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Saturday features a loaded 16-game slate in Major League Baseball, but I’ve narrowed down my three favorite bets to help you navigate today’s slate.

With rookie sensation Paul Skenes on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Los Angeles Dodgers, I have a pick for him as well as a trio of moneyline picks (two in a parlay) to consider on Aug. 10. 

Let’s cash some bets to kick off the weekend on a high note!

MLB Best Bets Today for Saturday, Aug. 10

• Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves Moneyline Parlay (+111)
• Paul Skenes OVER 6.5 Strikeouts (-150)
• New York Mets Moneyline (+110) vs. Seattle Mariners

Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves Moneyline Parlay (+111)

A two-team moneyline parlay to kick off the action? Why not!

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are in a prime spot to pick up a win over the Chicago White Sox, who snapped a lengthy losing streak earlier this week. The White Sox have since lost two in a row, and now it has Chris Flexen on the mound against Justin Steele, making this an easy bet. 

Flexen has appeared in 24 games (22 starts) for the White Sox this season. They are a brutal 2-22 in those games, making him the easiest pitcher to fade in baseball. 

Steele hasn't been as good this season as he was in 2023, but he still has a 3.33 ERA. The Cubbies should roll on Saturday. 

Atlanta Braves

Following a similar line of thinking, I’m taking the Atlanta Braves and Max Fried as road favorites against Colorado Rockies starter Dakota Hudson.

This will be Hudson’s 18th start of the season, and the Rockies are a dreadful 3-14 in his first 17 outings. With Fried (3.70 ERA) on the mound, I’d be shocked to see Atlanta lose to one of the worst teams in the NL on Saturday. 

Paul Skenes OVER 6.5 Strikeouts (-150)

If Paul Skenes is pitching, I’m betting.

After back-to-back starts with six or fewer strikeouts, Skenes’ K’s prop has dropped all the way to 6.5 for this matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team he already diced up earlier this season. 

Skenes has yet to allow more than three runs in a start all season, and he’s pitched six or more innings in 11 of his 14 outings, a great floor for the OVER on his strikeout prop. 

After punching out eight Dodgers earlier this season, I think Skenes gets back on track in the K department tonight. The Dodgers average 8.46 strikeouts per game this season, so there is a little wiggle room for Skenes with this prop sitting lower than we’ve seen it since the first few starts of his career. 

New York Mets Moneyline (+110) vs. Seattle Mariners

Seattle has one of the worst offenses in baseball, and it's going to run into a buzzsaw on Saturday with lefty Sean Manaea on the bump for the New York Mets.

Over his last three starts, Manaea has allowed just two total runs, pitching back-to-back starts with seven innings and no earned runs, allowing just eight hits. 

He's got a tough matchup against Logan Gilbert (3.05 ERA), but the M's have lost Gilbert's last four starts and are just 11-12 when he's on the bump in 2024.

With New York surging over the last two months, I think this is a great spot to jump on it as an underdog.

Paul Pogba could be facing another delay in his bid to make a competitive debut for Monaco, with the World Cup winner still working his way towards full match sharpness. Pogba has been out of action since September 2023, having been stung with a doping ban, and is yet to open a new adventure in Ligue 1 – with no unnecessary risks being taken on his fitness.

• No date for debut: Pogba working on fitness

  Monaco are delighted to have Pogba on board, as a proven performer at the very highest level, but are reluctant to rush the 32-year-old midfielder into their plans. He has been playing a full part in training, having overcome the odd knock, and is ready to force open the selection door.

  No definite date is, however, being put in place for Pogba’s long-awaited bow. It was suggested at one stage that he could figure in a meeting with Angers on October 18, but that game has been and gone – along with more outings in domestic and Champions League competition.

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• Getty Images
  

  Monaco boss delivers update on Pogba

  Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli admits that former Manchester United and Juventus star Pogba may still be a matter of weeks away from gracing the field again, which could take him beyond the next international break in November.

