Manchester City are now reportedly one of the two most interested clubs in signing a key defensive reinforcement for Pep Guardiola worth over £40m.

Man City interested in key defensive addition

This time last year, Man City were gearing up for a frantic January transfer window. The Citizens were struggling more than ever before under Guardiola, who was on the worst run of his career himself.

One year later, things are little less concerning. The serial winners still have problems to address, but they still very much find themselves in a Premier League title race.

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Before they can even think about leapfrogging Arsenal, however, Man City must improve defensively. Close collapses against Leeds United and Fulham were worrying warning signs and the January transfer window represents the chance for Guardiola to add key reinforcements.

He told reporters when asked about his side’s defensive frailties as of late: “I don’t like to concede six goals in two games, but we have to build from that. We have to fix these kind of things. I believe we can do better. We create chances and score goals because we have built a team for that, but we have to be more solid.”

So, who could Man City sign in 2026? As things stand, the biggest names on their radar seem to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown.

Guehi would be a particularly impressive signing, given how Liverpool remain so closely linked with his signature. If he’s available as a free agent next summer, City should jump at the chance to welcome the England international.

Meanwhile, Brown would also be an impressive addition. The left-back reportedly has plenty of fans at the Etihad and has emerged as an early target to help Guardiola solve his current defensive leak.

Man City battling Arsenal to sign Brown

According to Caught Offside, Man City are now the most interested club to sign Brown alongside title rivals Arsenal. The two Premier League sides are seemingly leading the chasing pack to sign the impressive Frankfurt man, who is set to cost around €50m (£44m) when 2026 arrives.

It’s easy to see why Man City are one of the top contenders to sign Brown next year, especially as Guardiola transitions back towards flying full-backs.

The German was described as exactly that by Ben Mattinson last season, with the Como scout also calling the Frankfurt man “pacy”.

Man City rarely miss out in the transfer market and even as Arsenal rise to the top of the Premier League, they should feel confident that they can lure Brown to Manchester in 2026.

Man City now expected to sign "unbelievable" PL star who nearly joined Liverpool

Chelsea are now leading the race to sign a “superstar” Premier League player, who wants to leave his current club.

Blues back on track after Everton victory

The Blues brought a four-game winless run across all competitions to an end on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of a 2-0 victory against Everton at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto securing all three points.

Enzo Maresca will no doubt be buoyed by Palmer’s return to form, with the Englishman spending the majority of the campaign on the sidelines due to a groin injury, before breaking his toe, although he is yet to fully recover.

Maresca certainly isn’t lacking options top-quality options in midfield, with Palmer featuring in an advanced role against Everton, ahead of Enzo Fernandez and Reece James at the base of midfield, while Moises Caicedo is still yet to return from a suspension.

However, signing another new midfielder is on the agenda, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Chelsea are now leading the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo, who wants to leave Manchester United, amid a lack of game time.

A whole host of clubs are in the race for Mainoo, with the Blues now in pole position, alongside Bayern Munich, although Napoli’s interest could pose a problem.

The midfielder, who Frank Lampard is a “massive fan” of, is keen to receive consistent minutes wherever he ends up next, which means a move to the Italian club is attractive, especially given the way Scott McTominay’s career has panned out since moving to the Serie A.

"Superstar" Mainoo could be exciting signing for Chelsea

Nicky Butt has made it clear he doesn’t want United to offload the youngster, saying: “If Mainoo was playing for another Premier League club, United go and buy him for £70m or £80m,”

“Now we’re going to sell him and he’ll be a superstar elsewhere like McTominay, Elanga, Henderson – we can mention loads of them.”

However, it would be understandable if the 20-year-old were to push for a move next month, given just how sparsely he has featured this season, with the starlet still yet to start a game in the Premier League.

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When the Englishman, who is represented by the same agent as Liam Delap, has been given the opportunity, he has often impressed, particularly catching the eye with his dribbling and tackling over the past year, when compared to other midfielders.

Kobbie Mainoo’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Successful take-ons

1.13 (90th percentile)

Progressive carries

1.91 (82nd percentile)

Tackles

2.77 (87th percentile)

Non-penalty goals

0.14 (79th percentile)

That said, Mainoo may find game time hard to come by at Chelsea too, considering Maresca already has Fernandez and Caicedo at his disposal, so a move to Stamford Bridge may not be ideal.

