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For the last three days, one run has been enough to defeat the Cincinnati Reds. And that's exactly what has happened.

Yes indeed, the Reds have lost their last three games by a score of exactly 1–0, falling 1–0 to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday and Wednesday, and opening a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers with another 1–0 loss on Thursday.

According to Stathead, the Reds are the sixth team in MLB history to lose three consecutive games by a score of exactly 1–0, and the first since 1960. The others? The 1908 Brooklyn Superbas, the 1909 St. Louis Browns, the 1909 Washington Nationals, the 1917 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 1960 Philadelphia Phillies.

“They’re trying their [tails] off. Maybe too hard," Reds manager Terry Francona said after the game [via Charlie Goldsmith]. "They’re fighting. We’re not going to have a situation where it’s ‘us’ when we win and ‘they’ when we lose. We’ll do this together. We’ll figure it out together. Nobody is happy about what’s happened the last three games. We’ll figure it out together. I feel strongly about that."

Through seven games, the Reds are 2–5 and sit tied for last place in the NL Central with the Pittsburgh Pirates. They have scored 24 total runs in those seven contests, although over half of that offensive production occurred in a 14–3 win over the Rangers on Monday.

The Reds return to the diamond Friday for a rematch against the Brewers in hopes to plate at least one run. Or perhaps it will be yet again at American Family Field.

أصبح ريال مدريد يعاني من ضجيج كبير خاصة بعد غيابه عن تحقيق الانتصارات في آخر مباراتين ضد ليفربول في دوري أبطال أوروبا ورايو فاليكانو في الدوري الاسباني.

وتعرض ريال مدريد للخسارة بهدف نظيف على ملعب أنفيلد في دوري أبطال أوروبا، وكذلك التعادل ضد رايو فاليكانو سلبياً في الدوري الاسباني.

وكان ريال مدريد حقق الفوز على برشلونة في الكلاسيكو، وبدأ تحول جذري بعد ذلك يثير التساؤلات حول كل ما يحيط بالفريق من أزمات داخلية.

ونشرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية أن أحد هذه الأزمات يتعلق بالبرازيلي فينيسيوس جونيور قبل أن يتم حل الصراع بالحوار واعتذار البرازيلي عما قام به في مباراة برشلونة وقد تقبلت غرفة الملابس ذلك.

أقرأ أيضاً.. مبابي عن أزمة ريال مدريد: ليس لدي ما أقوله

أما بشأن باقي الأمور، فإن الواقع بعيد كل البعد عما تمت إثارته خلال الأيام الأخيرة والشائعات المتداولة التي ليس لها أي أساس من الصحة بشأن أداء ريال مدريد وتشابي ألونسو.

وقد تحول ما يمر به ريال مدريد من إحباط إلى تحليل شامل لكل شيء في النادي، ولا يزال النادي يحافظ على ثقته في تشابي ألونسو قوية.

ولا يزال أمام ريال مدريد الوقت لاستعادة ميزته التنافسية والتي لم يتم ترسيخها بعد، ويعد تشابي ألونسو أول من يدرك ذلك حيث يعرف النادي جيداً وما يعنيه ويدرك أن اللحظة القادمة حاسمة بالنسبة له والتي تتمثل في استعادة قوة الفريق التي تظهر بشكل متقطع والتي يجب أن تعود لتستمر هذا الموسم وتعد هذه النقطة هي التحدي الذي يواجه المدرب الشاب وطاقمه الفني.

It would be fair to say that it’s not exactly the best time to be a West Ham United fan at the moment.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have lost their last three games and currently look on track to be relegated from the Premier League.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom as it’s still early in the season and the Hammers do have a number of very talented players in their squad.

Moreover, while they sold one of their star players, Mohammed Kudus, in the summer, the manager has another player who is far better than he’ll ever be, and it could even be said that it was the right decision to sell the Ghanaian.

Why selling Kudus was the right decision

Now, the first thing to say is that on his day, Kudus can be a real game-changer, and during his first campaign for West Ham, he was exactly that.

