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Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz has been encouraged to reject interest from Barcelona and instead pursue a move to Liverpool, with Colombian icon Camilo Zuniga insisting the Premier League is the ideal environment for the wing-back’s high-energy style. As elite sides circle ahead of his next career step, debate continues to mount over where the in-form Munoz should go next.

Munoz's rise as an in-demand Premier League full-back

Munoz’s rise from an €8 million signing to one of the Premier League’s most dynamic attacking wing-backs has sparked interest across Europe, leaving Crystal Palace braced for potential summer bids. The Colombian defender has excelled under Oliver Glasner, producing consistent end product and thriving in Palace’s wing-back system, which has helped elevate his reputation dramatically over the past 18 months. As Barcelona and Liverpool monitor his situation ahead of 2026, voices within Colombia’s football community have begun offering strong opinions on where the 29-year-old should continue his career.

Reports in Spain have linked Barcelona with a serious push to sign Munoz as part of their rebuild at right-back, where his attacking instincts and direct play have caught the eye of Hansi Flick’s staff. Liverpool are also believed to be tracking him as potential long-term cover following Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure in the summer. These competing interests have created a significant crossroads for Munoz, who has openly spoken about dreaming of representing clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United.

But despite that ambition, Zuniga has argued that leaving the Premier League would be a step backwards stylistically for Munoz. He believes the Colombian's explosive running, relentless energy and verticality make him uniquely suited to English football rather than the slower, possession-heavy style seen in Spain. With Palace having already identified Sacha Boey as a potential replacement, the expectation is that Muñooz could be one of the club’s most sought-after assets in next year’s transfer window.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportZuniga urges Munoz to make Liverpool move

Speaking to Caracol Radio, former Colombia international Zuniga delivered a clear verdict on where Munoz should go next: “Because of Dani’s style of play, I would put him at Liverpool,” he said.

He went on to explain why the Premier League remains the ideal league for the Palace star: “A team with a lot of attacking and box-to-box play would be a great fit for Liverpool because Dani is very active, so he attacks the spaces a lot. So, I would keep him in the Premier League.”

Finally, he argued that Barcelona’s slower, possession-oriented football would not suit Munoz’s natural instincts: “Yes, I would keep him in the Premier League because the slow, methodical style doesn’t suit him. He’s more of an attacker, looking to exploit space. Barcelona gives him a lot of possession, taking the ball there, bringing it back. It’s more of a premium style.”

Munoz's success at Cyrstal Palace invites attention

Munoz has transformed himself into one of Europe’s most productive wing-backs, becoming a central figure in Crystal Palace’s identity under Glasner. His attacking output has reached elite levels for a defender, with notable contributions including six goals and ten assists last season, capped by a Man of the Match performance in the 2025 FA Cup Final. This year, before his knee injury, he had already added three more Premier League goals while leading all defenders in Fantasy Premier League points.

Beyond statistics, his tactical profile makes him highly appealing as Munoz thrives in systems that maximise his stamina, timing of runs and aggressive ball-carrying, which is why Zuniga views Liverpool as a natural fit. His combination of defensive work rate and attacking precision mirrors the requirements of a modern full-back in pressing-heavy teams.

Munoz's long-term future remains complicated by his contract and Crystal Palace’s leverage. He is tied to Selhurst Park until 2028, giving Crystal Palace freedom to demand a substantial transfer fee, and interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea continues to grow. His dream of one day joining a Spanish giant is well known, but the Premier League has shaped his development and allowed him to showcase his strengths in a way few leagues could.

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Getty ImagesMunoz focusing on recovery as move not expected until 2026 summer

Munoz is expected to return from knee surgery within four to six weeks, and Crystal Palace will hope he regains his pre-injury form as they continue pushing for European qualification. His performances upon returning will heavily influence the transfer noise around him, particularly as clubs begin formal planning for their 2026 summer recruitment. Liverpool, Barcelona and others will keep monitoring the situation, but no move is expected before the end of the current campaign.

MLB announced on Sunday that Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will remain on non-disciplinary paid leave “until further notice" after they were originally placed there from a gambling investigation, ESPN's David Purdum reported.

The league would not provide any further information until the investigation is complete. Ortiz was placed on leave back on July 13, while Clase followed on July 28. Ortiz's leave ended on Sunday, but now it has been extended.

MLB is investigating gambling activity around two Ortiz pitches earlier this year—one on June 15 against the Mariners and one on June 27 against the Cardinals. The latter came in Ortiz's most recent start since he's been on leave, in which he gave up four earned runs and lost 5-0. Clase is tied to the same investigation.