  Pocognoli said when delivering an update on Pogba: “We need to still push next week. That will be the best thing, so that he can be in the best conditions to make his return. There is great communication between him and the medical staff to allow him to be in the best conditions and as confident as possible.

  “I am hoping that this upcoming week will answer our final questions. He is close, but there are still steps, notably doing a whole training session at 100%, which he has yet to do. I think we are still a few weeks away. We’ll see if that is before or after the international break, but in any case, it is great to see him back on the pitch and among his team-mates. It allows me to not only find out about the person off the pitch, but also now on it.”

• Pogba patience: World Cup winner biding his time

  Pogba is seeing his patience tested, but accepts that he needs to follow a process that will allow him to return in the best possible condition. He is desperate to get going after losing two years of his career.

  Pogba has said: “I am a determined person, who wants to come back and who wants to enjoy myself on the pitch again especially, because that is what I miss the most. The objective is therefore to make my return to the highest level while taking the time necessary, and being patient. My daily life during these two years has been that of a very present dad. I would take my kids to school, then I would go to training… then I would pick them up from school.

  “So I spent a lot of time with my family and training. Whenever I traveled, I would take my fitness coach with me to stay fit and miss as few sessions as possible. Because I always had this positive thought in mind, that I could return to the field at any time. Of course, there were moments of doubt, but I always wanted to look forward and towards the future. And looking at my kids, I told myself that I wanted them to see me play on the field! I dream of them celebrating one of my goals with a dab! That’s what pushed me to train, to maintain this discipline. Today I am very happy to be at AS Monaco and to return to the job I love.”

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• Getty/Instagram
  

  Feeling at home: Pogba & family settled in Monaco

  After signing for Monaco, Pogba suggested that he could force his way back into the France squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. That dream appears to be fading, but anything remains possible.

  He is preparing to grace Ligue 1 for the first time in his career and feels settled in new surroundings alongside wife Zulay and their children. Monaco have four more fixtures to take in before the next international break, starting with a trip to Nantes on Wednesday.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim now personally holds a strong interest in signing an “unbelievable” star, who is open to a move to the Premier League.

Amorim looking to improve squad amid mounting pressure

Amorim was given the benefit of the doubt after a poor first season at Old Trafford, perhaps in light of the fact the manager was working with a squad that wasn’t really his own, having replaced Erik ten Hag in November.

However, the 40-year-old is running out of excuses after spending big in the summer transfer window, with Owen Hargreaves bemoaning the fact that a lot of problems still remain.

Time running out: 5 ways that Ruben Amorim can save his job at Man Utd

INEOS are running out of patience.

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 17, 2025

Hargreaves said: “Where do you want to start? There are a lot of issues. How Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t play in this team I’ll never know. He came on for that game and in half hour he was probably their best player, by a country mile. So first of all he’s got to play.

“Sesko is not ready. He scored a lot of goals in Germany but he didn’t look ready today. You look at Haaland, the way he ran about and pressed, he just wasn’t active enough, I know he didn’t get much service but he’s got to be more active.”

Sesko is yet to get off the mark in a Man United shirt, which raises concerns over the signing of the 22-year-old, while it is also very strange that Mainoo isn’t receiving much game time, given that he is a more natural central midfielder than Bruno Fernandes.

The 20-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game this season, but rather than reintroducing the youngster to the side, it now appears as though the United boss is looking to strengthen his midfield.

According to The Daily Briefing (via Football365), Amorim is a fan of Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, and holds a strong interest in signing the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man, who could be available for as little as €20m (£17m).

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also named as potential suitors for the central midfielder, who is said to be willing to return to the Premier League.

"Unbelievable" Neves could excel at Old Trafford

Man United have made a point of signing proven Premier League players in recent times, having signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and the Al-Hilal maestro fits the bill in that regard, having impressed during his time with Wolves.

The 60-time Portugal international has also caught the eye at Al-Hilal over the past year, particularly impressing with his passing and tackling, while also finding the back of the net on a regular basis.

