O sinal de alerta está ligado no Grêmio. Na noite deste domingo, o Tricolor apenas empatou com o Atlético-GO por 1 a 1 e aumentou a série para três jogos sem vencer.
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Nos vestiários, Renato Gaúcho fez questão de amenizar as críticas em torno do elenco e garantiu que o Tricolor não está em crise.
– No Grêmio não existe crise. É um campeonato muito equilibrado, com jogos muito difíceis, e equipes qualificadas. A única crise que tem aqui é a de excesso de títulos- afirmou.
Agora, com 8 pontos e na 14ª colocação, o Tricolor volta a campo na quinta-feira para visitar o Bahia, em Salvador.
Leeds United have seen another star depart Elland Road this week, who will definitely need replacing if they are to earn that instant promotion that fans were hoping for…
Who are Leeds United signing this summer?
It has been a summer dominated by those outgoings, with the failures of the past ownership unrelenting even with their sale.
The clauses placed in many of their player's contracts have allowed them to fly the nest for next to no money, with little financial boost to offset the mass exodus.
Jack Harrison is the latest to exercise such an option, joining Everton on an initial loan deal, and marking their sixth loan departure this window alone.
Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…
Daniel Farke will have to start finding alternatives soon or face another lengthy Premier League absence akin to their last.
Fortunately, they had already outlined one target recently that would mark an immediate replacement for the 26-year-old wide man, with the confirmation of his exit sure to spur them towards reigniting their reported interest in Anderlecht's Francis Amuzu.
The 23-year-old trickster is valued by Football Transfers at just €5m (£4m).
Who is Francis Amuzu?
Whilst likely an unknown name to most, the Juliper Pro League has played host to numerous stunning performances by the young sensation.
As a product of many of Europe's top talents, it is not a division to be brushed aside, with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois having all enjoyed stints there among many other stars.
So, there is every reason to believe that Amuzu is next to join such a list, given the ease with which he has taken to senior football.
Last campaign saw the speedster score three times across all competitions, assisting a further 12 in a very poor Anderlecht outfit. This came a year after he had almost flipped those figures, scoring ten and assisting five across all competitions in the 2021/22 term.
He has a penchant for both goalscoring and creating, rightfully earning praise from his former boss and current Burnley manager Vincent Kompany: "Francis has changed. He is aware of his qualities. It’s all a question of age. He emphasizes his quality and creates opportunities for himself with it."
With an ability to feature on both flanks too, the similarities with Harrison can be emphasised, who has admittedly been an immense stalwart across his five years in Yorkshire.
Featuring 206 times for the club, last term saw him record 12 league goal contributions in their desperate bid for survival, just a year after his eight goals and sole assist helped them narrowly avoid the drop.
His consistency, relentless running and direct play style led to praise, which Marcelo Bielsa led back in 2021: "He had a lot of influence, he was decisive and in the game against Fulham also. He’s a player who, when he manages to play at his best version, he has a big influence on our offensive game."
Replacing someone of his quality is no easy feat, but in Amazu they would gain another quality operator capable of using his own patented pace and work rate to fill in.
After all, when compared against other wingers across the eight leagues most similar to the Pro League, he ranks in the top 14% for progressive passes received per 90, but also in the top 16% for interceptions per 90.
It might mark another step towards Farke's vast overhaul, with which he needs to get underway again with immediacy given the speed with which they seem to be losing players.
Leeds United have seen a loan bid for Manchester City starlet Rico Lewis rejected, according to reports.
Who is Rico Lewis?
Lewis is naturally a right-back who has plied his trade at the Etihad Stadium since his childhood days having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to the senior fold last summer, but his game time during the previous term was very limited under Pep Guardiola.
The Sky Blues’ 18-year-old was handed just ten starts in the top-flight and was reduced to spending the remainder of the campaign on the bench and playing back-up to Kyle Walker, and there’s no doubt he knows that he would receive more regular minutes under his belt should he make the move elsewhere, especially if he was to drop down to the Championship.
Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…
The England youth international’s contract also expires in less than a year making his future uncertain, and whilst it’s been reported that he’s agreed a new six-year deal to commit himself, there’s still a chance that he could secure a temporary switch, and there’s already a potential suitor waiting for him in Daniel Farke at Elland Road.
The Whites recently sent Rasmus Kristensen out on a season-long loan to AS Roma so the boss will have to enter the market to find a suitable short-term replacement, and if the following update is to be believed, he’s already tried his luck at securing the exciting up-and-coming full-back.
Are Leeds signing Rico Lewis?
According to the Sunday Express on July 30, page five (via Hampshire Live), Leeds, Southampton and Everton are “interested” in a summer loan move for Lewis.
However, Man City have already turned down a “dozen” offers from admirers, including from the trio mentioned above, because despite attracting plenty of attention following his impressive short-lived cameos, Guardiola views the teenage prospect as an “important member” of his senior squad for the 2023/24 season.
Manchester City defender Rico Lewis.
According to journalist Josh Bunting, Lewis is a real “joy to watch” and is “aggressive” when bursting down the flank into the attacking space, so there’s no question that he’s much stronger in the offensive aspect of his game, and it’s a huge blow for Farke that he won’t be joining Leeds this summer.
The Bury-born talent, who earns £5k-per-week, has clocked up nine goal contributions (six goals and three assists) in 68 appearances since the start of his career and last season recorded a 92.2% pass success rate, which was higher than any of the regular starters in Yorkshire, highlighting his calmness and composure on the ball to link up the play with his fellow teammates.
Man City’s product, who has the versatility to operate in five various positions over the pitch, including everywhere across the backline, has already had a taste of success having secured three senior trophies with his side so he could have installed a much-needed winning mentality into the players north of him, though unfortunately for Farke, that won’t be the case after seeing his approach denied.
The BBL and WBBL seasons will expand by a week next summer, with the tournament finals scheduled for February 4. The expansion means that the semi-finals and final for both competitions will be played in the first week of the school year, outside the school-holiday period that has been such a successful window for the T20 tournament.The semi-finals are locked in for February 1 and 2, a Thursday and Friday, with the deciders to be played on the Sunday. Cricket Australia had announced in January that eight additional BBL matches would be fixtured for next season, though at the time the BBL chief, Anthony Everard, said CA believed they “could fit the extra games within the existing window if we wanted to”.The increase means one extra home game per BBL team, with the intention of taking matches to new markets. Launceston will host a WBBL and BBL double-header on December 30, when the Hobart Hurricanes play the Sydney Thunder, while other new venues are yet to be announced.”Both the BBL and WBBL are firm family favourites during the summer school holidays, and with even more matches we hope fans will continue to vote with their feet, support their club, and help us surpass last year’s attendance, which exceeded 1 million for the second consecutive season,” Everard said.”The eight additional BBL matches for this season have been scheduled to complement the existing regular season fixture, take the BBL and WBBL to more locations, and encourage more people to give cricket a go.”The opportunity to take matches to markets such as Launceston is particularly exciting as it represents the growing popularity of the Big Bash nationwide, and we are hopeful of extending the BBL’s footprint even further this season in partnership with the Thunder, Strikers and Renegades, who remain in discussions to take matches to new markets.”
As the wait for a new signing goes on at Leeds United, new boss Daniel Farke is also having to deal with a raft of outgoings from Elland Road, with a number of first-team stars looking to jump ship following the club's recent relegation.
The attacking ranks, in particular, look set to be depleted with both Jack Harrison and Wilfried Gnonto having been heavily linked with a move to Everton, while current number nine, Patrick Bamford is also reportedly ready to leave the club.
The Whites are also currently preparing for the impending departure of experienced Spaniard, Rodrigo, with The Athletic reporting that the 32-year-old is set to complete a move to Qatari outfit, Al-Rayyan, after three seasons in Yorkshire.
Amid that seemingly desperate need to bring in further attacking recruits before the new season kicks off next month, there have been reports in Israel that Leeds are interested in signing Maccabi Tel Aviv striker, Đorđe Jovanović.
