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France have sent Kylian Mbappe back to Real Madrid after the forward reported persistent ankle inflammation, ending his international break early despite scoring twice against Ukraine. The national team captain has returned to the Spanish capital to undergo further tests, forcing Didier Deschamps to adjust his plans for the final qualifier in Azerbaijan.

Kylian Mbappe sent back home by France amid discomfort

France confirmed an abrupt change to their squad when Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga and Manu Kone were all released before the final World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan. Kone is suspended, Camavinga has a hamstring strain, and Mbappe has been dealing with recurring inflammation in his right ankle.

The problem resurfaced after France’s 4-0 win over Ukraine, a night in which Mbappe scored twice and reached the 400-goal milestone. Despite completing the match, he felt renewed discomfort the next morning. After consultations between the France Football Federation (FFF) and Madrid, the decision was made to withdraw him from the trip to Baku and send him back to Spain for further assessment.

The FFF made the situation clear in its communication: Mbappe was not fit to continue and required additional medical evaluation in Madrid to determine the extent of the inflammation and prevent escalation ahead of a demanding club schedule.

AdvertisementAFPWhat reoccurring issue is Mbappe facing?

Mbappe’s ankle issue is not new. He missed France’s second October fixture with the same inflammation and has been managing flare-ups for several weeks. Although he played the full match against Ukraine, the symptoms intensified afterwards, prompting concern among both Deschamps’ staff and Madrid’s medical team.

Despite the sudden nature of his departure, the FFF insists there is no major injury, only recurring irritation that increases with workload. Madrid, preparing for league and Champions League commitments after the break, preferred to examine him immediately.

Los Blancos expect Mbappe to be available after the break, barring any new findings. in Spain reports that there are no signs of a serious issue but further tests are expected.

Chance for Ekitike to step up

With Mbappe out, the window opens for Hugo Ekitike, who has impressed each time he has featured for France since his senior debut in September this year. His contribution against Ukraine on Thursday with a goal, an assist, and a shot against the post in just 23 minutes further strengthened his case for more responsibility under Deschamps.

Ekitike has made five appearances since his August call-up and continues to build momentum both with France and Liverpool. Sunday’s qualifier offers him another chance to make a statement in Mbappe’s absence.

Camavinga, meanwhile, is also returning to Madrid after a week without training due to left-hamstring discomfort. Deschamps had already brought in Khephren Thuram as cover, and the FFF confirmed Camavinga was not fit for either match. Madrid expect him to return in time for their La Liga match against Elche on November 23. As per sources, both Camavinga and Mbappe are expected to be fit for Madrid immediately after the break.

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AFPWhat's ahead for France and Madrid?

France will finish their qualifying campaign without Mbappe, but with their place in the 2026 World Cup already secured by topping the group with 13 points, the situation is manageable. Deschamps will use the Azerbaijan match to rotate, evaluate depth and give opportunities to players who have shown progress, including Ekitike and Thuram.

For Los Blancos, the timing is sensitive but not alarming. Mbappe remains their leading scorer and the top scorer in La Liga this season, while Camavinga has become increasingly influential under Xabi Alonso. Both are central to Madrid’s plans as the club prepares for a dense calendar of league and European fixtures.

Medical updates from Spain indicate that neither player is carrying a serious injury. Mbappe will not undergo extensive testing unless symptoms worsen. Their return, alongside recovering teammate Thibaut Courtois puts Madrid in a strong position when they resume their season.

After he emerged as an early candidate to take the job, sources have shared Scott Brown’s stance on replacing Brendan Rodgers in the Celtic dugout.

Chris Sutton names "obvious choice" for Celtic

Rodgers shock exit has sparked several rumours as to who could arrive to replace the veteran manager. Many expected the former Leicester City boss to leave at the end of his contract next summer, but the Bhoys have now been left with no choice but to replace him several months early following his resignation.

Already eight points behind unexpected leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Derek McInnes’ side on Sunday, Celtic must get their next permanent appointment right.

On that front, one name that has already been mentioned is Ange Postecoglou. Having initially hired Rodgers to replace the Australian in 2023, Celtic could re-hire Postecoglou to come full-circle in a decision that Chris Sutton would certainly back.

