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Aston Villa will be looking to pile on the Manchester City misery when the two sides face off in the Premier League this coming weekend.

Pep Guardiola’s men are going through an unusual crisis at this moment in time, with eight defeats picked up from their last 11 outings in all competitions, as Unai Emery’s men now wait eagerly to try to add insult to injury by inflicting another loss onto the reigning top-flight champions just before Christmas.

Emery will likely stick with Jhon Duran as the lone striker for this big clash at Villa Park, safe in the knowledge that the potent Colombian could cause the leaky Man City defence all sorts of bother.

Duran's continued Villa heroics

After all, the Villa hotshot has started his side’s last two Premier League clashes after only being utilised as an impact man off the substitutes bench prior.

He has justified those starts, with two goals picked up from his last two top-flight contests, which included this consolation header finding the back of the net last time out in a slender 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

As is stated above, that took Duran’s goal total for the season all the way up to 11, as Ollie Watkins begins to worry his once concrete first team spot is no longer so solid with the clinical 21-year-old around.

Amazingly, despite the ex-Chicago Fire striker’s value increasing all the way up to £33m off the back of these heroics – as per Transfermarkt – one former Villa man’s value stands higher than that right now, despite failing to settle in his fresh environment.

The former Aston Villa man now worth more than Duran

The player in question here is Douglas Luiz, who sealed a move away from the Villans this summer when Serie A giants Juventus forked out in the region of £42m to land his services.

Arsenal were also known admirers at one point looking at the Brazilian, but Thiago Motta’s men would be the side to cough up that sizeable fee in the end, after he had become a reliable mainstay at Villa.

He would instantly fit in at Villa Park after a spell in Spain with Girona, with three goals and three assists picked up as a daring midfield option during his debut season on English shores.

The 18-time senior Brazil international would only get better from this point on, with a further 19 goals and 17 assists accumulated across his lengthy 204 game stay in the West Midlands, as Emery even singled out the star as being “amazing” last year when rumours begin to circulate he could leave Villa behind.

Yet, despite the Spaniard waxing lyrical, Emery would have to deal with the heartbreak of losing his midfield ace when Juventus eventually came calling.

Now, with hindsight a very fine thing, Luiz should have stayed put at a club that clearly adored him, as he’s found his transition to playing in Turn extremely choppy.

Stat – per 90 mins*

Luiz

Games played

8

Games started

2

Minutes averaged*

37 mins

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Big chances missed

1

Big chances created

2

Ball recoveries*

1.8

Total duels won*

2.6

Stats by Sofascore

Only starting two games for Juventus in league action so far, it’s clear from the table above the high standards Luiz was playing to at Villa have now escaped him, with injuries also troubling him in Italy to date.

Villa are the clear winners here overall, having banked that £42m wisely, with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana all also shining in central midfield in their former star-man’s absence.

Reuters/Daniele Mascolo

The South American’s value still stands high above even Duran at the £37m mark, so not all hope will be lost that he can return to his tenacious best soon for Juventus, but he certainly would have envisaged the start of his career at the Old Lady to have gone smoother.

Aston Villa want to sign Duran replacement who's a "monster in the making"

Aston Villa would need a new striker if Duran leaves

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 18, 2024

Ashwin lauds “courageous” Siraj for bringing up the issue to a “wider section of people” during the SCG Test

