Tarik Skubal won his second consecutive Cy Young award on Wednesday, but his future in Detroit remains murky. While Skubal has emerged as one of the best pitchers in MLB over the last few years and a key part in Detroit making back-to-back postseason appearances, he has just one more year under the Tigers’ control and is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
The Tigers still have time to try and extend Skubal, but recent reports have suggested that the two sides are not closely aligned on a deal, with Jon Heyman of the reporting last month that the sides were $250 million apart on an extension.
More: Top Tarik Skubal Trade Destinations
If Skubal and the Tigers cannot get any closer on a deal, Skubal will become a free agent in 2026. Alternatively, if the Tigers realize a deal won’t get done, they could try to trade him to ensure they get a return for the ace.
With trade rumors surrounding Skubal, Tigers general manager Jeff Greenberg said Wednesday, “We love Tarik, obviously. It’s pretty obvious what means to this organization. He’s a fantastic pitcher, he’s a Detroit Tiger. We’re never going to talk about our players in the context of trades, but we’re lucky to have him. He’s been a huge piece to what we’ve done.”
When pressed further about whether it’s an obligation to listen to calls regarding Skubal if they don’t have him signed beyond the next season, Greenberg replied, “Again, it’s not something we’re going to discuss in this context, and I’d say that about any of our players. He’s got one year of control, that’s part of the process as it is for everybody in this system. He’s a Tiger. We’re fortunate to have him. That’s the reality right now.”
Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris, who is the team’s decision-maker, had a similar message last month when addressing Skubal’s future. He said in October, “I can’t comment on our players being traded, I can’t comment on free agents and I can’t comment on other teams’ players. So I’m going to respond by just not actually commenting on it. … He’s an incredible pitcher and we’re lucky to have him. That’s all I can say on that.”
Skubal himself said Wednesday, via Evan Petzold of , “Contract extension stuff is a little bit different, but trade stuff is out of my control. I've given everything I have to this organization. I want to be a Tiger for a very long time. … I love Detroit. Hopefully, I'm here. That's where I'm at with all of that."
After a sub-par 2016 and with India’s strong bench, Shikhar Dhawan’s ODI career has reached the phase where he has no choice but to perform
Arun Venugopal14-Jan-2017Shikhar Dhawan is always smiling, but there is no way to tell what’s on his mind. It is the same smile – dripping with warmth and a hint of mischief – that follows a boundary or a dropped catch or a joke shared with a team-mate. Even when he grimaces, there are faint traces of a smile. The last six months, however, are likely to have tested such a quality.Ahead of his first ODI in nearly a year, Dhawan isn’t even a certainty in the XI. It is ironical given that his ODI form has been consistently good: since 2013, he has averaged more than 50 in nine of the 16 series he has played. During the same period his average has dropped below 40 only once. Even last year, he notched up 287 runs in the five ODIs he played.And yet, his place in the ODI side is not a given. While Dhawan would lose the popular mandate – fans have bayed for his axing on social media for a while now – the selectors have voted in his favour, even if not emphatically. It won’t be a stretch to suggest that Dhawan’s ODI career is on weak footing; a failure in this series could see KL Rahul – who is swiftly rising into a reliable all-format batsman – push him down the pecking order.Ideally, Dhawan’s ODI record would earn him a longer rope, but that it is not, at least to some extent, a consequence of his meagre returns in Tests and T20s over the last year. At any rate, it isn’t entirely uncommon for players these days to be picked in one format on the basis of strong performances in another – think Yuvraj Singh.Dhawan’s average differential in Tests and ODIs has been consistently increasing in the last four years•BCCIWhile Dhawan’s Test average in 2016 was 26, he averaged 57.40 in ODIs, a difference of 31.40. Such skewed numbers aren’t a one-off occurrence, and the gap between his Test and ODI averages has continued to widen over the last four years, with 2015 being the lone exception. For instance, in 2014, when India played Test series’ in England, South Africa and Australia, the difference between his Test and ODI averages was 16.44. In his 39 Test innings, he has had three sequences of seven or more innings without a 50-plus score, but in contrast only once has he gone five