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Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a summer move for a “sensational” £34m striker, who’s keen on a return to the Premier League, according to a report.

Forest planning to strengthen in attack

Although Chris Wood has been prolific in front of goal this season, bagging 18 goals in the Premier League, Forest remain interested in bringing in additional attacking depth during the summer transfer window, having tried to sign a forward in January.

Brentford forward Yoane Wissa is of particular interest to the Tricky Trees, who are expected to revisit a move for the 28-year-old at the end of the season, having seen a £22m offer knocked back this winter.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also believed to be leading the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha, who could command a fee of around £60m, having been in inspired form this season.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Feb 13, 2025

Cunha has been a key player for Wolves, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League to keep them just above the relegation zone, but reliable reporter Ben Jacobs believes a deal is “there to be had” for potential suitors this summer, with Arsenal and Aston Villa also keen.

There have also been indications Forest could seek a new striker from abroad, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they are keeping tabs on AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at AC Milan.

Abraham, who cost Roma £34m back in 2021, is unlikely to move to the San Siro on a permanent basis, and there is a feeling he is keen on a return to the Premier League, where the aim is to impress Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

There may be plenty of competition for the striker’s signature, however, with the likes of Newcastle United, Everton and Fulham also being named as interested parties.

Abraham could reignite his career at the City Ground

The former Chelsea man isn’t enjoying the best of seasons in Italy, with just two goals to his name in the Serie A, but his previous exploits in the Premier League indicate he could be a solid signing for Forest.

During the 2019-20 season, the 27-year-old bagged 15 goals in 34 games for the Blues, and he has since shown similar quality in Serie A at times, netting 17 goals for Roma in the 2021-22 campaign.

Lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, the London-born forward could at the very least provide competition for Wood, and if he is able to recapture his previous form, he could force his way into the first team.

If Abraham wants to impress Tuchel ahead of the World Cup, the Premier League is the best place to be, and he is likely to have a number of options on the table, given the widespread interest in his signature.

Leeds United went through the January transfer window, which closed for business at the start of this month, without making an addition to their first-team squad.

The Whites were reportedly looking at potential signings to come in and bolster their squad, however, as they were said to be interested in a deal to sign Emiliano Buendia on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa.

Bayer Leverkusen eventually swooped in to sign the Argentina international on loan from the Villans, which ended Daniel Farke’s chances of a reunion with the former Norwich playmaker.

Farke and his team have been flying without any extra help, from Buendia or anyone else, as they smashed Watford 4-0 away from home in their last match in the Championship.

The West Yorkshire outfit are now five points clear of Burnley in third place, and two ahead of Sheffield United in second, as they aim to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

Despite there still being plenty of football left to be played, Leeds are reportedly looking ahead to the summer transfer window and who they could bring in to bolster their squad for a season in the top-flight.

Leeds eyeing German forward

The recruitment team at Thorp Arch are already hard at work to identify targets who could come in to improve Farke’s options across the pitch to deal with the step up to Premier League football.

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are now one of a number of clubs eyeing up Celtic forward Nicolas Kuhn ahead of a potential swoop for his services at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

The report claims that Premier League sides Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion have both sent scouts to watch the left-footed forward in action this season, whilst other unnamed teams in England and abroad are interested in the attacker.

TEAMtalk adds that the Whites have a long-standing interest in the former Bayern Munich academy star and that they will have a chance to secure his signature if they win promotion out of the Championship this season.

The outlet reveals, though, that Celtic are not going to let the German dynamo leave without a fight and that they want a club-record fee of £26m from any team looking to sign Kuhn in the summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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It also states that Leeds have an interest in Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer, Manchester City playmaker James McAtee, and Krasnodar star Eduard Spertsyan, which shows that they have plenty of targets that they are ready to pursue upon promotion later this year.

Leeds are fully aware of how difficult the jump from the Championship to the Premier League is, which is why they will need to get their recruitment spot on, and current star Dan James is a great example of the difference between the two divisions.