Statistic	Average per 90
Non-penalty goals	0.19 (91st percentile)
Tackles	3.21 (94th percentile)
Passes attempted	74.89 (93rd percentile)
Pass completion %	91.8% (97th percentile)

At 28-years-old, Neves may still have a lot left to give in the Premier League, and at just £17m, he could be a bargain addition to Amorim’s squad.

Even in their current state, it’s not often that Manchester United struggle to welcome the world’s best players. Without Champions League football and off the back of finishing 15th in the Premier League, the Red Devils convinced Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens to join in a £200m spending spree.

Manager Ruben Amorim spoke about the attraction that Man United still have during the summer, shooting down any rumours that Cunha and Mbeumo joined the club because of the money offered.

It also almost goes without saying that the Red Devils rarely had trouble convincing players to join the club when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. United were at the top of the food chain in English football at that stage and even lured the likes of Rio Ferdinand from rivals Leeds United in 2002.

The iconic manager is still seen as a man with influence at the club even to this day. His opinion is arguably the most respected that anyone could find at Old Trafford.

Related It's not Hojlund: Man Utd let "incredible" Sesko upgrade go for just £16m

Manchester United may now be regretting letting go of one former star who’s better than Benjamin Sesko.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2025

The history that he created is the reason why Man United are still able to welcome the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo. Amorim even admitted in one of his first interviews after stepping into the technical area that he’d like to have dinner with Ferguson.

He is, in many ways, the ace up Man United’s sleeve that has paid dividends on so many occasions. But that’s not to say it’s worked its charm every time. Not even the Premier League legend could convince one player to join the club back in 2020.

Ferguson and Cantona made Man Utd Jude Bellingham plea

As revealed by the great Bryan Robson, Ferguson and Eric Cantona both pleaded with Jude Bellingham to join Man United in 2020, before he ultimately rejected the club in favour of a £25m move to Borussia Dortmund. Given how things turned out, it’s hard to blame the midfielder for turning the Red Devils down.

Since choosing Dortmund over United, Bellingham has earned a move to Real Madrid and become one of the best midfielders in the world. His debut season for the Spanish giants proved exactly why those at Old Trafford went all out for his signature.

The England star ended the campaign with 15 goals and 15 assists from midfield in all competitions, as he showed the rest of European football that the biggest stage is exactly where he belongs.

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi urged Mason Greenwood to match the intensity of Raphinha after showing the Englishman footage of the Barcelona winger to highlight his consistency. The Italian stresses he wants to see Greenwood replicate the Brazilian's level in "every game" as the Ligue 1 side look to challenge Paris Saint-Germain to the title.

Greenwood urged to emulate Raphinha’s intensity

De Zerbi’s message to Greenwood was clear that he wants the English forward to show more consistency and intensity in his game. To make his point, the Italian coach drew on an example from Barcelona, showing Greenwood footage of Raphinha’s tireless work. 

"I showed him footage of Raphinha. He had a great game on Monday, he even made a run in the second half and got fouled. You have to do that in every game, not just one in five. When he runs, everyone follows him," the coach said at a press conference.

Raphinha is widely regarded not just for his technical ability but for the relentless energy he provides down the flanks. At Barca, he has carved a reputation as a forward who presses aggressively, tracks back to help his full-back, and makes repeat runs in behind defenders, even if only one or two of them lead directly to chances. This persistence, De Zerbi believes, is the difference between a talented player and one who can dictate games at the top level.

AdvertisementAFPGreenwood also urged to blend talent with consistent intensity

For Greenwood, the issue has never been raw talent, his left-footed finishing and vision remain standout qualities, but rather sustaining influence across 90 minutes. De Zerbi referenced his team's recent 1-0 win against PSG as a case in point. Greenwood, who has two goals to his name this season, produced a superb early cross that led to Nayef Aguerd’s goal and later made a powerful run that drew a foul. Yet those moments were sporadic, not sustained. 

“You have to do that in every game, not just one in five,” De Zerbi insisted.

