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Last week, Detroit Tigers assistant GM Sam Menzin suddenly resigned with the team six games into the 2025 MLB campaign. On Monday, Brittany Ghiroli and Cody Stavenhagen of reported Menzin left the organization following an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct.

Per , two female Tigers employes accused Menzin of sending "unsolicited lewd photos," dating back as far as 2017. The team then launched an investigation, and upon its completion Menzin chose to resign before he could be terminated.

"Upon being made aware of the allegations as to Sam Menzin’s conduct, the club promptly completed an investigation," the franchise said in a statement released to Ghiroli and Stavenhagen. "Before the club could terminate Mr. Menzin, he resigned. This type of behavior is contrary to our standards and has absolutely no place within our organization. We have a positive and safe culture for our colleagues and will continue to emphasize respect, inclusion, and professionalism."

Menzin told on Friday that he was seeking a career change and moving to New York to handle "family issues."

Menzin had been with the Tigers for 13 years prior to his resignation. He first joined the organization as a baseball operations intern and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2021.

Liverpool have not been very good this season. Viewed through the prism of extensive summer spending – more, in fact, than any other club in a single summer transfer window – some of the criticism concerning Arne Slot’s side has been justified.

But some of it has been blown out of proportion. The Reds are a team in transition, and while six defeats from seven matches in all competitions were inexcusable, the response to put Aston Villa and then Real Madrid away in the space of four days underscores the quality rippling through this team.

One of the Premier League champions’ biggest problems this year has been a lack of physicality and control in the engine room. And so, against Los Blancos on Tuesday evening, Slot reverted to type.

How Liverpool won the midfield battle vs Real Madrid

In short, Liverpool played like they wanted it more. Gone was the lethargy and limpness of recent months, and Slot grinned as he watched his outfit rekindle that irresistible quality of last year.

Real Madrid might have won 55% of the duels on the evening, but Liverpool’s midfielders were economical in their performances, far more reliable and robust than we have been forced to watch for much of the campaign.

Dominik Szoboszlai was as brilliant as ever in the ten role, unplayable at times and unquestionably in the form of his Liverpool career. Moreover, Ryan Gravenberch instilled calm in an assured showing as the anchor. It is no coincidence that Liverpool’s return to form comes after last season’s midfield have been moulded back together.

After all, it was Alexis Mac Allister who bagged himself a goal after Szoboszlai’s whipped delivery, showcasing the direct danger this midfield can pose against opponents, marrying that with slick passing and crisp defending.

A header from a midfielder against a Spanish giant on a big European night. It was reminiscent of Gini Wijnaldum against Barcelona.

However, there was another man on the field to show Slot that he could be his version of the iconic Dutchman, with a statement showing in a red shirt.

Slot's own Gini Wijnaldum

Liverpool were deserving victors against Real Madrid on Tuesday, and Wirtz played a crucial part in claiming three points, hailed post-match by Szoboszlai, who said, “What a game! He just kept on running.”

Wirtz has flattered to deceive since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m this summer, but he looks to be turning a corner, settling into the rigours of football in Slot’s Anfield side.

Despite still searching for that elusive first goal in a Liverpool shirt, the German international oozed class of a different kind against Xabi Alonso’s side, and marrying that with a remarkable physical shift, he has set the foundation for an upswing in performances over the next months.

Florian Wirtz

88′

11.37km

Dominik Szoboszlai

90′

10.61km

Aurelien Tchouameni

90′

10.51km

Jude Bellingham

90′

10.50km

Hugo Ekitike

79′

9.87km

Hailed as being “something special” by writer Eddie Gibbs, the 22-year-old glittered against the most dominant and destructive European side around, and it’s curious that he has shuffled into a wider berth than the number ten role assigned to him for much of the season so far.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger offered an interesting take on the situation. The 76-year-old suggested that the inculcation of Wirtz into the midfield had been to the detriment of Liverpool’s overall fluency.

But, shaped into a more unnatural role on the left, Wirtz’s energy and incredible work ethic played into Liverpool’s victory.

In this way, he could become Slot’s own version of Wijnaldum, who would not have envisaged a permanent remould into an industrious, box-to-box midfielder at the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s team when joining the Reds from Newcastle United in 2016.

And yet Wijnaldum became one of the staples of Liverpool’s incredible successes, featuring 237 times for the club but only posting 22 goals and 16 assists across all competitions.

Wirtz will still hope to provide a prolific dimension at Liverpool over the years of his stay, but it might be that his adaptation to this new land requires something of a shift akin to Wijnaldum’s way back when.

