Tag Futebol

With Everton hovering just a few points above the dropzone, Manager David Moyes has turned his attention stateside in search of solutions. During Moyes’ reign as Everton boss, fans have become accustomed to a certain kind of success, which has been missing thus far this season. The weekend brought with it another disappointing defeat as 10-men Everton were trounced by a buoyant West Brom. Can a cross-Atlantic swoop stop the slump?

Moyes is keen to take on LA Galaxy’s Landon Donovan for a second loan spell at Goodison Park. He has also made it clear that he’s interested in taking on one of Donovan’s team mates on loan: David Beckham. “I hope that if David wanted to come, he would pick up the phone and call me,” Moyes told the Press. “I worked with David at Preston and if he wanted to come back to the Premier League, he would only need to phone me or Phil Neville”.

Of course, if Beckham were to head to Goodison Park, he would arrive with hefty wage-requirements. Can Everton afford to keep Beckham on the books, even if it’s only for half a season? Moyes seemed keen to impart that such a move would be financially viable for Everton. When questioned about the matter, he quipped, “I’d ask if we could make it work by selling enough shirts”. I’m not sure that it would be as easy as that. Becks arrival would put a great deal of financial strain on the club. Yes, he is an icon and his arrival would increase shirt sales and merchandise and the like, but it’s unlikely that this would be enough to cover his wages. I’m not sure that this is a move the Everton chairman will be keen to rubberstamp.

As of yet, Beckham has been somewhat tight-lipped about the matter. It seems that his foremost priority is to recover his fitness. The Brit ruptured his Achilles tendon in the build up to last summer’s World Cup. He told Sky Sports, “I’m just trying to make sure my body’s in the right condition and then I’ll think about it but I haven’t decided anything yet”. It’s clear that he’s not ready to retire and that he still holds hope for playing in England’s next major tournament. If he wants to do that, he’ll have to prove to Fabio Capello that he can still perform week in, week out at the top level. A move to Everton could provide the perfect arena for him to do just that.

Sadly, you can’t help but feel that Beckham must abandon his dream of playing for England again. He’s 35 now and is very much in the autumn of his career. I fear that a move back to the Premier League would only serve to underline how out of sorts Goldenballs really is nowadays. Everton are in genuine peril this season and need to find players who can really contribute to their cause. Whilst Becks has passion and desire, he’s never had to scrap it out in a relegation battle. Furthermore, Everton’s recent chain of bad results means that Beckham will not be viewing the club as a particularly attractive prospect.

Yes, the move would have an air of romance about it, but faced with the grim reality of the situation, I don’t think it would be a good decision for either party.

If you’re interested and want to hear more feel free to follow me on Twitter, where you can also keep up to date with the latest Everton news!

*

Click on Giorgia Palmas below to see her in all her glory

Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 win against West Ham United last night was arguably one of the most crucial results in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign to date.

Sean Dyche’s side came from behind after the break for the first time since promotion, subsequently building a seven-point gap to the Hammers.

However, it was a far from convincing display from the Reds, subsequently highlighting the need for investment across the squad before the end of the summer window.

Despite netting twice, none of the goals scored were from open play, with Dyche’s men having to rely on a looping header from Nicolas Dominguez and a penalty from Morgan Gibbs-White.

The attacking department is in dire need of investment in the coming weeks, which has led the recruitment team to identify numerous potential options to help bolster the first-team ranks.

Nottingham Forest in talks to land European powerhouse

Over recent days, Forest have made their intentions clear that they want to land a new centre-forward before the end of the winter, subsequently leading to rumours over a move for Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The Norwegian international, who currently plays for Wolves, has struggled for consistent form in the Premier League this campaign, as seen by his tally of just one goal in 18 appearances.

However, Rob Edwards’ side are still demanding a fee in the region of £40m for the 25-year-old this window, with Everton and Newcastle United two other sides keen to land his signature.

Strand Larsen isn’t the only forward currently in the hierarchy’s sight at present, with Napoli star Lorenzo Lucca another player being pursued to improve the number nine situation.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Reds have reached out to the Serie A outfit in recent hours to see if a deal can be agreed for the Italian international.

