Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has discussed Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford’s future after his man-of-the-match performance in the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal

Alan Shearer has outlined why he thinks Newcastle United could potentially secure the signing of Manchester City star James Trafford in the coming months. The Magpies were reported to be pursuing Trafford last summer whilst the goalkeeper was at Burnley.

Trafford subsequently departed the Clarets but chose to join City instead, who triggered a buy-back provision in the goalkeeper’s deal to secure his services at the Etihad Stadium for £27million.

The City shot-stopper was the standout performer at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Trafford played a crucial role in City’s Carabao Cup final triumph over Arsenal.

Trafford produced a string of vital stops to preserve a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory against the Gunners, though questions persist regarding the goalkeeper’s long-term future.

READ MORE: ‘Finish the job’ – Antoine Semenyo sets Man City target after Carabao Cup win over ArsenalREAD MORE: Man City have asked Arsenal a huge title question with cup win – ‘They didn’t know what to do to’

City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, which has resulted in Trafford occupying the backup goalkeeper position this campaign, and Shearer has explained why a move to Newcastle might once again be feasible when the summer transfer window opens, reports Chronicle Live.

“He’s coming to Newcastle, lads,” Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast.

When asked if Trafford could leave City this summer, Shearer added: “It wouldn’t surprise me. It was almost done and dusted last summer and then, for whatever reason, City came back in with a buy-back clause.

“I guess he thought that he was going there as a No.1 [goalkeeper], and clearly other things took over with Donnarumma [moving to City].

“I would like to think that Newcastle would be back in for him. He will definitely have options, but if he was that close to Newcastle last summer, I would see no reason for him to not be that close again.”

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Trafford spoke honestly about his return to the City line-up after playing a pivotal role in their Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal, as well as the challenges he has faced due to his lack of regular appearances this season.

“Yeah, it means a lot to have his [Pep Guardiola’s] faith, and it’s a testament to how I believed in myself, and how I acted in training, when I’ve been brought in for club games,” Trafford told Sky Sports. “Every time that I play I just give it my best shot.

“No illusions, it hasn’t been easy at all. It’s been really tough at times, but I have a really good set of people around me.

“My teammates and my coaches have been brilliant. They have kept me going and given me individual goals. It’s down to them.”

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Former Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins remains a free agent and evidently wants back in the NFL after a year off. If so, the Minnesota Vikings should sign him. It’s as simple as that.

There are just too many angles for Wilkins to Minnesota to be merely a pipe dream.

Wilkins reportedly has a growing free-agent market, and there’s no reason the Vikings shouldn’t be at the front of the line.

Wilkins Could Solve the Vikings DT Hole

Get Wilkins to Minny.

26 Teams Allegedly Kicking the Tires on Wilkins

All signs point to a Wilkins return — sometime soon.

SBNation‘s Justis Mosqueda wrote Friday, “According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, 26 teams have reached out to former Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins’ camp in anticipation of his return to the NFL in 2026. Per agent David Mulugheta, by way of Schefter, Wilkins is still rehabbing a foot injury that he suffered in 2024.”

“Last July, the Raiders voided $32.5 million in guarantees on Wilkins’ deal, as he did not follow their medical advice following a Jones fracture injury. According to reports, the Raiders believed that Wilkins needed surgery, which he refused. As far as we know, Wilkins is still attempting to rehab this foot injury without surgery, and his camp has been unable to claw back the $32.5 million that he lost over this decision.”

In fact, it would be strange if 26 teams called Wilkins, and the Vikings were not among them.

The Brian Flores Connection

Flores’ tenure as Miami Dolphins head coach began in 2019, and that spring, the team drafted Wilkins as the very first draft pick of the Flores era. Flores didn’t simply inherit Wilkins; he helped mold him into a key player on Miami’s defensive line. This history is significant because, should the Vikings pursue Wilkins, Flores already possesses intimate knowledge of his capabilities, his fit within a defensive scheme, and how best to utilize him.

Furthermore, Wilkins and Andrew Van Ginkel — one of Flores’ trusted players, now in Minnesota — were Dolphins teammates. The existing relationship streamlines the assessment of Wilkins’ potential integration into the locker room.

For Vikings interim boss Rob Brzezinski, evaluating Wilkins to bolster the run defense is therefore straightforward. Flores offers firsthand insight; he knows the guy — better than most.

The Resume and the Price

The on-the-field connection between Wilkins and the Vikings is logical. Wilkins is consistently one of the league’s best run defenders, a strength the Vikings can put to use on Day One.

Moreover, Wilkins is currently available, and his next contract is projected to be significantly less than his previous one. His Pro Football Focus run defense grades since entering the league demonstrate his consistently high-level play:

2025: DNP
2024: 80.2
2023: 69.5
2022: 78.9
2021: 80.8
2020: 73.9
2019: 66.6

Wilkins is 30 and remains an interior lineman capable of immediate impact.

