Manchester United are in a predicament and could look to the transfer market to bolster their backline when the January window opens for business.

Ruben Amorim identifies what Man Utd are 'missing'

Supporters of Manchester United have had to endure their fair share of heartache in recent years. However, Ruben Amorim is the man tasked with turning that around and will hope to be given an extended grace period by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been linked with the Old Trafford post, and he won’t be the only coach mentioned if inconsistent results continue to crop up, albeit there is a chance for their current boss to ease pressure against Sunderland.

Speaking to Owen Hargreaves via TNT Sports, Amorim has admitted that his side are ‘missing’ leaders and sometimes struggle to keep their spirits high in the face of adversity.

He stated: “We have a lot of players that were here for many years and we are struggling so that is always in your mind. It’s not just the leaders, we need leaders, but sometimes what I’m thinking is we miss some crazy guys, you know?

“The guys. I think Cunha is a little bit like that. He’s a guy that is a good guy but who doesn’t care who you are. He can play wherever and he will go with the ball. This kind of feeling, we need that.

“Harry Maguire was captain and played for the national team, but you can feel sometimes that when things are going wrong we go down. No matter if it’s Bruno (Fernandes) or Harry and that is in the past, we need to live in the future.”

With their Premier League position under focus, January could be a key time to secure improved reinforcements and Manchester United could now be in position to pursue a World Cup winner.

Man Utd fighting Man City for Nahuel Molina

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are keen on signing Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina in January and he may be available for a fee just over the region of £26 million.

The Argentina international has made six appearances across all competitions this season, albeit he has started just once and is also being monitored by Manchester City.

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With his contract set to expire in 2027, there is scope for an affordable deal to be done after Molina was replaced by Marcos Llorente in Diego Simeone’s starting line-up.

Praised by Lionel Messi for his role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, the 27-year-old has made a reasonable impact in the Spanish top-flight this term, creating four chances and delivering four successful crosses despite having his minutes reduced.

Manchester United are in need of leaders, as Amorim pointed out earlier in the week, and Molina would certainly fit the bill at Old Trafford.

Marc Guehi’s dreams of a move to Real Madrid look dead in the water after the Crystal Palace captain’s wage and signing-on demands reportedly forced Los Blancos to walk away. The England international, who is out of contract in 2026 and refusing to extend, is now expected to stay in England, with Liverpool leading the race for his signature next summer, while Bayern Munich remain interested.

Real Madrid priced out of Guehi transfer race

Real Madrid look set to pull out of the race to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Guehi, with Spanish outlet AS reporting that his high wage and signing-on demands have made the transfer “virtually impossible.” The 25-year-old, who has just 18 months left on his current contract, is widely expected to leave Selhurst Park next summer after declining multiple renewal offers. The Eagles have already accepted that their captain intends to move on, but Real Madrid, who were keen to bring in a long-term defensive reinforcement, have been priced out.

Sources close to Los Blancos suggest that Real’s recruitment team were impressed with Guehi’s performances in the Premier League and on the international stage but were unwilling to match his financial expectations. Guehi’s camp had reportedly sought a significant pay rise and a multi-million-pound signing bonus, terms which exceeded the club’s internal wage structure. As a result, Real Madrid have turned their attention elsewhere, leaving Liverpool and Bayern Munich as the frontrunners for the England defender’s signature.

Guehi will be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from January 2026, though several Premier League sides are expected to make renewed efforts to sign him before then. Liverpool, who came close to securing his services this past summer, are considered favourites to finalise a deal after Real’s withdrawal. However, Bayern Munich’s growing interest could yet complicate matters in what promises to be a major transfer battle.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportReal Madrid planning for the future

Real Madrid’s withdrawal from the race is less about Guehi’s ability and more about their evolving defensive strategy heading into 2026. The club is actively seeking to reinforce its backline amid a mounting injury crisis and long-term uncertainty surrounding key defenders Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger. With all three battling recurring injuries or approaching the final year of their contracts, Madrid are under pressure to secure a new defensive leader for the next cycle.