The report states that a deal could be tricky to complete at present, with the 25-year-old currently on loan in Naples, with a deal set to be made permanent in the summer.

However, after just 40 minutes of action since the start of November, a break in the deal could be agreed, which could see the 6’7 striker move to the City Ground.

Why Lucca would be Forest’s best striker since Wood

The striker situation at Forest is certainly an alarming one at present, but all the issues have become apparent after the injury suffered to talisman Chris Wood.

The New Zealand international catapulted the Reds to European football for the first time in a generation last season, after netting 20 league goals and breaking the club’s all-time Premier League goalscoring record.

He was even handed a new two-year contract to reflect his importance to the side, but it’s safe to say his 2025/26 campaign has been a disaster to date.

Wood scored twice on the opening day against Brentford, but has only managed seven appearances since, with his last appearance coming back in mid-October.

As a result, Dyche has been forced to use alternative options, with Igor Jesus the man he’s turned to lead the line since his arrival three months ago.

The Brazilian has only netted one league goal in 2025/26 and is currently on an eight-goal scoreless run – showcasing the lack of goals currently available in the squad.

As for Taiwo Awoniyi, it’s evident he’s no longer the man to provide the goods in the Premier League, with the Nigerian enduring an even longer drought than his teammate.

His last top-flight strike came against Wolves in January 2025, with his last effort coming 12 months ago, a run of 28 matches without a league goal.

Arnaud Kalimuendo was one of the marquee signings in the summer, as he joined in a £26m deal from Rennes after netting 18 times across all competitions last campaign.

However, he’s been restricted to just 89 league minutes, scoring twice in the Europa League, but he now looks set to join German side Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the rest of the season.

Such reasons have led the Reds to a potential move for Lucca, but it appears as though such a deal isn’t a popular one with the fanbase – based on his visible numbers.

The 25-year-old has only scored one goal in 14 league outings this campaign, but it’s safe to say such a figure doesn’t tell the whole story about his talents.

Subscribe to the newsletter for Forest transfer insight Get in-depth scouting and transfer analysis, subscribe to the newsletter for detailed looks at targets like Lorenzo Lucca and Nottingham Forest’s striker needs, including player stats, scouting context and recruitment-focused breakdowns on this topic.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Italian netted 14 goals in just 36 appearances for Udinese in 2024/25, a tally which earned him his subsequent move to Napoli during the recent summer window.

However, despite his disappointing return this season, his underlying figures showcase the talent he possesses, with many of which handing Dyche the striker he’s missed in Wood’s absence.

Lucca, who’s been dubbed a “clinical finisher” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has posted a 39% shot on target rate in Serie A this season – a tally higher than any of the aforementioned strikers.

Lorenzo Lucca – Serie A stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

14

Goals scored

1

Shot on target accuracy

39%

Pass accuracy

80%

Key passes

0.8

Take-on success

67%

Carries into opposition box

0.9

Aerials won

47%

Fouls won

2.7

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed 80% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst notching 0.8 key passes per 90 – subsequently having the tools to provide a superb link-up option between the midfield and frontline.

Despite his huge frame, the Napoli star has still managed to complete 67% of the take-ons he’s attempted to date, which could make him a real handful for the opposition.

However, his greatest asset is his aerial ability with his 47% success rate in the air handing the manager the focal point he’s craved in recent weeks.

Whilst a deal for Lucca may not be a popular one at present, there’s no denying there is a player in there – as seen with his incredible goalscoring tally last campaign.

If he can replicate such numbers in the East Midlands, along with his underlying stats from 2025/26, there’s no reason why he can’t be the man to secure survival for Forest come the end of May.

Related Dream Kalimuendo replacement: Nottingham Forest open talks to sign £40m star

Nottingham Forest have already identified a replacement for the outgoing Arnaud Kalimuendo this January.

Posts ByEthan Lamb

Arsenal have submitted a £52 million bid to sign a Real Madrid star and have even offered him a ‘leading role’ in the side, according to a new report.