S Sudarshanan01-Jun-2022It was almost a year-and-a-half ago, but the memories – and scars – are fresh, of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah being racially abused by spectators during the Sydney Test.”[We] insisted on getting the abusers out of the ground,” Ajinkya Rahane, India’s captain then in the absence of Virat Kohli, recalls telling the umpires, while R Ashwin feels Siraj, especially, showed courage in making people aware of what was going on.After the end of the third day’s play in that New Year’s Day Test, the Indian players spoke to the match officials about the abuse that had been hurled at them, and when it continued the next morning, the Indians alerted the umpires. Play was suspended for ten minutes, and a group of people were evicted from the stands before the game could continue.Rahane revealed that the umpires – Paul Reiffel and Paul Wilson – had asked the players to go back to the dressing room if they didn’t want to play, but India insisted on getting the spectators ejected and carrying on with the Test.”When Siraj again came to me [on the fourth day, after being abused the day before], I told the umpires that [they] need to take action and we won’t play till then,” Rahane said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Wednesday to launch , a documentary on that series that India won 2-1 in dramatic circumstances, which will air on streaming service Voot Select later this month.”The umpires said that you can’t stall the game and can walk out if you want. We said that we are here to play and not sit in the dressing room and insisted on getting the abusers out of the ground. It was important to support our colleague given the situation he had been through. What happened in Sydney was completely wrong.”Although the evicted spectators were cleared of any wrongdoing by Cricket Australia, the incident left a bad taste in the mouth.”Personally I think Adelaide and Melbourne weren’t as bad. But this has been a continuous thing at Sydney. I have experienced it as well. They do tend to get nasty,” Ashwin had said after playing a heroic hand with the bat, in the company of Hanuma Vihari, to help India draw that Test.Addressing a general discussion on racism in sport, Ashwin said on Wednesday, “I don’t think it has anything to do with a particular section of people in a particular country. Everywhere people do believe that they belong to a majority sort of a thing and they will have their way. And I think racism is one tip of it, where people believe that is a way of differentiation with someone. The only solution is better parenting and better awareness.”Yes, it happened at that ground [SCG] and at that place [Australia] a lot more. But it was courageous of him [Siraj] to bring it up so at least a wider section of people know and the people sitting next to such people in the ground do better next time.”It is something one must condemn. But I want to bring it up that everywhere people are differentiating people on different grounds, which is not right.”

Louis Saha has called out Roy Keane for his "harsh" criticism of "loyal" Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

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Keane has been a harsh critic of FernandesHas repeatedly questioned his leadership qualitiesSaha believes the criticism has been "unfair"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Keane, known for his no-nonsense punditry, has repeatedly questioned Fernandes’ ability to inspire his teammates, often highlighting what he perceives as a lack of composure and excessive complaining on the pitch. He has argued that talent alone is not sufficient for a captain, stressing the importance of leading by example.

"Talent is not enough! You keep going back to talent – Bruno's a talented player, but it's not enough!" Keane stated. "Who were you (Ian Wright) in the dressing room with, Tony Adams! Tony Adams was this, Tony Adams was that, because he was a fighter! You've got young players who have to look at somebody and go 'I like what he does'. They all can't put the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards, I get that, but you want someone who's going 'Lads, are you with me? Are you with me?'"

AdvertisementAFPWHAT SAHA SAID

However, Saha that the criticism directed at the Portuguese playmaker is unjust and could even push him toward an exit from Old Trafford.

Speaking to , the former United forward expressed his fears that excessive criticism might force Fernandes to consider his options.

"He could be tempted because, yes, he has proved over the years that he plays to a certain standard. He plays really well and is still being harshly attacked," Saha said. "I always come to the defence of Bruno because, as I said, I try to explain what I see and I think it's completely unfair. It’s interesting that Roy Keane has criticised him. I understand and I respect his point because he knows his position. He knows what leaders need to do. That's not easy when you are a fan, you criticise harshly. But I would still say it is harsh, because Bruno deserves respect, and as a human being you make mistakes and all sorts."

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Saha further argued that Fernandes’ commitment to the club should not be overlooked, especially when the Red Devils are struggling to revive their fortunes since the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I think he has too much weight on his shoulders and at some point he may consider other opportunities," he added. "Whenever he talks, I don't see someone who just wants to play for the club as much as he can. He is really loyal. He seems to be a very loyal player. So I do think that he will be likely to stay."

DID YOU KNOW?

Fernandes has taken the criticism in his stride and has vowed to use the Irishman's words as motivation.

Speaking after Manchester United's 3-0 win against Leicester City before the international break, Fernandes said: "Obviously, it's not nice to hear those things about you, I think no one likes that. But at the same time, it motivates and makes you think people think there's a lot of things you have to improve.

"You have to take it in a positive way, and think whatever people are saying, if there's a margin for improvement or not. I know you're talking about Roy Keane. I have huge respect for Roy Keane. I think he was one of the best captains the club had. An amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club."

Endrick opened up on his future after scoring a vital goal for Real Madrid in their Copa del Rey semi-final thriller against Real Sociedad.

