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Newcastle United responded to their demoralising 4-1 loss on the road to Aston Villa by easily getting the better of ten-man Ipswich Town 3-0 back at St James’ Park.

The Champions League aspiring side are now up to third in the Premier League standings off the back of this straightforward victory, with the result also finally sending the Tractor Boys back down to the Championship after they had been agonisingly waiting on.

Of course, Alexander Isak had to get in on the goalscoring action for Eddie Howe’s Magpies, with his penalty late into the first half getting the ball rolling for what was a comprehensive home victory.

Isak's performance in numbers

Isak is now up to a stunning 26 goals in all competitions, courtesy of his opener versus Kieran McKenna’s relegated visitors, but it was not the most impressive all-round showing from the Swede away from coolly converting his spot-kick.

Indeed, the forward would only manage to muster up 37 touches of the ball away from his decisive penalty beating Alex Palmer, with the ex-Real Sociedad man also managing to spurn two big chances to try and make Newcastle’s lead even more emphatic.

William Osula will be looking to keep Isak on his toes after finding the back of the net himself as a second-half substitute, but the 25-year-old’s starting spot is still very much set in stone, considering his blistering ability to fire home opportunities when he’s at his best.

There is another figure in Howe’s main XI who will also be confident that his spot is nailed on as secure, especially after his classy afternoon against Ipswich further cemented his worth to the Magpies’ cause.

The 10/10 ace who is now as undroppable as Isak

Minus that glaring blip at Villa Park, Newcastle have been a joy to watch in recent weeks if you’re of a Tyneside persuasion, with Howe’s men winning eight of their last nine games in all competitions away from the 4-1 loss to Unai Emery’s side.

Newcastle just seem to have a wonderful squad cohesion at the moment, with Dan Burn always putting in titan-like displays at the back, alongside Kieran Trippier chipping in with some crucial assists when the heat is ramped up.

The former Tottenham Hotspur full-back would of course play a huge role in the Magpies shocking Liverpool at Wembley in the EFL Cup final, with his corner kick delivery perfect for the head of Burn to convert during the 2-1 victory.

There was a sense of deja vu in the air at St James’ Park on Saturday as Trippier would tally up one of his assists on the day when picking out the reliable man mountain once more, alongside also teeing up Osula for his first-ever Premier League strike.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

2

Touches

156

Accurate passes

113/122 (93%)

Key passes

3

Accurate crosses

3/12

Total duels won

5/12

The ageing defender was constantly involved in Newcastle attacks when bombing down the right flank, with Trippier ending the contest with a mind-blowing 156 touches amassed, on top of 113 accurate passes being registered.

The Magpies number two isn’t any spring chicken at 34 years of age, but Howe will surely want to keep him around past this season despite his veteran status, particularly if he can conjure up more top-drawer showings like this one.

Unbelievably, football journalist Lee Ryder would hand out a faultless 10/10 match rating to Trippier after the dust had settled on the win, stating that his performance was massively ‘influential’, which is why he is now as undroppable as Isak.

Newcastle will just hope the assists keep flowing from Trippier when the Toon travel to a dangerous Brighton and Hove Albion side to kickstart May, knowing full well that more heroics to come from their loyal servant could see a Champions League place become a reality.

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With the summer transfer window approaching, Everton are reportedly among those racing to sign a relegated Premier League star, who is available at a bargain price.

Friedkin need statement Everton summer

So far, it’s been so good from The Friedkin Group. Everton are about to bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park ahead of moving into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season and the appointment of David Moyes has ensured that a new era will commence in the Premier League. The veteran manager returned to a number of doubters but has steered the club to safety with great comfort.

The Everton boss will have his eye on more than just surviving next season, however, as will Friedkin. The new owners have the chance to make their mark for the first time in a summer transfer window in Merseyside and rumours suggest that they’re planning to do exactly that.

Recent links have even suggested that the Toffees are interested in re-signing Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian has struggled ever since swapping Merseyside for North London and may yet be heading back in the opposite direction this summer.

It’s a reunion that would see a club hero return to commence a new era and one which could be spent away from the dangers of the dropzone. That said, Richarlison isn’t the only name who reportedly finds himself on Everton’s radar.

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Those in Merseyside have also reportedly set their sights on taking full advantage of the Premier League’s relegated trio and potentially landing one particular bargain deal when the summer arrives.