And with such indefatigable performances as the one earlier this week, it’s surely only a matter of time until he announces himself as a superstar.

Arne Slot has just unlocked Liverpool's new Coutinho vs Real Madrid

Liverpool may have unearthed their next Philippe Coutinho after getting the better of Real Madrid 1-0.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 5, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is so good at baseball that even his mistakes are impressive.

During the Dodgers' 3-0 win over the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium on Monday night, Ohtani found himself in a bit of a pickle after reaching first base on a single in the bottom of the first inning.

The Dodgers star, who ranks second in the majors in stolen bases, took off for second just as Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo delivered a pickoff throw to first base, leaving Ohtani caught in a rundown.

But Ohtani managed to get out of the rundown and slid safely back into first base after outrunning the ball and evading the tag by Mariners first baseman Justin Turner.

Nine times out of 10, Ohtani would have had no way out of the rundown, but the Mariners gave him a bit of an opening and, like the great ones do, he seized his chance. The Dodgers slugger finished the game 1-for-3 with a walk.

Rio Ferdinand has tipped his former England team-mate Steven Gerrard to return for a second stint as Rangers manager.

The former Liverpool captain has swiftly emerged as the odds-on bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Russell Martin at Ibrox, who was sacked on Sunday evening.

Gerrard remains a hero to many Rangers supporters after leading them to the Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21, which remains the only time they have won the league since their financial implosion in 2012.

Gerrard and Rangers a "perfect match"

In an interview with the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast, released on Tuesday but conducted before Martin’s dismissal, the 45-year-old former Aston Villa boss revealed he had “a bit of unfinished business” in management and wanted “to be at a team that’s going to compete to win because I think that suits me better”.

Gerrard said he and Rangers had been “the perfect match” during his spell of just over three years in charge between 2018 and 2021 and Ferdinand senses the former England captain would be open to an Ibrox return almost four years after he left for Villa.

“I have to say when I interviewed him, he left me in no uncertain terms that he wants to be a manager and he’s got full confidence in doing that,” the ex-Manchester United defender told talkSPORT.

“He’s itching to get back in now. He never said this to me, but I personally think just the energy that I felt in that room, that if Rangers came calling he’d go or at least have that conversation.

“What I felt, if I was an owner of a football club and Steven Gerrard was sat in front of me and I felt that energy in the room when I was interviewing him, he’s getting the job.

“Forget what’s gone on before, but also his time before at Rangers, he did great there. I’ve never had so many Rangers fans flood the comments of my social media or the podcast.

Related Rangers: Positive Ibrox talks held with 4-3-3 manager to replace Martin

The Gers have had positive discussions.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Oct 7, 2025

“They’re all desperate for him to go up and at least have the conversation, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Steven Gerrard is managing again very soon and Rangers would be probably one of my big bets.”

Other names touted as potential successors to Martin over the past couple of days include Hearts boss Derek McInnes, former Rangers player Kevin Muscat and ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche.

United States-based chairman Andrew Cavenagh, who on Monday admitted culpability in appointing Martin, is reportedly flying to the UK this week to hold talks with other senior figures, including vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, about the next boss.

Northamptonshire have signed Australian legspinner Lloyd Pope as one of their overseas players for the Vitality Blast* after Ashton Agar was ruled out with a calf strain.Agar helped Northants reach the quarter-finals of last year’s Blast, and was due back for the entirety of the group stage. He will be replaced by the uncapped Pope, 25, who was named in the 2024-25 Big Bash League team of the tournament.”I’m so excited to come to Northamptonshire, I can’t wait to meet everyone and to join my new teammates.” Pope said. “I’m really looking forward to hopefully contributing to some wins for the Steelbacks and going deep in the tournament.”There is also uncertainty over the availability of South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke for the start of the Blast, following the interruption of the IPL. Breetzke is contracted to Lucknow Super Giants – although he has not played a game this season – and is understood to be returning to India for the rearranged finish to the competition.Agar said: “I’m extremely disappointed to be missing this year’s Vitality Blast with Northamptonshire. I loved my time there last season, it’s a fantastic club with great people and I’ll be watching and supporting the boys from Perth.” He added.Northants head coach, Darren Lehmann, said: “We’re all very disappointed for Ashton, but we wish him well in his recovery.”*11.45am BST – Story updated with Pope signing

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a £60m opening bid for a “sensational” English star, who could now be open to a move to N17.

