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Anthony Gordon has revealed what Jose Mourinho told him at full-time after Newcastle beat Benfica 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. The England winger scored the first goal of the game and assisted the third from Harvey Barnes as Eddie Howe's side recorded a thumping win.

Gordon's electric display

Gordon turned in an electric performance against Benfica as the Magpies recorded a thumping 3-0 win in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. The winger scored the opening goal of the game, and assisted the second of Harvey Barnes' brace to wrap up a decisive victory. Mourinho was fulsome in praise of the Magpies after full-time, and took himself onto the pitch to speak to Gordon privately, with the winger confirming that the Portuguese lavished him with some individual praise after seeing his side beaten. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat Mourinho told Gordon

Gordon said: “He said ‘You’re too much’, which is a big compliment for me because as a kid, he was my favourite manager in the world growing up.

“It’s quite weird because he was quite a defensive manager, but I just love the way… even then, the bench was getting up. He really creates a team environment, it’s like us against the world. I recognise that from my own game, so it was a big compliment.

“It means an awful lot. Even if I didn’t idolise him, a compliment from any coach at this level means a lot.”

Eddie Howe, his manager, was also mightily impressed with the performance of his wingers, adding: “I thought both our wingers that started the game did really well. It was great to see them combine for the first goal, that’s a really pleasing sight.

“Anthony played very direct and I thought athletically, he was excellent. He put a really big effort in both on and off the ball.”

Mourinho's humility

Mourinho was humble in his post-match press conference, insisting that Newcastle were simply the better side. 

He said: “This tells me about the level of Newcastle. We could not compete with their horsepower. We lost being compact and were exposed. It’s just a case of levels.

"Their second goal was a killer, psychologically. The man-of-the-match was Anthony Gordon. Their wingers have pace and power – and they have four of them.”

Pundit Andros Townsend has even claimed that Gordon is the "best in the league in his position", having shared a dressing room with him at Everton. 

He said: "When I first joined Everton, he was a young lad, and you could see he had quality. He had immense pace, but he didn't work hard enough. In a modern-day winger you need to be the first line of press, and he wasn't doing that.

"Then it sort of clicked for him. He started working hard, he started working on getting in the team. He started getting joy. The fans loved him. But even still, by the time Newcastle bought him for £50m, Everton fans were thinking, right, we don't want him to go, but I think we've got the better end of the deal with £50m.

"But since then, he's just put it all together. He's got the quality, he's got the consistency, the pace out of possession.

"For me, he's one of the best in the Premier League in his position, and it's all just come together for him. At the age of 24 he has absolutely everything and the world is oyster now for club and for for country, going into the summer's World Cup."

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Newcastle are next in action in the Premier League against Fulham before an EFL Cup clash with Tottenham. Howe's side are 14th in the Premier League table with two wins from their first eight games, and need a victory this weekend if they are to further their ambitions of challenging for European qualification once again. They are currently six points behind fourth-placed Bournemouth, so a run of victories is required if they are to climb the rungs of the top-flight ladder.

Andy Gorvin’s two wickets in the penultimate over of the day leaves leaves Northants 49 for 3 and trailing by 190 runs

