
'A display in the art of defending'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Record
6 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Conor Coady to Rangers transfer hits further roadblock as another 'collapsed' deal puts Frank Lampard on notice
The veteran defender is on the Ibrox side's radar and impressed his new boss as captain in a pre-season win New Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes says he "liked what he saw" from Conor Coady in their 1-0 win over Zalaegerzegi on Saturday – a potential hint a move to Rangers could be delayed even further. The defender has been a target at Ibrox all summer and we understand both Rangers and Coady are keen to make it happen in time for Thursday's clash with Panathinaikos. Russell Martin has already named his squad for that Champions League qualifying first leg but there is wiggle room to register two new players 24 hours ahead of it if any new signings are in the door by then. But it looks as if new Foxes boss Cifuentes may be taking his time to have a look at Coady. And that's not exactly what Martin will want to hear. Cifuentes said after the friendly: 'There are a lot of positive things we can bring with us. There are a lot of things to improve, which is normal at this stage. 'I like the intention, the attitude, and the application of the team. I like that we wanted to be from day one, a team that is dominant and wants to use possession to attack. The timing of the movement and the rotations, everything will come. 'I like, as well, to see the young boys. I'm very happy with what I see from Jeremy, from Louis, from Evans, from all the young guys. 'And, as well, the application of the experienced players. I liked what I saw from Conor, from Jannik. It's an interesting mix.' Elsewhere the Jamie Vardy ship may have come and gone but he is taking his time over his next move – and a report hints that could open the door to Rangers should they decide to revisit their interest. The Premier League legend is a free agent this summer and the Ibrox side certainly haven't shut down chatter they could be in for the 38-year-old on a short-term deal. Even despite Leicester's noted struggles last term, Vardy hit double figures in the English top flight and he might fancy one last stab at European football before he hangs up his boots. The Mail on Sunday report that he has been 'uncharacteristically slow' to decide on his future and indicate he is considering a few options over his future. Whether one of them is Ibrox is unclear but they do note Rangers are a "massive global name" – the likes of which Vardy has never notched on his CV so far. And it's added that prestige could well lead to Vardy choosing them over the likes of Championship new boys Wrexham, who are chasing an unprecedented fourth straight promotion. Elsewhere Carl Rushworth likely won't be joining Rangers after Brighton decided against loaning the keeper to Ibrox – and Coventry could be set to take advantage. The keeper, who was Russell Martin's No.1 at Swansea, was Brighton's second choice for much of last season but is still yet to make his senior debut for the Seagulls. Reports earlier this summer indicated Rangers were keen on bringing him in to compete with Jack Butland and Liam Kelly. But more recently it's been claimed that deal is off with Rangers instead looking at Sheffield Wednesday's Pierce Charles. Frank Lampard's Coventry may be the side to pounce on Rushworth though and former Aston Villa defender Lee Hendrie told Football League World: "You look at any player or any goalkeeper really that's played or been around the top level, then I think it's a big coup for any football club to bring in someone whose Premier League bound, and particularly being linked with Rangers, which looks like it's collapsed. 'I think Frank (Lampard) will be looking at that and knowing it's a really good signing. "I think that's an area they haven't really struggled with goalkeeper-wise, but having someone of his calibre would be a really good addition to Coventry City.' You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.


The Independent
36 minutes ago
- The Independent
Transfer news live: Rashford nears Barcelona switch, Liverpool's Ekitike offer, Arsenal latest
The summer transfer window rolls on as Premier League clubs and those around Europe look to add to their squads ahead of the 2025/26 season. Arsenal 's negotiations for Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres had stalled due to a difference in valuation and terms, though the Gunners are now in the process of completing a move after a breakthrough in talks. Noni Madueke was unveiled on Friday, whereas Eberechi Eze remains a target, but Arsenal are set to leave on their pre-season tour of Asia without completing the deal for a new striker. Manchester United continue to focus on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo and have now agreed a fee for the Brentford forward with a medical to follow next, while there remains plenty of focus on outgoings as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho near the exit door. Liverpool are in advanced talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over Hugo Ekitike. The former Paris Saint-Germain player has a €100m (£86m) release clause and it is expected that Ekitike would want to make the switch to Anfield and that personal terms could be agreed with the 23-year-old.


Daily Mail
36 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Liverpool 'make MAJOR breakthrough in Hugo Ekitike pursuit - as Frankfurt close in on club record sale' for former PSG star
Liverpool have made a significant breakthrough in their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. As reported by The Athletic, the Reds have reached an outline agreement with Frankfurt as they look to sign the highly-rated 23-year-old. Liverpool are now working on finalising the deal, which could be concluded soon. If all of the add-ons are met then it is anticipated that Ekitike could be a club-record sale for Frankfurt. Frankfurt's current record sale is that of Randal Kolo Muani, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 for £64.2million plus £12.2million. Ekitike was dropped from Eintracht Frankfurt's starting lineup for their friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday amid speculation over his future. Newcastle had an offer of £70million rejected for Ekitike, which fell £16million short of his release clause. Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak but now seem focused on securing a deal for Ekitike, who has played for France at Under-21 level. Last season Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games for Frankfurt in all competitions, with 15 of those strikes coming in the Bundesliga. He was also named in the Bundesliga team of the season following a hugely impressive campaign. Ekitike was previously at PSG, initially on loan from Reims before joining permanently. However, he only made 33 appearances for PSG in total and scored four goals. Liverpool have already been heavily active in the transfer market this summer. The Premier League champions brought in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, while Milos Kerkez joined from Bournemouth. Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid, while Jarell Quansah signed for Bayer Leverkusen.