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Weekly Waiver Wire Report

CatcherDanny Jansen, TOR

The Blue Jays placed the rising Alejandro Kirk on the injury list with a hip issue. They expect him to miss a couple of months. Toronto will be forced to give Jansen the majority of starts. His bat projected to have upside coming into the majors, but he only hit .189 over his last 530 at-bats with 66 runs, 21 home runs, and 67 RBI. Jansen will take walks (9.7 percent) while being about league average in his strikeout rate (20.8). Over two games coming into Saturday, he hit a pair of home runs with three RBI. The catching pool lacks talent due to some injuries, giving Jansen some attention in the free-agent market as a C2 in deep leagues.

William Contreras, ATL

Travis d’Arnaud suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb that required surgery. They expect him to miss at least three months. Contreras project to receive the bulk of playing time if his bat is up to the task. He flashed in 2018 at Single-A (.293 with 11 home runs and 39 RBI over 307 at-bats). The following season, Contreras took a step back offensively (.255 over 381 at-bats with six home runs and 39 RBI) between High A and AA. His brother (Willson Contreras) has been a top catcher for the Cubs, which helps the intrigue with his game. Over his first three starts with Atlanta, he had four hits in 10 at-bats with three runs, one home run, and three RBI. Contreras is viable C2 in all formats.

First BaseBrandon Belt, SF

Belt is owned in only 40 percent of 12-team leagues in the high-stakes market. His counting stats (19 runs, six home runs, 18 RBI, and two steals) over his first 88 at-bats grade well, but he does have 34 strikeouts with risk in his batting average (.216). Belt has a minimum of one home run in each of the past five weeks. He is a must-own in 15-team leagues while being better than many of the corner infield or DH options in 12-team formats. I expect a correction in his batting average, making his overall package much more attractive.

Rowdy Tellez, TOR

The Blue Jays optioned Tellez to AAA after George Springer came off the injured list on April 28th. With Springer hurt again, he gets a second chance in the majors. Tellez only hit .172 over his first 64 at-bats with five runs, one home run, and three RBI, but his swing looked on the rise in 2020 (.283 with eight home runs and 23 RBI over 113 at-bats). He’ll see minimal at-bats against lefties, making Tellez only viable in deep leagues as a DH option or short-term injury replacement at first base. With 450 at-bats, he has the power to deliver 25+ home runs with a chance to surprise in batting average.

Second BaseStarlin Castro, WAS

Fantasy owners have started to launch Castro back into the free-agent pool in 12-team leagues (39 percent owned) after a slow start to the year (.253 over 83 at-bats with three runs, one home run, and 13 RBI in April). Heading into Saturday, he has quietly strung together a five-game hitting streak (7-for-19 with two runs, one home run, and three RBI). With Juan Soto back on the field, Castro will have plenty of RBI chances, and his career resume paints him as a 20+ home run hitter. A correction in his stats is coming.

Cesar Hernandez, CLE

Hernandez should be a much more productive hitter based on his approach (18 walks and 22 strikeouts over 133 at-bats), but he is only hitting .200 with two home runs and five RBI. Over his previous six games, Hernandez hit .292 with three runs, one home run, and four RBI over 24 at-bats. Cleveland will bat him at the top of the batting order on most nights, which helps his counting stats. He projects to be only a steady player with a 15/10 type skill set. Hernandez looks ready to find his rhythm, and he can be found in 70 percent of 12-team leagues in the high-stakes market.

Third BaseBrian Anderson, MIA

After an 11-game stint on the injured list with an oblique injury that appeared to be most serious, Anderson found himself in the free-agent pool in 65 percent of leagues in the 12-team high-stakes market. His season started with only 12 hits over 60 at-bats while delivering one home run and five RBI. Anderson has a three-game hitting streak (3-for-10 with three runs, one home run, and four RBI) since returning from the injury list. He should be own in all formats.