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-May-2025Four Glamorgan batters passed 50 to put the hosts in a dominant position for a three-day finish against Northamptonshire at Sophia Gardens.A 141-run partnership between in-form Ben Kellaway and Sam Northeast, scoring 95 and 67 respectively, asserted the lead for the hosts to go with Kiran Carlson’s 54 and Timm van der Gugten’s 61 either side of lunch in a ruthless performance to get the hosts to 424.Andy Gorvin took two wickets in the penultimate over of the day to rue Northants’ chances of a sustaining final 14 overs, leaving the visitors 49 for 3 and trailing by 190 runs.Glamorgan resumed on the morning of day two at 82 for 3, recovering from a wobble of three wickets for two runs the previous evening with Northeast and Carlson carrying on from their day one foundations. Carlson the stroke player of the two reached his 50 in no time, flicking a short ball from Julian Broad for 4, a rare loose delivery for the 3-fer taking bowler, rectifying his mistakes from day one.Carlson frustrated he couldn’t kick on however as he flicked a leg-stump directed delivery directly to square-leg who had been positioned there before the dismissal delivery.The 96-run partnership ending didn’t stop Glamorgan’s momentum however. Kellaway, on the back of three progressively improving career-best scores in three consecutive matches showed deft touch with late cuts off both seam and spin, combined with destructive hitting over long on to come close to catching his skipper up before lunch.A 134-run first session completed with a gritty third 50 of the season for Northeast assured Glamorgan’s dominance in the all-important first couple of hours.Northing would change after lunch unlike on day one. The hosts carrying on their fast-scoring momentum, Kellaway passing 50 with a quick single off loanee, Calvin Harrison, only introduced into the attack in the 58th over.Kellaway’s second consecutive century looked imminent, the only slight of giving his wicket away coming on 89 when Lewis McManus sparingly diving full stretched off a top-edged-hook, that until Harrison found one to rise on the youngster attempting to cut just short of his milestone.With Northeast falling shortly after for a frustrating season best, unable to kick on to three figures, it brought two new batters and seemingly momentum for Northants, still nothing changed.Chris Cooke and van der Gugten next to add a partnership just shy of 100 to the crease proved the pitch to be nullified for when the visitors would eventually get a chance to use it again. Cooke looked aggrieved to give his wicket away on 36 despite a valiant contribution and Northants continued to catch well when the chances did come to wrap up the Glamorgan innings before long, unfortunately the damage done.With a 239-run deficit heading into their second innings after winning the toss, Ricardo Vasconcelos went early. Just 14 overs to survive, James Harris in just his second over removing the opener. The Glamorgan veteran then allowed Luke Procter to settle and score freely until a double-change brought a mini-collapse before close, the Northants top order struggling once more, with the captain the exception.

Manchester City remain level on points with arch-rivals Manchester United and six adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal after suffering a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side headed to the West Midlands unbeaten across their last nine fixtures in all competitions, but a solitary strike from Matty Cash proved to be the difference in a match that saw Erling Haaland draw a blank for just the second time this season.

City started brightly at Villa Park, with the ball being worked into promising wide areas that lacked a more pinpoint delivery. The hosts did, however, grow into the game and saw Ollie Watkins’ movement pose plenty of problems to City’s high defensive line, though the England international’s uncharacteristic struggles in the final third continued as he failed to make the most of opportunities that came his way.

Cash endured no such issues when breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute. Bernardo Silva and Haaland failed to close the Villa full-back quickly enough on the edge of the box, allowing him to drift onto his left foot from 20 yards out and crash an effort into the bottom corner.

Haaland fired a tame shot at Emi Martinez as City sought an immediate equaliser, while Josko Gvardiol did Morgan Rogers a favour when making little of an apparent shove inside the penalty area, but Villa came closest to a second before the break as captain John McGinn fizzed another strike from distance narrowly past the post.

Haaland has 24 goals for club and country this season, with Tottenham the only team to have kept him out before running into Villa, but the prolific Norwegian was surprisingly quiet as City lacked an attacking spark as a collective. They were unable to turn possession into something more tangible, with Villa prepared to sit deep and break out on the counter.

Savinho almost forced a leveller on the hour mark, but his low drive from seven yards out was somehow flicked over the crossbar by Pau Torres. At the other end, former City academy star Jadon Sancho forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a double save, before Haaland had a goal disallowed for offside and painfully collided with the post as Villa held on.

GOAL rates Manchester City's players from Villa Park…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (5/10):

Could do nothing about the goal, with those in front of him failing to close Cash quickly enough. Happy to act as a sweeper keeper and displayed impressive reflexes to keep Sancho out, having caused himself problems when palming into the winger’s path.

Matheus Nunes (4/10):

Not a natural full-back despite being asked to fill in there on a regular basis. Villa would have expected Sancho to pose the Portugal international more problems, having slipped beyond him with ease at one stage.

Ruben Dias (5/10):

Left isolated with the lively Watkins at times, particularly in the first half, leading to him chasing back towards his own goal more often than he would have liked. City’s high press was beaten too easily far too often, leaving their defensive unit exposed.