consecutive innings without a fifty in ODIs.Things went downhill for Dhawan when he was dropped for the Port of Spain Test last August after a modest tally of 138 runs from four innings. He sat out the Kanpur Test against New Zealand, but was handed a lifeline in Kolkata after Rahul injured himself. But, Dhawan copped a furious onslaught from Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Matt Henry, and managed only 1 and 17.A thumb fracture, courtesy Boult, made the management’s decision easier. Upon recovery, he had to audition himself in the Ranji Trophy where five innings didn’t yield a single half-century. His T20 form had been poor as well – he managed 43 runs from four innings in the World T20 – and he hasn’t been picked in the format since.After the Duleep Trophy final last year, Dhawan, who scored 29 in each innings, spoke candidly about how he channelled the disappointment of being dropped for the T20Is into becoming a better batsman. Equally pragmatic was his take on the competition for the opening slots with the emergence and success of KL Rahul: ” [One needs to give it one’s all to keep one’s place in the side].”Dhawan found some form in the first practice game against England earlier this week and went on to score 63 off 84 balls on a flat track. After starting shakily, some of his characteristic strokes – the cut, pull and the uppish drive over covers – made an appearance. The innings would have gladdened his team-mates. Nicknamed Gabbar after the iconic villain of the Hindi film , his moustache-twirling thigh-slapping celebrations are a hit with his team-mates.His captain, Virat Kohli, is as much a fan of Dhawan’s quirks as he is of his explosive potential. But how does he motivate a batsman who has lost his place in two formats and is not too far from being dropped in the third?”A player like Shikhar, everyone is aware of his ability. We try to keep someone like Shikhar in a very good head space,” Kohli said. “Because once he’s cleared his head, he can really take the game from the opposition. That’s something we try to do, give him as much space as possible, not speak too much about the game – that’s something I like to do.’We try to keep someone like Shikhar in a very good head space’ – Virat Kohli•Associated Press”Knowing the kind of player Shikhar is, and the kind of person he is, it is better to leave a guy like that to his own planning and own thinking, rather than giving your plans to him. Because he’s so instinctive, once he gets going, he just finds more options than anyone else. Once he’s in the game, he has momentum, I’ve seen guys really struggling to bowl to him when he’s in full flow.”Kohli feels Dhawan is still a good enough ODI opener, who possesses an ability to set up games for batsmen coming down the order. “He bats long as well, he can really bat till the 40-45th over once he gets going,” he said. “So, he has a lot of positives, that’s what we always back Shikhar on.””Jinx [Ajinkya Rahane] is coming back from an injury as well, he’s batted well in the one-day warm-up match. KL has been playing well for a while; he’s coming off almost a double-hundred in Chennai. Shikhar has also got runs in the warm-up game so we have to figure out, among these three, who are the two who will be likely to start. But, again, I say, I am happy that all three are in a good space now having had some runs behind them. It makes my job easier.”
da roleta： Conhecido pela forte personalidade à beira do campo, as reclamações constantes de Mano Menezes com a equipe de arbitragem lhe renderam mais uma suspensão no Campeonato Brasileiro.
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da bet sport： Por conta do terceiro amarelo recebido diante do Botafogo, ele não vai dirigir o time no domingo, quando o Internacional mede forças com o Coritiba, no Couto Pereira.
Esta será a terceira vez que Mano Menezes deixa o seu time na mão. Com isso, Sidnei Lobo, auxiliar do treinador, vai comandar a equipe no fim de semana.
Desde a sua chegada ao Internacional, o técnico já levou seis amarelos e um cartão vermelho, o que lhe coloca como um dos mais indisciplinados do Brasileirão.
RETROSPECTO Apesar da ausência de Mano Menezes, o Inter costuma ir bem quando o técnico não está no banco de reservas. Nos dois jogos anteriores, o Colorado venceu o Atlético-MG por 3 a 0 e Juventude por 4 a 0.
Regis Le Bris will be equally frightened about the prospect of the January transfer window as he is delighted by it, with a busy month perhaps in store for Sunderland.
The promotion chasers already know they will have to fend off many a suitor for the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, among other notable names that start week in week out under the Frenchman, with Real Madrid even reportedly interested in Bellingham.