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Los Blancos edged out Sociedad in extra timeEndrick was among the scorersBrazilian talked about his love for Real after the matchFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final after a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad. The second leg, played at the Santiago Bernabéu, required extra time to determine the winner, with Antonio Rudiger making it 4-4 on the night and sealing the tie with a crucial header in the 115th minute.

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Among the standout performers of the night was Endrick, who levelled the second-leg score in the 30th minute with a superbly executed lob. His goal not only kept Madrid in contention but also etched his name in club history, as he became the first player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013 to score five goals in a single Copa del Rey campaign for the club.

WHAT ENDRICK SAID

After the final whistle, Endrick dismissed any doubts regarding his future at Real Madrid and reaffirmed his commitment to the club, making it clear that he sees himself as an integral part of the squad.

"I love being a Real Madrid player! I love to be here, I love this club," he said. "I’m here to learn, develop, do my best for Real Madrid. I have to make the most of every minute I play. I just want to play football and work so I can spend my whole life here."

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite his impressive performances, Endrick is aware of the challenges that come with playing for a club of Madrid’s stature. Competition for minutes is fierce, and the 18-year-old acknowledges the importance of making an impact whenever he is given the opportunity.

"I have to take advantage of my chances," he said. "It’s tough to play here with the best in the world, and I have to make the most of my opportunities by scoring goals. Very happy with my sixth goal and for helping the team in the Cup.

"There’s Vini[cius Junior], [Kylian] Mbappe, Rodrygo, Jude [Bellingham]… Four of the best players in the world. I’m nobody. I’m here to work, and it doesn’t matter who starts on the pitch."

England captain will manage workload to ensure he’s ready for T20 World Cup in Australia

Matt Roller16-Jun-2022Eoin Morgan will rest himself for some of England’s limited-overs international fixtures this summer amid concerns over his fitness, but has insisted that he still feels as though he can “contribute to a World Cup win” in Australia this winter.Morgan injured his right quad in January after playing back-to-back games in Barbados during England’s T20I series against West Indies and suffered a “mild groin strain” playing for Middlesex in the Blast despite managing his workload by missing games, but hopes to play all three ODIs against Netherlands in Amstelveen this week.His position as limited-overs captain has come under scrutiny – he has made a single half-century in international cricket over the last 18 months, and none in domestic T20 cricket – but he intends to stay on at least until the T20 World Cup in October-November.Asked if he would continue into England’s defence of their 50-over crown in India next winter, Morgan said: “That’s a long way away. I need to get to the T20 one first. I’m going to take it as it comes, managing my contribution, my body.”Am I still contributing on and off the field, within the team? I will be as honest as I [have been] with everybody since I started the captaincy. At the moment, I still feel like I contribute and still feel like I can contribute to a World Cup win. That’s an important drive for me.”Matthew Mott, England’s new white-ball coach, threw his support behind Morgan in his first press conference in the role on Wednesday. “He always says he wants to be picked as a batter in that team on form and merit all the way through and when he feels that’s not the case then he would step aside,” Mott said. “I think that’s a long way off being at that point.”Great players go through runs at different times and sometimes you flick a switch and it turns and you wonder what all the fuss has been about. You can tell when he speaks, everybody is listening. That leadership is something that’s probably not as recognised as much from the outside as it is inside. He’s got a lot of great cricket ahead of him.”Morgan said he was “reluctant” to “100% commit” to playing all three ODIs but intends to do so. However, he is likely to miss at least two of England’s six T20Is this summer, with England due to play on successive days during both the India and South Africa series.”It’s unlikely I will be playing every game this summer,” he said, “but that’s purely dependent on how I get from here to that match. If I’m flying and everything is going well, absolutely, but if not, there is no need to try and replicate that for a World Cup because it just doesn’t happen [in ICC events].”In terms of the focus on his position, Morgan said that it was “part and parcel” of the role. “It happens all the time as a player, never mind as a captain,” he said. “I genuinely have the best interests of the team at heart. It’s always been that way: I have trusted that method since I took over. To be in the position I am in at the moment is a privilege.”England have not played an ODI series since their second-string side whitewashed Pakistan in July 2021 after a Covid outbreak and have only played one white-ball series – the 3-2 defeat to West Indies in January – since last year’s T20 World Cup. As a result, Morgan said that he sees this series as the start of their run-in ahead of this year’s tournament, which he expects to “fly around”.Related

