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Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over a fresh transfer claim involving FC Basel forward Arthur Cabral.

The Brazilian has emerged as a transfer target for both Irons manager David Moyes and new recruitment chief Rob Newman in recent weeks as they expand their search for more attacking options.

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Cabral has been in red-hot form for the Swiss giants over 2021/22 so far, racking up an incredible 17 goals and four assists across 19 appearances in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

This has attracted West Ham’s interest amid their year-long search for a replacement for Sebastien Haller, with journalist Andre Oechsner now sharing an update on their bid.

Speaking to Hammers News, the correspondent for Swiss media outlet 4-4-2 explained that a €20m (£17m) offer has come from the Premier League and his ‘sources’ tell him its ‘probably’ West Ham.

West Ham fans erupt…

Taking to social media, it’s little wonder so many Irons supporters are excited about this reveal, taking into account Cabral’s prolific goalscoring record, age and his inclusion in the Brazil squad in recent months.

The 23-year-old earned his first Selecao call-up in October, with his electric form attracting the attention of Brazil general manager and former Middlesbrough star Juninho (TEAMtalk).

As their club potentially make an offer, there have been no shortage of reaction from West Ham fans – check out some of the best responses below:

“Begging it’s us! He’ll add so much to the side… The only other players who I think may be as good of a signing for us are either unproven as forwards (Thuram & Barrow) or x2 the price Watkins & Toney”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

“Il have some of that”

Credit: @JayThorogood19

“Different class on comparison to Ajeti mate. Ajeti small and not strong enough for Prem. This lad is big, quick and can finish. Hopefully the right attributes to be successful. Only time will tell”

Credit: @SamiDennis

“Fingers crossed.”

Credit: @Kenness

“Looks awesome on YouTube. Like Haller but with more personality and pep. Could be the new Frank that I’ve been hoping for for so long.”

Credit: @tw25rw

“Rob Newman finally doing his job”

Credit: @arrrrrrchie

“It’s a yes from me, assuming it is a) true, and b) actually us. I’ll link a clip below to whet your appetite, this is an exciting rumour.”

Credit: @WHU_Analytics

In other news: Newman now also eyeing bid to sign 129-goal ‘big name’ striker for West Ham, find out more here.

Celtic take on St. Johnstone in the SPL tomorrow at home as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Before then, however, manager Brendan Rodgers would like to see some more signings arrive with transfer deadline day fast approaching, though there is still a lot of work that needs to be done if that is to happen.

The Breakdown

According to the Daily Record, the Celtic boss is desperate to add at least one new full-back to his squad with Borussia Dortmund’s Jeremy Toljan one player he hopes his superiors can land ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

With Mikael Lustig’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, Celtic definitely need to start looking at names for that position with Toljan being a great one.

However, even if the Bhoys fail to sign the German right-back or any other player for that matter before Thursday, they can still be pleased with the work that has been done this month.

The additions of Timothy Weah and Oliver Burke are quickly proving to be very good ones, while the Glasgow club still have Vakoun Issouf Bayo to come into the team.

Ultimately, Celtic now look to have the necessary firepower to win yet another SPL title, and thus can afford to be patient in their pursuit of a new right-back.

The County Championship Division Two match between Surrey and Middlesex atthe Brit Oval petered out into a draw, but not before both Mark Ramprakash andAndrew Strauss added more significant runs to their match aggregates