Militao has endured back-to-back ACL tears across consecutive seasons, while Alaba’s fitness struggles have continued into 2025, limiting his availability. Rudiger remains consistent but turns 33 in 2026, prompting discussions about succession planning at the heart of Xabi Alonso’s defence. Real Madrid have therefore been scouring Europe for top-tier defenders available at reasonable prices or nearing the end of their contracts, a strategy that initially made Guehi appealing.

However, Guehi’s financial demands reportedly exceeded those of any existing Madrid defender, and the club hierarchy, led by Florentino Perez, has no intention of breaking its internal pay balance for a non-Galactico-level signing. With Guehi off the table, Los Blancos are now turning their attention to other long-term targets, including Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, and Arsenal’s William Saliba, all of whom have been tracked by Madrid scouts in recent months.

(C)Getty ImagesGuehi's spectacular Liverpool transfer collapse

Guehi’s decision to pursue high wages comes against the backdrop of his failed transfer to Liverpool earlier this year, a saga that dominated the final hours of the 2025 summer window. Liverpool had agreed a £35 million (€40m) fee with Crystal Palace, including a sell-on clause, and the player even underwent parts of his medical ahead of a deadline day move to Anfield. However, the transfer collapsed at the last moment after Palace failed to secure a replacement, reportedly prompting manager Oliver Glasner to threaten resignation if the sale went ahead.

Palace’s first-choice target, Brighton’s Igor Julio, chose to join West Ham instead, leaving the Eagles without adequate cover and forcing chairman Steve Parish to pull the plug despite the deal sheet already being submitted. Guehi, who was said to be “devastated” by the decision, returned to training with the Eagles the following week but made clear his intent to move on when his contract expires. The breakdown of that move not only frustrated Liverpool but also alerted several European giants, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter all contacting his representatives soon after.

For Liverpool, the failed transfer represented a rare misstep in an otherwise calculated window, which saw them sign Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, among many others. The Reds have maintained contact with Guehi’s camp since then, with sources suggesting that he remains their “priority target” to eventually succeed Van Dijk.

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What comes next?

With Real Madrid officially stepping away from the deal, the race for Guehi’s signature is now expected to intensify between Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Liverpool’s advantage lies in the player’s long-standing admiration for the club and his desire to remain in the Premier League, while Bayern are prepared to offer him a lucrative deal. Both clubs view Guehi as a leader capable of anchoring their defence for years to come.

For Crystal Palace, the priority is stability until the end of the season. The club remains resigned to losing their captain but are determined to keep him until his contract expires in 2026, believing his leadership and consistency are vital for their Premier League campaign.

West Ham are in dire need of a new striker to relieve the pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo.

Nuno Espírito Santo requests three signings for West Ham in January

Alongside a centre-forward, it is also believed that West Ham’s new boss has personally urged both chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to bring a new defender and midfielder as soon as the next January window (GiveMeSport).

This is somewhat backed up by Sky Sports too, who reiterate that the Hammers are indeed targeting a defender, midfielder and attacker in January, with Nuno also getting “confirmation” he would have money to spend.

Going by this flurry of reports, West Ham could be set for one of their busiest January windows in recent memory, and it’s definitely needed.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

West Ham limped to an uninspired 2-0 defeat to Brentford in their last game, which was Nuno’s first home match since taking charge as manager, with the east Londoners completely failing to lay a glove on Keith Andrews’ side who strutted to victory with ease.

The scoreline could’ve been even worse for West Ham, on a night marred by large protests from the Hammers faithful against their club’s ownership. Brentford attempted a whopping 17 shots on goal and found it far too easy on enemy turf, with this performance highlighting exactly why reinforcements are badly needed.

Even though West Ham look soft as butter defensively, almost every supporter is desperate to see Sullivan and Brady go into the market and sign an exciting striker who can provide that needed injection of quality going forward.

Callum Wilson, who has a torrid injury record, and the inexperienced Callum Marshall are Nuno’s only natural options right now, forcing the West Ham boss to play Lucas Paqueta as a false nine against Brentford on Monday.

This experiment failed, with Paqueta failing to make an impact and losing possession a whopping 23 times.

Niclas Füllkrug, adding to his extensive list of missed games already for West Ham, is set to be “out for a while” after tearing a muscle bundle in his thigh, so the German cannot be relied upon yet again.

Luckily for Nuno, media sources suggest that West Ham are actively trying to solve their striker conundrum, and a key target emerging for the Irons is £53 million Real Madrid sensation Endrick on loan.

