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With 17 games played in the Premier League, Manchester United picked up their first draw of the season this weekend as they held Liverpool to a potentially instrumental goalless draw.

This point puts United in seventh, six points behind fourth place, which will be their goal for the season.

Goals have been infrequent for Erik ten Hag’s team, netting just 18 times, the lowest goal tally in the top 14 clubs in the table. Therefore, the boss wants to add another attacker to his side.

Man Utd transfers latest – Raphinha

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Raphinha, with a swap deal including Jadon Sancho potentially on the cards this winter, as per Spanish outlet Sport.

The Brazilian is keen on remaining at Barcelona, but the club is willing to listen to offers for the attacker.

However, a move in January is highly unlikely, with the Catalan side said to be demanding €100m (£86m) for the winger – as per the report.

How Raphinha compares to Antony

The ex-Leeds United winger has struggled to lock down the right-wing spot in Xavi's side since his arrival last season, and he has found it even more difficult this time around due to the rise of wonderkid, Lamine Yamal. The number 11 has featured in 13 La Liga matches this season, starting just six, but he has registered a goal contribution per start (two goals, four assists).

Although most Premier League fans are aware of Raphinha, he is a left-footed winger who operates on the right, mostly cutting inside onto his left foot to either shoot or cross towards the back post. He has a relentless approach to the game, both in possession and out of possession, which helps his team regain control.

United fans will be put off by the prospect of an expensive left-footed right winger joining the club after Antony’s troubled time in England, but how does the duo actually compare?

As you can see, Raphinha offers far more output than his compatriot, which, based on United’s goals scored, is a significant area that needs improving. Ex-Man Utd winger Daniel James labelled the Barcelona star as a “magician” who can do anything on the pitch, and based on his creative output, it is difficult to disagree.

The 27-year-old is a touchline winger who is desperate to make things happen, as highlighted by his crosses and shot averages, and he would offer a much more direct outlet on the right if he were to sign for the Red Devils.

Furthermore, Raphinha clearly boasts superior stats to Antony in all in-possession aspects, but the current United winger – who has no goals or assists to his name this season – has proved to have a slightly better defensive output, yet that is going to be the case when Raphinha plays for a side that dominates the ball so much.

While splashing the cash on another costly Brazilian winger doesn’t perhaps seem like a smart decision, the Barcelona man is “unplayable” on his day – as per LeedsTV presenter Oscar Marrio – and when you consider that Antony continues to frustrate, such an upgrade could well be needed.

Nic Maddinson made it three centuries in consecutive Sheffield Shield matches as he helped leaders Victoria put up a strong total on the opening day against Tasmania in Melbourne.Maddinson followed his 108 last week against Queensland with 136 off 197 balls, the brace of centuries coming after the 162 he scored against Western Australia in December before suffering a broken arm. He now has a tally of 445 runs at 111.25 for the season.Jackson Bird managed to make late inroads but Victoria closed on a healthy 7 for 376.Maddinson added 170 for the third wicket with Marcus Harris who fell just short of making back-to-back centuries when he was caught in the deep off Jarrod Freeman for 94. That followed Harris’ scores of 95 and 174 against Queensland.The pair had helped Victoria recover from early trouble at 2 for 7 after Riley Meredith caused problems with the new ball. He produced a beauty to take the off stump of Travis Dean and then five balls later had Will Pucovski caught behind for a duck with one that bounced to take the edge.Harris and Maddinson counter-attacked as conditions eased, moving along at more than four runs an over although there were a few near misses for both batsmen, especially in the slip and gully area.Meredith claimed his third when he bowled Cameron White but the runs kept flowing for Victoria as Maddinson and Matt Short added 69 for the fifth wicket.Maddinson’s innings ended when he was lbw, missing a pull at a back-of-a-length delivery from Gabe Bell, then Bird had Short taken at second slip – a juggling catch by Alex Doolan – followed by trapping Chris Tremain in front.

Despite the overarching cloud of a ten-point deduction this season, Everton are performing quite well. The side are currently sitting 18th in the Premier League table but have picked up three wins and one draw in their last five outings.

Another victory away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening gained some valuable ground for the Toffees on those above them in the table, with Luton Town's defeat at home to Arsenal on Tuesday night meliorating Everton's pursuit of safety.