Injury concerns for Marseille squad amid coach's mea culpa

Marseille’s squad depth will be tested as Geoffrey Kondogbia and Ahmed Junior Traore remain sidelined. The absences come at a critical juncture of the season as Marseille seek to build momentum domestically and in Europe. De Zerbi, who has emphasised the need for defensive discipline and intensity, acknowledged that squad rotation will be essential to manage the growing demands across competitions.

Furthermore, the Italian will not be in the dugout for Friday's game against Strasbourg after he was shown two yellow cards in quick succession for arguing with the referee at the end of the recent win against PSG. De Zerbi admitted his error, even while stressing he had not insulted officials. 

“I’m very unhappy about it. I made a mistake, not in what I said because I didn’t offend anyone,” he said. De Zerbi added that his suspension means assistant staff will step up, though he remains confident in the players’ ability to adapt.

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AFPStrasbourg and Ajax tests await

After the clash against Strasbourg, De Zerbi's side then host Ajax in the Champions League on September 30, with their coach returning for the European night. 

“There’s no better way to prepare for Ajax than by focusing on tomorrow’s match,” he stressed stressed. This run of fixtures could define OM’s early-season ambitions in both Ligue 1 and Europe with a lot of responsibilities on English international Greenwood.

MatériaMais Notícias

Uma das promessas da equipe sub-17 do CSA, o meia Kauan teve grande atuação na última rodada do Campeonato Alagoano da categoria. O paulistano de Diadema marcou duas vezes contra o Metropolitano e ajudou o seu time a vencer a partida por 4 a 0. O jovem falou sobre o seu bom momento.

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– Estou bastante feliz pela minha ótima fase. Contribuir diretamente para as vitórias do CSA é o meu objetivo, sempre. Tenho certeza que me dedicando da maneira como venho fazendo, as coisas seguirão acontecendo da melhor forma – afirmou.

Kauan tem três assistências no torneio estadual e já vem treinando com o elenco sub-20 do CSA. O atleta revelou o sonho de chegar à equipe profissional.

– Tenho que respeitar todas as etapas e sou bem tranquilo quanto a isso. Mas claro que tenho o sonho de realizar um jogo oficial pelo CSA e às vezes fico imaginando. Mas até lá existe ainda o sub-17 e o sub-20 e o meu foco está todo voltado para o que vivo hoje – definiu.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has just watched Spurs legend Son Heung-min confirm that he will be leaving the club in an emotional press conference, with the north Londoners poised to continue making headlines this transfer window.

Tottenham talks "underway" to hijack deal for PSG player alongside Palhinha

Spurs are after another player after sealing the Portugal international.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 1, 2025

It has been a fairly eventful summer at N17 thus far, having spent over £110 million in total on the signings of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

Their recruitment expenditure would’ve been £170 million if Morgan Gibbs-White had sealed his £60 million move to Spurs – as was widely expected around three weeks ago. However, after a very unexpected chain of events, including legal threats from Nottingham Forest, his transfer was blocked, and he’s since signed a new contract at the City Ground.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

Tottenham are still in the market for a new playmaker and alternative to Gibbs-White, with chairman Daniel Levy also reportedly considering an audacious move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

Their need to sign a new left-winger is also emphasised by Son’s now-imminent departure.

The South Korean burst into tears after he announced that this year would be his last in a Tottenham shirt, and the Lilywhites must now begin the search for his potential replacement after Son’s stellar decade in north London.

“Before we start, I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer,” said Son.

“Respectfully, this club is helping me to make my decision. It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. The main reason is I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge.

“I have been here for 10 years. It’s a beautiful club with beautiful fans. I have such amazing memories. I just felt like I need a new environment to push myself to get more out of me. I think I need a little bit of change. Ten years is a long time.”

As one big name looks set to depart, another comes through the door.

Joao Palhinha completes Tottenham medical with "formal steps" to follow

According to Fabrizio Romano, midfielder Joao Palhinha is on the verge of completing his move to Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich.

The Portugal international agreed a temporary deal with an option to buy for around £26 million next summer, and Romano claims that Palhinha has now completed his Tottenham medical with “formal steps” to follow between the clubs.