Miguel Andujar, NYY

Over the last week, the Yankees lost Rougned Odor, and Gio Urshela looks to be on a path for a trip to the injured list. They recalled Andujar on Friday night (6-for-13 at AAA with three home runs and five RBI), earning him a start at first base. His bat hit the ground running in 2018 (.297 with 27 home runs and 92 RBI over 573 at-bats), but a shoulder injury derailed his next two seasons (.193 with one home run and six RBI over 109 at-bats). His window to start looks short with Luke Voit expected back next week, and the injury to Urshela may be minor. Either way, Andujar is worth a one-week look as a hot bat could put him one injury away from full-time at-bats. For now, he looks like a buy-and-hold in deep leagues.

Marvin Gonzalez, BOS

The Rex Sox placed Enrique Hernandez on the injured list with a hamstring issue, creating a bump in playing time for Gonzalez. He has a five-game hitting streak (6-for-21 with a run and three RBI) heading into Saturday night. His bat has been quiet in 2020 and 2021 (.211 with six home runs and 31 RBI over 266 at-bats) while being much more serviceable from 2017 to 2019 (.271 over 1,369 at-bats with 54 home runs, 213 RBI, and 11 steals). Gonzalez looks ready for a hot ride while working as a replacement player in deep formats.

ShortstopAmed Rosario, CLE

Despite sitting out a pair of games over the past 10 days, Rosario shows signs of breaking out of his slump. He has eight hits over his last 28 at-bats with five runs, one home run, four RBI, and a steal. The slumping Andres Gimenez has opened up more playing time at shortstop. Rosario has a balanced skill set, but he needs to be productive to hit higher in the batting order. The chance at a bump in steals is his attraction to a fantasy team.

Niko Goodrum, DET

Over his last 45 at-bats, Goodrum amassed a frustrating 23 strikeouts. Despite his ugly stat line, his bat has picked up over his past seven games (10-for-27 with four runs, one home run, five RBI, and three stolen bases). He is playing better, but Goodrum is only a flash player in deep leagues while offering help in home runs and steals.

OutfieldHunter Renfroe, BOS

A favorable schedule for Boston over the last week helped Renfroe up his form. He has nine hits over his previous 27 at-bats early in his matchup against the Orioles with six runs, two home runs, and eight RBI. His power is streaky, and he’s flashing that pattern in May.

Josh Naylor, CLE

I may be Naylor’s biggest supporter in the high-stakes market, but I doubted my research and opinion in April (.254 over 71 at-bats with six runs and three RBI). His power stroke looked playable over the first week in May (7-for-27 with four runs, two home runs, and six RBI) while also chipping in with a steal. I see a .280+ hitter with the potential to hit 20 home runs and drive in 80 runs. Not quite ready to be a play in 12-team leagues, but I would snap him up if he somehow slipped through the cracks in deeper formats.

Kevin Pillar, NYM

After earning starting at-bats, Pillar made the most of his opportunity when Brandon Nimmo landed on the injured list with a finger issue. He has nine hits over 25 at-bats with four runs, two home runs, five RBI, and one steal. Pillar is two years removed from a .259/21/88/14 season. His only downside next week is that the Mets only play five games.

Starting PitchingDavid Price, LAD

The Dodgers won’t need a fifth starter until May 15th, which looks like enough time for Price to return from his hamstring issue. He’s back working off the mound, suggesting his return isn’t that far off. His season started with two disaster showings (five runs, 11 baserunners, and three home runs over 3.2 innings) before looking much sharper over his next five games (one run over five innings with nine strikeouts). I would look to roster him in 12-team leagues or smaller.

Alek Manoah, TOR

Injuries have cost the Blue Jays the back of their starting rotation. They should have Nate Pearson back this weekend, but they still need another upside arm if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. Manoah dazzled in his first AAA start (no runs over six innings with a dozen strikeouts). In his limited experience in the minors in 2019, he posted a 2.25 ERA over 20 innings with seven walks and 34 strikeouts. Manoah is a player to follow for now.

Elieser Hernandez, MIA

The Marlins hope to have Hernandez back in a couple of weeks after making progress with a right biceps issue. Fantasy owners pushed up his value in the late draft season after pitching well in spring training. In 2019, Hernandez posted a 3.16 ERA and 34 strikeouts over 25.2 innings. For a fantasy owner looking for help, he should be available in about 40 percent of 12-team leagues in the high-stakes market. 

