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Liverpool have made a surprising decision over an "unbelievable" Reds player who Jurgen Klopp admires, with a January update emerging over the weekend.

Liverpool held by Man Utd

While much focus has been on the Reds' potential incoming business during the January transfer window, there are also players who could move on to pastures new in 2024. Both Joel Matip and Thiago are out of contract at the end of the season and are 32 years of age.

Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future is also set to become a big talking point once again, with rumours of a huge bid from Saudi Pro League Al-Ittihad emerging over the weekend. With the 31-year-old's current deal running until 2025, he will surely either leave or sign a new deal next year.

There are also players who could head out on loan, with young right-back Conor Bradley wanted by a host of English clubs on a temporary basis, and a significant update has emerged regarding a player already at another club this season.

The Reds were held by Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in a frustrating encounter that saw them rack up over 30 shots and hold nearly 70 per cent of the possession, so their latest decision on a player who could add a bit of creative spark in those sorts of games is a surprising one.

Fabio Carvalho transfer update

According to a fresh transfer update from The Mirror, FSG are planning talks to recall Fabio Carvalho in the winter market, but not to unleash him into Klopp's team. Indeed, Liverpool youngster Carvalho could make a "shock" return to former club Fulham next month instead.

"Fabio Carvalho is open to a shock return to Fulham – if Liverpool are able to recall him from his loan spell at RB Leipzig. The Reds have opened formal dialogue with the Bundesliga club as they're currently unhappy with Carvalho's lack of minutes in Germany so far this season.

Sources close to the player have allegedly confirmed there is interest from both Fulham and the player's side in making a deal happen.

Liverpool's success rate with signings has been so high under Klopp, with an endless number of players proving to be outstanding acquisitions – Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson stand out as arguably the best of this era – but Carvalho increasingly feels as though he could be a rare failure.

The 21-year-old couldn't make a proper impact in his first season at Anfield, barring a memorable late winner at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League, and the fact that Klopp was willing to loan him out says a lot about his squad status.

The attacking midfielder's time on loan at RB Leipzig has been similarly underwhelming to date, with Carvalho only making one start in the Bundesliga this season, and it could be best for him to end his spell there early and go back to Fulham – even though many may like to see what he could produce in front of the rebranded Reds midfield.

“Charismatic” Liverpool target is now open to leaving his club in January

This could be a big boost for the Reds.

By
Henry Jackson

Dec 17, 2023

Given his age, all hope is not lost for Carvalho with the Reds, and Klopp has described him as "unbelievable" in the past, but big improvements are needed if he is to make the grade at Anfield, or a permanent exit could end up happening in the relatively near future.

West Ham United are open to offers for one of their first-team regulars in January, according to a fresh report that emerged this weekend.

West Ham form and results

The Irons have made an extremely mixed start to the new campaign having won eight, drawn three and lost six of their opening 17 games, meaning that they currently find themselves eighth in the Premier League table.

Chelsea (3-1)

Manchester City (3-1)

Bournemouth (1-1)

Brighton (3-1)

Liverpool (3-1)

Newcastle (2-2)

Luton Town (2-1)

Aston Villa (4-1)

Crystal Palace (1-1)

Sheffield United (2-0)

Everton (1-0)

Nottingham Forest (3-2)

Brentford (3-2)

Burnley (2-1)

Fulham (5-0)

Tottenham (2-1)

Wolves (3-0)

Ahead of next month, David Moyes will know that he’ll need to strengthen his squad should he want to gain some consistency and seriously compete for a place in the top six, but in order to make room for fresh faces in the building, some of his existing players will have to leave to raise the necessary funds.

So far this season, Said Benrahma has made just four starts in the top-flight having fallen slightly out of favour under the manager (WhoScored – Benrahma statistics), and it’s fair to say that the left-winger isn’t best pleased about his lack of game time which he’s shown on his social media.

Algeria’s international recently posted a photo of himself in the club’s training wear on Instagram, with a caption of nothing but a zipped mouth emoji, suggesting that he daren’t speak up about his situation, though it doesn’t sound like he’ll have to put up with it for much longer if the following update is to be believed.

West Ham happy to sell Benrahma

According to The Sunday Mirror (via Sports View), West Ham are open to offers for Benrahma in January. The London Stadium forward is attracting interest from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, alongside several unnamed clubs in Saudi Arabia, so this could be one to keep a close eye on in the weeks leading up to the transfer window.

While Benrahma hasn’t been that much of a regular starter under Moyes this season, West Ham will know the bags of potential that he has in his locker to offer, therefore,David Sullivanwould perhaps be wiser to retain his services at least until the summer, when it will be easier to find a replacement.

Since joining the club from Brentford, he has racked up 43 contributions, 24 goals and 19 assists, from 151 appearances, showing the positive impact he can make in the final third, but he’s also comfortable playing in several other areas (Transfermarkt – Benrahma statistics).

The Irons’ 28-year-old is a versatile operator having been deployed in seven different positions over the grass since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and three roles in the midfield, so his ability to provide cover in areas outside of his own makes him a useful option to have in the building.

When he’s at the top of his game, Josh Bunting has claimed that Benrahma can be “unplayable”, so even though he might not be getting in the team from the get go as much as he would like, the hierarchy would be making a mistake if they were to let him go next month.

By their standards, Manchester City haven't exactly been perfect so far this season. Pep Guardiola's side have suffered blips along the way against Wolverhampton Wanderers, in what was a shock defeat, and Arsenal, before being held to a thrilling 4-4 draw by Chelsea. Yet here we are with the Manchester club sitting top of the Premier League, one point clear of Liverpool as the Reds prepare to come to The Etihad in their first game back after the international break.

Guardiola isn't one to settle for anything other than perfection and that could see some huge changes next summer, potentially resulting in a shock return for one former Premier League forward.

Man City transfer news

What Man City want they usually get in the transfer market, thanks to their position as one of the richest clubs in world football and a hugely attractive proposition to young players. They wanted Jeremy Doku in the summer and they got him. They wanted Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes and, well, you can guess the rest. City's recruitment has arguably been the most successful that English football has ever seen, especially when considering last season's treble win. Their expertise doesn't end with last summer, either, with reports suggesting they could make a major move in next summer's window.

According to Christian Falk, Manchester City are interested in signing Leroy Sane next summer to beat Premier League rivals Liverpool to the Bayern Munich winger. It remains to be seen just how much the Germany international will cost, but City's position as his former club could leave them in better stead than the Reds to secure his signature.

Given how well Doku has started, a front three of the aforementioned Belgian, Erling Haaland and Sane is a mouth-watering prospect to say the least.

Man City interested in shock return for "machine" Sane

The fact that Sane went out with more of a whimper than anything else at Manchester City could suggest that the door has been closed, rather than left ajar at The Etihad. But a club in City's position are always able to tempt players with the idea of silverware in the Premier League. The winger is back to his best these days, too, and is unlikely to find himself rotting away on Guardiola's bench. Sane's stats this season prove that he's finally found his feet at Bayern.

Player	Goals	Assists	Progressive Carries	Progressive Passes	Successful Take-ons
Leroy Sane	8	6	61	57	47
Jeremy Doku	3	5	78	22	40
Phil Foden	3	3	22	54	22

It's no surprise when looking at his numbers that Sane has been at the centre of praise by Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, who told DAZN via iMiaSanMia: "He played very well today, with very few ball losses, even though he took risks. He was very brave in his dribbling and his running lanes. He has the physical qualities and eagerness to play and when he's clear in the head, he can make the difference. We have a connection – the chemistry is right. When he plays with freedom and desire, he makes the difference. He can also lead the way. Physically he is a machine, he can dominate the league."

تفاعلت الصحف العالمية مع تأهل منتخب فرنسا الأولمبي إلى نهائي لعبة كرة القدم رجال، على حساب منتخب مصر الأولمبي، بعد مباراة مثيرة للغاية في أولمبياد باريس 2024.

وتلاقى المنتخبان في إطار منافسات نصف نهائي كرة القدم، مساء يوم الإثنين، حيث فازت فرنسا بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف.

وكتبت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “ماتيتا وأوليز ينقذان فرنسا (مرة أخرى) للقاء إسبانيا في باريس، ستتنافس فرنسا وإسبانيا يوم الجمعة المقبل في باريس على الميدالية الذهبية الأولمبية في كرة القدم للرجال”.

وأضافت: “يقع السبب جزئيًا على جان فيليب ماتيتا في حقيقة إقامة هذه المباراة، وأيضا مايكل أوليز، لقد تمردا على مباراة جديرة للغاية من جانب مصر التي لم تصل إلى نهائيها الأولمبي الأول”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. صحف فرنسا بعد الفوز على مصر: تأهل تاريخي بعد مهمة معقدة أمام فريق جيد جدًا

وواصلت: “ولكن الحقيقة الواقعية أن فرنسا تفتقر إلى كرة القدم، على الرغم من كونهم يلعبون على أرضهم، ولديهم فريق ملئ باللاعبين ذوي الخبرة، الذين يلعبون في أفضل الدوريات، ولكن كانت القوة البدنية والإبداع في أقل مستوى، عانوا كثيرًا أمام مصر المنظمة للغاية”.

وكتبت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “فرنسا بقيادة هنري تقضي على مصر في الوقت الإضافي وتتنافس على الميدالية الذهبية أمام إسبانيا”.

وأضافت: “لم تكن مصر خائفة، وبفضل الضغط العالي والتمركز الجيد على أرض الملعب، تمكنت من جعل المباراة صعبة على فرنسا التي لم تشعر بالراحة في أي وقت من الشوط الأول”.

وواصلت: “كان لتعليمات تييري هنري بين الشوطين تأثيرها وخرجت فرنسا في الشوط الثاني بإيقاع أكثر وتصميم أكبر وأفكار أكثر وضوحًا، في الواقع، حُبست مصر التي عانت من اضطرارها للعب بكتلة منخفضة للغاية”.

وكتبت شبكة “يوروسبورت” العالمية: “فرنسا تتأهل لنهائي الأولمبياد مع إسبانيا بعد فوز فريق تييري هنري على مصر، سجل جان فيليب ماتيتا هدفين ليقود فرنسا للفوز على مصر والتأهل لنهائي كرة القدم للرجال في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية باريس 2024 يوم الجمعة، حيث سيواجهون إسبانيا في بارك دي برانس”.

وأضافت: “وعلى الرغم من تأخرهم قبل 10 دقائق من نهاية المباراة، فإن هدفي ماتيتا الرائعين جعل أصحاب الأرض يتجنبون هزيمة مفاجئة”.

وكتبت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية: “حجزت فرنسا مكانها في مباراة الميدالية الذهبية لكرة القدم للرجال بطريقة درامية بفضل أهداف من زميلين سابقين في فريق كريستال بالاس”.

وأضافت: “كان فريق تييري هنري مرشحًا للفوز بالميدالية الذهبية على أرضه، لكن مصر بدت مستعدة لإفساد الحفل عندما منحها محمود صابر هدف التقدم في الدقيقة 62”.

وواصلت: “واصلت فرنسا البحث عن هدف التعادل مع وصول المباراة إلى مراحلها الأخيرة، ومرر مايكل أوليس الكرة إلى جان فيليب ماتيتا الذي أدرك التعادل قبل أقل من عشر دقائق من نهاية الوقت الأصلي، بدا أن أصحاب الأرض على وشك الحصول على ركلة جزاء في الوقت بدل الضائع، لكن الحكم تمسك بقراره الأولي بإرسال المباراة إلى الوقت الإضافي”.

واستكملت: “وحصل عمر فايد على البطاقة الصفراء احتجاجًا على الحكم، لكن ذلك الأمر عاد ليطارده بعد استئناف الشوط الثاني حيث طُرد بسبب ارتكابه خطأ ضد ديزاير دوي، ليلعب منتخب بلاده بعشرة لاعبين”.

واستمرت: “واستغل المنتخب الفرنسي تفوقه العددي، وكان ماتيتا البطل مرة أخرى، حيث سدد الكرة برأسه من مسافة قريبة ليضع فرنسا في المقدمة، وبينما كان هنري يحتفل بالهدف، كان من الممكن رؤية هنري وهو يستمتع بأجواء ملعب جروباما المكتظ في ليون، حيث قام بحركة تشبه حركة إريك كانتونا، وذراعيه ممدودتان للجماهير”.

وأوضحت: “لكن أصحاب الأرض لم يتوقفوا عند هذا الحد، حيث أضاف أوليس الهدف الثالث في الشوط الثاني من الوقت الإضافي ليقود فرنسا إلى مباراة الميدالية الذهبية يوم الجمعة، وتعني النتيجة أن فريق هنري أصبح الآن على بعد 90 دقيقة فقط من تأمين أول ميدالية ذهبية أولمبية لبلاده منذ دورة الألعاب الأولمبية عام 1984 في لوس أنجلوس”.

واختتمت: “في الوقت نفسه، ستسعى مصر إلى تأمين أول ميدالية أولمبية لها على الإطلاق في لعبة كرة القدم عندما تواجه المغرب في مباراة الميدالية البرونزية يوم الخميس”.

وقالت شبكة “فوكس سبورتس” الأمريكية: “سجل جان فيليب ماتيتا هدفين ليتأهل المنتخب الفرنسي إلى نهائي بطولة كرة القدم للرجال في أولمبياد باريس بفوزه 3-1 على مصر بعد الأشواط الإضافية”.

وتابعت: “ستلعب فرنسا ضد إسبانيا في النهائي يوم الجمعة في بارك دي برانس في مباراة ستضمن أول ميدالية ذهبية أوروبية منذ 32 عامًا”.

واسترسلت: “عاد المنتخب المضيف من تأخره في النتيجة في ملعب ليون ليهزم منتخب مصر الذي كان يقترب من تحقيق مفاجأة بعد تقدمه بهدف محمود صابر في الدقيقة 62”.

في حين قالت شبكة “onefootball” ألمانية الأصل: “فرنسا تتأهل إلى النهائي بعد مباراة ساخنة مع مصر، تغلبت فرنسا على تأخرها بهدف نظيف، لتفوز 3-1 في الأشواط الإضافية على مصر في مباراة ساخنة”.

وقالت شبكة “espn” العالمية: “فرنسا تهزم مصر في مباراة أولمبية مثيرة وتواجه إسبانيا على الذهب”.

من جهتها، قالت وكالة “رويترز” العالمية: “تغلبت فرنسا على مصر 3-1 لتبلغ نهائي كرة القدم للرجال في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية لأول مرة منذ 40 عاما وستواجه إسبانيا”.

وأضافت: “وقاتلت فرنسا بعد أن تلقت أول هدف في شباكعا في البطولة عندما تقدم محمود صابر بهدف مذهل لمصر قبل أن يعادل جان فيليب ماتيتا النتيجة بهدف متأخر، الذي عاد لتسجيل هدف آخر، ثم أحرز مايكل أوليس الثالث”.

Batsmen were victims at Headingley as Yorkshire chpped away at the nine ponts from two games they need to assure themselves of safety

ECB Reporters Network18-Sep-20181:55

Yorkshire edge towards safety

ScorecardYorkshire just shaded a bowler-friendly opening day against Yorkshire as 15 wickets fell at the start of their Specsavers County Championship clash at Emerald Headingley.Morning rain prevented any play until 12.40pm, with Hampshire opting for an uncontested toss before bowling Yorkshire out for 184.Medium pacers Gareth Berg and Ian Holland struck twice apiece before tea as Yorkshire slipped to 110 for 6, but Fidel Edwards was their standout overall with four for 83 from 16 overs.The visitors later responded with 79 for five from 23 overs, including two wickets each for Jack Brooks and Tim Bresnan.Both sides came into this penultimate round clash not mathematically clear of relegation danger.But bottom side Worcestershire’s perilous position in their clash with Essex at Chelmsford has eased their fears, particularly Hampshire’s.If Worcester go on to lose at Essex, they will be relegated, leaving Hampshire safe and Lancashire as Yorkshire’s remaining target. It needs nine points to eliminate them.Tim Bresnan drives through the covers•Getty Images

The afternoon session here was a helter-skelter affair which saw Yorkshire score at 4.4 runs per over in the first 15 (66 for two), two catches put down and a flurry of wickets.Yorkshire were hurt by losing three wickets for two runs as they slipped from 70 for 2 in the 20th over to 72 for 5 in the 23rd, with Berg claiming two of them in breezy conditions.Gary Ballance was trapped lbw playing to leg to end a fluent 30, an innings high-score.The left-hander passed the 10,000 runs in his first-class career in the process.Jeet Raval and Harry Brook were bowled by new ball pair Kyle Abbott and Edwards as Yorkshire slipped to 22 for two in the eighth over before Ballance and Adam Lyth (23) steadied with a stand of 48.Brook’s first ball had seen him dropped at first slip by Holland off Abbott, with the same happening to Bresnan later on off Holland’s bowling as Tom Alsop failed to cling on behind the stumps.Ballance was the first of those aforementioned three wickets in a mini collapse.Berg also had Tom Kohler-Cadmore bowled for two via an under-edge as he attempted to leave alone before Holland had Lyth caught at gully as he miscued a drive.Then, in the final over of the afternoon, the 36th, Holland bowled Jonny Tattersall as the score slipped to 110 for six.Edwards then added three more wickets in the first half of the evening as Yorkshire slipped to 160 for nine in the 50th over.He had Matthew Waite caught behind, Bresnan (25) yorked with a pacy outswinger and Steve Patterson also bowled. Abbott wrapped up the innings by bowling Brooks.Brooks then impressed with the ball to drag Yorkshire back into the game as Hampshire slipped to 68 for 5 in the 20th over of their reply.Either side of Coad getting Oliver Soames caught behind, Brooks trapped Joe Weatherley lbw and Jimmy Adams superbly caught at third slip by Brook.Brook later claimed a second catch after Bresnan found the edge off Sam Northeast’s bat, leaving Hampshire at 63 for four in the 16th. That became 68 for five four overs later when Bresnan trapped James Vince lbw.Meanwhile, Yorkshire handed a first-team cap to new ball seamer Coad prior to play, with Coad having taken 91 Championship wickets in the first 20 appearances of his fledgling career prior to this fixture.

Eight games into the Premier League season, it's fair to say that Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur have got off to a blistering start. The North London club sit top of the league, unbeaten, and have already defeated Manchester United and Liverpool, whilst also taking a point from The Emirates. The international break, in truth, may have come at a bad time for them, given their form, but it has at least helped one particular star edge closer to a return.

Postecoglou's squad has already impressed this season, but it looks likely that we'll finally see it closer to full strength with one return adding an extra dynamic for the former Celtic boss.

What's the latest Spurs injury news?

When it comes to injuries so far this season, Spurs have been rather fortunate, having avoided any major concerns. And, after the departure of Harry Kane in the summer transfer window arguably left them short in attack, maintaining the fitness of key men such as Heung-min Son has been vital to their flawless start. As things stand, the latest Spurs injury news has Postecoglou without Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, and Rodrigo Bentancur.

A recent Bentancur injury update has left Spurs fans with more good news, however, with the Argentine set to make his return in the middle of November, according to Football Insider. Reacting to the news, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor told Football Insider:

"It’s massive news. If anything it’s just a different option for Postecoglou. But I was watching this guy last season and thinking: 'This guy has got it all'.

“He can play anywhere in the midfield. He can play deep, he can go further forward. Some of the runs he was making in behind were great – and he’s quick as well. Postecoglou has been playing Sarr in there, and I think he’ll come in for Sarr. Then you’ve got a midfield of Bissouma, Bentancur and Maddison. It’s frightening.”

When did Rodrigo Bentancur get injured?

To put into context just how long Bentancur has been out for at Spurs, the last time that he played, Antonio Conte was still in charge. The former Juventus midfielder suffered an ACL injury in a 4-1 defeat against Leicester City back in February and has been on the sidelines ever since. In his absence, the Lilywhites have moulded a solid midfield under Postecoglou, with Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr combining well behind the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Richarlison.

With that said, it begs the question as to just where Bentancur will slot in when he is finally back from injury. Given the quality that he has, the Argentine may just force Postecoglou into an adjustment in the middle of the park, in a sacrifice that may work out for the better in the long term. It will certainly be interesting to see if it is Bissouma or Sarr who could lose their place, following the starts that they've made to the season.

When mid-November comes around, the Spurs manager may well have a big decision to make, welcoming Bentancur into his set-up for the first time.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action again tonight, with fans likely still pinching themselves over their start to the new campaign.

However, they will have to contend without Yves Bissouma for tonight's clash with Fulham, who will be serving his one-match suspension.

How good is Yves Bissouma?

Having been deservedly booked for his first challenge, the Mali international would go on a weaving run just before the half time whistle, bundling into a crowd of opposition players.

Anticipating contact that never came, he threw himself over and was handed his second yellow, sent for an early bath before the break.

Whilst his side would still go on to win, his importance to Ange Postecoglou's outfit cannot be understated, with the 27-year-old enforcer having made himself near-irreplaceable with his form thus far.

A true defensive warrior, having maintained 3.3 tackles and 6.1 ball recoveries per game in the league thus far, it is his ability in possession that makes him so useful, as a press-resistant metronome who keeps everything ticking in the engine room.

As such, his 91% pass accuracy will be tough to substitute, even if it is for just one match.

Who could replace Yves Bissouma?

Whilst the Australian tactician could seek to tweak his system, or trial other stars in that role, perhaps he may be safer by opting for the wisest option, and instead starting Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as a like-for-like alternative.

Although the £100k-per-week ace is not quite as mobile as Bissouma, he remains a sturdy figure more than capable of dictating a game on his own. After all, much of his Spurs career has seen him thrive without a partner of his level, with journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke writing: "Playing central midfield for Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte is not easy.

"You are outnumbered the whole time, trying to hold the side together as half of a pair, generally coming up against teams who have one extra body in the middle of the pitch. The first thing that this means is that you have to be ready to run. Just watching Hojbjerg and Bentancur get around the pitch can be tiring, as the two men try to get through the physical work of three."

So, with form of filling gaps, already the 28-year-old is ready to thrive,

Not to mention that just last season saw the Denmark international shine amidst all the turmoil, maintaining a 90% pass accuracy of his own whilst making 1.3 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 1.4 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

He is a true warrior, and his time on the sidelines will have likely done little to damage his hunger to succeed. After all, journalist Manuel Domínguez attested that he was a "competitive animal" just last year.

Although perhaps sluggish at times, in a game where they are expected to dominate, his passing attributes under pressure will likely not be called upon too much. The Cottagers could fall into the trap of affording Hojbjerg time on the ball, which could see him thrive in Bissouma's absence, potentially reigniting his Spurs career in the process.

Ralf Rangnick has left three players out of the Austria squad for upcoming friendlies after they were implicated in a homophobic chanting incident.

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Rapid Vienna players caught singing homophobic chants Rangnick takes a stand against the offenders Keeps them out of Austria squad for upcoming friendliesGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Guido Burgstaller, Marco Grull, and Niklas Hedl, players representing Rapid Vienna were caught on camera engaging in homophobic chants after their team's 3-0 victory over city rivals Austria Vienna on February 26. The videos of their actions circulated on social media platforms, sparking outrage and necessitating apologies from both the players and their club, Rapid Vienna.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

In response to the incident, Rangnick opted not to select the trio for Austria's upcoming matches against Slovakia and Turkey on March 23 and 26, respectively. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Rangnick stated via the German outlet that such behaviour, which publicly insults and discriminates against others, will not be tolerated in his team.

WHAT RANGNICK SAID

Speaking to Sportschau, Rangnick said: "(The players must) seriously address this issue and understand what it means for people when they are publicly insulted and discriminated against in such a way. That is something I will not tolerate in my team. Everything we stand for with the national team is diametrically opposed to the other end of the value scale.”

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WHAT DID RAPID & THE PLAYERS SAY

Rapid released a statement condemning the incident and said: "You can see and hear inappropriate and insulting statements that should not have been made like that and for which SK Rapid as a whole can only ask for forgiveness.”

Whereas, Burgstaller, admitted: “Unfortunately, we cannot undo this mistake. In this way, we would also like to clearly distance ourselves from any discrimination and homophobia and apologise to anyone who we have directly or indirectly offended through our behaviour. We are aware that we have a role model effect, and unfortunately, we absolutely did not live up to this role with our actions after the game.”

Grull posted an apology on Instagram that read: "I would also like to take this opportunity to personally apologise to everyone for the words I said after the Vienna derby. As players, we have a certain role model function and we certainly did not fulfil this in this situation. I can only sincerely apologise for this and assure you that we will bear the full consequences. Like my team-mates, I also clearly distance myself from any kind of marginalisation; homophobia must have no place in our society. In conclusion, all that remains to be said is: sorry!”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in action this afternoon in what will be the biggest test of them all, as Gary O’Neil’s side reluctantly welcome treble winners Manchester City to Molineux.

It’s been a poor week for the Old Gold, after crashing out of the Carabao Cup disgracefully on Tuesday night, as Championship side Ipswich Town came back from 2-0 down to progress into the next round in a 3-2 victory.

In the league, things have been far from easy for the Midlands side, having secured just one win from their opening six games, drawing most recently to newly promoted Luton Town, who gained their first point of the campaign against Wolves.

Speaking after the defeat, O’Neil admitted that his side is “£80m short” of players due to the summer departures, signifying just how much of a rut the Old Gold have found themselves in as a result of financial restrictions.

For now, Wolves must focus on avoiding humiliation to Pep Guardiola’s side, which they could do if the right team is selected this afternoon by the manager.

Why isn’t Fabio Silva starting for Wolves?

One name that could cause problems against City is Fabio Silva, who has shown glimpses of his quality despite dropping down the pecking order in the early stages of the season.

The 21-year-old has made a total of seven appearances in all competitions so far, scoring one goal in the league cup against Blackpool, prior to his side’s elimination from the tournament.

Out of the seven appearances, the forward has started four times, and has found himself behind the likes of Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-Chan as O’Neil continues to experiment with his formations.

At the start of the season, the manager opted to play two at the top, which allowed Silva to utilise his strengths alongside Cunha, who has showcased his direct approach that can cause frequent problems when he is on the ball.

The missing element to Wolves’ game is the final product, which must be quickly rectified if the Old Gold are to gain anything from the match up against City this afternoon.

Should Fabio Silva start against Manchester City?

As highlighted by his two loan spells last season, Silva is more than capable in front of goal, having netted a total of 16 goals while representing both Anderlecht and PSV in the 2022/23 campaign.

Lauded as “intelligent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 21-year-old talent has been praised by Mango for his “terrific” movement in the final third, an element of his style that could wound City if the chances arise.

If there’s anyone that can create space and chances for Silva to attempt to latch upon, it’s Cunha, who ranks in the top 3% of forwards in Europe's top-five leagues over the past year in terms of his rate of successful take-ons.

As per FBref, the Brazilian averages 2.50 successful take-ons per 90, highlighting where an attack may develop for the likes of the £80k-per-week Portuguese who could show his worth if paired once more next to the former Atletico Madrid whiz.

It’ll be a difficult occasion for the hosts, as it seems most games are this season after the squad took such a significant blow in the summer, however football is unpredictable, and Silva may just be the man to make the difference this afternoon.

The International break couldn’t have come at a better time for Heart of Midlothian, with a strong start to the season slowly being outdone by recent results.

Steven Naismith saw his team secure four points from six after two Premiership games while claiming a memorable aggregate victory over Rosenborg in the Europa Conference League third qualifying round, and it looked as though bright times were just around the corner for the Jambos.

Since then, however, the Gorgie outfit have scored just once in four games, suffering four consecutive defeats in the process and crashing out of Europe following a heavy defeat to Greek side PAOK.

Having made seven new signings during the summer transfer window, luring players such as Alex Lowry, Frankie Kent, and Calem Nieuwenhof to Tynecastle, it was certainly a productive window for the club.

The players will soon need to start showing their worth before too long, however, with Naismith have perhaps left to regret not making another signing which would have transformed their attacking options.

Did Hearts nearly sign Jamie McGrath this summer?

During the embryonic stages of the transfer window, Hearts were slow in doing business, being linked with numerous names but not acting upon their initial interest.

One such name was that of Jamie McGrath, the Irish attacking midfielder. According to The Daily Record, Naismith was looking at bringing the player back north of the border from English side Wigan Athletic and considering he had just a year left on his current contract at the time, it looked as though a knockdown offer could have been launched to secure his signature.

The player had made the move to Wigan in January 2022 from Premiership side St Mirren for a fee in the region of £150k, yet made just four appearances in all competitions.

Why did Hearts not sign Jamie McGrath?

Despite being linked with the Irish international for a few weeks, he terminated his contract with Wigan due to issues with the previous ownership, meaning he was available on a free transfer.

This should have given Naismith even further incentive to make a swoop for the midfielder, knowing that he wouldn’t cost the club a penny in transfer fees, yet they acted too slowly, and it was another Scottish side who beat them to his signature.

Aberdeen began to show interest, eventually snapping him up just a week before the end of the transfer window, and it looks like they have secured themselves a wonderful bargain, and a player Hearts will soon regret having missed out on in the coming months.

How good is Jamie McGrath?

Having shone in Ireland with numerous clubs, the 5 foot 9 dynamo signed for the Paisley outfit in 2020 and emerged as one of their finest players over the next two years.

Across just 79 games, he scored 20 times and grabbed seven assists and this type of form clearly impressed Wigan, as the aforementioned £150k fee proved to be too much for the Scottish side to turn down.

Journalist Josh Bunting lavished the midfielder upon moving to England, saying: “Jamie McGrath is a sensational signing for Wigan Athletic, think that’s one of the best signings of the window , really liked him whilst he was at Dundalk, good on the ball, aggressive and direct and has a very good shot, he’ll score from belters at the DW I’m sure of that.”

Jamie McGrath positions played (All seasons)	Games	Goals	Assists
Attacking midfield	72	14	8
Central midfield	44	12	4
Right-winger	42	2	4
Second striker	41	4	10
Left-winger	33	4	2
Centre forward	21	5	0

Stats via Transfermarkt

An unproductive six-month stint followed, and he joined Dundee United last summer for a season-long loan, with it proving to be an instrumental signing as the player carried on where he left off following his previous spell in Scotland.

Over 37 matches, he scored nine goals and registered three assists, although it couldn’t prevent the Arabs from suffering from relegation and Bunting heaped more praise on the attacking midfielder upon his arrival.

He said: “There’s going to be pressure on Dundee United to perform this season,I really like their squad and I think Jamie McGrath is a quality addition back into the league. He’s been backed heavily Jack Ross can’t say he wasn’t. McGrath is excellent at getting on the ball and carrying it.”

The eight-cap gem eventually finished the season ranked as United’s best performer according to overall Sofascore rating (7.08), while topping the pile for big chances created (five), key passes per game (1.6) and ranking second for successful dribbles per game (0.9), showcasing his vast attacking talents north of the border.

It was a stunning individual season, and it is further evidence that Hearts have missed out on a player who could have easily added ten or more goal contributions to their squad if he was deployed in the correct position.

What is Jamie McGrath doing now?

Although joining the Dons just two weeks ago, he has already played four matches for the club, two in the league and two on the continent.

Across his two league appearances, he has managed to create one big chance, while averaging one key pass per game and recovering six balls per game, suggesting he is beginning to make an impact despite being relatively new to the team.

If given a regular run in the starting XI, he could certainly register some impressive attacking statistics reminiscent to what he achieved last term for United and defences will struggle to handle him, no doubt about it.

What is Jamie McGrath’s market value?

According to Football Transfers, he is currently valued at €1.2m (£1m) and considering Aberdeen paid nothing to sign him in the first place, this could turn out to be a very profitable signing, especially as his value should continue to rise following every good performance.

Hearts have struggled for goals and an attacking spark of late while slipping to four straight defeats, could McGrath have been the answer to their attacking woes?

Judging by his previous form in Scotland, the Irishman could have offered something unique to Naismith and the Jambos as they seek to reclaim third spot in the table that the Dons snatched from them during the dying embers of the 2022/23 campaign.

In truth, it already looks like a transfer howler from Naismith and co.