The duality of Dan James

The Wales international’s career at Leeds is the perfect example of how big the gap between the Championship and the Premier League is, if you look at his production at the top end of the pitch.

James joined the Whites from Manchester United on a permanent deal in the summer of 2021 and ended his first season with a return of four goals and four assists in 34 appearances in the top-flight.

The 27-year-old flop was then sent out on loan to Fulham for the 2022/23 campaign and only managed a haul of two goals and one assist for the Cottagers, before returning to Elland Road to play in the Championship.

Dan James

Premier League (Leeds + Fulham)

Championship (Leeds)

Appearances

58

66

Goals

6

23

Big chances created

8

26

Assists

5

13

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, James has been incredibly more productive at the top end of the pitch at Championship level in comparison to his form in the Premier League with Leeds and Fulham.

These statistics suggest that he is more suited to second division football and that, despite his impressive form this season, he could be one of the players who Farke needs to sign an upgrade on in the summer transfer window.

Why Nicolas Kuhn could be a Dan James

Signing Kuhn from Celtic could ensure that the German head coach has the upgrade that he needs on the right flank, as his form in Scotland this season suggests that he has the potential to offer more than the Welshman.

The left-footed wizard has racked up an eye-catching return of 17 goals and 12 assists in 34 matches in all competitions for the Scottish giants so far this term.

That is particularly impressive when you consider that Leeds’ top-scorer, Joel Piroe, has only managed 14 goals and six assists in 34 matches for the Whites this season.

This illustrates how big of a threat Kuhn could be for the Whites at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals, in comparison to both Piroe and James.

There could be questions raised about the quality of the Scottish Premiership compared to the Premier League, but the German winger has also excelled in the Champions League for Brendan Rodgers this term – playing against the likes of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Aston Villa, and RB Leipzig.

24/25 Champions League

Nicolas Kuhn

Appearances

9

xG

0.88

Goals

2

Big chances created

4

Assists

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn has produced six goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in nine appearances in Europe’s premier cup competition for the Hoops this season.

The 25-year-old star, who was once hailed as “magical” by Rodgers, is also unfortunate not to be on three goals in the Champions League, as he had a strike chalked off because of Adam Idah being ‘involved’ with play in an offside position against Bayern Munich.

Overall, Kuhn has shown that he has the quality to make a difference at the top end of the pitch against some of Europe’s best teams, whilst he has also been on fire across all competitions for Celtic, as shown by his return of 29 goals and assists.

The left-footed wizard has the potential to come in as a big upgrade on Dan James, who has consistently struggled against high-quality opposition in the Premier League, and as a bigger goal threat than Piroe, who he has outscored in all competitions this season.

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Therefore, Farke should push for the recruitment team to win the race for the former Bayern starlet’s signature if Leeds secure promotion to the top-flight ahead of the summer.

Celtic were left frustrated in the 2023/24 campaign after they were knocked out of the Champions League before they won a match in the group stage.

The Hoops won one of their six matches in the group, with that victory coming against Feyenoord in the last game, and were dumped out of the competition before the knockout phase.

This time around, in the new-look format, Celtic have qualified past the league phase and they are now set to face off against Bayern Munich at Parkhead in the first-leg of the play-off round.

The Scottish Premiership leaders, who have already beaten Bundesliga side RB Leipzig 3-1 in Glasgow, will need a big result to take back to Bavaria for the second-leg in Germany next week.

Celtic are no strangers to a big night under the lights in Europe and they will need another one of them this evening when they welcome Vincent Kompany’s side to Parkhead.

One of their most famous wins in the Champions League came against a Lionel Messi-led Barcelona team back in November 2012 during the group stage.

Tony Watt's heroics against Barcelona

The Hoops welcomed the Spanish giants to Glasgow and produced a sensational performance to come away with all three points, as they beat the LaLiga side 2-1 on the night.

Barcelona registered a whopping 24 shots, 14 of which were on target, but they only scored one goal as Fraser Forster put on a mammoth showing between the sticks – one so good that it led to Messi describing him as “not human”.

