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Mason Greenwood continues to thrive for Marseille in France, leading to growing speculation over whether a return to the Premier League could be possible for the former Manchester United outcast. Links with a move to La Liga have also gathered pace, while tentative links with both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have led to questions after the highly controversial circumstances which led to his exile from Old Trafford in 2022.

Greenwood's chances of Premier League return revealed

Reports by TEAMtalk state that sources reveal a Premier League return for Greenwood is still believed to be 'off limits', despite his strong goalscoring record with French giants Marseille.

Greenwood is still just 24 years-old and netted 21 Ligue 1 goals in his debut campaign in the competition, following that on with another 13 in all competitions this term, 10 in the league to lead the division’s top scorer charts at present.

Marseille are currently third in Ligue 1, four points behind PSG and five behind leaders Lens, while Roberto De Zerbi’s men have won successive Champions League games to reach nine points in the competition and rise comfortably into the play-off places.

Greenwood’s form has led to ‘hope’ that he can ‘step up to a bigger stage’, with La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid reported to hold an interest in the former Carrington academy graduate. However, reports of a return to the Premier League are not believed to be viable for the forward.

AdvertisementGettyLa Liga or Saudi moves a possibility for Greenwood

TEAMtalk’s report continues that major stumbling blocks between Greenwood and a return to England include ‘his controversial history from his time at Manchester United and any backlash to his signing’.

Following serious accusations made towards Greenwood back in January 2022 and his subsequent arrest, fans almost unanimously rejected the prospect of the young forward returning to the Red Devils set-up when the charges were ultimately dropped the following year.

The situation is unlikely to change less than three years on – or at any stage in his career – and reports continue that sources close to both Tottenham and West Ham confirm that it is unlikely either club step up a pursuit for Greenwood at this stage. Though some, such as manager De Zerbi, have come to the defence of Greenwood's character.

The report continues that Greenwood is likely to ‘put himself in the shop window’, though, and a return to La Liga is possible. The Marseille forward hit double figures on loan at Spanish top-flight outfit Getafe in 2023/24, following a near 18-month break from competitive football.

Reports have also suggested that a bid of €100million (£87m/$116m) has been tabled for Greenwood from the Saudi Pro League, with United set to pocket 50% of Marseille’s profits on their former wonderkid.

'He helps me improve' – Greenwood praises De Zerbi in rare interview

Greenwood recently spoke to Téléfoot about the positive impacts which De Zerbi has had on him in his time at Marseille thus far, in what was reportedly his first interview since departing United.

“I’m in a really good place thanks to the coach and my teammates,” said Greenwood

“I feel good and I hope to improve, to win more awards this season. Roberto De Zerbi? He’s the brains of the team, the architect of our game. He helps me understand football much better, he helps me improve every day.

“We’ve signed quite a few players, very, very strong players,” he added. “We’ve improved in certain areas. I feel like we’re a bit more of a team this season; we’re all on the same wavelength, you can see it. We’re [third] and I hope we can keep fighting to be number one.”

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Getty ImagesWhat next for Greenwood?

If his strong form in France continues, it is an increasing possibility that we could see Greenwood at the centre of a major transfer story in 2026. It is highly unlikely that will involve a Premier League club, though, as it appears that his bridges in England have been burnt for the foreseeable future.

The 24-year-old has evidently been accepted in Europe, however, and may yet forge a successful career for himself outside of his country of birth. He might also return to the international stage, after successfully switching his allegiance to Jamaica earlier this year.

Lack of support from Cricket Victoria leaves Cricket Australia lacking the united front it has been desperately striving for since David Peever’s exit