The belief is that the 24-year-old marksman could command a minimal fee of just €3.8m (£3m) if he is to depart his current side this summer, having made the move to Tel Aviv from his native Serbia back in February 2022.
Despite being a possible left-field option for Farke and co, the 6 foot 1 ace – who has just a year left on his existing contract – could represent a bargain solution to the club's current centre-forward woes…
Who is Đorđe Jovanović?
The three-cap Serbia international has seemingly come to wider attention as a result of his prolific stint in Israel thus far, with the one-time Cadiz ace having scored 32 goals and registered eight assists in just 62 outings over the last 18 months or so.
That remarkable hot streak has followed what was another impressive stint at Belgrade outfit FC Čukarički prior to that, as the Leeds target netted 21 goals in only 36 outings across all competitions during his brief stint at the club.
Teemu Pukki for Norwich
Lauded as a "true poacher" by R.D Football Scout, Jovanović could well emulate the success that fellow forward Teemu Pukki enjoyed under Farke's tutelage during his stint in charge at Norwich City, with the pair enjoying two promotions together from the Championship.
While Pukki was a perhaps less obscure name at the time of his move to Carrow Road back in 2018 – having played for the likes of Celtic, Schalke and Sevilla prior to that – the Finnish ace was likely still something of a gamble for the Canaries, having been plying his trade for Danish side, Brondby, before making the switch.
Signed by Farke on a free transfer, the 5 foot 11 sensation went on be a revelation for the Norfolk outfit, scoring 29 goals in 43 Championship games during his debut season to help propel the club back into the Premier League.
While Pukki's subsequent tally of 11 league goals could not save Norwich from the drop in the following season, the lethal forward was then again the real catalyst for promotion in 2020/21, having bagged a further 26 goals in the second tier.
While now on the books of MLS side Minnesota United, the 33-year-old ended his time with the Canaries with 88 goals to his name in 210 games in total – 70 of which came in just 138 games under Farke's watch.
Much like the 'poaching' Jovanović, Pukki is a player that truly comes alive inside the 18-yard box, with just one of his 30 goals in all competitions in 18/19 having come from outside the area.
For Farke to then find his next version of the clinical veteran with the signing of the Tel Aviv ace would be a dream scenario, with Jovanović potentially set follow in Pukki's footsteps by catching fire under the German coach.
Carlos Corberan now looks certain to stay on as West Bromwich Albion head coach, despite strong links with a switch to Leeds United, following the club's return to full training this week.
However, having already lost Dara O'Shea to Burnley – a decision Corberan accepts as being best for the club – the Baggies risk annoying the 40-year-old with their latest transfer decision.
What has Corberan said about West Brom's transfer business?
Corberan sat down with WBA TV this week to discuss the recent departures both in terms of squad members and also in the boardroom, with Albion going through a somewhat tumultuous period off the field.
Plenty of players have been tipped to depart The Hawthorns, whereas rumoured targets are few and far between as the West Midlands outfit continue to balance the books due to their Premier League parachute payments coming to an end.
"I understand the priorities of the club and the priorities right now are to add some new players to the squad," Corberan said. However, it could be more bad news for the Spaniard as journalist Dean Jones claims Leeds United are continuing to show an interest in Jayson Molumby.
Who is West Brom star Jayson Molumby?
Leeds are in need of a midfielder as Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are expected to move on this summer, and Molumby is said to be one of those they will turn to.
Given Albion's financial concerns, any sort of reasonable bid for the Republic of Ireland international – who earns £17k a week, according to Capology – would likely be accepted by Albion, even at the risk of riling Corberan.
The Sun's Alan Nixon reported as much earlier this month when revealing no sale has been ruled out by West Brom.
Should Leeds indeed push ahead with their interest in Molumby, it would be a massive blow for Corberan in his attempt to assemble a side capable of challenging for promotion out of the Championship.
The 23-year-old was described as an "animal" by Corberan last season for playing a big part in the club's rise from the bottom of the division to within touching distance of the play-offs.
Molumby is a central midfielder who can combine a number of factors, such as the ability to help out in attack, as highlighted by his four goals and four assists last season – only Jed Wallace (14) and John Swift (15) could better that among Albion players.
