Report: Man United plotting major move to sign Italian midfielder — and more

Man Utd transfer latest as Tonali eyes summer switch

Manchester United are monitoring Sandro Tonali’s situation closely ahead of the summer window, with Football Insider reporting that the Newcastle United midfielder “wants to join Man Utd this summer”.

The Italy international has been linked with several clubs in recent months. Arsenal were credited with interest on deadline day in January, though Newcastle insisted he was not for sale. Subsequent reporting suggested Tonali is considering his options at the end of the season, with Champions League football a key factor in any decision.

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Old Trafford preference emerging

According to Football Insider, a move to Old Trafford could be his preference. The former AC Milan player, described as “world-class”, has re established himself as a central figure at St James’ Park following his return from a gambling ban.

His recent impact has been notable. Tonali scored twice at the weekend as Newcastle secured FA Cup progression with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa. His performances have reinforced his standing internally and among supporters.

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Yet speculation persists. Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider: “Look, I do think he has got a good relationship with Eddie Howe, but I don’t think that’s going to change the fact that I do believe Tonali will be moving this summer.

“And I think Man United are still the club that I think he’s got his sights on, and they’ve got sights on him.

“So I’m afraid that, you know, yes, everybody’s going to be saying nice things right now, because why would you upset the apple cart at this stage in the season?

“And I do think he has a good relationship. I think Tonali is well respected by the fans. Those goals were excellent at the weekend. But still, I do think he’s going to be making that move in the summer.”

Midfield rebuild taking shape

United are expected to overhaul their midfield options. Casemiro will depart, and recruitment in that area is a priority. Tonali, 25, combines physical presence with technical assurance and positional intelligence. He is entering what are typically considered prime years.

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Newcastle’s stance will be decisive. They have invested heavily and view Tonali as integral. However, if the player signals intent and Champions League qualification proves uncertain, dynamics could shift quickly.

For United, this is about strategic alignment. Acquiring a player of Tonali’s profile would represent both immediate impact and medium term stability.

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This is precisely the calibre of player required by United. Midfield has lacked authority and consistency. A 25 year old described as “world-class” who has thrived in the Premier League offers a compelling solution.

The timing feels right. With Casemiro moving on, succession planning must be proactive rather than reactive. Tonali’s blend of power and control would add balance to a side that has too often been stretched between boxes.

There will be caution. Newcastle are not a selling club by design, and any fee would be significant. Champions League football will influence the narrative, both for player and club.

Supporters will also note his resilience after returning from suspension. Scoring twice in a 2-1 cup win demonstrates mentality as much as ability.

If genuine interest exists on both sides, United should move decisively. Elite clubs identify targets early and act with conviction. Tonali could be a cornerstone signing in a long overdue rebuild.

The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks on Wednesday night in double overtime by a final score of 117-115.

The Tide went back and fourth with the Razorbacks throughout the entire contest. Star Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. was credited with a career-high 35 points on 11-of-21 shooting, as the playmaker was nothing short of elite in both regulation and overtime.

The Tide entered the matchup in a near must-win situation against an elite SEC foe, as Alabama improved to 9-4 in conference play with the victory over Arkansas.

Here are three takeaways from Alabama’s thrilling victory over the Razorbacks.

Labaron Philon Jr. scores a career-high 35 points

Philon played a vital role throughout the entirety of Wednesday night’s contest. The talented playmaker recorded a career-high 35 points and seven assists in 41 minutes of play against Arkansas, as Philon came through in the clutch for the Tide on multiple possessions during both the first and second overtime period.

The star guard had one of his best games as a member of the Crimson Tide against the Razorbacks, as Philon continues to turn heads throughout the college basketball world on a nightly basis.

Aiden Sherell dominates offensive glass, records 26 points and 13 rebounds

Sherrell was nothing short of elite throughout the entirety of the matchup against the Razorbacks. The star big man recorded 26 points and 13 rebounds on an extremely efficient 10-of-13 from the field, as Sherrell continues to improve in the Alabama front court on a nightly basis.