Celtic took the lead through Victor Wanyama in the first half when he met Charlie Mulgrew’s deep corner to head in at the back post to make it 1-0.

The three points were sealed, however, thanks to the heroics of Tony Watt, who scored the second goal of the game to give the Hoops breathing space, which they ended up needing when Lionel Messi pulled one back in stoppage time.

Forster sent a kick long down the middle of the pitch, that was completely missed by Xavi, and sent Watt, who anticipated the mistake, through on goal to rattle a brilliant finish into the far bottom corner.

It ended up being his only Champions League goal for Celtic – what a way to do it – and it is one that supporters may not forget for a very long time.

There is now an opportunity for another player to etch their name into Celtic folklore by being the player to score the winning goal against Bayern Munich under the lights at Parkhead in the Champions League tonight.

Chalkboard

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Brendan Rodgers, now, has decisions to make in regards to who is going to line up as part of the front three from the start, after the Hoops beat Raith Rovers 5-0 in the SFA Cup in their last outing.

The Celtic forwards who could miss out against Bayern Munich

South Korean forward Hyun-jun Yang was handed a start against the Championship side on Saturday in the cup and caught the eye with an impressive performance on the left flank.

The 22-year-old ace assisted two of the five goals, teeing up Daizen Maeda and Luke McCowan for goals, and got himself on the scoresheet with a close-range finish.

However, Yang has failed to register a goal or an assist in four outings in the Champions League this season, and has also produced just one goal and zero assists in 14 appearances in the Scottish Premiership for the Hoops.

This does not suggest that Rodgers should be making the call to keep the right-footed whiz in the starting line-up, but there could be a tougher call to make with Jota.

The Portuguese forward returned to the club in January, signing permanently from Rennes, and has contributed with one goal and one assist in three matches so far.

However, Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn have been in terrific form for the Scottish giants on the flanks this season, which could keep Jota out of the XI for this match.

24/25 Champions League

Daizen Maeda

Nicolas Kuhn

Appearances

7

8

xG

1.84

0.88

Goals

3

2

Big chances created

0

4

Assists

0

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, both wingers have shown that they can make an impact in the final third in the Champions League this term, which is why they should start out wide this evening.

This means that Rodgers should ditch Yang and keep Jota on the bench, moving Maeda back out wide, and that would free up the number nine position for Adam Idah to be unleashed.

Why Adam Idah could be the new Tony Watt

The Celtic boss must unleash the Ireland international from the start against Bayern tonight because he has proven, on several occasions, that he has the ability and the mentality to step up when Celtic need him.

Last season, Idah scored two goals, including a stoppage-time penalty, in a 2-1 win over Hibernian on his full debut for the club. Shortly after that, the Irishman came off the bench at 1-0 down away at Motherwell and scored two goals to turn the game around to put his side in front.

His most memorable moment from his loan spell, though, came when he scored the winning goal against Rangers in the SFA Cup final at Hampden Park.

Idah, who was once hailed as “incredible” by Rodgers, then signed for the Scottish giants on a permanent deal from Norwich City last summer, and the sale of Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes in January has finally made him the first-choice number nine for the Hoops.

Shortly after the Japanese forward’s departure, the 24-year-old marksman showcased both his quality and his mental fortitude in the 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa.

Celtic may have gone on to lose the game but they still managed to claw themselves back to 2-2 after being 2-0 down after just five minutes away from home in the Champions League, thanks to a quickfire double from the ex-Canaries ace.

Idah has shown, time and again, over the past year or so that he can be a clutch player who scores important goals at important times for Celtic, just as Watt did in that famous win over Barcelona.

Therefore, Rodgers must unleash the 6 foot 3 centre-forward from the start in this game against Bayern tonight, as he could be a difference-maker at Parkhead.

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Hansi Flick compared Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski to Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Borussia Dortmund clash.

