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Leeds United are on the lookout for attacking potency in January and could be set to back Daniel Farke in his pursuit to bring a talented forward to Elland Road.

The Whites find themselves embroiled in a fight against the drop, and not everyone is feeling wholly confident in the former Norwich City boss, even if his side has produced some encouraging moments this term.

All too often, fine margins determine the outcome of Premier League matches, and Farke’s side has been on the wrong side of them, leading some to question his ability to lead the Whites forward.

With that in mind, Leeds are keen to source proven quality in the form of Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, even if his £325,000 wages may prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations.

Signings or no signings, Farke has vowed that his side won’t change as they aim to secure top-flight football for next term, claiming that their approach to being successful will pay off in the long run.

He said before his side took on Aston Villa: “If you follow our way of working over the past two and half years, you know exactly what we are doing, how we try to approach a game and try to be successful. This won’t change at all.”

Sticking by your principles can be the defining choice that determines whether a manager is successful in keeping their job. Farke has been a nice fit for Leeds since arriving at Elland Road, though he has routinely come under scrutiny and is now back under the spotlight.

Either way, the January transfer window is creeping closer, and the 49ers could now be set to back their man as they pursue an exciting striker.

Leeds in pursuit of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia

According to The Mirror, Leeds are willing to sign Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia on an initial six-month loan with a £20 million mandatory purchase option in the summer as the 49ers aim to back Farke in the New Year.

However, there has been a twist as Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso is said to have blocked the move, notifying the forward that he is still part of his plans both in the immediate term and further down the line.

Intriguingly, Leeds were confident that they could lure Garcia to England before the ex-Liverpool star’s intervention, and the Spain Under-21 international was also said to be keen on a move to the Premier League after finding regular minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu hard to come by.

Alonso is aware he will need to utilise his whole squad, potentially offering more openings for the 21-year-old to feature as Real Madrid chase more silverware both domestically and in Europe.

Leeds are also eyeing an alternative £20m forward

Bursting onto the scene at the Club World Cup, Garcia would certainly be a viable option in the Leeds attack if they were able to complete a deal, though any chance of that now looks to be unlikely unless circumstances change.

The Boston Red Sox placed catcher Connor Wong in the 10-day IL earlier this week after he sustained a fractured finger.

Due to be without him for a while, the Red Sox made a move to shore up the position. According to Robert Murray of , Boston has agreed to a minor-league deal with two-time All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal.

Grandal, 36, spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he featured in 72 games and recorded a .704 OPS with nine home runs and 27 RBIs. The Red Sox will be his sixth home in MLB since making his debut back in 2012 with the San Diego Padres. He's also spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox.

Grandal, a 13-year veteran, last made an All-Star Game in 2019 when he was with the Brewers. That season, he slashed .246/.380/.468 with a career-high 28 home runs and 77 RBIs.

With Wong on IL, Boston currently rosters two catchers; Carlos Narvaez and Blake Sabol.

Timo Werner’s hopes of securing a January move to MLS have suffered a major setback after the New York Red Bulls admitted they were “not 100 percent” convinced about signing him. The Leipzig forward, frozen out in Germany, had targeted a winter switch to the United States but with NYRB shifting their squad profile, his path to MLS has unexpectedly narrowed again.

• Werner move blocked by Red Bulls

  The German international’s bid to reignite his career in MLS has been dealt a blow as the New York Red Bulls confirmed they will not pursue a deal for the RB Leipzig striker this winter. The former Chelsea and Tottenham forward has been entirely sidelined from Ole Werner’s plans in Leipzig, despite having a contract until 2026. With 113 goals for the club, he remains Leipzig’s record scorer, but his status has shifted dramatically.

  Werner has been aware for weeks that a move is necessary, and as reported in Germany, he began planning his departure as early as mid-October, with MLS standing out as his preferred destination. New York Red Bulls, a sister club within the Red Bull network, tried to secure him in the summer and even prepared a two-and-a-half-year contract. However, the deal reportedly collapsed when Werner’s salary expectations could not be met.