The Celtic legend told Sky Sports: “I think Ange Postecoglou would be a really smart appointment. He was loved the first time round.

“His brand of football went down well in Glasgow. He’s out of work. I think that would be a pretty obvious choice, a good choice and bring a lot of positivity back to Celtic, which they need right now.”

The 60-year-old arguably needs the Bhoys just as much as they need him these days following a disastrous 39-day spell in charge of Nottingham Forest. After being sacked twice by two Premier League clubs in the last year though, it remains to be seen whether he’ll make such a swift return.

Related “Shambles” – Sutton names the 3 ways Celtic were poor against Hearts

The Bhoys were defeated in Edinburgh today to cap another dismal day at the office.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Oct 26, 2025

It may be too soon for Postecoglou and the same may be said for ex-player Scott Brown, who also knows Celtic incredibly well.

Celtic job would come too soon for Scott Brown

Among the early candidates for the job has also been Scott Brown. The legendary midfielder has been perfecting his craft as a manager since 2022 and is now in charge of Ayr United. According to PA Media sources, however, the Celtic job would reportedly be coming too soon for Brown.

“The former Celtic captain is seen as a long-term candidate, but is still learning his trade as a manager with Ayr following a spell at Fleetwood. The 40-year-old led Ayr to the William Hill Championship play-offs last season and has them third in the table. Given the instability around the club, squad and league position, the timing does not look ideal for the former Scotland midfielder.”

For any young manager, especially those more inexperienced, the Celtic job would represent an incredible risk. The Bhoys need the stability that O’Neill could first lay the foundations for and an option like Postecoglou could provide. As things stand, they cannot afford to take a gamble on Brown, who should continue to learn his trade at Ayr United.

Arne Slot saw much-changed Liverpool fell to a sixth loss in seven matches as Ismaila Sarr’s clinical brace helped Crystal Palace reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Oliver Glasner’s Eagles got the better of the Reds for the third time this season as they followed their Community Shield shoot-out triumph and last month’s Premier League victory at Selhurst Park with an Anfield win.

Sarr’s first-half brace and a late Yeremy Pino strike secured FA Cup holders Palace a 3-0 fourth round victory as increasingly scrutinised Liverpool boss Slot’s bold decision to make 10 changes backfired in front of a full house.

Liverpool scouts lining up Bahoya deal to form new partnership with Ekitike

He’s impressed the Reds

ByTom Cunningham Oct 29, 2025

Slot’s men had started Wednesday’s tie brightly, only for familiar foe Sarr to score twice at the end of the opening period to make it seven goals in nine matches against Liverpool.

Palace continued to cruise through the second half. The tie was over by the time teenage Reds substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 79th minute, with Pino adding extra gloss late on.

Defenders & goalkeeper

Freddie Woodman – 5

Even Freddie Woodman will be surprised to have received the call from Liverpool in the summer, but here he is and there he was in the starting line-up against Crystal Palace. To his credit, the Englishman was fairly flawless and could do nothing to prevent Sarr’s first-half brace or Pino’s late effort.

Calvin Ramsay – 6

Calvin Ramsay (yes, Calvin Ramsay) was perhaps the most surprising name on the teamsheet in a much-changed Liverpool side. The Reds have had their right-back problems as of late, so why not turn to the forgotten man?

Finally back at Anfield following disappointing loan spells and injury troubles, the Scotsman was one of the brightest sparks for the home side, particularly in the first half. He also gets bonus points for a stunning crossfield pass that Liverpool fans became used to down the right-hand side for several years. Welcome back, Calvin.

Joe Gomez – 3

It was a difficult evening for Joe Gomez, whose loose touch handed Sarr his first before his poor positioning allowed the Palace man a second in the space of four first-half minutes.

It was a frustrating watch for those at Anfield, who saw Gomez get off to a solid, leading start before mistakes crept into his game. Given the recent struggles of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, the last thing Liverpool needed was a poor performance from their other senior centre-back.

Andy Robertson – 4

In an unfamiliar centre-back role, it became clear that Andy Robertson was not in his favoured position from early on. Whilst he deserves credit for slotting in under the circumstances, there’s no denying that he struggled alongside Gomez. In many ways, it was fitting that the Reds played a fullback at centre-back against Marc Guehi as their regret became exposed.