More MLB:

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Trent Alexander-Arnold has explained the role that supposed "Agent" Jude Bellingham played in his transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid.

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Article continues below

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Defender severed ties with LiverpoolEmbracing new challenge at the BernabeuLinked up with Three Lions colleagueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After several months of intense speculation, as his contract at Anfield ran down, Alexander-Arnold confirmed that he would be leaving his Merseyside roots and taking on a new challenge at Santiago Bernabeu.

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The 26-year-old full-back has now been officially unveiled as a Real player, with the Blancos agreeing to part with a €10 million (£9m/$12m) fee in order to bring Alexander-Arnold onto their books before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

DID YOU KNOW?

Alexander-Arnold is now linking up with England colleague and close friend Bellingham, with it suggested that the pair have been discussing a move to Spain for some time. The newest ‘Galactico’ in Madrid insists that is not the case.

Getty Images SportWHAT TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD SAID

Alexander-Arnold said when asked about the 'Agent Jude' reports: "We spoke, it wasn't exactly what people think it was. We spoke a lot about Liverpool and Madrid, they're the conversations you have as players and friends, you want to know what it's like.

"At the national team, he was the only player who knew what it was like to be at Real Madrid so a lot were asking questions. A lot of people think he played a big part in me coming here but it was a big opportunity for me and it felt like the right time."

Aston Villa are seriously interested in a move for a “world-class” player this summer, and he is now set to be available for half the original asking price, according to a report.

Villa targeting big-name signings

Villa have started to reestablish themselves as one of Europe’s top clubs, having progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals, which means they should be in a strong position to attract some big-name signings from across the continent this summer.

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who scored a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final, has now emerged as a target, with the Villans keen on signing the £54m-rated forward, while they are also pushing to sign Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.

It seems as though strengthening in attack may be one of Unai Emery’s priorities this summer, amid other links to Chelsea’s Joao Felix, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

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While bringing in new attacking options is of key significance, with Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford also in line for potential permanent moves to Villa Park, a new report suggests Emery is also keen on bolstering his options at the opposite end of the pitch.

According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are now strongly considering a move for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan this summer, with the goalkeeper set to be available for 50% of the original asking price.

Maignan was valued at around £67m last summer, but if he is unwilling to sign a new contract, he is set to be on the market for roughly half that figure, around £34m.

The Serie A side may be forced to cash-in on some key players if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, and the 29-year-old could be in line for a move to Villa Park, but there may be competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Maignan ranked among "world's best" keepers

Just under two years ago, the Frenchman was lauded as the “world’s best” goalkeeper by football writer Carlo Garganese, and he has a plethora of experience at the top level, having made 32 appearances in the Champions League.

That said, there are doubts over whether the Cayenne-born goalkeeper would be a necessary addition for Villa, given that he is less than three years younger than Emiliano Martínez, who has also proven himself to be a top goalkeeper.

Moreover, while the “world-class” France international remains his country’s first-choice goalkeeper, mistakes have started to creep into his game this season, which be a major concern for Emery.

As such, there is little reason to risk upsetting the apple cart by bringing in Maignan to replace Martinez this summer, and Villa would be better off investing the money into other areas of the squad, such as striker, with a replacement needed for Jhon Duran.

Soumya Sarkar is a surprise inclusion in both the ODI and T20I squads, while Litton Das also makes a return