  With his winter exit now looming and his role diminished in Leipzig, Werner had looked again toward MLS. But the Red Bulls, who have an open Designated Player slot and high roster flexibility, have chosen not to revisit the transfer. The shift comes at a time when the club is undergoing a broader identity reset after missing the playoffs for the first time in 15 years.

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  De Guzman explains RBNY 'weren't 100% convinced'

  Speaking to about the club’s internal deliberations, newly appointed Red Bulls head of sport Julian de Guzman openly addressed the decision to walk away from the Werner opportunity. “There was always talks about [Werner],” he said, acknowledging the background negotiations. “We have to make sure, here in New York, it makes sense for us. It’s a great name to bring, I think fans would have loved him.”

  Despite admiring Werner’s profile and popularity, de Guzman confirmed that doubts remained about whether the signing matched the club’s long-term direction. “The opportunity was there, but I don’t think we were 100 percent sold that this was the right thing for New York. That’s why it wasn’t something we were fully invested in. We’d rather be patient [with that DP spot],” he added.

  His comments reflect an ongoing shift in New York’s squad building following a disappointing season. The club endured supporter frustration, especially after failing to use their third Designated Player slot. Fans even displayed banners criticising leadership, including one that read: “Poor Management Breeds Complacency.”

  Yet for de Guzman, the decision is strategic, not financial, as he emphasised the need to move beyond marquee signings for their own sake, adding: “I am far from wanting to sign a ‘famous player’. I simply want someone who will help the team improve.” He also referenced the presence of two experienced DPs, Emil Forsberg and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, when explaining why another veteran attacker wasn’t necessary.

• Squad structure and coaching changes

  The Red Bulls’ decision on Werner comes amid sweeping structural changes across the organisation. De Guzman has inherited a squad with one vacant DP spot, a need for reinforcements on the wings and in midfield, and a goalkeeper position to fill following Carlos Coronel’s departure. He also faces the task of securing a new head coach after Sandro Schwarz was dismissed three weeks ago.

  Former Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin is among the early names linked to the vacancy. Another internal candidate, Michael Bradley, fresh from leading Red Bulls II to the MLS Next Pro Cup, has also reportedly impressed many within the organisation. “I’m very impressed by what he’s done,” de Guzman said. “It’s his (playing) style. It’s attractive for players, for fans. You can see how calm he is, how he delivers his message to the players. I must say it’s refreshing.”

  For Werner, the combination of squad dynamics, Designated Player strategy, and supporter sensitivity has effectively shut the door on a New York move, at least for now.

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  What's the route for Werner in MLS?

  With the MLS route blocked in New York, Werner will now turn his attention to alternative clubs in the United States. Reports in Germany suggest that he is already considering other American markets, including Los Angeles, where multiple MLS sides could hold the financial and stylistic appeal he is seeking for a fresh start.

  January remains decisive with Werner’s situation at Leipzig is unlikely to improve under Ole Werner, and both the club and player appear aligned in their desire to find an exit. MLS remains attractive to the forward due to lifestyle, visibility, and a clear opportunity for leading roles in the right team.

Manchester City are now willing to make an unexpected decision about Rodri’s future at the club in an attempt to sign Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid in 2026.

The Citizens were in a ruthless mood against Liverpool before the international break, with Pep Guardiola overseeing his 1000th game as a manager in classic, dominant style.

Injured £150k-a-week Man City star in protective boot, will miss 20+ games

He’s had more surgery.

By
Charlie Smith

Nov 14, 2025

It was the first time that the Citizens have sent a damning statement to the rest of the Premier League about their title credentials this season and former player Micah Richards believes that they could yet beat Arsenal to the crown once again.

What has made City’s quietly impressive form even better is the fact that they’ve coped without Rodri. In the Spaniard’s absence last season, they looked a shadow of their controlled best. This time around, as Rodri continues a stuttered recovery from an ACL injury, Nico Gonzalez has provided Guardiola with the perfect replacement.

It’s allowed City’s Ballon d’Or winner to slowly work his way back to his best, but has also welcomed some interesting reports about his long-term future at the Etihad. Some in Spain have even gone as far as to suggest that Rodri could yet be sacrificed as part of another £100m+ deal.