20-May-2010
Scorecard
The County Championship Division Two match between Surrey and Middlesex atthe Brit Oval petered out into a draw, but not before both Mark Ramprakash andAndrew Strauss added more significant runs to their match aggregates.Surrey, bottom of the table, set Middlesex a victory target of 374 in 85 oversafter Ramprakash had reached his 111th first-class hundred at the start of thefinal day. But a century opening stand between Scott Newman and England Test captainStrauss, who went on to score 61, blunted Surrey’s efforts to secure themselvesa much-needed first win of the season. At stumps, Middlesex were 189 for 3.Although Newman was caught behind off the persevering Gareth Batty for 43 inthe 33rd over of the Middlesex second innings, Strauss and Owais Shah preventedany further immediate alarms and Surrey knew that victory was beyond them longbefore Strauss hit straight to short extra cover for the second time in thematch.Middlesex reached tea at 142 for 2, and in the final session the only wicketto fall was that of Dawid Malan, who was caught at deep mid-wicket sweeping atUsman Afzaal’s left-arm spin. Shah simply decided to bat out time and was 40 notout when hands were shaken on the draw at 5pm.For Strauss, who also made 92 in the first innings, this match has given himvital time at the crease in his last championship appearance before the start ofEngland’s two-Test series against Bangladesh, which begins next Thursday.Although he batted generally with assurance during a three-hour and 156-ballstay, Strauss also needed some good fortune as he led Middlesex to safety. Earlyon he was beaten by a beauty from Jade Dernbach and, on 18, he edged the samebowler through a strangely-vacant third slip.There was an inside-edged four off Chris Tremlett and Batty also got the ballpast Strauss’s outside edge as he strained for the wickets that would have givenSurrey a chance of bowling Middlesex out.Earlier, Ramprakash converted his overnight 86 into an unbeaten 103, beforeSurrey declared at 207 for 3, becoming in the process the first player toscore two hundreds in a championship match on seven occasions – three times forSurrey and four times for Middlesex, his previous club.It was the first time, having hit 223 in Surrey’s first innings, that he hadscored a century and a double-century in the same match and only Ricky Pontingand Zaheer Abbas, who have hit two hundreds in a first-class match on eightoccasions, now better Wally Hammond and Ramprakash’s seven. Ramprakash’s first-class record against Middlesex, the county he left in controversial fashion in 2000, now stands at 1384 runs from 15 innings, at an average of 125.

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves could still potentially join Manchester United in the January transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Neves linked with United move

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season for Wanderers, appearing in 18 Premier League matches and excelling in Monday’s famous 1-0 win away to United – Neves registered three shots, seven long balls and an 81 per cent pass success rate, bossing the match in the middle of the park (Whoscored).

He has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, however, with Ralf Rangnick seemingly eyeing a dynamic midfielder who can improve matters in the middle of the park – Wolves aren’t the first side to make the current crop look ordinary.

While some reports have suggested the Red Devils do not intend to make new additions until the summer, a new update may leave Wolves fans slightly concerned.

The Latest: Journalist makes fresh claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke didn’t rule out the transfer happening this month, even though he also confirmed it will likely be a quiet January in Manchester:

“United are still interested in signing him. There are no concrete plans to make additions at United this month, but they are in open dialogue in case he could be brought in to boost their season.”

The Verdict: Hugely unlikely

The hope is that Neves is a Wolves player for many years to come, although Wanderers supporters have to be level-headed about him eventually joining a top club playing consistently in the Champions League.

That being said, it would be a big surprise if the Portugal international wanted to join United as early as January, especially with the Red Devils clearly struggling at the moment, as highlighted by Wolves’ aforementioned triumph earlier this week.

It appears to be an unhappy environment under Rangnick, whereas Bruno Lage is excelling at Molineux and Neves is on top form, hopefully inspiring them to a European finish in May – does he really have a better chance of that at Old Trafford right now?

In other news, some Wolves fans are raging over one piece of transfer news. Read more here.

Disasi made amends after a dismal first-half while Caicedo turned in another disastrous display as the Blues dropped more points in the league

Chelsea were under-par for the majority of their clash with Brentford but they somehow dug deep enough to rescue a late point, potentially alleviating some of the pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Nicolas Jackson scored the opening goal of the game, powering a header into the bottom corner from Malo Gusto's cross, having previously struggled to hit the back of the net.

In the second half, Mads Roerslev equalised just five minutes after the restart, pouncing on defensive confusion to bring the Bees level.

Yoanne Wissa somehow then gave Brentford the lead through a brilliant bicycle kick that left Petrovic rooted to the spot.

Axel Disasi, though, made up for his mistake for the opening goal by scoring a late header to bring Chelsea level.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Gtech Community Stadium…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Djordje Petrovic (6/10):

Almost caught out when he claimed a loose ball on the edge of his penalty area, leading to howls of proteest from Brentford. Well-beaten by both strikes, particularly Wissa's.