Palhinha’s debut campaign at Bayern, after he sealed a long-awaited move there from Fulham last year, wasn’t exactly ideal.

The 30-year-old fell down Vincent Kompany’s pecking order following a season blighted by injury and suspension, with Palhinha now returning to London just 12 months after waving goodbye to Craven Cottage.

Spurs will cover his full £166,000-per-week salary, but Frank is apparently “really excited” about signing Palhinha as he’s exactly the type of player Tottenham’s new head coach has been looking for (Fabrizio Romano).

Royal Antwerp are now expecting Manchester United’s offer for their star man to arrive soon after already holding contacts over the weekend, according to a new report.

Man Utd chasing multiple striker targets

As the Red Devils finally complete their deal for Bryan Mbeumo, the Premier League side are already turning their attention to their next targets. But while United do plan to make more signings, it is expected that departures are needed before they can spend more money. Marcus Rashford is now close to joining Barcelona on an initial loan deal, and the hope is that Anthony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho soon follow.

He'd be lethal with Cunha: Man Utd hold talks to sign £100m centre-forward

Man Utd have held talks over a potential deal to sign a star who would be lethal with Matheus Cunha.

ByDan Emery Jul 21, 2025

Should they do so, United look set to try and sign a new striker this summer, as a lack of goals at the top end of the pitch cost the Premier League giants a lot last season.

In their search for a new striker, there are four names on United’s shortlist. One is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford. Meanwhile, United have made contact with PSG over signing Randal Kolo Muani and have held talks with the agent of Nicolas Jackson over a move this summer. United have also now intensified their interest in signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

As well as signing a new striker, United appear to be in the market for a new goalkeeper.

Club expecting Man Utd bid to arrive soon for £17m ace

According to Belgian outlet HLN.BE, via SimplyUTD, Royal Antwerp are now expecting Man United to submit a bid to sign Senne Lammens.

United’s interest in the 23-year-old is becoming increasingly concrete, and the Belgian side are open to selling their goalkeeper for a fee between £13–17 million. This comes after it was reported on Sunday by Fabrizio Romano that United had made contact to get an understanding of a deal to sign Lammens, who is on the list of options the Red Devils are considering.

The Belgian has been at Royal Antwerp since 2023, and last season he enjoyed a “superb season” according to scout Jacek Kulig, as he finished the campaign having kept seven clean sheets and conceded 32 goals in 30 Jupiler Pro League games. Lammens is under contract until 2027, but Antwerp are ready to cash in on their goalkeeper.

Apps

60

Goals conceded

82

Clean sheets

12

As well as United, both Leeds United and Sunderland are interested in signing Lammens this summer, but the opportunity to move to Old Trafford and potentially become United’s number one ahead of Andre Onana may be too good to turn down. Lammens’ potential arrival at United could either see him replace Onana or replace Altay Bayindir, who has also been linked with a move away.