Man City willing to spend £100m+ to sign Bellingham

According to those reports in the Spanish media, Man City are now willing to spend €150m (£133m) to sign Bellingham in 2026 and could be prepared to use Rodri as a makeweight in any potential deal with Real Madrid.

There’s been more unrest at the Bernabeu since the arrival of Xabi Alonso, with Vinícius Jr particularly struggling with the Spaniard’s call for discipline, and that has opened the door for a number of potential exits.

Whether Bellingham is among those is the question that many will be asking. There’s no doubt that he — as one of the best midfielders in the world — would take City back to the level that resulted in Premier League dominance not so long ago.

Former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has been one of many iconic names to hand Bellingham plenty of praise in recent years, having told Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast earlier this week: “I think Jude is a fantastic player.

“If I have to compare, we were talking about Kaka. He is this kind of player, a really intelligent player, who is physically really strong, fantastic to arrive in the box at the right time.”

Every current manager in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked

After officially signing his record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets last week, Juan Soto shockingly revealed that he hadn't spoken to any of his former Yankees since they lost the 2024 World Series in October.

"I haven't talked to any of those guys," the outfielder said at his introductory press conference in New York. "We talked to them through playoffs, end of the playoffs but after that… I haven't talked to any of [them]."

While this was certainly a strange admission considering that a) the Yankees were in the running for Soto up until the very end and b) he had just played the entire 2024 season alongside them—there was actually a simple explanation for his radio silence.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale shared on X this week that, "The reason there was no communication between Juan Soto and his former Yankee teammates simply is that Soto changed his cell phone number. He was bombarded by outside calls during his free agency and wanted privacy."

Nightengale also added that, "Soto now is reaching out to former Yankee teammates."

In the end, the Yankees came up short—offering Soto a 16-year, $760 million contract—one year longer and $5 million shy of what owner Steve Cohen and the Mets ponied up.

The 26-year-old's mega-deal to play baseball in Queens is the largest in American sports history.

Landon Donovan offered a positive assessment of the United States men’s national team following its 2-1 win over Paraguay during the November 2025 friendlies, noting signs that the squad is beginning to form a clearer identity as it continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He commended the team’s continued progress under the current coaching staff, led by Mauricio Pochettino.

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  Growing cohesion and style

  Donovan highlighted how each match has shown increased confidence and tactical clarity, noting that despite frequent lineup rotation, players are embracing clearly defined roles that contribute to a more recognizable on-field identity.

  “Another excellent performance by the men’s national team,” Donovan said on social media. “Seems like the team is getting better and better, growing in confidence. The roles are clear, even though the players are changing a decent amount, but the roles are clear, and you’re starting to see a clear identity."

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• Pochettino’s imprint taking shape

  Donovan also highlighted how the squad’s mentality has evolved under Pochettino. He noted that with questions of attitude and commitment no longer overshadowing performances, the team is now showcasing a clearer tactical identity that reflects Pochettino’s style.

  “Now that the fight piece, the pride to play for your national team is no longer a conversation, you’re actually starting to see this team play in a more distinct way that is very Pochettino,” Donovan explained.

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  Donovan praises Reyna’s resurgence

  Donovan pointed to Giovanni Reyna’s performance as a major positive, noting the midfielder’s first goal and assist for the national team since March 2024. He said Reyna’s 70-plus minutes – highlighted by sharper decision-making and increased confidence – reflect the level the team needs from him.

  “That’s the Gio we need, that’s the Gio we want, and why he is so valuable to this team. So hopefully this is a stepping stone for Gio, hopefully he can do it again on Tuesday," Donovan said. 

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  What comes next for the USMNT after the win

  The USMNT will now face Uruguay in their final game of the 2025 international window on Nov. 18. 

Richarlison could now make a sensational return to Everton in the January transfer window amid reports that The Friedkin Group are ready to back David Moyes this winter.

The American owners went all in on the Everton boss in the summer, spending big to welcome Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish and making Tyler Dibling their second most expensive signing of all time. It was a summer fit for a side about to enter a grand new home.

But Friedkin aren’t done there. Reports are now suggesting that they’re looking to solve Everton’s striker problems in 2026 following the struggles of both Beto and summer arrival Barry.

