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The Los Angeles Dodgers continued to reshape their roster on Thursday, shipping a former top prospect to the Minnesota Twins.

Los Angeles sent catcher Diego Cartaya to the Twins in exchange for minor-league pitcher Jose Vasquez. Cartaya was long thought to be the team's future backstop and was the Dodgers' No. 1 prospect on MLB Pipeline as recently as 2023, and MLB.com rated him as the No. 14 prospect in all of baseball before the 2023 campaign.

The 23-year-old Cartaya has yet to reach the major leagues and spent the 2024 season split between Double-A and Triple-A. In 95 games, he slashed .221/.323/.363 with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs.

Cartaya was MLB Pipeline's top-rated player in the 2018 international class, and Los Angeles signed him for $2.5 million out of Venezuela. He was designated for assignment last week to open a 40-man roster spot for the recently signed Hyesong Kim.

In return, the Dodgers are getting the 20-year-old Vasquez, who went 4-0 with a 4.99 ERA for the Twins in the Dominican Summer League in 2024.

Liverpool have now reportedly sent scouts to track RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young talents around European football.

The Reds will be relieved to have an international break. It’s been a disastrous month or so for Arne Slot’s side, who have lost five of their last six Premier League games and were just humbled by a superior Manchester City side. In the space of 11 games in a fresh campaign, the champions’ crown hasn’t just slipped, it has crumbled.

After FSG spent over £400m to break Liverpool’s transfer record twice in the summer, Slot simply must turn things around. The Dutchman will be given time to do that – Liverpool have never been a side to make rash decisions – but the pressure is certainly growing on the Dutchman.

The solutions could yet come courtesy of even more spending in the January transfer window. There’s been something missing from the current squad so far this season and as the Premier League becomes more physical, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could adjust their strategy.

Liverpool’s struggles have already sparked several rumours ahead of the winter window, too. The likes of Antoine Semenyo and Wilfried Singo have been among those mentioned as potential reinforcements, but it remains to be seen whether the Reds splash the cash once again.

Liverpool exploring Jarrod Bowen move as West Ham share sale conditions

The Reds have set their sights on another attacking reinforcement.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 14, 2025

Semenyo would certainly add another attacking spark to a frontline full of talented players who are currently struggling to find form. The addition of someone who needs no introduction to Anfield goals could go a long way towards solving Slot’s problems. Meanwhile, Edwards and Hughes also have one eye on the future and those who will make an impact in years to come.

Liverpool send scouts to track Yan Diomande

As reported by Bild in Germany, Liverpool scouts have now been spotted watching Diomande at RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old winger has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, scoring three goals and assisting another three in 10 league games, and has attracted the interest of PSG as well as those at Anfield as a result.

The teenager is not short on confidence or ambition, having compared himself to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior when speaking to reporters about his current role models to Transfermarkt.

It’s not just the left-winger, himself, who believes in his ability though. Talent scout Jacek Kulig praised Diomande for the “brilliant” spell of form that he’s enjoyed in recent months to attract the likes of Liverpool and PSG.

FSG enter race to sign "world-class" £79m star for Liverpool

Former Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has expressed his admiration for international team-mate Luka Modric, stating that AC Milan are not aware of how lucky are to have the Real Madrid legend in their squad. Rakitic described Modric as a "unique, special" player whose approach to football is "admirable," urging football fans universally to appreciate the 40-year-old's enduring quality.

• Modric's enduring impact at 40

  Despite his advancing years, Modric has had a massive impact at San Siro since joining in a free transfer in the summer following his Real Madrid departure. He has started all 11 possible matches in Serie A so far this season, clocking up 965 minutes out of a possible 990 and contributing one goal and two assists from his central midfield position.

  Modric, 40, remains the captain of the Croatian national team and recently received a standing ovation from opposition fans during a World Cup qualifier against Montenegro. Coming off the bench in the 78th minute with Croatia trailing 2-0, Modric helped inspire a dramatic turnaround as his side secured a 3-2 victory.

  Reflecting on the applause, Modric said: "At first, I didn’t understand that the applause was for me. Perhaps it took me a while to realise it. I am sincerely grateful. My love for football helps me continue to push forward."

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  Rakitic heaps praise on "unique" Modric

  Ex-Croatia star Rakitic is nor surprised by his compatriot's impressive start to life in Italy, telling "I have a special relationship with Luka. We both started in the national team when we were young, and he's still there. I think it doesn't matter if you're a fan of Real Madrid, Milan, Croatia or anyone else; you just have to love Luka because the way he approaches football and how he does it is admirable.

  "I think that in Milan they're not yet aware of how lucky they should be to have brought Luka into their club, because it's unique, special, to have such a player in the dressing room and on the pitch. It's incredible how he plays at his age. And personally, I think Luka can play for another few years."