Tottenham looking to bolster attacking options despite Simons capture

Tottenham managed to get a deal for Xavi Simons over the line in the final stages of the summer transfer window, with Thomas Frank eager to bring in a new playmaker, given that James Maddison has been ruled out with an ACL injury.

However, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has since suggested there are some doubts over the signing of Simons, given that he was not always consistent enough in an RB Leipzig shirt due to concerns about his attitude.

Tottenham confirm takeover "interest" after Levy exit, several parties keen

There have been suggestions that ENIC could look to sell Tottenham Hotspur…

ByDominic Lund Sep 8, 2025

It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman can adapt to life in the Premier League, but it appears as though ENIC are pressing ahead with a move for a different attacker regardless.

According to a report from The Boy Hotspur, Tottenham are now plotting a £60m opening bid for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle.

Spurs are said to be implementing a more aggressive transfer strategy following the departure of Levy, and they are now planning to test Villa’s resolve, although Unai Emery’s side are probably not inclined to accept £60m, given that they value Rogers at £100m.

The English attacker could now be open to a move to north London, with Frank’s side taking more concrete action towards securing his signature than Chelsea, who have also been named as potential suitors.

"Sensational" Rogers could kickstart new era at Tottenham

While ENIC have made it clear they have no plans to sell, Levy’s departure marks the start of a new era for Tottenham, who are now expected to be more willing to spend big in the transfer market.

As such, Spurs may be able to compete for Rogers’ signature, and there is every indication he could be a fantastic acquisition, having once again performed very well for Villa last season, picking up 19 goal contributions in 37 Premier League games.

Journalist Eduardo Hagn lauded the England international as “sensational” back in April, and he also proved himself in the Champions League, picking up four goals and three assists in 12 outings.

Rogers is clearly ready to take the next big step in his career, and with Tottenham planning to be more ambitious following Levy’s exit, a move to N17 could be ideal.

Jack Grealish has been backed for an England recall by Michael Owen following his flying start to life on loan at Everton. The 30-year-old has been nothing short of sensational since swapping Manchester City for a season-long loan move to the newly-built Hill Dickinson Stadium and Owen believes this change of scenery is exactly what the star needed.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Grealish revitalised under Moyes

  It’s been a summer of rejuvenation for Grealish, whose disappointing stint at City now feels like a distant memory. This season, he’s been involved in some of the most thrilling moments for Everton, including a 92nd-minute winner against Crystal Palace, a goal that not only sealed a famous 2-1 win but also ended Palace’s unbeaten run in the Premier League. 

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• A new star for the blue half of Merseyside

  Grealish’s arrival at Everton wasn’t just about making up the numbers; it was about becoming the club’s driving force, and he’s done exactly that. With four assists in his first two starts, he quickly became the club’s top creator, and now, with a match-winning goal under his belt, he’s become the fan favourite at Everton’s brand-new riverside arena. The Toffees have yet to lose in their four matches there, and it’s no coincidence that Grealish’s influence on the pitch is quickly transforming them into a European spot contender.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  England snub: Will Tuchel come knocking?

  Despite his electrifying form, Grealish was left out of the latest England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel. It was a snub that raised eyebrows, especially considering his explosive start to the season. However, the Everton loanee has revealed he had a conversation with Tuchel, explaining his determination to continue performing and force his way back into the national set-up.

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• Owen: Grealish can fit right back into England’s plans

  For former England striker Michael Owen, Grealish’s return to form at Everton is a signal that a comeback to the England fold should be on the horizon. In an interview with, Owen stated: "It’s been a great move for Jack. I think it has suited him more. He is quite a unique type of player. He likes carrying the ball, he wins a lot of free kicks. I really like him. I think he’s a great guy and I’ve been very supportive of him. I’d always said I don’t really think his style of play suited Manchester City. Obviously, Everton have got themselves a great player who could continue to be very effective for them.

  "He’s a ball carrier, he takes a lot of touches, he wins a lot of free kicks. For a team that wants to be getting their big men forward, and being dangerous on set pieces, that actually works. A Jack Grealish carrying the ball 40 yards, winning a free kick, running at players and dribbling past them, it works."

Will West Ham United continue to be busy in the final few days of the transfer window?

On Friday, the Hammers announced the arrival of not one but two new central midfielders; Matheus Fernandes arriving from Southampton for £38m, while Soungoutou Magassa has joined from Monaco for £18m.

This takes the Irons’ summer spending up to £94m, having also acquired Mads Hermansen for £20m, El Hadji Malick Diouf for £19m and both Kyle Walker-Peters and Callum Wilson on free transfers.

