Bernard Julien, the former West Indies allrounder, died at the age of 75 on Saturday in Valsayn, a town in Northern Trinidad. He was part of the 1975 world champions and represented the region across 24 Tests and 12 ODIs.At the inaugural ODI World Cup, now 50 years ago, Julien produced a spell of 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka in the group stage and followed it up with 4 for 27 against New Zealand in the semi-final and a cameo of 26 off 37 balls against Australia in the final. The tournament encapsulated his reputation as a swashbuckling allrounder known for his left-arm seam bowling, his strokeplay and lively fielding.Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain, hailed Julien as a vital member of the 1975 champions. “He always gave you over 100 percent. He never shirked his duties, and I could always rely on him with bat and ball. He gave his all every time. What a fine cricketer,” Lloyd was quoted as saying by the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian.Julien enjoyed another high point at Lord’s, where he scored his first Test century, a match-winning 121 against England in 1973. He picked up a five-for against the same opposition the next year.”We all had total respect for him,” Lloyd said. “He enjoyed himself and was loved by everyone around. I remember we won the Test match at Lords and stood there and signed autographs for a long time, He was good for us and was held in high regard everywhere we went.”Julien also played for Kent between 1970 and 1977, but his career came to a halt when he joined a rebel West Indies side that toured South Africa during the apartheid era in 1982-83.”As we honour Bernard Julien, we also recognise the importance of reflection and inclusion. The time has come to view that chapter of our history not through exclusion but through understanding,” Dr Kishore Shallow, the President of Cricket West Indies, said in an official statement.”To the family, friends, and loved ones of Bernard Julien, we extend our deepest condolences. His passing reminds us that a life devoted to purpose never truly leaves us. Cricket West Indies stands with you in this moment of loss, and we hope Bernard knew he was valued and loved by the cricketing family he helped to shape, and that he found peace knowing his contribution will always endure.”
Unless you've been living under a rock, you likely are aware the Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the most talented rosters in the history of baseball.
The Dodgers' player-acquistion success, however, has been tempered this year by a string of unusual injuries. In March, shortstop Mookie Betts suffered from a frightening undisclosed illness. In April, first baseman Freddie Freeman fell in the shower.
Now, a new hiccup has befallen the world champions, as Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts toldJon Heyman of . Betts stubbed his toe at home Wednesday and is day-to-day; he will not be in the lineup when Los Angeles opens its much-hyped series against the New York Yankees Friday.
Per Heyman, Betts may have X-rays on the toe.
Betts, the 32-year-old 2018 American League MVP, is slashing .254/.338/.405 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs this season. His Dodgers lead the San Diego Padres by two games in the National League West Division.
Rafael Devers doesn't want to keep switching positions.
The Boston Red Sox have reportedly approached Devers about moving back to being a field player after turning him into a full-time designated hitter this season. Devers previously played third base and moved off the position when Boston acquired Alex Bregman this offseason.
The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey reports Devers is unwilling to play first base.
McCaffrey reports, "Rafael Devers says he’s not willing to play first base. Doesn’t understand why the team wants him to move again after asking him to change positions in spring training. He said things are fine in the clubhouse but he’s clearly frustrated with Breslow."
Devers initially balked at moving off third base when the team signed Bregman (something teammates supported him in), though he later agreed to the switch. It's clear there are still some raw feelings there.
The Red Sox signed Devers to a 10-year, $313.5 million deal before the 2023 season, so it is imperative they repair their relationship with the three-time All-Star.
So far this season, Devers is slashing .255/.379/.455 with six home runs and 25 RBIs.
Chelsea have made an approach to sign a Premier League star, and it happened right after they lost against his side in the top flight.
Chelsea look to arrest recent slide with Everton win
The west Londoners desperately need to rediscover their winning formula when they welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with their title charge now unraveling.
Enzo Maresca’s side have endured a torrid spell recently, failing to taste victory in their last four games across all competitions.
This dismal run has seen them tumble to fifth in the Premier League, now eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal in what appears an increasingly forlorn title pursuit.
Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat against Atalanta was particularly damaging, leaving Chelsea 11th in the European competition’s league phase and facing an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification to the last 16.
They also lost 3-1 to Leeds at the start of December and followed that up with a frustrating goalless stalemate at Bournemouth.
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Maresca has attracted criticism for excessive squad rotation, making more changes than any other manager in the Premier League throughout 2025/2026.
More worryingly, no top flight side has squandered more points from winning positions at home this season than Chelsea’s eight, and Everton travel to London in a very good mood.