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“It revolves around trying to get the right players in the right roles given the squad we’ve brought,” he said. “July’s a huge month for us in preparation for the [T20] World Cup, playing against two very strong sides [India and South Africa] over the course of a month which will test us.”That’s where we want to be in order to try and prepare ourselves best for that World Cup. Then there’s the Hundred obviously, but then we have no more international cricket before we go to Pakistan and then we have three games [in Australia] before the World Cup.”Jos Buttler is likely to shuffle up the order to No. 4, having mainly batted at No. 6 in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup and in the tournament, while Phil Salt is expected to open with Jason Roy and Dawid Malan will be given a chance at No. 3. England’s bowling cartel features five left-arm seamers – though Sam Curran is unlikely to bowl a full 10 overs as the ECB manage his comeback from a back stress fracture.”The fact they are left-armers gives them a different angle, a different strategy,” Morgan said. “Certainly in my experience, left-armers are open to doing more and doing different things, which is great. But the guys who are selected are purely here on merit. Ideally in our best squad, you would like a point of difference: if that’s left-arm or if it’s a guy who bowls 90mph [145kph] plus, then that’s great.”

Manchester United are reportedly showing “serious interest” in a former Chelsea star they hope to bring to Old Trafford in January.

Manchester United latest news

Big things were expected from United following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement in November. Since, however, things seem only to have gotten worse, with Amorim losing five of his first 10 games in charge, which is the worst record of any new United manager since Walter Crickmer in the 1930s.

During United’s 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day, fans could be seen leaving Molineux early, while those that stayed booed their team at the final whistle.

Speaking to the press after that game, Amorim said that he knows that his job will be on the line if results do not improve in the near future.

“I know that if we don’t win, regardless if they pay the buyout or not, every manager is in danger. I like that because that is the job,” he said.

“It’s part of football to have these difficult moments. I already knew it was going to be tough. You expect to win more games, to have players with more confidence to sell the idea and to work and improve things. At this moment it’s really hard. We have to survive to have time and then to improve the team.”

INEOS line up move for Barcelona outcast

To try and solve his side’s woes in the second half of the season, Amorim will no doubt be looking to use the January transfer window to bring in some fresh legs. According to a Monday report from Spain, United have shown a “serious interest” in Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen “in the last few hours”.

The Danish defender joined Barca on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2022, and United are now keen to bring him back to the Premier League in January specifically. The Red Devils, however, will face serious competition from Juventus for the 28-year-old. The report states that the Old Lady are leading the race for the Barca star, with manager Thiago Motta in desperate need of fresh legs in defence.

REUTERS/David Klein

How fresh Christensen’s legs are, however, is up for debate. The Denmark international has suffered a number of injury setbacks during his career, missing well over a year of action. This season, he’s played just 26 minutes of football for Barca due to an achilles tendon injury, for which he underwent surgery in Sweden. He is expected to return at the end of January.

Given United’s recent record of signing injury-prone defenders, like Leny Yoro, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw, signing someone who not only has a poor injury record themselves, but has spent most of the last four months injured, makes little to no sense. Christensen himself has also rebuked speculation that he could be set to leave the Camp Nou.

“I can only speak about the conversations I’ve had with the club and so far they’ve only told me that I’ll recover well and that they’re looking forward to my return,” he recently told TV 2 Sport.

“We used to control everything from Dhaka but now are going into the divisions,” board president Hassan said