Australian has extensive experience playing in UK and joins after successful summer with Somerset

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Dec-2025

Amanda-Jade Wellington turned out for Somerset in 2025•Andrew Miller

Hampshire have recruited Australia allrounder Amanda-Jade Wellington as one of their overseas players for the 2026 season.Wellington, 28, has previous experience of playing at the Utilita Bowl with Southern Brave in the Hundred – she is the second-highest wicket-taker across five seasons of the competition – and joins after a successful campaign with Somerset in the inaugural women’s Tier 1 season earlier this year.”I’m really excited to join Hampshire for the upcoming season,” Wellington said. “I had a great time at Utilita Bowl in my two years at Southern Brave and I look forward to catching up with familiar faces and making new memories which will hopefully result in trophies come end the end of the summer.”Related

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An attacking legspinner and capable batter, Wellington has played 23 times for Australia across all formats, but not since 2022. She is expected to be available throughout the summer for Hampshire.Regional director of women’s cricket, Adam Carty, said: “We’re really pleased to secure Amanda-Jade for the whole of next season. She’s a friend of the club and a vastly experienced cricketer, who boasts a fine record with bat and ball in England having featured effectively in the Hundred and in Tier 1.”We look forward to welcoming her back to Utilita Bowl in 2026.”

افتتح منتخب مصر الثاني مشواره في بطولة كأس العرب 2025، بالتعادل مع الكويت، بهدف لكل فريق، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم، الثلاثاء.

وأقيمت مباراة مصر والكويت، على أرضية استاد لوسيل ضمن لقاءات الجولة الأولى من المجموعة الثالثة بـ كأس العرب.

ويشارك المنتخب المصري إلى جانب الكويت في المجموعة، مع الإمارات والأردن، ضمن النسخة التي تحتضنها قطر في الفترة من 1 إلى 18 ديسمبر.

طالع|فيديو | فهد الهاجري يسجل هدف الكويت الأول أمام مصر في كأس العرب

وأهدر عمرو السولية ضربة جزاء لصالح منتخب مصر في الدقيقة 38 بعدما صوب الكرة بشكل سيء على يمين المرمى.

وجاء هدف الكويت، عن طريق فهد الهاجري، في الدقيقة 65، بعد عرضية متقنة بعد تنفيذ الركلة الركنية حولها فهد الهاجري رأسية قوية على يسار الحارس محمد بسام داخل المرمى.

وشهدت الدقيقة 83 طرد حارس مرمى الكويت سعود الهوشان بعد تدخل بالقدم على مروان حمدي ليتسبب بركلة جزاء ثانية لمنتخب مصر في اللقاء، وسجل من خلالها محمد مجدي أفشة هدف التعادل في الدقيقة 88.

وحصد منتخبا مصر والكويت أول نقطة في المجموعة، في انتظار مباراة الأردن والإمارات في نفس المجموعة، ببطولة كأس العرب.  أهداف مباراة مصر والكويت اليوم في كأس العرب

 

Virat Kohli feels his “whole game is coming together nicely” and is batting at a level he hasn’t in the last two-three years. Kohli stayed unbeaten on 65 in the ODI series decider against South Africa, which India sealed by a comfortable nine wickets with more than 10 overs to spare in a chase of 271.Kohli’s half-century came after he struck back-to-back centuries in the first two ODIs to finish the series with a tally of 302 and a staggering average of 151. Kohli now has four straight 50-plus scores after he had bagged two consecutive ducks in the ODIs in Australia, which was his first series since the IPL finished in June.”Honestly, just playing the way I have in this series has been the most satisfying thing for me,” Kohli said at the presentation. “I don’t think I’ve played at this level for a good two-three years now and I feel really free in my mind and just the whole game is coming together nicely, [it’s] very exciting to build on. And something that I’ve always tried to do as a player, maintain my own standards that I’ve set for myself and play at the level that I can make an impact for the team. I know when I can bat like that out there in the middle, then it of course helps the team in a big way because I can bat long, I can bat according to the situation and just being confident makes me feel like any situation out there in the middle, I have what it takes to handle that situation and bring it in favour of the team.”Related

