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West Bromwich Albion can finally gear up for the start of the new Championship campaign with news that head coach Carlos Corberan is no longer a target for Leeds United.

Former Leeds coach Corberan was considered the favourite to succeed Sam Allardyce at Elland Road at one point, but Football Insider reports that the Whites are working to bring in a manager with Premier League experience.

That can only be considered a huge boost for Albion some six weeks out from the opening weekend of the 2023-24 campaign, and it means full focus can now be on transfer activity.

Indeed, the Baggies could make it a double reason for celebration by bringing in one of Corberan's targets, with The Sun reporting last week that they are showing an interest in Blackpool striker Jerry Yates.

Who is Blackpool striker Jerry Yates?

Yates' 20 goals helped fire Blackpool to promotion to the Championship two years ago, and he has since scored 22 goals in the second tier.

As well as netting 14 goals last time out, which were not enough to keep Blackpool up, Yates also chipped in with four assists. It is that ability to both score and create that earned strong praise from his former boss Richie Wellens.

"He's good at everything," Wellens told Quest. "He's got decent pace and he can hold the ball up." Yates' ability as an all-rounder is further reflected when looking at the positions he was fielded last season, courtesy of WhoScored, ranging from a central midfielder to a striker, as well as operating on both flanks.

The 26-year-old can also help out in terms of the defensive side of the game, with FBref ranking him in the top 3% of his positional peers for interceptions and top 7% for blocks.

It is unsurprising, then, that a number of Championship teams are taking a close look at Yates – heavyweights Leicester City among them. The Sun reports that Premier League club Luton Town may also be tempted to make a move for a player valued at £4m by Blackpool.

Yates would undoubtedly be an upgrade on what Corberan currently has available, as his 18 combined goals and assists in the Championship last season are three more than West Brom's best performer John Swift managed.

In fact, Jed Wallace (14) was the only other Albion player to register double figures in that metric, which shows the importance of bringing another talented attacker to The Hawthorns.

Factor in the 1.63 aerial duels per 90 minutes Yates wins, which is more than Swift (0.84) and Wallace (0.48), and it may well be that the Englishman's combination with Corberan next term proves the difference between mid-table obscurity and a serious push at promotion.

Super Over
ScorecardStafanie Taylor struck her first fifty of the season•Getty Images

In the end, not even a Super Over could separate the Sydney Smash.Having elected to bat, the Sydney Sixers made 138. In reply, the Sydney Thunder managed the same. In the Super Over, the Thunder made eight, then the Sixers did too.Confusion reigned, but the Thunder had won – on the basis that they had hit more boundaries in the 40 overs (16) than the Sixers (14). So, in a game normally won by a number of runs or wickets, the Sydney Thunder had beaten the Sydney Sixers by two boundaries. Eh?The first 40 overs had been an undulating, exciting advert for the Women’s BBL, and the Super Over had the national news on Channel Ten delayed – who knows how many new fans will have stumbled across the game as a result – and as many as 17,000 people watching at the ground.The main event
The 40 overs that were unable to separate the two sides were dominated by fine innings from two top-order batsmen, and the timing of their wickets decided the outcome.First came Ashleigh Gardner, whose stellar competition continued. She came to the crease in the first over with Alyssa Healy gone, and scored a fine 54 from 41 balls, including sixes down the ground and to cow corner. She shared a stand of 65 with Sara McGlashan, who was scratchy early on but grew into her innings. When McGlashan was caught and bowled by Erin Osborne, though, they lost five for 30 from the final 21 balls. Gardner was stumped by Alex Blackwell – making a rare appearance as a wicketkeeper – off Stafanie Taylor (who had earlier taken another key wicket, Elysse Perry), and Sixers hopes of making 150 were over.Ashleigh Gardner continued her fine form•Getty Images