But, it doesn’t have to be a month full of constant anxiety and worry involving high-profile outgoings, as the ex-Lorient manager will hope he gets some financial backing in terms of signings to help in his mission to try and get the Wearside outfit back up to the Premier League.
At the time of writing, the Black Cats occupy a promising fourth spot in the notoriously tricky division, with their current points total of 40 meaning they’re only five points off leading the entire league.
Therefore, some boosts in terms of incomings could really make all the difference, with Sunderland potentially going all out to land one exciting loanee in attack, alongside keeping a firm grip on those talents mentioned that will be crucial in their bid to leap up to the top-flight.
1
GK – Anthony Patterson
Anthony Patterson is likely to remain as Sunderland’s number one goalkeeper heading into 2025, having been largely Le Bris’ first-choice shot-stopper with 17 league appearances under his belt.
He has kept seven clean sheets along the way too, with the homegrown ‘keeper hopeful that his heroics in goal can lead to his boyhood club tasting promotion.
2
RB – Trai Hume
Trai Hume
Trai Hume has also been a staple of the Frenchman’s lineups this campaign with only one second tier game missed all season long.
Whilst the Northern Irishman is a tough battler in defence, his creativity from the back has also been key and will continue to be so during some tense games to come near the top of the table, with seven big chances created in league action.
3
CB – Chris Mepham
Only on the books of the Black Cats since a summer loan switch from AFC Bournemouth, the experienced centre-back presence of Chris Mepham has still managed to seamlessly fit into the Black Cats camp under Le Bris.
The towering Welshman has fought bravely from the minute he was first introduced into the first team fold on Wearside, averaging 5.1 duels won per game from his 15 second tier outings.
Having previously basked in the glory of promotion with the Cherries up to the top flight, he is slowly but surely becoming integral in the heart of defence for his new employers.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
4
CB – Daniel Ballard
Dom Ballard
Whilst Luke O’Nien has started 19 league clashes this campaign to date, the dependable 30-year-old was still dropped for Sunderland’s last away trip to Swansea City.
Daniel Ballard more than justified this tweak, however, with the opening goal coming from the number five powering home a header, on top of the fact he also won six duels.
Therefore, the ex-Arsenal youngster might well now be hard to shake from Le Bris’ forthcoming XIs.
5
LB – Dennis Cirkin
Much like his counterpart in Hume down the right, Dennis Cirkin is certainly an attack-minded full-back.
Scoring two times this season in league action, alongside registering one assist, the 22-year-old has more than wriggled off his injury demons now and will hope his 2025 sees him become a Premier League-level talent.
6
CM – Jordan Henderson
The first pick-up Sunderland could make this January is to add Jordan Henderson into the camp as an ultra-experienced face, which could really help Le Bris’ young and hungry group remain focused on the task of sealing promotion.
After all, Henderson’s honours as an esteemed midfielder for Liverpool speaks volumes, with the 34-year-old holding the Champions League and Premier League aloft across a staggering 492 appearances.
His illustrious playing days began at the Stadium of Light, so it would be fitting for the Sunderland-born veteran to return back and end his career here, amid recent links that have suggested as much.
7
CM – Jobe Bellingham
Keeping Bellingham around past this January will almost have the same feel as adding in a fresh new signing, with a whole host of European giants reportedly eyeing up the 19-year-old ace.
His importance to the cause was there for all to see in Sunderland’s topsy-turvy day out to Wales, as Bellingham netted his side’s dramatic third in the 3-2 comeback win, as well as assisting the equaliser.
Dan Neil would score that vital strike, who actually drops out of this dream XI surprisingly, but a Henderson and Bellingham combo in the middle of the park would be a joy to behold.
8
RM – Patrick Roberts
Now deep into his fourth season on Wearside, Patrick Roberts’ powers don’t seem to be waning.
If anything, the 27-year-old is only getting better down the right flank, with two goals and four assists picked up in the hustle and bustle of the second tier.
Roberts has the pedigree to be able to create a chance from nothing, which will be crucial for his side when games are finely poised towards the close of the campaign.
9
CAM – Chris Rigg
Keeping both Rigg and Bellingham situated at the Stadium of Light past this drawn-out window would be a dream, considering the teenager’s unbelievable exploits for his boyhood club of late.