• Milan gunning for Serie A title

  Milan are aiming to win the Serie A title under Massimiliano Allegri and Modric will be crucial to their Scudetto hopes. Due to their absence from European football, they have a more manageable calendar than rivals Napoli and Inter and are off to a strong start. They sit two points behind Inter and Roma after 11 games and could find themselves top of the table if they beat their city rivals this weekend and Roma's result against Cremonese goes their way.

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  What next for Modric and AC Milan?

  Modric will look to continue his influential role in the AC Milan midfield as the Serie A season progresses. His experience and quality will be vital for the Rossoneri as they aim for domestic and European success. The Rossoneri are billed as the visitors for their derby match against Inter this weekend and will hope their Croatian maestro will play a key role.

  However, it is team-mate Adrien Rabiot who hopes to upset their rivals upon his return from injury after around a month on the sidelines. The Frenchmain said this week: "It would be great to win in the last minute with a goal from you! It'll be tough; we're both strong teams. The details will be decided."

The Boston Red Sox have signed star rookie second baseman Kristian Campbell to an eight-year contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday.

Campbell's eight-year extension runs through the 2032 season, and includes club options for '33 and '34. The deal will pay Campbell $60 million over the eight years and will buy out his first two free agency years. The club option years could buy out an additional two free agency years. According to a report from Jon Heyman of the , there are escalators in the deal that can pay Campbell $100 million over 10 years.

Campbell won the team's second baseman job in spring training, which pushed free agent acquisition Alex Bregman to third base and Rafael Devers, the franchise cornerstone and former third baseman, to designated hitter. Bregman has played third base most of his career, but there were talks that he would start the year at second if Campbell didn't win the job out of camp.

But Campbell did make the team, and he's been one of the bright spots for the Red Sox amid the team's poor start to the season. The 22-year-old has hit .375 with one home run, two doubles and two RBI in 16 plate appearances.

Campbell is now locked in as the future of the position for the Red Sox, where he will be expected to produce for years to come.

Like all clubs of their size and with their history, Chelsea have had some incredible players represent them over the years.

Moreover, those players have often formed brilliant duos, such as Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba and John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

Another pairing that enjoyed immense success during their time at Stamford Bridge was Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, who played 107 matches together, averaged two points per game and won two Premier League titles.

So, fans should be excited that the club might be able to recreate a partnership similar to that one with the sensational Estêvãoand one of Cobham’s most promising gems.

Estêvão's start to his Chelsea career

There has long been plenty of hype around Estêvão and the kind of player he could develop into.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

In fact, just a few months before Chelsea signed him, respected analyst Ben Mattinson labelled the teenage phenom a “future Ballon d’Or winner.”

Of course, there is still a long way to go before that could happen, but so far this season, it would probably be fair to say that the young Brazilian has met, or even exceeded, expectations.

For example, in 17 appearances, totalling just 740 minutes, he has already scored five goals and provided one assist.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.83 games, or more importantly, every 123.33 minutes.

Furthermore, the Franca-born superstar in the making has also already shown an ability to thrive and score in the club’s biggest games.

For example, he came on against Liverpool a couple of months ago and scored the winner and then, against Barcelona this week, he scored the all-important second goal to take the game away from the Spanish side.

Finally, on top of the output, the former Palmeiras prospect also passes the eye-test with flying colours, as Hazard did; he’s a tremendously fun footballer to watch, and it feels like something is going to happen with a ball at his feet.

Now, as if one young superstar in the making wasn’t enough, Chelsea also have a goalscoring machine in the academy who could become Estêvão’s Costa.

The Cobham gem who could be Estêvão's Costa

As always seems to be the case, Chelsea have plenty of seriously exciting youngsters coming through the academy at the moment, with chief among them, and the player who could form a game-breaking partnership with Estevao, being Shumaira Mheuka.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion prospect joined the Blues’ youth setup in 2022 and, in the time since, has become one of the most promising strikers in academy football.

Now, that might sound hyperbolic, but his output over the last couple of years proves that it very much is not.

For example, despite being just 16 at the start of last season, he ended the campaign with 11 goals and three assists in 30 appearances across the u18s and u21s.

Yet, while that is an impressive return, he’s taken another massive step forward this year.

So far, the Birmingham-born monster has scored 13 goals and provided three assists in 13 appearances for the junior sides, totalling 1,067 minutes.

That means the prolific number nine is averaging 1.23 goal involvements every game, or one every 66.68 minutes, which is surely a rate of return that warrants him getting more first-team action this season.

It’s not just at club level where the youngster is making a name, though: in 20 appearances for England’s u19s, he has chalked up a huge tally of 14 goals and three assists.

With numbers like these, it’s not hard to see why respected talent scout Jacek Kulig has described the youngster as “the future of Chelsea and English football.”