The Toffees have won four out of their last five matches, keeping clean sheets in all of those games, and a first win at Stamford Bridge since the 1990s would allow them to leapfrog Chelsea in the table.
Nothing but all three points will do for Maresca and co as they look to end what has been a memorable 2025 on a high.
Away from the pitch, Chelsea are being linked with a host of players ahead of 2026 and the January transfer window, with Sunderland star Noah Sadiki now attracting their interest.
Chelsea make 'direct contact' for Sunderland star Noah Sadiki
The versatile 20-year-old has been a key player for Regis Le Bris’ side as they make a fairytale start to their first season back in the Premier League for eight years.
Sadiki is a mainstay for this year’s surprise package, starting all 15 of their games so far, and he put in an excellent performance at Stamford Bridge back in October.
The Black Cats ran out 2-1 winners over Chelsea in west London, and Sadiki’s performance motivated BlueCo to ‘immediately’ inquire Sunderland over his availability.
That is according to Sky Sports Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, who also explained via X that Chelsea are now in ‘direct contact’ to sign Sadiki ahead of January.
The Belgian made over 40 appearances for Union Saint-Gilloise last season and helped them win their first Jupiler Pro League title in 90 years, with Sadiki now taking to England like a duck to water.
Le Bris lavished praise on the young midfielder right after snapping him up from USG, calling him a ‘rare’ talent, and this is clearly showing now.
Young, versatile and in fantastic form, Sadiki ticks a lot of boxes for Chelsea, and he could be an excellent alternative to the constantly-injured Roméo Lavia in the middle of the park.
AC Milan have made contact with Nottingham Forest over a deal for a £26m Nuno signing who now wants to leave.
Forest on the up under the helm of Dyche
Ange Postecoglou didn’t last long after replacing Nuno earlier this season, but Sean Dyche has really managed to turn things around, with his side now four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.
The Tricky Trees edged out a 1-0 victory against the bottom-placed side, courtesy of an Igor Jesus goal with just under 20 minutes left to play, meaning they finally have some breathing room, and survival is looking increasingly likely.
Dyche praised his side’s mindset in the narrow victory, saying: “They kept going and throwing things at us. I’m pleased with our mentality. You saw the way we dug it out, they threw a lot at us second half and we dealt with it well.”
In fairness, given that Forest qualified for the Europa League last season and spent heavily in the summer, relegation shouldn’t be on the cards, but it would be fair to say some of their recent additions haven’t hit the ground running at the City Ground.
Arnaud Kalimuendo, who arrived from Rennes for £26m, has particularly struggled to make an impact, having failed to score in his opening seven Premier League games, predominantly being utilised as a substitute.
According to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the striker could be offered an exit route soon, with it being revealed that AC Milan have made contact with Nottingham Forest CEO Lina Souloukou over a potential deal.
Kalimuendo now wants to leave Forest, amid a lack of game time, featuring for just 81 mintues across his seven Premier League appearances this season, and clubs from Italy are lining up to sign him, with AS Roma also being named as potential suitors.
Forest should sanction Kalimuendo departure this January
In truth, it is probably best for all parties if the centre-forward moves on this summer, given that he clearly hasn’t managed to impress all three of Forest’s managers this season, given the lack of game time in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has impressed at times in the Europa League, most recently scoring in the 3-0 victory over Malmo FF, but he was unable to make an impact as a substitute against Brighton in the following match, failing to register a single shot.
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In fairness, it is difficult to have a major impact coming on late in the game, and Kalimuendo may need to be given a Premier League start if he is to prove himself.
However, with Jesus recently scoring his first Premier League goal, and Chris Wood still to return from injury, opportunities are likely to be even more limited going forward, and it may be worth Forest cutting their losses in the January transfer window.
Manchester United have been on the hunt for a new central midfielder over the last couple of months, with Ruben Amorim wanting added reinforcements at the heart of the side.
The 40-year-old has made such a position the priority for the upcoming window, in an attempt to strengthen their standing in the Premier League before the end of the season.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have largely been the go-to partnership over recent months, but given that the Brazilian is now 33, a long-term solution is undoubtedly needed.
Kobbie Mainoo would undoubtedly be the supporters’ first choice to fill the void, but it appears as though the youngster could be heading closer to the exit door.
As a result, numerous options have appeared on their radar in recent weeks, with the hierarchy evidently making moves ahead of the window opening in a couple of weeks.
United’s hunt for a new central midfielder this January
Adam Wharton has been one name on the tip of many United fans’ tongues over the last few weeks, with rumours circulating over a possible move for the Englishman.
