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AC Milan captain Mike Maignan is still yet to sign a contract extension at the San Siro, giving Chelsea or Man United a chance to sign him for free in 2026.

The France number one is classed as one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, and his availability on a free transfer next year is putting Premier League clubs on red alert.

Chelsea have long been after Maignan and attempted to agree a cut-price deal in the summer window.

Enzo Maresca also personally asked Chelsea’s hierarchy to sign a world-class new goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez (Graeme Bailey), with the Blues previously sensing an opportunity to go for Maignan to grant their manager’s wish.

Appearances

168

Bookings

8

Red Cards

1

Goals conceded

172

Clean sheets

63

Minutes played

14,963

via Transfermarkt

However, a major difference in pricing saw Milan refuse to sanction his move to Stamford Bridge, despite the 30-year-old’s eagerness to join them. Chelsea wanted him before their Club World Cup campaign, but snubbed the Rossoneri’s attempts to demand an extortionate fee because of that.

A deal for Maignan ultimately wasn’t revisited before deadline day on September 1, with Max Allegri since captaining the shot-stopper as Milan potentially give him something to think about.

They’re just three points behind Serie A leaders and Italian champions Napoli after three consecutive wins, and if Milan continue in this fashion, who knows, Maignan could be tempted to pen an extension.

In the meantime, though, he is set to leave for free at the end of the season, and reports suggest that Chelsea are ready to offer Maignan a pre-contract in January to end their reliance on Sanchez, who was sent off against Man United last weekend.

Mike Maignan decides whether he wants to join Chelsea or Man United

Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils are also after a reliable keeper, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Maignan wants to join Chelsea next year as things stand.

This comes as an almighty boost for the west Londoners, as Maignan is an arguably unmissable opportunity.

Why Chelsea need to sign Mike Maignan

All Premier League title-winning sides have one thing in common — the presence of a truly commanding star between the sticks.

Chelsea acknowledge that Sanchez has displayed improvements lately, but the jury is out on whether he can still be Maresca’s main point of call if they’re truly serious about ending their long wait for a top flight crown.

Maignan, available at zero cost, is set to become Europe’s most available, high-pedigree keeper next year, with the former Lille favourite possessing years of top-level experience and proven ability.

He’s also highly-rated by his peers, like Liverpool’s Alisson, who recently explained why Maignan is one of the best in the world.

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has joked his post-playing career path back to the club is "already mapped out" after comments from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The 36-year-old, who is starring in the MLS for Vancouver Whitecaps, remains non-committal on a specific role but admits his connection to the club of his life, Bayern, remains "very, very good."

Getty ImagesMuller jokes 'path is already mapped out' after Rummenigge comments

Muller has joked that his future path back to the club as an executive is "already mapped out," following recent comments from supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Speaking to 's Blickpunkt Sport, the 36-year-old discussed his future plans and his strong connection to the Bavarian giants.

Rummenigge recently stated that all doors remain open for Muller at Bayern and endorsed his move to North America. The former CEO told the German Press Agency: "It is the wish of the fans and the club that former players take on a leadership role at Bayern Munich." This follows a well-trodden path for club icons, including Rummenigge himself, who returned as a club executive after his playing career.

Muller, who is Bayern's all-time record appearance holder, acknowledged this precedent. He is already scheduled to work as a television expert for MagentaTV during the 2026 World Cup, mirroring the first post-playing step Rummenigge took. "Actually, the path has already been mapped out," Muller said with a laugh, acknowledging the parallels.

AdvertisementLegend non-committal on specific coach or official role

Despite the lighthearted comment, Muller was quick to clarify that he has not yet decided on a specific post-playing career, admitting he is unsure if a high-pressure role as a coach or official is what he wants. "That's a long shot," the 2014 World Cup winner said regarding the recruitment efforts. "I'm aware of that. I know my skillset. But even so, I still have no idea whether I could be a good coach and want to be a good coach. And whether I could be a good sports official and want to be a good sports official."

'Muller hype' builds in Vancouver after dream start

Since joining the Whitecaps on a free transfer in August 2025, Muller has sparked what the source describes as a "veritable Muller hype." He has been in exceptional form, netting seven goals and providing three assists in just seven MLS appearances. His total record for the Canadian side stands at 10 goals and six assists in 13 games across all competitions.

The forward, however, remains focused on his responsibilities on the pitch. "I didn't come here to become Vancouver's superstar," Muller told BR. "I feel a responsibility to give something back to the club. We want the stadium to be full and to draw attention to the sport in the city." He also joked about his developing English skills, assuring, "Don't worry, Radio Muller broadcasts here too."

