
Shane MacDermott
Sports Writer
209 Articles
Favourite football team
Brentford
Favourite football ground
Griffin Park
Favourite sporting memory
2005 Ashes
Favourite sports movie
The Last Dance
Controversial opinion
Anything milder than a Medium at Nando's is pointless
Funniest sporting moment
Mark Williams doing his press conference naked after winning the 2018 World Championship
Shane is an experienced sports journalist with over a decade on the front line, covering everything from football to horse racing. A familiar face in the snooker pressroom, his work regularly appears in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star, alongside SportsBoom.
While snooker is where many readers know him best, cricket is his true sporting passion, though he tends to keep that side of him separate from his professional beat.
A staunch traditionalist, he’s unlikely to share your enthusiasm if you believe The Hundred is the future of Test cricket.
latestArticlesBy Shane MacDermott

Football
Exclusive: Manchester United “All In” on Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba in Summer Rebuild
Manchester United are set to make a move for midfielders Wharton and Baleba this summer, aiming to strengthen their squad with younger Premier League talent. The club has freed up wages by parting ways with Casemiro and is keen to invest in promising players to rebuild the team and return to success.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-23

Football
Exclusive: West Ham Loan Star Igor Julio Offered to Ligue 1 Promoted Side Paris FC
Brighton and Hove Albion have offered Paris FC Igor Julio, as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season. The French club is targeting out-of-favor Premier League players, with talks ongoing for the Brazilian defender, who is currently on loan at West Ham United. Other targets for Paris FC include Issa Diop from Fulham and Wilson Isidor from Sunderland. Former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko opted to move to Schalke instead of joining the French club.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-23

Football
Exclusive: Harvey Elliott Determined to Stay in Premier League After Villa Loan Nightmare
Harvey Elliott is determined to stay in the Premier League despite rumors of a move to Charlotte FC. The 22-year-old's career has been in limbo since being sidelined at Aston Villa. Unable to play for three European sides in one season, he may have to wait until the end of the season for a fresh start. Villa is considering ending his loan to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Elliott's career has stalled since moving to Villa, where he has not played since October.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-23

Football
Exclusive: Newcastle United Enter Race for Crystal Palace Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta
Newcastle United are eyeing Crystal Palace star Jean-Philipe Mateta, who wants to leave the club for a bigger challenge. Talks for a contract extension have broken down, and Mateta is eager to impress for a spot in France's World Cup squad. Magpies face competition from Juventus and Aston Villa as Palace undergo major changes with stars leaving.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-23

Football
Exclusive: Gattuso to Resign and Return to Club Football if Italy Miss World Cup
AC Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso will return to club management if Italy fail to qualify for the World Cup. He signed a two-year contract and has a €1million bonus if he leads the team to North America. Gattuso aims to replicate his 2006 World Cup success as a player with Italy as a manager.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-15

Football
Exclusive: Enzo Maresca Already Has a Transfer Wishlist if He Lands the Real Madrid Job
Enzo Maresca may push Real Madrid to break tradition by signing former Barcelona player Marc Cucurella if he takes over at the Bernabau. Despite Cucurella's loyalty to Chelsea, Maresca sees him as vital to his tactics. The move could upset Chelsea's hierarchy and interest other top clubs. Cucurella's experience and international status make him a valuable target for Maresca and Real Madrid, though negotiating a deal may be tricky due to his ties to Barcelona and Catalonia.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-15

Football
Exclusive: Napoli Ready Pre-Contract Approach for Bournemouth Centre-Back Marcos Senesi
Napoli set to enter talks with Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, who rejected contract offers. The defender looks set to leave for free in the summer. Clubs eyeing him include Napoli and Juventus. Senesi has impressed since his Premier League move in 2022.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-14

Football
Exclusive: Tammy Abraham in Demand as Everton and Aston Villa Go Head-to-Head
Everton and Aston Villa are competing to sign former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham. Villa is eager to bring him back to strengthen their squad, while Everton is also interested. Villa looks to provide competition for Ollie Watkins, while Abraham has a proven track record of scoring goals. Despite interest from Everton, Villa hopes their history with Abraham will sway his decision in their favor.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-14

Football
Exclusive: Lucas Paquetá Tells West Ham He Wants Brazil Return Despite Premier League Interest
Lucas Paqueta is set to leave West Ham mid-season to return to Brazil, despite interest from other Premier League clubs. The Hammers are reluctant to sell him to another PL club this window, raising concerns about player power. Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur were interested, but Paqueta's heart is set on returning home.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-13

Football
Exclusive: Leeds Face Wilfried Gnonto Battle as Inter, Milan and Juve Monitor Situation
City rivals Inter and Milan are eyeing Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto, also wanted by Juventus. Serie A giants believe the 22-year-old is open to returning to Italy. Gnonto's limited playing time at Leeds has caught the attention of Inter and Milan coaches, sparking speculation about his future.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-13

Football
Exclusive: Ipswich Target Man Utd Starlet Shea Lacey in Bold Loan Approach
Ipswich Town may try to convince Manchester United to loan out Shea Lacey following his red card in the FA Cup. Despite United's reluctance, Town manager Kieran McKenna is considering a bid. Lacey, 18, prefers to stay at United but may consider a move to work with McKenna. Ipswich, aiming for promotion, are seeking reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-12

Football
Exclusive: Newcastle Target Sassuolo Star Tarik Muharemović as Long-Term Centre-Back
Newcastle United are targeting Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic as a long-term center-back option. Eddie Howe is keen on the 22-year-old Bosnian international to strengthen his backline. However, other clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and RB Leipzig are also interested in the talented youngster. Sassuolo is reluctant to sell, but a bidding war might ensue. Juventus holds a 50% sell-on fee for Muharemovic.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-12

Football
Exclusive: Juventus Set to Hijack Roma’s Move for Atlético Madrid's Giacomo Raspadori
Juventus are set to hijack Roma's move for Giacomo Raspadori as Roma's target Joshua Zirkzee remains out of reach. Raspadori, seeking a return to Italy after a tough spell in Spain, is a top priority for both clubs. Despite his struggles this season, Juventus see him as a valuable addition to their attacking lineup.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-12

Football
Exclusive: Manchester United Striker Joshua Zirkzee Stuck in Limbo After Collapsed Roma Switch
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee left disgruntled as move to Roma collapses after Ruben Amorim sacking. United refuse negotiations due to coaching change, leaving Zirkzee in limbo. Interim boss in charge as Zirkzee struggles for game time. Former Bayern Munich striker seeks move elsewhere.
Shane MacDermott
2026-01-12

Football
Exclusive: Marseille Close in on Ayoub El Kaabi After Agreeing Pre-Contract Terms with Olympiacos Star
Marseille close to signing Ayoub El Kaabi from Olympiacos, as he heads to the African Cup of Nations. The Moroccan striker is a proven goalscorer and could be a hit in one of Europe's top leagues. Marseille believe they have secured their man to replace the 33-year-old's current contract ending next summer.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-07

Football
Exclusive: USA Talent Cole Campbell Hands in Dortmund Transfer Request as Stuttgart and Others Eye Move
VfB Stuttgart are considering making a bid for young winger Cole Campbell in January after a failed summer transfer. The 19-year-old has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Borussia Dortmund and is seeking more playing time. Several European clubs are interested in signing him, including Club Brugge, Anderlecht, Midtylland, and SV Elversberg. Campbell, who has dual nationality, has struggled for chances at Dortmund and is looking to move for his development.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-09
Shane MacDermott
Shane is also a key member of our dedicated Transfers team, with his ear to the ground and strong links to agents and club insiders, always ready to pick up the latest whispers from behind the scenes.