What happened to Wilkins in Las Vegas? Well, an unexpected offseason development complicated everything. Following a dispute over the treatment of a foot injury, the Raiders released Wilkins, voiding his guarantees. This disagreement, compounded by a bizarre locker-room incident involving a teammate, quickly escalated, creating an irreparable rift.

Wilkins then entered the free-agent market with diminished leverage compared to 2024, when Las Vegas offered him $110 million over four years. His next contract will likely focus on re-establishing himself in the league. Perhaps in the ballpark for $5 million.

For a squad like Minnesota, signing Wilkins is an obvious move: a proven player at a reduced cost who can immediately fill a critical role. That works for the Vikings, a team with a skimpy budget at the moment.

Out with Allen + Hargrave

Why would Minnesota need Wilkins in the first place? Pretty simple — the club cut ties with two starting defensive tackles a couple of weeks ago, saying goodbye to Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who spent the 2025 campaign in the Twin Cities, with disappointing outcomes.

The Vikings still have Jalen Redmond in the house for DT duties, but after him on the depth chart, the outlook gets thinner. So, fans expect interim general manager Rob Brzezinski to pick an interior defensive lineman early in next month’s draft — and/or sign Wilkins.

If 26 teams are chatting with Wilkins about a prove-it contract, the Vikings, because of the Flores connection, have no reason not to be at the top of the list. Think of it this way: the team that just cut its two starting defensive tackles and the franchise that employs Flores, who brought Wilkins into the NFL, should be the number-one-with-a-bullet suitor for Wilkins’s services.

It just makes too much sense.

Wilkins is also a two-time National Champion from the Clemson days. He’ll turn 31 in December.

England winger Jadon Sancho might return to Borussia Dortmund, Zinedine Zidane agrees to take over as France manager and Roberto de Zerbi lines up the Tottenham job.

Manchester United and England winger Jadon Sancho, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has held talks with Borussia Dortmund about a return to the Bundesliga club on a free transfer with the 25-year-old willing to take a pay cut. (Sky Sports Deutschland – in German), external

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has agreed to take over as manager of France after the World Cup. The 53-year-old, who scored twice as France won the 1998 World Cup final, will replace Didier Deschamps, 57. (ESPN), external

Former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto de Zerbi is open to becoming the new permanent Tottenham head coach should the club stay in the Premier League. (Telegraph – subscription required), external

Manchester United have yet to make contact with any candidates to become their new permanent manager in the summer and the club’s hierarchy will not rush into a decision. (Sky Sports), external

Newcastle‘s executive team still have faith in under-pressure manager Eddie Howe, while a high turnover of players is expected at St James’ Park this summer. (Mail + – subscription required), external

Chelsea‘s English right-back Josh Acheampong, 19, is seen as a good fit by Crystal Palace amid suggestions he might leave Stamford Bridge this summer. (Football Insider), external

Leeds and Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka, 27, is wanted by German clubs Schalke and Hannover. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester United are keen on signing left-back Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich this summer, with the Bundesliga club open to offers for the 25-year-old Canada international. (CFBayerninsider), external

Manchester United also want Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, with reports in his homeland Brazil suggesting the 28-year-old might be sold for £60m. (Sports Illustrated), external

French forward Antoine Griezmann, 35, is set to end his 10-season association with Atletico Madrid in the summer to join the MLS side Orlando City. (Times – subscription required), external

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Two All-Star Mile triumphs have established Tom Kitten firmly as a leading 1600m contender in Australia, providing him with this weekend’s prospect to demonstrate his 2000m credentials anew.

This five-year-old gelding pursues an initial 2000m win since his October 2023 Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes success, entering the $2 million Australian Cup at Flemington.

A product of Harry Angel, the one-time European sprinter, Tom Kitten ran placed in last year’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Champions Stakes – taken by Via Sistina – over his prior two 2000m starts, and co-trainer Sam Freedman feels the distance increase beyond his All-Star Mile victory fits perfectly.

“He’s in good form and at 2000 metres he might be slightly more effective than the mile,” Freedman, who trains in partnership with his father Anthony, said.

“He bounced out of the (last) run really well, so he’s going to be ready to go next week.

“Three weeks between runs suits and his fitness is good.”

The Australian Cup represents a shot at a third successive victory this season for Tom Kitten, after the Group 3 Heffernan Stakes (1400m) and his repeat All-Star Mile win at Flemington on March 7.

His record stands at eight wins from 31 races with eight additional placings, accumulating more than $7.5 million for Godolphin as a homebred.