Malo Gusto (7/10):

Superb cross for Jackson to score. Continually found his team-mates with superb deliveries. Comfortably Chelsea's best player.

Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):

Caught under the ball before Wissa's brilliant goal and appeared overawed by the Brentford press at times.

Axel Disasi (6/10):

Slid to try to block Roerslev's strike but got nowhere near him in some truly bizarre defending – but he more than made up for it with a late headed equaliser.

Levi Colwill (6/10):

Put his body on the line when he could. Subbed for Sterling late on.

Ben Chilwell (5/10):

Energetic as ever but couldn't have the same impact as the excellent Gusto.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Enzo Fernandez (5/10):

Struggled in midfield, particularly in the second half, when he just couldn't get up and running. Clearly fatigued. Subbed for Mudryk on 70 minutes.

Moises Caicedo (4/10):

Seemed to divert Toney's shot into Roerslev's path for him to equalise. Consistently slides in, and seems a second behind the play at times. Chelsea desperately need him to improve; right now, he's not good enough.

Conor Gallagher (5/10):

Booked for a dismal dive in the first half. His main contribution in a game that passed him by.

GettyAttack

Cole Palmer (6/10):

Some very clever movement but twice sent the ball wide in promising positions. Crossed for Disasi's header, a superb assist.

Nicolas Jackson (6/10):

Went round the goalkeeper but still managed to miss, as he scuffed his finish and saw it cleared. Recovered to score, powering a header into the bottom corner.

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GettySubs & Manager

Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10):

On for Fernandez. Barely saw the ball.

Raheem Sterling (6/10):

Replaced Colwill as Chelsea pushed for an equaliser and the systemic change did lead to a goal, even if Sterling wasn't involved.

Mauricio Pochettino (5/10):

Got away with it. Chelsea were utterly dreadful for most of the second half as a switch to a three at the back didn't seem to suit them – but they just about managed to rescue a point. It may prove to be a big result, but Chelsea must learn to control games.

Hampshire hope to sign Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi for the Champions League Twenty20

George Dobell30-Aug-2012Hampshire hope to sign Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi for the Champions League Twenty20 even though he did not appear for them during the Friends Life t20.The rules of the Champions League state that a player must be registered in the qualifying period. The rules do not insist that the player has actually appeared in a game. Afridi was due to appear for Hampshire this season, but was unable to play due to issues in obtaining a visa. The club have confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he was satisfactorily registered in order to sign him for the Champions League.When Afridi became unavailable Hampshire signed Glenn Maxwell, the Australian allrounder, who became an instant hit as he scored 179 runs at a strike-rate of 175.49 and claimed seven wickets in nine matches. His success earned him a call-up to the Australia squad for the World Twenty20 and current series against Pakistan in the UAE.Hampshire and Yorkshire, who were the losing finalists in the FLt20, must go through another qualifying event in South Africa in order to enter the full Champions League. Hampshire have been drawn in a group with New Zealand side, Auckland Aces, and Pakistan side, Sialkot Stallions. Only the team that tops the group will enter the main League. The other two will be eliminated without earning any prize money.