Some reports claim that West Ham are even holding talks with Real over a temporary deal for Endrick already, coming after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Brazil international is expected to leave on a dry loan.

Given Endrick’s desperation for game time, a temporary stint at West Ham could be perfect for all parties involved, with the 19-year-old still classed as one of Brazil’s most exciting up-and-coming talents.

West Ham in pole position to sign Endrick from Real Madrid

Endrick, thanks in part to fitness issues, hasn’t managed to work his way into the Real starting eleven on a consistent basis, but did score five Copa del Rey goals en route to the final last season, before Los Blancos lost to rivals Barcelona.

The Premier League could be beckoning for a player who’s looking to battle his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup, and West Ham are looking to take advantage.

According to reports from Spain, West Ham are “leading the race” to secure Endrick on loan, ahead of both Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Nuno’s side have expressed serious interest in bringing the teenage striker to England, and Endrick himself sees a temporary move away as critical for his development.

However, while it is reported by some that discussions have been held, a temporary move to another La Liga side is also factored in as a serious option, so West Ham won’t have a free run at his signature.

تعرض لامين يامال نجم برشلونة لصيحات استهجان متكررة طوال مباراة برشلونة ضد كلوب بروج في دوري أبطال أوروبا، منتصف الأسبوع الماضي.

ورد نجم برشلونة ومنتخب إسبانيا بتسجيله هدفًا رائعًا وقام بتمرير كرة عرضية، تسببت في هدف بالخطأ من أحد لاعبي كلوب بروج في مرماه.

وذكرت شبكة “TRIBUNA” الإنجليزية، أن البعض قد يتساءل عن السبب، في الوقت الذي صرح فيه لامين يامال أن تعرضه لهذه الصيحات، لأن الجماهير كانت تعلم أنه سيكون لاعبًا مهمًا وخطيرًا على فريقهما كلوب بروج.

اقرأ أيضاً.. موندو: برشلونة يتجه إلى الدوري الإنجليزي لحل أزمة الظهير الأيمن

وقال لامين يامال: “إذا أطلق مشجعو الفريق المنافس صيحات استهجان ضدي فذلك لأنهم يعلمون أنني لاعب مهم في الملعب، لو كان لاعب آخر لما أطلقوا صيحات استهجان ضدي”.

وكشفت أحد مقاطع الفيديو السبب الحقيقي وراء إطلاق جماهير كلوب بروج صيحات الاستهجان ضد لامين يامال، حيث لم يكن لديهم أي سبب لذلك إلا إذا كان قد تصرف لاعب برشلونة أمامهم بشكل استفزازي.

واستعرض لامين يامال بدء مباراة برشلونة أمام كلوب بروج، عضلات بطنه أمام الجماهير، وربما لم يعجبهم ذلك.

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Eyeing some revenge on Liverpool after the Alexander Isak saga in the summer, Newcastle United now reportedly want to beat the Reds to one impressive defender in 2026.

Newcastle transfer targets heading into January window

Newcastle have some unfinished business in the transfer market. They were forced to rush through late business in the summer after facing several rejections from their top targets and then losing Isak. In the end, they had to settle for Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, having initially targeted the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro.

So far, however, it seems as though they saved their best option for last. Woltemade has been a revelation. The German has scored three goals in four Premier League games and is proven to be worth every penny that Newcastle paid out to make him their record signing.

Aside from Woltemade, though, there’s work to be done in Eddie Howe’s side. Only Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored less goals than the Magpies, with their new signing scoring half of their six Premier League goals. That’s something that they simply must solve.

The return of Wissa and his long-awaited debut next month should go a long way, but when AFCON arrives, Newcastle are likely to be without their summer arrival once again. And that’s when PIF could turn back towards the transfer market.

Rumours have already suggested that their interest in Alexander Sorloth could be reignited this winter, as he seeks a starting place away from Atletico Madrid. The former Crystal Palace forward is certainly the type of player that would turn a blunt attack sharp in January.

Meanwhile, away from what should be their top priority, the Magpies have also reportedly set their sights on some Liverpool revenge.