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Star forward admits confusion over MLS playoff format

Muller’s immediate challenge is the MLS Cup Playoffs, where his Vancouver Whitecaps are set to face FC Dallas in the first round. The German forward, who is accustomed to a knockout format like the DFB-Pokal, admitted he is still unfamiliar with the MLS structure. "I thought playoffs were like basketball or ice hockey," Muller said. "If I could choose, I'd prefer a home and away game." The first round of the MLS playoffs is contested as a best-of-three series before reverting to single-elimination matches in later rounds.

Ange Postecoglou may find himself under increased pressure if results at Nottingham Forest do not improve quickly, according to reports. The Australian 'retains the immediate backing' of the Forest board, who believe extenuating circumstances may have played a role in his failure to win any of his first six matches in charge in all competitions. Fans made their voices heard late on in defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League, though, and the understanding is that things must improve soon.

Postecoglou has support of board despite tough start

As reported by BBC Sport, Nottingham Forest’s next Premier League match away at Newcastle United may be a ‘key fixture’ for how Postecoglou’s position at the club is viewed moving forward. Both the result and the manner of the performance are thought to be equally important by the club hierarchy. Postecoglou retains their backing in the meantime, and has full faith in the project he has begun at the club.

The Australian arrived at the City Ground in unenviable circumstances and will have his work cut out to win over fans, many of whom are not happy at how Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked following a disagreement with owner Evangelos Marinakis. Sections of the home support chanted “You’re getting sacked in the morning” towards their own manager after Midtjylland went 3-1 up late on Thursday. Chris Wood pulled a goal back from the spot in stoppage time but could not prevent defeat. The result meant Postecoglou became the first Forest manager in 100 years to win none of their first six matches in charge.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEnraged Forest fan chants reflect a series of concerning results

While it felt slightly premature for Forest fans to be calling for their manager’s head after just 24 days and six matches, it reflected the worries beginning to expand within the fanbase. What was supposed to be their most celebrated season in a generation as European football returns to the City Ground, is looking an uncertain one already.

Just one point was earned from league matches against newly promoted Burnley and Sunderland, while Forest capitulated late on to lose 3-2 at Championship Swansea City in the Carabao Cup. Add that to a 3-0 defeat at home to 19th-placed West Ham United in Nuno’s final game in charge at the City Ground, and it is easy to see why a series of concerning results have led to fan backlash.

A 2-2 draw away at Real Betis has truly been the only encouraging result of Postecoglou’s reign so far, even that being a game which ended in disappointment as Antony equalised for the La Liga side in the 85th minute. The pressure is on for things to improve, quickly.

Postecoglou speaks as pressure ramps up

Speaking on Friday afternoon, Postecoglou said that he does not allow pressure to impact his management, citing his Europa League win despite a miserable domestic season with Tottenham Hotspur as a prime example of this.

"It doesn't enter my head," he stressed. "My responsibility lies in making sure this football club progresses and gets to a position where it can challenge for things”, said Postecoglou.

"If I start putting timelines to that or worry about what is going to happen next week then I am not performing the role I have been given.

"I just don't think it is helpful to anyone. At the end of the day, I have to concentrate on the environment, the training, the way we play, and, as I said last night, I am still very, very strong in my belief that we are not too far away.

"Put it this way – I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham about three or four months before I did, but that didn't stop me from winning something."

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Getty Images SportCrucial month lies ahead for Postecoglou and Nottm Forest

It is easy to see why the clash with Newcastle is viewed as of such importance for Postecoglou and Forest. It Is 15th vs 17th as neither side have made the desired start to the new campaign – though the Magpies will be buoyed by a 4-0 win at Union Saint Gilloise in the Champions League, while Forest’s midweek European exploits went in an entirely different direction.

A heavy defeat at St James’ Park could put Postecoglou under ‘internal scrutiny’ ahead of the international break, where a decision may be taken. Challenging fixtures against Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth and Manchester United see out the month.

Postecoglou has the backing of the Forest board, for now – but how long can things continue before Marinakis and co. begin to consider whether they appointed the right man?

Ruben Amorim is under pressure at Manchester United, and the Red Devils may be intrigued by the fact that a proven winner may be interested in succeeding him at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim responds to pressure surrounding his Man Utd position

During the week, the football world witnessed the Red Devils suffer one of their worst-ever results, bowing out of the EFL Cup second round to Grimsby Town via a penalty shootout.