Taylor’s excellent game continued as she made 68, he first half-century of the season, to dominate the chase. Blackwell, who fell to the excellent Kim Garth, then Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in, but Taylor rode her luck (she was dropped three times) to keep her team in it and looked to be guiding them to victory. The late introduction of Lisa Sthalekar in the 15th over put the brakes on the Thunder as she picked up two wickets, then Taylor fell slogging Sarah Aley in the penultimate over. Naomi Stalenberg and Osborne could only manage seven of the eight they needed from the final over; Super Over it was.Super finishSo, how did that Super Over pan out, then? The Thunder batted first. Garth, an Associate rookie and replacement for the absent South African duo Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk, limited Taylor – who earlier made an excellent 68 before falling in the final over – and Rachael Haynes, who was run out off the last ball, to just eight. Garth, continuing the beautiful line and length she had bowled when taking 17 for 1 earlier) had denied them any boundaries, which was a superb effort.Knowing that they had fewer boundaries in regular tim, the Sixers knew they needed nine to win, but the Thunder knew eight would work for them. Healy smote Rene Farrell down the ground for four, but was then carelessly run out. Perry found two through cover, then was caught at long-on. Needing three off the last two, Angela Reakes was run out turning for a second. Gardner, so brilliant earlier, could only scramble her first ball for a single. No one really understood why, but it was not enough.What it all meansBefore the Sydney Smash, the Sixers had won three games (in a run of seven straight victories). The Sixers still sit four points clear at the top of the table, and need to win one of their two remaining fixtures to qualify for a semi-final. The Thunder are sixth, and their hopes of defending their title remain alive.

The Blaugrana are set to have a busy summer as they aim to clear space on their wage bill to bring in a number of new – or returning – faces

There really hasn't been much talk of who might leave Barcelona this summer. Instead, all of the attention has been focused on one arrival, with speculation running rife as to whether the Blaugrana can lure Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou.

But that is largely dependent on Barca's financial situation. While they have met La Liga president Javier Tebas' demands and cleared some salary off the books, they still need to raise some cash to address the league's supposed 'financial viability plan' in order to re-sign the club legend. That might mean one or two big-name departures, with Ansu Fati and Raphinha supposedly available for the right price.

Outside of that, there still needs to be the standard slew of outgoings. Barcelona have a few players returning from loans who they will undoubtedly look to move on again. Furthermore, there are some youngsters in the ranks who could benefit from a move away, too.

But who should be sold, who should be loaned out and who should be kept despite rumours linking them with moves away? GOAL breaks it all down…

• FC Barcelona
  

  KEEP: Ansu Fati (Unless a massive offer comes in)

  Barca have reportedly gone back and forth on this one. Chatter suggests that Ansu will be allowed to leave for the right price, while Xavi has been non-committal. However, it may be in the Blaugrana's best interests to keep him around.

  At just 21, with immense potential, the forward can still offer a lot. And he's shown in brief glimpses that he could yet be world-class. It is also likely that potential suitors will be put off by his injury record.

  Ultimately, Barcelona need to raise money, and Ansu might not fetch a worthy return. He's also promising enough to give another shot. If a massive bid comes in, though, letting him go might be worth considering.

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• SELL: Raphinha

  Barcelona have goals to hit, and Raphinha is the most obvious pathway to doing so. The Brazilian has enjoyed a solid first season in La Liga, reaching double-digit goal contributions in all competitions, while finding his feet in a new system.

  Still, the Blaugrana look far better when Ousmane Dembele is on the pitch. Xavi loves the Frenchman, leaving Raphinha as little more than an expensive rotation option. A player of his quality, at a good age, can fetch a handsome fee. Barcelona might not like it, Xavi probably won't, but Raphinha should be allowed to leave.

• Getty Images
  

  KEEP: Frenkie de Jong

  This is a no-brainer. De Jong has finally found his best form at Barcelona, less than 12 months after being almost certain to leave the club. Somehow, exit rumours have stuck around, with Manchester United supposedly still interested. Tough for them. De Jong should, and will, stay in Camp Nou.