However, another big task awaits Sean Dyche and his players as high-flying Newcastle United come to town, having beaten Manchester United 1-0 last time out, although the scoreline flattered to deceive the Red Devils.

Despite Everton's win at the weekend, the manager could look to make a couple of changes to his starting lineup to prevent fatigue, with fixtures against Chelsea and Burnley on the near horizon.

Here is the side's predicted lineup ahead of the Magpies' visit to Goodison Park on Thursday night

1 GK – Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford has been the first name on Everton's teamsheet since joining the club back in 2017 and unless he picks up an unprecedented injury, it's highly unlikely that the goalkeeper will be dropped to the bench.

The England number one is in the top 11% of all goalkeepers in Europe's top-five leagues for post-shot expected goals per shot on target which is a metric used to indicate how likely a keeper is to save a shot on goal and so there's little chance Pickford isn't given the nod for this match.

2 RB – Seamus Coleman

Seamus Coleman has yet to play a single minute for Everton this season, having picked up a knee ligament injury away at Leicester City in the previous campaign. However, the captain was on the bench for the Toffees' defeat at home to Manchester United a fortnight ago and the team's victory at the City Ground on Saturday.

Ashley Young has primarily been Dyche's first choice at right-back, but with games coming thick and fast, the £55k-per-week earner will need to have some rest if he is to continue to feature regularly. Coleman will be champing at the bit to get back out on the grass and this could be the perfect opportunity to get some minutes under his belt.

3 CB – James Tarkowski

James Tarkowski was superb at the weekend and managed to make nine clearances, one interception and seven ball recoveries while also playing seven passes into the final third and winning 80% of his aerial duels.

The ex-Burnley defender has been the captain in Coleman's absence which has certainly been deserved as he is Everton's highest-rated performer this season with a 7.29 average, according to Sofascore. Tarkowski will likely keep his place in the starting lineup against Newcastle.

4 CB – Jarrad Branthwaite

Tarkowski was not alone in the heart of the defence in keeping Nottingham Forest out on Saturday. His defensive partner Jarrad Branthwaite was just as instrumental in preventing the ball from going past Pickford in goal and earned praise this season from the likes of Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who called him a "magnificent" defender.

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Branthwaite won 100% of his ground duels and 67% of his aerial duels and made six ball recoveries, six clearances and one interception. Dyche won't want to upset the apple cart by dropping either of his resilient centre-backs.

5 LB – Vitaliy Mykolenko

Vitaliy Mykolenko has been a solid performer at left-back this season and was one of Everton's best performers against Forest last week, earning a Sofascore rating of 7.1. The Ukrainian fullback also made nine defensive actions, two interceptions and seven ball recoveries, while winning 100% of his aerial duels.

Mykolenko has plenty of gas left in the tank to play once more in midweek and will likely keep his place in the starting eleven.

6 RM – Jack Harrison

Despite a solid defensive display at the City Ground, Jack Harrison was one of Everton's worst performers. The Liverpool Echo handed the loanee a 6/10 rating, explaining that the winger "laboured for long periods" of the game. No Everton player received a lower score from the outlet.

Nevertheless, Harrison still recorded an assist for the winning goal to clinch a valuable three points, putting him top of Everton's leaderboard for assists which may have let him live to fight another day in the lineup.

7 DM – Idrissa Gueye

It's difficult to tell at times that Idrissa Gueye is 34 given the energy he brings in the middle of the park. The Senegal international was tremendous at the weekend, making eight ball recoveries and 11 defensive actions during the match. Additionally, Gueye played three balls into the final third and created one chance, showing a creative side to his game as well.

With Amadou Onana still being assessed ahead of kick-off, Gueye will potentially keep his spot in the team once more.

8 DM – James Garner

No player had a higher match rating than James Garner on Saturday evening with 7.6. The former Manchester United man was scintillating in the midfield, defensively and offensively, recording 12 defensive actions, 13 ball recoveries and three interceptions on top of playing nine passes into the final third.

Once called "superb" by Roy Keane during his loan spell with Nottingham Forest two seasons ago, Garner is finally starting to prove he was worth the £15.5m Everton paid for him last year and will likely start alongside Gueye in the midfield again.