Despite clawing their way back into the match from 2-0 down, Amorim’s men will need to live with the shock of a loss that will only serve to increase pressure on the former Sporting boss, who apologised to supporters who made the unfateful trip to Blundell Park.

He stated post-match: “I just want to say I’m really sorry to the fans. The support they give me, the support that they are always there, with all the defeats, with the team, today I have nothing to say apart from sorry.

“I think they gave the response on the pitch today. Now, we have a game in the weekend and then two weeks off. We will solve things out.”

Old Trafford chiefs could soon make a decision on Amorim and won’t shy away from pulling the trigger, and reports suggest Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner may be a candidate to take over at Manchester United should he be relieved of his duties.

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The Red Devils are weighing up a late move for a new midfield target…

Posts 1 ByDominic Lund Aug 28, 2025

Of course, his underperforming squad need to take a fair share of the blame. Manuel Ugarte and Andre Onana flattered to deceive against Grimsby, but they were far from the only ones culpable.

Either way, the pressure is on, and a reputable manager could well be open to an Old Trafford return if INEOS decide to call time on Amorim’s reign.

Jose Mourinho is open to Man Utd return

According to FourFourTwo, Jose Mourinho would be open to a surprise return to Manchester United after leaving Fenerbahce following their elimination from the Champions League playoff round against Benfica.

The former Red Devils boss, who won the FA Cup, Europa League, and Community Shield at Old Trafford, is set to return to the United Kingdom with his family and will be a target for several Premier League clubs considering a managerial change.

Manchester United could enter that discussion if results under Amorim continue, with his side struggling to adapt to his 3-4-2-1 formation. In contrast, Mourinho prefers a 4-2-3-1, which may be a more applicable tactical style given the personnel Manchester United have at their disposal.

Winning 11 trophies in total during spells at the Red Devils and Chelsea, Mourinho is a proven winner and would attract plenty of media attention, albeit some supporters may cite the fact that recent success within his managerial tenures has been short-lived.

Tanner Tessmann scored his first European goal on Thursday as the U.S. men's national team midfielder smashed in a long-range finish for Lyon. The goal, ultimately, proved all Lyon would need in a 1-0 win over FC Utrecht to kickstart their Europa League run. The Ligue 1 side sit ninth on the Europa League table on goal differential.

• AFP
  

  Tessmann's big goal

  The goal came in the 75th minute with the two sides deadlocked, and it came just 10 minutes after Tessmann was tossed into the fray. The American, who has been so key to Lyon's efforts, began the match on the bench, but he ended up being the match-winner.

  Receiving a ball just outside the box, Tessmann absolutely ripped a shot past a helpless Vasilios Barkas, who never had a chance to stop the midfielder's perfectly hit shot. Lyon went on to hold onto the lead, winning 1-0 to begin their European run with three big points.

Advertisement

• Watch the clip

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Strong start

  The goal isn't Tessmann's first of the season, as the American midfielder also netted the winner in a 1-0 win over Anger this past weekend. It continued a strong start to the season for Tessmann, who is fighting for a role with the USMNT heading towards the World Cup. He has 12 league goals throughout his career.

  Tessmann has not been in USMNT camp since March's CONCACAF Nations League loss, missing out on both the Gold Cup and September friendlies. The U.S. is set to reconvene in October for friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.

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• AFP
  

  What next

  Before the international break, Lyon will visit Lille this weekend in Ligue 1 before hosting RB Salzburg in the Europa League on Oct. 2. Tessmann and Co. will then play one last game against fellow American Mark McKenzie and Toulouse on Oct. 5.

Tottenham Hotspur are poised to wave goodbye to a key player this summer, and it would be a blow to manager Thomas Frank as the Dane gears up for his first full campaign in charge.

Paratici holds talks with £207k-a-week star's camp about joining Tottenham

The Spurs advisor has reached out to his representatives.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 31, 2025

Spurs are in the Far East right now on a pre-season tour of Asia, before returning to Europe for a clash against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

Frank is getting a good look at his new squad, who’ve just taken on Arsenal in the first ever north London derby played overseas, but off the field, chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange are planning to reinforce the squad with new signings.

Specifically, Tottenham are working on an alternative to Morgan Gibbs-White after missing out on the Englishman in truly bizarre fashion.

Spurs were ready to trigger Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause and even booked a medical for the playmaker nearly three weeks ago (BBC), but Evangelos Marinakis blocked the transfer, threatened legal action and tied him down with a new £150,000-per-week deal.