Jonathan Trott produced an innings of intense personal importance

Andrew Miller in Chittagong08-Mar-2010In the sleepy outskirts of Chittagong, in a concrete-lined field circled by more grazing cows than gripped spectators, Jonathan Trott produced an innings of intense personal importance. His even-tempoed century, filled with common-sense strokeplay and a command of the crease that has been sorely lacking in recent encounters, was the mainstay of an England innings that ticked along satisfactorily against unremarkable opponents. It also ensured that he will feature in the first Test on Friday.Three months ago, Trott’s place in the England Test team seemed about as secure as they come. His nerveless debut hundred at The Oval in August had secured the Ashes in an otherwise fraught encounter, and when he followed that up with a diligent 69 in his maiden appearance against his native South Africa at Centurion, he appeared to be England’s most natural fit at No. 3 since Mark Butcher, having provided a solidity at that position that the likes of Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara could not rival.But then something went horribly awry. Maybe South Africa’s constant chirping drilled through his calm exterior, or maybe it was simply a case of vertigo after such a rapid and dramatic ascent, but the confidence in his footwork and the authority of his shot selection deserted him in an instant. In a frenetic finale to his homecoming tour, he picked up 93 runs in his last five innings, and as a prelude to the pressure under which he began this match, he was dropped from the one-day side to make way for Craig Kieswetter.”It’s one of those things,” said Trott. “You have to understand the direction the coach and captain want to go, and you have to keep improving and adjust your game to fit the role they want you to play. I thought I did okay, to be honest, in South Africa, but those are the ups and downs of being a cricketer. If you look at the amount of days you have [that are] good, they are a bit less than the bad days. You have to make the most of the opportunities, and I’m glad I had a chance to have a knock today. The ball’s in my court in terms of being the best I can.”Today was the start of the fightback. No-one can pretend that the intensity of this contest comes close to any of the five Tests that Trott has so far played – and as an added confirmation of the sleepy scenario, the match was even stripped of first-class status on the second day, after Bangladesh A brought in a spare seamer to replace the injured Syed Rasel. But as Kevin Pietersen would doubtless testify, time in the middle is essential when your form is on the blink, and after 14 fours from 134 deliveries, that is exactly what Trott managed to achieve.”It was satisfying on a personal note of being able to come and contribute to the side, having not played for a while in the middle,” said Trott. “I think it’s frustrating for any cricketer to be on the sidelines – you want to play all the time – but it was important I stayed positive and kept my game in good order for a chance like today. I’m just glad it went well after all the preparation in the nets.”There’s still some debate as to where exactly Trott will play. No. 3 is where he batted for this fixture, and for each of his Test appearances in South Africa. But come Friday he could yet be shunted up to open (where he had some initial success in ODIs), as a replacement for the absent Andrew Strauss, and potentially ahead of Michael Carberry, who will hope to get a second chance on Tuesday afternoon, having fallen for 5 in England’s first innings.”No-one has chatted about the batting [order] or anything,” said Trott. “We were just told the line-up for this match and told to get on with it. I’d bat anywhere for England, at 3, 4, 5 … anywhere. At Warwickshire, I’ve always been in the middle order, with Ian [Bell] and myself, but batting in the top order, you could face the new ball anytime, so it’s important to be able to play against it. Any opportunity, I’ll take it.”Thanks to this innings, Trott seems certain to get that chance to shine, but more importantly, he will enter the first Test in a mindset more reminiscent of the free-scoring cricketer who took his county form straight into his Test debut last summer. “As a cricketer you put yourself under enough pressure to succeed and do well,” he said. “It’s one of those things that comes with the territory of playing for England and wearing the badge. So to be able to not be too hard on yourself is important. You have to be calm and play your natural game.”I just went out and batted, and would have played the same if it was a Test match or a friendly, like it is,” he added. “I challenge myself to try and improve, every time I go to the crease. I prepare properly and try to be in the right frame of mind to play properly. There’s always pressure on your place in the side, but I think it’s important you are true to yourself and play the best way you know.”

American coach Jesse Marsch has shared an update on where his future lies after being sacked from Leeds United last season.

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Ex-Leeds boss currently living in ItalyTaken up pundit role for CBS SoccerBelieves coaching future 'lies in Europe'WHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of Milan's UCL tie vs Borussia Dortmund Tuesday – where Marsch was on the ground reporting for CBS Soccer – studio analyst Kate Abdo asked Marsch where his future relies. He initially replied that "I'm a TV personality now," before offering a more considered answer.

AdvertisementWHAT MARSCH SAID

"I'm focused on what I'm doing here in Europe, which is trying this (punditry work), but I really still think that my future lies here in Europe and finding good clubs to coach here. I'm a little bit more of someone who enjoys the daily grind of being part of a team, and I feel like that's the way to really impact a group. So I mean, let's see what happens. You never know you can never say never, but I'm really happy living here in Europe. I'm really happy with with the challenge of getting to know new cultures, languages, teams leagues… Champions League, right there's nothing for me bigger than Champions League."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Marsch was removed from his post as Leeds boss on February 6 last year, and after being linked with the USMNT job, has since taken up a pundit role with CBS Soccer. Living in Italy, the American has featured on the touchline on numerous occasions this season for Milan matches, analysing USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah. On Tuesday, he spoke more on than just the UCL, including the state of the USMNT and what Gregg Berhalter needs to do to be recognized as one of the world's elite teams.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MARSCH?

