Latest news with #Congolese-born
Scotsman
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers told asking price for talented 22 y/o as 145-goal EPL striker 'weighs up' Ibrox switch
Rangers have been linked to a double transfer deal. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers have been told they must cough up a significant fee if they want to land midfield target Metinho this summer after Troyes informed the club of their asking price. The talented 22-year-old is thought to be high on the list of targets for the club's new American owners, with Rangers said to have made an enquiry to the Ligue 2 club made last month following his impressive season on loan to Swiss Super League giants FC Basel. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Moving to Stade de l'Aube on a £4million deal from Fluminense back in 2021, the Congolese-born player made a big impression in Switzerland's top flight, with his strong performances helping FC Basel to win their first league title since 2017. The Swiss champions are keen to keep him at St. Jakob-Park permanently too, and are keeping an eye on developments. Jamie Vardy is a free agent and has been linked with a move to Rangers. | Getty Images His form in Switzerland has now led him to become a 'major' target for Rangers this summer, with the player having just one year left to run on his current deal. However, despite this, the French outfit have slapped a huge £5million asking fee on the young midfielder's head. Troyes, who are part of the City Football Group, are reported to be willing to sanction a deal for the player, but only if their asking price if met. Elsewhere, legendary Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is be 'weighing up' a move to Ibrox after Rangers emerged as potential suitors for the veteran forward, who has scored 145 goals during his time in the English Premier League. The 38-year-old striker is a free agent after leaving the Foxes at the end of his contract, and has plenty of interest in his services, despite his advancing years with clubs in the MLS and the Saudi Pro League hopeful of landing the iconic Englishman. However, a report from the Daily Mirror claim that Vardy is tempted by a move to Ibrox this summer due to the club's potential participation in next season's UEFA Champions League. The experienced former England international last played in the competition for Leicester during the 2016/17 season, and sees Rangers as a potential route back to the competition should the club navigate their qualifying campaign. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
The South African
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
How could uncapped players fit into Springbok squad?
The first Springbok training squad of the season, which was confirmed on Thursday by SA Rugby, includes 31 Rugby World Cup players and nine uncapped players in a group of 54. Those nine players in the group are Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus, Ethan Hooker and Ntokozo Makhaza. Although this squad will be trimmed closer to the start of the Test season, it is worth considering how these uncapped players could fit into the Springbok team, and what has brought them into the national picture. Ethan Hooker: The versatile Sharks back, who can play at wing or centre, has been loudly knocking on the Springbok door this season. He is surely set for a Test debut sooner rather than later, likely to be on the right wing as someone who can afford Cheslin Kolbe some rest when needed. Juarno Augustus: A standout player for the Northampton Saints this past season, Augustus now has experience on his side, and could provide a very good option at No 8 considering the injuries to other players in this position. Vincent Tshituka: The Congolese-born Tshituka will add some much-needed depth at blindside flank, and it would not be a surprise at all to see him make his debut against Italy or Georgia in July. Ntokozo Makhaza: The Varsity Cup superstar was a bit of a bolter in the squad selection, and it will be interesting to see whether the talented wing has shown enough to tempt the Springbok coaches into offering him an international cap this July. Renzo du Plessis: Another rising star in South African rugby, the dynamic loose forward is in the mould of Kwagga Smith. A debut against Georgia would certainly seem feasible. Neethling Fouche: The Stormers powerhouse prop will add important back up at tighthead, and considering Frans Malherbe is still sidelined with injury, Fouche is due for his first Test cap. Asenathi Ntlabakanye: A 145kg giant, his physical dimensions set him apart from the pack, and perhaps the one-off games against the Barbarians and Georgia will present an opportunity for the big tighthead prop to get a Springbok game under the belt. Marnus van der Merwe: Another position where the Springboks need to build depth is at hooker, and Van der Merwe is deserving of consideration after impressing for Welsh club Scarlets. When Malcolm Marx or Bongi Mbonambi are in need of a rest, the baton should be passed to Van der Merwe Cobus Wiese: With the ability to play at lock and loose forward, the 27-year-old boasts all the physical attributes to make an impact for the Springboks in some of the Tests this season when experimental selection is likely to come into consideration. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October. Ticket sales Tickets are on sale via and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s. (*booking fees apply)
Scotsman
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers told asking price for talented 22 y/o as 145-goal EPL striker 'weighs up' Ibrox switch