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  SELL: Ferran Torres

  He's been at Barcelona for 18 months, and it's difficult to see what, exactly, Torres brings to the club. He's not necessarily a prolific goalscorer, a consistent provider of assists, or particularly creative presence. That's not great for a player the Blaugrana imprudently dropped €55 million (£46m/$62m) on.

  The good news is Torres is still young, and has shown flashes of the highly-rated player that emerged from Valencia nearly five years ago. But he doesn't fit into this side. Barca would be wise to sell.

Manchester United seemingly have another midfielder on their radar, with a report from Sport (via Sport Witness) stating that the club have already been in contact over a deal for Arthur Vermeeren.

Who are Manchester United signing this summer?

The player is just 18 years of age but has already made quite a splash in the Jupiler Pro League in Belgium. Currently plying his trade for Royal Antwerp, he has already become a first-team regular in that side with 24 league appearances under his belt over the course of the current campaign.

Those showings have amounted in one goal and two assists but, more impressively, have led to a WhoScored average rating of 7.05 and one Player of the Match award. It's his first season of top-level professional football, but the midfielder has not been fazed by it in the slightest. In fact, his rating puts him as the second-best player in the entire team this campaign, with only Vincent Janssen above him in that respect.

Now, it appears that the Red Devils have added him to their wanted list. According to a report from Sport (via Sport Witness), Erik ten Hag is a big admirer of the youngster and is "in love" with the way he plays his football. That, in turn, has led to the side already approaching the player's party and making contact over a potential deal this summer.

It won't be straightforward though, with United not the only side keen to snap him up. The report adds that Barcelona are also in the running for his signature and view him as the replacement for Sergio Busquets.

Who is Arthur Vermeeren?

It's already been made clear that Ten Hag wants to add to his midfield depth this summer, so a move for the Royal Antwerp man seems to make sense. He is young and already doing well at a good level and appears to have the potential to stay in their midfield for a long time considering his age.

Vermeeren may be a bit of an unknown quantity outside of Belgium but he's already caught the eye of many. For example, football talent scout Jacek Kulig labelled the midfielder as "impressive" after the season he has had and admitted that he is one of the most "exciting prospects" in Belgium at the moment.

His stats agree with this. He has the joint-best tackles per game rate in his current team with 2.7 on average and has the second-best dribble rate at the club as well with 1.2 per game. It shows that not only is he one of the best at breaking up opposition attacks and isn't afraid to put a foot in but likes to get the ball himself and then drive his team forward. He ticks plenty of boxes for United then and if they did sign him, it could be a worthwhile investment.

Kent dented Worcestershire’s promotion tilt by mopping up the visitors last four wickets in barely an hour and knocking off the 12 runs required to clinch a 10-wicket win

ECB Reporters Network06-Aug-2016
ScorecardDarren Stevens claimed three wickets to help seal Kent’s victory•Getty Images