For example, across 45 appearances for the Irons in 23/24, he racked up an impressive tally of 14 goals and nine assists, which works out to a goal involvement every 1.95 games.

However, as many a West Ham fan will report, the former Ajax star was only a useful player to have when the going was good, as in challenging moments he’d often go missing entirely.

This is exactly what happened in his second season at the club.

For example, in 35 appearances across all competitions last season, the Accra-born international was only able to score five goals and provide four assists.

Appearances

45

35

Goals

14

5

Assists

9

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.25

That means his average dropped from a goal involvement every 1.95 games to one every 3.88 games, and worse yet, his fifth goal of the season came in the final league game against an already relegated Ipswich Town, when nothing was on the line.

Moreover, his underlying numbers were just as unimpressive, so he wasn’t just getting unlucky.

According to FBref, he only ranked in the top 32% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the league for shot-creating actions, the top 37% for non-penalty expected goals and progressive carries, the top 43% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.

In short, while he might have been useful this season, West Ham were probably smart to sell him for £55m, especially as Nuno has another more talented star who will give his all for the badge when things get tough.

The West Ham star miles better than Kudus

Now, West Ham do have a few players who could help them get out of trouble by the end of the season, including Lucas Paqueta, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Mateus Fernandes.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, when it comes to the most important star of all, and the one who is still comfortably better than Kudus, it’s obviously Jarrod Bowen.

The modern legend has already cemented his name in club folklore with that Conference League Final-winning goal, but he continues to be the most dangerous attacker in the squad.

For example, since joining the Hammers in January 2020, the former Hull City ace has racked up a sensational tally of 77 goals and 53 assists in 248 games, averaging a goal involvement every 1.90 games.

Moreover, while Kudus was letting the fans down with his performances and output last season, the Englishman was picking up the slack and consistently delivering, scoring 14 goals and providing ten assists in 36 games, which is a goal involvement every 1.5 games.

What about this year, though? How does the Leominster-born star’s output stack up to the Ghanaian international’s?

Well, in 13 appearances for his new side, the former Hammer has scored one goal and provided five assists.

That comes out to a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.16 games.

For his efforts, the Irons’ “unplayable” talisman, as dubbed by Thomas Frank, has scored three goals and provided two assists in ten appearances.

Appearances

10

13

Goals

3

1

Assists

2

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Amazingly, that means that, despite playing for a team threatened with relegation, Bowen has maintained a better average of a goal involvement every other game.

Therefore, while Nuno might have been able to tune out of Kudus at West Ham, he already has a far better player at his disposal, and one that will fight to the end for him and the team.

Nuno must now finally ditch West Ham man who's "national league standard"

Nuno has to make some changes to save West Ham’s Premier League status, and one of them is to drop the poor performer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 28, 2025

Napoli are reportedly plotting another transfer raid on Manchester, with United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo registering on their recruitment radar once more. The reigning Serie A champions were able to acquire Kevin De Bruyne over the summer, after seeing him leave City as a free agent, but the Belgian midfielder is currently ruled out with a thigh injury.

• Napoli require cover for injured De Bruyne

  Antonio Conte is eager to reinforce his engine room, as Napoli compete on domestic and continental fronts, with collective sights being cast in the direction of proven Premier League performers.

  According to , Napoli’s interest in Mainoo is “for real”. They are reportedly working on a deal that could be pushed through in the January window. It is claimed that “the question of a departure is now more than ever on the table” when it comes to Mainoo and United.

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  Mainoo to join McTominay? January transfer being discussed

  The England international midfielder, who burst onto the scene after stepping out of the fabled academy system at Old Trafford, has been restricted to just eight appearances this season. His only start came in the Red Devils’ humbling Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby.

  Mainoo is yet to make a starting XI in the Premier League during the 2025-26 campaign, with Ruben Amorim favouring alternative midfield options in his 3-4-3 system. Serious questions were asked of the 20-year-old’s future over the summer, but no deal was done. With game time proving limited, he is ready to reassess his options.