The constantly entertaining 17-year-old has three goals and one assist next to his name, with that one assist gifting Bellingham the dramatic winner in Wales.
Could he be the bright spark that lifts the Black Cats up to the promised land of the Premier League again?
10
LM – Louie Barry
louie-barry-aston-villa
Le Bris will still be praying that both Tom Watson and Romaine Mundle will have big roles to play in Sunderland clinching promotion, but with both players sidelined through injury at the moment, a new star down the left wing could well be a worthwhile purchase to explore.
Louie Barry is reportedly going to be loaned out to a Championship side this forthcoming January from Aston Villa, and the promotion chasers – who are said to be interested – would be very foolish not to attempt to land the “incredible” attacker, as he was once labelled by Arsenal titan Declan Rice.
After all, the dynamite 21-year-old has made League One his playground at points this campaign for loan side Stockport County by amassing a stunning 14 goals from 20 games.
He could even be that Jack Clarke-like presence for the promotion candidates, based on this sublime solo strike above versus Burton Albion.
Leeds United claimed a last-gasp equaliser against Preston North End this afternoon, extending their unbeaten run to three games in the Championship.
For large periods of the encounter, it looked as though Daniel Farke’s side would be heading for another away defeat after Brad Potts’ opener halfway through the first half.
However, the Whites were able to finally find the back of the net in stoppage time, after Jack Whatmough put the ball into the back of his own net after a dangerous ball from Daniel James.
The clash was one of little quality throughout, but it certainly feels like a point gained rather than two dropped given the extended period Farke’s side spent whilst a goal down.
Numerous players failed to deliver once again, undoubtedly putting their place in the first team at risk after failing to deliver despite the trust shown in them by the boss.
The Leeds players who failed to deliver against Preston
Striker Joel Piroe was handed a recall after being named as a substitute for the win against Middlesbrough, but ultimately, was unable to take advantage of the opportunity handed his way.
The Dutchman featured for the entirety of the match as they looked for the equaliser, but was only able to direct one of his four efforts on target.
He also only won 50% of the duels he entered, often coming out second best and failing to provide that focal point that Farke has been craving in recent weeks.
Piroe wasn’t the only player who had an afternoon to forget, with goalkeeper Illan Meslier somehow not keeping the host’s goal out of the net despite getting two hands on Potts’ effort.
It’s not the first time the Frenchman has made a blunder that has cost Leeds points, with an error that led to a goal in the 2-2 draw with Sunderland, and undoubtedly won’t be the last – always prone to a mistake or two despite his impressive performances of late.
Despite the lack of impact from the aforementioned duo, there was another starter who was unable to have the desired effect, putting his future into question ahead of the January window.
The Leeds dud who was handed a 4/10 rating against Preston
Big things were expected from attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson after his £24.7m move from RB Salzburg back in the summer of 2022, but to date, his time in Yorkshire has been a failure, to say the least.
He’s only registered six goals in his 64 appearances for the Whites, with his latest outing once again showing that he’s no longer worth anywhere near the figure forked out for his signature.
The 24-year-old started his 19th game of the league campaign, but would only last 65 minutes, subsequently being replaced by Patrick Bamford after his lack of impact throughout.
Brenden Aaronson’s stats for Leeds against Preston
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
65
Touches
26
Dribbles completed
2/4 (50%)
Crosses completed
0/1 (0%)
Big chances missed
1
Passes completed
15/17 (88%)
Possession lost
7x
Stats via SofaScore
Aaronson only completed 50% of his dribbles during the clash at Deepdale, notching a total of just 26 touches, far fewer than Piroe. who still managed 37, despite his own poor performance.
The American international also failed to complete any of his attempted crosses, missing a big chance – firing over from inside the box in the first half – in the process and often looking lightweight and wasteful in possession.
As a result, he was handed a 4/10 match rating by Leeds Live’s Beren Cross, the joint-lowest of any player, further highlighting his lack of impact.
Given his display, the attacking midfielder will be lucky to retain his starting role, potentially needing to be dropped to try and regain his early season form that saw him score twice in his first four starts.