The £27m striker has particularly disappointed. After scoring 19 goals in all competitions at Villarreal last season, he is yet to find the back of the net at Everton. His struggles have also been made worse by Beto’s poor performances.

The towering forward has scored twice in 11 games to once again highlight the Toffees’ struggles in that role. It’s something that Friedkin must solve if they want Moyes’ side to compete in the top-half.

To that end, a number of names have emerged as potential options. Everton’s scouts were reportedly in attendance for Galatasaray’s recent Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt and watched on as Victor Osimhen netted a brace. There’s no doubt that the Nigerian would hand them the ultimate solution to their problems.

Everton's £45k-p/w talent is now giving "Pienaar 2.0 vibes" under Moyes

Everton have already hit the jackpot on this talented first-teamer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 29, 2025

Ivan Toney has also been in the headlines. The Al-Ahli forward is aware that he’ll likely need a January switch to the Premier League if he is to get into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad and reportedly wants to work with Moyes. Whether those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium are willing to match his hefty salary is another question, however.

Instead, a familiar face could yet be on his way back to Merseyside.

How Richarlison feels about Everton return

According to TeamTalk, Richarlison would now jump at the chance to join Everton in the January transfer window in what would be quite the return. The Tottenham striker has been forced to watch on from the bench in the last three Premier League games and may need to move on if he wants consistent minutes.

That’s where Everton could come in. Friedkin are ready to go all in for Moyes in January and he desperately needs an impressive striker to lead the line – something Richarlison has been for the Toffees in the past.

Whether Spurs boss Thomas Frank will be open to losing his forward is another question, however.

The Dane told reporters after Richarlison got off to an excellent start earlier this season: “Fantastic he is scoring. The first one is definitely easier to score without being easy, but I have a striker that takes those two chances and helps us win the game.

“He deserves a lot of praise. He was very good against PSG and today he was exceptional, with his work-rate, driving the team, link-up play, hold-up play, just dominating and then the two finishes.

“So happy on his behalf and again performance department, medical department did a top job to build him.”

Everton's most expensive sales

The final result in Game 1 of the wild-card series on Tuesday at American Family Field was all too familiar for the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Brewers got out to a 2–0 lead over the New York Mets in the first inning on an RBI single by catcher William Contreras and Rhys Hoskins getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. And when the Mets struck with three runs in the top of the second, Milwaukee claimed back the lead with two runs in the fourth.

However, the Mets pounced again in the fifth inning with a five-run rally to take the lead for good in an 8-4 win.

Per Opta STATS, Milwaukee is the first team in MLB history to blow a multi-run lead in four straight postseason games.

The Brewers had a 3–0 lead in Game 1 of the 2023 National League wild card series against the Arizona Diamondbacks but lost 6-3. In Game 2 of that series, they jumped out to a 2-0 lead and fell 5-2 to end their season.

Three years ago, in Game 4 of the 2021 NLDS, the Brewers led the Atlanta Braves 2–0 before suffering a 5-4 season-ending loss.

That's tough for any franchise to swallow.

Aiming to avoid any further unfortunate history, the Brewers will turn to right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas to start Game 2 on Wednesday against lefthander Sean Manaea and the Mets.

The biggest uncertainty surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into the postseason was the strength of their pitching. Despite a slew of key pitchers sidelined with injuries, the Dodgers' depleted pitching staff has been sensational in October, and over their last three games in particular.

After defeating the New York Mets, 9-0, in the opener of the NLCS on Sunday night, L.A. has tied the all-time MLB record for the most consecutive scoreless innings in postseason history. They have not surrendered a run in 33 innings, going all the way back to the second inning of their Game 3 NLDS loss against the San Diego Padres.

Since then, it's been smooth sailing on the mound for the Dodgers, who blanked the Padres in the last two games of that series and delivered another scoreless outing during Sunday's Game 1 against the Mets.

Not only have they tied the record previously held by the Baltimore Orioles, who threw 33 straight scoreless innings in the 1966 World Series, the Dodgers have set the record for the most consecutive scoreless frames in National League postseason history.

Jack Flaherty toed the rubber on Sunday night, throwing seven scoreless innings with six strikeouts. He passed the baton to Daniel Hudson and Ben Casparius who handled the final two innings of the contest.