It was reported earlier this week that the Red Devils are preparing a bid in the region of £87m to land the Crystal Palace star – a deal that would be a huge investment from INEOS.
However, it’s thought that the Eagles are hugely reluctant to offload their star man, which could make a deal somewhat tricky to complete this winter.
As a result, other options are being considered, which has led to rumours over a deal for Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher resurfacing once again.
Journalist Ben Jacobs stated this week that Amorim’s men could be tempted to revisit a move for the 25-year-old, who only joined the LaLiga side last summer.
He also stated the hierarchy could be tempted by a potential loan deal, but it’s unclear if Diego Simeone’s side would be willing to let him leave on a temporary basis.
Why United’s latest target would be the next Mount
Back in the summer of 2023, United secured the £60m signing of midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea – a deal that massively raised eyebrows at the time.
Such a figure was seen as too expensive for the Englishman, something which was only magnified as a result of his constant battles with injuries in his first two years at Old Trafford.
He could only make 47 appearances in his first two seasons in Manchester, but it appears she’s put his struggles behind him in 2025/26, with the 26-year-old now in the form of his life.
Amorim has stuck by him in recent months, with Mount repaying the favour, as seen by his tally of three league goals this season – two of which have come in the last three games.
At present, he’s a key member of the United squad and could play a massive role when the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo go to AFCON in the coming weeks.
However, the hierarchy could complete a similar deal to Mount with a move for Gallagher, with the Atlético star also coming through the ranks at Chelsea before starring as a professional.
Like a deal for the midfielder a couple of years ago, many supporters have voiced their displeasure at a deal for the LaLiga star, but it could prove to be a shrewd addition.
His stats from the ongoing campaign showcase his talents, with many of which massively bolstering the options currently at the disposal of the manager at Old Trafford.
Gallagher, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, has won 2.5 tackles and made 1.6 interceptions per 90, with such numbers showcasing his dominant ball-winning presence that Amorim craves.
Conor Gallagher – LaLiga stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
16
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
88%
Shots taken
1.4
Progressive carries
2.7
Progressive passes
3.9
Tackles made
2.5
Interceptions made
1.6
Carries into opposition box
0.9
Stats via FBref
He’s also made 0.9 carries into the opposition box as part of his 2.7 progressive carries per 90, highlighting his ability with the ball when winning it back for his side.
Gallagher, who earns £150k-per-week, has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted to date, with 3.9 of which per 90 going into the final third, further reaffirming his incredible ball-playing talents.
Such a deal may be tricky to conduct for the Red Devils this window, but it would be a superb piece of business and one that could take the side to the next level.
If he can achieve the heights achieved by Mount, it would be an excellent deal and one that could finally end the hierarchy’s hunt for a new number eight in 2026.
Man Utd gem could be "the world's best", but he's becoming the new Mainoo
Manchester United have one star in their ranks who could suffer the same fate as Kobbie Mainoo.
West Ham United are keen on a January swoop for an “unbelievable” striker, who now wants a move to the Premier League.
West Ham looking to provide Jarrod Bowen with support in attack
West Ham have become more difficult to beat since the arrival of Nuno, having lost just one of their last six Premier League games, but they will be disappointed they were unable to hold on against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Hammers were in the lead until stoppage time, before Georginio Rutter netted a controversial late equaliser, which Nuno believes should’ve been ruled out, saying: “It was a handball, wasn’t it, and a high foot. No need to speak with the referee. I think it was the main factor.”
Picking up three points against an in-form Brighton side would’ve been an impressive result, but it wasn’t to be, despite Jarrod Bowen putting in an impressive performance, netting his fourth Premier League goal of the season after starting in a central role.
Callum Wilson came off the bench to assist Bowen’s goal, with the former Newcastle United man now up to five goal contributions this season, but with his contract due to expire in the summer, the Irons are looking to provide their captain with some additional support in attack.
That is according to a report from Hammers News, which has provided a new update on West Ham’s Ivan Toney pursuit, stating Nuno’s side are keen on signing the striker in the January transfer window.
The Hammers have already explored a deal for Toney, having been impressed by his performances in England for Brentford, and the centre-forward now wants to make a return to the Premier League ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, it is unlikely the east Londoners will be able to get a deal over the line, given the Al-Ahli star’s huge wage demands, which could be a major obstacle.
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Despite West Ham being difficult to beat in recent weeks, they are still in real trouble, currently sitting two points from safety and inside the relegation zone.
The former Brentford striker has proven he has what it takes to help fire the Hammers to safety, maintaining a fantastic attacking record across his three seasons in the Premier League with the Bees.
