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Barcelona director eyes summer move for 31-year-old Manchester City veteran – report
Despite being in the decisive stretch of the 2025/26 season and amid the upcoming presidential elections at Barcelona, the club’s sporting department, led by director Deco, continues to work on planning the squad for next season.
As has been well-established by now, a new left-footed centre-back is one of the priority signings for Barça, with names like Alessandro Bastoni and Micky van de Ven being touted as possible targets for the La Liga champions.
Deco eyes Nathan Ake of Manchester City
However, according to SPORT, one of the defenders most appreciated by Deco is Nathan Ake, currently under contract with Manchester City until 2027.
The 31-year-old Dutch international is viewed internally as a player who could fit both sporting and financial requirements for the Blaugrana.
Ake offers versatility, being able to play as a left-sided centre-back or left-back, which suits the needs of coach Hansi Flick.
Nathan Ake remains on Deco’s radar. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Moreover, within club offices, there is a belief that Manchester City might be open to negotiating his departure, considering the depth in the centre-back department.
After all, Ake has not been a regular starter under Pep Guardiola this season, playing 1,129 minutes across 24 matches, with only 12 starts, many of them in the cup competitions.
As such, Barcelona see Ake as a possible market opportunity in the club’s complicated financial context. Although the club recently received positive news regarding its salary limit, significant financial caution is still required.
The priority investment is expected to go toward signing a centre-forward, meaning that a relatively affordable defensive option could be attractive.
Barcelona already considered signing Ake during the winter transfer window after the long-term injury to Andreas Christensen. Ultimately, the club opted to bring in Joao Cancelo on loan instead. Even so, he remains on Deco’s shortlist.
What channel is Japan vs. Chinese Taipei on? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch 2026 WBC baseball game
What channel is Japan vs. Chinese Taipei on? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch 2026 WBC baseball game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Japan's push for a second-straight World Baseball Classic title begins with a bout against Chinese Taipei on Friday morning.
Japan vanquished all comers en route to a famous WBC win in 2023. Shohei Ohtani showed out en route to the championship, claiming tournament MVP honors after posting a 1.345 OPS across 33 plate appearances and recording a 1.86 ERA in two starts. He famously whiffed Mike Trout to deliver another crown to Japan's collection, its third in its history.
Three years on, Japan looks as strong as ever. Ohtani headlines the Hirokazu Ibata-helmed side. He's not the only standout set to take the pitch in Japanese pinstripes. Japan boasts arguably the tournament's best rotation, with World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto slated to serve as the ace after Ohtani opted against pitching. Yusei Kikuchi, Tomoyuki Sugano and Hiroto Takahashi make up the rest of the four-man unit, making for an intimidating sight for opposition hitters.
Japan's lineup is similarly loaded, with Seiya Suzuki, Munetaka Murakami and Masataka Yoshida all expected to get some buzz.
Japan is the only side that has claimed back-to-back WBC titles, doing so in 2006 and 2009. Can Japan repeat the feat 17 years later? Only time will tell.
With that, here's the broadcasting information for Japan's first game of its WBC slate, a matchup with Chinese Taipei.
What channel is Japan vs. Chinese Taipei on?
- TV channel: FS1
- Live stream: Fubo
Japan and Chinese Taipei's matchup will air on FS1 in the U.S. Spanish speakers can follow along with the coverage on Fox Deportes, while cord-cutters can find the action on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Japan vs. Chinese Taipei start time
- Date: Friday, March 6
- Time: 5 a.m. ET
First pitch from Japan and Chinese Taipei's clash will take place at 5 a.m. ET (7 p.m. local time). The game will be contested at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
Japan vs. Chinese Taipei radio coverage
- Radio channel: SiriusXM
Those hoping to listen to Japan and Chinese Taipei's joust can do so on SiriusXM via channel.