  It is reported that “United are not considering a permanent transfer”, but Napoli are pushing for an initial loan agreement that includes a purchase option. claim that the Red Devils have “opened the door to a compromise”. Mainoo is said to be “tempted” by the opportunity to work with former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Conte.

  A permanent deal for Mainoo could be pushed through in 2026 if certain terms are met, with the amount of appearances he makes over the second half of the season set to determine whether or not he remains in Italy alongside fellow United academy graduate Scott McTominay.

  United are said to have “made it clear they would prefer to see the player in a foreign league rather than in the Premier League”, with several options that would keep Mainoo in English football being “ruled out”.

• More departures: Zirkzee linked with return to Serie A

  Mainoo may not be the only United star swapping the Premier League for Serie A during the winter window. also report on how Joshua Zirkzee could be treading that path. He only left Bologna for Old Trafford in the summer of 2024, but is another forward to have found the going tough in Manchester.

  The Netherlands international is also yet to start a top-flight fixture for the Red Devils this season, with just five appearances being made in total. He has no goals to his name this term, having registered only seven across his debut campaign in England.

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  Roma lead chase for Zirkzee but AC Milan are also interested

  Zirkzee is said to have “told his entourage to find him a loan deal in January to revive his career”. He is considered to be “highly regarded” in Italy, having registered 12 goals for Bologna in the 2023-24 season.

  Roma are considered to be the side most likely to do a deal for the Dutch forward, with talks already taking place. Zirkzee’s representatives have discussed a “salary agreement” with the Giallorrossi, with it likely that he will need to accept a serious pay cut in order to make a move possible.

  The Netherlands international is reportedly willing to pass up financial gain in order to get his career back on track. While Roma are leading the chase for his signature, it is also being suggested that AC Milan could join the race as they look to bring in more firepower at San Siro alongside the likes of USMNT star Christian Pulisic and Portugal international Rafael Leao. Any deal for Zirkzee would leave United short on striking options – having already allowed Rasmus Hojlund to join Napoli – with Benjamin Sesko being backed up by 17-year-old Danish wonderkid Chido Obi.

Arsenal’s clash with Fulham was not their most free-flowing of victories but it mattered not. Sometimes you just need to find a way and the Gunners did just that at Craven Cottage.

Fulham’s low-block stifled Mikel Arteta’s men so they turned to their old solution and trusted friend; a set-piece.

It was the classic combination. Bukayo Saka’s inswinging delivery was met by Gabriel but it wasn’t the Brazilian finding the net on this occasion.

His header was glanced on towards Leandro Trossard who was left with a simple finish at the back post.

Arsenal are the set-piece kings and if they go on to win the Premier League title next May, few will have many complaints about that.

However, they do need to find a way to generate more chances for a certain Viktor Gyokeres whose goalless run goes on.

Viktor Gyokeres' performance in numbers vs Fulham

Speaking after the game at the Cottage, Arteta said of his striker: “He was very close today again, two or three times. We were all begging for him to score. The work rate he puts in for the team is phenomenal.”

It’s a fair assessment. During the last month or so, Gyokeres has been improving. He’s running the channels relentlessly, holding the back up with more consistency each game and the chemistry between him and his teammates is improving.

However, Arsenal brought the hulking Swede to score goals. They need goals. No Arsenal player scored double figures in the league last season for the first time since 1923/24.

Arteta’s side may well be top of the table after two months of the campaign but the simple fact of the matter is that Gyokeres needs to start finding the net.

Things started in a positive fashion for the big-money striker. He netted a fine header against Athletic Club in pre-season before bagging twice against Leeds and scoring versus Nottingham Forest.

Yet, that goal against the Tricky Trees – still managed by Nuno Santo at the time – came all the way back on the 13th September. Since then, he has gone nine goals for club and country without scoring.

It’s worrying, for sure. His performance against Fulham was indicative of the struggles he has encountered since returning to England.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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He finds life difficult against low blocks and to be fair, so do a lot of strikers. He’s simply not got the room to run in behind. We saw first-hand the devastation he can cause against Olympiacos in the Champions League when he was afforded space.