Kent dented Worcestershire’s promotion tilt by mopping up the visitors last four wickets in barely an hour and knocking off the 12 runs required to clinch a 10-wicket win in their Specsavers County Championship match.The marquees – bursting and busy for the first three days of the 165th Canterbury Cricket Week encounter – stood empty and silent, all bar the CAMRA real ale tent where a gaggle of happy and hardy Kentish supporters applauded their side’s deserved victory, wrapped up with more than two sessions to spare.Having dismissed Daryl Mitchell’s side for 251 second-time around, Kent openers Sean Dickson and Daniel Bell-Drummond needed only six minutes to knock off the runs to inflict a second defeat of the summer upon Worcestershire.Resuming on their parlous overnight score of 213 for 6 – an overall match deficit of 27 runs – the Midlanders were soon even deeper in trouble.Kent started making inroads as early as the 15th ball of the day when Matt Coles, having just taken the second new ball, struck with his fifth ball of the day.Pushing defensively at one just outside off stump, Ben Cox (39) found a thick outside edge for James Tredwell to claim a comfortable catch at second slip with the visitors still 20 runs in arrears.Without addition to the total Joe Leach (3) sparred at one from Darren Stevens to nick behind and give Sam Billings his eighth catch of the match.Stevens struck again with Worcestershire still six runs in arrears. Having played and missed at one that clipped his front pad, Kyle Abbott lifted his back foot during a half-hearted lbw appeal allowing Sam Billings to whip off the bails for a gift stumping. Billings became the tenth Kent keeper to claim nine dismissals in a match.Ed Barnard struck out lustily to move his side into an 11-run lead before his sliced drive against Stevens flew to Will Gidman at short third man to end the Worcestershire innings soon after noon. Stevens finished with 3 for 31, while Gidman and Tredwell bagged two apiece as Kent banked 23 points for their third win of the summer. Worcestershire went home with only four points.Having enjoyed runs and wickets on his home championship debut for Kent, Gidman, the on-loan Nottinghamshire allrounder said: “To get those two second-innings wickets with a slightly older ball and just as Worcestershire were forming a decent partnership was really pleasing. On the whole I’m delighted with the way the bowling has gone since coming here.”I got slightly lucky with the first wicket. The lad George Rhodes was playing really well, but he started batting way out of his crease and, when I bowled him a really full one, he ended up yorking himself. Then, against Daryl Mitchell, that was one that moved back up the him and hit him full in front.”I’d have loved to have scored a hundred, but batting at No8 it’s the last thing you’re really expecting. I’m more thankful that ‘Tredders’, ‘Colesy’ and Mitch hung around as long as they did and, in the context of the match, formed some vital partnerships with me.”Worcestershire’s head coach said the defeat was simply a blip in an otherwise excellent season for his side. “Kent played really well and the fact that we were a little under par was mainly due to the fact that Kent played some really good stuff over the four days. On this performance they’re becoming a very good side.”Brett D’Oliveira will come back in but it won’t be a case of wholesale changes just because we’ve lost one match. Sport is all about winning and losing and I don;t know many teams who just keep winning all of the time. Sometimes these lads deserve another chance to get themselves into some better form and we’ve played plenty of good cricket already this season to know that we’re capable of producing better than this.”

Liverpool are one of the clubs that appreciate the Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch ahead of the summer transfer window.

Have Liverpool lost hope of signing Bellingham?

The Reds were believed to be one of the main clubs in the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in the summer alongside Manchester City and Real Madrid.

That is seemingly no longer the case with Liverpool believed to have pulled out of the race as a result of the finances involved in bringing Bellingham to Anfield.

However, the Liverpool midfield is one that has been criticised enormously this season with the Reds falling massively short of the expectations put on them.

Despite the clamour around Bellingham, there have been reports suggesting the Reds are working on identifying other midfield targets ahead of the summer.

One of them being the Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher who alongside Mason Mount is believed to be on the radar for the Reds this summer.

However, it seems as if there is another midfield candidate on their list who may come from further afield than the Premier League.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Reds are big fans of Gravenberch with his time at Bayern under serious speculation:

(5:20) "But for the summer, Liverpool appreciate the player but not only Liverpool also other clubs in Premier League are following the situation of Ryan Gravenberch. So let's keep an eye on the Dutch midfielder."

Is Gravenberch a good fit for Liverpool?

The Dutchman is suffering from a serious lack of opportunities in the Bayern side this season with only one of his 18 appearances in the Bundesliga this season coming from the starting XI (via Transfermarkt).

But this is a player who arrived in Munich on the back of an impressive time at Ajax where he rose through the ranks at the club to become a regular in the starting XI.

Hailed as "sensational" by Andrew Cesare, the Bayern midfielder is someone who could certainly offer Jurgen Klopp with an option to bolster his midfield.

Comparing Gravenberch's 2021/22 campaign to Gallagher's current season, the Dutchman provided (4.82) significantly more shot-creating actions than the Chelsea man (2.88) (via Fbref).

However, defensively, the Englishman came out on top with Gallagher (2.64) offering slightly more tackles per. 90 minutes than Gravenberch (1.92).