9 LM – Dwight McNeil

Dwight McNeil was the man who earned all three points against Forest, with his second-half goal clawing Everton closer to safety. McNeil alone boasted one-third of his side's total 0.67 xG during the game so perhaps it wasn't too much of a surprise that he came up with the winner.

The winger has struggled in recent weeks but showed the fans why Dyche has been persistent with starting him on the left which will continue on Thursday night.

10 AM – Abdoulaye Doucoure

Having initially been brought to Everton as a deep-lying midfielder, Abdoulaye Doucoure has found his calling as a second striker behind the centre-forward. He is currently top of Everton's goalscoring charts alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin with four goals apiece and is a goal threat in a team that are the joint-third-lowest scorers in the Premier League.

Doucoure must start if Everton are to get a result at home to Newcastle United.

The Gunners ended a miserable week on a high to move back above Manchester City in the Premier League title race

Leandro Trossard's strike just before half-time and Martin Odegaard's injury-time finish were enough to give Arsenal an edgy 2-0 win at Wolves which moved them back to the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side went into the game on the back of a bruising week which had seen them surrender control of the title race to Manchester City following defeat by Aston Villa and then exit the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich.

So they knew they had to find a reaction at Molineux and they did just thanks thanks to Trossard's spectacular sliced effort, which found its way into the top corner, and Odegaard's angled finish in stoppage time.

It was a crucial win for the visitors at the end of a difficult week, one that now sees them move one point above City, but having played a game more than the champions.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Molineux…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (8/10):

  Made on fabulous save in the first half to push Joao Gomes' shot onto the post. Did everything well when called upon.

  Ben White (7/10):

  Got into good positions a couple of times in the first half, but his final ball let him down. Linked up well with Saka and Odegaard and really grew into the game after the interval.

  William Saliba (7/10):

  Another fine performance from the young centre-back. Never really looked troubled at the back.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

  Solid enough, although made one poor clearance which led to a Wolves chance before the break.

  Jakub Kiwior (6/10):

  Struggled in the first half and was fortunate to escape when his error gifted Joao Gomes a shot on goal that Raya did well to save. Improved as the game wore on.

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  Midfield

  Declan Rice (8/10):

  Arsenal looked better whenever he injected a bit of drive into the play. Could have done better with a couple of shots in the first half. Really came into his own in the final 20 minutes and took the game by the scruff of its neck, which showed with the part he played in Odegaard's goal.

  Martin Odegaard (7/10):

  Worked as hard as ever, but definitely looks a bit below par at the moment. Not playing with quite the same zip, but still crucial to Arsenal's performance. Finished the game off with his fine finish late on.

  Kai Havertz (6/10):

  Almost scored inside 45 seconds when his shot was saved. Never looks as comfortable playing in this deeper midfield role, but played his part in the win.

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  Attack

  Bukayo Saka (6/10):

  Had to deal with Toti man marking him all evening and was on receiving end of some big hits as usual. Looked a threat on the rare occasion he did find some space.

  Gabriel Jesus (6/10):

  Not at his best. Looks to be lacking confidence in front of goal, but played a crucial role in setting up Trossard for his strike at the end of the first half.

  Leandro Trossard (7/10):

  Missed a good chance in the first half but made amends when he broke the deadlock just before the break.

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  Subs & Manager

  Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

  Had one chance late on which went straight at the keeper.

  Thomas Partey (N/A):

  On for the final 10 minutes.

  Mikel Arteta (7/10):

  He will be delighted with the result after such a bruising and tiring week. Not the best performance from his side, but he won't care much about that.

Derby County are believed to be plotting a move to sign a "phenomenal" player for Paul Warne, according to a fresh transfer update.

Derby eyeing January signings

The Rams have made a promising start to the 2023/24 season, currently sitting seventh in the League One table ahead of the festive action in the coming weeks. Granted, Derby could be in a better position towards the automatic promotion positions where Portsmouth and Oxford United currently are, but they are nicely poised to finish in the playoff places, hopefully making their way back into the Championship next year.

The January transfer window will allow Warne the chance to add to his squad, should the money and right targets be available, and the Rams have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks. Young Irish midfielder Adam Murphy is one player who has been backed to move to Derby, being seen as a long-term acquisition, while AFC Wimbledon's Ali Al-Hamadi is also seen as an option for the Rams. It looks as though another player has now joined the list of potential additions at Pride Park in January, with a fellow League One ace tipped to head there.