It’s undoubtedly a frustrating situation for the supporters watching a player they hold in high regard given his mammoth fee, but ultimately he’s been unable to produce the goods consistently, with today another example of that.
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da bwin： We are only in the second week of the silly season, yet the rumour mill is in full swing, especially so for Arsenal.
da cassino： Mikel Arteta’s side are enduring something of a minor blip in the Premier League and look destined to exit the League Cup, so links to a whole host of attacking stars shouldn’t be all that surprising.
One of the most prominent links has been to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star Matheus Cunha, although with talk of him signing a new deal with the Old Gold, it seems unlikely that he’ll be going anywhere.
Matheus Cunha
However, there is another Premier League star that the Gunners have been linked to recently, a star who just so happens to have won comparisons to Cunha this year.
Arsenal chase superb Premier League star
According to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are interested in Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
Unfortunately for any fans hoping he might join this month, Plettenberg has revealed that the Cameroon international has been placed on the Gunners’ shortlist for potential summer signings.
The report does not mention a potential price tag, but according to other stories from earlier this month, the talented attacker could be available for around £50m.
It could be a complicated and relatively costly transfer to get over the line, but given Mbeumo’s incredible ability, it’s one well worth pursuing, especially as he’s won comparisons to Cunha.
How Mbeumo compares to fellow Arsenal target Matheus Cunha
So, before we look at a couple of the reasons Arsenal should go out and sign Mbeumo this year, be that this month or in the summer, let’s examine this comparison to Cunha and where it has come from.
It primarily stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in this instance, has concluded that the Brazilian is the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Cameroonian over the last 365 days.
The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, expected goals plus assists, passing accuracy, progressive, live and key passes, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.
Mbeumo & Cunha
Statistics per 90
Mbeumo
Cunha
Expected Goals + Assists
0.54
0.56
Progressive Passes
4.07
4.10
Passing Accuracy
69.5%
71.4%
Key Passes
1.86
1.85
Crosses into the Penalty Area
0.45
0.42
Live Passes
31.4
30.6
Goal-Creating Actions
0.50
0.46
Shot-Creating Actions
3.81
3.98
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season
However, aside from his similarities to the incredible Wolves talent, there are a couple of other reasons Arteta and Co should look to bring the former Troyes ace in this year.
The first is his incredible output, as in just 23 appearances across all competitions this season, the dynamic attacker, whom pundit Dan Bardell recently dubbed “one of the best players in the Premier League,” has found the back of the net on 13 occasions and provided four assists for good measure.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates for Brentford
This means that, as things stand, the 25-year-old ace is averaging a goal involvement every 1.35 games for the Bees.
Finally, on top of bringing more goals to the team, the Avallon-born dynamo would also be the perfect player to cover for Bukayo Saka off the right – to ensure he is no longer overplayed – and he could also rival Kai Havetrz and Gabriel Jesus for the number nine role, ensuring they have to stay on their toes at all times.
Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be cheap, Arsenal should do what they can to bring Mbeumo to the Emirates this year, as his goalscoring abilities and positional versatility would make the team far stronger.
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Out of all the promoted sides that came up at the end of the enthralling 2023/24 season in the Championship, Ipswich Town will believe they have the best possible chance of staying up in the Premier League past this campaign.
At the moment, they boast the best points total when weighed up next to Leicester City and Southampton at 15, whilst also being fresh off an unexpected 2-0 victory over Chelsea right at the end of 2024 that will have given them some much-needed confidence.
Ipswich Town managerKieranMcKennaapplauds fans after the match
Still, there will be many twists and turns ahead that will test Ipswich’s resolve, meaning this January transfer window could be key in enabling them to add more quality to a squad desperate to survive.
If the top-flight underdogs could pull off this rumoured swoop, Kieran McKenna would no doubt feel more self-assured that his team stands a fighting chance at remaining put in the elite division.
Ipswich targeting move for Premier League starlet
As per Sky Sports presenter Dharmesh Sheth on X, Ipswich are interested in picking up Jaden Philogene-Bidace at some stage this month.
Of course, in the summer, the Tractor Boys had actually agreed a deal to snap up the tricky winger from Hull City, only for the Villans to reign supreme last minute.