But this is a Liverpool midfield which could potentially see a lot of change over the coming months and perhaps this is a midfield pairing which could work together at Anfield.

There is a case to be made that Liverpool's current midfield lacks a powerful player who can break through the lines, but that could certainly be something which the £155k-per-week Gravenberch could add.

In comparison to Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, Gravenberch offers significantly more take-ons with the Dutchman potentially able to provide Klopp with something this midfield lacks massively (via Fbref).

The ICC is considering increasing funding for Associate and Affiliate nations as part of the ongoing review into its governance and structure. The news will go some way to appeasing Associate representatives aggrieved by the effects of the ICC’s 2014 financial and administrative restructuring, informally referred to as the Big Three takeover.Funding for the 95 Associate and Affiliate nations from 2015-23 has currently been agreed at $299 million, only a slight increase in real terms from the $252 million awarded to Associate and Affiliate nations in the preceding media and commercial rights package from 2007-15. Had the ICC rights for 2015-23 been distributed according to the previous revenue model (2007-2015), Ehsan Mani, the former ICC President, estimates that the Associate nations could have received over $550 million.Under the new model, Associate representatives believe that the majority of the ICC’s 95 non-Test members face a real terms funding reduction. “Over 50 Associates and Affiliates [out of a total of 95] are likely to be worse off in 2015-16 compared to 2014-15,” said Simone Gambino, the Italian Cricket Federation president. The claim was backed up by a number of other representatives, who expressed grave concerns about the future of the game beyond the Full Member nations.”I worry how some countries will recover from the crushing reduction in funds. All that we have achieved is at risk,” said Ken Farmiloe, the Chairman of Cricket Belgium. “As far as I can see, Ireland are the only country in Europe who are better off in 2016. Most countries seem to be worse off as, in addition to a reduction in funds, there will be no financial support from ICC Europe for projects.”When contacted by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC privately denied that such a large number of nations will be worse off, saying that the number who have suffered funding reductions in 2015-16 is no higher than in a typical year. According to the ICC’s rules, funding is determined by a combination of on-field performance and the ICC’s “scorecard” tally which takes into account a myriad of development factors to rank associates and determine funding. The ICC were unwilling to specify how many countries are better or worse off in 2015-16 compared to 2014-15, but said the new funding model for Associates and Affiliates was designed to prevent sides that maintain their position in the rankings from being financially worse off.Shashank Manohar’s recent comments have been a boost to the Associates•AFP