Ultimately, while it might not happen this year, Chelsea need to play Estevao alongside Mheuka at some point, as they could end up being the club’s new Hazard and Costa.

Chelsea join Arsenal in transfer battle to sign "leader" dubbed the new Saliba

The Blues could get their own version of the Arsenal star.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 27, 2025

Chelsea players are performing a new on-field ritual in the 2025-26 campaign led by captain Reece James. The new norm has been introduced to the squad in a bid to instil a unified mentality at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have started the new season on a bright note as they are currently third in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester City and six behind league leaders Arsenal.

• Chelsea's fine start to the new season

  Maresca oversaw an impressive debut campaign at Stamford Bridge last season as he guided the team to a top five finish and returned to the Champions League. The Italian coach made a few changes in the offseason as he brought key players like Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to bolster his attack, alongside some defensive reinforcements. 

  The team rebuilding has paid off so far for the Blues as they have started the 2025-26 campaign on a bright note. Chelsea are on a seven-game unbeaten streak and have not lost a match across all competitions since going down against Sunderland 2-1 in October. They are trailing league leaders Arsenal by six points following their draw against the Gunners last weekend and are placed seventh in the Champions League table with three wins in their first five outings/ 

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  James introduced new ritual at Chelsea

  Chelsea captain James has regularly featured under Maresca this season and has been impressive in a new role as he is being deployed in the defensive midfield role in the current campaign. He was criticised by the manager in the last term as the Italian coach claimed that he expected more from the England international. 

  This season, James has come up with a new on-field ritual for the team where all the players need to gather near the centre circle at the half-time break before walking off the pitch together. reports that the reason behind such a ritual is to instil unity in the squad. Such a gesture brings a feeling of togetherness among the players. 

  They started the ritual during the match against Tottenham Hotspur last month, which they won 1-0, with Joao Pedro on target. 

• Blues skipper hailed for performance as midfielder

  After Chelsea's 2-0 win over Burnley last month, Maresca had lavished praise on the club captain and also explained why he is fielding the full-back in a new midfield role. He told : "I think yesterday we needed a little bit more physicality in the middle. We expected them to play with [Pape Mater] Sarr, with [Rodrigo] Bentancur, with [Joao] Palhinha. We didn't expect them with four midfielders, because then [Lucas] Bergvall also played. I think Reece is doing fantastic when he's playing as a midfielder, he's doing fantastic when he's playing full-back, and he's doing fantastic in terms of leadership with the players inside the changing room."

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  James eyeing place in Tuchel's lineup at 2026 World cup

  James featured in England's penultimate World Cup qualifier against Serbia last month after missing out on Tuchel's squad during the October break with an injury. The full-back, who has suffered several injury setbacks since the start of his career, has remained more or less injury free in the 2025-26 season. He is regularly playing for the Blues in the Premier League and Europe and is now fighting hard for a place in the England starting lineup at the World Cup in North America next year. 

  The 25-year-old will be back in action on Wednesday as the Blues face Leeds United in the Premier League.

The numbers looked pretty good for Clayton Kershaw on Wednesday, his third start since returning from both knee and foot surgeries. Over five innings in the Los Angeles Dodgers' game against the Cleveland Guardians, Kershaw allowed six hits, one earned run and two walks while striking out three.

But while the outing looked good on paper, it was certainly far from perfect. After the game, Kershaw acknowledged that he got help to get out of a rough first inning. He also indicated it would have been better if he had lasted more innings—the Guardians completed a comeback in the eighth inning to secure a 7-4 win over the Dodgers.

"I'm fighting some stuff mechanically and different things," Kershaw said, via SportsNet LA. "I was able to make a few pitches here and there to get through five, but obviously wasn't pitching good enough to be able to stay in the game which makes the bullpen have to throw more innings. … Frustrating for sure, but I think at the same at the time there's some progress still, more reps. Overall, to only give up 1-run and pitch that bad is a good thing."

Kershaw acknowledged that he created some "bad habits" last year, when he returned from shoulder surgery in the middle of the season. Kershaw came back to start seven games in 2024, but suffered a season-ending injury not long after his return.

"There's just some stuff I need to hammer down," Kershaw said. "I think I've created some bad habits with not feeling my best, I created some bad habits last year. I haven't pitched in a while, I haven't pitched in a long time. There's just some growing pains with the first few. Physically, I feel great, just got to keep throwing and figure it out."

As revealed by former manager Philippe Clement, Rangers “tried” to sign Kenny McLean during his time at the club only to miss out on the Norwich City midfielder.

It’s a case of what might have been for those at Ibrox, who have endured a tumultuous time since not only missing out on their target, but also sacking Clement. After hiring Russell Martin to replace the Belgian, the Gers were forced to make another decision less than three months into the season – giving Martin his marching orders.