Daniel Brettig28-Nov-2018Earl Eddings, the Cricket Australia chairman, has begun his permanent tenure the same way his predecessor David Peever ended his – without unanimous support from the six state associations that own the governing body.Cricket New South Wales and its chairman John Knox, who advised Peever that his position was untenable following the release of the independent cultural review into CA earlier this month, advised Eddings of their support for his position on Tuesday. However, his own state of Victoria declined to support a process by which the chairman moved from interim to permanent while two vacancies remained on the Board.These roles, left by Peever and the long-serving Mark Taylor, are to be filled through a nominations committee process that would feature the involvement of NSW but has yet to begin. Cricket Australia’s Board ultimately determined that it needed to move ahead with Eddings’ appointment through until the end of 2019 for reasons of stability, and also to allow the chairman to fulfill his substantial ICC duties – the next meeting of the global body’s executive board is set to take place in February.Nevertheless, the lack of support from Cricket Victoria, which has a new chairman in Paul Barker, following the retirement of Russell Thomas earlier this year, and two other recently appointed directors in David Hussey and Phil Hyde, leaves CA lacking the united front it has been desperately striving for since Peever’s exit.Extensive consultation with the states around the chairman’s status has been accompanied by an overdue peace summit with the Australian Cricketers Association, and the new chief executive Kevin Roberts’ removal of two polarising senior executives in Pat Howard and Ben Amarfio.”Cricket Victoria has made its view clear and our preference remains that the interim Chairman arrangements were maintained while Australian cricket undertakes a thorough process to fill the recent Board vacancies,” Barker said. “We have actively encouraged Cricket Australia to pursue this opportunity through an established nominations committee – a process that Cricket Victoria firmly believes would deliver the best outcome for Australian cricket.”The Board director Jacquie Hey, who accompanied Peever at his public announcement of the cultural review’s findings, said CA was trying to now establish a measure of continuity. “There’s no question this year has been a challenging one for cricket and for Cricket Australia,” she said. “Our aim is to ensure management are empowered to rebuild trust and strengthen the game.”Earl’s involvement over the past decade provides continuity in a time of change and enables the Board to maintain strong relations with the ICC, other member countries and our valued partners. Earl is a well-regarded member of the team with a solid understanding of our history and the need for better working relationships across the cricket community.”A CA director since 2008, Eddings had accompanied Peever to this year’s ICC annual conference in Ireland before being formally appointed deputy chairman at the AGM a few days before the review was released. “Cricket is only what it is in Australia because of the commitment of our people, the fans and the thousands of volunteers around the country,” he said. “I am honoured to serve in this position and am committed to making cricket stronger and a game that we can all be proud of.”It’s important that, along with our owners, the State and Territory Associations, the players and the Australian Cricketers’ Association, that we work harder than ever before to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds across the country and continue to strengthen cricket’s privileged position as Australia’s favourite summer pastime, whether you are a spectator, player or volunteer.”

Kalvin Phillips' nightmare loan spell at West Ham continued as his foul sparked a remarkable Newcastle comeback at St. James' Park.

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Phillips comes on at 3-1 upConcedes penalty after seven minutesHarvey Barnes equalises moments laterWHAT HAPPENED?

Phillips was substituted on in the 69th minute and then just seven minutes later conceded a penalty for a foul on Anthony Gordon. Gordon was too quick for Phillips and nipped in to poke the ball away from the West Ham player whose missed clearance took the winger out. Alexander Isak, taking his second penalty of the game, converted another the spot-kick to take his side within one goal of the Hammers. To make matters worse for Phillips and the Hammers, Harvey Barnes scored a brace to win the game for the Magpies in the dying embers.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Bemused by Phillips' misfortune, fans flocked to X to share their opinion on the midfielder. @UtdEra_ said: "Kalvin Phillips to West Ham could go down as the worst loan of all time. He’s shocking."

West Ham fan @alanrzepa could not believe it. He said: "Kalvin Phillips can’t play for us ever again."

@HughMurray1894 added: "I actually feel bad for Kalvin Phillips at this point."

@thomasjrennie believes there are higher powers at stake. He said: "Never, ever bring on Kalvin Phillips. He’s cursed."

Jamie Kent drew comparisons to another awful loan signing. He said: "Kalvin Phillips is having genuinely one of the worse loan spells I’ve seen since Denis Suarez at Arsenal."

West Ham's luck with loan signings has been hit and miss in the past. @JackElderton tweeted: "I don't want to see Phillips again. He has cost us so many points since joining. Roberto the only other player to have such a bad run at West Ham in my lifetime."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Things have gone from bad to worse for Phillips, who has been dropped from the England squad since his loan move to West Ham. While he can feel unlucky to have conceded the penalty given he was unaware of Gordon behind him as he went to clear the ball, he could have reacted faster and could have no complaints when the spot-kick was given. Phillips' debut came in the 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal and in his second game he was sent off against Bournemouth for a challenge labelled 'stupid' by former referee Mike Dean. A series of calamitous and costly mistakes for the Hammers will have done little to impress England boss Gareth Southgate.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR PHILLIPS?