Newcastle now eyeing Lukeba move

As reported by Caught Offside, PIF and Newcastle have now set their sights on signing Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig. The impressive central defender is already wanted by Liverpool, but the Magpies could finally take some revenge on those at Anfield by stealing a player they may see as a replacement for Ibrahima Konate.

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What should also be music to Newcastle’s ears is Lukeba’s fresh discount. Although the Frenchman has a release clause worth as much as €90m (£78m), reports are now suggesting that Leipzig would accept closer to €60m (£52m) to sell their defender in the summer.

That would be a bargain deal for a player of both his quality and potential. At just 22 years old, Lukeba has earned praise from across the Bundesliga and from the likes of analyst Ben Mattinson, who praised his “unique” profile.

In an ageing backline, Lukeba would provide Newcastle with the perfect partner for Malick Thiaw in a duo that would dominate St James’ Park for years to come.

One of the best players in the world over the last 12 months has been former Leeds United star Raphinha. The Brazilian has shone for Barcelona, and scored 34 goals and assisted 26 in just 57 games under Hansi Flick last term.

His exceptional performances were certainly seen by people across the world. The culmination of Raphinha’s success last season saw him finish fifth in the Ballon d’Or race, with Lamine Yamal the only Barca player ahead of him.

Injury has slowed his season down in 2025/26, but he has five goals and assists in six La Liga games.

Leeds fans will never forget his contribution in his final season at the club.

Raphinha’s importance during the 2021/22 season

Brazil international Raphinha only spent two campaigns at Elland Road. The first season was behind closed doors due to COVID, but he had already established himself as a fan favourite.

The second campaign was excellent too, and incredibly important.

The Whites avoided relegation by the skin of the teeth on the final day of the 2021/22 season.

It would turn out to be Raphinha’s last appearance for the West Yorkshire side, and he scored a crucial penalty in their 2-1 win away to Brentford, which helped keep them in the Premier League.

It was more than just that spot kick at the Gtech Community Stadium that signified Raphinha’s importance. He bagged 11 goals and assisted three across the season, including a run of seven goal involvements in ten games between October and January.

His pivotal contributions did not go unnoticed by fans and ex-players alike. One man who could not praise Raphinha enough was Noel Whelan, their former striker. He said the Brazilian “gave everything to keep Leeds United in the Premier League,” showing just how much it meant to the club.

In their promotion campaign last season, Leeds had a player vital to their success, although he has rapidly fallen out of favour at Elland Road.

The Leeds star now out of favour

A few players under Daniel Farke this season have fallen down the pecking order after a busy summer transfer window. Illan Meslier and Joel Piroe are two examples of players who were crucial to earning promotion but have had little or no involvement this term.

Well, someone else who fits that category is Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka. He is a player who Farke clearly rates, and called him an “outstanding” player last season. Summer signings have meant he is struggling to get into the team this term, though.

Last season, the 34-cap Japanese international was a key man in the centre of the park for the West Yorkshire side.

He played 43 Championship games, chipping in with five goals and two assists, including a late strike against promotion rivals Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

It was that sort of form which has led to Tanaka being hailed as the club’s best signing since Raphinha. It is easy to see why, too, with the contributions from midfield helping the Whites to return to the Premier League.

After starting the first couple of top-flight games this season, Tanaka picked up an injury and has since been out of the team. Farke has built momentum in the midfield with Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, meaning Tanaka can’t get into the lineup.

Leeds midfielders – 2025/26

Player

Games played

Mins played (full 90s)

Ethan Ampadu

6

519 (5.7)

Anton Stach

8

680 (7.5)

Sean Longstaff

8

566 (6.2)

Ao Tanaka

6

190 (2.1)

Ilia Gruev

4

193 (2.1)

Stats from Transfermarkt

Perhaps Tanaka is on borrowed time at Elland Road. Once someone so important to the club, he now can’t get a game under Farke, and with the continuity we are seeing in the middle of the park, it is hard to see where his next start comes from.

Given his crucial role last term, the 27-year-old might well decide to consider his future if the situation doesn’t improve.

After showing his importance, just like Raphinha did a few years ago, his career has certainly gone the other way than how things panned out for the Brazilian.

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Manchester United are now ready to join the race for an “unbelievable” £75m midfielder amid the interest in Bruno Fernandes and doubts over Casemiro’s future.