That said, Robertson will be wondering what he has to do to take back his left-back spot as Liverpool’s disastrous defensive form continues.

Milos Kerkez – 4

Speaking of Liverpool left-backs, it was another frustrating evening for Milos Kerkez. He has continued to look rushed in possession and rash when defending. Although he wasn’t tested as much as previous weeks, the Hungary international was wasteful at times and that far from helped the blunt nature of Liverpool’s frontline.

Midfielders

Wataru Endo – 4

When Wataru Endo entered the Anfield turf last season, it often signalled game over for any opposition side. The Japanese international simply closed up for the evening and secured three points time and time again. This season, however, he has struggled to make the same impact.

Suddenly, there’s no hiding his weakness in possession which was shielded by work rate and robustness in the last campaign. Once again, he was loose against Palace and far from helped his side’s attempts to take control.

Trey Nyoni – 4

It was a night of learning for Trey Nyoni. Such a highly-rated player at Liverpool, the young midfielder felt the tempo of Premier League opposition in full and often found his passes misplaced.

Those at Anfield witness his unique composure in the middle of the park in pre-season, but he found out the hard way that time isn’t always a given at senior level.

Alas, it must be said that the senior members of the squad could have done a fair bit more to help the 18-year-old on a night to forget.

Alexis Mac Allister – 3

Alexis Mac Allister was undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players last season’s title win. Alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, he formed an excellent midfield. Like much of Slot’s side as of late, however, he’s lost his way in the current campaign.

Still recovering from a knee injury in the summer, the Argentine once again looked a shadow of his best self against Crystal Palace. His form, or lack of it, hands Slot the worrying dilemma of just how to fix his current problems in the middle of the park.

Forwards

Kieran Morrison – 5

Thrust into the side at 18 years old, Kieran Morrison started well before gradually beginning to struggle against senior opposition. It’s not the first-team debut that he would have been dreaming of, but it is a moment in his career that he should cherish at Anfield nonetheless.

Had he at least enjoyed better service, things may have been different.

Rio Ngumoha – 6

Liverpool’s biggest bright spark, Rio Ngumoha very nearly curled a sensational effort into the top right in the first-half and certainly handed the likes of Jaydee Canvot a tough start to the evening. At 17 years old, his ability to take players on remains extraordinary and may just earn him a fair few more chances in the coming months.

Whilst Liverpool’s attack is full of big-money signings, Ngumoha’s glimpses of quality have sparked questions about his own game time despite his tender age,

Federico Chiesa – 6

It looked for a moment as though Federico Chiesa would hand Liverpool the lead in the early stages, only for his effort to end high and wide. That was that for the Italian’s chances, in truth, who struggled despite once again putting in the hard yards.

Even in defeat, his work rate should have put Slot on notice. As the Reds’ attack continues to struggle to click, Chiesa may yet provide a solution alongside the rest of his senior teammates.

Substitutes: Wellity Lucky (5), Amara Nallo (sent off, 2), Kaide Gordon (6), Trent Kone-Doherty (4)