Derby want to sign CJ Hamilton

According to Football Insider, Derby are one of the clubs interested in signing Blackpool winger CJ Hamilton, with the Rams "plotting a move" for him.

Huddersfield Town and Queens Park Rangers are also seen as potential suitors for the 28-year-old wide man, who is out of contract at his current club at the end of this season. That means Blackpool could jump at the chance to earn a fee for him in January, rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.

It is claimed that "Derby are keen to strengthen in the new year to boost their promotion bid", with numerous clubs "ready to test Blackpool's resolve". Derby may not find it easy to bring in Hamilton in January, considering there is interest from clubs higher up in the Football League currently, but he could be such a shrewd addition if they get a deal over the line.

This season, the Rams transfer target has four assists in League One so far this season, highlighting the creativity he can provide from out wide and at 28 years of age, he is someone with lots of experience, not to mention being a left-footed player who can play on either flank, which could appeal to Warne.

Hamilton has even earned huge praise from former Mansfield Town manager David Flitcroft in the past during their time at the club together, saying of him:

"I can play him anywhere and he is phenomenal. He's had another match-winning day today. Winning goals are the ones you remember."

Derby may need an extra injection of attacking quality in their squad to further enhance their hopes of going up to the Championship this season, and in Hamilton, they could have a perfect option to bring in. An overall tally of 24 goals and 34 assists combined in the Championship, League One and League Two combined further outlines why he could be a smart signing.

Tottenham Hotspur's rise under Ange Postecoglou has been something of immense proportion, and while the Premier League campaign is still within its first quarter, there is a real sense that the table-toppers could be set for a truly special year.

The 2022/23 season was not one of success for Spurs, who only managed to secure an eighth-place finish in the English top flight, meaning that there is no European football on the cards this year.

Targeting Postecoglou saw a clear shift in strategy from chairman Daniel Levy, with the dismissal of esteemed manager Antonio Conte in March meaning that the face in the dugout had changed four times in as many years.

Postecoglou was not among Europe's 'elite' managers when arriving in June, despite having enjoyed significant silver-laden success in Scotland with Celtic, but his free-flowing, positive philosophy aligns with Tottenham's perfectly.

Luis Enrique was among those to have been on the London club's radar, while former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann was an additional candidate.

But it's rather hard to argue that Levy made the wrong call in opting for the shrewder route, with an outfit bogged in the mire only a matter of months ago now thriving as one of Europe's most in-form squads.

The Australian has transformed many of last season's withered crop and sprinkled new talent in the right areas, with Micky van de Ven and James Maddison utterly brilliant so far.

The latter, Maddison, won August's Premier League Player of the Month award and has been sensational as the starring playmaker – not just in the squad but the whole of the division.

Why did Tottenham sign James Maddison?

Last season, the defensive mess was the crux of Tottenham's struggles, having conceded 63 times, but there was a discernible decline in overall attacking verve too.

Despite scoring 70 times, the Lilywhites could've done with a creative midfielder to connect the conglomerate of players together, and, as such, Maddison was targetted following Leicester City's relegation from the Premier League.

Newcastle United had registered a vested interest in the England international and were actually believed to be leading the race in June, but a fierce assault on the Foxes' dressing room saw Maddison join in a £40m transfer.

Despite Leicester's relegation, Maddison was one of the few members of the squad to hold his head high, with his prolific exploits hailed as a "magician" by analyst Statman Dave.

Spurs supporters were excited upon the announcement of his signing, but, already, Maddison has eclipsed expectations with the sheer brilliance of his displays.

So far, Maddison has been nothing short of a revelation under Postecoglou's stewardship, having scored two goals and supplied five assists from eight games in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has maintained the cutting edge that saw him post ten goals and nine assists from only 28 starts in the division last term, and he is now flourishing among a cohesive and quality crop of teammates, bringing out the very best of his abilities.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive passes per 90, illustrating his worth in sustaining a reliable flow of support for the frontline.

