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  • Marcus Rashford will have a medical at Aston Villa while Manchester United attaches a £40 million buyout option to the loan agreement.

    Marcus Rashford will have a medical at Aston Villa while Manchester United attaches a £40 million buyout option to the loan agreement.

    With Manchester United apparently adding a £40 million buyout option to the contract, Marcus Rashford is getting closer to joining Aston Villa on loan.

    For the remainder of the season, Villa has agreed to pay 70% of Rashford’s £325,000 weekly salary through a loan, according to Fabrizio Romano.

    He adds that a possible three-and-a-half-year contract may follow the £40 million ($49.5 million/€48.8 million) buyout option. On Sunday, a medical appointment is also scheduled.

    Six weeks ago, Rashford made it clear that he wanted to leave United, but few anticipated that the England international would be benched for almost two months due to a continuing conflict with head coach Ruben Amorim.

    However, the 27-year-old appears to be on his way out of Old Trafford after a string of unsuccessful attempts, matchday banishments, and other false dawns.

    Following the sale of striker Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League late last month, Villa has been searching for a forward.

    Rashford may join England teammate Ollie Watkins in Unai Emery’s offensive line-up if selected.

    With the winter transfer window closing at 11 p.m. on Monday, Villa, who are four spots and eight points clear of 12th-place United, has a limited amount of time to complete this transaction.

     

  • Daniel Farke is taking the right stand, as seen by his most recent Leeds United transfer disclosure.

    Daniel Farke is taking the right stand, as seen by his most recent Leeds United transfer disclosure.

    Although Leeds United has a strong enough team to be promoted to the Premier League, it would be foolish to overlook the obstacles that might arise.

    Daniel Farke is “staying awake” to potential additions prior to the deadline day since he is aware of this.

    He has acknowledged that Brenden Aaronson has no direct backup, and he is also keeping an eye on the striker position due to Patrick Bamford’s injury issues.

    Farke has, however, also emphasized how difficult it is to make improvements to a league-leading club.

    The 7-0 thumping of Cardiff City on Saturday demonstrated the foundation of that theory.

    Leeds has now gone undefeated in 13 games across all competitions, with six different scorers and a fifth consecutive clean sheet since Pascal Struijk returned.

     

  • As furious Forest ran amok and scored seven goals without a response against their unfortunate south coast visitors, Chris Wood scored a hat-trick.

    As furious Forest ran amok and scored seven goals without a response against their unfortunate south coast visitors, Chris Wood scored a hat-trick.

    “It is difficult to blame just one thing,” the manager of Brighton stated. “To say the tactical thing was wrong, to say that a player was not in his best shape.

    They weren’t good either in or out of possession, to put it plainly. Ultimately, it comes down to unity. Today, none of us were at our best.

    “We must all be honest with one another, look in the mirror, and declare that’s not how we want to play football or show ourselves.

    We all accept responsibility for this outcome. Although it is difficult, we must apologize to our fans for this outcome. They are very time-consuming.

  • Every word Nuno said on ‘ruthless’ Nottingham Forest, duo’s return and transfers

    Every word Nuno said on ‘ruthless’ Nottingham Forest, duo’s return and transfers

     

    Chris Wood celebrates scoring his side’s third goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton

    Chris Wood celebrates scoring his side’s third goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton (Image: PA)

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    Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo hailed a “fantastic day” as he reflected on Nottingham Forest’s 7-0 destruction of Brighton and Hove Albion at the City Ground.

     

    The Reds responded to last weekend’s horror show of a 5-0 thumping at Bournemouth by recording their biggest ever Premier League victory. It moved them level on points with second-placed Arsenal in the table.

     

    Chris Wood bagged the second hat-trick of his Forest career while Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams and Jota Silva also got in on the act after a Lewis Dunk own goal had opened the scoring. Below is a look at what Reds head coach Nuno had to say after the final whistle Trentside.

     

    On responding to the 5-0 defeat at Bournemouth…

     

    “We were looking for a response. It was our responsibility to do much better because last week was not good enough. The response of the players was beyond our expectations.”

     

    On whether it was Forest’s best performance of his tenure…

     

     

    “I’m always looking forward to what’s ahead. I hope we continue. It is important to continue.

     

    “I cannot judge if it was the best one or not. Sometimes you can lose and play good.”

     

    On Gibbs-White impressing…

     

    “He did great. But not only him, all the team. All the team was ruthless in the way they wanted to show their talent.

     

    “Morgan was good. Chris, good. Anthony was amazing with three assists. Overall, very good. All the players did really well.”

     

    On the Reds’ ruthlessness…

     

    “It shows desire. But we have to realise these results are not normal in the Premier League – what happened last week and what happened today.

     

    “In a very short period of time, we have been on both sides of one. When we were on the other side, we felt how difficult it was when your opponent is ruthless like we were today.