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Kohli took home the Player-of-the-Series award for a record 22nd time in international cricket, and 12th in ODIs. He also smashed a record 12 sixes in the three games, easily his personal best in any ODI series, including World Cups. His series strike rate of 117.05 was also his best in an ODI series since January 2023.”Well, you know, when I play freely then I know I can hit sixes,” he said. “So I just wanted to have some fun because I was batting well, just take a bit more risk, just push my own boundaries and see where I go. There’s always levels you can unlock and you just need to take a risk.”Kohli further said that since he has been around for more than 15 years in international cricket, he has gone through “many phases where you doubt your ability” because as a batter it comes down to making one mistake. It is, he said, “a whole journey of learning”.”You tend to go into a space where you feel like maybe I’m not good enough, the nerves take over and that’s the beauty of sport, especially a skill like batting where you have to keep overcoming that fear every ball that you play and eventually play long innings and get into a zone again where you can start playing confidently. It’s a whole journey of learning and getting to know yourself better and becoming better as a person along the whole way. I can surely vouch for the fact that being a batsman and realising so much about myself, what kind of negative thinking patterns I have, where I can get into a zone where I don’t feel confident or when I’m feeling like myself, what are those small little details, it just improves you as a person in general and your whole temperament becomes much better and balanced over so many years. So, yes, I’ve had many phases where I’ve doubted myself and I haven’t been shy to admit that.”

MatériaMais Notícias

A FPF (Federação Paulista de Futebol) detalhou, neste sábado (13), a tabela da fase de grupos da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (Copinha) 2026, principal torneio de base do futebol brasileiro.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasJoias da base: FPF apresenta caminho do Palmeiras na CopinhaPalmeiras13/12/2025

+ Melhores momentos: zagueiros decidem, Flamengo vence o Pyramids e enfrenta o PSG na final do Mundial

Ao todo, 128 equipes foram divididas em 32 grupos de quatro times, espalhados por todo o estado. Os jogos começam no dia 2 de janeiro, e a grande decisão está marcada para o dia 25, data do aniversário de São Paulo, no Pacaembu.

O Corinthians segue como o maior vencedor da competição, com 11 títulos conquistados. O último clube a levantar a taça, por sua vez, foi o São Paulo, que venceu justamente o alvinegro na decisão, por 3 a 2.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Confira os grupos da Copinha

Grupo 1
Santa Fé-SP x Alagoinhas-BA – 3 de janeiro, 13h
Chapecoense x Volta Redonda – 3 de janeiro, 15h15
Santa Fé-SP x Volta Redonda – 6 de janeiro, 13h
Alagoinhas-BA x Chapecoense – 6 de janeiro, 15h15
Volta Redonda x Alagoinhas-BA – 9 de janeiro, 13h
Santa Fé-SP x Chapecoense – 9 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Santa Fé do Sul

Gupo 2
Votuporanguense x Galvez-AC – 2 de janeiro, 15h45
Grêmio x Falcon-SE – 2 de janeiro, 18h
Galvez-AC x Grêmio – 5 de janeiro, 16h
Votuporanguense x Falcon-SE – 5 de janeiro, 18h15
Falcon-SE x Galvez-AC – 8 de janeiro, 19h15
Votuporanguense x Grêmio – 8 de janeiro, 21h30

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Sede: Votuporanga

Grupo 3
Tanabi x Sobradinho-DF – 3 de janeiro, 13h
Goiás x América-RN – 3 de janeiro, 15h15
Tanabi x América-RN – 6 de janeiro, 13h
Sobradinho-DF x Goiás – 6 de janeiro, 15h15
América-RN x Sobradinho-DF – 9 de janeiro, 13h
Tanabi x Goiás – 9 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Tanabi

Grupo 4
Mirassol x Forte-ES – 2 de janeiro, 16h15
Sport x Linense – 2 de janeiro, 18h30
Mirassol x Linense – 5 de janeiro, 18h30
Forte-ES x Sport – 5 de janeiro, 20h45
Linense x Forte-ES – 8 de janeiro, 18h15
Mirassol x Sport – 8 de janeiro, 20h30

Sede: Bálsamo

Grupo 5
Araçatuba x Maricá-RJ – 3 de janeiro, 19h15
Athletico-PR x Oeste – 3 de janeiro, 21h30
Araçatuba x Oeste – 6 de janeiro, 18h45
Maricá-RJ x Athletico-PR – 6 de janeiro, 21h
Oeste x Maricá-RJ – 9 de janeiro, 18h45
Araçatuba x Athletico-PR – 9 de janeiro, 21h