Everton racing to sign Wilfred Ndidi

According to The Boot Room, Everton are now racing to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer, triggering his £9m relegation release clause in the process. Friedkin are reportedly admirers of the experienced midfielder and are set to do battle with both Sheffield United and Burnley in pursuit of his signature at a bargain price in the coming months.

Starts

25

29

Tackles Won

46

27

Interceptions

24

9

Ball Recoveries

114

139

It becomes clear why Friedkin are admirers of Ndidi when comparing his talent to that of Abdoulaye Doucoure’s, who is on course to depart as a free agent at the end of the season. In comparison, as impressive as Doucoure has been at times, it is Ndidi who stands out for his work off the ball – work which deserves to stay in the Premier League.

Once described as an “incredible player” by former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, Ndidi will be one to watch this summer, especially amid his reported £9m release clause.

It’s a price that Everton should take full advantage of to not only land a replacement for Doucoure, but arguably an upgrade.

يخوض منتخب البحرين لكرة القدم مواجهة مهمة أمام نظيره جيبوتي، اليوم الأربعاء، في إطار مباريات الملحق المؤهل لمرحلة المجموعات من بطولة كأس العرب 2025.

وتقام المباراة بين البحرين وجيبوتي على ملعب عبد الله بن خليفة، في العاصمة القطرية الدوحة، حيث يسعى كلا المنتخبين لانتزاع بطاقة التأهل إلى نهائيات بطولة كأس العرب.

طالع|مجموعة سوريا وفلسطين في كأس العرب 2025 بعد اكتمالها

وتستضيف قطر فعاليات بطولة كأس العرب 2025، خلال الفترة من 1 حتى 18 ديسمبر المقبل، وذلك بمشاركة 16 منتخبًا.

وتنطلق بطولة كأس العرب يوم الإثنين 1 ديسمبر المقبل بمواجهة تونس أمام سوريا . موعد مباراة البحرين وجيبوتي اليوم في كأس العرب 2025

تقام المباراة اليوم الأربعاء الموافق 26 نوفمبر 2025، وتنطلق صافرة البداية في تمام الساعة الثالثة عصرا بتوقيت القاهرة، الساعة الرابعة عصرا بتوقيت والسعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة البحرين وجيبوتي اليوم في كأس العرب 2025

تنقل المباراة بين منتخبي البحرين وجيبوتي، عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 1 xtra HD” بالإضافة إلى قناة “الكأس 2”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

Crystal Palace are now “determined” to end the “speculation” and tie down one of their key players to a new contract.

Palace stars attracting interest from top clubs

With Palace punching above their weight so far this season, currently sitting in the Champions League places, it shouldn’t be surprising that some top clubs are lining up to sign their key players, and Real Madrid are now preparing a £35m January bid for Marc Guehi.

Oliver Glasner has already confirmed Guehi is set to leave in 2026, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, saying: “The club wanted [Guehi to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, ‘No, I want to make something different.’ And that’s normal.

“And for us, it’s how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that’s all about how we are talking together.”

The Eagles will still be holding out hope of retaining some of their other key players, however, and they are in a strong negotiating position when it comes to Adam Wharton, with the former Blackburn Rovers man under contract until 2029.

Daichi Kamada has also been a vital player this season, featuring in 21 matches in all competitions, and former scout Mick Brown has now revealed that Glasner is a big fan of the midfielder, with Palace very keen to tie him down to a new deal.

In an interview with Football Insider, Brown said: “From what I’m told, the management and coaching staff rate him very highly, and that’s always a positive when they have that sort of relationship.

“Palace are determined to recognise what he’s brought to the team, and to keep hold of him because of how impressive he has been.

“They’ll want to have him tied down before the end of the season to put an end to any speculation, so now it’s up to them to see if they can reach an agreement.”

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Palace must tie Kamada down to new contract

The Japan international is on big money at Selhurst Park, reported to rake in £150k-a-week, but with his current deal set to expire in the summer, it is very important Palace agree a new contract.

The 29-year-old has started every game he’s been available for in the Premier League, since overcoming a knee injury, winning the Player of the Month Award in both September and October.

Glasner has also singled the former Lazio man out for praise in the past, describing him as “excellent” after putting in an impressive performance against Brighton last season.

With Guehi set to leave and Wharton attracting major interest, it is important there is not a mass exodus at Selhurst Park in the summer and Palace keep hold of their important players, so they should look to secure Kamada’s future very soon.

Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos is reportedly poised to leave Mexican club Monterrey and return to European football, driven by a desire to represent Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The 39-year-old defender has decided against renewing his contract with Rayados, which is nearing its expiry, hoping to bow out with a Liga MX title.

Ramos prioritises family and national team ambitions

Ramos’s decision to depart Mexico stems from two primary factors: a preference for family life in Europe compared to Mexico, and a lingering ambition to play for the Spanish national team again. The states that Ramos believes consistent playing time in a top-level European competition brings him closer to the style of play preferred by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, thereby increasing his chances of a recall.

Despite turning 40 next March, just months before the World Cup in North America, Ramos has not given up on adding to his record 180 caps for La Roja. He last played for his country in March 2021 and was subsequently omitted from the squads for Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and Euro 2024 by former coach Luis Enrique and current boss De la Fuente respectively.

A report from draws a parallel with Aymeric Laporte, who left Saudi Arabia to return to Europe with Athletic Club, a move that bolstered his standing with the national team. Ramos hopes a similar path will convince De la Fuente that he can still contribute at the highest international level.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportImpact during Monterrey spell

Ramos joined Monterrey on a one-year deal in 2025 and has made his mark during his brief time in Liga MX. He featured in the Club World Cup for the Mexican side, where he became the oldest goalscorer in the tournament's history. His time there also saw him receive the 30th red card of his illustrious career, further cementing his reputation as a fierce, if sometimes ill-disciplined, competitor.

Beyond his on-field contributions, where he provided defensive solidity for one of Mexico's biggest clubs, Ramos's presence brought significant commercial and media impact to Monterrey. However, with his contract running down, his departure now seems inevitable as he seeks a new challenge closer to home for the second half of the season.

Potential European destinations emerge

While a return to La Liga remains a possibility, it is considered difficult to imagine Ramos playing for any Spanish clubs other than his former teams, Real Madrid and Sevilla. Consequently, several other European options are reportedly being explored.

Reports suggest that Roma, Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille are among the clubs that could offer Ramos a route back into European football. Roma are currently mounting a surprising title challenge in Serie A under Gian Piero Gasperini and boast the league's meanest defence. Ramos's vast experience and leadership could prove invaluable to their relatively young backline during the title run-in.

Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, are recovering from a poor start to their Bundesliga campaign. Following a managerial change, they are looking to close the eight-point gap to leaders Bayern Munich. Having lost several key players in the summer, Ramos is viewed as a potential stopgap signing who could provide direction and stability.

In Ligue 1, Marseille are enjoying an excellent season under Roberto De Zerbi, sitting just two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Given Ramos’s history with PSG, his arrival at their arch-rivals would add significant intrigue to the title race. His experience in high-pressure situations could help Marseille sustain their pursuit of a first league title in years.

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Sergio Ramos?

Ramos will now focus on finalising his departure from Monterrey as his contract winds down. His representatives will be aiming to secure a move to a European club in the upcoming January transfer window, ensuring he is playing regularly at a high level in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. His performance in the second half of the European season will be crucial in determining whether his dream of a final international recall can become a reality.

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is planning to hand an exciting young player his first team debut at the London Stadium this season, according to a new report.

This comes in the aftermath of their 3-2 comeback win over Burnley at the London Stadium last Saturday – a clash which gifted Nuno two straight wins and the perfect sign-off before this November international break.

The Hammers have now won consecutive Premier League games despite conceding the first goal each time, having also beaten Newcastle 3-1 the weekend prior. It also marks West Ham’s first back-to-back home wins since October 2024, suggesting the dark clouds could be starting to lift after a torrid opening to the campaign.

With six goals in their last two games – having scored just seven in their previous nine – West Ham’s attack is finally clicking into gear. Crucially, Nuno has settled on a midfield he can trust, naming an unchanged lineup in his last two after criticism for questionable tinkering during his opening four matches.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham
West Ham 1-5 Chelsea
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace
Everton 1-1 West Ham
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
West Ham 0-2 Brentford
Leeds 2-1 West Ham
West Ham 3-1 Newcastle
West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Academy graduate Freddie Potts has become a fan favourite, if he wasn’t already, and could be working his way into becoming an undroppable after convincing performances alongside Lucas Paqueta in the engine room.

The partnership is providing much-needed stability, with striker Callum Wilson also repaying Nuno’s faith after two straight starts, despite credible reports the Englishman wasn’t fancied by Nuno at first (ExWHUemployee).