The Irishman is also capable of keeping play ticking over, with his 84.9% pass-completion rate the highest of any West Brom regular last season, as per FBref.
Also ranked fifth for tackles won (1.18 per 90 minutes), it is fair to say Corberan would be losing the heartbeat of his side should the Baggies cash in on another key man.
The speculation linking Corberan to Leeds may well have died down, but West Brom must be careful not to force the highly regarded coach closer to the exit with a blunder in the transfer market.
Half-centuries from opening batsmen Rob Nicol and Glenn Phillips steered Auckland to a seven-wicket win, chasing 176 in their Super Smash clash against Otago
ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jan-2017 ScorecardFile photo – Rob Nicol dominated an opening stand of 71 to set up Auckland’s successful chase of 176•Getty Images
Half-centuries from opening batsmen Rob Nicol and Glenn Phillips steered Auckland to a seven-wicket win, as they chased down 176 in their Super Smash clash against Otago. Auckland also benefited from handy cameos by Colin de Grandhomme (30 off 14) and Jeet Raval (21 off 12) as they chased the target with two overs to spare at the University Oval in Dunedin. Otago had put up 175 for 7 after winning the toss, riding on contributions from the middle order.Nicol dominated the opening partnership of of 71, scoring 51 of those himself. He was stumped off Rhys Phillips’ leg spin in the ninth over, having struck three fours and as many sixes in his 36-ball knock. Glenn Phillips then shared partnerships of 51 with Raval for the second wicket and 38 with de Grandhomme for the third. He saw his team through by staying not out on 62 off 44 balls that included five fours and two sixes.Earlier, Otago’s middle order pulled them from 13 for 2 in the second over to 175. Hamish Rutherford, the captain, struck 42 off 27 balls and shared a 36-run fourth-wicket stand with Josh Finnie, who top-scored with an unbeaten 45. A late cameo from Brad Wilson who blitzed 30 off 15 balls gave them a strong finish.Pacers De Grandhomme and Donovan Grobbelaar took two wickets each, while left-arm spinner Ben Horne took one. The win, Auckland’s fifth in nine matches, took them to second place on the points table.
Arsenal have entered talks with Ilkay Gundogan about a summer move, but there will be a great deal of competition for his signature, according to a recent report from Marca.
Is Ilkay Gundogan leaving Man City?
With Gundogan's contract set to expire at the end of the month, the midfielder has been linked with a move elsewhere, and there are reports that a move to Barcelona could be close, having verbally told the La Liga side he wants to join this summer.
However, the German is likely to have a number of other offers on the table, with clubs from Saudi Arabia said to be preparing huge offers, while French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, according to a report from L'Equipe.
There is also a chance the 32-year-old remains at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City now keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract, having initially been unwilling to offer anything other than a one-year deal.
According to a report from Marca (via Sport Witness), Arsenal have now entered talks over a move for the £140k-per-week midfielder, however, there will be fierce competition for his signature.
PSG may push to sign the Germany international if they appoint Julian Nagelsmann as their new manager, while Barcelona will try to sign him as well.
Mikel Arteta knows him well from their time working together at Man City, and he believes the central midfielder could have the quality to help his side compete for the Premier League title.
Will Gundogan join Arsenal?
Now that City have changed their stance on offering the former Borussia Dortmund man a long-term deal, it would be surprising if he is willing to move to another Premier League club, particularly if Pep Guardiola's side win the Champions League final later tonight.
However, if the Gunners are able to win the race for his signature, the maestro could be a fantastic signing, given that he played a vital role for City in their Premier League triumph last season, registering eight goals and five assists in 35 appearances.
Hailed as "incredible" by members of the media, the Man City star also has a habit of delivering in big games – scoring four in his last three league games to help wrap up the title for his side before netting a brace in the FA Cup final.
Although he is now 32 years old, Gundogan is showing no signs of slowing down, and Arsenal should undoubtedly table a contract offer this summer.