The £170k-per-week star has been sensational already this year and is clearly one of the Premier League's most devastating creative players, but he's actually being matched by one former player who would have been incredible at the spearhead of Postecoglou's system.

Indeed, one Harry Kane departed in the summer, with the Tottenham legend's inclusion in this team something that would be perfect for the mounting title charge.

Why did Tottenham sell Harry Kane?

Tottenham sold Kane to German champions Bayern Munich for around £84m, ending a career-long fellowship with Spurs, departing as the club's all-time record scorer.

The 30-year-old striker is also England's record goalscorer with 61 goals from 87 appearances, and has been described as "world-class" by many, including Graeme Souness.

A remarkable talent, Tottenham's failure to succeed last season – despite Kane's 30-goal league haul – resulted in the 6 foot 2 phenom's sale, having still never tasted silverware for club or country.

It was a poignant day, but one that perhaps made sense given the financial value for Levy and co in cashing in on a player who was out of contract the following summer and had confirmed his decision to reject any fresh proposals.

How is Harry Kane performing at Bayern Munich?

Already this season, Kane has plundered nine goals and five assists from ten matches for Die Roten, very much proving his worth in a new division and new country.

Ever impressive in front of goal, his creativity has been equally important and puts him on the same pedestal as Maddison, who has been awe-inspiring in his supplementation this season.

He ranks among the top 13% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, highlighting that ball-playing faculty that puts him among the finest creators in the business.

The £415k-per-week machine is possibly the world's greatest current striker; his level of all-encompassing brilliance, leadership and innate predatory instinct would slot him comfortably into any team across world football. A true "monster” of a centre-forward, as was claimed by journalist Siavoush Fallahi.

The mere fact that he is supplying goals on par with Maddison underscores this value, and heading the Spurs ship, he would undoubtedly be the catalyst for Postecoglou's side – a side which, let's not forget, are in early contention for the Premier League title.

Tottenham are flying and the fact that Postecoglou has managed the situation at the club, compounded by Kane's sale, has been incredible.

But just imagine how the England skipper would perform in such a flourishing squad after dragging a languishing fold last term, particularly with the current side without a reliable, out-and-out centre-forward, with Richarlison scoring just one league goal this term.

Kane's former partner in crime Heung-min Son boasts six goals so far after operating as a makeshift number nine, although it remains to be seen if the South Korean winger can be a long-term solution in that role, hence the the intrigue as to the impact the current Bayern man could have made under Postecoglou.

As truly one of the greatest players to have ever been garbed in Tottenham white, Kane – who netted four in pre-season against Shakhtar Donetsk – would likely have thrived under the new regime.