John Stones (4/10):

Stepped into midfield at every opportunity, leaving City with three at the back. Is comfortable on the ball, but was unable to make Guardiola’s side tick. Was given a tough time by the movement of Watkins.

Josko Gvardiol (5/10):

Always encouraged to get forward, but that can leave space behind. Could have made more of a push from Rogers in the first-half that would have given VAR a big penalty call to make, but offered no appeal.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Tijjani Reijnders (5/10):

Capable of driving through midfield with the ball, but needs to make better decisions when pushing on. Fired one wayward shot well off target when a pass should have been made. Booked for a clumsy challenge on Watkins.

Phil Foden (5/10):

Has enjoyed filling a central playmaking post this season, but was unable to pull the strings on this occasion. Had one well struck second-half shot blocked and struggled to find space between the lines. Booked when chasing back to stop a Villa counter.

Bernardo Silva (4/10):

Made a bright start as he drifted wide from his central berth and found pockets of space. His influence waned from there, with the Portuguese unable to impose himself on proceedings. Was taken off as Guardiola sought inspiration from the bench.

GettyAttack

Savinho (5/10):

Boasts quick feet and is full of running, but lacks end product. Got into plenty of promising positions, but his final ball let him down. Picked up a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Rogers and failed to hit the net with two second-half strikes that struck shirts and boots in claret and blue.

Oscar Bobb (4/10):

City were unable to get him on the ball in areas where he could hurt Villa. His most notable contributions early on came when tracking back to help defend. Came as no surprise when he was replaced midway through the second half.

Erling Haaland (4/10):

Had more touches in his own box than Villa’s during a quiet first half – with his only sight of goal coming when opening up his body too much and firing straight at Martinez. Barely had a kick after the break, with his one notable contribution seeing a close-range goal chalked off after Marmoush drifted offside in the build up.

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GettySubs & Manager

Jeremy Doku (5/10):

Always full of direct running, which ensured that Cash was forced to sit much deeper. Got to the byline on a couple of occasions, but was unable to drill a dangerous cross into the box.

Nico Gonzalez (4/10):

Collected a yellow card for a needless challenge on Digne, and snapped into at least one more that left him walking a disciplinary tightrope. Finished the game bloodied and bruised.

Nico O’Reilly (5/10):

Caught ball watching shortly after being introduced, which almost proved costly, but made amends and was allowed to surge forward from left-back as he overlapped beyond Doku.

Rayan Cherki (5/10):

Brought on to add more creativity to City’s midfield, but was unable to get into the game. Will expect more from himself.

Omar Marmoush (N/A):

Drifted offside which cost Haaland a late equaliser.

Pep Guardiola (5/10):

Will have been left disappointed with City’s display in the opening 45 minutes. They improved after the break, but were unable to get key men into the game. Has a chance to make sweeping changes for the midweek Carabao Cup clash with Swansea.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with two more big-name players about new deals after Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and David Raya, with the transfer chief looking to tie down a host of high-profile names.

Arsenal agree David Raya terms with Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka talks ongoing

After agreeing a new deal with star defender William Saliba to keep him out of Real Madrid’s clutches and at the Emirates Stadium until 2030, Berta has shown absolutely no sign of stopping there.

The Gunners are taking decisive steps to secure the futures of some of their most important players, with goalkeeper David Raya recently agreeing to a new and improved contract as well.

The deal, which still runs until 2028, rewards Raya for his stellar form since joining from Brentford and reflects his status as one of the Premier League’s top shot-stoppers. His new contract comes with an increased salary, acknowledging back-to-back Golden Glove seasons and his pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Much like Leandro Trossard’s improved deal, it wasn’t officially announced by the club and the contract itself wasn’t extended, but there is apparently an option in it for a further year (BBC).

Alongside Raya’s contract, Arsenal are actively working to lock down two more key members of their squad — defender Jurrien Timber and star winger Bukayo Saka.

Negotiations with Timber, who has quickly established himself as a versatile and vital member of the back line, are now underway. The Dutchman’s current deal runs until 2028, but Arsenal want to reward his strong performances and commitment since returning excellently from an ACL injury with improved terms.