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Flick compared Lewandowski to RonaldoGerman coach hails star strikerBarca face Dortmund on TuesdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona are on the verge of sealing their berth in the last-four stage of the Champions League as they carry a 4-0 lead to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their quarter-final fixture. Ex-Dortmund star Lewandowski stole the limelight in the clash at Montjuic last week as his brace sealed a comprehensive win for the Catalan giants.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With the brace against Dortmund, Lewandowski reached the 40-goal mark in a season for the eighth time in his remarkable career. Ahead of the second leg, Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick hailed the Polish forward as he compared the star striker to Al-Nassr icon Ronaldo.

WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID

Speaking to reporters, the German coach said: "When you play at this level at this age… on one hand, it comes down to his fitness, and on the other hand, he takes great care of himself. Like Cristiano Ronaldo, he has an amazing physical structure. He is very professional and controls all factors to deliver optimal performance."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

After facing the Bundesliga club on Tuesday, Flick's side will be back in action in La Liga on Saturday as they take on Celta Vigo at home.

MatériaMais Notícias

Os dias para Pedro no Flamengo já foram de holofotes positivos, mas a sua pior fase pelo clube, vivendo o maior jejum de gols, inclusive, está em pauta e passa pela não adaptação ao estilo de jogo de Paulo Sousa, que tem conversado com uma certa frequência com o camisa 21 para que o potencial goleador do centroavante volte a ser otimizado nas partidas.

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Na derrota diante do Athletico-PR, no último sábado e pela terceira rodada do Brasileiro, Pedro foi titular, além de voltar a atuar por 90 minutos depois de 34 dias – a última vez havia sido contra o Vasco, pelo duelo de volta das semifinais do Carioca. Ele passou em branco. Aliás, não marca há 12 jogos (ou 450 minutos, somando todas as participações desde então).

O último gol foi contra o Botafogo, há pouco mais de dois meses, mais precisamente no dia 23 de fevereiro, pela Taça Guanabara, em vitória no Nilton Santos por 3 a 1. Paulo Sousa já havia dito que Pedro está em evolução e quer tirá-lo da zona de conforto pois o vê como “muito estático” para o seu modelo de jogo ofensivo.

Dificilmente Paulo Sousa opta por apenas Pedro no comando de ataque; o Mister prefere posicionar um segundo atacante para dar suportee melhor municiar o principal pivô do Fla, que tem números ruins em 2022 e ainda tenta, à base de orientações específicas no dia a dia, de acordo com informações iniciais do site “ge”, se adequar ao sistema do treinador.

No último jogo, Lázaro e Gabi, posteriormente, no segundo tempo, foram instruídos a se movimentar por trás de Pedro, que sofreu com a atuação inoperante dos jogadores de meio e se viu isolado. Finalizou apenas três vezes, sendo apenas uma no alvo e sem levar muito perigo à meta athleticana.

Três também é o número de gols de Pedro na temporada, aliás. Em 17 jogos (sete como titular), tem percentual de17% das chances convertidas e 32 chutes (16 no alvo, ao todo). Tem necessitado de 241 minutos para marcar um gol, segundo levantamento do site “Sofascore”.

> Veja a tabela da Libertadores

A negativa da diretoria após ofertas do Palmeiras ilustrou a confiança interna em Pedro, que viu Paulo Sousa prometer mais minutos ao camisa 21 quando ainda estava para iniciar os trabalhos no Flamengo, em janeiro. A expectativa é que, com cada vez mais jogos apertados no calendário, Pedro ganhe novas chances, enquanto busca aprimorar o seu estilo de jogo, para enfim deixar de lado o incômodo jejum de gols. Vai ser fundamental para o Rubro-Negro.

Ex-Chelsea boss Ruud Gullit says his old side is still an "enigma" and he doesn't get what the club stands for.

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Gullit has scathing Chelsea takeCalls Chelsea an "enigma"Criticises approach to managersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Gullit was sacked by Chelsea in 1998 and 27 years on, and nearly 20 full-time managers later, the Dutchman says some of the issues they had back then have not gone away. He questioned their identity, philosophy and preponderance for sacking managers.