ScorecardJohann Myburgh’s 42-ball hundred led Somerset to a thumping ten-wicket win against an abject Essex to take them one step closer to a quarter-final spot.Well set at 82 for 2, Essex limped to 135 for 9 after winning the toss, a score which looked a long way short of par even on a used Taunton wicket.And so it proved, as Myburgh blitzed 16 fours and three sixes in his maiden ton to seal a comprehensive victory with 52 balls to spare.”When you go out there chasing a lowish score, it gives you a bit of freedom at the top,” Myburgh said. “I like to put pressure on the other team…in T20 cricket, that’s the way you’ve got to play. Confidence has been pretty high for a while now. We’ve been pretty consistent [in T20], and we know we can win ways in different games – we aren’t relying on one formula.”At the halfway point of their innings, Essex had looked set for a competitive total. Varun Chopra – still the only member of their batting line-up to have made it to 50 in this tournament – and captain Ryan ten Doeschate were well-set. The pitch was used and sticky, but possessed few demons.The pair patiently knocked the ball around for singles, looking to put any loose balls away. But Somerset were disciplined. As usual, Lewis Gregory rang the changes – each of the final ten overs was a one-over spell – and once the wickets started to fall, Essex were unable to recover. In one 47-ball period, they hit just one boundary, as Ravi Bopara and Michael Pepper scratched around, desperate to take the innings deep in the hope of a late assault.The assault never came. Essex made only 58 for 7 in the final ten overs, and never put any pressure on the Somerset attack; Chopra’s six off the ninth ball of the innings was the only one of the innings. It was the performance of a team shorn of any confidence after a disastrous T20 campaign so far. With four points in eight games, they will need at least five wins from their final six games to have a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals. On the basis of this showing, they’ll be lucky to get any.Somerset, meanwhile, were disciplined and ruthless with the ball. Jamie Overton bowled with the pace and hostility that has caused his name to be discussed by England’s selectors in the past two weeks, bowling fuller than his standard short-form length, and for the first time in his T20 career, he went at less than a run-a-ball while bowling his full allocation.Jerome Taylor added three final-over wickets to his 5 for 15 on Wednesday night, while Roelof van der Merwe bowled with guile and nous through the middle overs. It was a display, befitting of a side who – with Gloucestershire and Kent still to play tonight – went top of the group, albeit temporarily.The question mark looming over Somerset’s season to date was their top-order batting. In their past four T20 games (excluding their rain-reduced game against Surrey), they had won four times despite losing three wickets in the Powerplay; while their middle-order’s hitting had often been spectacular, there was a feeling that the streak was unsustainable.They decided to change things. Steven Davies, a veteran of 136 games in the format, was left out for England Under-19 captain Tom Banton. Some might have nervous filling such shoes – not Banton. Facing Jamie Porter, charging in from the River End with a point to prove after his omission from the Test side this week, Banton ramped the fourth ball he faced for an audacious six.But it was Myburgh who stole the show. With 129 runs in eight innings going into this game, there were questions over his spot in the team, but a low total and a license to free his arms left him with the perfect opportunity to swing his way into form. Essex’s only hope was Adam Zampa, their tenacious Australian legspinner who, with 11 wickets and an economy rate below seven, has been the lone star of a poor T20 campaign. He was brought on to bowl the fourth over, needing an early wicket; Myburgh whacked him for 19.Myburgh’s pyrotechnics did not stop there. Matt Coles’ first three balls were thrashed to the fence for four but he was still getting started. Peter Siddle was Myburgh’s next target, whose second over was crunched for four fours and a six. The second of those fours summed up Essex’s despair. For once, Myburgh failed to time the ball. It looped up over cover, just beyond the reach of the diving Paul Walter, who – perhaps with one eye on the start of the English football season tomorrow – headed the ball and sent in on its way to the boundary. In the blink of any eye, Myburgh had reached a 22-ball 50.At 77 without loss after the Powerplay, Somerset’s victory was a formality, and it was just a question of how many Myburgh would make. Two brutal strokes for four off Coles took him into the 70s, before a six and a four off Bopara brought him to within touching distance of a maiden hundred.With 11 needed, Myburgh stroked Walter for four past the diving cover fielder. He roared in celebration, and seven balls later, the most decisive of victories was sealed.

MatériaMais Notícias

A segunda-feira termina de maneira mágica para o Ceará. Pela primeira vez em sua história, o Vozão derrotou o Vasco em São Januário e conseguiu amenizar a má fase que rondava o time.

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Um dos destaques da partida foi o meia-atacante Vina, que marcou um gol de pênalti e homenageou Maradona com uma dancinha.

Na saída de campo, o jogador do Vozão comentou sobre a sua comemoração e o respeito pelo ídolo argentino, que faleceu na semana passada.

‘Todos sabem que Maradona foi ídolo, é uma perda grande. Eu, como meia, ele era um dos caras que me inspirava. Procurei fazer a dancinha dele no aquecimento. Era algo que já tinha combinado com meus companheiros de clube e pude ajudar o Ceará a sair com a vitória importantíssima’, declarou ao Premiere.

Com o resultado, o Ceará chegou aos 29 pontos e aparece na 10ª colocação do Campeonato Brasileiro.

After a frustrating start, Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have found their form in both Europe and the Premier League, enjoying a recent run of good form, as they look to make it back-to-back top-four finishes in England's top flight.

What could help towards that goal is one particular January arrival, with reports suggesting that the Magpies are eyeing a specific move.

Latest Newcastle transfer news

Newcastle once again splashed the cash during the summer to welcome Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento, among others, and so far, their spending has paid dividends once more. Still suffering losses against teams such as Manchester City and Liverpool, however, Howe may feel as though he can still make some improvements to his side, which is where the January transfer window could come into play.