Arteta vows to consider January signings for Arsenal

While sporting director Andrea Berta splashed around £270 million on eight major signings for the Gunners last summer, Mikel Arteta has still strongly suggested that they could be active this month.

The Spaniard, after coping with a lot of injuries again this term, has consistently found himself short of options in key areas and has therefore refused to rule out business mid-season.

Surprise claims from the last week have revealed that Berta and co may well raid the Bernabeu for fresh talent, no matter how unattainable they seem right now.

CaughtOffside reported before the New Year that Arsenal still hold an interest in Real playmaker Arda Güler, who they view as an “Odegarrd-style” signing on a potential loan-to-buy deal.

However, given the Turkey international has now established himself as a mainstay player under Xabi Alonso, it is highly unlikely Florentino Perez would green-light such a move.

A far more likely Real player to be available this month is Rodrygo, following numerous reports that the Brazil international could depart Madrid in search of more game time.

The 24-year-old, who Arsenal held talks over signing last May, was starting to play more regularly before the Christmas La Liga break – racking up a brace against Sevilla and a goal against Alaves just before their holiday.

Related Ozil repeat: Arsenal among favourites to sign "world-class" £75m talent

Arsenal are in a strong position and can afford to be picky in the winter transfer market.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

However, he’s still been in and out of the side far more likely than he’d have hoped, with media sources claiming that Rodrygo is desperate to leave Madrid and Arsenal are ‘most likely’ to sign him.

Now, a fresh update has provided some more key information on the Gunners’ interest.

Arsenal submit £52 million bid to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders to land Rodrygo after matching a £52 million offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal for his signature.

Arteta’s side apparently view him as the missing piece in their team, offering him a ‘leading role’ and the opportunity to spearhead their attack.

Madrid have apparently received identical proposals worth approximately £52m from both suitors, forcing Perez to seriously consider selling a player who has slipped down the pecking order.

Subscribe to our newsletter for transfer insight Get expert context on big transfer stories by subscribing to our newsletter—detailed analysis of bids, player roles, club strategy, contract context and market comparisons, plus broader football insights that sharpen your view of the game.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Arteta has identified the versatile attacker as someone capable of operating across both flanks while providing a genuine goal threat, with Rodrygo guaranteed playing time and the chance to remain competing at European football’s highest level.

Al-Hilal’s proposal includes substantially superior wages alongside their transfer fee, creating a serious financial temptation for Rodrygo’s representatives.

The final decision will largely depend on Rodrygo’s personal preference, according to this report, but he isn’t expected to make a call on this until the summer window, so a January transfer is seen as unlikely at this stage.

The £280,000-per-week winger bagged 14 goals and 11 assists for Real last term, with Jude Bellingham notably calling him their most ‘gifted’ and ‘underrated’ player.

Related Arsenal now lining up £57m Bundesliga star as possible Hincapie replacement

Arsenal have a promising defender targeted as an alternative.

Posts ByJames O'Reilly

Mitchell Johnson bowled with good pace and direction but could not gain a breakthrough in the Sri Lankans’ second innings © Getty Images