That’s not to say he performed badly on Saturday afternoon, though. As Arteta references, Gyokeres did have one or two chances.

Gyokeres vs Fulham

Minutes played

96

Shots

3

Shots on target

2

Expected goals (xG)

0.40

Touches

20

Possession lost

8

Ground duels won

3/4

Aerial duels won

1/3

Stats via Sofascore.

His numbers from the game told the story of his season to date. Physically, he is imperious. Gyokeres certainly won his fair share of duels at Craven Cottage.

Two shots on target is also encouraging but, lest we forget, this is a man who scored 54 times for Sporting in 2024/25.

While there were no expectations he would do the same in the Premier League, it is a worry now that this goal drought is only prolonging.

So, what’s the solution?

Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres solution

Earlier in the week, it was reported that Arsenal staff had been left blown away by Kai Havertz’s approach to rehab.

The German picked up a problem during the opening weeks of the season and still isn’t due back for a number of weeks now. However, there is a sense that he could return earlier than anticipated.

That will hardly be music to the ears of Gyokeres. After all, there is a feeling that Havertz could walk straight back into this team if the Swede continues to misfire.

But, what about in the interim? Well, there are two solutions. One is to bring Mikel Merino back into the fray. The Spaniard is certainly in form, notably scoring twice during Spain’s win over Bulgaria in the recent international break.

For context, only Erling Haaland has scored a higher percentage of his nation’s goals during World Cup qualifying.

The other solution would be to unleash Trossard as the central striker. The Belgian has attracted his fair share of criticism over the last year but he is also a man in decent form, certainly better than Gyokeres anyway.

While the former Brighton man is often seen as somebody who is better as an impact player off the bench, he has issued a timely reminder in recent weeks of why he’s such a valued squad member.

He’s started to make a habit of being an away specialist, scoring and assisting in Bilbao in the Champions League, netting against Port Vale and finding the net this weekend.

Trossard’s finish was a simple one, it must be said, and he did endure a quiet first half, but he’s a reliable figure who pops up in clutch moments.

As Ian Wright once said too, he’s “the best finisher” at the club. Bold words but it’s easy to see why he’s said that. Whether it’s on his right foot or left foot, the Belgium international is usually reliable.

He may not be the same stature as Havertz or Gyokeres but against low blocks, the 30-year-old’s intricacy and close control could be exactly what Arsenal need to open up a defence.

Despite not winning a Premier League title, Arsenal had some sensational players during Arsène Wenger’s final few years at the helm.

Mesut Özil, for example, was still unquestionably one of the most brilliant midfielders in the world, and with a better strike force, would have smashed assist records.

Likewise, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goals ensured the Frenchman’s final campaign at the club was a complete disaster.

However, perhaps the best player the former manager had during the Emirates era was Alexis Sanchez, and it looks like Mikel Arteta is crafting his own version of the Chilean today.

Sanchez's Arsenal career

There was a fair amount of excitement around the fanbase when Arsenal paid Barcelona £35m for Sanchez in the summer of 2014, and yet, he still managed to more than exceed expectations when he got to the Emirates.

For example, in just his first campaign with the Gunners, the game-changing winger racked up a simply sensational tally of 25 goals and 12 assists in 52 appearances, totalling 4326 minutes, and helped the club to win their second FA Cup in as many years.

The right-footed monster didn’t slow down there, either, racking up 28 goal involvements in 41 games the following season and then reaching his peak, and perhaps putting in the best campaign any player has had in the Emirates era in the 16/17 season.

That year, the Tocopilla-born phenom somehow managed to put the ball in the back of the net 30 times and provide 18 assists in 51 appearances, totalling 4230 minutes.

In other words, the former Barca star averaged a goal involvement every 1.06 games, or every 88.12 minutes, and once again played a role in an FA Cup triumph, scoring a goal in the Final against Chelsea.

Unfortunately, such a world-class rate of return saw Manchester United come knocking in January 2018, and he left to join them in a swap deal that essentially put an end to him as a truly elite player.