Before being put on leave, Ortiz posted a 4.36 ERA with 96 strikeouts in 88 2/3 innings pitched in 2025. Clase, as a closer for Cleveland, posted a 3.23 ERA in 48 games this season with 24 saves.

Mumbai Indians upped their six-hitting on the big night, to knock Gujarat Giants out

Namooh Shah13-Mar-20257-0 – Mumbai Indians’ (MI) record against Gujarat Giants, MI are the only team to remain unbeaten against an opponent in the WPL.213 for 4 – MI registered their highest total in the WPL, going past the 207 for 5 they made against the same opponent in 2023. It is also the third-joint highest total across WPLs.5 – Fifty-plus scores by Natalie Sciver-Brunt in this WPL so far, the most by any batter in one season. Three other batters have four fifty-plus scores in one edition of the WIPL.ESPNcricinfo Ltd122 – Total runs scored by MI during the middle overs (7-16) in the Eliminator – the most by any team in a WPL innings, bettering the 121 runs scored by UP Warriorz against RCB last week.133 – Partnership runs between Hayley Matthews and Sciver-Brunt in the Eliminator – the joint-highest stand for MI, equalling their own record against UPW this season in Bengaluru. It was also the third century partnership between the pair, the joint-most by a pair in the WPL alongside Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning for Delhi Capitals.9 – Sixes hit by MI – the most they have hit in a WPL match. The MI batters hit a six every 13.33 balls on Thursday, nearly three times their ratio of 43.28 during the league stage. They were able to hit only 21 sixes in the league matches, the least by any team, and they hit no more than four sixes in any of those eight matches.4 – Number of boundaries Giants conceded through misfields in the Eliminator. In addition, they also put down four catches and missed a run-out chance.22 – Runs Priya Mishra’s drop of Harmanpreet Kaur in the 17th over cost Giants, as per ESPNcricinfo’s Luck Index. Harmanpreet had faced only three balls for two runs at that point, including a run that came from the dropped chance.In the next nine balls, she scored 34 runs with four sixes and two fours. According to the algorithm, the other MI batters would have scored only 13 runs in the nine balls that Harmanpreet faced after the reprieve.Giants dropped Matthews twice – when she was on 5 and 42. Those two catches cost them 9 and 12 runs respectively, as per ESPNcricinfo’s Luck Index.

West Ham have reached out to the agents of a player who has the same representatives as Kyle Walker-Peters, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side weighing up a January move.

West Ham's rumoured transfer plans for January

The Hammers are preparing for a crucial January window as Nuno looks to address the club’s alarming goal-scoring struggles with a significant striker signing.

Given Niclas Fullkrug is poised for the exit door next month, this could be absolutely vital to their hopes of remaining in the Premier League.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

The German forward has been a real disappointment since his arrival in 2024, which has been marred by constant spells on the sidelines through injury, and he’s failed to score a single league goal since West Ham’s 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth in April.

Callum Wilson has filled the void brilliantly as of late, bagging three strikes in his last three games, but the Englishman’s own torrid injury history means West Ham need an alternative.

According to some reports, West Ham are in pole position to sign Union Saint-Gilloise striker Promise David in January, with the club having already made contact.

The towering 6 foot 5 forward has netted 62 goals over the past three seasons and represents exactly the type of young, powerful striker Nuno has reportedly identified as essential.

Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee has emerged as another top target, with West Ham identifying the £36.5 million forward as a potential replacement for Fullkrug.

West Ham and Tottenham get Ivan Toney response after holding discussions

The Al-Ahli striker is fielding enquiries ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 29, 2025

Insider ExWHUemployee has also claimed that, beyond the addition of a new striker, Nuno’s side are looking at signing a new defender and midfielder in January as well.

West Ham hold talks with Tiago Gabriel's camp ahead of January

Only bottom-side Wolves have conceded more top-flight goals than the east Londoners so far this term, so their leaky backline certainly needs to be addressed.

West Ham could reignite talks over a deal for Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell, who they came very close to signing in the summer (ExWHUemployee), but Lecce sensation Tiago Gabriel is also attracting their attention.

That is according to INews and journalist Pete Hall, who report that West Ham have made contact with Gabriel’s agents ahead of a potential January move.

The Portugal Under-21 international has impressed in Serie A, so much so that Juventus and Brentford have also held discussions with his camp about a winter transfer.

As things stand, Juve are believed to be the frontrunners for Gabriel as they look to find cover for Gleison Bremer, but West Ham may have a secret weapon.

This is because Gabriel is represented by CAA Base, the same agency that Walker-Peters employs, so the Irons seemingly enjoy a productive relationship with them already.