     

    “There was a moment where Brighton were one-vs-one and hit the crossbar. That could change the game. We were fortunate to stay in the game and after that, it was really nice to see and beautiful. The crowd were asking for the players to go. Amazing.

     

    Don’t miss

    Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates scoring for Nottingham Forest against Brighton and Hove Albion

    “We prepare as best we can. After that, there are so many circumstances in the game that can change. The intensity of our play was totally different today. This is what we expect from them – being aggressive, compact and solid.

     

    “Having an extra body in the back line helped a lot to shorten the gaps. It was good. Fantastic day. What more can you ask for?

     

    Nottingham Forest: Special reports

     

    To celebrate the success of Nottingham Forest this season, we are writing a series of features celebrating events at the City Ground.

     

    From the finances to the former managers. Looking at how the City is benefitting from what Nuno’s team are doing on the pitch.

     

    We take a deep dive into Evangelos Marinakis and his aspirations for the club – can the Reds match them?

     

    On the type of performance he craves…

     

    “There is no measure on that. It is so different, what happened last week and what happened today. I would rather be in the middle of it – not so high and not so low, if we can be stable and sustain our levels. But it is so hard and so competitive.”

     

    On whether Forest have answered any doubts levelled against them after Bournemouth…

     

    “No. It will happen again. The questions and the doubts will always be present. We have to deal with that.

     

    “We got beat last week and today we got up and showed. If it didn’t happen, our obligation was to go again in the next one and the next one until we get it right. This is how we should think, because not every day is going to be like today.”

     

     

     

    “It was great to see. He made a couple of mistakes, but that was normal due to the long period of him not being involved.

     

    “But overall he looked comfortable in the game. It was good to see Ibrahim (Sangare) get some minutes as well.

     

    “It is important to get them back into the squad because we have been missing them. We have good options in midfield. I am confident that they can help us.”

     

    On Murillo being substituted…

     

    “Murillo went off with a dead leg. We think that was the problem. But we think he is going to be okay. We are going to assess him.

     

    On the final two days of the transfer window…

     

    “While the window is open, it is open. Anything can happen. But I will reinforce what I have been saying, not only to you (the media) but also to the club, more than anything our priority was to keep the players.

     

    “If it is something really special; if it is a piece – a player – that we really need and it is possible, fantastic, because we are not perfect and if somebody can help us, great. But that has to be somebody really special.”

     

     

  • As Juric tries to spur a late-season comeback, Onuachu, who has now scored two goals this season, and

    As Juric tries to spur a late-season comeback, Onuachu, who has now scored two goals this season, and

    As Juric tries to spur a late-season comeback, Onuachu, who has now scored two goals this season, and Aribo, who has three, will be crucial players in Southampton’s struggle for survival.

    In other Premier League action, Nottingham Forest replied to last week’s 5-0 loss with a spectacular 7-0 thumping of Brighton, led by Super Eagles defender Ola Aina.

    With a hat-trick, Chris Wood stole the show and helped Forest solidify their hold on third place in the league. In the meantime, league leaders Liverpool increased their lead at the top by nine points over their nearest competitors after defeating Bournemouth 2-0 thanks to a brace from Mohamed Salah.

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  • Southampton is fired by Aribo and Onuachu to defeat Ipswich.

    Southampton is fired by Aribo and Onuachu to defeat Ipswich.

    With goals from Nigerians Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo in a crucial 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, Southampton eventually snapped their 13-match losing streak.

    Southampton was anxious for a change in their Premier League campaign going into their 24th league match of the year. Both Aribo and Onuachu, a Nigerian combination, returned manager Ivan Juric’s faith with important goals. Ipswich got off to a strong start, controlling possession and putting Gavin Bazunu to the test right away. With three saves in the first eighteen minutes, Julio Enciso was especially dangerous for Southampton.

    But Southampton had the ball first. In the 21st minute, Aribo calmly scored his first goal with a volley after a loose ball in the box dropped to him. Liam Delap equalized for Ipswich ten minutes later, but Onuachu had the last word.

    After Arijanet Muric missed a shot three minutes from the end, the tall striker jumped on a rebound.

    This triumph ended Southampton’s agonizing 13-match losing streak and was their first league victory since November 2024.

    With only nine points from 24 games, they are still at the bottom of the table despite the significant outcome.

  • From 0–5 to 7–0: How a furious Nottingham Forest demonstrated they should be among the top four teams in the Premier League

    From 0–5 to 7–0: How a furious Nottingham Forest demonstrated they should be among the top four teams in the Premier League

    “This is not us,” Nuno Espirito Santo said to his players during their first practice following the 5-0 loss to Bournemouth to start the week. Nottingham Forest proved to be their true selves in the end.

    For the first time in thirty years, they are the best Forest team.