His lack of game-time at Villa Park – which has seen him make just two starts in the Premier League – could mean he’s allowed to leave Unai Emery’s men on a loan basis very soon, with Ipswich keeping an eye on the situation subsequently in case he is let go of.
What Philogene could offer Ipswich
Once noted for having “ridiculous” ability on the ball by ex-Hull boss Liam Rosenior, this could be a move that gets fans out of their seats at Portman Road on an even more regular basis, with the deal also perhaps seeing Ipswich pick up another star in a similar mould to Omari Hutchinson.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Ipswich supporters would certainly be hoping for the same magic Hutchinson provided on a regular basis last season as a loanee from Philogene, with the electric 22-year-old an absolute star for the Tigers in the Championship.
Away from the audacious strike above that saw him be in the running for a Puskas award, Philogene would fire home a further 11 goals for Hull before Villa came calling, alongside picking up six assists as a nuisance for second-tier defences to try and thwart.
Stat – per 90 mins*
Philogene
Hutchinson
Games played
32
44
Goals scored
12
10
Assists
6
5
Shots*
3.6
1.5
Big chances missed
6
4
Big chances created
7
7
Hutchinson operated in a similar way for Ipswich when the club were also situated in the Championship, with the now-permanent Tractor Boys man bagging ten goals and picking up five assists on the way to promotion being achieved.
Arguably, his counterpart’s numbers are more impressive, however, when you consider the Tigers fell just short of the playoff picture, but the 22-year-old managed to still shine so brightly.
Therefore, if given more opportunities to impress in the top flight away from the stifling environment of Emery’s camp, he could well be a success, much like Hutchinson has been in spurts.
The Ipswich number 20 even fired home against Chelsea last time out to get the better of his old employers, with McKenna left licking his lips at the prospect of playing Hutchinson down the right wing, whilst Philogene gets the nod down the left.
Another major plus of this deal would be the fact the wantaway Villa attacker can also play down the right if needed, having played here 11 times for Hull, with Hutchinson also versatile enough to play in a number ten spot.
Whilst it might seem strange that Ipswich would target new reinforcements going forward, considering the firepower already present, adding in the 5 foot 11 ace could help McKenna’s men pick up even more scalps to push away from the bottom three.
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Liverpool are considering a January move for an Ecuadorian prodigy who came through the same academy as former target Moises Caicedo, according to reports.
Liverpool transfer news
With the January transfer window on the horizon, Liverpool are being linked with a number of potential reinforcements, including Juventus prospect Kenan Yildiz and FC Porto right-back Martim Fernandes. According to TEAMTalk, the Reds are also interested in signing Bologna centre-back Sam Beukema.
They report that manager Arne Slot is a long-term admirer of the defender, and views him as a potential purchase for the summer, with Bologna not keen on letting him leave in January.
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Though a number of Europe’s other top clubs are also interested, the Reds could have the edge in negotiations, as Beukema, who Bologna value at £20 million, has already admitted he could one day see himself moving to Anfield.
“I was a fan of West Ham. I once visited Upton Park with my father and I was really impressed, because the atmosphere was similar to that of Feyenoord or Go Ahead Eagles,” he said. “But there are so many fantastic teams in England, so if another great club like Liverpool came along I would be happy to go there one day.”
Reds want Ordonez
Another centre-back who is understood to be interesting Liverpool is Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez. According to Belgian media outlet Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN), both Liverpool and Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the Ecuadorian, with January touted as a potential window for a move.
Ordonez joined Brugge in 2022 after coming through the academy of Independiente del Valle – the same club from where Chelsea midfielder and former Liverpool target Caicedo also emerged. Since the move, the 20-year-old has established himself as a key player for Nicky Hayen’s team, making 52 appearances and helping them the Belgian Pro League title last term.
Like Beukema, Ordonez has also expressed his desire to one day play in the Premier League.
“The Premier League, I would like that,” he recently told HLN. He added, however, that he remains focused on his current club, and suggested that he won’t be leaving the Jan Breydel Stadium anytime soon: “I’m focused on Club [Brugge], with whom I want to win another title.”