Sede: Araçatuba

Grupo 6
Grêmio Prudente x Carajás-PA – 3 de janeiro, 17h15
Ceará x Olímpico-SE – 3 de janeiro, 19h30
Grêmio Prudente x Olímpico-SE – 6 de janeiro, 19h15
Carajás-PA x Ceará – 6 de janeiro, 21h30
Olímpico-SE x Carajás-PA – 9 de janeiro, 16h45
Grêmio Prudente x Ceará – 9 de janeiro, 19h

Sede: Presidente Prudente

Grupo 7
Assisense x Naviraiense-MS – 3 de janeiro, 18h45
Athletic-MG x Guarani – 3 de janeiro, 21h
Assisense x Guarani – 6 de janeiro, 18h45
Naviraiense-MS x Athletic-MG – 6 de janeiro, 21h
Guarani x Naviraiense-MS – 9 de janeiro, 18h45
Assisense x Athletic-MG – 9 de janeiro, 21h

Sede: Assis

Grupo 8
Corinthians x Trindade-GO – 3 de janeiro, 14h45
XV de Jaú x Luverdense – 3 de janeiro, 17h
XV de Jaú x Trindade-GO – 6 de janeiro, 17h15
Luverdense x Corinthians – 6 de janeiro, 19h30
Trindade-GO x Luverdense – 9 de janeiro, 16h
XV de Jaú x Corinthians – 9 de janeiro, 18h15

Sede: Jaú

Grupo 9
América-SP x CSA – 3 de janeiro, 8h45
Bahia x Inter de Limeira – 3 de janeiro, 11h
América-SP x Inter de Limeira – 6 de janeiro, 8h45
CSA x Bahia – 6 de janeiro, 11h
Inter de Limeira x CSA – 9 de janeiro, 8h45
América-SP x Bahia – 9 de janeiro, 11h

Sede: São José do Rio Preto

Grupo 10
Comercial x Atlético-PI – 3 de janeiro, 18h
América-MG x Noroeste – 3 de janeiro, 20h15
Comercial x Noroeste – 6 de janeiro, 18h
Atlético-PI x América-MG – 6 de janeiro, 20h15
Noroeste x Atlético-PI – 9 de janeiro, 18h
Comercial x América-MG – 9 de janeiro, 20h15

Sede: Ribeirão Preto

Grupo 11
Bandeirante-SP x Tuna Luso – 3 de janeiro, 13h
Santa Cruz x Botafogo-SP – 3 de janeiro, 15h15
Bandeirante-SP x Botafogo-SP – 6 de janeiro, 13h
Tuna Luso x Santa Cruz – 6 de janeiro, 15h15
Botafogo-SP x Tuna Luso – 9 de janeiro, 13h
Bandeirante-SP x Santa Cruz – 9 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Brodowski

Grupo 12
I9-SP x Guanabara-GO – 3 de janeiro, 17h15
Vasco x Velo Clube – 3 de janeiro, 19h30
Guanabara-GO x Vasco – 6 de janeiro, 15h
I9-SP x Velo Clube – 6 de janeiro, 17h15
Velo Clube x Guanabara-GO – 9 de janeiro, 17h15
I9-SP x Vasco – 9 de janeiro, 19h30

Sede: Cravinhos

Grupo 13
Francana x Esporte de Patos – 3 de janeiro, 19h15
Cruzeiro x Barra-SC – 3 de janeiro, 21h30
Francana x Barra-SC – 6 de janeiro, 18h15
Esporte de Patos x Cruzeiro – 6 de janeiro, 20h30
Barra-SC x Esporte de Patos – 9 de janeiro, 19h15
Francana x Cruzeiro – 9 de janeiro, 21h30

Sede: Franca

Grupo 14
Meia-Noite x Real-RR – 2 de janeiro, 8h45
Coritiba x Ponte Preta – 2 de janeiro, 11h
Meia-Noite x Ponte Preta – 5 de janeiro, 13h
Real-RR x Coritiba – 5 de janeiro, 15h15
Ponte Preta x Real-RR – 8 de janeiro, 13h
Meia-Noite x Coritiba – 8 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Patrocínio Paulista

Grupo 15
Ferroviária x Quixadá-CE – 4 de janeiro, 14h
Cuiabá x América-RJ – 4 de janeiro, 16h15
Ferroviária x América-RJ – 7 de janeiro, 14h
Quixadá-CE x Cuiabá – 7 de janeiro, 16h15
Ferroviária x Cuiabá – 10 de janeiro, 15h
América-RJ x Quixadá-CE – 10 de janeiro, 17h15