Time is running out for Phillips for demonstrate he is still good enough to play for England at the European Championship in the summer. Yet, at the moment, every time he does play his chances seem to diminish. Since his nightmare move to Manchester City, the former Leeds captain's career has been derailed and it remains to be seen if he will have any suitors come the summer.

Manchester United supporters have been left fuming after seeing their Premier League clash with Brentford scheduled for 8pm on Easter Saturday.

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Man Utd host Brentford on Saturday nightFans annoyed by kick-off time Train problems due to Easter shutdown WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester United have seen their Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday moved to a late kick-off. The two teams will meet at the Gtech Community Stadium at 8pm local time on Easter Saturday. This is the fourth time this season that Manchester United fans have seen their team play away from home at 8pm on Saturday, more than any other team in the English top flight.

AdvertisementGettyTHE EXPLANATION

The problem for visiting supporters is that train services between London and Manchester are facing disruption over the Easter weekend. The last train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly on Saturday leaves two minutes before United's 8pm kick-off. Engineering work means there will be no services between the two cities on Easter Sunday. All of this means that Manchester-based fans who want to watch the game face having to spend the weekend in London, unless they fancy a 410-mile round trip by car.

WHAT MAN UTD FANS HAVE SAID

A spokesperson for the Manchester United Supporters' Trust told : "For the fourth time this season, United are away from home at 8pm on a Saturday which just goes to show the blatant disregard the TV companies and football authorities have for match-going fans. During Covid they said that football without fans is nothing – it’s time for the football authorities to show they meant it."

Chas Banks, secretary of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association, also hit out at the scheduling and called for change. He said: “I don’t travel to away games anymore. After years watching United home and away, it all became too much as the years passed – I’m in my 70s now and a disabled wheelchair user – and the football authorities clearly didn’t give a flying one about the problems it causes to fans when they schedule kick-offs at crazy times.

“They sit safe in the knowledge that whatever bonkers changes they made to the fixture list, the United away supporters would find a way to get there somehow. The scheduled kick-off changes seem even crazier if, like me, it takes three hours to get from your bed to actually leaving the house to begin your journey. As time has passed it really did start to feel like they were doing their absolute damnedest to stop me and other disabled United fans from watching my club playing away from home.”

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD

United fans will head to London fresh from a thrilling 4-3 win over rivals Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last time out. Manager Erik ten Hag said afterwards he hoped the victory could be a "turning point" for his team after what's been a difficult campaign for the Red Devils.

The left-arm quick didn’t open the bowling for the first time since September 2014, and Australia’s captain said the move had nothing to do with fitness concerns

Daniel Brettig04-Nov-2018Australia’s captain Aaron Finch has revealed he abandoned the new-ball skills of Mitchell Starc as an attempt to find a way out of their recent ODI losing streak – now 17 defeats in 19 matches following a six-wicket trouncing by South Africa in Perth.Defending an inadequate total of 152, there was widespread surprise when Australia opened up with Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Coulter-Nile rather than Starc, the first time since September 2014 that he had not been called upon to use the new ball in an ODI.South Africa certainly couldn’t believe their luck, collaring 16 from Coulter-Nile’s opening over before Starc was swiftly called in for the fourth over of the innings. Finch said the decision had been to do with seeking a fresh tactical edge rather than any fitness concerns for Starc, who entered the series with Billy Stanlake as injury cover after complaining of hamstring tightness during the UAE tour.”We’d planned to go in with Coults and Josh with the new ball,” Finch said. “It didn’t work out for Coults in the first over today, then we went to Starcy pretty quick. It’s just a tactical thing to be honest. Sixteen out of 18 losses in a row, 17 out of 19 now, we’re looking for something to try, to try some new things, something different.”If you keep doing the same thing over and over it’s the definition of insanity, isn’t it? We’re looking for a combination, looking for a method. Obviously, a few more runs would be handy as well.”When you’re defending a low total it feels like you have to over-attack. It’s almost like the quicks can’t settle in to their work. They’re always searching for something.”The choice of Coulter-Nile and Hazlewood over Starc reflrcted an Australian set-up that is straining every sinew to find new and better ways of performing, perhaps even to the point of overthought. Reacting to the result, Finch intoned his belief that the wheel would turn. In his position it is impossible to publicly conclude anything else.”It will turn,” Finch said. “The way that we’re training, believe me, the way that we’re training and preparing the wheel will turn and it will happen quickly. It might not be tomorrow, it might not be the next day. But I think if we keep improving and keep practicing as we are it will turn.”You’d say guys at times are probably doubting themselves. When guys are not performing as well as they can do and have done in the past there’s always going to be a little bit out of doubt. When South Africa bowled as well as they did today you have to be at your absolute best to get through that.”We can’t question the way anyone’s been training or preparing. It’s been spot on. It’s just one of those things. You’re only one good shot away from feeling on top of the world again.”