    They are no longer considered to be outsiders in the top four. Their presence is based on merit.

    They are serious candidates to qualify for the Champions League.

    And they are able to perform in such a ruthless, raging manner.

    It had been a bad off day on the south coast for almost the whole team. To a man, they were excellent at the City Ground a week later.

    Regardless of whether you consider it a fluke or a bad day, what happened against Bournemouth will instantly seem like a distant memory, replaced by one that will likely be remembered by Forest supporters for many years to come.

    The Forest head coach had pressed for a response from his players during that Monday meeting on the training field and for the remainder of the week.

    He never would have imagined one so dramatic and forceful.

    At the City Ground, all of the queries regarding Forest and their European credentials were addressed with resolute clarity. In what has already been an incredible campaign, this was a masterclass in everything that has made them good.

    Can they succeed with Nuno’s style? Yes, it can based on this evidence. The last time Forest defeated Chelsea 7-0 in the Premier League was in April 1991.

    Their most memorable 7-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday was their last time scoring seven goals in the Premier League.

    Two of the three goals scored by the prolific Chris Wood, who has already scored his best number in the top flight with 17 goals, were set up by his quickness and directness.

    One of Forest’s better moves this January may have been to agree to a new contract with the 33-year-old that would keep him with the team until 2027.

    With the calmest of penalties, he completed his hat-trick.

    Elanga had previously created the second Forest goal of the day with a corner kick that found Morgan Gibbs-White’s near post run, who skillfully headed a strong header home. Yet, Gibbs-White was frequently the team’s most important player in spite of Wood’s hat-trick and Elanga’s three assists.

    Forest had taken the lead after Lewis Dunk’s own goal was enticed by his cross from the right side.

    Additionally, Forest rarely gives up their lead once they take it.

  • EPL: Nottingham Forest batters Brighton 7-0 as Wood records a hat-trick.

    EPL: Nottingham Forest batters Brighton 7-0 as Wood records a hat-trick.

    At the City Ground on Saturday, Chris Wood scored a hat-trick as Nottingham Forest crushed Brighton 7-0 to rekindle their push for the Champions League the following season.

    Nuno Espirito Santo’s team put on an incredible display as they recovered from a 5-0 loss at Bournemouth last weekend, with Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams, and Jota Silva also scoring after Lewis Dunk’s own goal opened the scoring.

    Due to English clubs’ impressive start in European tournaments, fifth place in the Premier League this season is nearly guaranteed to be sufficient for Champions League qualification. Forest, who won the European Cup twice in 1979 and 1980 when the team was at its best under Brian Clough, didn’t participate in Europe again until 1996. However, they are well on their way to ending their two-decade wait for continental competition after winning ten of their last twelve games.

    Forest was only the second team in Premier League history to win by that margin after losing a match by five goals or more.

    “That’s exactly what the fans wanted and what we wanted after last week,” Gibbs-White stated. “There was no way last week.”

     

     

  • Usain Bolt raced average humans in 100m race and what happened next is extraordinary

    Usain Bolt raced average humans in 100m race and what happened next is extraordinary

    To put it mildly, Usain Bolt’s 100- and 200-meter records have endured throughout time. The retired Jamaican has not been defeated in the fifteen years since Bolt recorded his personal-best performances at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. That raises the question of how Bolt might do in comparison to the average person.

    The now 38-year-old put that to bed back in 2016, as James Corden challenged him to a 100m dash on his hit American show ‘The Late Late Show’.

    Bolt had to race Corden, actor Owen Wilson, and every member of the show’s crew. It came as no surprise when the record-breaking sprinter easily defeated his rivals and won first place.

    In a skintight top, Corden’s physique was on full display, and he soon lost ground to the majority of the competitors. Wilson made a cheeky attempt to get ahead of the Olympian, but he was likewise utterly unsuccessful. After sprinting ahead, Bolt slowed into a light canter and easily won first place. “Usain Bolt, one,” Bolt declared following the race. One hundred, James Corden. He’s not prepared.

    Bolt finished the segment by posing with his trademark pose having conquered yet another set of fairly-average opponents

    Perhaps the fact that Bolt’s records have not yet fallen is evidence of his diligence throughout the years. The closest 200-meter time was recorded by US sprinter Noah Lyles in Eugene in 2022, with a timing of 19.31.

    Bolt now has a 19.19 record, and Lyles has previously said that his goal is to defeat the greatest Jamaican of all time. “I know that I’m going to break it,” Lyles remarked in reference to the 2023 record. “After witnessing someone accomplish greatness, the second most popular and beloved pastime of people is witnessing them fail. “People enjoy seeing others fail. They simply do. I have no idea why.

    Because they don’t know who I am, my background, my hobbies, my level of talent, or how hard I work. However, I am aware.