It is however understood that, when the discontinuation of the Targeted Assistance and Performance Programme (TAPP) is taken into account, a number of leading Associates will receive less ICC funding. Cricket Scotland are understood to be over $200,000 worse off comparing 2014-15 and 2015-16. The Netherlands, UAE and Kenya are other prominent countries that have suffered an overall funding reduction.Privately, senior ICC figures say that they are looking for a more efficient funding scheme to replace TAPP, perhaps called an ODI or Cricket Fund. They also stressed that TAPP was only introduced in 2012, midway through the last rights cycle, and expect an equivalent scheme to be implemented much quicker in the current rights cycle.Given the ongoing review into the ICC’s funding distribution model. David Richardson, the ICC chief executive, said: “It would be pointless to speculate further at this stage as to whether any particular group of members will be better or worse off financially than before.”Associate nations have been encouraged by Shashank Manohar’s words since taking over as ICC chairman. One senior source said they were hopeful that India’s share of ICC revenue would be reduced, perhaps from 22% to 16%, as previously reported, and this could lead to the overall pot for Associate and Affiliate nations increasing from $299 million to $325-350 million from 2015 to 2023. Another figure said that Manohar has been surprised that Zimbabwe receive over $5 million more than Afghanistan and Ireland from the ICC, and hoped to close this gap substantially. Funding shortages are expected to have made Ireland, for example, unable to commit to some ODIs they have arranged in 2016 and beyond.Any increased funding towards Associate members is likely to follow the recent trend of Associate spending being targeted more aggressively towards the highest-ranked nations like Afghanistan and Ireland. Because of their inclusion on the 12-team ODI rankings table, Afghanistan and Ireland receive an extra $1.7 million a year from the ICC, and around $2.5 million annually in total from the ICC. “Their funding success has come at the expense of other Associates and Affiliates,” Malcolm Cannon, the chief executive of Cricket Scotland, said in December.Countries in the World Cricket League Championship, the competition for the next rung of Associates in ODI cricket, receive only $300,000 a year for participation in the tournament, and none currently receive more than $1.2 million in total a year.Richardson explained why the ICC was committed to prioritising spending towards the strongest performers among Associate nations. “One of the objectives arising from the recently approved ICC Strategic Plan for the period 2015-19, which is relevant to the development of the game, is achieving more competitive teams at the highest level. To achieve this we need to be more targeted in the allocation of resources – money and services – to the members that have the potential to be competitive at that level, i.e. to deliver the desired return on investment.”The objective is therefore to provide more funding to the likes of Ireland, Afghanistan and others who have the potential to compete successfully at the highest level, preferably without reducing the level of funding available for distribution to the other members from what they collectively received before.”This marks a continuation of the process in 2008, when Associate and Affiliate nations decided to pool their funding and divide it up according to the scorecard, thereby rewarding countries making progress. Several representatives stressed that they supported the increased funding for the top Associates but felt the overall funding pot for Associates and Affiliates was insufficient given the rise in the value of ICC commercial deals.Ultimately some in the ICC hope to move to a model in which funding for all nations, including Full Members, is based more on performance and less on status. Proposals for two divisions in Test cricket (comprising seven teams in Division One and five in Division Two, with promotion and relegation) and a ODI format pitting the 12 leading nations in groups (perhaps two with six teams each) to form the basis of World Cup qualification are being advocated by Richardson and other senior figures at the ICC, as part of the ongoing review into the structure of cricket. It is envisaged that the ICC would fund the costs of matches within any such structure.Some Associate representatives remain unconvinced. “Whether the changes will affect the smaller Associates and Affiliates remains to be seen,” Farmiloe said. He also expressed his concern that World Cricket League Six has been scrapped; in total, since 2012, the number of divisions in the World Cricket League has fallen from eight to five. “The cutting of WCL excludes many countries vying to better their cricket. Also, the big question is what the ICC regional offices will do without a budget.”Spending on department services – money largely allocated to regional offices who then provide grants and support to members – has fallen from $81 million from 2007-15 – to an estimated $56 million under the current 2015-23 funding model.

Manchester United could reportedly be set to revive their interest in Juventus midfielder, Adrien Rabiot, having previously come close to signing the Frenchman last summer.

What’s the latest on Rabiot to Man United?

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are plotting to make a move for the 27-year-old at the end of the season, with the former Paris Saint-Germain man set to be available on a free transfer amid the impending expiry of his contract.

The report suggests that the 6 foot 2 maestro – who made the move to Turin back in 2019 – could demand a ‘huge’ deal if he is to make a move this summer, having already outlined his desire to play Champions League football next season.

The player’s wage demands seemingly led to the collapse of his proposed £15m move to Old Trafford back in August, with Manchester Evening News reporting that the 35-cap asset had requested an ‘obscene’ salary which ultimately put paid to the switch.

Could Rabiot be Man United’s next Pogba?

Rekindling a move for Rabiot may not appear the wisest decision as far as Erik ten Hag’s side are concerned, with there likely to be fears about a repeat of the club’s previous midfield capture from the Allianz Stadium – Paul Pogba.

Like his compatriot and current teammate – who sparked controversy in 2018 after refusing to be on the standby list for the World Cup – Pogba has not always been a popular figure due to his off-field actions, having regularly sparked fury among United supporters after appearing to angle for a departure throughout his time at Old Trafford.

The latter man had initially left the Red Devils on a free transfer in 2012 to join the Bianconeri, before then returning to Manchester on an £89m deal four years later, going on to win the Europa League and the League Cup in his first season back at the club.