Chelsea's move for Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato has hit a roadblock as the Dutch giants have reportedly raised their asking price. Although the Blues have been in advanced talks and believed they had reached personal terms with the defender, Ajax now reportedly want up to €60 million (£52m/$70m) to sanction a transfer, complicating the potential deal this summer.

Ajax raise asking price for Chelsea target Jorrel HatoPersonal terms not finalised despite advanced negotiationsArsenal and Liverpool had been interested in Hato earlierFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea have been in serious talks to sign 19-year-old Ajax defender Hato this summer. Initial negotiations suggested a fee of around €40 million (£34.7m/$47m), but Ajax have now raised their demanded fee to around €60 million (£52m/$70m), according to . Despite earlier reports of personal terms being agreed, final contract details are still being sorted out between the two camps.

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Chelsea view Hato as a key defensive target and are keen to see off competition from Liverpool and Arsenal. His versatility and ability to play as a centre-back or left-sided defender add significant appeal. However, Ajax’s increased valuation may force the Blues and Enzo Maresca to reconsider or risk losing the Dutchman.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to earlier reports, Hato has already told Ajax he wants to leave and join Chelsea, giving the Blues an edge in talks. Additionally, his agent confirmed negotiations are ongoing, but Ajax are playing hardball given the player’s potential.

IMAGOWHAT NEXT FOR HATO?

Chelsea must now decide whether to meet Ajax’s new €60m valuation for Hato. If talks stall, other clubs could re-enter the race for the 19-year-old’s signature. With the season approaching, the Blues are under pressure to wrap up the deal soon.

Dhoni, du Plessis and the bowlers were exceptional, but lapses by the likes of Watson and Raina proved costly

Shashank Kishore13-May-2019Where did they finish?Ten playoffs in ten seasons, in the final on eight of those occasions, and they fell two runs short of their fourth IPL crown, a record their conquerors – Mumbai Indians – are now proud owners of.What went right?Their bowling were exceptional. Deepak Chahar was impressive with his Powerplay performances, and on the rare occasions that he was taken apart, like in the final, Shardul Thakur put his hand up.With 26 wickets, Imran Tahir proved he was far from finished at 40. He kept the middle overs quiet, and gave MS Dhoni the control he loves to have on the slow Chepauk tracks. Not far below him were Ravindra Jadeja and Harbhajan Singh, who proved he still has some gas left in the tank at 37.He may have lost the fizz in his delivery and the bounce that once made him as dangerous as Anil Kumble at home, but Harbhajan’s control and guile upfront with the new ball made him Dhoni’s go-to bowler at home.Shane Watson loses his off stump to Sam Curran•BCCIWhat went wrong?The middle order couldn’t deliver. As the tournament progressed, Ambati Rayudu was being reminded of his 3D jibe with every poor outing, Shane Watson kept eating up dot balls in the Powerplay, which reflected in an overall run rate of 6.29 during this passage, the poorest among all sides this season. Suresh Raina was a pale shadow of his former self in the yellow of Chennai, both with the bat and on the field. Because the middle order was misfiring, they had to try and slot in M Vijay and Dhruv Shorey, two top-order batsmen, lower down. This meant Mitchell Santner had to sit out, and this affected team balance.Key numbers The 60 wickets the Super Kings spinners picked up are the most by spinners in a single IPL season. Dhoni’s 245 runs were the third-most in the death overs, after Andre Russell and Hardik Pandya. He struck them at a strike rate of 185.Star performersMS Dhoni was back to being his destructive self with the bat, especially at the death. His wicketkeeping reflexes continued to be lightning and no opponent could relax while he was around. He brought dead games back into the realms of possibility, as Royal Challengers Bangalore found out, and was always one up on the opposition with his on-field tactics. There may be murmurs over his international retirement, but there was plenty to suggest Dhoni the Super King still had enough left in him even if he kept everyone guessing with his “hopefully, yes” quip when asked about his return in 2020.Faf du Plessis reinvented the wheel and was chiefly responsible for driving the batting, allowing Dhoni a hint of breathing space before teeing off. Earlier, du Plessis often had to fight for his position or had to miss out if team balance warranted that. This year, however, he was a constant for most parts and he delivered. On the field, he was among the fast movers that stood out amid a number of “safe fielders”, as Dhoni put it.What needs immediate fix?They need to start looking for Dhoni’s successor and slowly groom some youngsters. The team looked helpless on the two occasions Dhoni missed out because of illness. They may also consider looking for strong young Indian middle-order bats who can also bring in a new dimension to the side’s fielding. This article had earlier mentioned Super Kings were seven-time finalists. This has been corrected.