However, given that Graham Potter’s team have played three and lost three so far this season, smashed by Sunderland and Chelsea in the Premier League, also dumped out of the EFL Cup by Wolves, he’ll be demanding more, especially defensively, so could a new centre-back arrive?

West Ham's need for a new centre-back

As already alluded to, despite the fact Potter deploys a back five and two holding midfield players, the Hammers have conceded eight goals in their first two top-flight matches for the first time in their entire history.

Transfer Focus

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

Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman and Nayef Aguerd have been the starting centre-back trio for both matches who, between them, cost £105m in transfer fees, but they’re not playing like it at the moment, with the latter coming in for the most criticism.

After falling out of favour, Aguerd actually spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, making it somewhat surprising that he’s been immediately reinstated as first-choice upon his return, so could the Hammers sign an upgrade?

Well, as reported by BBC Sport, West Ham are plotting a move to sign centre-back Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse.

Elsewhere, it has been reported that it could require a fee of around £18m to secure the signature of the 23-year-old, who only joined les Violets from Leeds for £3.8m as recently as last year.

Earlier this summer, Aaron Cresswell departed East London as a free agent, joining Stoke, so could his namesake be set to arrive at the London Stadium?

What Charlie Cresswell would bring to West Ham

Cresswell has certainly enjoyed a memorable last 12 months, making 36 appearances for Toulouse, including starting both of their Ligue 1 matches this season, helping le Téfécé keep clean sheets during victories over both Nice and then Stade Brestois.

Meantime, over the summer, he was a stalwart in the England side that won the under-21 European Championships in Slovakia, playing every minute of all six matches, scoring against Czechia in Dunajská Streda.

His performances earned him a place in the team of the tournament, as chosen by the UEFA Technical Observer panel, while journalist Henry Winter praised his leadership qualities, while Gary Rowett, who was his manager at Millwall, labelled Cresswell “excellent”, adding that he was “hugely important” to his team.

During his Leeds career, the young defender made just five Premier League appearances, totalling 140 minutes, but his impressive performances both in Ligue 1 and for the Young Lions could land him a second opportunity.

However, would he represent an upgrade on Aguerd? Let’s find out.

Appearances

31

21

Minutes

2,591

1,763

All stats below are on a per 90 basis:

Duels contested

8.8

8.7

% of aerials duels won

66%

65%

% of ground duels won

51%

72%

Clearances

6.6

4.6

Interceptions

1

0.7

Blocks

1

0.8

Ball recoveries

3.6

3.8

As the table documents, when comparing Cresswell at Toulouse to Aguerd at Real Sociedad, it is the Englishman who boasts better defensive metrics, pretty much across the board.

The 23-year-old comes out on top in terms of aerial duels, clearances, interceptions and blocks, which is pretty much everything you would want from a central defender.

Thus, all available evidence suggests the young Englishman would improve this very leaky West Ham back line.

Fernandes will love him: West Ham "exploring" deal for "superb" £25m star

The midfield monster would be an excellent signing for West Ham and Fernandes.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 30, 2025

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers recently revealed that the Scottish Premiership champions need to add more goals to their team during the summer transfer window.

When asked about what the Hoops need to do before the start of September, the manager said: “I think it’s bringing goals to the squad. Especially when you score four goals, it seems like you’re okay. But we lost an important player in Kyogo [Furuhashi] in January. He brought us a lot of goals. We lost Nicolas Kuhn. He brought us a lot of goals. Matt O’Riley even last summer.

Ligue 1 side Rennes swooped in to sign Kyogo Furuhashi from the Scottish giants for a reported fee of £10m in January, ending a goal-laden time for the striker at Parkhead.

Celtic hit the jackpot with Kyogo Furuhashi

Ange Postecoglou signed the centre-forward from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, and it is safe to say that it was an incredibly successful move for all parties involved.

Kyogo ended his Celtic career with a return of 85 goals and 15 assists in 165 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he was prolific throughout his time at the club.

His best season at Parkhead, by far, was when he plundered 34 goals in the 2022/23 campaign for Postecoglou, though, as the Japan international was a goal machine that year.

Whilst it is unrealistic to expect Celtic to find a new forward who can score 34 goals in one season, Rodgers could finally replace Kyogo by signing Federico Chiesa on loan from Liverpool, as the club are reportedly one of the teams chasing a loan deal for the attacker.

Why Celtic should sign Federico Chiesa

If the Hoops can convince the Italy international to make the move to Parkhead on loan, the £150k-per-week star could be a high-quality addition to the squad.