For Saka, the North Londoners are reportedly confident they can agree a new deal before Christmas with his current contract expiring in 2027, and it could take his earnings beyond the £250,000-per-week mark (Football Transfers).

Appearances

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Goals

73

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Minutes played

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Some reports suggest that Saka could even become the first Arsenal player to earn £300,000-per-week, and if completed, new contracts for Raya, Timber, and Saka would push Arsenal’s wage bill past £400 million for the first time — reflecting both the club’s growing ambition and its determination to challenge for Premier League and European glory.

Now, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, it is believed Arsenal could elevate their wage bill further with new and improved contracts for star midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Berta holds talks with Odegaard and Rice over new Arsenal deals

Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey says that Berta has held talks with Rice and Odegaard about fresh terms, so we could yet see more high-profile names tied down with extensions.

Rice, who has quickly established himself as their midfield commander since his £105 million move from West Ham, brings not just world-class ability but also leadership.

Locking him down for the long term would ensure Arteta retains the club’s defensive anchor and one of their most influential players — vital for challenging on all fronts for years to come.

Odegaard, meanwhile, is the creative heartbeat of Arteta’s side. As captain, his vision, technical skill and work rate set the standard when fit and available.

The Norway star is expected to be out for at least a month after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury against West Ham, having only just come back from a shoulder problem, but extending his contract would send a clear message about Arsenal’s ambition to keep their best talent and build around a player who embodies the club’s footballing philosophy.

Both Rice and Odegaard are entering their prime years, and their continued presence would provide stability, inspire younger teammates and reassure supporters that Arsenal are committed to sustained success.

Six-laden display from West Indies not enough to stay in the series, as Banton, Bethell star in chase