A new number 10 is imperative, amid reports that Tottenham are not completely averse to selling James Maddison after a stop-start season (Ben Jacobs).

Spurs have also been linked with an ambitious move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo this week, as club legend Son Heung-min edges ever closer to ending his 10-year stay in north London.

The South Korea star has etched his name into Lilywhites folklore with 173 goals and 101 assists, not to mention a once-devastating partnership with Harry Kane, since his £22 million move from Bayer Leverkusen a decade ago.

However, with just one year remaining on his contract as a 33-year-old, his memorable spell could be drawing to a close, and Los Angeles FC are offering him a route out to the MLS.

GiveMeSport reported earlier this week that Son is close to agreeing personal terms with LAFC, and now CaughtOffside have provided another update.

Son rejects "lucrative" Saudi offer as talks advance with LAFC

According to their information, Son rejected a “lucrative” offer from Saudi Arabia to leave Tottenham earlier this summer.

LAFC are also now in advanced negotiations over the “sensational” signing of Son, on both the club and player side this time, but the move won’t be completed until after their pre-season friendly against Newcastle in Seoul for commercial reasons.

Talks have apparently accelerated in the last few days whilst entering a “critical” phase, so if all goes to plan, these next few days could be Son’s last in London.

This also comes despite Frank publicly suggesting the winger could stay.

“I think first and foremost, Son’s legacy here is remarkable. He’s been a fantastic player for Tottenham, he is a fantastic player for Tottenham,” Frank said about Son in a recent press conference.

“I see a player that can play a very good role here next season. He’s come in [for pre-season], very good mindset, trained very hard, pushed the players. So I’m excited about it.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo está próximo de estrear no Brasileirão. Após um começo de temporada instável e conturbado, os jogadores alvinegros precisarão fazer uma virada de chave e concentrar seus esforços no campeonato mais disputado e longevo do ano.

O Glorioso esteve perto de uma vaga para Libertadores na última edição do Brasileirão e busca as primeiras colocações também em 2023. O time de Luís Castro chega pressionado em virtude das recentes atuações e precisa encontrar uma regularidade dentro de campo se quiser disputar 38 rodadas em alto nível.

+ATUAÇÕES: Eduardo e Lucas Perri brilham em vitória do Botafogo na Copa do Brasil

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A equipe enfrenta um São Paulo pressionado na primeira rodada e busca obter um resultado positivo dentro de casa. Os alvinegros derrotaram os tricolores nos últimos três jogos que disputaram e apostam na força da torcida para vencerem novamente.

+Livre no mercado, James Rodríguez já esteve na mira do Botafogo; relembre

TIME INDEFINIDO

Luís Castro promoveu diversos testes e rodízios em 2023. O treinador raramente repetiu as mesmas escalações neste começo de temporada e chega para estreia do Brasileirão sem ter um time titular estabelecido. Resta saber se esta indefinição poderá custar caro ao longo de uma competição que requer tanta constância e regularidade dos times.

LESÕES

O Botafogo enfrentou muitas lesões neste início de temporada. Marçal e Hugo sentiram desconfortos musculares e serão duvidas para estreia do Brasileirão. Caso estas lesões se prolonguem, Luís Castro precisará fazer improvisos na lateral-esquerda logo nas primeiras rodadas da competição.

Contratação mais cara da história do Glorioso, Patrick de Paula sofreu uma lesão no joelho e não atua mais em 2023. Gatito Fernández também segue como desfalque da equipe alvinegra após ter uma luxação no ombro esquerdoem outubro do ano passado.

Gustavo Sauer, Danilo Barbosa e Lucas Fernandes são alguns dos nomes que precisam ser avaliados com carinho pelo DM. Os jogadores sofreram problemas musculares nos últimos meses e podem ficar desgastados com esta sequência de jogos que terão pela frente.

+Botafogo planeja receber mais shows no Nilton Santos; entenda os projetos e ambições do clube

RETORNOS E CONTRATAÇÕES

Eduardo está recuperado da lesão que teve em outubro do ano passado e vem sendo um dos destaques do Botafogo nas últimas partidas. O retorno de Júnior Santos também dá mais opções no setor ofensivo. O clube ainda aguarda pelas estreias de jogadores como Matías Segovia e Diego Hernández para montar uma equipe competitiva.

PRESSÃO EM LUÍS CASTRO

Após um início frustrante para os torcedores, Luís Castro terá semanas decisivas pela frente. O treinador precisará encontrar uma cara para equipe alvinegra e construir uma regularidade no Brasileirão, mesmo tendo outras duas competições simultâneas em disputa.