Man Utd keen on new midfielder with Casemiro's future up in the air

Casemiro’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but the Brazilian has remained a key player for Man United, having arguably proven Jamie Carragher wrong since the Sky Sports pundit infamously suggested he needed to “call it a day.”

The 33-year-old has made seven Premier League appearances this season, with the only game he missed being due to suspension, and the midfielder’s defensive attributes have been on display on a regular basis over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Tackles

4.05 (99th percentile)

Blocks

2.33 (99th percentile)

Clearances

2.81 (94th percentile)

There have been widespread reports suggesting the former Real Madrid man could still extend his contract, but his future remains up in the air, while there are also some doubts over whether Fernandes will remain a United player.

According to a report from The Mirror, the Portugal international, who is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, is attracting interest from elsewhere, with Saudi Pro League clubs known to be keen.

Consequently, Man United are now ready to enter the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has been a shining light for the Tricky Trees amid their poor start to the season.

Having impressed for Forest and England, Anderson’s asking price is now a whopping £75m, with a number of rival Premier League clubs also keen, including Manchester City and Chelsea.

Ruben Amorim views rebuilding his midfield as a priority, having previously looked at signing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, with United now big admirers of the Forest star too.

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The 22-year-old has become a regular starter for the Three Lions under the helm of Thomas Tuchel, recently putting in a fantastic display in the 5-0 win against Latvia, completing 121 passes and making four tackles, the highest number of any player.

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has also made it clear he is a huge admirer of his former teammate, taking the time to praise his performances for Forest.

A £75m asking price is steep, but Anderson is a very well-rounded midfielder, also placing in the 85th percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, compared to other midfielders, so he would undoubtedly be an exciting addition to Amorim’s squad.

Serie A giants AS Roma have initiated contact over a possible move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward, who was once a menace at Bologna, has not been the same character in the Premier League, and reportedly has fallen out of favour in Ruben Amorim's setup, resulting in a lack of playing time. Hence, he is now seeking a move out of Old Trafford.

• Game time a concern for Zirkzee

  It is the fourth month of the 2025-26 season, with the Premier League ticking off back in August, and United's Dutch forward is yet to start in the Premier League. Even in their Carabao Cup campaign, which saw United knocked out by fourth-tier outfit Grimsby Town, he was not in the starting lineup and was later called in as a substitute. Recording just 82 minutes of playing time this season in the English top flight, with five-minute and eight-minute cameos against teams like Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion, Zirkzee is now encouraged to rediscover himself by walking out the door at Old Trafford.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Move back to Serie A looming over Manchester United forward?

  According to Sky Sport, Zirkzee has informed his representatives to search for a club and ensure him a loan move in the upcoming January transfer window. Meanwhile, he has already garnered interest from two prominent heavyweights in the Serie A, a competition he bossed during his tenure at Bologna. 

  The club with a concrete interest are AS Roma. The outfit is in contact with his representatives over his salary. Notably, Zirkzee, in order to seek a revival, is ready to accept a pay cut from what he receives at United. With Paulo Dybala receiving a thigh injury against Milan on Sunday, and the extent of his injury yet to be revealed, Gasperini is in trouble to rejuvenate his attacking third, which has produced only 10 goals in the ongoing domestic league, the lowest among the top 10 teams in the table. 

  Critical of the sluggish nature of his forwards, the Italian mentor wants clinical players up front in the coming days to bolster their chances of winning the coveted Scudetto and the Europa League. Zirkzee, who scored 14 times and assisted on nine occasions during his 58-game tenure at Bologna is understood to be the player which Gasperini wants in his contingent.

• Surprise Serie A outfit to join Zirkzee transfer battle

  Even if United sanction Zirkzee's move abroad to Italy, Roma are expected to face stern competition from fellow Italian giants Milan. Ever since Massimiliano Allegri took charge of his 'once' former team this summer, the Rossoneri are determined to re-establish themselves on the Italian map after recent unsuccessful tenures. They, like United, are not a part of European football this season, but want to win the Serie A title. With Santiago Jimenez and Christian Pulisic injured at this moment, new signing from Chelsea, Christopher Nkunku is the only centre forward at Allegri's disposal, who at times has not shied away from deploying Portuguese winger Rafael Leao as a No.9. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Roma's attacking third in dire straits?