Sede: Araraquara

Grupo 16
São-Carlense x União Cacoalense-RO – 4 de janeiro, 17h15
Santos x Real Brasília-DF – 4 de janeiro, 19h30
São-Carlense x Real Brasília-DF – 7 de janeiro, 17h15
União Cacoalense-RO x Santos – 7 de janeiro, 19h30
Real Brasília-DF x União Cacoalense-RO – 10 de janeiro, 8h45
São-Carlense x Santos – 10 de janeiro, 11h

Sede: São Carlos

Grupo 17
Cosmopolitano Sports x São Luis-MA – 4 de janeiro, 13h
Figueirense x Red Bull Bragantino – 4 de janeiro, 15h15
Cosmopolitano Sports x Red Bull Bragantino – 7 de janeiro, 13h
São Luis-MA x Figueirense – 7 de janeiro, 15h15
Red Bull Bragantino x São Luis-MA – 10 de janeiro, 13h
Cosmopolitano Sports x Figueirense – 10 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Cosmópolis

Grupo 18
Comercial Tietê x Canaã-DF – 4 de janeiro, 13h
Criciúma x XV de Piracicaba – 4 de janeiro, 15h15
Comercial Tietê x XV de Piracicaba – 7 de janeiro, 13h
Canaã-DF x Criciúma – 7 de janeiro, 15h15
XV de Piracicaba x Canaã-DF – 10 de janeiro, 13h
Comercial Tietê x Criciúma – 10 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Tietê

Grupo 19
Real Soccer-SP x Independente-AP – 4 de janeiro, 8h45
São Paulo x Maruinense-SE – 4 de janeiro, 11h
Independente-AP x São Paulo – 7 de janeiro, 15h
Real Soccer-SP x Maruinense-SE – 7 de janeiro, 17h15
Maruinense-SE x Independente-AP – 10 de janeiro, 16h15
Real Soccer-SP x São Paulo – 10 de janeiro, 18h30

Sede: Sorocaba

Grupo 20
Paulínia x Operário-PR – 4 de janeiro, 13h
Vila Nova x Portuguesa – 4 de janeiro, 15h15
Paulínia x Portuguesa – 7 de janeiro, 13h
Operário-PR x Vila Nova – 7 de janeiro, 15h15
Portuguesa x Operário-PR – 10 de janeiro, 13h
Paulínia x Vila Nova – 10 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Paulínia

Grupo 21
Atlético Guaratinguetá x Nacional-AM – 4 de janeiro, 13h
Juventude x São José-SP – 4 de janeiro, 15h15
Atlético Guaratinguetá x São José-SP – 7 de janeiro, 13h
Nacional-AM x Juventude – 7 de janeiro, 15h15
São José-SP x Nacional-AM – 10 de janeiro, 13h
Atlético Guaratinguetá x Juventude – 10 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Guaratinguetá

Grupo 22
Taubaté x Estrela de Março-BA – 4 de janeiro, 8h45
Botafogo x Águia de Marabá-PA – 4 de janeiro, 11h
Taubaté x Águia de Marabá-PA – 7 de janeiro, 19h15
Estrela de Março-BA x Botafogo – 7 de janeiro, 21h30
Águia de Marabá-PA x Estrela de Março-BA – 10 de janeiro, 16h45
Taubaté x Botafogo – 10 de janeiro, 19h

Sede: Taubaté

Grupo 23
Fortaleza x Centro Olímpico-SP – 4 de janeiro, 13h
União Mogi-SP x Confiança-PB – 4 de janeiro, 15h15
União Mogi-SP x Centro Olímpico-SP – 7 de janeiro, 13h
Confiança-PB x Fortaleza – 7 de janeiro, 15h15
Centro Olímpico-SP x Confiança-PB – 10 de janeiro, 13h
União Mogi-SP x Fortaleza – 10 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Mogi das Cruzes

Grupo 24
Itaquaquecetuba x Juventude Samas-MA – 4 de janeiro, 13h
Náutico x Novorizontino – 4 de janeiro, 15h15
Itaquaquecetuba x Novorizontino – 7 de janeiro, 13h
Juventude Samas-MA x Náutico – 7 de janeiro, 15h15
Novorizontino x Juventude Samas-MA – 10 de janeiro, 13h
Itaquaquecetuba x Náutico – 10 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Itaquaquecetuba