Durham 119 for 6 (Bates 34, Heath 29) beat Hampshire 33 for 2 by one run (DLS)Grace Thompson bowled an exemplary over just before it hosed it down to give Durham a dramatic one-run victory by DLS over Hampshire Hawks in the Women’s Vitality Blast.Durham had scored 119 on a slow track, thanks to Suzie Bates’ 34 and Bess Heath’s 29 – with Freya Davies and Bex Tyson each picking up two wickets.With heavy rain forecast, the race was on to bowl the five overs needed to constitute a match, Maia Bouchier got Hampshire ahead of the rate, but Trudy Johnson made sure the scores level on DLS at the five-over mark.Thompson, however, only conceded three runs in the following over before the rain got too heavy and umpires Ant Harris and Julia Jarvis took the players off – with Hawks two runs shy of a winning score.It handed Durham their first Blast victory and Hawks back-to-back defeats.On the same pitch that South Africa played Zimbabwe in preparation for their World Test Championship final, Hawks chose to bowl first – an obvious choice with heavy rain forecasted.Bates began with a crushing four, but it didn’t set a precedent for regular boundary hitting as the pitch didn’t offer a great deal of pace.Durham’s batting was summed by starts, regular wickets, and very little offside play; only 23 of the 119 runs not struck on the onside.Katherine Fraser was the first of six wickets to fall when she picked up to deep midwicket, with Freya Davies also bowling Emma Marlow to return figures of two for 20.Bates, the scorer of half the eight fours in the innings in her 34, was the first of two to get stumped off Bex Tyson, with Abi Glen following suit later in the innings.Hollie Armitage scored 18 before she was bowled by Mary Taylor and Mady Villiers powered to long on.Heath whacked a six over deep midwicket in a useful unbeaten 29 to take Durham to a challenging score.Hampshire knew they needed 23 runs if they didn’t lose a wicket in the five overs that were needed to constitute a match.But Mady Villiers ended Ella McCaughan’s three-match half-century run by getting her to chip to mid-off, before Charli Knott was bowled going back to Katie Levick.That upped the five over target to 30, which thanks to Bouchier hitting both Villiers and Trudy Johnson for back-to-back fours put the hosts in control.Hampshire were on exactly 30 at five overs – Johnson ending with two dots – so a tie would have been a result with the rain starting to come down, but it wasn’t enough to end proceedings.Thompson tied Freya Kemp and Bouchier up to only allow three runs in the sixth over, when five were required to win before the heavens truly opened and there was no argument that no further play was possible.

Newcastle United will hope to challenge for silverware once again this season after lifting the Carabao Cup last term, even in the wake of Alexander Isak’s high-profile rebellion at St. James’ Park and ultimate transfer to Liverpool.

Isak cost a pretty penny when arriving from Real Sociedad in a club-record £63m deal in 2022, but he has since lined the pockets of the owners, contributing toward a period of newfound success and joining Liverpool for a British record £125m fee.

In Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Eddie Howe has a few new forwards with enough talent to lead the line with confidence through the Premier League and Champions League seasons, though it might be a tall order to expect them to hit the same heights as the Sweden striker from the beginning.

Newcastle's tough task replacing Isak

Wissa has plied his craft in the Premier League for four years, joining Brentford from Lorient in France, and he struck a new level of form last year, scoring 19 league goals and being praised by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam for his “sensational” ability in front of goal.

However, Wissa isn’t on the same level as Isak, who didn’t just bang them in for the Tynesiders but played with such smoothness and creativity too, with pundit Ally McCoist even hailing him as the “best all-round centre-forward”.

Woltemade arrives with potential, but he’s not Isak. Howe’s Newcastle system is steeped in efficient and slick transitional play, and that requires a striker both intelligent and coaxing a big chance into being and then deadly with the finishing touch.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

28 (17)

Goals

19

12

Assists

4

2

Shots (on target)*

2.6 (1.2)

1.8 (0.9)

Big chances missed

17

11

Pass completion

79%

72%

Big chances created

3

8

Key passes*

0.8

1.3

Dribbles*

0.4

1.1

Ball recoveries*

2.3

1.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.8

0.5

Duels (won)*

3.4

4.4

The jury is out for both of them, however, Newcastle once had a number nine who has proven their quality at the very highest level in the Premier League and may well have been a success in Howe’s current title-challenging team.

Newcastle sold their original Isak

A decade ago, Newcastle signed young centre-forward Ivan Toney from Northampton Town. He was 19 at the time and considered one of the most underrated prospects in England.

It didn’t work out for the England international, who left for Peterborough in League One in a mere £500k deal before unearthing his prolific potential in front of goal, leading to destructive displays with Thomas Frank’s Brentford, with the manager hailing him as “a monster”.

With Posh, he enjoyed a mighty time of it, scoring 49 in 94. With the Bees, he was even better, netting 72 in 141 outings.

Indeed, after four loan stints while a Newcastle player, the 29-year-old has now realised his capacity to thrive as one of the most physical and threatening forwards in the business, with his tall frame and clever link-up play certainly reminiscent of Isak at the front of Howe’s set-up.

He might not have the same high-speed running as Isak, but Toney is unquestionably a striker of merit, versatile and confident in creating for his peers.

Toney’s clinical performances in the Saudi Pro League, having joined Al-Ahli for £40m in 2024, are merely a continuation of his consistent success in the Premier League, and while there are those who begrudge his decision to leave for the riches of the Gulf, there’s no question that he’d still make the cut at a team like Newcastle.