  • It was there for us… it’s a really poor result’ – McKenna on home loss to Saints

    It was there for us… it’s a really poor result’ – McKenna on home loss to Saints

     

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna pictured after his side’s 2-1 home defeat to Southampton.

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna conceded that this afternoon’s 2-1 home defeat to rock-bottom Southampton was ‘a really poor result’.

     

    Liam Delap cancelled out Joe Aribo’s opener in the first half, the Blues probed for a winner after the break but ultimately lost when Paul Onuachu netted at the end of an 87th minute counter attack.

     

    With a match billed by many as ‘must-win’ for Ipswich ending in defeat, McKenna – whose side remain 19th on 16 points – said: “Yeah, it’s a really poor result for us, no doubt about it.

     

    “Especially on the balance of play and feel of the game. It felt like it was definitely a game there for us to win. I thought we were the better team, but that’s not really any consolation at the moment because today was about picking up the points.

     

    “I thought we started well, had the much better chances throughout the first half, went behind to the opposition’s first real chance and first real entry to our box, had the chances to go into half-time with the lead but weren’t clinical enough to go and take the chances.

     

    “Second half we didn’t create as much as we wanted to. We still had the game under control, didn’t give too much away, didn’t execute well enough in the big moments we were getting, then concede a really poor goal.

     

    “We were attacking, they break away and we don’t defend the situation well. It’s a late goal against us and a really poor outcome to the game.

     

    “There were some good things in the game but they got lost in the result today. We’re very frustrated.”

     

    Aaraon Ramsdale denying Nathan Broadhead one-v-one soon after Delap’s equaliser was a big moment in the game.

     

    “It was a good chance for us, a great save,” said McKenna. “We got to so many good positions in the game. Southampton give you the spaces, there were so many opportunities around the edge of the box, we often got one-v-ones and we weren’t able to execute well enough.

     

    “It definitely felt like a game we should have been going into half-time with a lead rather than chasing the game.”

     

    On goalkeeper Christian Walton’s absence, McKenna explained: “He strained his groin in the Liverpool game. It’s not a minor strain, it’s a fairly significant strain, so he’s going to be out for quite a number of weeks.”

     

    On whether Aro Muric could have done better for both goals – the first bounced past him, the second he pushed back into a dangerous area – McKenna said: “I haven’t watched them back so it’s not fair to judge yet because you’re quite a long way away from it.

     

    “The starting point will always be, as a team, what we can do better. The first one comes from a goal kick, the second goal we have loads of bodies behind the ball. We’ll own it as a team, but we also need people to step up and make blocks and make saves as well.”

     

    There was a really flat feel inside Portman Road at the end.

     

    “It’s pretty similar in there (the changing room),” admitted McKenna. “We’re all disappointed, frustrated. Today was an opportunity for us. Not because of the narrative that Southampton aren’t good, because they’re still a good team, but because of the balance of the game.

     

    “It was there for us. The pictures in the first half were exactly what we wanted, what we knew it would be. They went man-to-man and every time we got a connection we were breaking into huge spaces.

     

    “Everyone is very, very frustrated because we felt like it was there for us and we didn’t execute well enough to score the goals we could score in that game. And we’ve had not too much penalty box defending to do and come up short a couple of times with two soft goals. So everyone is very frustrated.”

     

    With Brighton loanee Julio Enciso very lively on his full debut, the Blues boss enthused: “Julio was fantastic. I think he’s a fantastic player. He’s been a shining light at the training ground this week. His play, his energy, his enthusiasm for the game – I thought he showed a really high level.”

     

    He continued: “There is a lot of football to be played, to be honest.

     

    “The reality of where we’ve climbed from as a club means we’ve got players making debuts, we’ve got players playing with people they’ve never played with before. That’s been the case all season. When you have the change we’ve had, when you’ve had the ascent we’ve had, you get that in the first half of the season.

     

    “We’ve had another period where we’ve tried to improve the squad, because we feel like we need to in order to make another step up, but then you’ve got more players settling into the team and more relationships to build on the pitch. That takes time.

     

    “At the moment we’re not able to turn the margins consistently enough whenever we perform well and are in games. That was something we were absolutely exceptional at last year.

     

    “The balance of the game today is completely different to when we beat them last year (3-2 at Portman Road). In that game they were probably the better team in most aspects.

     

    “When we played them away earlier this season I thought it was a 50/50 game (finished 1-1 at St Mary’s). Today I thought we were the much better team in most aspects, but at the moment we don’t consistently turn the margins in our favour in tight games when we’ve played well. That’s been the case on too many occasions.

     

    “The only answer is hard work. It’s still a really new group and they’re learning lessons in the toughest league in the world. We’ve now got some training weeks ahead with the games not being as frequent in the remaining months. We’re going to work really hard to find some ways to turn these tight margins in our favour more often.”