That would prove to be the only silverware that the polarising figure would claim over the next six years, however, as he regularly flattered to deceive in a red jersey, with club legend Roy Keane admitting that Pogba hadn’t “done enough” during his time at the Theatre of Dreams.

That at-times toxic stint came to an end last summer as the World Cup winner made his return to Italy, having made a parting shot at his former employers after criticising the decision not to hand him a bumper new deal.

There will undoubtedly be concern at snapping up another high-profile figure such as Rabiot who is seemingly set to demand a hefty salary – beyond his current £152k-per-week wage – with Ten Hag and co having no doubt benefitted of late from dispensing with the big egos and individualistic talents.

Equally, comparisons can also be made between both Rabiot and Pogba on a purely playing basis, with the two, towering midfielders typically operating on the left of a midfield three, albeit while rarely offering a real goal threat – with the former United man scoring on 39 goals in 233 games for the club, while his international colleague has just 13 goals in 158 games for Juventus.

The likeness has also previously been noted by Italian legend Gigi Buffon – who has played with the pair – with the experienced goalkeeper stating: “What I met is a champion, a fantastic mix: he has physical strength of [Paul] Pogba – he is a proper wardrobe.”

While – as Buffon noted – Rabiot does possess notably physical qualities that may help to bolster United’s midfield, it is perhaps not worth the risk of bringing another potentially problematic, Pogba-esque figure into the fold.

Gregg Berhalter says the USMNT "need to learn how to beat the best" ahead of the 2026 World Cup, hinting that qualifiers aren't good preparation.

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Berhalter wants to "beat the best"Has already set sights on the 2026 World CupCopa America qualification a priorityWHAT HAPPENED?

The 50-year-old manager wants to play against the best national teams as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup that will be played on home soil. During the October international break, the USMNT played against European and African powerhouses Germany and Ghana to gauge their standing in world football. Although they were given a harsh reality check by Germany in the form of a 3-1 drubbing, they beat Ghana comprehensively by a 4-0 margin which boosted their morale.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT BERHALTER SAID

Speaking to Berhalter said: "Our priority is to play the best possible opponents we can. Last window playing Germany and Ghana was a good experience for our group. We really feel to be successful at the World Cup, we’ll need to learn how to beat the best teams. I’m not sure qualifying prepares you for that. CONCACAF qualifying is extremely difficult and extremely difficult mentally but when we talk about the opportunity to play teams like Brazil, Germany, or Spain, that’s a real learning experience for our group.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The USMNT are just a step away from qualifying for the 2024 edition of the Copa America. They hold a 3-0 advantage ahead of the second leg against Trinidad & Tobago and another triumph in Port of Spain will ensure that Berhalter will have the opportunity to lead his men against the best South American teams in 2024.

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WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

The USMNT is going through an injury crisis as they will miss the services of prominent players like Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah. In the absence of the experienced heads, the onus will be on the likes of Yunus Musah and Gio Reyna to fire them over the line against the Caribbean side.

Everton's James Tarkowski and wife Samantha made little attempt to hide the truth when asked about their favourite pastime in a new reality series.

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• Tarkowski and wife Samantha interview
• Reveal favourite activity to do together
• New show focuses on lives of players' partners

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The couple were quizzed during Amazon's series which focuses on the lives of several players and their partners. Asked what was their favourite thing to do together, Samantha burst into laughter asking what time the show will be aired. The former England defender took a more direct approach with a simple one-word answer — "shagging".

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• THE GOSSIP

  The centre-back copped some online ribbing earlier in the week when a social media trailer for the series showed Tarkowski flirting with his wife, leading some fans to jokingly call for Everton to be hit with a further points deduction as punishment.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES TARKOWSKI?

  Tarkowski and his Everton team-mates head to the south coast on Saturday looking to repeat their feats of last season when they stunned Brighton and Hove Albion with a 5-1 win which proved crucial to their Premier League survival.