According to inews, the 20-year-old is currently valued at around £20 million, with Lecce looking to make a seismic profit on the £1.5 million they signed him for last January.

Ireland will have to forget a rough Test in Sylhet if they are to spoil Bangladesh and Mushfiqur’s party

Mohammad Isam18-Nov-2025Big picture: Bangladesh look for series sweepThe second and final Test between Bangladesh and Ireland in Dhaka will start off as a celebration of Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test match. Mushfiqur is the first Bangladesh cricketer to reach the milestone, and tributes poured in from current and former team-mates and coaches. Ireland, meanwhile, will no doubt try to spoil the party.Ireland were no match for Bangladesh in the first Test in Sylhet, where they went down by an innings and 47 runs. Only when Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael batted well on the first day did Ireland look in the game. They crumbled for the rest of the game.Related

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Stirling and Carmichael hit fifties, while Andy McBrine also fought hard to get a half-century in the second innings. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys took an expensive five-wicket haul. But all told, Ireland had a forgettable outing.Bangladesh had plenty of strong performers including Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who returned to the Test side with 171. Mahmudul looked compact at the crease, and opened up his shoulders once he reached his second Test century. Najmul Hossain Shanto also struck a century, his eighth in Tests and fourth as the captain. It was a rapid knock, aided by Litton Das’ stroke-filled 60. Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque also made eighties.It was Bangladesh’s bowling that put them on top in the first place. The spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and Hasan Murad took 14 wickets among them. Murad, making his Test debut, bowled tight lengths with found subtle turn from time to time. Fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud too contributed with wickets in both innings.Mushfiqur was the only one in the Bangladesh top five who didn’t get a fifty. Perhaps he is saving one for the big occasion.Form guideBangladesh WLDWL
Ireland LWWWLMahmudul Hasan Joy celebrates his hundred in Sylhet•BCBIn the spotlight: Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Paul StirlingMahmudul Hasan Joy returning to Test cricket with an innings 171 is an encouraging sign for the young batter. He is said to have corrected his technique and worked on his mental make-up after he was dropped earlier this year. He played mainly in front of square on the off side, and struck a few good-looking drives. He looked focused and clearly wanted to play a long innings, which was the promise on which he was brought into the Test side in his debut four years ago.Paul Stirling looked comfortable in both innings in Sylhet, though he couldn’t quite make either a big one. He was enterprising in his handling of Rana in the first innings, cutting and square driving with ease. He had a tougher role in the second innings in Balbirnie’s absence from the top order and was later run out for 43. Stirling will have another major role in Dhaka, particularly because of his ability to handle low, spinning deliveries.Andy McBrine was one of the Ireland batters to give a good account of himself in Sylhet•Bangladesh Cricket BoardTeam news: Teams likely to make one change eachEbadot Hossain could take Rana’s place in the only change in the Bangladesh playing XI.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Shadman Islam, 2 Mahmudul Hasan Joy, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Litton Das (wk), 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Taijul Islam, 9 Hasan Murad, 10 Hasan Mahmud, 11 Ebadot HossainGavin Hoey could enter the fray for Ireland, replacing Craig Young in the spinners’ paradise that is Dhaka.Ireland (probable): 1 Cade Carmichael, 2 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 3 Paul Stirling, 4 Harry Tector, 5 Curtis Campher, 6 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7 Andy McBrine, 8 Jordan Neill, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Gavin Hoey, 11 Matthew HumphreysPitch and conditions: A spin test as alwaysThe spin fest during the Bangladesh vs West Indies ODI series in Dhaka last month could continue into this Test match. The weather is on the drier side.Stats and trivia: Mahmudul takes second spot Mahmudul’s 171 is the second-highest score by a Bangladeshi opener in Test cricket. Jordan Neill was Ireland’s youngest Test debutant in Sylhet, at 20 years and 69 days. During the Sylhet Test, Taijul became the third Bangladesh bowler after Abdur Razzak and Enamul Haque to reach 500 first-class wickets.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting a sensational move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios and are looking to secure a cut-price move for the young midfielder. The 22-year-old has made 16 La Liga appearances for Diego Simeone's side this season and Spurs have identified him as a potential option to offer some variation to their lethargic midfield options.

Spurs chasing Barrios

Thomas Frank is under pressure and may have to dip into the club’s coffers in order to revitalise his squad in the January transfer window. The Dane has had a mixed start to life in north London and has been unable to get much success out of his midfield options thus far this campaign.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha do not possess the ball carrying or playing abilities to play teams off the park and Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are still just teenagers. Yves Bissouma, who has apologised after being filmed using nitrous oxide for a second time, also appears on his way out of the club.