Andy Bichel has not been put off by Mitchell Johnson’s slow start to the domestic season and feels he is in the perfect position to make his Test debut on Thursday. Johnson’s chances of being presented with a baggy green improved with the withdrawal of Shaun Tait from the squad with an elbow injury and the only thing missing from his preparation is a useful haul at state level.Johnson went wicketless in the Pura Cup match against New South Wales last week and has picked up only one victim in the tour game with the Sri Lankans in Brisbane. However, there was no problem with his pace in the second innings this afternoon and Bichel was impressed with his team-mate’s credentials.”He’s a left-armer, he gives you those options and we haven’t seen a left-arm quick for a long time,” he said. “He’s at the right age, he’s done his apprenticeship and knows the system, it’s perfect timing for him. He’s ready to go.”Sri Lanka have struggled with the bounce in Brisbane during the tour game and Johnson’s height and pace should provide some more discomfort during the Test. Australia will be without Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath for the first time since their retirement and Johnson is an attractive option because he is a left-armer.”The make-up of the side, with Stuart Clark, Brett Lee and no Warne, you need some variation in the side,” Bichel said. “Stuart MacGill will fill the spin-bowling spot but you need some variation in our quicks and Mitchell’s the best way to get it.”Farveez Maharoof is pushing for a place in the Sri Lanka side and he helped his claims with 3 for 72 on a day when they struggled to knock over Queensland’s lower order. Dilhara Fernando, who is not playing in the match, is Maharoof’s main rival for a spot, although the reshuffling to cover Kumar Sangakkara’s injury may result in the visitors playing five bowlers.”I’ve been bowling well over the last two weeks and it was good to have a day out,” Maharoof said. “It won’t be easy with Dilhara, Lasith [Malinga] and [Chaminda] Vaas around. I’m still hoping that I’ll get a comeback and hope I get a chance to prove myself.”The Sri Lankans’ attack made an impression on Bichel as he posted his ninth first-class century with an aggressive 125. “Malinga will expose the older ball in Hobart, but not in Brisbane because he won’t get a lot of reverse-swing,” he said. “Maharoof bowled really well and Vaas swung the ball beautifully. They stack up pretty well.”

Chris Adams led Sussex to their second Championship title in four seasons © Getty Images

Chris Adams will be Yorkshire’s captain for the 2007 season, after Sussex confirmed that they had agreed the terms under which he will be released from his contract.”This is a sad day for the club and all our supporters,” said David Green, Sussex’s chairman, “but we realise that this is a great opportunity for Chris and wish him the very best of luck in his new role.”Chris has done wonderful things for the club and has helped lay a solid foundation on which to build and we look forward to embracing the new challenges the 2007 season will bring.”Adams joined Sussex in 1998 and under his tenure as captain the club won six trophies, including the County Championship twice in four years. But at the age of 36, he has one eye on his life after retirement, and having being turned down for the role of Sussex’s chief executive, he decided it was time to seek new challenges.At Yorkshire, he will not only be captain, but head of Pro Cricket, under a four-year deal. Sussex earlier said that it was “unfortunate” that no administrative roles had been available.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured its English counterparts (ECB) that security for the tour later this month will be “air tight”.Although the ECB carried out its own checks in June, recent bombings have again raised concerns over player and spectator safety.”The security will be air tight,” said Abbas Zaidi, the PCB’s director of operations, after meeting government officials. “We do not foresee any problems with the security arrangements for the England and their followers.”The issue of visas for visitors from the United Kingdom for the series was also discussed in detail. The government officials have been co-operative in the past and they are again extending all co-operation.”Karachi, a venue which has been under the spotlight of late in a city with a record of terrorist attacks, is understood to have been the focal point of the discussions.England leave for their three-Test, five-ODI tour on October 26.

Yousuf Youhana: sparkled when he was there, but couldn’t take the team home© Getty Images