Mohammad Isam30-Nov-2023Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh in both ODIs and T20Is during their tour of New Zealand in December. Shanto is currently leading the Test side against New Zealand, in the absence of regular captain Shakib Al Hasan and his deputy Litton Das. While Shakib remains out with his finger injury, Litton returns to both the squads.According to chief selector Minhajul Abedin, Shakib sustained a fractured finger which will take longer to heal. Abedin said that the medical team will know the severity of his injury after a second x-ray on December 8. But Bangladesh have more injury concerns; Mahmudullah and Taskin have shoulder injuries, while Ebadot Hossain continues to recover from knee surgery that he underwent in September.Apart from the injured trio, Bangladesh are also without Nasum Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan from the ODI side. Taking their places are Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain and newcomer Rakibul Hasan, a left-arm spinner.Soumya’s return in both ODIs and T20Is is a huge surprise. He last played ODIs in September, when he was a surprise call-up against New Zealand. He made a two-ball duck in his only innings, having returned to the side after two years. His last T20Is were in the T20 World Cup in 2022, when he made 49 runs in four innings.Apart from Soumya, Mahedi Hasan, Tanvir Islam and Tanzim Hasan have also earned call-ups to the T20I side.Bangladesh play the three ODIs on December 17, 20 and 23 in Dunedin, Nelson and Napier respectively. The three T20Is will be held on December 27, 29 and 31.IN: Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain, Rakibul HasanOUT: Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, MahmudullahBangladesh ODI squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Anamul Haque, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Rishad Hossain, Rakibul HasanIN: Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim HasanOUT: Shakib Al Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin AhmedBangladesh T20I squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Litton Das, Rony Talukdar, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan

Liverpool were taken to the cleaners by Newcastle United on Sunday, a distant second-best as the Magpies earned a 2-1 victory at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and end 70 years of hurt.

It closed a miserable week for the Reds, whose Champions League campaign tail-spun into the murk as Paris Saint-Germain won the shootout at Anfield. Newcastle’s victory has closed the door on another pathway, leaving the Premier League standing alone over the final two months.

But, of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. Arne Slot’s side are 12 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the division and can now invest their time and energy exclusively on clinching the covetous trophy. Supporters would have snapped at the chance for such an outcome last summer after Jurgen Klopp departed and Liverpool were prematurely written off.

Maybe it’s the high ceiling Slot has offered a glimpse of that has left such a deflating feeling across Merseyside. Liverpool, to be sure, will be frustrated with having fallen from all three cup fronts, with potential departures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold adding insult to injury.

Liverpool are going to need a revamp at the front of the ship, and Alexander Isak, scorer in the capital on Sunday, is set to be at the top of the wish list.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

Multiple sources have confirmed over the past few months that Liverpool are attentive to Isak’s situation at St. James’ Park. Arsenal also have a vested interest, and he may yet remain in black and white, potentially buoyed by winning a trophy and potentially qualifying for the Champions League.

For upwards of a reported £150m, Isak’s arrival would blow a blow out of FSG’s transfer chest, perhaps detrimentally so. Newcastle want the Sweden striker to stay for the long run and will fiercely protect him this summer.

He’s desirable, that’s for sure. But Isak isn’t the only player who could fit right in as a starting member of Slot’s Liverpool team. Last summer, Anthony Gordon came close to moving back to Merseyside, but Liverpool ultimately decided against the £75m-rated winger.

With Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all facing uncertain futures at Liverpool, such interest may be revisited. However, there’s actually another member of Eddie Howe’s outfit who should be prioritised above his peers in the market this year.

Forget Isak: Liverpool might need another Newcastle star

On Monday, Fabrizio Romano discussed several plot points regarding Liverpool’s plans this summer, confirming talks have been held regarding Isak.

However, there’s another Newcastle man Slot may want to sign this summer, and he’s not a forward.

Since arriving in the Premier League in January 2022, Bruno Guimaraes has been a revelation in midfield for the Toon. The £40m signing from Lyon was described as a “world-class” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig. With such an impressive all-round game, you’d say Guimaraes would dovetail right into the Liverpool starting lineup.

According to FBref, the Brazilian bears a distinct statistical likeness to Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister and Declan Rice, an amalgamation of the three, capable of excelling across the different functions of an elite midfielder.

At Wembley, Guimaraes might not have retained the ball with the greatest crispness, but it mattered not. Newcastle were content with Liverpool holding onto the ball and doing little with it. His combative and tenacious nature showed though, winning a whopping nine duels, making six interventions and just putting in a worthy shift for the trophy.

It’s this kind of presence Liverpool need in their centre, offering something more crunching to pack an extra punch while still retaining every bit of technical style. Guimaraes led his team and followed PSG’s blueprint, both sides steamrolling the Reds out of cup competitions.