  Roma have only two proper No.9 profiles in their squad list, namely Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk. While Ferguson is out injured, the pressure is on newcomer Dovbyk, who is taking time to adapt to the competition and the side. Amidst this, their talismanic figure in the attacking third, Dybala finds himself out with a thigh injury. The Gialorossi have concerns with their attacking third, and if they want to improve their conversion rate, which has cost them points this season, they would need someone like Zirkzee, who had been a clinical player at Bologna. 

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos venceu o Coritiba pelo resultado de 2 a 1, na Vila Belmiro, em jogo válido pela 29ª rodada do Brasileirão. Apesar do triunfo, o duelo fica marcado por decisões duvidosas da arbitragem que mexeram com os rumos da partida.

FICHA TÉCNICA
SANTOS 2 X 1 CORITIBA
CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO – 29ª RODADA

Local:Vila Belmiro, Santos (SP)
Data e hora:26 de outubro de 2023, às 21h30 (de Brasília)
Arbitragem:Wagner do Nascimento Magalhães (FIFA)
Assistentes:Nailton Junior de Sousa Oliveira (FIFA) e Thiago Henrique Neto Corrêa Farinha
VAR:Carlos Eduardo Nunes Braga
Público e renda:12.205 pessoas / R$ 489.047,50
Cartões amarelos:Joaquim e Furch (Santos) e Willian Farias, Robson, Matheus Bianqui e Fransérgio (Coritiba)
Cartões vermelhos:Willian Farias (Coritiba)

SANTOS

João Paulo, Joaquim, João Basso e Dodô; Lucas Braga (João Lucas), Tomás Rincón, Jean Lucas, Lucas Lima (Maxi Silvera) e Kevyson (Furch); Soteldo (Mendoza) e Marcos Leonardo (Rodrigo Fernández).Técnico:Marcelo Fernandes

CORITIBA

Gabriel, Natanael (Hayner), Jean Pedroso, Henrique e Victor Luis; Willian Farias, Matheus Bianqui (Maurício Garcez), Sebastián Gómez e Marcelino Moreno (Fransérgio); Robson (Reynaldo) e Slimani (Bruno Gomes).Técnico:Thiago Kosloski