Since then, Arsenal have had some brilliant players, but now it feels like Arteta and Co. are moulding one of their current stars to be a left-footed Sanchez.

Arsenal's new Sanchez

Thanks to their summer business, Arsenal now have a couple more wingers to choose from this season in Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, neither one is likely to become the club’s new Sanchez, unlike Bukayo Saka.

Now, while that might sound like a stretch to some of you, there are reasons behind this comparison, and perhaps the most consequential is his output.

For example, while he wasn’t always the most impactful of players in his early campaigns, largely due to being moved around the team and being so young, he has since become the Gunners’ biggest attacking threat.

In the 22/23 season, he racked up 27 goal involvements in 48 games; the following campaign, he racked up 37 in 47 and then last season, despite missing almost four months through injury, he racked up 26 in 37 appearances.

On top of just being hugely impressive, these numbers also made him the first Gunners ace since Sanchez to score and assist over ten goals for three seasons on the bounce in early April.

Moreover, like the 36-year-old, this sensational rate of return has made him a vitally important part of the team, and therefore one of the manager’s talismans.

Finally, while it’s quite a difficult thing to define, the Englishman is also, without a doubt, the biggest star in the current team, the face of the project and as talent scout Jacek Kulig put it, a “legend in the making.”

Ultimately, thanks to his brilliant output and stature in the team, it’s easy to look at Saka as Arteta’s left-footed Sanchez.

Their homegrown Isak: Arsenal may regret selling "special" Hale Ender

The talented goalscorer could have become something really special at Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 10, 2025

Cricket Canada monitoring situation after Nicholas Kirton charged with possession of cannabis

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Apr-2025Canada captain Nicholas Kirton has been granted bail after he pleaded not guilty to drug-related charges at a court in Barbados, according to reports.Kirton was detained by police on landing in Barbados on Sunday. According to a report in he has been charged with possession, trafficking, importation and intent to supply cannabis. He appeared in court on Friday morning and was granted bail. He has to return to Barbados for a court hearing on June 2.Kirton, born in Barbados, played for West Indies Under-19 and Barbados before moving to Canada. He has since played 21 ODIs for Canada, scoring 514 runs, and 28 T20Is, scoring 627 runs. Kirton didn’t lead Canada in the 2024 T20 World Cup, but he did end up the side’s top-scorer with 101 runs in three matches, at a strike rate of 140.27. He was Player of the Match in their only win, against Ireland, when he made a 35-ball 49. In 2020, he played three CPL games for Jamaica Tallawahs.Though Kirton will return to Canada, what impact it has on his position in the team is not yet clear. Canada are due to play in the inaugural North Americas Cup this month, against Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and USA.On Friday, before his bail was granted, Cricket Canada said it was “actively monitoring” his situation. “Cricket Canada has been made aware of the recent allegations and detainment involving national team player Nicholas Kirton,” the board said in a statement. “We are actively monitoring the situation and closely following developments as they unfold. Cricket Canada is committed to ensuring transparency and will provide updates as more details become available.”We take this matter seriously and remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the sport. While this situation is being addressed, we would like to assure the public that our national men’s team is fully focused on their preparations for the upcoming North America Cup, set to begin on April 18th in the Cayman Islands.”

أعلن هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة تشكيل فريقه لمواجهة جيرونا على ملعب مونتجويك في إطار منافسات الجولة التاسعة من الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

ويحتل برشلونة المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 19 نقطة خلال 8 مباريات، حيث فاز في 6 مباريات وخسر مباراة وتعادل في مباراة.

ويحتل جيرونا المركز السابع برصيد 6 نقاط خلال 8 مباريات، حيث حقق الفريق الكتالوني انتصارا واحدا وتعادل في 3 مباريات وخسر 4 مباريات.