Minutes played

90′

67′

74′

Touches

40

45

53

Shots (on target)

2 (2)

0 (0)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

14/22 (64%)

28/33 (85%)

34/42 (81%)

Key passes

2

0

0

Dribbles

1/1

1/2

1/1

Tackles + interceptions

6

1

3

Duels won

9/14

2/7

3/7

The Guardian even handed Guimaraes a 9/10 match rating after his display at Wembley, hailing his success in imposing himself on his Liverpool adversaries, overwhelming them.

His passing range is something to behold, a technical level most all high-performing midfielders across Europe can only dream of.

As per FBref, he actually ranks among the top 5% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals + assists, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

If you’re not convinced already, well-respected analyst Raj Chohan said “Newcastle have every right to be putting a £100m valuation” on their general, whose dynamic and all-encompassing midfield qualities would not be found in a replacement.

That said, if FSG do indeed have money to burn this year, there are few options in that exorbitant ballpark who would be worth the effort more than Guimaraes, who could reinforce the central fold and unlock a new level to Slot’s team. He ran the show at Wembley, after all.

When discussing Liverpool’s interest in Isak, Romano also suggested midfield could be an area FSG do business in the summer. “Let’s see what happens,” he said.

Given Liverpool were reported to have been keen last summer, perhaps they could now revisit a deal.

Slot’s reluctance to change his starting options in the centre this year does make a telling comment on his view toward some fringe options. Guimaraes would change all of that; in fact, the midfield machine might just become the cream of Liverpool’s crop.

His worst display in Liverpool red: 3/10 star was even worse than Jota

Arne Slot’s abject Liverpool side were defeated by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 16, 2025

The Titans hero also spelt out his gameplan: “bigger boundaries if they are bowling in good areas, look for doubles; smaller boundaries, you can take it on”

ESPNcricinfo staff26-May-20231:54

Manjrekar: Gill took his T20 game to the next level in 2022

Shubman Gill’s third century of the season – a 60-ball 129 – has put Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 final, their second appearance in the title round in just their second year in the tournament. But for someone who scored at a strike rate of 215.00, with seven fours and ten sixes, the feeling of “this is my day” came only in the 12th over of the innings, which started with him on 59 off 37, when he hit Akash Madhwal for three sixes in a 21-run over.”For me, it’s all about playing ball to ball, assessing the situation over by over,” Gill said on the official broadcast after his Player-of-the-Match performance. “Maybe the over in which I hit three sixes, that’s when I got the momentum to go big and I realised maybe this is my day and I have to make it big, because it is a good wicket to bat on.”Gill doesn’t come across as a six-hitter – he was No. 42 in the list of six-hitters in IPL 2022 – but has become one – he has 33 sixes this year, joint-second-highest with Shivam Dube and only behind Faf du Plessis’ 36. Is the change a conscious one?Related

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“[Six-hitting] is not a conscious decision. Obviously, you keep practicing, you want to keep growing, want to keep evolving as a batsman,” he said. “But I feel the belief is more important and that’s what I have had this year and the last year as well.”Gill is in the middle of a purple patch. In international cricket this year, he has one Test century, three ODI centuries (including 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad) and one T20I century, and averages 51.33, 78.00 and 40.40 in the three formats respectively. Cut to the IPL, and he has the Orange Cap now, for a total of 851 runs so far, scored at an average of 60.78 and strike rate of 156.43. And this was his third century in his last four innings.”It helps when you are coming off a good international season with runs under the belt,” he said. “With me, I know it’s about starting [well]; I know once I start, I can keep going.”Last year, from the West Indies tour, that’s when I shifted gears. I got injured in 2021 leading up to the IPL and I was out for a couple of months. That’s when I started realising the areas to work on and made some technical changes in my batting around December, when I was called up for the New Zealand series just after the T20 World Cup.”ESPNcricinfo LtdOn Friday, Gill got to his century off the first ball of the 15th over, off 49 balls, bringing the 75,655 people at the stadium to their feet. The journey from 50 to 100 took just 17 balls.”The first couple of overs, it [held] a bit on the surface and after that because there was not as much grass on the wicket, the ball was coming on nicely,” Gill said at the halfway stage of the match. “I think also because of the outfield being a little wet [because of rain in the lead-up to the match], the ball stopped swinging after two overs and it got easier as we progressed into the innings.”Titans began a bit slow with Gill on 20 off 15 after five overs. Opening partner Wriddhiman Saha (18 off 16) and No. 3 B Sai Sudharsan (43 off 31) also found the going tough. Gill was dropped by Tim David in the last over of the powerplay when he was on 30 off 19. But he changed gears gradually, teeing off after getting to his half-century. Along with the 17 hits to the boundary, there were lots of singles and doubles at a ground where one square boundary was much shorter than the other.”Definitely [the shorter boundary] plays a part,” he said. “As a batsman, you have to be aware which side to target and you have to take on the bowlers according to that. This is something I had in mind… bigger boundaries if they are bowling in good areas, look for doubles. Smaller boundaries, you can take it on.”