The ex-Leeds boss has stated how content he is in Europe, with the American sharing his desire to stay on the continent. Whether it's punditry work – which he shared how happy he is doing – or finding a role within a top club, he has no plans to leave.

GOAL takes a look at the major records Ronaldo holds for both club and country.

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players ever to grace the game of football. In a career spanning more than two decades, the Portuguese superstar has broken numerous records to claim his place amongst the game's legends.

With over 800 career goals and counting, Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the most lethal marksmen in the history of football. He is the all-time record international goalscorer with 118 strikes, and also boasts of being the all-time leading scorer in the Uefa Champions League (140).

The 38-year-old has numerous other club and country records to his name including the most Champions League appearances (140).

GOAL lists them all below.

GettyMost international appearances (197)

Ronaldo became the most-capped men's player in history after being included in the starting XI for Portugal's Euro 2024 qualifier with Liechtenstein.

With this he officially registered his 197th international cap, overtaking Kuwait forward Bader Al-Mutawa.

AdvertisementGettyFirst player to score 800 career goals

Ronaldo became the first player to score 800 top-level career goals (club and country combined) during a Premier League encounter against Arsenal back in November 2022.

He later went on to score the 801st goal as well in the same match from the penalty spot, which turned out to be the match-winner.

Club/Country Matches Goals Assists

Sporting CP3156Manchester United34614564Real Madrid438450131Juventus13410122Al-Nassr1092Portugal19611843Total906828268Getty ImagesMost Champions League appearances (183)

Ronaldo can boast of having the most number of Champions League appearances, having made his debut back in 2003 with Manchester United in a 2-1 defeat by Stuttgart, aged 18 and 238 days.

He has made more than half of his all-time appearances (101) for Real Madrid, 59 for United as well as 23 for Juventus.

Club Appearances

Real Madrid101Manchester United59Juventus23ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty ImagesMost Champions League goals (140)

The Portugal international is also the all-time leading goalscorer in the Champions League with 140 strikes to his name.

Ronaldo scored a whopping 105 goals in just 101 appearances during his stint with Real Madrid which averages more than a goal per game.

For Manchester United and Juventus, he struck 21 and 14 times in the UCL respectively.

Club Goals

Manchester United21Real Madrid105Juventus14

With the teams going through to the semi-finals and as many sides exiting the competition, GOAL picks out the best and most underwhelming individual …

BackpagepixAfcon 2021

The quarter-finals concluded on Sunday night, with Senegal ending Equatorial Guinea’s journey in Cameroon.

With the last eight now over, which players flourished for their sides and who failed to deliver?

AdvertisementGetty ImagesToo Good: Karl Toko Ekambi

While Vincent Aboubakar had dominated headlines heading into Saturday’s clash with The Gambia, it was Toko Ekambi who flourished to win the game for the Indomitable Lions.

The Lyon attacker netted two second-half strikes to seal a 2-0 success and take the hosts into a mouth-watering semi-final meeting with seven-time winners Egypt.

His latest brace at the finals takes him to five goals, outscoring everyone but Aboubakar.

Getty ImagesToo Bad: Vincent Aboubakar

The tournament’s top scorer went into Cameroon’s last eight fixture seeking another strike to become the first player in the competition’s history to score in his team’s first five games.

However, Aboubakar’s finishing was far from perfect on the day, missing a series of opportunities to add to his six goals at Afcon 2021.

Undoubtedly, Toni Conceicao will hope his frontman returns to form when they face Egypt in the semis.

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BackpagePix.Too Good: Mohamed Salah

Despite Morocco being the fancied side owing to their performances hitherto the quarters, Egypt picked up a 2-1 comeback victory over the Atlas Lions.

Without Salah, it is hard to see how the Pharaohs will have found a way after falling behind after Sofiane Boufal’s sixth-minute penalty.

The Liverpool superstar equalised eight minutes after half-time and set up substitute Trezeguet in the first half of extra time.

Salah has now been involved in all but one of Egypt’s four goals in Cameroon and they will look to him to get the better of the Indomitable Lions on Thursday.