Mohammad Isam19-Jul-2022The BCB approved the much-delayed regional cricket association (RCA) scheme, aimed to decentralise the game in the country. BCB president Nazmul Hassan said that the decision was made during Tuesday’s Annual General Meeting where the board’s constitution was amended. The country’s divisional headquarters Dhaka, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Rangpur, and Barisal will have RCAs while the one in Mymensingh, a newly formed division, will be run by Dhaka.Board directors from each region will be working in the respective associations. The larger divisions will have 17 members while the smaller ones will have 11 members.”We used to control everything from Dhaka but now are going into the divisions,” Hassan said. “We had even lesser control at the district level. Once the RCA starts, we will work better there. I am hopeful that we can make it operational before the next board meeting. For now, the councilors have given BCB the responsibility to run the RCA.”The BCB constitution defines regional cricket associations as bodies to run cricket in the different administrative divisions of Bangladesh. It states the BCB should ensure that cricket is run across the country through the regional and district sports associations (DSA).While the DSAs are formed and run by the government in all 64 districts of the country, the regional cricket bodies haven’t seen the light of day despite being in the works for nearly two decades and being included in the board’s constitution since 2012. Hassan had the RCA as his mandate since he first became BCB president in 2013.There was even talk of making one of the divisions, Chattogram or Sylhet, into a pilot project of the RCA in 2015, but that too never materalised.Over the last two decades, the only real connection between the BCB and the divisions and districts of the country have been either through representation of members in the form of councilors and directors, and through the age-group tournaments to find talented cricketers from across the country.The other major decision in the BCB AGM was to increase the number of councilors from the Dhaka’s clubs from 58 to 76. These councilors are among those involved in electing the 12 directors who serve on the board.According to the 2013 amendment, the top six clubs in the points table of the Dhaka Premier League would have two councilor positions, while the other six DPL clubs had one each. Now all twelve DPL clubs would have one councillorship each.In the lower leagues however, all clubs in the Dhaka First, Second and Third divisions will have one councilor each. Since 2013, only the clubs that qualified to the super league of the second and third division leagues would get councilor positions (12 in the case of second division and eight in the third division).Meanwhile, the BCB also formed two additional committees. Bangladesh Tigers, a concept of a training squad to run all year round, has a separate body now, as does the Welfare committee.

Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester City as a free agent at the end of the season.

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Moved to the Etihad Stadium in 2015Won six Premier League titles and Champions LeagueSet to walk away when contract expiresFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

The classy Belgian midfielder returned to England – having previously endured a tough time at Chelsea – in the summer of 2015. He has gone on to become a Premier League legend, claiming six top-flight titles. De Bruyne is also a Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup winner with over 400 appearances for City to his name.

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At 33 years of age, De Bruyne will see his current contract expire in the summer. No extension to those terms will be put in place, meaning that a new challenge will be sought after a decade of loyal service at the Etihad Stadium.

WHAT KEVIN DE BRUYNE SAID

De Bruyne has said in an emotional message to City fans on social media: "Dear Manchester. Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading. So I'll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.

"Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first.

"Football led me to all you and – and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won EVERYTHING.

"Whether we like it or not, it's time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. 'Manchester' will forever be on our kids' passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts.

"This will always be our HOME. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends and family enough for this 10-year ride.

"Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let's enjoy these last moments together! Much love, Kevin."

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WHAT NEXT FOR KEVIN DE BRUYNE?

De Bruyne sits second to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs (162) on the all-time list of Premier League assist-makers, with 118 to his name. Various landing spots have been mooted for the Belgium international, ranging from MLS to the Saudi Pro League.

Well, it looks like David Moyes is gearing up to make a stunning return to Goodison Park for the final months of the Everton Stadium’s journey.

How poetic. However, Moyes has been targetted by The Friedkin Group due to his expertise and track record with struggling Premier League outfits, leading West Ham United to European glory in similar conditions back in December 2019. That, incidentally, was also the 61-year-old’s second stint with the Hammers.

You’d think that the Scotsman would be seeking assurances in the transfer market this month as he looks to steer away from the negative football that Sean Dyche employed before his dismissal, all the while keeping a strong and structured base.

Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has flattered to deceive this term and has gone 15 top-flight matches without a goal or assist. With Armando Broja’s fitness levels raising question, it’s crucial that a new forward is signed.

Everton's striker search

Everton supporters have celebrated 15 goals in the Premier League this season, making it the second-lowest return in the division and worthy of a final place in the bottom three.

15.

Man Utd

23

15=

Leicester

23

17.

Crystal Palace

21

18.

Ipswich

20

19.

Everton

15

20.

Southampton

12

The hope is that Moyes can maintain the defensive security that has been a staple of Dyche’s style while rekindling the Toffees’ attacking verve, and he could achieve that through a new forward: namely, Georges Mikautadze.

Toward the end of December, French outlet Foot Mercato revealed that Everton are one of the clubs in the running for Lyon’s Mikautadze, who joined the club from divisional rivals Metz for joined the club from divisional rivals Metz for €18m (£15m) last summer but could be made transferrable due to the stricken club’s financial issues.