Atalanta coach Ivan Juric says the club need to make "intelligent" signings to restore their firepower amid Ademola Lookman's transfer saga.

Atalanta manager stresses club needs 'targeted' signingsCoach concerned by the club's lack of firepowerAdemola Lookman has also issued transfer requestFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After appointing Juric as coach this season, the Bergamo side's frontline has been depleted, with the team set to lose one of their most prolific attackers, Lookman, to Inter. The loss of the Nigeria international is a concern for the Croatian coach, who stresses they are in for a tough time forming a top quality attack for the new campaign.

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With the departure of former head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, a few players also wanted to transfer out of the club. Mateo Retegui, the club's top scorer last season, left for Saudi Arabia for a huge transfer fee. Lookman too has been trying to secure a move to Inter this summer, with the clubs still unable to agree on a deal. However, with the Nigeria forward issuing a public statement regarding his transfer, his time with the club is likely over. Juric understands that after such "a profound cycle ends, many things change," but "intelligent and targeted" signings are essential to replace them.

WHAT JURIC SAID

Lookman and Retegui scored a total of 48 goals and registered 16 assists among them. In an interview with ,Juric said he understands it's impossible to replace them instantly but smart work can work wonders stating: "We lost 80-90 per cent of the goals we scored last year. Retegui and Lookman were crucial: it won't be easy to replace them, but we need intelligent and targeted work."

However, the Croatian coach has seen some positive signs from Gianluca Scamacca in the training, as he says: "He's given me excellent feedback in recent weeks. I want to include him in the rotation immediately. With so many commitments, however, we will also need another alternative in attack."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ATALANTA?

The newly-appointed coach has a lot of work to be done at the club, and the central theme of it all is to "build a genuine bond, based on commitment and the team's identity." The new manager will kick off his journey on August 25 when he faces Pisa in his first league game of the season.

Everton have made contact with another Premier League club over the signing of a £25m-rated youngster, according to a new transfer update.

Everton targeting attacking reinforcements

A new era is on the horizon for the Blues, with life at their new Bramley Moore Dock stadium beginning next month, hopefully heralding the beginning of a more positive period in the club’s great history.

New signings are vital if David Moyes’ Everton side are to kick on in 2025/26, however, and plenty of players are being linked with moves, including Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson. It is claimed that he would love the chance to remain in the Premier League, following his relegation to the Championship back in May.

The Blues are also believed to have held talks with Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz over a summer switch to Merseyside, which could be a fantastic piece of business. The Brazilian was a huge hit at Aston Villa, so Moyes doesn’t have to worry about him adjusting to the pace and power of the Premier League.

It is clear that extra attacking quality is needed at Everton, especially following the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and now a hugely talented young player has been revealed as a target.

Everton make contact for McAtee signing

According to a new report from The i Paper, there “has been dialogue” between Everton and Manchester City over a summer move for James McAtee.

The Englishman is valued at £25m and Moyes is said to be a “big admirer”, with the attacking midfielder fresh off the back of European Championship glory with England’s Under-21s.

This feels like it could be a perfect move for everyone concerned, allowing McAtee to be a regular starter away from City, and getting him off their wage bill in the process.

The 22-year-old is too talented to be warming the substitutes’ bench most weeks, and he showed his quality at the aforementioned recent Euros, scoring once and helping Lee Carsley’s side go all the way in the tournament.