Chiesa primarily plays as a winger but he has also started 87 career club games as a second striker or as a centre-forward, which suggests that he could play through the middle for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

The Italian forward has scored 66 goals for Juventus and Fiorentina, whilst he has also scored seven goals for his country. This speaks to his pedigree and shows the kind of quality that the Hoops would be bringing in.

Chiesa only played 14 times, scoring twice, in all competitions for Liverpool last season, but his form in the 2023/24 campaign for Juventus shows that he has the quality to be a fantastic signing for Celtic.

As you can see in the table above, the Italian forward, who can play wide or centrally, provided a big threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals in one of Europe’s major leagues.

The 27-year-old star, who was once dubbed “unplayable” by reporter Carlo Garganese, was also incredibly efficient in front of goal, overperforming his xG by almost three goals.

Whereas, Kyogo only scored 10 goals from 14.14 xG in the first half of last season’s Premiership campaign. Chiesa, based on his form for Juventus, could be far more efficient with the chances that come his way if Rodgers provided him with an opportunity to play regularly.

The Italian dynamo is a clinical finisher and creative force who can offer quality out wide or through the middle as a dynamic forward option, who is already proven at a higher level of football than the Premiership.

McGregor 2.0: Celtic plan move to sign "staggering" ace from English shores

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing a Premier League youngster who could be a Callum McGregor clone.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 30, 2025

Therefore, Celtic should be pushing to win the race for Chiesa’s services as he is a clinical forward who could provide a cutting edge to the team’s attack as a Kyogo replacement this summer.

The England opener scored only 52 runs in six innings in New Zealand, falling to Matt Henry each time

Vithushan Ehantharajah16-Dec-2024If there were loyalty cards in Test cricket, Matt Henry would be in line for a free Zak Crawley.Henry bagged Crawley for the sixth time this series – and eighth overall – late on day three in Hamilton, as England went to stumps on 18 for 2, chasing a ridiculous 658.An earlier lbw dismissal off the fifth ball of England’s second innings was overturned successfully on height, after Crawley had made strides down the ground. Henry then pinned Crawley in front with his last delivery of the day. Umpire Adrian Holdstock’s finger went up again and Crawley called for DRS once more, only this time umpire’s call had leg stump clipped by a whisker.Crawley’s walk back was perhaps the first time the torment endured over the last few weeks spilled over on the field. There were a few choice words for Holdstock and a meeting with match referee David Boon could round off what has been a dispiriting tour for the opener.Related

Williamson ton has England staring down prospect of heavy defeat

Kane Williamson's fabulous five at Seddon Park

His series ends with just 52 runs from six innings at an average of 8.66. No England opener has batted as many times in a single series and averaged so little. Factor in 139 runs at 27.80 on the tour of Pakistan and it has been an unhelpful winter for Crawley’s career average. Having moved past 33 after the first West Indies Test in the summer, following strong showings in the 2023 Ashes (480 runs at 53.33) and away series in India at the start of 2024 (407 at 40), it has dropped to 30.51.England’s management has long insulated Crawley from criticism, citing steadfast belief he is capable of other worldly innings against the best teams in the world. His output against Australia last year, along with striking the first ball of the series for four off Pat Cummins, and a domineering 189 in the fourth Test as one of three fifty-plus scores, vindicated their stance.It is a stance that remains, particularly with India and Australia on the schedule for 2025. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick reiterated their support of Crawley, while also empathising with his struggles as a former opening batter.”It’s always tough when someone gets something over you, and you find it really challenging and you’ve got to come up with plans,” Trescothick said. “I had similar situations in my time when I was playing against other oppositions.”You go away when you’ve got the opportunity, which he has now, to try and think about it before next time they come up against each other.”I think the important part of this is to remember we’re very much focussed on him being the opening batter for a good period to come. We’ve seen the damage that he does and how he goes about it.”I don’t want to give you too much about how he goes about it in the changing room because it’s the private area of what we have… but he’s a strong character. Although it’s challenging when it’s like this, when someone gets you under the pump, it’s tough, but he’ll find a way. And we’ll help him find a way to get back to that point.”Trescothick also confirmed Crawley’s poor form had nothing to do with the fractured finger sustained in the third Test against West Indies which ruled him out of the Sri Lanka series at the end of the summer. Nevertheless, he has scored just 191 runs across 11 innings since.England do not play Test cricket again until May, with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, in which time they believe Crawley will emerge from his slump. He will return home after this tour and then head out to South Africa for a stint with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, which begins on January 9. Free spirited white-ball cricket may be what he needs to emerge out of his funk.