The return of Moyes might convince the Georgia international – who has scored seven goals in all competitions this season – to make the somewhat risky move to Merseyside, not least because he could be the Scottish manager’s next version of Jarrod Bowen.

Mikautadze could be Moyes' next Jarrod Bowen

When Moyes returned to east London in December 2019, he didn’t leave it long until he forked out £22m for Hull City’s Bowen, viewing the versatile forward as the perfect mid-season signing option to lift West Ham away from the relegation fodder.

Bowen now captains the Irons and scored the winning goal as they won the Conference League in 2023, posting 107 goal contributions across 223 appearances in total. He’s been praised as a West Ham “legend” by presenter Tom Rennie.

Mikautadze could be Everton’s talisman in the same vein as the Three Lions star, for he ranks among the top 12% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his own dynamic skill set.

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Let’s look at how that compares with Bowen’s own metrics within the same parameters. The 28-year-old ranks among the top 12% for assists, the top 14% for shot-creating actions, 4% for progressive carries and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.

A menace at Euro 2024 with Georgia, the 24-year-old Mikautadze – who, like Bowen, can operate on flanks or through the middle – scored three goals from four matches, also creating five key passes and completing seven dribbles, as per Sofascore.

With Lyon in the trenches, he does have some experience in battling through adversity, but this dynamic and positionally flexible talent carries the same kind of mechanics as Bowen – and Moyes knows a thing or two about getting the best out of such a profile.

With the aforementioned Calvert-Lewin struggling to fire and out of contract this summer, such an addition could be crucial to Moyes’ hopes of success back at Goodison.

Nearly as bad as Maupay: Everton must sell Dyche flop who wants to leave

Everton need to refresh the ranks now that TFG are settled into their seat.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 7, 2025

Chelsea chiefs hold a serious theory that they’ll win the race for a top-class player after consistent discussions with his club this month, and they also believe that their transfer target is pretty keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Busy end to January transfer window expected at Chelsea

Enzo Maresca’s side returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Wolves in west London, courtesy of strikes from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke.

Chelsea closing in on £17m signing of "physically imposing" 6 ft 4 teenager

An agreement has been reached with the player in question.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 21, 2025

The result takes them back up to fourth as Maresca continues his attempts to seal a Chelsea return to the Champions League for next season, but a lot could happen between now and then in terms of transfer activity.

Man City (away)

January 25

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February 3

Brighton (away)

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Southampton (home)

February 25

Chelsea are believed to be looking at new forwards for before the end of this January window, with Christopher Nkunku agreeing personal terms to join Bayern Munich, even if the Bundesliga giants are yet to make any serious headway on a club-to-club deal.

In the event Nkunku does leave, BlueCo are doing their due-diligence on alternative attacking options. A Chelsea approach has been made for Alejandro Garnacho, according to respected journalist David Ornstein, while the club also sense a potential opportunity to lure another exciting Man United starlet, Kobbie Mainoo, away from Old Trafford – amid his contractual standoff (The Mail).

From the very beginning of this window, Chelsea have also been heavily linked with a move for ex-defender and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Trevoh Chalobah saw his Palace loan terminated, with Chelsea activating their re-call clause, but this apparently hasn’t stopped Maresca’s men from pursuing a 2025 deal for the England international.

Chelsea "adamant" they'll win race to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi

As per GiveMeSport, Chelsea chiefs are “adamant” they’ll win the race to sign Guehi this year behind the scenes.

They’re also convinced that the 24-year-old wants to make a return to his former club, following “constant dialogue” between Chelsea and Palace throughout this month.

While they’re now prepared to wait until the summer to strike a deal for Guehi, the report also doesn’t entirely rule out Chelsea swooping before February 3, but they’ll need to be given more encouragement that Oliver Glasner’s side could sanction it.

On a reported £50,000-per-week at Selhurst Park, Guehi’s price tag stands at around £70 million for January, as Palace attempt to deter suitors from making a formal mid-season move.

However, it is worth noting that Chelsea would receive a 20 per cent discount on that £70m price tag, due to the sell-on clause they inserted into the deal which saw Guehi leave for Palace.