Durham gave their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast a massive boost when they defeated Birmingham Bears by eight runs at the Banks Homes RiversideNeeding 183 to secure their sixth win of their Blast campaign, the Bears were restricted to 174 for 8 with Zak Foulkes taking three catches and two wickets to add to the ex-Bear Will Rhodes’s 51 in his side’s 182 for 7.Having opted to bowl first in a match delayed by 70 minutes by rain, the Bears struck an immediate blow when home skipper, Alex Lees, was caught by Ed Barnard off Hasan Ali for 4 in the second over, the fielder running back from point to take a fine catch.Ollie Robinson was the next batter dismissed when he was caught at mid-off for 7 by George Garton in Hasan’s next over but Durham still got to 58 in their powerplay, thanks partly to Sam Hain dropping Clark at point the ball after the opener had hit Danny Briggs for six.The batter celebrated by smacking Briggs’ next delivery for six too but was caught behind by Alex Davies off Garton for 43 in the eighth over to leave his side three down with 75 runs on the board. Durham became a trifle becalmed after Clark’s departure and reached the midpoint of their innings on 86 for 3.But Colin Ackermann and Will Rhodes wellied 25 runs off the next 11 balls before fine work by Tom Latham and Dan Mousley ran out Ackermann for 27. Mousley then caught Jimmy Neesham on the long-on boundary for 14 when the New Zealander was trying to hit Jake Lintott for a second successive six but Rhodes reached his second T20 fifty of the season and Kasey Aldridge whacked 31 off 19 balls to steer the Bears towards what seemed a par total.Hasan was the most successful Bears bowler with 3 for 32 but Garton was the most miserly with 1 for 25.The Bears reply got off to a grisly start when Alex Davies skied Matty Potts to Zak Foulkes at mid-on and departed for a single in the second over but the next wicket was an all-Kiwi affair when Tom Latham was caught by Foulkes off Jimmy Neesham in the fifth over for 23.With their side on 43 for 2 and therefore 15 runs worse off than Durham after their powerplay, Hain and Mousley sought to accelerate but their efforts were scuppered when both fell to catches to deep square leg, Hain’s being taken by Potts off Parkinson for 20 and Mousley’s by Nathan Sowter off Aldridge for 19.Those wickets reduced the Bears to 65 for 4 in the tenth over and but the visitors never gave up their hopes of victory. Needing 90 off the last seven overs, they lost Rob Yates, caught by Clark at long leg off Foulkes for 17 and a fine juggling catch on the boundary by Sowter in the same over saw Garton on his way for one.But Barnard and Hasan’s onslaught on the Durham bowling saw 52 runs scored in four overs and left the visitors needing 31 off the final 12 balls. Neesham bowled the penultimate over and conceded just seven runs while taking the wicket of Hassan, caught by Lees at extra cover for 22, and Potts had Barnard caught on the deep midwicket boundary by Foulkes for a valiant 49 off the first ball of the final over, a dismissal which effectively ended the contest, despite Lintott smashing 15 off the last four balls of the game. Durham 182-7 beat Birmingham Bears 174-8Durham 4pts Birmingham Bears 0ptsReport filed by Paul Edwards (07962-115171) – Please do not use by-lineDurham gave their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast a massive boost when they defeated Birmingham Bears by eight runs at the Banks Homes RiversideNeeding 183 to secure their sixth win of their Blast campaign, the Bears were restricted to 174 for eight with Zak Foulkes taking three catches and two wickets to add to the ex-Bear Will Rhodes’s 51 in his side’s 182 for sevenHaving opted to bowl first in a match delayed by 70 minutes by rain, the Bears struck an immediate blow when home skipper, Alex Lees, was caught by Ed Barnard off Hassan Ali for four in the second over, the fielder running back from point to take a fine catch.Ollie Robinson was the next batter dismissed when he was caught at mid-off for seven by George Garton in Hassan’s next over but Durham still got to 58 in their powerplay, thanks partly to Sam Hain dropping Clark at point the ball after the opener had hit Danny Briggs for six.The batter celebrated by smacking Briggs’ next delivery for six too but was caught behind by Alex Davies off Garton for 43 in the eighth over to leave his side three down with 75 runs on the board. Durham became a trifle becalmed after Clark’s departure and reached the midpoint of their innings on 86 for three.But Colin Ackermann and Will Rhodes wellied 25 runs off the next 11 balls before fine work by Tom Latham and Dan Mousley ran out Ackermann for 27. Mousley then caught Jimmy Neesham on the long-on boundary for 14 when the New Zealander was trying to hit Jake Lintott for a second successive six but Rhodes reached his second T20 fifty of the season and Kasey Aldridge whacked 31 off 19 balls to steer the Bears towards what seemed a par total.Hassan was the most successful Bears bowler with three for 32 but Garton was the most miserly with one for 25.The Bears reply got off to a grisly start when Alex Davies skied Matty Potts to Zak Foulkes at mid-on and departed for a single in the second over but the next wicket was an all-Kiwi affair when Tom Latham was caught by Foulkes off Jimmy Neesham in the fifth over for 23.With their side on 43 for two and therefore 15 runs worse off than Durham after their powerplay, Hain and Mousley sought to accelerate but their efforts were scuppered when both fell to catches to deep square leg, Hain’s being taken by Potts off Parkinson for 20 and Mousley’s by Nathan Sowter off Aldridge for 19.Those wickets reduced the Bears to 65 for four in the tenth over and but the visitors never gave up their hopes of victory. Needing 90 off the last seven overs, they lost Rob Yates, caught by Clark at long leg off Foulkes for 17 and a fine juggling catch on the boundary by Sowter in the same over saw Garton on his way for one.But Barnard and Hassan’s onslaught on the Durham bowling saw 52 runs scored in four overs and left the visitors needing 31 off the final 12 balls. Neesham bowled the penultimate over and conceded just seven runs while taking the wicket of Hassan, caught by Lees at extra cover for 22, and Potts had Barnard caught on the deep midwicket boundary by Foulkes for a valiant 49 off the first ball of the final over, a dismissal which effectively ended the contest, despite Lintott smashing 15 off the last four balls of the game.