Meanwhile, Brugge head coach Hayen said of the interest in the youngster: “That is ultimately what you want as a player. What makes me happy is that Joel always does his job despite the interest. When that transfer will happen, you have no control over that. It could be in the winter season, but it could also be after this season, which we would prefer.”
Manchester United coaches are starting to run out of patience with Rasmus Hojlund after the Danish striker's run without a goal stretched to 16 games.
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Amorim's staff not pleased with Dane's form
Hojlund hasn't scored since mid-December
Fans cheered him being substituted at Everton
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The forward cut a frustrated figure during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton and United scored both of their goals in the thrilling comeback after he had been taken off for 17-year-old Chido Obi. According to the club's coaching staff are losing patience with the Danish international amid his longest scoring drought since his £72 million ($91m) move from Atalanta in 2023.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The report claims that one member of Ruben Amorim's backroom team was 'particularly scathing' about Hojlund's blunt display in the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham earlier in the month. However, the coaches are also said to be trying to encourage the forward in training in a bid to get him firing again. Hojlund's last goal came in the 2-1 victory at Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12.
DID YOU KNOW?
United's travelling supporters cheered the substitution of Hojlund at Goodison Park with 20 minutes still to play. That was partly due to excitement around seeing 17-year-old Obi in action after his goal-scoring feats for the U18s although the MEN claimed that there was also a sense that the fans were showing their displeasure at Hojlund.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
Hojlund will be hoping to end his long run without scoring when United meet relegation-fighting Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The match could also determine whether or not the Red Devils get sucked into an unthinkable battle against relegation themselves, as they are 13 points above Ipswich with 12 games left of the season. Defeat would see the gap reduced to 10 points.
Chief executive Nick Hockley indicated they were keen to enable sanctions to be reviewed “for good behaviour and growth”
AAP13-Oct-2022Cricket Australia is contemplating lifting David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban as soon as Friday, with directors looking at rewriting the organisation’s code of ethics.Warner has had a leadership ban hanging over his head since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, with him keen to have the punishment reversed. The 35-year-old has been mentioned as a candidate for Australia’s vacant one-day captaincy, but cannot fulfil the role under his sanctions.Under current rules players who accept a sanction under the code of ethics waive their right to have the matter reviewed.It means CA’s code would need to be rewritten for Warner’s ban to be reviewed, something directors will discuss at Friday’s board meeting in Hobart.Related
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“The view within Cricket Australia is that David is doing particularly well on the field and making a great contribution off the field,” chairman Lachlan Henderson said. “The first step in terms of David’s leadership ban is to review the code and see if those sanctions are able to be reviewed. And the appropriate revisions to that code that would need to be made.”Henderson said the code would be rewritten if deemed necessary before a call on the one-day captaincy is made.”Our intention is to review the code as quick as is practical. It’s not in anyone’s interest for us to delay that,” Henderson said. “It would be in time for any future leadership conversations in relation to David.”There are however hurdles to clear. CA is wary any change made to the code in consultation with ethics commissioner Simon Longstaff could have implications on matters beyond Warner.At the same time, CEO Nick Hockley stressed players had a right to show they had changed since the point of being handed a lifetime ban.”In very simple terms, we are looking at sanctions to be reviewed for good behaviour and growth after a period of time,” Hockley said. “Pending tomorrow’s discussion, there would then need to be a revision of the code and that would need to be approved by the board.”The pair’s comments came after CA reported a $5.1 million loss for the 2021-22 financial year at Thursday’s AGM.CA largely blamed the loss on challenges presented by the pandemic, as well as a drop in media rights from the UK for last summer’s Ashes.Former women’s quick Clea Smith was also unanimously voted onto the CA board as the sole former player serving as director, after Mel Jones’ decision to exit.Smith has previously held roles at the Australian Cricketers’ Association and was influential in the parental leave policy being introduced in 2019.Former Cricket Victoria chair David Maddocks was also voted in as a replacement for the outgoing Michelle Tredenick.Meanwhile CA remain undecided whether to lift a ban on playing Afghanistan in bilateral matches before a three-match ODI series early next year.Australia refused to host the country while under Taliban rule last summer, but have agreed to face off against them in the men’s T20 World Cup on November 4 as it is an ICC event.