Season
Premier League appearances
Goal contributions
2021-22
33
17
2022-23
33
24
2023-24
17
6
Former manager Thomas Frank also waxed lyrical about the Englishman upon his departure, saying: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Ivan over the last four years. He has averaged more than one goal every two games, which is an unbelievable number.”
With West Ham at real risk of relegation, they definitely need to make some new additions in the January window, and Toney is exactly the calibre of signing they should be looking to make.
تحدث مدرب ريال مدريد تشابي ألونسو في تصريحات أعقبت الفوز أمام أتلتيك بلباو في منافسات الدوري الإسباني، وأشاد بمهاجم الفريق كيليان مبابي.
وتغلب ريال مدريد على أتلتيك بلباو بثلاثية نظيفة، وسجل مبابي هدفين وصنع هدفًا، ونشرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تصريحات تشابي عقب المباراة.
وقال تشابي: “كيليان مبابي في حالة رائعة، يتمتع بحركة ممتازة وتناغم قوي مع فينيسيوس، دخل الفريق المباراة عازمًا على الفوز منذ الدقيقة الأولى، كانت لحظة مهمة للعودة إلى سكة الانتصارات خارج أرضنا، وسنعود إلى أرضنا يوم الأحد”.
وتابع: “مبابي كان أداؤه جميلًا وسلسًا في هدفيه الأول والثاني، وتعاون بشكل رائع مع فينيسيوس، نحن بحاجة إليه”.
وعن تصديات كورتوا، أضاف: “ليس من المستغرب أن يقوم بتصديات حاسمة، لقد سمح لنا بالحفاظ على تقدمنا ومواصلة اللعب”.
وعن تواجد أردا جولر بديلاً ومشاركته في الدقيقة 69، علّق: “بالطبع يمكنه اللعب مع بيلينجهام (في وسط الملعب) لقد لعب ثلاث مباريات متتالية، ونحن نلعب كل ثلاثة أيام، كان هذا قرارًا خاصًا بمباراة اليوم فقط، إنه مجرد قرار تكتيكي”.
اقرأ أيضًا | رجل مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيك بلباو في الدوري الإسباني
وأردف: “أداء الفريق، والجودة الجماعية، وكيف سيطرنا على المباراة، كان الأداء متسقًا للغاية، بعد التعادل أمام جيرونا، كانت لحظة مهمة، والآن علينا التفكير في سيلتا فيجو، جدول المباريات حافل بالمباريات ولا يسمح بأي تأجيل”.
وواصل: “قدمنا مباراة متكاملة ومركزة للغاية، تقدمنا بجدارة، نافسنا بشكل جيد، كنا بحاجة إلى ذلك، وحافظنا على هدوئنا، علينا مواصلة التقدم، كانت تلك اللحظة مهمة، ولعبنا واحدة من أكثر مبارياتنا اكتمالًا”.
وأشار: “لقد لعبنا ست مباريات خارج أرضنا، ونفتقد بالفعل ملعبنا وجماهيرنا، وعلينا أن نحافظ على هذا الزخم، كانت مباراة مهمة؛ أردنا كسر سلسلة الهزائم، دخلنا المباراة بهدوء واستعداد”.
وأكد: “كان أداءً متكاملاً للغاية، كنا في غاية التركيز طوال التسعين دقيقة، ولم نتلقَّ أي فرص تُذكر، بل خلقنا العديد منها بأنفسنا، كان أداؤنا الأكثر اكتمالاً في ملعبٍ مُتطلب، لكننا نأخذ الأمور ببساطة ونمضي قدمًا”.
وعن هدف كامافينجا، أتم: “كان لديّ شعور جيد حياله، وجدنا ترينت على الجناح الأيمن، كانت الأهداف الثلاثة رائعة، برأيي، كانت جميلة جدًا، وسلسة للغاية”.
Pep Guardiola remains coy, but the plain truth is that Manchester City have closed ground on Premier League table-toppers Arsenal ahead of the Christmas period, and Sky Blue supporters know they would be wise to buckle in.
But then, another truth would be that this is simply not Pep’s strongest City squad. That said, there is enough quality within the Etihad Stadium to challenge for and potentially win the league title, especially with Erling Haaland in such impudent goalscoring form.
However, Haaland can’t do it alone all year long, with the list of the club’s top scorers underscoring the need for more firepower.