Andrew Miller08-Jun-2025England 199 for 6 (Buttler 47, Brook 34, Banton 30*) beat West Indies 196 for 6 (Hope 49, Charles 47, Wood 2-25) by four wicketsHarry Brook had said at the toss that he “fancied a chase” in the second T20I in Bristol. Well, he was handed one all right, as West Indies obliged in trademark style, serving up a six-laden display of power-hitting that included five in a single 31-run over from Adil Rashid – the second-most expensive in England’s T20 history – and 75 runs off the final four overs of their innings.Despite 15 blows over the ropes in total, and a stiff target of 197, even that was not nearly enough to rein in a newly liberated England batting line-up that responded with a salvo of cameos to hunt down their target with nine balls to spare.Fresh from his matchwinning 96 on Friday, Jos Buttler was once again the top-scorer, with 47 from 36, while Brook led as he would wish to be followed with 34 from 20. However, the star turns came from the young guns Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton in the middle order, whose combined haul of 56 from 21 balls drove England to an unassailable 2-0 series lead with Tuesday’s final match in Southampton still to come.Wood brings the wheelsIn a match marked by such formidable hitting, however, it was a bowler in his first international appearance since September 2023 who made the ultimate difference. Brook had wanted a “point of difference”, he said, in confirming Luke Wood’s recall. His left-arm pace is an attractive option at the best of times, but with a strong cross-wind cutting across the County Ground, the conditions were tailor-made for his inswinger to the right-hander.So Evin Lewis discovered with an Exocet of a first delivery – full, fast, tailing in at the toe, and extracting an immediate verdict from umpire Martin Saggers, even as Wood charged down the pitch in full celebrappeal mode. His follow-up to Shai Hope wasn’t quite as intended – a wild full-toss as the yorker slipped out – but two overs for four runs in the powerplay kept West Indies very much under wraps.Brydon Carse’s introduction gave a more accurate reflection of the carnage to come, however. With England once again opting for just two frontline quicks, Carse’s more conventional angles were very much to Hope’s liking – with two fours and three sixes, each of them creamed over long-off as he opened his stance to take advantage of the short straight boundaries.Jason Holder slammed an unbeaten 29 off nine balls, including three of five sixes off one Adil Rashid over•Getty ImagesHope and Charles fail to kick onEngland’s plethora of spin options were rolled out after the powerplay, as Hope’s early momentum was stalled. Johnson Charles, who had hitherto been the silent partner in their second-wicket stand, took a few early lumps out of Bethell and Rashid, whom he slammed over midwicket for six, through the grasp of a leaping Wood on the boundary’s edge.In the same over, however, Rashid followed up with a ripper – a dipping, fizzing legbreak to Hope, that turned sharply past the edge for Buttler to complete the stumping as West Indies’ captain toppled out of his crease for 49 from 37 balls.At 90 for 2 in the 11th, Sherfane Rutherford was pushed up the order in a bid to pick up the tempo. But Will Jacks – a decent match-up to the left-hander – cramped his style with a series of offbreaks across his body, before Bethell sent him on his way for 6 from 8, as Banton hoovered up a slog to long-on.Charles connected for a third six, off Rashid, but 15 dot-balls out of 38 told a tale of an innings without fluency. Carse returned with a change of ends to make amends for his profligate opening gambit, but it was Wood who prised him out – second ball of his second spell – via a deflection onto middle stump as he followed the batter outside off.Power surge to finish West Indies’ extraordinary depth of power-hitters means that someone is bound to come good in the end … or several people, as it turned out. Rovman Powell was briefly the man as he brought Friday’s hero, Liam Dawson, down to earth with 20 off his final over, and he had blatted his next ball, from Carse, over deep midwicket for another six before Wood clung onto an excellent tumbling take on the cover boundary.But, with Brook trusting his senior man Rashid to bowl the 19th over, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd turned on the afterburners, amid scenes of certain carnage that were reminiscent of that infamous final over in Kolkata in 2016. Rashid was smoked for five sixes out of six – the exception being a scuffed single to backward square from Holder off the fourth ball, to mock boos from an enthusiastic contingent of West Indies’ fans.Wood restored a degree of decorum – and capped an excellent comeback with figures of 2 for 25 – as Shepherd was run out for 19 off 11, but Roston Chase smacked his first and only ball down the ground for six, the 15th of the innings, as West Indies finished on a healthy 196 for 6 that included 75 from the final four overs. Brook had got his chase.Buttler, Duckett start with poiseWith ten an over needed from the outset, Jamie Smith didn’t hang around, twice slogging Holder through the line and holing out to the second attempt for 4. But his second-over departure meant the in-form Buttler had all the longer to marshal the chase, and in Holder’s next over, he signalled his poise with an imperious driven six over long-on.Ben Duckett, however, was the impish source of early impetus, with his array of sweeps and dinks including a scoop over the keeper for six. He had a life on 11, when Lewis couldn’t cling on at point, but – after setting up the chase in a 58-run powerplay – Duckett miscued a pull off Shepherd and was spectacularly grabbed by a leaping Powell at wide long-on for 30 off 18.Buttler took up the cudgels, including an audacious reverse-hoick for six off Gudakesh Motie’s second delivery. But, on 43 from 29, he had a reprieve in the midst of a pacy over from Alzarri Joseph, in which he was tempted to take on the short straight boundaries and instead miscued a short ball to deep midwicket. Charles, however, couldn’t settle under the swirling ball, and the moment was lost.Banton and Bethell apply the late flourishWith the run-rate nudging above 11, it was Brook’s turn to come to the party in a 20-run over off Shepherd that included an extraordinary cut for six off a fast, straight full toss, as well as a misfield from Charles that earned him further stick from an invested Bristol crowd. But, just when it seemed the worm was turning in England’s favour, Buttler reversed his hands on a sweep off Akeal Hosein – fresh off the plane at 7.30am after his visa issues – and that man Charles was on hand at deep third to send him on his way for 47.Brook greeted the offspin of Chase with an open-shouldered launch down the ground, but two balls later, he picked out Powell for an easier grab in the deep. At 126 for 4, the innings was in danger of slipping away.Banton, however, slog-swept his first ball for six to lay down a marker, and though Motie’s next over started tightly, Banton showed his versatility with a reverse for four and a muscular straight six to keep the chase right on track. Bethell immediately got the memo with three more startling blows over the ropes in Joseph’s next over – his fast hands belying his apparently slight frame.He ruined his cameo by dinking the final ball straight to Chase at short third, but his 26 from 10 balls had broken the requirement into tiny pieces. Jacks picked out cover for 7 but by then Joseph had already wrecked any hope of a fightback with five wild wides down the leg-side. Banton and Carse duly closed out the chase to make it five wins in five for the Brook regime.