O português realizou uma boa campanha na reta final do ano passado e sonha em conquistar um título do Brasileirão pelo Glorioso. Com uma pré-temporada para treinar e novos reforços chegando, Luís Castro será colocado em prova no comando do clube em 2023.

ESTREIA DO BRASILEIRÃO

Botafogo e São Paulo se enfrentam neste sábado (15/04), às 18h30, na reabertura do Nilton Santos para torcida alvinegra. O estádio ficou três meses sendo reformado e terá um novo gramado para receber os jogos da equipe na temporada.

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Fair to say, Everton have not made a rip-roaring start to pre-season.

So far, the Toffees have drawn 1-1 with Accrington Stanley, Beto converting a late equaliser at the Crown Ground, but David Moyes’ men were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Next up, the Blues have travelled stateside to participate in the Premier League Summer Series, taking on Bournemouth in New Jersey on Saturday, before games against two of Moyes’ former clubs, facing West Ham in Chicago and Manchester United in Atlanta.

Before then, will Evertonians everywhere have a new signing to get excited about?

Everton's search for a new signing

So far this summer, Everton stalwarts Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucouré have both been released, meaning reinforcements will be needed.

Well, to replace Calvert-Lewin, Thierno Barry has arrived from Villarreal for a reported fee of £27.6m, with Cerys Jones and Steve Madeley of the Athletic outlining how, at 6ft 5in (195cms), he is your archetypal, classic target man centre-forward, adding that he does his best work inside the penalty area.

To add to this, according to reports in Spain, Everton are ready to make a move to sign Atlético Madrid left-back Samu Lino, with the Toffees said to be ‘willing to sign’ the defender.

They add that Atleti are listening to offers for him, with the Premier League his most-likely destination, while reports elsewhere in Spain claim that he is valued at around £20m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Los Colchoneros, for their part, have already bought a replacement, namely Matteo Ruggeri for around €20m, also bringing in Álex Baena (€50m), Johnny Cardoso (€30m), Thiago Almada (€27m) and Marc Pubill (€15m), which all suggests they’d be open to a sale.

So, could Lino soon swap the Metropolitano for Hill Dickinson Stadium?

How Samu Lino would improve Everton

Vitaliy Mykolenko started 35 of Everton’s 38 Premier League matches at left-back last season, so Lino is coming in to usurp him in the pecking order.

So, let’s assess how the duo compare.

Assists

0.1

0.3

Chances created

0.8

1.2

Crosses attempted

3

2.4

Crossing accuracy %

29%

22%

Take-ons completed

0.3

1.6

Duels won

4.5

6

Touches

51

64

Ball recoveries

2.6

5

As the table outlines, Lino comes out on top for the vast majority of statistics included.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes the 25-year-old has a “very interesting profile”, while Sive Vishwa of Breaking the Lines describes him as ‘athletic and strong’, adding that ‘he is a very attacking player’ often ‘overlapping’ to support attacks.

In 93 appearances for Atleti, Lino has accumulated 12 goals and 16 assists, underlining his attacking threat, while he also ranks in the top 1% of his peers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, as well as in the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

While that ball-carrying quality is exciting, the point about getting forward to put crosses in and create chances is particularly key, given the profile of Everton’s new striker Barry.

The towering Frenchman scored 11 times in La Liga, three of which were headers, from an average distance of 12 yards out from goal, underlining that he does all of his best inside the box. Indeed, he also ranks in the top 14% of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won, once again highlighting that aerial prowess.

So, with Lino – who was described as “incredible” by scout Antonio Mango during his time on loan at Valencia – bombing forward and putting in crosses, he and Barry could form a lethal combination.

Everton could hijack move to sign hulking £42m striker who'd be Lukaku 2.0

Everton will be keen on signing another striker this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 22, 2025

Tom Price bags five-for as Gloucestershire gloveman James Bracey takes seven catches