Sherrell played a crucial role on both ends of the floor in the nail-biting victory over Arkansas, as the talented forward had one of the best games of his career at Alabama in similar fashion to Philon.

Amari Allen continues to thrive, records 19 points and 11 rebounds

Allen has been widely regarded as a top freshman in all of college basketball during the 2025-26 campaign. The talented forward was excellent on the offensive end of the floor against Arkansas, as Allen continues to play a vital role in the Tide’s starting lineup this season.

The star freshman, similar to Sherrell, finished with a double-double at 19 points and 11 rebounds, as Allen truly dominated on both ends of the floor against a shorthanded Razorbacks’ team.

Alabama will be back in action against the LSU Tigers on Saturday evening, as the Tide will look to go 10-4 in SEC play.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama basketball takeaways from overtime win vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

LiAngelo Ball has not signed with the Charlotte Hornets, despite speculation. The rumor that he and his brother LaMelo are now teammates has spread across social media, but the Hornets have not announced any new signing. The Ball brothers continue to attract attention, but the two are not currently on the same roster.

Who says serious athletes are always serious? Akwasi Frimpong, who's competed for Ghana, is a world-class wisecracker as he reflects on being a Black African athlete in the white world of winter sports.

(Image credit: Kirill KudryavtsevAFP)

They haven't coached a single Baltimore Ravens game or practice. Heck, we haven't even reached free agency or the NFL Draft, but this new coaching staff's approval rating is soaring. They're a hit, and if things go according to plan, there's nowhere to go but up. Make no mistake. There's pressure on them, but they've allowed themselves opportunities to smile for now.

Head coach Jesse Minter and his coordinators spoke with the media on Wednesday. All seemed humbled by the chance to join the Ravens, or rejoin the organization. That's the story of Minter, Anthony Weaver, and Anthony Levine. No one expects anything other than their best effort.

Why would they? All we've ever seen is their best. Minter was formerly an assistant under John Harbaugh (2017-20). Weaver played here (2002-05) as part of the defense. He coached here, serving in several roles: defensive line coach and run game coordinator (2021) and assistant head coach/defensive line coach (2022-23). He's now the defensive coordinator. Coach Levine was a solid special teams contributor who will now lead that unit as its coordinator.

They'll share responsibility for trying to lead the Ravens to the franchise's third Lombardi Trophy, but this week they shared the microphone as they were introduced to the Baltimore media.

Anthony Weaver turns heads with a confident statement.

Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle joined Minter, Weaver, and Levine. The OC spoke about his age being an asset, his plans for the offense, and, of course, a growing relationship with Lamar Jackson.

One of the session's most surprising statements came from the top assistant on the other side of the ball. There's work to do with the Ravens' defense, especially at edge rusher. Weaver isn't panicking, though. With a smile, he offered an idea that many of you might find interesting.

"We certainly have rushers, right? I think it took a hit with losing [Nnamdi] Madubuike. I think we all know the effect that losing him had on this defense, but from a talent standpoint, we certainly have some dudes that can get there. In the backend, we have talent all across the board. The first guy that comes to mind is Kyle Hamilton. He's the ultimate chess piece. You can do so many things with him, and you go back to a corner with Nate Wiggins and in the back with Malaki Starks, Roquan [Smith]. We have talent. There's so much talent on this defense that as a coordinator, I can't help but get up here and just smile and be happy about it, because your options are limitless in what you want to do. So, I feel really good about both of those things."

There's mostly new staff. Dre'Mont Jones, Kyle Van Noy, Alohi Gilman, David Ojabo, and Chidobe Awuzie are all impending free agents. The jury is still out on Mike Green. There's a lot to discuss, but if Coach Weaver says, 'We're good,' then we're rolling with that.

For those of you who are concerned, may you gain more confidence by listening to him. Raise those glasses. Here's to another exciting era of Baltimore Ravens football.

Optimism in February doesn't win games in September, but alignment, vision, and buy-in are where every successful season starts. If Jesse Minter and his staff can translate that early energy into results, Baltimore may indeed be standing at the beginning of something worth raising a glass to celebrate.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Anthony Weaver sets the tone with a promising Ravens defensive outlook