New subscribers can listen to SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Japan WBC schedule 2026
Here's a look at Japan's slate during the pool stage.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., March 6 | at Chinese Taipei | 5 a.m. |
| Sat., March 7 | vs. South Korea | 5 a.m. |
| Sun., March 8 | at Australia | 5 a.m. |
| Tues., March 9 | at Czechia | 5 a.m. |
Chinese Taipei WBC schedule 2026
Here's a look at Chinese Taipei's slate during the pool stage.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Thurs., March 5 | vs. Australia | — |
| Fri., March 6 | vs. Japan | 5 a.m. |
| Sat., March 7 | at Czechia | 10 p.m. |
| Sun., March 8 | at South Korea | 10 p.m. |
Report: Liverpool set to battle Man United in the race to sign Serie A midfielder
Liverpool and Man Utd Track Juventus Midfield Star Ahead of Summer Window
Interest in Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram is gathering pace ahead of the summer transfer window, with Liverpool and Manchester United among the Premier League clubs monitoring his progress. According to Caught Offside, the France international has emerged as one of the most intriguing midfield options available, even though Juventus maintain that he remains central to their long term plans.
Transfer speculation often develops gradually before accelerating suddenly. Thuram’s situation feels like one of those stories quietly building momentum behind the scenes.
Juventus Growth Elevates Midfield Reputation
Thuram’s development since arriving in Turin has been steady and impressive. Once viewed primarily as an energetic presence, he has matured into a well rounded midfielder capable of influencing games in several ways.
Standing 6ft 4in and blessed with natural athleticism, he combines physical authority with a willingness to carry the ball through midfield. Juventus have increasingly relied on him to provide balance between defensive responsibility and attacking transitions.
Photo IMAGO
His versatility also appeals to prospective buyers. Thuram can operate as a traditional box to box midfielder, sit deeper to protect the back line, or surge forward to support attacks when opportunities arise.
The numbers underline his importance. The 24 year old has made 35 appearances across all competitions this season, a reflection of his growing role within Juventus’ structure.
Premier League Recruitment Focus Intensifies
Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that both Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in signing the French midfielder to strengthen their squad and add depth in their midfield.
For Liverpool, the appeal is obvious. Adding physical presence and ball winning ability in midfield remains a priority as the club refine the balance of their squad. Reports suggest a package worth around €45 million plus bonuses could be explored.
Manchester United’s thinking is slightly different but equally clear. The club are beginning to plan for life beyond Casemiro and Thuram fits the profile of a younger, high energy midfielder capable of anchoring the next phase of their rebuild.
Photo IMAGO
Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, though their interest appears more cautious at this stage.
Juventus Hold Strong Negotiating Position
Juventus are not under immediate pressure to sell. Thuram is under contract until 2029, giving the Italian club considerable leverage if negotiations develop.
The expected valuation between €65 million and €75 million reflects his growing importance. While Juventus insist he remains integral to their project, the financial realities of elite football mean that few players are entirely beyond reach.
If the coming months bring formal offers, this could become one of the more intriguing midfield transfer stories of the summer.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
For Liverpool supporters, the idea of signing Thuram makes considerable sense. Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has already begun in recent seasons, yet supporters still debate whether the squad possesses enough physical authority and ball recovery in central areas. Thuram’s athletic profile would address exactly that concern.
Fans often appreciate midfielders who can dominate duels and carry the ball through pressure. Thuram appears capable of doing both. The question for Liverpool supporters is whether the club are prepared to meet Juventus’ valuation if it climbs towards €70 million.
Manchester United supporters will view the situation through a different lens. For many at Old Trafford, the coming years feel like a transition period in midfield. Casemiro remains influential, but will be leaving at the end of the season. Thuram fits the age profile and playing style United supporters often call for, energetic, durable and capable of covering large areas of the pitch.
There is also the Premier League factor. Players with Thuram’s blend of power and technical control often adapt well to the pace of English football.
Supporters of both clubs would likely agree on one thing. If this move becomes realistic, it will not stay quiet for long. Midfielders with this profile rarely remain available without attracting serious attention.