أقرأ أيضاً.. “المحبوب”.. ميسي يتلقى تكريمًا خاصًا من جماهير برشلونة

ويرغب برشلونة في تحقيق نتيجة إيجابية من مباراة اليوم والعودة للانتصارات، بعد الهزيمة أمام إشبيلية برباعية لهدف واحد وقبل لقاء أولمبياكوس يوم الثلاثاء المقبل في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويقود لامين يامال خط هجوم برشلونة مساء اليوم ضد جيرونا بعد حصوله على التصريح الطبي واستدعائه لقائمة هانز فليك. تشكيل برشلونة أمام جيرونا

حراسة المرمى: تشيزني

خط الدفاع: كوندي- إريك جارسيا- كوبارسي- بالدي

خط الوسط: كاسادو- فرينكي دي يونج- بيدري

خط الهجوم: لامين يامال- راشفورد -توني فرنانديز

ويجلس على دكة برشلونة كل من: أراوخو- كريستنسن- فيرمين لوبيز- جيرارد مارتن – بيرنال- جوفري- روني باردجي- كوشين- ألير- جوان- تشافي

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed Curtis Jones is expected to be fit for Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton. The midfielder is poised to return after picking up a knock in the Reds’ 1-0 Premier League victory over Arsenal before the international break.

• Jones set to miss Atletico clash

  Jones subsequently missed Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday afternoon and will also be absent when his side take on La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

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  Midfielder in line to return against rivals Everton

  However Liverpool boss Slot is now hopeful Jones will return to the fold for the visit of fierce rivals Everton this weekend. Both teams have made strong starts to the season, with Slot’s side having won their opening four league games while David Moyes’ men have lost just once in the same number of games.

• Slot confirms plan for recovering star

  Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Atletico, Slot said of Jones: "He will train with the squad tomorrow, hopefully he will be with the squad on Saturday."

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• Jones emerges as key Liverpool figure under Slot's guidance

  Jones has emerged as a key figure under Slot’s stewardship, featuring in Liverpool’s opening three league fixtures against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal in 2025-26. The 24-year-old also made 46 appearances in all competitions for the Merseysiders in 2024-25, scoring three goals.

Aston Villa are beginning to step up their hunt for fresh faces and have now submitted an offer for a defender viewed internally as a “top prospect” among club officials, according to David Ornstein.

Aston Villa in the market for first-team additions

Making a low-key start to the window, the Villans have brought in Yasin Ozcan, Marco Bizot, Zepiqueno Redmond, and Modou Keba Cisse to firm up their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Admittedly, most of the men in question are likely to be fringe players or developmental additions, which has only served to further supporters’ appetite for senior arrivals that will make an immediate impact on first-team affairs.

Nevertheless, new Aston Villa signing Cisse believes Unai Emery’s side are on the rise after completing a £4 million move from LASK, stating: “It is with great pride that I’ve signed for Aston Villa. I’m truly grateful for the trust the people at the club have shown in me.

“This moment marks an important step in my career, but above all, I’m aware that everything still needs to be built. Expectations will be high. Not everyone gets the chance to sign for a Premier League club.”

He is set to spend this term on loan in Austria. In other news, Aston Villa are said to be racing Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign Mika Biereth in light of his excellent form at AS Monaco.

£70m star open to Aston Villa move, he's "heard good things" about Emery

The Villans have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a forward.

ByDominic Lund Jul 22, 2025

Spanish coach Emery knows what it takes to secure an impressive Premier League finish. Therefore, his mission in the Midlands will be to secure individuals who move the needle alongside buying prospects. He could now be about to combine both factors if reports are to be believed.

Aston Villa submit offer to sign Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot

According to David Ornstein, Aston Villa have submitted an offer to sign Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot, who is viewed as a ‘top prospect’ by the club and is also attracting interest from an array of suitors.

While their bid hasn’t yet been accepted, the Villans appear to have stepped up their initial interest in Canvot amid previous reports they are looking to fend off competition for the £17 million-rated star.

Capped eight times at Under-19 level for France, Canvot made 18 appearances in Ligue 1 last term, helping his side to record an impressive tenth-place finish.

Now, he appears to be on the move, and the Villans have put themselves well in contention to bring in the versatile youngster, who turns 19 next week and can also play in midfield, potentially offering cover across two positions.