Mason Greenwood has generated plenty of transfer talk, but a "look forward to more" message has hinted at the Marseille forward staying put.

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Enjoyed impressive debut campaign in FranceAttracted interest from teams across EuropeLigue 1 giants have no intention of sellingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 23-year-old forward enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career to date in 2024-25. On the back of moving to France from Premier League giants Manchester United, Greenwood registered 22 goals and six assists through 36 appearances in all competitions.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

His 21 efforts in Ligue 1 were enough to earn a share of Golden Boot honours alongside Champions League winner and Ballon d’Or favourite Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain. He also rewrote the history books at Stade Velodrome.

DID YOU KNOW?

Greenwood’s debut season with Marseille saw him better some club legends, including ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. A collection of match-altering performances helped to deliver Champions League qualification.

TELL ME MORE

Interest is said to have been attracted from across Europe, with La Liga heavyweights Barcelona and Atletico Madrid reportedly keen on the former Getafe loanee, but Marseille have no intention of parting with a player that they have tied to a contract through to 2029.

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town for a reported fee of £37.5 million ($51m). Hutchinson joined Ipswich from Chelsea on loan during the 2023-24 campaign and helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League, after which he made his transfer permanent last summer. However, following the club's relegation, the attacking midfielder has joined Forest.

Forest sign Hutchinson from IpswichFormer Chelsea star joins Forest on a five-year dealForest spending heavily in the summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Forest have confirmed the arrival of Hutchinson from Ipswich Town on Saturday. The club had earlier seen a bid worth £35m ($47m) rejected by the Tractor Boys, however, they finally sold the player for £37.5m, according to . The official statement from Forest read: "Nottingham Forest is delighted to announce the signing of Omari Hutchinson, who has signed a five-year deal."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT HUTCHINSON SAID

After signing a five-year contract, Hutchinson told Forest's official website: "I’m really excited to be here and can’t wait to get started. I’ve played at the City Ground a few times and it’s always felt like a hostile atmosphere, so I’m looking forward to playing here with the fans behind us. I’m going to give it my all and I’m looking forward to the challenge as it’s a new chapter for me, but I feel ready."

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Nuno Espirito Santo's side are also on the verge of completing the signing of James McAtee after agreeing to pay £30m ($40m) to Manchester City. McAtee will undergo his medical in the coming days before formally completing his move. Forest are spending heavily this summer after getting the Europa League slot at the expense of Crystal Palace. 

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR FOREST?

Forest will kick off their Premier League 2025-26 campaign on Sunday as they host Brentford. 

Amid doubts over their bid for Ademola Lookman, Inter have turned their attention to RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa as they look to strengthen in attack.

Inter identify Nusa as possible new signingNerazzuri-Lookman deal still a stalemateNorway star seen as the right alternativeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , as negotiations continue regarding the Nigerian, Nusa's name has been brought to the table, with sporting director Piero Ausilio keeping other options open. Inter are expected to navigate this option in case they don't reach an agreement with Atalanta regarding Lookman.

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Lookman had agreed terms with Inter; however, his transfer fee stands at a stalemate, with Atalanta adamant about their financial demands. The player, meanwhile, has skipped training and has also publicly criticised Atalanta for rejecting Inter's initial offer. With less than three weeks left of the transfer window, Ausilio is exploring other options with Lookman possibly being forced to stay in Bergamo.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nusa, who joined Leipzig last year, debuted for the Norway national team in 2023 and since then has recorded five goals and seven assists in 15 appearances.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Inter will hope to have a new attacker in place by the time the new Serie A campaign kicks off on August 25, with Christian Chivu's side taking on Torino in their opening game.