Twice in the space of two weeks, Pakistan pushed the Australians to the very brink. And twice in two weeks, they imploded spectacularly at the final hurdle. The difference between the two sides – Australian discipline and ruthlessness – if not the margin of victory, remained the same.For periods of the game, Pakistan gave a passable impression of the disciplined side they were playing against today. But at no stage did they seemcomfortable wearing this disciplinary straitjacket, one that Australia wears naturally, and where Australians are merciless, Pakistan was meek. It was abarely contained facade; you feared that at any moment whenever they were settling on course to victory, Pakistan would break out in a rash of injudicious play, which they duly did.First, despite being competently efficient in the field, they dropped straightforward chances, both unforgivably off the centurion Andrew Symonds. After checking the formidable Australian batting, they first loosened their grip, before losing control towards the end completely. The batting too seemed to catch it; Hameed, Malik and Farhat all fell to varying degrees of impetuosity and that the latter two fell after exhibiting some patience and restraint against some hostile bowling must have been disappointing.Above all, they seem unable to grasp the basics of running between the wickets. If Bob Woolmer had a right to be shocked last week by Yousuf Youhana’s kamikaze mission, then he would have been only slightly less distressed by the lack of urgency in their running today. Singles were conspicuous by their absence through Hameed’s innings in particular. But even Inzamam-ul-Haq and Youhana’s partnership lacked the aggression in running, and despite pacing the chase brilliantly, they both fell victims to indiscipline.But there was still something comforting about a reliance on the old hands, Youhana and Inzamam; it bodes well for their chances in the Champions Trophy that both were in fluent form, although it is telling that Youhana again couldn’t see his team through.If Woolmer and Pakistan are on a process of learning, then at least they have been doing so from the best. What should they have learnt by now? That theAustralians do exactly what Pakistan doesn’t, and that isn’t just winning the matches. They keep their heads, they keep their discipline and they adjust to whatever condition and situation they find themselves in.Batsmen such as Mathew Hayden have battled through indifferent form, forsaking boundaries and picking up singles, while others such as Symonds, Darren Lehmann and Michael Clarke have displayed flexibility to suit the situation. Their fielding has been occasionally rusty, but significantly they have held onto everything that mattered, and their bowling has been consistently threatening. They have been disciplined and professional when and where it mattered most and that has made the difference. And, of course, it helps, among a galaxy of stars, to possess one of the few genuine and consistent matchwinners in world cricket today.Most eyes at the Champions trophy will understandably gravitate towards Andrew Flintoff and after the summer he has had, it isn’t a surprise. But for mostAustralians, and even Pakistanis, the other towering Andrew – Symonds – will attract, if not more, equal attention.

Andrew Symonds: has tormented Pakistan in the past as well© Getty Images

Symonds may not have had as impressive an impact on the five-day game as Flintoff, but there is little to choose between them in the 50-over realm. Yesterday Flintoff came out against India with his side struggling and transformed their innings, biding his time, in the tradition of the finest sharp-shooting assassins, before picking his moment to strike.Today, Symonds did exactly the same, coming in with his side in some trouble, playing himself in before striking right at the death. Pakistan, of course, arefamiliar with the full range of Symonds’s explosive qualities. He revived his career, as well as turned the game, against them at the World Cup last year with a bludgeoned century in similar circumstances.His bowling isn’t always as incisive as Flintoff’s, but crucial wickets against Pakistan last week and the all-important one of Inzamam today hint at a golden touch. And what he lacks in his bowling he makes up for with his fielding, the cause, incidentally of those two disastrous Pakistani run-outs last week.Unlike his English counterpart, however, Symonds comes backed up by a selection of the world’s best players and come the Champions trophy, he may yet have the opportunity to make a more significant and telling impact than Freddie. At least, in Shoaib Malik and Abdul Razzaq, Pakistan have two cricketers who can make the combined impact of a Symonds or Flintoff.Pakistan should feel no shame in losing so narrowly to Australia twice in succession. But if they learn a thing or two, then it should further lessen their disappointment. Pretty soon they need to start applying the lessons from the defeats.

