn regular call-ups for the Three Lions, with the Englishman picking up 31 international caps.

Despite being lauded as an “exceptional human being” by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, the ex-Ipswich Town loanee didn’t exactly set the world alight at Portman Road last season, however, given that he suffered two major injury setbacks.

That said, given that Phillips could potentially be available on a free transfer, he would be a low-risk signing for Leeds, who are perhaps in need of more depth in midfield, given that they are light on options following injuries to Ampadu and Tanaka.

Skipper’s all-round display the difference against Durham as Leicestershire continue strong start

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Jun-2025Leicestershire 193 for 8 (Kimber 51, Raine 5-23) beat Durham 187 for 7 (Aldridge 44, Kimber 2-14) by six runsLeicestershire Foxes picked up a third Vitality Blast win in four matches to keep their place among the front-runners in the North Group, defeating Durham by six runs in a tight finish at the Uptonsteel County Ground.Ben Raine took 5 for 23 against his former team-mates, with four wickets in his final two overs, but the Foxes still posted 193 for 8, their highest Blast score against Durham after skipper Louis Kimber made 51 off 27 balls and Lewis Hill 47 off 30.Graham Clark’s 29 from 12 balls in the powerplay suggested Durham would make a fight of it but after collapsing from 65 for one to 94 for 6 they looked out of the game, Tom Scriven taking 2 for 25.Yet Kasey Aldridge (44 not out) and Will Rhodes (43) shared a 91-run partnership that took Durham into the last over needing 13 to win before ex-Durham bowled Matt Salisbury kept his nerve to concede just sixSol Budinger followed his stunning 15-ball half-century in the Foxes’ season-opener here last month with a first-ball duck as Zak Foulkes nipped one back to take off stump. Yet the home side, having been put in, recovered to be 65 for two in the powerplay, Jimmy Neesham conceding 17 and Aldridge 23 off their respective opening overs.Rishi Patel, dropped on 30, fell for 36 (18 balls), caught at mid-off as Foulkes struck again with a slower ball, the Kiwi coming out of the powerplay with 2 for 19 from three overs.Patel’s tally of two sixes was doubled by Kimber, whose muscular 27-ball 51 ended with a miscued pull to long-on to leave Leicestershire 98 for 3 in the 10th, before Shan Masood hit Raine straight to mid-off.Leicestershire had their eyes on 200-plus as Hill led a 50-run partnership in 34 balls with Ben Cox but fell short thanks to two superb ‘death’ overs from Raine, the former Foxes all-rounder taking the pace off to claim two wickets in each at a cost of just 13 runs as Hill, Cox and Logan Van Beek failed to clear fielders before Scriven was stumped.Durham’s batting powerplay almost mirrored the Foxes’ at 66 for two but lost two batters who looked in good touch as Graham Clark (29 from 13) and former Leicestershire skipper Colin Ackermann (18 from 11) fell to well-judged catches at mid-wicket and mid-off, the former having lofted Roman Walker for consecutive sixes.The home bowlers then pinned their opponents down, going five overs without conceding a boundary, which may have played a part in Alex Lees and Ollie Robinson both finding fielders as Scriven and Kimber picked up wickets, with Durham’s woes quickly compounded as Raine mistimed Scriven to mid-on and Neesham’s reverse sweep looped straight to cover, 65 for 1 having turned to 94 for 6.But Aldridge and Rhodes were able not only to staunch the flow of wickets but build a partnership that almost threatened to pull off an unlikely victory after Van Beek had conceded two sixes in a final over costing 20. Yet Salisbury came up with what was required by his skipper in the last over, Durham’s last hope disappearing when Rhodes was run out with three balls remaining.

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has decided not to get carried away with the club’s hopes of winning the Serie A title this season. He believes that Milan’s main objective remains finishing in the top four and securing a place in next season's Champions League. The Italian tactician has set a target of at least 74 points for the season and aims to restrict goals conceded to between 20 and 25.

Milan on top of Serie A after initial setback

Milan’s 2-1 win over Fiorentina ensured that the club ended Matchday seven at the top of Serie A. The game turned controversial while the score was still 1-1, when Fiorentina defender Fabian Parisi was judged to have brought down Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez. Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli was furious with the decision, claiming that Gimenez had dived to win a penalty and criticised VAR for encouraging players to simulate. The resulting penalty was converted by Rafael Leao, who scored a brace to help Milan come back from 1-0 down.