Corinthians’ financial troubles have reached a breaking point, with unpaid wages, heavy debts and over €2.5 million already drained from club accounts this season. In a gesture of solidarity, Dutch star Memphis Depay has offered to give up his €40,000-a-month hotel suite to help the club reduce expenses. This comes after there were reports that the club had asked the forward to cut-back on his finances and move to a cheaper accommodation.

Depay’s offer to help Corinthians

Depay’s career has been defined by flair, self-expression, and a strong sense of identity. But in Sao Paulo, it’s empathy that’s making headlines. The Dutch attacker, who joined Corinthians in 2024, has reportedly offered to give up his €40,000-per-month luxury hotel suite to ease the club’s growing financial burden.

According to , the suite which is located in one of Sao Paulo’s top hotels, costs the club around 250,000 Brazilian reais monthly and includes premium services like room service, laundry, a chauffeur, and 24-hour concierge support. Since his arrival, Corinthians have already spent over €405,000 on his accommodation alone.

Depay’s willingness to forgo this contractual privilege is seen as a commendable gesture at a time when Corinthians’ finances are stretched thin. Despite his €11 million annual salary (which could rise to €19m with bonuses), the forward has acknowledged the club’s fragile situation and expressed readiness to help reduce costs.

So far, Depay has scored nine goals and registered 10 assists in 44 games for Corinthians this season.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCorinthians can't afford Depay's luxurious lifestyle

Depay's stance in the Corinthian's case marks a shift in tone for a player long known for his confidence and occasional controversies. In early 2025, the Dutch player clashed with the Brazilian club officials over his unpaid $1m in debt. The forward further notified the club that if the situation is not resolved quickly he would not fulfil his contractual obligations. He also missed a few training sessions in a bid to boycott the club. The situation was resolved after he met the club's president, Augusto Melo.

Corinthians, one of Brazil’s most historic football institutions, is currently navigating one of its worst financial crises in decades. The club’s debt has reportedly ballooned to R$2.7 billion (around €500 million), driven by mismanagement, inflated contracts, and unpaid transfer fees.

Amid this turmoil, Depay’s luxurious living arrangement became a symbol of excess. Reports suggest that club executives recently approached the Dutchman to discuss ending the deal or asking him to bear part of the costs. While the suite was part of his signed agreement, the club can no longer sustain such high non-sporting expenses.

At first, sources claimed Depay was reluctant to change terms, arguing the club must honour its contract. But in a surprising turn, the 31-year-old forward later expressed a willingness to help.

Corinthians’ mounting debt and the struggle to survive

Corinthians’ financial crisis runs deep. The club has faced wage delays, transfer bans from FIFA and threats of point deductions due to unpaid fees. Over the past two years, their debt has climbed to around half a billion euros, a figure that dwarfs even some European clubs.

Sponsorship disputes and heavy spending on marquee signings like Depay have worsened the situation. The club has been forced to cut costs drastically, delay transfers, and renegotiate contracts.

This economic strain has already impacted results. Corinthians have struggled in both domestic and continental competitions, unable to strengthen their squad or retain key players. Local media reports suggest that morale inside the camp is low, with several foreign players frustrated by delayed payments.

Depay’s offer to ease the burden comes as a rare positive in an otherwise grim narrative. It also highlights a wider conversation in football: whether players and clubs can find balance between contractual rights and moral responsibility in times of crisis.

The Brasileiro-side currently stands 10th in the league table after 32 games.

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Getty Images SportDepay remains a complicated figure in Brazil

Depay’s time at Corinthians has been anything but quiet. Beyond the financial headlines, he has been at the centre of both brilliance and controversy. On the pitch, his flair and goal-scoring instinct made him a key figure; off it, his personality, high-profile disputes, and rumoured personal scandals have kept him in the spotlight.

