Ceballos chase heats up, Betis out
Ajax's path to signing Dani Ceballos just got clearer. Real Betis have no interest in the Real Madrid midfielder (4), leaving your club as the frontrunner. New boss Michel reportedly wants him as a priority signing (3), and Hans Kraay junior has already weighed in with a backup plan: out-of-contract Daley Blind could fill the No. 6 role if Ceballos proves too expensive (6). Blind's Girona deal expires at the end of this month.
Gloukh wins it for Israel with fiery winner
Oscar Gloukh scored the winner as Israel beat Albania 0–1 (5). The Ajax midfielder's goal sparked fury among Albanian players, but he walked off the hero. A confidence-boosting international break for a player who'll want to carry that form back to Amsterdam.
Maduro gives Michel hire his blessing
Former Ajax man Hedwiges Maduro has backed the appointment of Michel as head coach. Speaking to FCUpdate, Maduro said there were few suitable Dutch candidates available, so the Spaniard makes sense (2). Meanwhile, Hans Kraay has urged Michel to sharpen his English before facing the Dutch press pack (3).