Meanwhile, former Sheffeld United striker Carl Asaba has even compared him to Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, saying: “He’s a bonus player in that he plays midfield and you have an extra number in there but then he can just attack. He’s like Odegaard. You play him in midfield so he’s defending for you, he’s another body for them to try and navigate away from but he likes the ball 30 yards out because he can go past you like you’re not there.”

There are few negatives to Everton signing McAtee, with his price tag far from extortionate, and the fact that Moyes rates him highly can also only be a good thing.

Ndiaye 2.0 for Moyes: £35m star 'would love' to sign for Everton

David Moyes is looking to sign another attacking player this summer at Everton.

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The City youngster would add much-needed guile in the No.10 role, scoring and creating at will, and he could grow into an elite footballer as the years pass.

Alisha Lehmann has confirmed that she is leaving Juventus after one title-winning season, with Douglas Luiz reacting to her emotional statement.

Moved to Italy alongside Luiz in 2024Savoured Serie A title glory in TurinReady to embrace another new challengeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Switzerland international, who recently represented her country at a home European Championship, moved to Italy in the summer of 2024. She bid farewell to the WSL at that point, having represented the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa.

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Lehmann headed to Turin alongside partner Luiz, but the pair have since split up. They are now going their separate ways, with more transfers being lined up. Lehmann is severing ties with Serie A champions Juve in order to link up with Como.

WHAT LEHMANN SAID

She has said on Instagram: “I want to say thank you for this amazing year, especially to my teammates and the amazing fans. The hard work we have put in last season and won titles, a team that I will never forget.

“I didn’t just have teammates, we were a family and I made friends for life. To leave such an amazing club and people that are close to me, was a very difficult decision. This club, this team and those fans will always have a special place in my heart.”

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Brazil international Luiz ‘liked’ that post despite no longer being romantically tied to Lehmann. He could soon be on the move himself, with the ex-Villa midfielder seeing a return to the Premier League speculated on.

Here’s all we know about the players who are set to be retained by their respective franchises

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-202410:37

Who will RCB retain apart from Kohli?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)MS Dhoni is one of five players set to be retained by CSK, along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube and Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana. The amounts CSK are paying to each retained player is yet to be confirmed but they will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore.
Gujarat Titans (GT)Gujarat Titans are likely to retain Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, B Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan, leaving them with one right-to-match card (RTM) option at the upcoming IPL mega auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)The franchise is set to retain Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy. Their 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer and star allrounder Andre Russell are unlikely to be retained.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, along with the uncapped pair of Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni, are set to be retained by LSG for IPL 2025. KL Rahul, who has led the franchise since its inception in 2022, is unlikely to be retained.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Sandeep Sharma are the four players set to be retained by Rajasthan Royals. ESPNcricinfo has learned that England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler and India legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal are not part of the retention list.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)South Africa power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen is set to be the top retention for SRH and will get INR 23 crore (US$ 2.74 million approx.) as the first retained player. Pat Cummins, who was SRH captain in 2024, is set to be retained at INR 18 crore (US$ 2.14 million approx.), and India allrounder Abhishek Sharma at INR 14 crore (US$ 1.67 million approx). Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also set to be retained as their final two capped retained players ahead of the auction.
Delhi Capitals (DC)Rishabh Pant is all set to go into the auction after not being retained by DC. ESPNcricinfo has learned that talks between DC’s ownership group and Pant failed after stretching over the past few months and Wednesday. The franchise has retained four players: the spin pair of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, South Africa batter Tristan Stubbs and uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)Punjab Kings are likely to retain only two uncapped players – batters Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh – from their IPL 2024 squad. They will go into the upcoming mega auction with the largest purse, likely in excess of INR 100 crore, and also have four right-to-match options which can be used to buy back their players.
Mumbai Indians (MI)Mumbai Indians are set to retain their four major Indian players – Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav – along with Tilak Varma ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.With those five capped players retained, MI can use their one right-to-match option only on an uncapped player at the auction. While the individual amounts for each of their retained player is yet to be ascertained, MI will lose at least INR 75 crore from their purse of INR 120 crore, or more if they have paid a higher aggregate amount to the five.