Nuno reserved special praise for Tomas Soucek as well, who scored West Ham’s third and ultimately decisive goal of the game on his 250th appearance for the east Londoners.

The 30-year-old won’t be around forever, though, and with his contract expiring in 2027, West Ham could already have an heir apparent in the form of youngster Mohamadou Kante.

Nuno plans senior debut for Mohamadou Kante at West Ham

West Ham agreed a deal to sign Kante from Paris FC last year and the 20-year-old gem spent the rest of 2024/2025 back out on loan in the French capital, with Kante since returning to Rush Green and plying his trade in the club’s academy for the Under-21s.

Kante is yet to make his first-team debut for West Ham, but according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, this is about to change.

The French ‘rising star’ is wanted by multiple sides in January, with numerous Championship clubs already enquiring about Kante and prepared to sign him either on loan or permanently.

Writing for Football Insider, O’Rourke states that Kante is “expected” to get minutes in the West Ham senior team soon and is “close to a first-team breakthrough” after impressing in the academy lately — so it remains to be seen whether the club will green-light a mid-season exit for him.

The midfielder, who’s notched three goals and two assists in 10 academy appearances this term, scored a cracker most recently against Liverpool’s Under-21s — rounding off a superb 3-0 win for West Ham as Kante looks to turn Nuno’s head.

West Ham could have yet another Potts situation on their hands with Kante, and he’s been given chances to impress in first-team training by Nuno lately.

Top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran and allrounder Sharafuddin Ashraf have also been included

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Aug-2025Rashid Khan will lead a strong-looking Afghanistan side at the upcoming men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE, with Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar and Mohammad Nabi completing a formidable spin-bowling attack along with their captain.Afghanistan, the second-best side from Asia at the last men’s T20 World Cup behind champions India, have not played a single T20I since the start of 2025 and no international cricket since the Champions Trophy in February. They have, in fact, played just three T20Is in the last 12 months, against Zimbabwe in Harare in December 2024, in a series they won 2-1. They will play a triangular T20I series in Sharjah against hosts UAE and Pakistan from Friday ahead of the Asia Cup.From the squad that made the Zimbabwe tour, top-order dasher Hazratullah Zazai and batting allrounder Zubaid Akbari have been dropped, while left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote has been moved to the reserves. Coming in are top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran, allrounder Sharafuddin Ashraf and Ghazanfar, the mystery spinner who hasn’t made his T20I debut in his short career so far.ESPNcricinfo LtdGhazanfar has so far played 42 T20s since his debut in the format in April 2023. His ODI career – now 11 matches old – has been quite spectacular, though. At just 19, he has two five-wicket hauls already – the 6 for 26 against Bangladesh in Sharjah in November last year his best – and has been doing the rounds of the franchise T20 circuit, including at the IPL, the CPL, and the ILT20. He couldn’t make his IPL debut earlier this year though, as he picked up a back injury late last year on the tour of Zimbabwe, after being picked by Mumbai Indians for INR 4.80 crore (US$ 570,000 approx at the time).Related

Pakistan, Afghanistan, UAE to play T20I tri-series in Sharjah

How a break from cricket helped Rashid rediscover his best

He joins Rashid, who had a poor IPL 2025 but was in stellar form for Oval Invincibles at the Hundred before cutting his stint short for national duty, and Nabi, who recently played the Shpageeza Cricket League (Afghanistan’s domestic T20 tournament), which ended on July 31 with Nabi’s team, Mis Ainak Knights, losing in the final to Amo Sharks, who had among the Asia Cup squad Mohammad Ishaq, Ashraf, Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi in their ranks.Noor, Chennai Super Kings’ star bowler at IPL 2025 and currently in action for Manchester Originals at the Hundred, Mujeeb, who is part of Barbados Royals at the CPL but not always a part of the starting XI, round off Afghanistan’s strongest department.The fast-bowling attack, meanwhile, is headlined by Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, with Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib the fast-bowling allrounders.Ibrahim’s return gives the batting a strong look too, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal the other major top-order options. Darwish Rasooli and batting allrounder Karim Janat are the other top-order contenders.At the Asia Cup, Afghanistan are with Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka in Group B, while India, Oman, Pakistan and UAE are in Group A. Afghanistan’s campaign begins against Hong Kong in the opening match of the tournament, in Abu Dhabi on September 9.Afghanistan squad for men’s T20 Asia CupRashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Reserve players: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai