Leeds United had the weekend of their dreams arguably, watching Ipswich Town's late collapse away at Cardiff City knowing that their grip on second spot in the Championship would remain secure.

That was managed also due to Daniel Farke's Whites picking up a confident three points away at a resurgent Sheffield Wednesday, Patrick Bamford and Wilfried Gnonto in on the goalscoring act in the 2-0 away day win.

Gnonto continues to shine in the first-team fold for his German boss, the Italian attacker now onto six goals for the season in the second tier off the back of his strike at Hillsborough on Friday night.

Still, although Gnonto's importance to the Leeds first team continues to rise, the 20-year-old winger finds himself on a lower wage than a reserve Whites figure who has only made two appearances this campaign for Farke's promotion hopefuls in the league and four overall.

How much Karl Darlow earns at Leeds

Playing the role of back-up goalkeeper to Illan Meslier, who continues to dazzle alongside Gnonto with 17 clean sheets next to his name, Karl Darlow is on a far heftier wage than he needs to be considering his standing in the Whites set-up.

The ex-Newcastle United shot-stopper comes in at a handsome £30k-per-week, which puts him just outside the top earners at Elland Road despite his limited first-team action.

1. Georginio Rutter

£70k per week

2. Patrick Bamford

£70k per week

3. Junior Firpo

£60k per week

4. Daniel James

£50k per week

5. Pascal Struijk

£50k per week

Darlow does come in at £20k shy of the likes of Daniel James and Pascal Struijk, but with the 33-year-old keeper only making two appearances all season long for Farke's men in the Championship, the time could come soon when the need to ditch the 6 foot 3 fringe figure becomes strong.

This also puts Darlow on a wage that's £10k more than Gnonto at £20k per week, alongside earning double that of Crysencio Summerville who has been devastating down the left flank this season alongside his Italian teammate.

It's not as if the ex-Magpies man has shone when called into action this season either, the £400k signing struggling in the Leeds spotlight when he's been needed on occasion to step up and perform.

Karl Darlow's season at Leeds

Darlow was thrown into the firing line away at Preston North End earlier this season in truth, thrust into the action at Deepdale after Meslier had been red-carded.

The stand-in option would only make one save in total from his 35 minutes on the pitch as Ryan Lowe's hosts picked up a narrow 2-1 win however, Darlow unable to inspire his ten-man side to a gritty point or win.

Darlow's only other second-tier appearance of the season was equally timid against West Bromwich Albion, the Whites number 28 making just one solitary save again with the Baggies picking up a 1-0 victory.

His insecure position in the Leeds camp is made even more shaky when you consider the heroics of Kristoffer Klaesson when Farke has relied upon his third-choice shot-stopper over Darlow, the 23-year-old picking up a clean sheet against Birmingham City at the very start of 2024.

Coming in at a more reasonable £10k-per-week wage too, the Norwegian number 13 could now be viewed as the more stable back-up for the future when contrasted with the underwhelming Darlow.

The former Newcastle man's purchase did look like a bargain at the time, considering his experience of playing Premier League football, but – in the here and now – the 33-year-old's future at Elland Road could soon be up in the air especially when you look at his extortionate pay packet.

Highly-rated Western Australia allrounder Cameron Green believes he ‘is a few good years’ from being ready for international cricket despite calls from Ricky Ponting for him to be included in Australia’s squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.Green, 20, made his second Sheffield Shield century in three matches in a thrilling win over South Australia. He also has two five-wicket hauls in just 11 first-class games and is averaging 37.71 with the bat and 21.53 with the ball, although he hasn’t bowled in the last two Shield games as a precaution after experiencing some back soreness earlier in the season. He already had a long history of back trouble and, at 200cm tall, he is being carefully managed by the medical staff.Ponting told that Green could be included in an extended squad against New Zealand, as a “left-field decision” to give the youngster a taste of the international environment without actually playing. This came days after Western Australia team-mate Marcus Stoinis said Green “could be the best allrounder Australia has had” during the match against South Australia.However, Green was very quick to play down both sets of comments and dampened the excitement around his immediate international prospects.”I did read that, [they are] incredibly nice words from Ricky,” Green said. “But I think it’s still a bit premature, to be honest. Obviously he’s got a pretty massive word in Australian cricket. But I think at the same time he said it would be a pretty left-field move, and I totally agree with that.”I think it’s still way too early to be taking those comments pretty heavily. I’ve only played a couple of games as a batsman in the WA squad. I haven’t really got those runs on the board, to be honest. I may have got a couple of good scores out of the way, but I’m definitely a good few years off I’d say.”Green, who was due to have another MRI on Tuesday, is still not bowling again and may have to wait until the BBL after experiencing back pain in the match against Queensland. He had fears of yet another stress fracture but the scans were clear.”I thought it was pretty serious,” Green said. “I’ve had three or four back injuries in the past that actually didn’t hurt while doing everything else apart from bowling. This one, my back was actually pretty sore in the field and at home so I actually thought it was going to be a lot worse but the scan actually came up absolutely clear. My back was fine. I’m not really sure what was causing the pain but I was just sore.”Green burst onto the scene in 2017 having been given a rookie contract by Western Australia while he was still at school in Perth. He took a five-wicket haul on Shield debut against Tasmania in Hobart and played twice more that summer, but further back trouble in 2017-18 meant he did not play any Shield cricket that season. He played four matches early last season but again was managed after the BBL break due to ongoing back issues.However, despite not bowling at the moment Green still wants to be a genuine allrounder. “Coming through as a junior I’ve always seen myself as a genuine allrounder,” he said. “At times for WA, I was definitely a bowling allrounder, batting nine or ten and not scoring too many runs. So I’m pretty happy I’m getting a couple of runs out the way but in the future, I’d like to be a genuine allrounder.”He has been gleaning as much advice as he can off Stoinis about the allrounder’s role. The pair shared a 122-run stand on day one against South Australia to dig WA out of a hole, but Green has paid more attention to Stoinis’ bowling. “He thinks about the game so much and every single time he gets a wicket I go up and ask did you change anything, just trying to take little hints of what he does,” Green said.Green’s batting was a major strength as a junior. He was a top-order player all through his schoolboy and underage cricket and has three first-grade centuries batting high in the top six for his WACA Premier club Subiaco-Floreat. His fast-track to Shield level came through his raw ability with the ball rather than the bat, where from 200cm he can bowl at close to 140kph and swing the ball away from the right-handers with a semi side-in action.But his run-glut this season comes as no surprise. He credits a minor technical adjustment, with a return to a more natural stance and set-up. Green is an extremely orthodox player and as a junior he batted with a traditional bat tap and late pick up, like his hero Ponting, but last season he veered away from that set up to stand still with his bat raised upon delivery which left him feeling a touch rigid.”I think it’s just getting that confidence,” Green said. “I’ve always been able to hold the stick in a way, it was just having that confidence to do it at this level. As a junior growing up it was those steps from second grade to first grade, from first grade to Futures [League], and then Futures to Shield. It’s not always your ability, it’s probably more the confidence you’ve got that you can play at that level. Probably getting two scores out of the way probably gave me that confidence.”

We are celebrating the athletes who have made the most appearances for their nation. Through their countless appearances, these sportsmen have not only shown their extraordinary talent and determination on the field, but also their incredible commitment to the French national team. These players have been defensive mainstays, midfield maestros, and prolific attackers for Les Bleus in a variety of competitions, such as the World Cup and the European Championship.

You know it’s a special list when Kylian Mbappe and Raphael Varane sit just outside the top 10.

All information correct as of 15th May 2025.

France’s men’s most-capped internationals

Rank

Player

Period

Caps

1

Hugo Lloris

2008-2022

145

2

Lilian Thuram

1994-2008

142

=3

Olivier Giroud

2011-2024

137

=3

Antoine Griezmann

2014-2024

137

5

Thierry Henry

1997-2010

123

6

Marcel Desailly

1993-2004

116

7

Zinedine Zidane

1994-2006

108

8

Patrick Vieira

1997-2009

107

9

Didier Deschamps

1989-2000

103

=10

Karim Benzema

2007-2022

97

=10

Laurent Blanc

1989-2000

97

=10

Bixente Lizarazu

1992-2004

97

13

Raphael Varane

2013-2022

93

14

Sylvain Wiltord

1999-2006

92

15

Paul Pogba

2013-2022

91

16

Kylian Mbappe

2017-present

88

17

Fabien Barthez

1994-2006

87

=18

Blaise Matuidi

2010-2019

84

=18

William Gallas

2002-2010

84

=20

Youri Djorkaeff

1993-2002

82

=20

Manuel Amoros

1982-1992

82

Here is a detailed look at France’s top 10 most-capped players…

10 Karim Benzema 97 caps

One of France’s most recent superstars on this list, Karim Benzema, had a legendary career with Les Bleus, distinguished by his brutal goalscoring ability. The striker appeared 97 times on the international stage for the French national team and scored 37 goals.

During his time with the national squad, he participated in important competitions, including multiple European Championships and the FIFA World Cup in 2014. He wasn’t a part of the team that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but he was able to win the UEFA Nations League in 2021 and picked up the French Football Federation’s French Player of the Year award four times.

His biggest achievement was winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022.

9 Didier Deschamps 103 caps

Celebrated for his perseverance and leadership, Didier Deschamps had a distinguished career as a midfield player before making a successful move into management.

In his playing career, Deschamps amassed 103 caps for the French national team, and was at the pinnacle of his international career as he led France to a World Cup triumph in 1998, an achievement that cemented his reputation as a national hero. His impact on the field and capacity to motivate everyone around him were further evidenced by his crucial part in France’s success at Euro 2000 two years later.

8 Patrick Vieira 107 caps

One of France’s greatest-ever football players, Patrick Vieira had a commanding presence in the midfield and was renowned for his remarkable fusion of physicality, skill, and leadership. The Frenchman played a major part in some of the most prosperous years in French football history, earning 107 caps for the national team.

He achieved many things on the international stage, including winning the 1998 World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000 and the Confederations Cup in 2001. Vieira’s contributions persisted, solidifying his reputation as a pivotal member of the greatest French football generation. On a personal level, he won the French Federation’s French Football Player of the Year award in 2001.

7 Zinedine Zidane 108 caps

Known as one of the greatest football players of all time, Zinedine Zidane left behind an incredible career with the French national team filled with memorable moments and incredible accomplishments. Over his international career, he scored 31 goals and received 108 caps.

Zidane’s greatest accomplishment was during the 1998 World Cup, when he helped France win the tournament for the first time with two headed goals against Brazil in the final on home soil.

The midfielder also had an impact that went beyond the World Cup, since he was key in France taking home the Euro 2000 trophy, enhancing their standing as the world’s top nation. However, one of his most infamous moments came in the 2006 World Cup final, when he decided to plant his notorious headbutt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi.

On a personal note, he won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998, 2000 and 2003, the Ballon d’Or in 1998 and the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2006.

6 Marcel Desailly 116 caps

Marcel Desailly is one of the most decorated players in French football history. He was a strong force in both midfield and defence, which saw him feature for the French national team 116 times.

Desailly’s accomplishments with Les Bleus include the World Cup 1998 title, which France won on home soil in large part thanks to his performances at the back. He continued to demonstrate his ability to consistently compete at the top level by helping France triumph once more at Euro 2000, while he also collected two FIFA Confederations Cup winners’ medals.

5 Thierry Henry 123 caps

Thierry Henry is one of the most cherished football players in French history, known for his extraordinary speed, technical proficiency and goalscoring ability. With 51 goals in 123 appearances, Henry became the all-time top scorer for the French national team, but has since been taken over by Olivier Giroud.

As with many of his teammates, Henry’s notable accomplishments throughout his international career included winning the World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000, plus the Confederations Cup in 2003. His role in helping France win the World Cup at home and his achievements during the Euro 2000 campaign were crucial, having won one of his five French Player of the Year awards in 2000.

4 Antoine Griezmann 137 caps

Antoine Griezmann is renowned for his adaptability, trickery, and remarkable skill set. Griezmann earned 137 caps for the French national team, scoring 44 goals and notching 38 assists.

His performances in important international competitions have demonstrated his versatility as a player, which has made him a priceless asset to Les Bleus. Griezmann finished as the tournament’s top scorer in UEFA Euro 2016 with six goals. And his exploits continued at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when he contributed goals and assists, including a vital goal from the penalty spot in the final as France beat Croatia.

3 Olivier Giroud 137 caps

Olivier Giroud’s exceptional combination of skill, physicality and off-the-ball movement has allowed him to carve out a significant place in the history of French football. With a whopping 131 caps for his country, Giroud is Les Bleus’ all-time top scorer with 57 to his name, after overtaking Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 during the 2022 World Cup.

The striker’s tenure with Les Bleus is replete with noteworthy accomplishments, such as winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia, plus securing a runners-up medal on home soil at UEFA Euro 2016. More recently, the striker scored three goals as France won the UEFA Nations League in 2021.

2 Lilian Thuram 142 caps

One of the greatest defenders in French football history, Lilian Thuram is a footballing icon. Thuram previously held the record for most caps in Les Bleus history with 142, but has since been overtaken.

His efforts were crucial to France’s victories at Euro 2000 and the 1998 World Cup, which launched a golden age of French football. Thuram, recognised more for his defensive skills, had a spectacular moment during the 1998 World Cup semi-final against Croatia, where he scored both goals in a 2-1 comeback win.

However, this wasn’t all, as he was another one of the players involved in the 2003 Confederations Cup triumph, while he picked up the French Player of the Year award in 1997.

1 Hugo Lloris 145 caps

Hugo Lloris was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation and a vital member of the French national team. He is praised for his outstanding leadership qualities and goalkeeping abilities.

Retiring from international duty in 2022, Lloris sits at the top of tree in terms of appearances for France, having reached the incredible tally of 145.

Among Lloris’ greatest moments with Les Bleus is his important involvement in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup victory in Russia, when his outstanding saves and composure under pressure were essential to their victory.

He also assisted in guiding France to the Euro 2016 final and the 2022 World Cup final, despite coming away empty-handed on both occasions. However, he did secure a second piece of international silverware as France won the UEFA Nations League in 2021.

Amad Diallo insists he is ready to "step up" for Manchester United this season after scoring in a pre-season friendly against Real Betis.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• United won 3-2 against Real Betis
• Amad scored and won a penalty
• Hopes to make an impression this season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amad scored as United beat Betis 3-2, and also won a penalty in what was a vivid, energetic performance, adding to his excellent display in a previous friendly against Rangers. He insists he is ready to "step up" this term under Erik ten Hag. He spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Sunderland but last season he was limited to just 12 first-team appearances at Old Trafford.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amad is now 22 and his contract expires in 2025, meaning that he will have to convince the Red Devils of his quality if he intends to stay at Old Trafford. Having made an impression in pre-season, he cannot wait for the new campaign to start.

• WHAT AMAD SAID

  Amad told United's website: "I feel very good. I think we were ready for the game and as I said yesterday [at the pre-match press conference], I feel like everybody in training was focused and today I saw that my team-mates were focused. We are happy for the win. For me it is important for me to fight for the team and to help the team. I do my job on the pitch and I am happy for that."

  He added: "I am happy with [my] goal, but most importantly I am happy for the win. I want to step up this season because I am so motivated and I am so excited. I can't wait for the season to start."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United face Liverpool in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday before taking on Manchester City in the Community Shield. Their first Premier League game comes against Fulham.

Liverpool welcome Sparta Prague to Anfield on Thursday night in the second leg of their Europa League tie, and Jurgen Klopp will have the luxury of issuing heavy rotation after winning 5-1 in the Czech Republic last week.

It's the perfect scenario for a team chasing silverware across three fronts, bruised after a gruelling and impressive draw against Manchester City last Sunday and preparing for an FA Cup quarter-finals clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford at the weekend.

With the hosts in such a strong position against Sparta Prague, Klopp is bound to make a wealth of changes to his team and hand some of his more youthful players another chance to impress.

The Reds yield a bloated injury list consisting of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Joel Matip, with Ibrahima Konate also unlikely to be risked after missing out at the weekend.

Klopp might make as many as six changes to the side that dazzled against Manchester City, though the inserted stars have proved already their faculty for success under the Anfield lights.

1

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

With Alisson still on the sidelines, Caoimhin Kelleher is likely to make his 21st appearance of the season, having been utterly sensational between the sticks across recent weeks.

The shot-stopping extraordinaire has been hailed for his "world-class" efforts by his captain, Virgil van Dijk, and will be a commanding presence on Thursday evening.

2

RB – Joe Gomez

James Milner might have left Liverpool last summer but his spirit lives on through Joe Gomez, with the 26-year-old proving himself and then some with some dynamic displays across the backline this season.

Conor Bradley may well be rested before Sunday's trip to Manchester and Gomez, in his natural position, has the experience and wits to cause plenty of problems for the visitors.

3

CB – Jarell Quansah

This time last year Jarell Quansah was plying his trade with Bristol Rovers in League One but he was clocked for his high-class potential and he hasn't looked out of place in the Liverpool first-team.

Sure, he could do with a bit of polish here, a spot of shine there, but the 6 foot 5 titan is at the maiden phase of his career and the pointers suggest it's going to be a good one.

4

CB – Virgil van Dijk

A lack of options means that Van Dijk may well be called upon to start against Liverpool's Czech opposition, but the Netherlands colossus is unlikely to play the full 90.

What a display against Manchester City last time out, by the way, marshalling Erling Haaland in expert fashion.

5

LB – Kostas Tsimikas

Kostas Tsimikas is likely to be handed a starting berth ahead of Andy Robertson for this one, with the left-back starting just one match across all competitions since returning from a broken collarbone injury in February.

6

DM – James McConnell

One of Liverpool's most underrated up-and-coming stars. James McConnell is a fantastic player and was instrumental last month when introduced against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.

With Wataru Endo probably in need of a rest after a prodigious battle with Kevin De Bruyne in the engine room last weekend, 19-year-old McConnell may well be called upon to anchor the home side's midfield.

7

CM – Harvey Elliott

Harvey Elliott has started six games in a row and that isn't going to stop in midweek, with the dynamic midfielder shifting back into the centre of the park after compensating for Mohamed Salah at right wing against the Premier League champions.

As per FBref, the £40k-per-week ace ranks among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive passes, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 19% for blocks per 90.

Elliott is certainly not perfect but, lest we forget, he's still only 20 and is making remarkable gains.

8

CM – Bobby Clark

What a talent Bobby Clark is. The teenage midfielder is elegant, energetic and effective, fashioned into a multi-functional No. 8 at Liverpool after spending his early years on the left wing.

With Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister likely to start from the bench, the Tyneside-born player should receive his first European start.

9

RW – Kaide Gordon

Salah might start, but what's the point? Against Brentford, the Egyptian aggravated the injury that he had picked up with Egypt in January and has only featured after the break across Liverpool's past two fixtures.

It's the perfect opportunity for Kaide Gordon to earn an opportunity, with the youngster battling injury throughout most of his promising formative years but featuring three times over the past few months, notably earning a start against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League group phase.

10

LW – Lewis Koumas

Sure, it took a deflection, but 18-year-old Lewis Koumas' debut goal against Southampton in the FA Cup spoke of his natural prowess in the final third and he might just get the nod under the European lights

Luis Diaz deserves a rest after his workhorse-like performance against Pep Guardiola's side, succeeding with four of his six attempted dribbles, and Klopp is able to do so given the healthy four-goal advantage.

حقق بايرن ميونخ انتصارًا هامًا للغاية وصعب على نظيره بنفيكا، ضمن الجولة الرابعة من مرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2024-2025.

بايرن ميونخ الذي خسر آخر مباراتين، لم يكن أمامه سوى الفوز أمام بنفيكا، بملعب اليانز أرينا بمدينة ميونخ الألمانية.

تأخرت صافرة البداية للمباراة ربع ساعة بسبب ازدحام أثناء دخول الجماهير للملعب، وتأخر الهدف أيضًا.

انتهى الشوط الأول، بالتعادل السلبي، وسط محاولات من زملاء دي ماريا، ونجوم بايرن ميونخ بقيادة هاري كين.

طالع أيضًا | نقطة الجزاء حسمت الأمر.. فيديو | إنتر يلحق بـ آرسنال الهزيمة الأولى في دوري أبطال أوروبا

الدقيقة 68 كانت النقطة المضيئة، عندما سجل النجم جمال موسيالا هدف بايرن ميونخ الوحيد في المباراة، عندما أرسل ليروي ساني عرضية مهدها هاري كين بالرأس، ووجدت جمال الذي لم يتهاون في اسكان الكرة بشباك صقور لشبونة.

بهذه النتيجة يرفع بايرن ميونخ رصيده إلى 6 نقاط في المركز السابع عشر، بينما بنفيكا يتوقف رصيده عند ست نقاط أيضًا في المركز التاسع عشر.

ولإطار نفس الجولة، تمكن فريق أتالانتا من تحقيق انتصار هام للغاية على نظيره شتوتجارت على ملعب الأخير، بثنائية نظيفة.

سجل أديمولا لوكمان الهدف الأول في الدقيقة 51 بعد عرضية دي كيتلاري، قبل أن يعزز النتيجة بالهدف الثاني عن طريق نيكولو زانيولو في الدقيقة 88 من خطأ فادح لدفاع الفريق الألماني.

بهذه النتيجة يصبح رصيد أتالانتا 8 نقاط في المركز التاسع، بينما شتوتجارت في المركز 27 برصيد 4 نقاط. هدف فوز بايرن ميونخ أمام بنفيكا في دوري أبطال أوروبا

MatériaMais Notícias

Deyverson retornou à Academia de Futebol neste sábado (5) para realizar testes físicos e o restante das avaliações antes de ser integrado aos treinos. Retornando de empréstimo, o atacante ainda não fica à disposição de Abel Ferreira, que já assumiu que pretende utilizar o atleta.

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O contrato do jogador com seu antigo clube, o Alavés-ESP, terminaria apenas no final de junho, mas o atleta se despediu ainda em maio, no dia 21. Três dias depois, no dia 24 de maio, o Palmeiras o registrou no BID (Boletim Informativo Diário).

Essa semana, depois do jogo de ida da Copa do Brasil diante do CRB, o técnico palmeirense falou sobre a volta dele e como o elenco está em relação a isso.

-Sempre fui verdadeiro com a direção. Sabemos do contexto da pandemia e, neste momento, temos que fazer contenção. Parte financeira acima da parte esportiva. Ele vem nessa linha. Já foi muito feliz aqui. Tenho certeza que o grupo vai receber bem – disse.

Na última sexta-feira (4), Deyverson passou por uma bateria de exames, clínicos e físicos, no hospital Sírio-Libanês, em São Paulo. No dia seguinte, ele foi, pela primeira vez nessa segunda passagem, para a Academia de Futebol, onde realizou mais algumas atividades, mas sem entrar em campo para treinar com os companheiros.

Como está regularizado no BID, o atleta já pode estrear pelo Campeonato Brasileiro – na Copa do Brasil e na Libertadores, o Palmeiras pode inscrevê-lo nas oitavas de final. Na primeira passagem pelo elenco alviverde, fez 104 jogos, marcando 25 gols.

continua após a publicidade

As the summer transfer window approaches, Rangers will be perfectly placed to land some crucial reinforcements if they complete their sensational title comeback to beat Celtic to the Scottish Premiership this season.

Rangers transfer news

Despite their potential position as champions, however, the Gers are set to suffer several exits at the end of the season. As things stand, Rangers are set to lose Borna Barisic, John Lundstram, Leon Balogun, Kemar Roofe, Ryan Jack and Jon McLaughlin in free deals this summer as their contracts come to an end.

Rangers could move on from Wright by swooping for "incredible" 5 ft 11 gem

Rangers appear to be starting to look at potential signings ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 12, 2024

Leaving holes in their squad, Rangers have reportedly turned their attention towards potential replacements for those pending departures, with the likes of Arnaud Bodart linked and permanent deals for Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes potentially on the cards in the coming months. All three deals would be a step in the right direction for Philippe Clement's side, who could be left defending the Scottish crown next season.

One loan deal they are reportedly unlikely to turn permanent this summer is Abdallah Sima's from Brighton & Hove Albion, however, with the winger's price more than what the Gers can likely afford amid interest from the Premier League. Creating the need for a replacement, the Gers have turned their attention elsewhere.

According to Christian Martin via Sport Witness, Rangers have joined the race to sign Jhon Arias from Fluminense, rivalling interest from Atletico Madrid this summer. Ibrox chiefs have reportedly been wowed by the right winger's quick feet and could now look to make him their replacement for Sima in the coming months.

At 26-years-old, there's no better time than the present for Arias to make his move, especially with the calibre of clubs interested. Given competition from Atletico Madrid, securing Champions League football is now even more crucial for Rangers this season if they want to sign Arias in a deal reportedly set to be worth around £14m.

Arias would be an instant upgrade on Wright

If Rangers miss out on Arias, then they are facing the prospect of Scott Wright stepping into Sima's role on a permanent basis next season, which would be a downgrade. Arias, meanwhile, has all the tools necessary to replace the Brighton man, whether it be his end product, pace or ability to handle tight spaces.

Appearances

14

28

Goals

5

2

Assists

2

0

So, it's certainly a deal that Rangers should be pursuing this summer as they look to kick off their first full season under Clement with a bang. The last thing those at Ibrox will want is to look back on losing Sima as a turning point in the Belgian's tenure, meaning that replacing him is crucial in the coming months.

Although it may come at the expense of Wright, the Gers must ruthlesssely replace the 26-year-old with the arrival of Arias, who has more than proved his talent during his time in Brazil with Fluminense.

England allrounder misses training in order to be by his father’s bedside

George Dobell in Johannesburg24-Dec-2019Ben Stokes’ father, Ged, has been admitted to hospital in Johannesburg after suffering from what the ECB has termed “a serious illness”.Ged, who has travelled to South Africa with other members of the Stokes family to watch Ben in action, was taken ill on Monday night. He remains in a critical condition. Ben was expected to spend Tuesday at his father’s bedside and did not attend training. A decision on his participation in the Boxing Day Test will be made in due course.England’s captain, Joe Root, said he was not sure if Stokes would be available, but had words of support for the allrounder.”All I want to do is stress the importance of respecting the privacy of Ben and his family,” Root said. “All the players and the squad want to throw our support behind him. It’s crucial that comes first. We’ve got extra people out here and we feel like we’ve got a good squad to put out a competitive team.”Ged, a former New Zealand rugby league player, is in his early 60s and lives in Christchurch. He is a regular and popular figure at matches involving Ben and, on the face of things, appeared to be in robust good health.Chris Woakes, meanwhile, has become the latest England player to come down with sickness, and did not train on Tuesday. England’s preparations have been disrupted by a bug that prevented Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach from taking part in the warm-ups.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Arsenal and their transfer plans as the next window slowly nears.

Edu laying groundwork for summer as Arteta chases historic title

Sporting director Edu is laying the groundwork for what will be an interesting summer at the Emirates Stadium, while on the field, manager Mikel Arteta attempts to guide Arsenal to a first Premier League title in 20 years.

Related £86 million star now decides he wants to join Arteta at Arsenal

The Gunners are equally fond of him.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2024

The Gunners have burst into 2024 in really fine form, scoring 38 goals over their last 11 top flight matches. Arsenal are currently top of the table on goal difference, dealing a real worry to both Man City and Liverpool, who've dominated English football for the last half a decade.

While Arsenal's attacking imperiousness has been noteworthy, it does remain the case that they're looking to bring in a world-class new number nine ahead of a potential title defence in 2024/2025.

Arsenal's top scorers in the league this season

Goals

Bukayo Saka

14

Kai Havertz

9

Leandro Trossard

8

Martin Odegaard

7

Declan Rice

6

Romano, writing in a Dailybriefing column this week, claims the club are set to sign an "important" striker this summer and backs reports that they hold a firm interest in Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres among others.

"Arsenal will sign an important striker this summer, and one of the names on their list is Viktor Gyokeres," said Romano on Arsenal's transfer plans.

"They’ve been following the Sporting Lisbon striker during this remarkable season, but they’re not the only ones. Gyokeres is appreciated by Arsenal, but they still have to decide what they’re going to do, and remember that the Swedish striker has a €100m release clause, with Sporting insisting that they want something very close to this fee, not something like €50 or €60m as reported by some media outlets.

"Let’s see what happens with Arsenal, but they could have other options too, so it’s not something that’s going to be decided now."

The likes of Ivan Toney, who is being widely tipped to leave Brentford with just one year left on his contract, also continue to be linked with a move to Hale End.

Romano says Arsenal think Alexander Isak is ideal for Arteta

Writing in another Dailybriefing this week, Romano has shared an update on their interest in £120,000-per-week Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.

Indeed, it is believed Arsenal think Isak could be ideal for Arteta's system, and they've apparently been watching him since his Real Sociedad days.

“Alexander Isak is another Newcastle player attracting interest, and Arsenal have always appreciated him, even when he was at Real Sociedad," wrote Romano.

"They’ve been scouting him for a while and he’s considered a really talented striker, and with the style they have I think he’s appreciated as a good fit for that style."