AdvertisementWHAT RUUD GULLIT

Writing in The Sun, Gullit – who guided the Blues to the 1997 FA Cup – mused: "Chelsea to me, still, is a little bit of an enigma. I don't know really how good they are or how bad they are. They are looking for their identity a little bit. They are trying to creep up the table and maybe in the long term they will be contenders for the title. But I don't know yet where they are exactly. People tell me that one of the problems with Chelsea is that they change the manager all the time – so tell me something new! I don't get it. I don't get what they really, really want. Even if they are successful, they still sack you as a coach. So I don't know. That's why I say Chelsea's still an enigma. I try to find out what they stand for, what is their philosophy and what is the football they want us to watch?"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea looked to be heading in the right direction towards the end of 2024 as they were seemingly in the title race. Since then, though, they have slipped down the table, are in for a real fight to qualify for the Champions League, and questions are being asked over head coach Enzo Maresca's long-term future. They could be back to square one in not all that long.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Chelsea will hope to get back on track when they host London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.

MatériaMais Notícias

Preparador de goleiros do Flamengo desde janeiro, quando chegou ao Ninho do Urubu com o técnico Paulo Sousa, Paulo Grilo se manifestou nesta segunda-feira, por meio de suas redes sociais. Após o vice-campeonato do Carioca, o profissional publicou uma mensagem de confiança, colocando a frustração do resultado com o Fluminense como aprendizagem para o grupo.

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– Ninguém vai impor limites aos meus sonhos. Estou e estarei sempre pronto e motivado para vencer e dar tudo por esta família. Haja o que houver, continuo sempre a dar o meu melhor. Haja o que houver, vou ter sempre orgulho por ter chegado aqui – publicou Paulo Grilo, em seu perfil no Instagram, completando:

– O lugar que me encontro agora, o processo que tenho vivido, os ciclos que iniciei, vão todos acabar em grande sucesso e alegria pois os recebi de braços abertos. As nossas vitórias, os nossos sucessos, os nossos desafios, os nossos momentos menos bons, tudo, absolutamente tudo, que nos acontece deve ser sempre uma aprendizagem, porque o que não é benção, certamente é lição. Eu sei que tenho feito o melhor de mim que vou dar tudo que tenho até há exaustão mas vamos ser vencedores – finalizou o preparador de goleiros do Fla.

Arne Slot’s brilliant start to life at the Liverpool helm has established the Anfield side as the Premier League title favourites. The festive period is upon us, and such conversations will start to rise in volume.

Rivals (and Liverpool fans) thought that the Reds would have to catch lightning in a bottle to assume such a position after Jurgen Klopp stepped down from his role after almost nine years.

But the air of imperiousness surrounding Slot’s side has dissipated somewhat in recent weeks, with successive draws against Newcastle United and Fulham compounded by a cancelled Merseyside derby that has left them just two points ahead of high-flying Chelsea, who albeit have played a game more.

FSG need to recognise their position and strengthen during the winter transfer window, with left-back starting to feel like a priority position for Liverpool. Andy Robertson definitely hasn’t been at the races.

Andy Robertson's start to life under Slot

While it’s easy to criticise Robertson for his red card against Fulham, it’s important to remember that the Scottish veteran was awarded Man of the Match after an excellent display against Girona in the Champions League earlier in the week.

But we have to be realistic, and it doesn’t feel like he’s quite at the same giddy level that had established him as “one of the best left-backs in the world” according to retired pro Dietmar Hamann.

His regression has been exacerbated by a lengthy shoulder injury last season and struggles to adapt to Slot’s way of life. He hasn’t been poor, per se, but Robertson is starting to look like something of a weak link, indeed conceding penalties against Fulham and Real Madrid while lacking the assurance and robustness that has been patented throughout his time on Merseyside.