Sunderland ended the 2022/23 campaign with an injury crisis at the heart of their defence as Danny Batth and Daniel Ballard both missed the Championship play-offs.
This meant that Luke O'Nien and Trai Hume, a midfielder and a right-back by trade, were forced to play as centre-backs against Luton in the second leg, which they lost 2-0.
The injuries to Batth and Ballard exposed the lack of depth in the squad in that position. Kristjaan Speakman and Tony Mowbray have now made a move to combat that ahead of 2023/24.
It was recently reported that the Black Cats have agreed on a deal worth $500,000 (£402k) to sign central defender Nectarios Triantis from Australian side Central Coast Mariners.
What is Nectrarios Triantis' style of play?
The right-footed centre-back is a competent passer of the ball who can also make regular defensive interventions to cut out opposition attacks and the 18-year-old could be the dream long-term heir to Batth's position in the team at the Stadium of Light.
During the current A-League campaign, Triantis has averaged an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.05 across 25 appearances in the division and made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game for his side.
Batth, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.83 across 40 outings in the Championship and made 1.5 tackles and interceptions for Sunderland.
Sunderland defender Danny Batth.
These statistics suggest that the 18-year-old centre-back has the potential to be an upgrade on the experienced campaigner due to his average performance level and the volume of defensive actions he is able to make week-in-week-out, which could limit the number of chances the opposition are able to create against Mowbray's side.
Australian football journalist Joey Lynch recently offered the Sunderland Echo a description of the Mariners gem:
“A bigger-bodied defender, Triantis is composed on the ball and possesses recovery speed to help out his teammates in a pinch."
Lynch's comment on his ability in possession is backed up by the enforcer's 85% pass completion rate in the A-League, which shows that the youngster is reliable on the ball and rarely gives it away – in a similar fashion to Batth, who completed 81% of his passes in the Championship.
Triantis, who journalist Josh Bunting also described as an "exciting" potential signing, only turned 18 last month and is a staggering 14 years younger than the current Black Cats battler.
This means that the teenager could be one for the future, as well as the here and now, and a player who Mowbray can develop and improve over time.
The Aussie gem could learn from Batth and utilise the 32-year-old's vast experience to help him adjust to life in English football before eventually taking over his position as first-choice in the team, should Speakman and co strike.
Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes for new manager Ange Postecoglou, according to reports.
Who could Spurs sign this summer?
Spurs supporters have finally seen their club's long, drawn out manager search come to an end with former Celtic boss Postecoglou set to start work on July 1.
The Australian, fresh off the back of a domestic treble win at Parkhead, is tasked with the almighty challenge of transforming Tottenham into a major force again.
“Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said chairman Daniel Levy upon his appointment."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."
Spurs missed out on European football for the 2023/2024 campaign, making the summer transfer market a challenge both financially and in terms of attracting star players.
However, reports suggest that the north Londoners and Levy are still determined to back Postecoglou, with the club ready to rival Newcastle for Leicester City star James Maddison.
According to The Times, however, Maddison isn't the only player being targeted from the King Power Stadium. Indeed, their forward Barnes is also wanted at Spurs, with Levy and co apparently being "keen" to sign him.
As well as the aforementioned duo, Southampton star James Ward-Prowse is another relegated star who is attracting interest.
Who is Harvey Barnes?
The Englishman, who is expected to cost around £40 million this summer, has been revered for his speed and stood out as one of Leicester's star players last season.
As per WhoScored, Barnes finished 2022/2023 as Leicester's top goalscorer in the Premier League with 13 – backing how he could inject some real threat into Tottenham's forward line.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, commenting on the 25-year-old in 2021, even heralded him as an "unbelievable player".
"They do good business, full-back, centre-half, all these things," said Klopp on Leicester at the time."Up front, [Marc] Albrighton, looks like he doesn’t get older, [Jamie] Vardy the same."Barnes is probably one of the biggest talents, I’m not sure if he is respected or appreciated as much as he should be, he is an unbelievable player to be honest, a proper Leicester product."
Given he is likely to want an immediate return to the top flight, ir is reasonable to believe he could also be open to joining Tottenham.