He scored 30 goals for Al-Ahli last season, and also with a five-goal return in his trail this season, so Toney actually outscored Isak last season, having previously hit 36 Premier League goals across three terms with Brentford.

While it would have been unreasonably expensive to sign Toney this summer, there’s no doubt that the previous Toon regime blundered with this one, and that a young Toney within the current project might have found the perfect environment to have realised his plentiful talents.

He's outscoring Woltemade: Newcastle must regret selling the original Wissa

Newcastle could do with this striker’s quality after selling Isak to Liverpool.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 2, 2025

He suffered the injury while sub-fielding at the MCG but is expected to be fit for the Sri Lanka tour in late January

Alex Malcolm29-Dec-2024

Australia’s spare Test batter and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding during the fourth Test at the MCG, which rules him out of the squad for the final Test in Sydney and puts his BBL in jeopardy as he is expected to be managed ahead the Test tour of Sri Lanka.Inglis was the sole spare batter with the squad on day three as allrounder Beau Webster was released to play in the BBL on Saturday. He shared sub fielding duties with spare bowler Sean Abbott but suffered a low-grade strain according to a Cricket Australia statement.Inglis has been released from the Test squad and officially ruled out of the Sydney Test although it was unlikely he would play barring injury. But he is expected to be fit for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka where he is a distinct possibility of making his Test debut as a specialist batter in Galle given his prowess against spin.But the injury is a major blow for Perth Scorchers. He was allowed to play two of Scorchers’ first four matches against Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades as the matches fell between the third and fourth Tests. But he will only have 22 days to recover from the calf strain before Australia’s Test squad depart for the UAE for a pre-tour camp prior to the first Test starting in Galle on January 29.CA will announce a replacement batter to join the squad for the fifth Test in Sydney. It does open the door for Nathan McSweeney to return to the squad given his ability to bat in multiple positions despite being dropped for Sam Konstas ahead of Boxing Day. Webster remains in the squad and available to play if required despite playing in the BBL on Saturday night.Jhye Richardson also remains with the squad alongside Abbott as fast bowling cover. There were some concerns over Mitchell Starc on Saturday after he received some treatment on-field for back pain. But Starc told SEN on the morning of day four that he was fine to bowl even though he wasn’t called upon before Australia picked up the final wicket of India’s first innings.

تعرض فريق برشلونة لهزيمة قاتلة على يد باريس سان جيرمان، مساء الأربعاء، في خضم منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26.

واستضاف ملعب “مونتجويك” مباراة فريقي برشلونة وباريس سان جيرمان، في الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رجل مباراة برشلونة وباريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وكادت المباراة أن تنتهي بالتعادل الإيجابي بين الفريقين لولا هدف جونزالو راموس القاتل في الدقيقة 90، الذي منح باريس سان جيرمان نقاط اللقاء كاملة.

من جهة أخرى، يستعد برشلونة لخوض مباراة جديدة في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، وذلك يوم الأحد المقبل ضد خصمه إشبيلية. موعد مباراة برشلونة وإشبيلية في الدوري الإسباني

ويحل برشلونة ضيفًا على إشبيلية في الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني، وذلك في تمام الساعة 5:15 عصرًا بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

ويتصدر برشلونة حاليًا جدول الدوري الإسباني برصيد 19 نقطة، بعدما انتصر على ريال سوسيداد بهدفين لهدف، في حين سقط ريال مدريد أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين.

Sunderland is pushing ahead with more and more new signings this summer.

Some might have expected the Black Cats to slow down the intensity of their activity after Granit Xhaka’s statement arrival on the scene, but Regis Le Bris’ men are closing in on yet another exciting deal in the form of Chelsea hotshot Marc Guiu.

Some unwelcome delays have been thrown Sunderland’s way regarding Guiu joining the Stadium of Light ranks, but all looks to still be in place for the Spaniard to eventually call Wearside his home on loan ahead of the forthcoming Premier League season.

Le Bris isn’t done here when it comes to additions up top, however, as frantic rumours continue to be churned out about Sunderland enhancing their attacking personnel.

Sunderland offered chance to sign £50m attacker

The main rumour that will have caught the attention of the Stadium of Light masses is Sunderland’s alleged interest in RB Leipzig goal machine Lois Openda.