Rangers have been linked to a double transfer deal. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers have been told they must cough up a significant fee if they want to land midfield target Metinho this summer after Troyes informed the club of their asking price. The talented 22-year-old is thought to be high on the list of targets for the club's new American owners, with Rangers said to have made an enquiry to the Ligue 2 club made last month following his impressive season on loan to Swiss Super League giants FC Basel. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Moving to Stade de l'Aube on a £4million deal from Fluminense back in 2021, the Congolese-born player made a big impression in Switzerland's top flight, with his strong performances helping FC Basel to win their first league title since 2017. The Swiss champions are keen to keep him at St. Jakob-Park permanently too, and are keeping an eye on developments. Jamie Vardy is a free agent and has been linked with a move to Rangers. | Getty Images His form in Switzerland has now led him to become a 'major' target for Rangers this summer, with the player having just one year left to run on his current deal. However, despite this, the French outfit have slapped a huge £5million asking fee on the young midfielder's head. Troyes, who are part of the City Football Group, are reported to be willing to sanction a deal for the player, but only if their asking price if met. Elsewhere, legendary Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is be 'weighing up' a move to Ibrox after Rangers emerged as potential suitors for the veteran forward, who has scored 145 goals during his time in the English Premier League. The 38-year-old striker is a free agent after leaving the Foxes at the end of his contract, and has plenty of interest in his services, despite his advancing years with clubs in the MLS and the Saudi Pro League hopeful of landing the iconic Englishman. However, a report from the Daily Mirror claim that Vardy is tempted by a move to Ibrox this summer due to the club's potential participation in next season's UEFA Champions League. The experienced former England international last played in the competition for Leicester during the 2016/17 season, and sees Rangers as a potential route back to the competition should the club navigate their qualifying campaign. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Not happening' – Moses Itauma next fight decision made moments after undefeated Brit's latest brutal KO
The 20-year-old now has ten blistering knockouts on his record IT BOY 'Not happening' – Moses Itauma next fight decision made moments after undefeated Brit's latest brutal KO Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MOSES ITAUMA has had a major step up in competition ruled out as his next opponent. The Chatam clubber continued his surge up the heavyweight ranks in Glasgow on Saturday night with a blistering second-round KO of Mike Balogun. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Moses Itauma blew Mike Balogun out of the water in the Glasgow clash Credit: PA 4 Boxing fans are keen on seeing the Chatam clubber take on Martin Bakole next Credit: PA 4 Promoter Frank Warren has ruled out the prospect of Itauma fighting Bakole next Credit: Getty Itauma dropped the American three times as he stretched his perfect record to 12-0, with ten of those wins coming via knockout. Boxing fans are keen for the 20-year-old to take a step up in calibre of opponent, with Congolese-born Scot Martin Bakole being touted as an ideal opponent. But Itauma promoter Frank Warren insists Bakole, who was blown out of the water in his short-notice showdown with Joseph Parker in February, isn't in the running to face the prospect. When asked if the 31-year-old could face Itauma next, Warren told Queensberry Promotion's YouTube channel: 'No! READ MORE ON ITAUMA BAL OVER Itauma floors Balogun THREE times before brutal KO to tee up Usyk undercard bout "Bakole's got to be able to get himself in shape, the state of him, not happening.' Bakole was ringside for Itauma's battering of Balogun and had some choice words for the slick southpaw. He said: "Moses has got a beautiful career before him. I want him to build up his career. "But big Martin Bakole, [right] now, I think it is too early for him. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 4 Martin Bakole has warned Moses Itauma he's too big a step up in opponent at this moment in time Credit: GETTY "I want him to work hard and maybe be a world champion tomorrow. "But I don't want him to pick me now because he'd be making a big mistake. Moses Itauma: Future Heavyweight King is on Track to Break Mike Tyson's Record I Contender Documentary "He's playing with the fire. [But] he's a man. If he thinks he can handle me, I'm open to it." Itauma said of his latest demolition job: "I appreciate Mike Balogun, he is one tough cookie. 'I couldn't believe he got up from the second one. "Thanks to Mike Balogun for taking the fight, because nobody else would. "I don't have to worry about doing rounds, but my team wants to see me in a 10-rounder. "And then I want in with the big dogs."
The Irish Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Not happening' – Moses Itauma next fight decision made moments after undefeated Brit's latest brutal KO
MOSES ITAUMA has had a major step up in competition ruled out as his next opponent. The Chatam clubber continued his surge up the heavyweight ranks in Glasgow on Saturday night with a 4 Moses Itauma blew Mike Balogun out of the water in the Glasgow clash Credit: PA 4 Boxing fans are keen on seeing the Chatam clubber take on Martin Bakole next Credit: PA 4 Promoter Frank Warren has ruled out the prospect of Itauma fighting Bakole next Credit: Getty Itauma dropped the American three times as he stretched his perfect record to 12-0, with ten of those wins coming via knockout. Boxing fans are keen for the 20-year-old to take a step up in calibre of opponent, with Congolese-born Scot Martin Bakole being touted as an ideal opponent. But Itauma promoter When asked if the 31-year-old could face Itauma next, Warren told READ MORE ON ITAUMA "Bakole's got to be able to get himself in shape, the state of him, not happening.' Bakole was ringside for Itauma's battering of Balogun and had some choice words for the slick southpaw. He said: "Moses has got a beautiful career before him. I want him to build up his career. "But big Martin Bakole, [right] now, I think it is too early for him. Most read in Boxing JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 4 Martin Bakole has warned Moses Itauma he's too big a step up in opponent at this moment in time Credit: GETTY "I want him to work hard and maybe be a world champion tomorrow. "But I don't want him to pick me now because he'd be making a big mistake. Moses Itauma: Future Heavyweight King is on Track to Break Mike Tyson's Record I Contender Documentary "He's playing with the fire. [But] he's a man. If he thinks he can handle me, I'm open to it." Itauma said of his latest demolition job: "I appreciate Mike Balogun, he is one tough cookie. 'I couldn't believe he got up from the second one. "Thanks to Mike Balogun for taking the fight, because nobody else would. "I don't have to worry about doing rounds, but my team wants to see me in a 10-rounder. "And then I want in with the big dogs ."