Ireland were bowled out for just 132 inside 32 overs

Abhimanyu Bose02-Oct-2024South Africa 271 for 9 (Rickelton 91, Stubbs 79, Adair 4-50, Young 3-45) beat Ireland 132 (Dockrell 21, Williams 4-32, Fortuin 2-28, Ngidi 2-35) by 139 runs Career-best ODI scores from Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs respectively and career-best List A figures of 4-32 from Lizaad Williams helped South Africa crush Ireland by 139 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.Rickelton and Stubbs put on a 152-run partnership in the middle of two mini-collapses to help South Africa get to 271 before Williams’ three-for in an eight-over opening spell left Ireland five down inside 14 overs. Ireland eventually only got to 132.South Africa got off to a watchful start, with Rickelton doing a majority of the scoring early on. He cut Mark Adair through point for a boundary off the first ball of the match before hitting a couple of cover drives off Graham Hume and Adair.In between, Hume induced the outside edge from him but was dropped by wicketkeeper Stephen Doheny.But Adair got the breakthrough in the seventh over, when he changed tactics and banged one in short. Tony de Zorzi got a top edge as he looked to pull and was taken at deep backward square.Temba Bavuma was then given out lbw first ball as a length ball jagged in from outside off, but was reprieved as he reviewed and ball-tracking showed the ball going over middle stump.But it was short-lived relief for the South African captain, as Craig Young got another inducker to beat his defence and crash into the stumps.Two wickets in two overs became three in three as Adair ended his first spell by getting Rassie van der Dussen to edge to second slip.Once the first powerplay ended, spin came in and that led to more chances. Stubbs tried to reverse-sweep Andy Mcbrine but hit it straight to short third where Craig Young shelled a catch in the seventeenth over. One ball later, Rickelton lofted debutant legspinner Gavin Hoey down the ground and just cleared long-on, who was standing a few yards inside the ropes and had to track back.Hume came back into the attack in the 22nd over, and was launched over long-on by Stubbs as he brought up a half-century stand with Rickelton.Rickelton brought up his maiden ODI half-century off 74 balls in the 26th over and immediately put his foot down on the accelerator.Hoey bowled a couple of half-volleys and Rickelton first lofted him down the ground before slog-sweeping him over midwicket. When Hoey shortened his length, Rickelton adjusted to steer it past the wicketkeeper for a boundary in what was an 18-run over.Stubbs brought up a 62-run fifty in the next over, before Rickelton slapped Campher through backward point for another boundary to bring up the century stand. While the first fifty runs of their partnership took 73 balls, they took just 39 balls to get the next fifty.Stubbs then came down the ground to Craig Young for a six over long-on that brought up 150 for South Africa in the 30th over, before Hoey was swept behind square by Rickelton next over.Even as Stubbs hit McBrine and Adair for boundaries, that was the last one Rickelton hit. After facing ten balls without a boundary, Rickelton tried to go after a full and wide delivery from McBrine but ended up dragging the ball on, falling nine runs short of a maiden ODI century.File photo: Lizaad Williams ended with 4 for 32•ICC via Getty ImagesThat dismissal sparked another mini-collapse as Adair combined with Balbirnie for two wickets in his next two overs. Stubbs pulled the fast bowler to Balbirnie at short midwicket before Phehlukwayo was done in by a slower ball and ended up spooning it short cover.A slower ball brought about another wicket as Wiaan Mulder was early in his attempt to pull Young and holed out at deep midwicket.Young then had his third when Williams skied his pull to deep midwicket, as South Africa lost five wickets for 38 runs.Bjorn Fortuin took South Africa past 250 as he hit Young for two boundaries before pulling Hume to midwicket for a 34-ball 28. Ngidi then hit a four and a six to take South Africa to 271.Ngidi continued giving South Africa momentum when the chase began, as he got Paul Stirling to chop on.Balbirnie and Curtis Campher then rebuilt for Ireland, adding 35 runs including top-edged sixes from both batters, before Williams drew an inside edge from Balbirnie that hit the stumps.Harry Tector brought out two gorgeous drives, one through point and one down the ground, off consecutive balls from Williams before he was trapped in front next ball.Williams then got one to stop on Campher, who was early into a shot and ended up offering a simple catch to cover.Debutant Ottneil Baartman then had his maiden ODI wicket when he got one to jag in and go through Doheny’s defence. George Dockrell and Adair hung around before the latter got a feather edge off Ngidi in the 21st over.Four overs later, Dockrell chopped on off Mulder before Fortuin trapped Hoey in front next over to ensure all of South Africa’s bowlers got on the wickets column.Williams returned to complete his quota and bounced McBrine out in his final over before Fortuin had Hume caught at mid-off to wrap up the win.

Aston Villa have a lot of work to do before their Premier League season gets underway next month with a home tie against Newcastle United.

Several summer departures will likely take place, with Emiliano Martinez reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United, while Jacob Ramsey is attracting interest from Nottingham Forest. But, with their PSR concerns now a thing of the past, plenty of new signings could also arrive through the door soon.