Sky Sports’ Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed early on in August that the Premier League newcomers have the clinical Belgian on their shortlist of targets, but a deal could be hard to reach, as Leipzig weigh up losing other key first-teamers in Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko.

Instead, a more viable opportunity to land a deadly marksman could soon come in trying to secure a deal for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Of course, the obvious elephant in the room here is Mitrovic’s ex-Newcastle United loyalties, but Sunderland would be foolish to turn down an opportunity to land such a potent attacker.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Serbian is being offered out to a whole host of Premier League clubs as he eyes up a move away from Al-Hilal, in the wake of Darwin Nunez potentially heading to the Middle East from Liverpool.

Leeds United have been offered the £50m striker’s services, alongside the Black Cats, with Sunderland able to secure themselves an even bigger talent than Openda in front of goal if they’re able to convince Mitrovic to forget his Magpies past and defect to Wearside.

Why Mitrovic is an even better signing than Openda

Openda might well possess more credit in the bank in the here and now, as the Belgian terrorises Bundesliga defences consistently, while his Serbian counterpart plays in the much-maligned Saudi Pro League.

However, as is seen with his razor-sharp instinct against Arsenal to retrieve the ball home and slot home a finish, the 30-year-old is far more proven in the tough terrain of the Premier League, when weighed up next to Openda, away from just being a general menace wherever he’s been across his globetrotting career to date.

Premier League

129

38

11

Championship

126

85

16

Saudi Pro League

51

47

8

Jupiler Pro League

50

27

8

Indeed, when looking at the table above, it’s clear to see why Mitrovic was once dubbed a “natural-born goalscorer” by former Fulham teammate Harrison Reed, with an astounding 123 goals next to his name on English shores.

That’s before you even take into account his blistering output for Al-Hilal, where he has managed to bag a ridiculous 47 strikes from just 51 games, leaving the likes of Openda in the dust in the process, who has a lesser 41 goals next to his name in Germany.

The worry will be that his weakest return to date has fallen in the Premier League, but he will be eager to become Sunderland’s main man as the Black Cats attempt to steer themselves to safety in style.

Of course, Openda also has a reputation for being a lethal presence up top, as seen in his colossal tally of 105 career goals.

Yet, Sunderland might never get the opportunity again to win such a proven goalscoring “monster” – as he has been labelled by Saudi-based journalist Matt Monaghan for his continued heroics at Al-Hilal – as Le Bris and Co. now seriously consider snapping up the 30-year-old to gift themselves an almighty advantage in their aim to beat the drop.

On the hunt to end their search for a striker at long last, Newcastle United are now reportedly battling to sign an impressive target who outscored Alexander Isak last season.

Newcastle's striker search goes on

It’s been a disappointing summer for Newcastle, but it’s especially been a woeful last seven days. Having missed out on Hugo Ekitike, it seemed as though the saving grace in that saga would be that Liverpool settled for the Frenchman rather than Isak on top. But the Swede has since dropped a bombshell on the Magpies.

Reports swiftly emerged earlier this week that the forward’s thigh injury was simply a smokescreen for his desire to leave St James’ Park this summer to spark what could be an almighty battle between the player and club as the transfer window progresses.

Having his say on the matter, Eddie Howe told reporters: “Of course there are things going on behind the scenes. He will be aware, he’s in the news every day and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons.

“We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room. We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.”

Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle isn’t even the latest of a long line of disappointing news this summer, however, with their pursuit to sign Yoane Wissa taking a major twist.

Now, with the Isak sage continuing and Wissa off the table for now, Newcastle have reportedly set their sights on a familiar face.

Newcastle battling for Mitrovic return

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle United are now battling to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic from Al-Hilal this summer, with those at the club warming to the idea of bringing him back. The experienced goalscorer, who still loves the Magpies despite his time at the club not ending in the way he would have dreamed, could put his St James’ Park failure behind him once and for all with a return this summer.

Mitrovic at Newcastle

Record (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

72

Goals

17

Assists

10

Seven years on from leaving Newcastle, Mitrovic is far more well-rounded and even outscored Isak’s 27-goal haul last season with 28 of his own in all competitions and loves St James’ Park, once calling it his favourite away ground while at Fulham.