According to , Barrios could be the man to fill the void in the Spurs midfield. The Spaniard has a €120 million release clause in his contract, but it is unlikely that the north London side will put that amount down on the table to take Barrios away from Madrid.

The Spanish media outlet report that the club have instead floated a more modest €70 million offer in the direction of Atletico in the hope they could snatch up one of Europe’s more coveted midfielders for a more reasonable fee.

AdvertisementAFPBarrios attracting interest from England

Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly both also interested in the Atletico man, and could look to tempt the Spanish club with offers of their own.

The Reds have been having a difficult season and, despite splashing out on a record-shattering transfer window in the summer off the back of winning the Premier League, may have to fork out yet more money to refresh their squad. Arne Slot’s midfield has failed to match the high standards it set for itself last season. With the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister far below the levels they have been at previously and Florian Wirtz yet to start firing, Liverpool have been unable to replicate last season’s spectacular run to the title.

As for Chelsea, the Blues look once again to be falling short of a serious title challenge. Enzo Maresca has already got two £100 million plus midfielders to call upon in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes, but finding the complimentary third option has not always been an easy task. The Italian has fielded Reece James in the centre and Cole Palmer is returning from injury, but other options Andrey Santos and Roméo Lavia have failed to make a serious impact.

Spurs looking to move quickly

Barrios could offer something different to all of the Premier League sides determined to secure his signature. He has been a regular in Simeone’s midfield this season, usually utilised in a midfield two alongside veteran Ateltico legend Koke.

Barrios stood out in the Club World Club and even scored a brace against the Seattle Sounders to truly announce himself to the rest of Europe. The development of the 22-year-old in recent years has made him a highly sought-after central midfielder, and Spurs are keen to secure his services before anyone else.

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Getty Images SportA bidding war for Barrios?

An opening bid by Spurs could be the start of a lengthy battle for the services of Barrios. The midfielder has not given any suggestion that he is seeking to leave the Spanish capital, but may be tempted should one of the big Premier League sides offer a significant pay rise.

With three of the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’ circling Barrios, Atletico may drive a hard bargain and look to accrue a fee as close to his lofty release clause as possible with a potential bidding war set to ensue.

The Boston Red Sox lost their third straight game on Monday night and their manager, Alex Cora, was not around to lead the team in the final few innings as he was ejected for the second straight contest.

This one came after the Red Sox ran into a very strange double play in the top of the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels.

Cora was not happy after Abraham Toro-Hernandez was tagged out at second moments after Jarren Duran was tagged out in a rundown between second and third. Cora thought Toro-Hernandez was blocked from touching second base and had some words for the ump. He then apparently went a little too far with his message and was tossed.

That led to a very heated argument between Cora and the ump:

The play wasn't reviewable, which likely led to Cora's frustrations reaching a fever pitch. The Red Sox lost the game 9-5 and are now 40-40 on the season.

A bilateral ODI series might not get too many excited at the moment but, for context, there’s a World Cup spot to nail down for these two teams