Grupo 25
Sfera x Brasiliense – 5 de janeiro, 19h15
Fluminense x Água Santa – 5 de janeiro, 21h30
Brasiliense x Fluminense – 8 de janeiro, 16h30
Sfera x Água Santa – 8 de janeiro, 16h45
Água Santa x Brasiliense – 11 de janeiro, 8h45
Sfera x Fluminense – 11 de janeiro, 11h

Sede: Santana do Parnaíba

Grupo 26
Referência-SP x Ivinhema-MS – 4 de janeiro, 13h
Real-RS x Ituano – 4 de janeiro, 15h15
Referência-SP x Ituano – 7 de janeiro, 13h
Ivinhema-MS x Real-RS – 7 de janeiro, 15h15
Ituano x Ivinhema-MS – 10 de janeiro, 13h
Referência-SP x Real-RS – 10 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Embu das Artes

Grupo 27
Remo x Batalhão-TO – 5 de janeiro, 17h15
Palmeiras x Monte Roraima-RR – 5 de janeiro, 19h30
Monte Roraima-RR x Remo – 8 de janeiro, 17h15
Palmeiras x Batalhão-TO – 8 de janeiro, 19h30
Batalhão-TO x Monte Roraima-RR – 11 de janeiro, 8h45
Palmeiras x Remo – 11 de janeiro, 11h

Sede: Barueri

Grupo 28
Flamengo-SP x Rio Branco-ES – 3 de janeiro, 13h
Vitória x Capivariano – 3 de janeiro, 15h15
Flamengo-SP x Capivariano – 6 de janeiro, 12h45
Rio Branco-ES x Vitória – 6 de janeiro, 15h
Capivariano x Rio Branco-ES – 9 de janeiro, 13h
Flamengo-SP x Vitória – 9 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: Guarulhos

Grupo 29
Audax-SP x QFC-RN – 4 de janeiro, 19h15
Atlético-MG x União-MT – 4 de janeiro, 21h30
Audax-SP x União-MT – 7 de janeiro, 18h45
QFC-RN x Atlético-MG – 7 de janeiro, 21h
União-MT x QFC-RN – 10 de janeiro, 18h45
Audax-SP x Atlético-MG – 10 de janeiro, 21h

Sede: Osascos

Grupo 30
Ibrachina-SP x Ferroviário-CE – 4 de janeiro, 13h
Bangu x Santo André – 4 de janeiro, 15h15
Ibrachina-SP x Santo André – 7 de janeiro, 13h
Ferroviário-CE x Bangu – 7 de janeiro, 15h15
Santo André x Ferroviário-CE – 10 de janeiro, 13h
Ibrachina-SP x Bangu – 10 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: São Paulo (Ibrachina)

Grupo 31
Juventus-SP x Cascavel-PR – 3 de janeiro, 13h
Retrô-PE x São Bento – 3 de janeiro, 15h15
Juventus-SP x São Bento – 6 de janeiro, 13h
Cascavel-PR x Retrô-PE – 6 de janeiro, 15h15
São Bento x Cascavel-PR – 9 de janeiro, 13h
Juventus-SP x Retrô-PE – 9 de janeiro, 15h15

Sede: São Paulo (Juventus)

Grupo 32
Nacional x CSE-AL – 4 de janeiro, 12h45
Internacional x Portuguesa Santista – 4 de janeiro, 15h
Nacional x Portuguesa Santista – 7 de janeiro, 8h45
CSE-AL x Internacional – 7 de janeiro, 11h
Portuguesa Santista x CSE-AL – 10 de janeiro, 8h45
Nacional x Internacional – 10 de janeiro, 11h

Sede: São Paulo (Nacional)

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The Sheffield Shield match ended late on day three with Queensland players saying the twilight period was key

AAP25-Nov-20252:51

Ehantharajah: This defeat will hurt for England

Gabba curator Dave Sandurski is set to prepare a pitch for the day-night second Ashes Test that will reward both batters and bowlers, just like in the recent Sheffield Shield clash.Queensland’s Matt Renshaw and Xavier Bartlett were standout performers in the day-night pink-ball Shield game at the Gabba which they won by seven wickets on day three.Related