Related More prolific than Sesko: Newcastle targeting move for £87m "monster"

Newcastle are looking to bring in another striker or two this summer

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jul 27, 2025

It was during his time at Fulham that the Serbian earned the most praise, with manager Marco Silva going as far as to describe him as “phenomenal” in 2022. Now, at 30 years old, Mitrovic could return with a bang to St James’ Park to hand Howe an unexpected solution to his growing striker problems.

Even as Chelsea’s Club World Campaign continues, a lot of the main conversation regarding Enzo Maresca’s Blues centres on major transfer developments.

Yet, for the time being, the Blues will just be content that they secured their pathway into the quarter-finals of the global competition, beating Benfica 4-1 after 4 hours 38 minutes.

Bad weather meant the game was suspended for several hours despite Chelsea leading 1-0 with four minutes of normal time to go.

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

Todd Boehly and Co will hope that the rest of the transfer window doesn’t pan out in equally dramatic fashion. Here’s the latest…

Chelsea pursuing more deals after Gittens

The mega-rich West Londoners look to have now officially sealed Jamie Gittens’ coveted signature, with reports suggesting a bumper fee of £55.5m was enough on Chelsea’s end to close a deal for the Borussia Dortmund superstar.

The Premier League side are unlikely to be done there, with Brighton & Hove Albion menace Joao Pedro reportedly another option they’re keen on to enhance their attacking personnel even more.

It’s not all just transfer talk involving the spots up top, however, as a new target is now named on the ever-extending Chelsea shopping list that would really boost Maresca and Co. at the back.

As per a new report by The Mirror, Chelsea are now being offered the chance to land Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer.

It’s stated that the Villans are resigned to the prospect of having to cash in on their Argentine shot-stopper as a way to try and correct their PSR problems, with the Blues perhaps capitalising on the unease at Villa Park in the process.

Manchester United are also named as the other Premier League party keeping tabs on the South American’s situation in the West Midlands, with it also being stated that Martinez might well prefer a move to United over relocating to Stamford Bridge.

Still, with Maresca no doubt wanting to upgrade on a shaky Robert Sanchez very soon, Martinez could be the perfect fix in the goalkeeping department for Chelsea.

Why Martinez is a more important signing than Gittens

If the Blues were to win the services of Martinez for a reported price tag of £45m, it might well be deemed an even better purchase than Gittens joining the growing group, with the 32-year-old now renowned for being a dependable stopper in the Premier League.

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Of course, patience will be exercised on Chelsea’s end to ensure they get the very best out of the 20-year-old, off the back of him lighting up the Bundesliga last season with his promising and captivating displays.

In all competitions last campaign, Gittens helped himself to 12 goals and five assists, with plenty more to hopefully come from the youngster when he moves to English shores, knowing he might well be the Blues’ starting man down the left channel when you consider no one has really successfully nailed down that position.

Maresca will be praying that Gittens can slot in instantly and perform to fill their Jadon Sancho-shaped hole, with Sancho tallying up five goals and ten assists on the temporary books of the Blues last season, before a sombre return to the Red Devils.

It’s a risky move for Chelsea, though, considering the 20-year-old had only amassed 14 more goal contributions for the Black and Yellow past his breakout 2024/25 offering.

On the other hand, Martinez has been at the peak of his powers for some time now as a reliable Premier League figure.

Games played

196

Saves made

573

Clean sheets

59

Goals conceded

241

Penalties saved

4

Wins

91

Looking at the table above, despite never making the first-team cut at Arsenal, Martinez has gone on to become a consistent top performer for Unai Emery’s men, with 573 saves and counting made in the challenging league.

Even when he struggled last season, Martinez still managed to collect 15 clean sheets in all competitions, five of which came about in the Champions League. To add context, Sanchez only amassed ten clean sheets and was undoubtedly one of the biggest underperformers in the Chelsea team.

In short, the Blues need to sort out their goalkeeper rankings more than their attacking options, with Sanchez giving away two penalties and making five errors leading to a goal in the top-flight last season. No ‘keeper made more errors.

As a result, the “world-class” Martinez – in the words of Gary Neville – would significantly improve Chelsea’s chances of winning more silverware next season.

He’d be seismic upgrade on the error-stricken Sanchez.

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