With that said, Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider has issued a Goncalo Inacio transfer update, reporting that Newcastle, and by extension owners PIF, are eyeing a move for the Sporting CP centre-back in January and have admired him for a long time. The Portugal international reportedly has a release clause of £52m – a price tag which appears to be within the reach of the Magpies these days, making things incredibly interesting when the transfer window swings open.

Those at St James' Park aren't alone in their interest, however, with Manchester United and Liverpool also admirers of Inacio, creating a battle between some of England's biggest clubs. The defender, who is still only 22 years old, seemingly has the world at his feet with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation, and a decision to make when the time comes. Inacio is certainly one to keep an eye on.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

Starting in every game so far this season, Inacio has got off to a solid start, picking up where he left off during the last campaign at Sporting. The Portugal side sit second in the Primeira Liga, three points adrift of Benfica, having played a game less. Inacio has played a large part in that, and, statistically speaking, he has even outperformed Newcastle's current defensive options, as per FBref.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles

Goncalo Inacio

16

59

7

Sven Botman

0

9

3

Fabian Schar

1

20

2

It's no surprise, then, that the Portugal international has earned plenty of praise during his career, including from Twitter account Premier League Panel, who said:

"Gonçalo Inácio is the perfect counter-weight to Konaté. Inacio-VVD-Konaté: Build-up conductor. Leader/aerial dominator/switches of play. Immense recovery speed & coverage of space Dream back 3 balance. Let’s see what LFC’s new recruitment team have in their locker."

Of course, Newcastle may be hoping that Liverpool fail to recognise that potential dream, allowing them to push on and secure Inacio's signature. The 22-year-old would add strength in depth at the back for the Magpies, who will be aiming to step things up another level or two in the coming seasons, both in Europe and the Premier League.

Leeds United ran riot today in their Championship win over Millwall, defying all expectations to truly kickstart Daniel Farke's reign at Elland Road.

Described by journalist Joe Donnohue as the "most complete performance of the season", many thought that today's clash would mark the first true test of this new regime, travelling to the feared Den.

How did Joel Piroe play vs Millwall?

Having weathered an early storm from the hosts, it clearly gave the Whites the confidence needed to grow into the game and go ahead after a nice run of play saw Joel Piroe score his first.

Although his second was slightly more fortuitous, his brace spearheaded an emphatic victory for the visitors to propel them up the table.

Unsurprisingly, the Dutchman's 8.2 Sofascore rating for the game was merited, although it was hugely buoyed by those two goals which proved so important.

Other than that, the striker largely struggled to make an impact despite once again being deployed deeper.

In fact, it was arguably his strike partner who truly stole the show for Farke, as Georginio Rutter continues to mastermind his comeback after last season's thorough disappointment.

How did Georginio Rutter play vs Millwall?

Having signed for a club record £35m, expectations were understandably but perhaps unfairly high for the 21-year-old who was expected to spearhead their survival push.

Given today's clash was played in the Championship, it is clear that this was a failed venture, although that was far from Rutter's burden to hold.

Should he prove to be as instrumental as this early-season form suggests, that could end up being one of Jesse Marsch's unwise investments that actually come to fruition.

After all, the £70k-per-week forward's 8.6 rating was the highest of anyone on the pitch, as he managed to not only score but assist too, via Sofascore.

However, it was his creativity that truly stood out in a match that was crying out for a magical moment, which Rutter gladly provided on numerous occasions.

The former Hoffenheim ace provided a startling five key passes despite starting the match up front, with his positional fluidity proving tough for the hosts to compete with.

Some stellar defensive work buoyed the aforementioned figure further, as he would also win four duels whilst making two interceptions and one tackle, as per Sofascore.

It was a performance bound to draw praise, with the away support handing him "his flowers" in the words of Donnohue.

Then, another writer in Graham Smyth would wax lyrical after handing the forward an admirable 8/10 in his post-match ratings: "Fought to try and hold the ball up, provided an assist, played a part in the second goal and scored the third. Not everything he tried came off but he deserved his ovation."

Such a persistent effort to create something special helped him to stand out in a game that could have easily devolved into a scrappy affair. Fortunately for Farke, he was in possession of a magician with true quality which shone through on the day.

Although Piroe will steal the headlines for his brace, Rutter's continued performances at a level befitting a side hoping for promotion will be of far more importance to the German tactician after today.