He’s 30 now and tussling with Kostas Tsimikas, Liverpool’s long-time second choice, for the starting spot. If Slot wants to consolidate his fledgling era with silverware, he will champion the idea of a new member.

And Liverpool have just the left-back in mind.

Liverpool looking at new left-back

As per Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, Liverpool should push to sign Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez in 2025, with the 21-year-old riding the crest of a wave on the south coast this season. It’s understood that the Cherries would only consider bids surpassing £40m.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s Hungary teammate has been reported to be on Liverpool’s radar for a number of weeks and such interest will only gain pace as the January market looms closer.

Manchester United have their own woes at left-back and are keen on the rising star, but Liverpool will hope that their more stable project will score a victory in the race.

Why Milos Kerkez would be perfect for Liverpool

Kerkez has now completed 49 appearances for Bournemouth and has more than acclimatised to the Premier League scene, though there’s no question that he’s still learning the craft and that a move to Liverpool would be a significant step up.

But there’s no reason why the Hungarian talent couldn’t coexist in Slot’s team over the coming seasons, for the Reds will need to equip themselves with multiple options and Robertson is still good enough to play an important role.

It might even work in Kerkez’s favour, allowing him to absorb the teachings of his illustrious peer and shape him into an even better defender.

Carragher noted that Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes was the man who masterminded Bournemouth’s £15.5m signing of Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023.

This only puts Liverpool in a strong position to complete a deal in 2025, especially if the player makes it known that he wishes to pursue a road to Anfield.

The metrics above demonstrate that Kerkez’s ball-playing level is already on par with Robertson’s, and that he’s outperforming the Scotland skipper in regard to tackling too.

Deeper analysis widens the gap. As per Sofascore, Kerkez has completed 70% of his dribbles in the Premier League this term while winning 65% of his ground duels. Robertson, conversely, has completed just 33% of his dribbles and has won only 51% of his ground duels, the latter of which is unacceptable for a Liverpool side seeking to uphold a cast-iron defence.

Praised for his “unique skill set” by former teammate Mat Ryan, Kerkez might be young but he’s proving to have a style that is fit for a place at a top-performing team like Liverpool.

He’s balanced and adept in both attacking and defensive situations, with a vibrant athleticism that seems perfect for the style of football that Slot is implementing.

Robertson has been a loyal and successful player at Liverpool, joining from Hull City for just £10m and going on to lift the biggest trophies and play 318 times. His ball-playing skills have been fundamental for Liverpool’s success, forming a deadly flanking duo with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Most Premier League Assists – Defenders

Rank

Player

Assists

1.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

61

2.

Andy Robertson

59

3.

Leighton Baines

53

4.

Graeme Le Saux

44

5.

Antonio Valencia

39

Stats via Opta Analyst

He might be one of Alexander-Arnold’s “closest friends” and part of a close-knit leadership group at Liverpool that is vying for Premier League and Champions League titles this term, but Robertson cannot be allowed to continue in the starting line-up at the expense of Liverpool’s future success.

Alexander-Arnold, of course, is being overtly pursued by Real Madrid and is playing out the final year of his contract, and though Reds fans anxiously wait for some good news, there’s the very real possibility that he too could be part of a forced full-back reshuffle on both sides.

Transfer Focus

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

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Kerkez could be the solution, the man to reorient the team and ensure that it continues to move toward the loftiest heights. Liverpool need to get it done.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Dec 17, 2024