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While the pitch for the Test will be a different strip, both players said the Gabba had presented a surface that rewarded bat and ball.Renshaw made 114 in the first innings while Bartlett scored 72 and took 4 for 35 in the second.The fact the Shield match finished at the end of the third day means Sandurski will get more preparation time with hot weather forecast ahead of the Test that starts Thursday week.”Gaining an extra day to get it close to that 10-day [preparation] period makes life just that little bit more comfortable,” Sandurski told AAP. “All indications are there is a bit of heat around. The wicket will dry out a lot quicker so you’ve got to make sure you keep enough moisture in it to last five days.”We try and make our wickets pretty much the same for four and five-day cricket. The aim is to provide a wicket where all players get a chance to perform their skills so hopefully all facets of the game come into the match.”Sandurski said the Shield match was indicative of how good batting and bowling would pay dividends at the Gabba.The Gabba during the day-night Sheffield Shield match•Getty ImagesThe two-day Test in Perth was a reflection of how England and Australia approached their task rather than the surface. “Years ago draws were acceptable but now they are not and people play more shots and can provide more chances,” added Sandurski.Bartlett identified the middle session, played in a twilight period under lights, as the key to success. Both he and Gurinder Sandhu extracted seam and pace from the surface in that period on day three.”Just on twilight the pink ball talks a little bit more and the game goes through massive ebbs and flows,” Bartlett told AAP. “You see wickets falling in clumps. You’ve got to stay in it and make the most of that middle session.”If the Test wicket is like the one we just played on it will be a really good cricket wicket. We got a result in three days but when you bat well you get rewarded and if you bowl well it’s the same.”Renshaw said that twilight period was a challenge and when the game could change quickly.”While batting it feels like you can get a ball with your name on it at some point, but I think it will be a pretty similar wicket to what we have normally had at the Gabba,” he said. “We saw the pink-ball Test a few years ago when West Indies were touring and it swung around at times and was also nice for batting.”

Roma have officially opened negotiations with Manchester United regarding a January swoop for Joshua Zirkzee, a report in Italy claims. The Giallorossi are planning to terminate Evan Ferguson’s loan spell with the Brighton striker managing just one goal in 14 competitive appearances since joining the Serie A club in the summer.

• Talks begin with Man Utd

  The January transfer window is fast approaching, and Roma are determined to correct the mistakes of the summer. The capital club's attack has stalled in the first half of the season despite their positive results, prompting sporting director Frederic Massara to take decisive action. According to , he has established direct contact with the hierarchy at Old Trafford to discuss bringing Zirkzee back to Serie A.

  The Dutch forward, who earned a big-money move to United after a breakout season with Bologna, has found life in the Premier League difficult. Often utilised as a substitute or left on the bench entirely, Zirkzee is reportedly open to a return to Italy, where his stock remains high.

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  Roma target loan move for Dutch forward

  According to , Massara has received the green light from the Friedkin Group to pursue the deal. The sporting director is reportedly planning a "blitz" to the UK, using Roma's upcoming Europa League trip to face Celtic as a logistical springboard to finalise discussions with United.

  The negotiation will not be straightforward. United are eager to protect their investment and would prefer a permanent sale or a loan with a guaranteed obligation to buy. Roma, operating under financial fair play restrictions, are pushing for a loan with an option to buy, potentially set around the €35 million mark, which could become an obligation if certain conditions are met.

  However, the will of the player could be decisive. Zirkzee is understood to be keen on the move, and his profile is viewed as the perfect tactical fit for Gian Piero Gasperini's system. Unlike a traditional poacher, Zirkzee’s ability to drop deep, link play, and orchestrate attacks mirrors the role Gasperini has successfully used with forwards in the past at Atalanta.

• Ferguson to be sent back to Brighton

  The urgency to recruit Zirkzee is a direct consequence of the failure of Irish striker Ferguson. He arrived on loan from Brighton in the summer with high expectations, tasked with providing the goals to fire Roma into the top four. Instead, his tenure has been a nightmare.

  Ferguson has made 14 appearances across all competitions and registered a single goal – against Cremonese last month. His performances have been described by the Italian press as "ghost-like," with the striker struggling to adapt to the physicality and tactical rigours of Serie A.

  Reports suggest that the upcoming match against Como in Serie A represents a "last call" for the 21-year-old, but the decision appears to have already been taken. Roma are preparing to terminate the loan agreement in January, sending Ferguson back to Brighton early to free up the squad space and wage budget necessary to register Zirkzee. It is a harsh conclusion to what was meant to be a developmental step for the young Irishman, but Roma’s precarious league position leaves no room for sentiment.