Erling Haaland
20
20
Phil Foden
19
9
Jeremy Doku
21
3
Rayan Cherki
14
3
Josko Gvardiol
16
2
Ruben Dias
20
2
Tijjani Reijnders
21
2
Phil Foden is going from strength to strength, and that could be a defining factor in City’s revival, but it’s understandable that Guardiola and the board are hoping to sign a new wide forward.
City's winter transfer plans
Haaland continues to defy expectations. Even his soaring expectations. But there’s no question that Guardiola’s side could pack a few more angles into their punches, and that’s something that may need to be fixed in January if the Premier League title is to return to the blue side of Manchester.
Given that the Norwegian goal machine is fixed into his starting berth at number nine, perhaps a goalscoring wideman could be what Pep needs.
According to TEAMtalk, Man City still have a strong interest in signing Antoine Semenyo despite Liverpool’s ostensible lead in the race. All the pointers suggest the 26-year-old is inching toward an exit from Bournemouth in 2026.
Semenyo has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, and with his £65m release clause switching on in January, City will need to pounce quickly to beat off the thick competition for his signature.
Why Pep wants to sign Semenyo
Most of the noise surrounding Semenyo and his future centres around struggling Premier League champions Liverpool, but City know they have it in their power to convince him to join their project.
A big-game player and with six goals and three assists to his name in the English top flight this term, Semenyo is riding the crest of a wave, with a skillset that looks perfect for a team fighting at the top.
His potency and pace could lead him to rival Jeremy Doku as City’s new version of Leroy Sane, who is fondly remembered to this day for his exploits in Manchester.
But, more accurately, Semenyo could actually emerge as Pep’s own version of Sadio Mane, the former Liverpool attacker.
Liverpool analyst Josh Williams has actually suggested that the Ghana international is “the closest you’ll find to peak Mane right now” , and given the terrorising of Premier League defences – including City’s – that the Senegalese winger used to inflict, Pep could do a lot worse than add a new version to his ranks.
Looking at the former Liverpool man during the 2021/22 campaign, leading to a second-place finish at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, in comparison to Semenyo this season, you can perhaps see why such a claim was made, with the Cherries star boasting a completeness that few can claim they have within their locker.
Matches (starts)
34 (32)
14 (14)
Goals
16
6
Assists
2
3
Shots (on target)*
2.9 (1.1)
2.4 (1.4)
Big chances missed
13
5
Accurate passes
23.6 (77%)
19.8 (78%)
Chances created*
1.3
1.3
Succ. dribbles*
1.4
1.6
Tackles*
1.0
1.7
Duels won*
4.7
6.5
Both players are combative and dynamic and deadly in the final third, and while Semenyo has the pace and athleticism to rekindle memories of a star like Sane, it is the one-time Liverpool icon, who he bears a more striking tactical likeness.
Two-footed and able to play across both wings, Semenyo is the real deal, and though Bournemouth are struggling for form at this moment in time, he remains a beaming beacon for Andoni Iraola in the final third, having been named the “best winger in the country” by Chris Waddle for his efforts this season.
How City could do with a fleet-footed winger in their mix like Sane right now, someone to contrast with the electric Jeremy Doku.
Semenyo, with all his hustle and bustle, could be the perfect man for the title-chasing task at hand.
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O São Paulo recebe o Cruzeiro neste domingo (2), pela sétima rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A bola rola a partir das 18h30 (de Brasília), no Estádio do Morumbis, em São Paulo (SP), com transmissão do Premiere (clique aqui para assinar o Premiere por 30 dias grátis!).
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Confira todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre Corinthians e Botafogo (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).
✅ FICHA TÉCNICA SÃO PAULO X CRUZEIRO BRASILEIRÃO – 7ª RODADA
🗓️ Data e horário: domingo, 2 de junho de 2024, às 18h30 (de Brasília) 📍 Local: Estádio do Morumbis, em São Paulo (SP) 📺 Onde assistir: Premiere 🚩 Assistentes: Fabricio Vilarinho da Silva e Victor Hugo Imazu dos Santos 🟨 Árbitro: Lucas Paulo Torezin 🖥️ VAR: Wagner Reway
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⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES
SÃO PAULO (Técnico: LUIS ZUBELDÍA) Rafael; Igor Vinícius, Arboleda (Diego Costa), Alan Franco e Patryck; Bobadilla e Alisson; Rodrigo Nestor, Lucas Moura e Luciano; Juan.
CRUZEIRO (Técnico: FERNANDO SEABRA) Anderson; William, Zé Ivaldo, João Marcelo e Marlon; Lucas Silva e Lucas Romero; Gabriel Veron, Matheus Pereira e Álvaro Barreal; Rafa Silva.
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