ECB Reporters Network09-Sep-2024

Tom Price gets a hug from James Bracey•Getty Images

Jack Davies posted his best first-class score of 91 as Middlesex built a strong platform after being put in by Gloucestershire in their Vitality County Championship clash at Lord’s.The Middlesex left-hander missed out on the chance of a maiden hundred after sharing a sixth-wicket partnership of 120 with Josh De Caires, who struck 64 as the home side were bowled out for 377.Max Holden’s battling knock of 77 had provided an initial foundation for the promotion contenders before he became one of seven dismissals for Gloucestershire gloveman James Bracey.The bowling honours were dominated by Tom Price, who finished with a season’s best of 5 for 81, and Ajeet Singh Dale, with figures of 4 for 70.Gloucestershire – who included 19-year-old debutant Archie Bailey among their seam quartet – were immediately rewarded for opting to bowl as Singh Dale’s opening effort seared back down the slope and crashed into Sam Robson’s middle stump.The lively Bailey, who entered the attack as early as the sixth over, might also have struck with his first delivery which found the edge of Holden’s bat, but dropped fractionally short of slip.However, Middlesex gradually settled down and Mark Stoneman raised the tempo with a flurry of cover boundaries, advancing to 42 before he attempted to hook Tom Price and top-edged it to provide Bracey with a routine catch.That ended Stoneman’s partnership of 71 with Holden, who reached lunch one short of a half-century as he and Leus du Plooy kept the scoreboard ticking along at more than four an over.Holden added that single off Tom Price to reach 50 soon after the interval, but the very next delivery accounted for Du Plooy, slanting across the left-hander to take the edge.Price and Bracey combined again to remove their former team-mate Ryan Higgins, caught swishing outside leg stump and the Gloucestershire keeper claimed his fourth dismissal of the innings when Singh Dale returned at the Nursery End to prise out Holden.But Davies looked in good touch, pulling and cutting against the seamers as well as driving spinner Zafar Gohar for the first six of the contest as he and De Caires shared Middlesex’s fourth partnership in excess of 50.The shot that took Davies to his own 50 was a streaky one, though, slashing across the line at Tom Price and edging over Bracey’s head for a boundary that also earned the home side their first batting bonus point.De Caires was given a life just after tea, with Cameron Bancroft spilling an edge to slip off Bailey, but he played the spinners with confidence and pulled Zafar off the back foot for a boundary to post his second half-century of the season.Singh Dale returned to take the new ball and, although Davies got away with a leading edge that flew through the slips, he was undone in the seamer’s next over as he nudged one that moved away into Bracey’s gloves.De Caires soon followed, trapped in front by a ball that followed a similar trajectory to Singh Dale’s first of the day before Tom Price wrapped up the innings by capturing the wickets of Luke Hollman and Henry Brookes.

Hoping to get one over on Chelsea, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive Ligue 1 midfielder in a deal worth £25m this summer.

Nottingham Forest face encouraging Premier League start

It was Nottingham Forest’s stunning start that saw them rise to as high as third in the Premier League last season, before dropping off to finish seventh. And one year on, they could enjoy a similarly fast start with the fixtures officially announced.

The Midlands club will open their campaign against Brentford at the City Ground before travelling to Crystal Palace and playing host to West Ham United to end August. Things don’t get much tougher from there, either. In fact, Arsenal aside, games against Sunderland and Burnley to follow should hand Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at least five very winnable games to get their season off to a flying start.

Those at the City Ground will also have European football to be excited about next season. Just which competition they’ll be in remains an important question, however.

With UEFA still deliberating whether to give Crystal Palace the boot after the Eagles breached multi-club ownership rules, Evangelos Marinakis has reportedly written to the governing body perhaps in the hope of helping to sway a decision which would see Forest move up to the Europa League.

It’s a letter which won’t win the Greek owner many friends in the Premier League, but it could help to ensure that Forest receive an unexpected boost out of the Europa Conference League.

Nottingham Forest receive green light to complete move for 17-goal striker

They’ve already made their first approach.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 18, 2025

Whether it’s the Europa Conference League or Europa League, however, Forest will need some much-needed depth if they are to compete on all fronts. The pending arrival of Brazilian trio Igo Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha should hand them that in part, but a move to sign one particular Ligue 1 star would provide Nuno with his biggest boost this summer.

Nottingham Forest join Habib Diarra race

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg this summer. They’re far from the only club interested in the midfielder though. Joining the Tricky Trees, Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt, Everton, Aston Villa and Leeds United are all reportedly eyeing the talented 21-year-old.

The amount of interest in Diarra should come as little shock following the season that he and the rest of his Strasbourg teammates enjoyed to take the club into the top-half of Ligue 1. What has likely also helped increase that interest are the reports that the midfielder could be available for as little as €30m (£25m) in the coming months.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Habib Diarra	Elliot Anderson
Minutes	2,352	2,728
Goals	4	2
Progressive Passes	116	143
Assists	5	6

Described as a “complete midfielder” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Diarra kept up with Elliot Anderson’s excellent debut season last time out and would instantly offer Forest the quality in depth they need to navigate European football.