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  Tel, Raspadori, and Silva on standby

  While Zirkzee is the undisputed "Plan A," Massara is keeping his options open should negotiations with United hit a wall.

  According to reports, Roma have identified Mathys Tel as a viable alternative. The former Bayern Munich prodigy is also struggling for game time since his summer move to Tottenham and could be available on a loan deal. The French forward offers versatility and pace, traits that appeal to the Giallorossi scouts.

  Furthermore, domestic options remain on the table. Giacomo Raspadori is a player Gasperini has admired for years, though extracting him so soon after he left Napoli to join Atletico Madrid will be no easy feat. Finally, Fabio Silva is on the shortlist as a "wildcard" option amid his struggles since making a summer transfer from Wolves to Borussia Dortmund.

Neymar delivered once more for Santos as the Brazilian icon inspired a crucial 3-0 win over Cruzeiro to secure the club’s Serie A survival. However, he admitted afterwards that his future is uncertain as he plans to undergo knee surgery. With his contract expiring in a few weeks and transfer speculation growing, the 33-year-old’s emotional post-match comments have heightened doubts over whether he will remain with his boyhood club.

Neymar helps Santos avoid relegation with 3-0 win

Santos wrapped up their season with a decisive 3-0 win over Cruzeiro, a result that ensured the club avoided relegation to Serie B. Neymar once again played a key part in the attacking structure, influencing the game as a creator this time out rather than a finisher, having scored five goals across the two matches prior. The victory capped a late surge in form that carried Santos from danger into 12th place with 47 points.

The match itself followed a clear pattern from the outset, with Santos dictating the tempo in front of an energised Vila Belmiro crowd. Thaciano struck twice in the 26th and 28th minutes, taking advantage of the momentum that Neymar and the frontline generated with their fluid combinations. Joao Schmidt added a third shortly after half-time, sealing the win and all but confirming Santos’ mathematical safety. For Neymar, the match completed a final stretch played under physical duress, as he continued pushing through persistent knee pain.

AdvertisementNeymar casts doubt over his Santos future

After the 3-0 win, Neymar laid bare the physical and emotional weight he carried throughout the season’s final stretch: "I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me. I thank those who were with me to lift me up. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest and then we will have this knee surgery."

When addressing his future, Neymar added: “I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my priority always goes to Santos.”

Neymar's strong end to the season restores Santos' hopes

The resurgence Neymar delivered in the final weeks came after a turbulent season in which he managed only 19 appearances due to recurring injuries, as his hamstring issues repeatedly disrupted his rhythm throughout the year. Despite the fitness issues, his late-season form, with three goals and two assists in two crucial matches before the Cruzeiro clash, proved transformative in the tight relegation fight.

Neymar’s return to Santos in January had initially been framed as a dream homecoming, but pressure mounted as his fitness and form fluctuated. His outburst last month generated criticism, with claims that he was destabilising the squad rather than leading it. The narrative shifted only when results demanded a hero, and Neymar delivered exactly that.

His performances against Juventude and Sport restored hope around Vila Belmiro that Neymar can still be decisive, even as he prepares for knee surgery this winter.

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Brazil and the World Cup dream for Neymar alive?

Santos now face a pivotal decision period, as Neymar’s contract expires in just a few weeks and negotiations remain delicate due to his impending surgery. The club is expected to maintain dialogue with his representatives, but any new agreement will depend heavily on recovery estimates and clarity around his long-term physical condition. Regardless of affection on both sides, the timing complicates an immediate resolution.

A broader layer to the story is Neymar’s continued ambition to return to the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has left the door open, insisting he will call Neymar if he is fit enough to contribute, which places even greater importance on a successful procedure and full recovery. For now, the coming months will determine not only his club destination but the trajectory of the final stage of his career.

The Little League Classic is meant to be a wholesome event, but Sunday's clash between the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners got off to quite the opposite start.

The very first pitch of the game from Clay Holmes ran up and in, catching Mariners leadoff hitter Randy Arozarena right around the head.

Karl Ravech had barely even finished introducing the game by the time Holmes's pitch clipped Arozarena as the Little League Classic was off to a rather awkward start.

"… on , and he gets drilled by Holmes, right off the bat," said Ravech.

Some words were exchanged between the two teams but Arozarena eventually took first base without incident and play resumed. The outfielder was able to remain in the game.

That certainly wasn't the first pitch fans in Williamsport were anticipating on Sunday evening.