L.A. will look to continue its prolific pitching run on Monday when they host the Mets in Game 2.

Club Brugge and Barcelona played out a six-goal thriller on Wednesday night as the spoils were shared in an entertaining 3-3 draw. The Belgian side responded to back-to-back Champions League defeats with a solid point. Barcelona, meanwhile, came from behind three times to secure what could prove a precious result in their bid to book their place in the last 16 of the competition.

Brugge raced into an early lead as Carlos Forbs beat the offside trap and presented Nicolo Tresoldi with an easy chance to tuck past Wojciech Szczesny. The lead, though, lasted just two minutes as Barcelona hit back with a bang through Ferran Torres, who easily beat Nordin Jackers from close range.

And Barca missed the chance to go ahead in the 10th minute as Fermin Lopez, who provided the assist for Torres, struck the outside of the left post. The hosts made the Spanish champions pay for their profligacy as they were ahead again in the 17th minute following a rapid counter. Forbs and Christos Tzolis linked up well, with the former on hand to follow up his early assist with a well-taken effort past Szczesny.

Barcelona huffed and puffed for an equaliser in the second half as Fermin forced a fine Jackers stop six minutes after the break, and their pressure finally paid off on the hour mark as Lamine Yamal slalomed his way through a sea of Brugge bodies, played a neat one-two with Fermin before finishing superbly past Jackers.

Parity, though, lasted just two minutes as Forbs again ruthlessly exploited Barcelona's high defensive line to delicately dink past Szczesny to score his second and Brugge's third.

Barcelona were again level with a little over 10 minutes to go as Yamal's cross was turned past Jackers by Tzolis as the La Liga giants looked to claim a pressure victory in Belgium. And while Barca dominated, they rode their luck late on as Szczesny came close to committing a costly error in injury time in an entertaining stalemate.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Jan Breydelstadion…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Wojciech Szczesny (4/10):

  Was left exposed by Barcelona's high defensive line for all three goals. Did deny Seys at his near post minutes after the break. Came very close to committing a costly effort in second-half injury time.

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  Played Forbs onside for Tresoldi's opening goal. Hit the crossbar midway through the first half.

  Ronald Araujo (5/10):

  Captained Barcelona on the night but struggled to marshal the Blaugrana backline against this rapid Brugge attack.

  Eric Garcia (5/10):

  Made a vital clearance early on from a Tzolis cross. Hit the bar in the second half but looked lost at the back whenever the Belgian side pushed forward.

  Alejandro Balde (4/10):

  Really struggled against Forbs. All three Brugge goals came down his side and almost conceded a second-half penalty.

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  Midfield

  Frenkie de Jong (7/10):

  Dictated the tempo in the middle of the park and linked the defence and attack well.

  Marc Casado (6/10):

  Tidy on the ball but offered little going forward. Came off after an hour.

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  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (9/10):

  Hauled Barcelona level on the hour mark with a fine finish following neat link-up play with Fermin and forced the third with a cross from the right that was inadvertently turned past Jackers by Tzolis. Saved the Spanish side in Belgium.

  Fermin Lopez (8/10):

  Provided the assist for Ferran's equaliser and clipped the post shortly after. Forced a good Jackers save after the break and linked up well with Yamal for the winger's goal.

  Marcus Rashford (6/10):

  Had a few first half chances, the best of which forced Jackers into a low stop shortly before the beak.

  Ferran Torres (7/10):

  Bagged a rapid leveller after Barcelona had gone behind with a well-taken finish. Came close to adding a second on the stroke of half-time after rounding Jackers. Replaced after an hour.

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  Subs & Manager

  Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

  Saw a low drive blocked by Ordonez with 15 minutes to play. Evidently still short of match fitness.

  Dani Olmo (6/10):

  Offered Barcelona more drive from midfield after replacing Casado on the hour mark.

  Pau Cubarsi (N/A):

  Came on for Garcia in added time.

  Gerard Martin (N/A):

  Replaced Balde for the final seconds.

  Hansi Flick (5/10):

  Got his tactics completely wrong as the Barcelona defence looked completely exposed whenever Brugge pushed forward. Yamal spared his blushes.