Andrew Fidel Fernando24-Nov-2022So, we’ve arrived at another ODI series. While Tests enjoy the affections of the purists, and T20s set the world alight, bilateral ODIs have become the quiet presence in the corner of the party. They used to be the cool kids, and occasionally still have their moments. But when you think of the world of cricket, these are the series that seem least likely to stimulate.Add to this the fact that Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have played surprisingly little cricket against each other for teams in the same global neighbourhood and, as such, have not developed tantalising narratives. When Sri Lanka play Pakistan, it’s all smiles and saccharine affection. When Afghanistan play Pakistan, you need extra security in the stands.Sri Lanka v Afghanistan? There’s not a lot there. Yet.So why should we care?
Perhaps the greatest triumph of the ODI Super League structure is to bring context to series like this. These three ODIs are, in fact, vital to both teams. The rules are that after 24 ODIs (four away series, four home series, three ODIs each), you’ve got to place in the top eight, out of 13 teams, to gain automatic qualification for next year’s ODI World Cup. If you don’t you will have to play a qualifying tournament.Afghanistan are sitting in a relatively pretty good spot. After having played only half their Super League games, they’re at 100 points, having won 10 matches and lost two (their opponents so far have been Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Ireland). This puts them at seventh on the Super League table – essentially on the cusp of qualification. Three wins here might just seal their World Cup place.Sri Lanka, meanwhile, essentially need to win all their remaining six matches. After 18 games, they have a paltry 62 points, which puts them at 10th on the table. The likeliest outcome for them is that they will have to play the qualifying tournament, as they are probably in a three-way battle with Ireland and South Africa to claim the last automatic-qualification spot. Even a rained out match – which is very possible in Pallekele in November – is a bad result for them.Their best ODI series in recent times – the victory over Australia in a five-match series this year – didn’t count towards the Super League at all.What will conditions be like?
In some ways, the conditions in Pallekele might even out the bowling attacks. It is one of Sri Lanka’s livelier pitches for seam bowling, with the ball tending to do plenty under lights, particularly when there’s a bit of moisture around, as there usually is in November.With Dushmantha Chameera likely out for several more months following ankle surgery, and Dilshan Madushanka still unavailable, the hosts’ seam attack will be led by Lahiru Kumara, with Kasun Rajitha likely being the second seam option. Pramod Madushan is available as well. Afghanistan, meanwhile, have Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has done well against Sri Lanka in T20Is, as well as left-armer Fareed Ahmad, and Yamin Ahmadzai.Owing to little more than familiarity with the conditions, though, Sri Lanka will hope they have the higher ground on the batting front. Afghanistan’s arrival having been only several days ago, they’ve not had a lot of time to familiarise themselves with conditions either.Battle to watch
Sri Lanka’s spinners vs Afghanistan’s
Twenty-nine ODIs into his career, Wanindu Hasaranga is a decent one-day spinner, but not quite the phenomenon he is in T20Is. In this format, he has 34 wickets in 31 matches, at an average of 35.55, though with a half-decent economy rate of 5.09. His counterpart, Rashid Khan, has corresponding numbers of 18.65 and 4.16.The caveat is that 46 of Rashid’s bowling innings have been against Zimbabwe and Ireland – teams he has absolutely dominated. But even against the likes of Pakistan, or West Indies, or Bangladesh, his record is much more impressive than that of Hasaranga, who is frequently an economical spinner, but not a penetrative one in this format. Hasaranga, though, did claim career-best figures of 4 for 58 against Australia, in the last ODI series he played, so he will hope his ODI trajectory has shifted.Mujeeb Ur Rahman has also got significantly better numbers than Maheesh Theekshana, averaging 23.43 a wicket to Theekshana’s 33.40, although their economy rates are both excellent, a tick either side of four.Theekshana, though, is only nine ODIs into his career, and has proved an excellent throughout-the-innings operator already. There have been few situations, across formats, in which he has seemed overwhelmed.

Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia's infant daughter Sterling died during the World Series, he announced in a Friday afternoon Instagram post.

"Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday, October 26th. There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her," Vesia wrote.

Vesia, 29, missed the World Series after pitching twice in the National League Championship Series due to what Los Angeles described at the time as a personal family matter. During the Series, both the Dodgers and Blue Jays expressed support for the pitcher.

In his post, Vesia went out of his way to thank both teams for their support—as well as baseball fans around the world.

"Thank you Dodger Nation, Blue Jays organization and all baseball fans for your love and support. We have seen ALL your messages, comments and posts. It’s brought us so much comfort.”

What’s better than betting on a few players to hit a long ball on Wednesday night?

There’s plenty of Major League Baseball action – 17 games to be exact – to bet on today, and there are two players that I think are in a prime spot to hit a home run. 

When deciding home run props, I love to fade pitchers that are struggling with the long ball as well as finding a hitter that has some success against them in his career. 

Unfortunately, Patrick Corbin and Marcus Stroman are finding themselves on the wrong side of these home run bets. 

Best MLB Home Run Picks for Wednesday, July 10Josh Lowe to Hit a Home Run (+550)Pete Alonso to Hit a Home Run (+330)

Josh Lowe to Hit a Home Run (+550)

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Josh Lowe has never hit a home run off of New York Yankees starter Marcus Storman, but he’s seen the ball well off of him, hitting 2-for-6 with a triple and a double – good for a 1.167 OPS. 

Stroman has struggled mightily as of late, posting 5.74 ERA and 6.65 FIP in six starts since the beginning of June. 

On top of that, he’s allowed 15 home runs in 18 outings, including five over his last three starts. 

Lowe only has five homers on the season, but I think he’s worth a shot against a pitcher he’s hit well against in his career. 

Pete Alonso to Hit a Home Run (+330)

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso has hit 18 home runs in the 2024 season, and he’s in a prime spot to go yard against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.

Why?

Well, Corbin is on the mound for the Nationals, and Alonso has crushed him in his MLB career. In 46 at bats against Corbin, Alonso is hitting .326 with a .717 slugging percentage, five home runs and three doubles. 

Corbin has allowed 14 homers in 18 outings this season, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see Alonso smash his sixth bomb against the lefty tonight.