In what must sound like bad news to bowlers all over the world, Brian Lara has announced that he is ready to devote his entire attention to cricket. In an interview to The Mail on Sunday, Lara spelt out how his attitude towards the game had changed over the years.”In the past I often reacted to what I perceived to be the stresses of cricket by getting away from it and hanging out with friends. Instead of confronting problems, I would turn my back on them. Now I’ve realised I want to give cricket 100%,” he said. “I want to talk cricket like I did as a teenager, like the time I tried to sit Viv Richards down in the dressing room on my first tour to England and got told off for my trouble.”Lara stated that while the personal milestones remained, he was more keen to see the West Indian team develop into world-beaters. “I still have goals. I still want to look up and see my name but my main aim now is that I want to see West Indies moving on. It’s great on the one hand to be doing what’s necessary to represent my talent, but the bigger picture of wanting to do well is that, on my exit, we’ll have a team capable of challenging the best.”Expressing his delight at the progress of the youngsters in the team, Lara hoped that West Indies would put in a strong performance in the 2007 World Cup, which will be held at home. “I’m looking forward to the two series with England next year and beyond. I’m having fun and a good group of younger players is really developing now. As long as things continue to go well for me when the World Cup comes to the Caribbean in 2007, a fit Brian Lara just looking on is not something I would want to happen.”Looking back over the years, Lara admitted that the road hadn’t always been as smooth. “Sure, the relationship has been stormy at times. There have been some rocky moments. I’ve made some small mistakes and I’ve made some big mistakes. There have been times, like when I quit the captaincy or when we were being taken apart in Australia on the last tour there when I asked myself ‘Do I need all this?’ when I felt I wanted to just run away from it all.”But right now, as far as my cricket is concerned, I am back in love with it. I’ve gone through a great learning experience and come out of it all a more mature and tolerant person. It has been a long road back but what I have come to realise is that I am in a much better mood when I give the game my all. When the pressure was at its greatest I used to tell myself something which has haunted me ever since. I used to say: ‘Cricket has ruined my life’.”

The International Cricket Council has criticised South Africa and India forgoing ahead with their match in Centurion without official ICC match refereeMike Denness.The former England captain upset India’s cricketing public when he penalised six players, including Sachin Tendulkar, for various offences during the second Test at Port Elizabeth.As India threatened to pull out of the third and final Test should Denness officiate, the United Cricket Board of South Africa sided with the tourists, appointing a new referee in Denis Lindsay.The ICC has refused to sanction the match as a Test, and awarded the series toSouth Africa.”The ultimate response by the Indians would appear to be an over-reaction, while South Africa for their part did not act correctly,” said ICC spokesman Jonathan Hemus.”Our focus is on protecting the power of the referee and umpire – otherwise there would be anarchy in cricket.”The ICC is deeply concerned with the integrity of the officials – they mustbe protected and if not it sets a very bad precedent.”Hemus refused to rule out the possibility that South Africa and India wouldface further punishment. But he said there was a possibility that the game might regain Test status in the future.”This is a dynamic situation … it is not a closed book. But while saying that, the ICC is determined to be resolute in its decision,” said Hemus.”Our chief purpose is to protect the rights of referees and umpires. In other sporting codes – for example soccer – the referee’s decision is final and teams have to abide with his decision regardless of circumstances.”In cricket the referee has hindsight and time for consideration increasing his perspective on the incident.”

The two greatest batsmen of their generation will now get a chance to bat together as captain Sachin Tendulkar drew Brian Lara’s name along with 13 other players as part of the “Sachin’s Blasters” squad for the Cricket All-Stars series beginning at Citi Field on Saturday.In a random draw conducted Thursday in Times Square, Tendulkar drew Lara as well as former Indian teammates VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag. Tendulkar also no longer has to spar with Glenn McGrath, having picked the Australian pacer for his side in a bowling group that also includes Curtly Ambrose, Shaun Pollock and Muttiah Muralitharan.While the luck of the draw meant that Tendulkar wound up with his Indian batting brethren, Shane Warne wound up drawing a slew of his former Australian teammates to play for “Warne’s Warriors” including Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds. Warne also wound up with a dream fast bowling trio of Courtney Walsh, Allan Donald and Wasim Akram.While the first 26 players were drawn by lots, Shoaib Akhtar’s status was decided by a coin flip. Warne called heads, but the coin came up tails, drawing a big sigh of relief from Tendulkar. The first All-Stars match begins on November 7 at Citi Field in New York with two more in Houston and Los Angeles on November 11 and 14.Sachin’s Blasters: Sachin Tendulkar (c), VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Brian Lara, Mahela Jayawardene, Carl Hooper, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock, Moin Khan, Graeme Swann, Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shoaib Akhtar, Curtly AmbroseWarne’s Warriors: Shane Warne (c), Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Michael Vaughan, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara, Andrew Symonds, Jonty Rhodes, Saqlain Mushtaq, Wasim Akram, Daniel Vettori, Courtney Walsh, Allan Donald, Ajit Agarkar