The forward has been facing pregnancy claims by Brazilian influencer Lary Simoes after she publicly claimed that Depay got her pregnant and then ghosted her. Multiple reports also confirm that the Dutch footballer had received a four-month suspended prison sentence for a drunk driving offense that occurred in Monaco in 2024.

However, Corinthians are reportedly looking to extend Depay's current contract after they are done with their current financial obligations. His recent action has also come as a relief for the club, giving more hope to the club for a renewed bond but the road to recovery is still a long one for the club and to manage to personality like Depay will take a lot of toll on the club. 

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has lavished praise on a few members of his squad ahead of their Carabao Cup tie at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Tottenham prepare for Newcastle tie after 3-0 win at Everton

After his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy at the back end of 2024/2025, Frank will undoubtedly be judged on his charge for major silverware.

Spurs are currently third in the Premier League table and back to winning ways after victory against Everton on Sunday, and much like their north London rivals Arsenal, they’ve been excelling at set pieces.

The Lilywhites have scored from a dead ball situation on five different occasions this term in the league, the same number as Bournemouth, with it being no coincidence that the Cherries and Frank’s side occupy a place in the top three behind Arsenal.

While concerns have surrounded Tottenham’s lack of creativity from open play, with summer signing Xavi Simons off to a slow start after being signed as their new star playmaker, Frank has undoubtedly embraced this new ‘set piece revolution’ happening up and down the Premier League.

Spurs travel to St. James’ Park for their next clash as Frank looks to inspire a cup run, but they face a tricky test against the current Carabao champions who have won five out of their last seven matches in all competitions.

Tottenham also have nine players unavailable for the clash, including star defenders Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, with Kevin Danso set to partner Micky van de Ven at the heart of Frank’s defence once again after impressing against Everton.

Dejan Kulusevski

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James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

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Cristian Romero

Groin

01/11/2025

Destiny Udogie

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Dominic Solanke

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via Premier Injuries

Frank has piled praise on Danso for his excellent form since coming to replace Romero, but the Austrian has been somewhat overshadowed by van de Ven.

The latter has proved magnificent since Frank took over from Postecoglou, with reports suggesting that Tottenham are prepared to double van de Ven’s salary in a bid to keep him out of Real Madrid’s clutches.

The Dutchman’s brace against Everton condemned the Merseysiders to their first ever defeat at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Frank lavishing his star centre-back in the build up to Wednesday.

Thomas Frank says Micky van de Ven is becoming a new leader at Tottenham

Van de Ven was named as part of Spurs’ leadership group earlier this season, alongside Ben Davies, Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison and Romero, with Frank explaining how he’s since repaid the faith.

Commenting further in his pre-match press conference before Newcastle, Frank also explained how he’s gone up another level behind-the-scenes.

While van de Ven is tied down until 2029, if the 24-year-old continues in this fine form, Spurs must surely be worried about the prospect of Real swooping in to tempt him amid their hunt for new centre-backs.

That being said, the defender will command a premium, so the pending availability of free agents like Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guehi could sway them elsewhere.

Unicorns will also miss the services of Romario Shepherd, who has returned to Guyana to play in the Global Super League

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jul-2025Opener Finn Allen has been ruled out of New Zealand’s upcoming T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe, which is set to begin on July 14, after sustaining a foot injury while playing for San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC. This means he will also miss the MLC playoffs, where Unicorns are set to take on MI New York in the Eliminator on Wednesday.According to a NZC release, Allen’s recovery timeline will be determined once he returns to New Zealand and received further specialist consultations. While New Zealand will name his replacement for the tri-series in due course, Unicorns have decided not to name a replacement player. New Zealand are set to arrive in Harare on Thursday ahead of their first T20I against South Africa on July 16.Allen last played in Unicorns’ final league match against Los Angeles Knight Riders in Lauderhill on July 6. He was out for 4 in the first over of the 244 chase. He is Unicorns’ second-highest run-getter with 333 runs in nine matches, which included a record-breaking 151 in the first game against Washington Freedom in Oakland.Unicorns will also miss the services of West Indies allrounder Romario Shepherd, who has returned to Guyana to play for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Global Super League. Shepherd has been a key wicket-taker for Unicorns, taking eight wickets in five innings, and has also contributed with the bat. Unicorns have decided not to name a replacement for him too.

Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson is likely to be out of action until early next year

Andrew McGlashan02-Sep-2025Marcus Stoinis has a chance to push his claims for a place in the T20 World Cup after earning a recall for the three-match series against New Zealand, but Spencer Johnson’s prospects of emerging as a replacement for Mitchell Starc appear slim with the quick bowler unlikely to be fit until early next year.Stoinis came to an agreement with the selectors to miss the recent series against West Indies and South Africa in order to feature in the Hundred, but remains in the frame for the World Cup. He comes back into a squad that will be without Cameron Green, who instead will play in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield as he progresses towards a bowling return.Nathan Ellis, who has become a fulcrum of the T20I pace attack, will also miss the New Zealand trip with wife Connie expecting their first child. Although Ellis is a very different type of bowler to Starc, he is now set to be a certain starter at the World Cup following the latter’s T20I retirement.Related

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Stoinis will likely be vying for a middle-order finishing role if he is to make the World Cup squad, although his medium pace also provides a handy option and has been used with the new ball.Starc is a major name who definitely won’t be at the tournament. Johnson, another left-arm quick, had been earmarked as a successor particularly in white-ball cricket – he has taken 14 wickets in eight T20Is – but a back injury sustained at the IPL will keep him sidelined for the rest of the year. Johnson was initially named in the squad for the West Indies in late July before being withdrawn.”The latest update for Spencer is that it’ll be sometime in the new year that he’ll start to come back online again,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “What that looks like and at what point, I don’t think there’s anything definitive on that, still hoping that he can have an impact both domestically and potentially internationally towards the back end of the year.”Matthew Short is back from injury for the New Zealand tour in what shapes as an important series for him to find a spot in a power-packed batting line-up after having missed the West Indies and South Africa series with a side strain.The three matches in New Zealand take place across four days on October 1, 3 and 4. Australia will play a further five T20Is against India at home which will be their last series before selecting the World Cup squad, although the BBL may provide a late opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim. Australia are set to prepare for the tournament with three matches in Pakistan in early February.Australia T20I squad vs New ZealandMitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

West Ham United are now plotting a 2026 move to sign Quinten Timber, according to reports, with the Dutchman set to become available as a free agent when next summer arrives.

Those at the London Stadium would have breathed an almighty sigh of relief when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side defeated Newcastle United last week. The Hammers have looked on a one-way course towards the Championship all season, but victory over the Magpies should give Nuno’s tenure lift off at last.

This Saturday’s clash against Burnley is now West Ham’s most important game of the campaign so far. Victory would see them move level on points with the Clarets and potentially just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Within the space of two weeks, the Hammers’ season could be handed a major lifeline.

Ahead of the relegation six-pointer, Nuno provided early team news and updates on both Niclas Fullkrug and Konstantinos Mavrapanos, who could be making a return sooner rather than later.

The West Ham boss also took the time to praise young midfielder Freddie Potts, who has been one of few bright sparks at the club this season, saying: “He played really really good. He had a fantastic match.

“His actions were accurate, and he balanced the team in the middle of the park. He’s played a lot of games on loan, and he is a good option for us. We’re here to help him improve.”

West Ham have a 16-year-old goal crazy star who could be their next Potts

The promising academy star could be another Potts for West Ham United and Nuno.

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The academy graduate looks like the future of West Ham’s midfield and could yet be joined by Dutch talent Timber in 2026.

West Ham plotting move to sign Timber

According to reports in Spain, West Ham are now plotting a move to sign Quinten Timber – the twin brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber – in 2026. The defender’s contract is on course to expire at Feyenoord in the summer, handing the Hammers and others in the Premier League the chance to land a bargain deal should they please.

Meanwhile, if they want to land the Dutchman before the summer, then Feyenoord could reportedly accept a deal worth around just €20m (£17m) in what would be an undeniable bargain.

Described as a “superb signing” by scout Jacek Kulig in 2023, Feyenoord could now lose Timber for free when the summer arrives. West Ham, meanwhile, could land a player who can play defensive midfield, attacking midfield and centre-back.

West Ham flop looks finished after Potts emergence