Tom Kitten is nominated alongside 15 others for the Australian Cup, with Pride Of Jenni, Birdman and reigning victor Light Infantry Man among the key opponents.

Discover premier betting sites for competitive Australian Cup odds.

Samir Zeljkovic, Bede Osuji and Dani Ramirez struck once each in the first half as Punjab FC defeated Kerala Blasters FC 3-1 for a third consecutive triumph in their Indian Super League here on Saturday.

Punjab FC climbed to fifth place in the table with eight points from five matches, while Kerala Blasters remained 13th with just one point from six outings.

Zeljkovic was adjudged Player of the Match for his performance.

Kerala Blasters head coach David Catala named an unchanged starting XI for the first time this season, while his opposite number Panagiotis Dilmperis made three changes, two of them enforced.

Pramveer Singh came into defence in place of Pablo Renan Santos, Osuji started up front for the suspended Nsungusi Effiong, and Muhammad Suhail returned in place of Leon Augustine.

Punjab FC started with high intensity and kept their opposition under sustained pressure, which paid off with an early breakthrough.

Khaiminthang Lhungdim spotted Zeljkovic and lofted a pass into space, allowing the Bosnian midfielder to chest the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper before calmly slotting it into an empty net for his first goal of the season.

The home side were repeatedly guilty of conceding possession in midfield, and Punjab capitalised again in the 18th minute.

Hormipam Ruivah’s pass was intercepted by Zeljkovic and the midfielder played a simple through ball to Osuji. The Nigerian striker controlled it well before firing a left-footed shot past the outstretched arms of Arsh Shaikh to double the lead.

The Shers once again capitalised on sloppy play in the Blasters’ midfield.

Zeljkovic intercepted the pass and quickly played it forward to Manglenthang Kipgen. The youngster then unleashed a curling left-footed effort from outside the box that beat the backtracking goalkeeper but rattled the crossbar and bounced back into play.

Dani Ramirez reacted quickest inside the box, pouncing on the rebound and heading the ball into an empty net before the defenders could recover, as Punjab carried a commanding three-goal lead into the second half.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Kerala Blasters continuing to concede possession in dangerous areas, though this time Zeljkovic’s effort was kept out by the goalkeeper.

Kerala Blasters finally pulled one back just after the hour mark through Fallou Ndiaye.

Naocha Singh tested Arshdeep Singh with a long-range effort following a cleared corner, and after the goalkeeper made the save, Jai Quitongo recycled the ball into the box.

Ndiaye reacted sharply, attacking the delivery and powering a header past the goalkeeper.

The goal injected fresh momentum into the home side, evident in their increased attacking intent, while Punjab were content to sit deep and play on the counter.

However, clear-cut chances remained scarce for the Blasters, as the Shers held firm to shut down their late surge.

Kerala’s Marlon Roos-Trujillo was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time, reducing them to ten men.

Offensive tackle Oli Udoh has been removed from the Minnesota Vikings’ roster orbit for three years, bouncing around the NFL since, and now landing with the Arizona Cardinals.

Udoh is headed to Arizona after spending most of his career in Minnesota.

Udoh experienced a quiet free agency out of the gate, but he’s in the house with Mike LaFleur’s team, probably on tap for OT3 or OT4 in 2026.

Arizona Adds Familiar Vikings Depth Up Front

Udoh originally played for the Vikings for five years, believe it or not.

Udoh to ARI

It’s official. Udoh is a member of Kyler Murray’s old team. Cardinals reporter Darren Urban wrote Friday, “The Cardinals still may use the No. 3 pick overall on an offensive lineman, but they continue to add depth to the roster for the unit and give themselves leeway for their first pick in April’s draft. On Friday, that came in the form of a one-year contract with veteran Olisaemeka’ Oli’ Udoh.”

“Udoh, 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, has played 74 games in his NFL career since becoming a sixth-round pick of the Vikings in 2019. The Cardinals are expected to draft a tackle at some point, and there remains the possibility that it would come at No. 3; Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is mocked most often as the probable pick if that were to happen.”

Vikings fans, for the most part, remember Udoh in a positive light — and as an effective depth lineman.

The Cardinals’ OTs before the Draft

With Udoh in the house, the Cardinals’ OT group now looks like this:

• Paris Johnson Jr.
• Elijah Wilkinson
• Josh Fryer
• Oli Udoh
• Demontrey Jacobs
• Christian Jones

Wilkinson, the man on tap for starting RT duty, is a serviceable-to-decent OT. He can hold the job if needed in September. However, he’s not a dazzling solution, so the Cardinals are widely expected to draft a tackle with the third overall pick — probably the aforementioned Francis Mauigoa from Miami. The pick would put Odoh in line as OT4 or so.