Milan, who began their Serie A campaign with a 2-1 home defeat to Cremonese, have clawed their way to the top of the table thanks to Allegri’s astute defensive setup. The Rossoneri have conceded just four goals in seven games, making them the second-best defence in Italy after Roma. Despite losing star forward Christian Pulisic to a hamstring injury and veteran midfielder Adrien Rabiot to injury, Allegri has relied on the leadership and charisma of Luka Modric to drive Milan forward in the absence of key players.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAllegri quells talks of Scudetto and says target for the season is top four

In the pre-match press conference, Allegri refused to get carried away with Milan’s position at the top of the table, stressing that the club’s main goal this season remains Champions League qualification. He said: “Winning is not easy. It would be important because it would allow us to take another step in the standings and gradually get closer to securing a place in the Champions League. That is our objective. Now we have a major mini-cycle ahead of us, and we need to create the conditions to be in an optimal position in March to fight for a top-four finish.”

The Italian tactician also emphasised that Milan must target 74 points this season, regardless of what Napoli or Inter do. “We need to get at least 74 points without thinking about Napoli or Inter. A breakaway? That’s not possible. We are only on matchday seven. We must take it slowly and keep our feet on the ground,” he added.

Allegri's experience and his target for goals conceded this season

Allegri first joined AC Milan in 2010, guiding the club to its 18th Scudetto in the 2010/11 season. During that campaign, he managed a star-studded squad featuring players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo, and Filippo Inzaghi, blending tactical discipline with attacking flair to deliver success.

After his first stint at Milan, Allegri moved to rivals Juventus, where he cemented his reputation as one of Italy’s top tacticians. At Juventus, he won five Scudetti and five Coppa Italia titles, and led the team to two Champions League finals, showcasing his ability to manage high-pressure situations and guide elite squads.

Following a brief sabbatical from football, Allegri returned to Juventus and added another Coppa Italia to his achievements before being appointed manager at San Siro once again at the start of the current season.

Allegri believes that Milan must limit how many goals they let in, setting a maximum for the season: “To aim for the Scudetto, Milan must concede a maximum of 20-25 goals.”

With Allegri having won the scudetto multiple times after collecting 16 points in seven games, Allegri waved away the comparisons saying teams change as he has experienced this multiple times at Juventus  “Teams are always different, and even the same team changes every year. I can say this from my experiences at Juve.”

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Milan will be boosted by the return of Christopher Nkunku from injury, after he missed the game against Fiorentina. The Rossoneri will host Pisa on Friday and will aim to extend their lead over Napoli and Inter, who face each other on Sunday.

Chelsea have raised £239 million in player sales after Carney Chukwuemeka’s £24m move to Borussia Dortmund, but another could soon be following him.

Thanks to their plethora of exit deals, Enzo Maresca’s side possess an excellent summer net spend of just £3 million heading into deadline day, so they’re under no pressure from the Premier League’s PSR rules to balance their books.

However, due to their pact with UEFA, Chelsea still need to sell certain members of the squad.

They reached a settlement with the governing body last month after Chelsea breached FFP laws, and a condition of this pact is that they must produce a positive transfer balance by the end of the window.

Failure to do so will result in them being unable to register new signings for Maresca’s Champions League squad, and only players who were involved in their Conference League squad last season will count towards viable outgoings.

This is why the sales of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson are viewed as crucial to Chelsea’s remaining transfer plans for the window.

BlueCo have been in talks over signing Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons for weeks, and reports now claim that Chelsea are also eyeing Barcelona star Fermin Lopez as an alternative to the latter.

A sell-to-buy policy appears very much in effect at Stamford Bridge, but a potentially imminent exit for Jackson could be on the cards to allow Maresca’s side to make room.

Bayern Munich are in negotiations over the Senegal international, valued at £80 million, who has also attracted rumoured interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Now, the player’s own agent has shared an intriguing update on his future.

Nicolas Jackson tipped to leave Chelsea within 24 hours

Speaking to Wiw Sports on Tuesday morning, Jackson’s representative, Diomansy Kramara, claimed that the striker is expected to leave Chelsea in the next 48 hours, so at the time of writing now, this is now 24 hours.

The former Villarreal star was a key member of Maresca’s first team last season, bagging 13 goals and six assists in all competitions, including a strike in the Conference League final.

However, the additions of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have pushed Jackson down the pecking order, and he’s not been involved in any of Chelsea’s opening Premier League games as Maresca confirms he can leave.