The Rugby Football Union has no plans to begin talks with Steve Borthwick over extending his contract beyond 2027 for the foreseeable future despite England's 11-match winning streak and autumn clean sweep. Borthwick's contract runs until the end of 2027 but with England halfway through the current World Cup cycle and currently third in the world rankings, the RFU chief executive, Bill Sweeney, has no immediate intentions of discussing an extension in a sea change from the union's previous approach.
Adin Ličina was one of the five youngsters that Vincent Kompany brought to the first team's 2024 pre-season in Seoul. There, the left footed right sided winger/attacking midfielder impressed with his trickery and technical quality. Looking to take that momentum into the 2024-25 season, he unfortunately suffered multiple injuries that severely hampered his progress and he made few appearances.
I can't imagine Napoli will be open to letting Scott McTominay leave. He's such a key man for them. He's their talisman right now in that Napoli side, especially now with Kevin De Bruyne out injured. They'll need to keep hold of their best players and McTominay is definitely that. Four goals in 11 appearances this season (as of 30 October) and Napoli are top of Serie A again.
David Pastrnak, after watching Geekie score on a 95 mph slapper from well above the left circle in the B's 5-2 win over the Islanders on Tuesday, set the bar high for his pal. "I think he has everything to score 50 in this league," declared Pastrnak, who knows a thing or two about scoring goals. Apprised of Pastrnak's comment, Geekie tried to take it for what it as worth.
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has revealed that he plans to stay at the North London club until the end of his contract. He has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal, but the player has no desire to move on. He is waiting to see whether Arsenal will offer him a new deal. The striker is currently sidelined with a knee injury since January, and he is aiming to return to action quickly and establish himself
The Dodgers' valuation of Ohtani was made clear through their then-record-setting contract of 10-years and $700 million. The terms were pitched by Ohtani's camp, and a structure the Dodgers were more than happy to agree to. In his first two seasons, Ohtani has already managed to set new franchise and league records, helped deliver a World Series title and is four wins away from another.
He's worked very hard to become part of that Newcastle team despite the injuries he's had, he plays wherever he's needed and has always done a very good job. He's done the same for England as well and has improved his reputation considerably. A lot of that progress has been made since he joined Newcastle, where he clearly has the trust and a good relationship with the manager.
"He's still a quality player. He's still an All-Star caliber player," Dombrowski said Thursday as he broke down the season. "He didn't have an elite season like he's had in the past. I guess we only find out if he becomes elite or he continues to be good."
He got fouled, and it was frustration play, and I have no problem with it, because he deserved the foul and he was getting fouled quite a bit, Kerr told media after the game, later adding, I love the way he played, I love the fire, the passion. I don't mind the ejection at all. I kind of liked it, actually. I thought JK was terrific.
The former Schalke midfielder had to work hard to get into the plans of Vincent Kompany and Bayern. Goretzka was told to find a new club last summer, but he decided to fight for game time in Munich. Eventually, Goretzka got opportunities last season, and he made the most out of it. The good form from last campaign has continued into the ongoing season.
I'd be very surprised if Everton would even consider letting Branthwaite go right now. Speculation has surrounded his future for the last couple of years and in the summer transfer window, because he's really impressed for Everton and been in and around the England setup. I'm not surprised there is interest from the likes of Man United, Chelsea, Tottenham and even Liverpool were linked with him as well.
Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has agreed a new contract until 2030. There is also an option of an extra year in the deal, which comes just three months after the Norway international joined permanently. Wolves rejected bids of 50m and 55m from Newcastle in the summer after he scored 14 goals on loan from Celta Vigo last season. The 25-year-old signed for 23m after his successful loan spell, helping Wolves finish 16th in the Premier League.
Nolan Arenado is back in the Cardinals' lineup after a six-week shoulder injury. He has started at third base each of the past two nights. He'll probably be in the lineup for most or all of the final 10 games of the season, but the real source of intrigue will turn up again in the offseason. Arenado is under contract for two more seasons. He's slated for a $27MM salary next year.
The Steelers and captain Cameron Heyward reached agreement Saturday night on a revised deal that will add over $3 million in incentives to his contract this year and allows him to earn up to $18 million this season, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. With the contract adjustments finalized, Heyward now will play Sunday vs. the Jets. Heyward was a brief hold-in late in training camp amid frustrations about the state of negotiations,
BOSTON -- All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman and the Boston Red Sox finalized a $13.3 million, one-year contract for 2026 that includes a 2027 vesting option. Chapman will be guaranteed $26 million over two years if he pitches at least 40 innings next season. The team announced the deal Sunday following a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park. Chapman, who earned his eighth All-Star selection this season, gets a $13 million salary next year.
CINCINNATI -- Trey Hendrickson's contract situation is resolved. The star pass rusher will get a $14 million raise from the Cincinnati Bengals for this season, boosting his 2025 salary to $30 million dollars, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday. Hendrickson is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Before receiving the raise, Hendrickson was set to earn $16 million this season.