Pakistan 148 and 192 for 2 (Babar 102*, Shafique 71*, Green 1-15) need another 314 runs to beat Australia 556 for 9 dec and 97 for 2 dec (Khawaja 44*, Labuschagne 44, Afridi 1-21)Captain Babar Azam hit a stirring century and combined brilliantly with opener Abdullah Shafique to defy Australia’s push for victory, as Pakistan’s stubborn resistance left the second Test intriguingly poised ahead of the fifth day.Needing to survive 172 overs, Pakistan were 192 for 2 at stumps on day four with Babar on 102* and Shafique unbeaten on 71. Pakistan still need another 314 runs for an unlikely record-setting victory, but have made Australia toil through 82 overs in a far cry to their toothless first innings of 148.Having played a lone hand in Pakistan’s first innings, Babar notched his sixth Test century – his first in two years – with a sweep over fine leg just before stumps. He let out a roar amid jubilation from a sparse crowd after which he and Shafique survived two overs against the second new ball and made it through to the close.After Pakistan were reeling at 21 for 2, Babar and Shafique combined for a rousing partnership of 171 to thwart Australia’s attack and provide a flicker of hope for the hosts, who had been hapless for most of this match previously.With oppressive conditions in Karachi throughout the match, the pitch is marked by widening cracks in a contrast to the docile Rawalpindi deck amid a stale first Test draw. There was sharp turn and variable bounce evident, particularly earlier in Pakistan’s innings, but the pitch did not appear to deteriorate as the day wore on.Abdullah Shafique was dropped on 20 by Steven Smith•PCB

Babar and Shafique were mostly untroubled, and blunted the bowling through almost two sessions in somewhat of a throwback to Rawalpindi when Australia claimed just four wickets in 239 overs. The visitors were left to rue two early chances against first-Test centurion Shafique, who started slowly before finding fluency after being joined at the crease by a positive Babar.Shafique was dropped on 20 by Steven Smith, whose struggles at slip continued when he spilt a straightforward chance. Even though he was standing close, Smith will feel aggrieved at his fumble, having been below par with his slip catching during the Ashes too.After Pakistan endured two horror run-outs in the first innings, Shafique was almost dismissed short of his crease for the second time in the Test only for Cameron Green’s throw from mid-on to miss the stumps. Australia weren’t able to penetrate with Mitchell Starc either, who had starred with 3 for 29 on day three, as he was unable to conjure the type of menacing reverse swing that had lit a fuse under the Test 24 hours earlier.Mitchell Swepson, Australia’s first specialist legspinner since Bryce McGain in 2009, was loose in Pakistan’s first innings but looked more comfortable the second time around, and occasionally conjured sharp fizz much like his hero Shane Warne, who mentored him.Late in the day, he was entrusted by Pat Cummins to break the partnership as Swepson bowled from around the wicket aiming for the rough patch outside the leg stump of the two right-hand batters with four catchers around the bat, but a confident Babar continually padded the ball away to frustrate Australia.Cameron Green got Azhar Ali after the batter ducked into a short delivery that skidded low•AFP/Getty Images

Cummins, who has seemingly made all the right moves in this Test, turned to himself before stumps and conjured sharp swing with the second new ball but to no avail.It has been a brave effort from Pakistan amid some expectation that Australia could wrap up victory inside four days after dominating since the get go. Things appeared to be going to plan for Australia when Pakistan started their daunting task disastrously before lunch, as opener Imam-ul-Haq was plumb lbw for 1 to a sliding Nathan Lyon delivery. It completed a miserable match for Imam, who had fallen loosely to Lyon on 20 in the first innings after twin centuries in Rawalpindi.Pakistan were intent on mere survival, with Azhar Ali stonewalling for 6 off 54 balls, but he fell lbw in the second over after lunch while ducking into a short Green delivery that skidded low. It was reminiscent of Glenn McGrath’s famous wicket against Sachin Tendulkar in Adelaide in 1999, but replays showed Azhar had gloved the ball before it hit his body as he trudged off ruing not calling for a review.Earlier in the day, Australia gave themselves plenty of time to take a series lead after Cummins declared their second innings 25 minutes into day four with the score at 97, their third-lowest declaration in Tests. The only other time Australia had declared both their innings in a Test in Asia was against India during the famous tied Test in Chennai in 1986.Usman Khawaja, who had hit three centuries in six previous innings since his recall, finished on 44* as the declaration cut short his chance of getting twin hundreds in the same Test after he achieved the feat in Sydney on his recall. However, the declaration turned out to be a wise call, with Australia coming up against stiff resistance from Pakistan, who have lifted off the canvas.