Udoh’s Resume

Udoh served as a backup tackle throughout his rookie contract with the Vikings, playing in 43 games and starting 18 when injuries arose. Minnesota also tried Udoh at guard in 2021 and 2022, but penalties hampered his progress, preventing him from securing a consistent role.

Udoh started at guard full-time in 2021, holding the position for the entire season. His most productive period came in 2022 when he returned to a backup role and earned a 74.7 Pro Football Focus grade in 189 snaps.

His career stops through six seasons:

• Minnesota Vikings (2019–2023)
• New Orleans Saints (2024)
• Tennessee Titans (2025)
• Arizona Cardinals (2026-now)

Udoh played 341 snaps for the 2025 Titans, or about one-third of the time.

Our Janik Eckardt on Udoh: “It’s unlikely that Udoh is more than depth, but he has made a career out of providing an alternative as an injury replacement at offensive tackle. At 6’6″ and 323 lbs, Udoh had the size and the movement skills to be an intriguing tackle prospect, which is why Rick Spielman took a shot when he drafted the Elon project.”

“In his rookie year, Udoh made the 53-man roster and avoided any practice squad stints. His only rookie appearance came against all-world defender Khalil Mack and he looked surprisingly good against him. After another season of depth duties, Udoh’s breakthrough came in 2021 when Mike Zimmer’s squad deployed him as a starting guard, with inconsistent results, especially in the penalty category.”

All the Cardinals FA Moves

Arizona has been one of the busier teams in the NFL this offseason, adding these newcomers and re-signing these men:

• Tyler Allgeier (RB) ATL → ARI
• Andrew Billings (DL) CHI → ARI
• Kendrick Bourne (WR) NYJ → ARI
• L.J. Collier (DL) ARI → ARI
• Devin Duvernay (WR) CHI → ARI
• Simi Fehoko (WR) LAC → ARI
• Jack Gibbens (LB) NE → ARI
• Zonovan Knight (RB) ARI → ARI
• Casey Kreiter (LS) NYG → ARI
• Roy Lopez (DL) DET → ARI
• Gardner Minshew (QB) KC → ARI
• Matt Pryor (G/T) PHI → ARI
• Teagan Quitoriano (TE) ATL → ARI
• Isaac Seumalo (G) PIT → ARI
• Starling Thomas V (CB) ARI → ARI
• Oli Udoh (LT) TEN → ARI
• Andrew Wingard (S) JAX → ARI
• Elijah Wilkinson (G) ATL → ARI
• Jonah Williams (ED) NO → ARI

And the players who ventured elsewhere:

• Evan Brown (G/C) ARI → HOU
• Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB) ARI → IND
• Emari Demercado (RB) ARI → KC
• Greg Dortch (WR) ARI → DET
• Kyler Murray (QB) ARI → MIN
• Jalen Thompson (S) ARI → DAL
• Channing Tindall (LB) ARI → ATL
• Dalvin Tomlinson (DL) ARI → LAC

Udoh turned 29 last month on Valentine’s Day. The Cardinals are expected to win four or five games next season.

England’s head coach Brendon McCullum with captain Ben Stokes. (File photo/PTI)

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday decided not to make any changes to its leadership group after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, following a review of the tour.Firing people would “be the easy thing to do,” Gould said but he insisted, “This is not the time to throw everything out.”Managing director Rob Key, head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes will continue in their roles. England, described as their strongest side to tour Australia in 14 years, lost the Ashes within 11 days, with two Tests still to be played.

“Moving people on can sometimes be the easy thing to do. That’s not the route that we’re going to take,” Gould said, as cited by news agency Associated Press. “I’ve seen the driving ambition and determination that we’re lucky enough to have within our leadership group to take the lessons from the Ashes and move forward.”Gould, who previously served as chief executive of Bristol City football club, said cricket operates differently from football and does not follow a hire-and-fire approach.“Cricket is a very unique sport in that it takes a team of leadership … it’s not like football where there’s a single point of failure or success with a manager,” he said. He added the ECB would not “select or deselect management based on a popularity campaign.”The review identified issues around preparation, player behaviour and selection decisions during the tour.At a press conference at Lord’s, Gould and Key said there had been no “bust up” between McCullum and Stokes. They added that McCullum is not expected to “completely change” but “to evolve,” while acknowledging that some player behaviour was “unprofessional.” They also pointed to stricter consequences for underperformance and a focus on “better long-term planning” ahead of major Test series.Some adjustments were already made during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where England reached the semifinals. Gould suggested that performance played a role in McCullum retaining his position.Key accepted that supporters may have expected stronger action.“I know people want punishment and that people then should be sacked for that,” Key said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t feel like we’ve gone through some serious pain: Brendon, myself, Ben. It’s been as tough a time as I think I’ve had.”