45 minutes all season: Rohl's "big talent" can end Rothwell's Rangers stay

With Joe Rothwell out of favour at Rangers, does Danny Röhl already boast a massive upgrade in a “big talent” who’s played just 45 minutes all season?

1

By
Ben Gray

Nov 21, 2025

Now, with Danny Rohl in charge, Rangers have already won more points in the Scottish Premiership than they did in the entirety of Martin’s rein. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell will be hoping that the German’s arrival has at least made up for a disappointing summer of decisions.

He told reporters during the international break: “Yeah, I still feel very confident. The situation is clearly that we felt that we weren’t going in the right direction previously and so unfortunately we had to make that change.

“We’ve changed for an individual who’s got very good experience despite his young years and I think he’s proven that with some of the things that we’re seeing on pitch. I think there’s a clear difference in terms of the way in which we’re playing at the moment and fundamentally that’s leading to getting some good results.”

With Livingston up next, Rohl has the chance to make it four wins from four in the Scottish Premiership and potentially move up to third if results go Rangers’ way. As January approaches and targets such as Kilmarnock’s David Watson reportedly emerge, there’s no doubt that a change in fortunes on the pitch will be doing the Gers a world of good.

As Clement found out not so long ago, however, Rohl may not get the chance to welcome every top target.

Clement reveals Rangers wanted Kenny McLean

As revealed by Clement, Rangers tried to sign McLean during his time at the club, but missed out after the midfielder decided to stay put at Norwich City. Now, the former Ibrox boss has finally received the chance to work with the Scot after taking the vacant role at Carrow Road and revealed his long-term admiration for his talents.

If Rangers did secure McLean’s signature then they would, of course, have a World Cup midfielder in their ranks these days. The 33-year-old recently played his part as Scotland secured World Cup qualification in dramatic fashion against Denmark, scoring a stunning half-way line goal.

Given how much talent they welcomed from the Championship last summer that hasn’t worked out, losing out on a player of McLean’s quality should be seen as a real blow at Ibrox.

Dubbed “great” by former Norwich player Iwan Roberts, the 33-year-old will always have his part in Scottish football history after his goal against Denmark to secure a World Cup place.

£5m Rangers flop is bigger waste of money than Miovski and Chermiti

There were worrying scenes inside the Emirates as hundreds of Bayern Munich fans clashed with police and stewards ahead of the Champions League clash with Arsenal. The unrest appeared to be contained in the seated area of the away end ahead of kick-off and hadn’t spilled over into the home sections of Arsenal’s north London home.

• High alert ahead of high-profile clash

  Hundreds of Bayern fans were spotted marching around Highbury Fields, escorted by Metropolitan Police, chanting and brandishing lit flares ahead of the match, but there were no reports of violence with home fans. In the build-up to the match Met Police announced they had a "robust policing plan" in place to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. This standard procedure for major events involves close collaboration with club security and a visible police presence to manage crowds and address potential incidents. Authorities also urged all fans, both home and any Bayern supporters who have travelled without tickets, to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to security staff. 

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• Worrying scenes at the Emirates

  Ahead of kick-off there appeared to be pockets of disturbances in the way end. 

• Bayern fans have previous

  The Bavarian giants were slapped with a ban, blocking their fans from attending the away leg of last season’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal in April last year. The sanction was imposed by UEFA after supporters threw fireworks and objects onto the pitch during an away match at Lazio in February of 2024. 

  Bayern had been on a two-year probation with a suspended one-match away ban following a similar pyrotechnics incident during their group stage match at Copenhagen in October 2023. The repeat offense at Lazio triggered the implementation of the ban. The club accepted the punishment and chose not to appeal, with CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen stating that the deliberate throwing of pyrotechnics directly endangered bystanders and was an explicit violation of their probation conditions.

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  Massive match at the Emirates

  Arsenal secured a significant 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium. The win ended Bayern's season-long unbeaten run and sent the Gunners to the top of the group standings. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring for the hosts in the 22nd minute with a header from a corner, but Bayern's 17-year-old talent Lennart Karl quickly equalized in the 33rd minute with a well-taken volley after a pass from former Gunner Serge Gnabry. The second half saw Mikel Arteta’s side dominate, with substitutes making the difference. Noni Madueke restored the lead in the 69th minute, tapping in a low cross, before Gabriel Martinelli sealed the 3-1 win with a decisive counter-attack finish in the 76th minute.

Elly Da La Cruz walked in the first inning of the Cincinnati Reds game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.

Four pitches later, Austin Hays doubled into the left field corner. Of course, De La Cruz scored from first on the play because he is so darn fast, but the real notable part of the play was the fact that Hays' bat was still laying in the batter's box when De La Cruz dove headfirst towards the plate at full speed.

And he slid right over it and never touched the bat.

How does he have that much control of his body when he's diving headfirst at that speed to not disturb that bat in the slightest?