In particular, some confidence-boosting attacking additions look to be a priority, particularly if Ollie Watkins ends up joining Martinez as another first-team face to have left the building.

Aston Villa considering move for £60m striker

Watkins does look to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to who he could pick as his next club after Villa, with it being reported that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all keen on adding the England international to their respective sides.

Losing Watkins would be a notable blow, but Villa could begin to repair their depleted attack by adding reported target Alejandro Garnacho to their camp from the aforementioned Red Devils, alongside raiding Enzo Maresca’s men when going after a fresh centre-forward purchase.

An update from journalist Ben Jacobs via X indicates that Villa are in the running to land hot-and-cold Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson this summer, with Villa considering his name as they hunt down some more personnel up top.

It’s revealed that Chelsea won’t be pushing the ex-Villarreal attacker out the door – despite his hit-and-miss finishing ability – but they would consider bids if some are forthcoming, with Jackson reportedly available for around the £60m mark.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

How Jackson could be Villa's next Duran

It would be an almighty gamble on Villa’s end to splash out some significant bucks on such an inconsistent performer but there are similarities, not just in the way they arrived in the country, but in their play styles too.

Indeed, the Villans took a risk when they landed Jhon Duran for £18m back in January of 2023, only to be immediately vindicated when he became a clinical hero for Unai Emery and Co.

After all, Duran didn’t dive into the English game boasting the most mind-blowing numbers for Chicago Fire, with only eight goals coming his way from 28 appearances in the Windy City.

Yet, he instantly became a favourite in the West Midlands for his high-octane performances in attack, culminating in a huge chunk of his 20 goals for Villa coming last season when he bagged 12 strikes from just 29 outings.

Goals

7

3

Assists

0

0

Goal conversion percentage

23%

21%

Goal frequency (minutes)

89

79

Shots per game

1.6

2

Chelsea purchased Jackson for around the £32m mark in the same year the Colombian arrived in England, knowing plenty more could come from the 24-year-old in his new location, with Villa already on the receiving end of Jackson’s lethal bursts when he headed home this effort against them during his debut campaign in West London.

Indeed, Jackson fired home a promising 13 strikes in Spain before embarking on this daunting adventure with the Blues, and whilst there have been plenty of grumbles at Stamford Bridge over his wastefulness, he has shown in spells that he can be a deadly and impactful presence on his day, just as Duran has.

Amazingly, despite squandering a costly 43 big chances across his two top-flight seasons at Chelsea, Jackson does still have more strikes next to his name in the Premier League alone than Duran mustered up across his entire Villa Park stint, with 24 goals in 64 league clashes.

Despite that, there are stylistic similarities between the pair, as the numbers showcase.

Shots

3.08

4.27

Shots on target

1.38

1.93

Completed passes

12.3

16.2

Progressive passes

1.54

1.83

Shot-creating actions

2.97

2.54

Successful take-ons

0.73

0.42

Analysing the data, we get a sense that neither are particularly involved in the play in large spells, registering fewer than 20 passes per game.

Likewise, neither striker particularly grabs the ball and takes a player on, completing fewer than one dribble per 90 minutes. Crucially, they both possess the ability to play on the shoulder of the last man and have a gangly playstyle associated with their height. Duran is 6 foot 1, while Jackson is 6 foot 2.

The 24-year-old Jackson might well welcome a fresh opportunity at Villa, particularly when taking in Emery’s transformative powers that worked wonders on the likes of Marcus Rashford last season. He had experienced an equally challenging time at Manchester United before bouncing back well with the Villans, amassing a blistering four goals and six assists in claret and blue.

Moreover, it’s even clearer from the Spaniard’s track record with Duran that he could be the manager to get even more out of a scapegoated Jackson, with the Senegal international once being labelled as a “special” talent by journalist Rahman Osman.

Of course, this move might well backfire if the 24-year-old’s wasteful displays rear their ugly head once more in the West Midlands. But, much like with Duran, it feels like a shot in the dark worth taking.

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