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Cremonese head coach Davide Nicola remains unwavering in his trust in "fighter" Jamie Vardy as the striker prepares for his first start since joining the Serie A club in the summer. He came off the bench as Inter claimed a dominant 4-1 victory last week, but his coach was positive about his impact and feels he makes the team more threatening even though he is yet to find the net across two substitute appearances.

• Inter run riot as Vardy adapts to Serie A

  Inter dominated Cremonese with a convincing win at San Siro, displaying relentless attacking intent and fluidity throughout. Vardy was introduced just before the hour mark in an effort to spark a comeback, but despite his earnest movement and brief flashes of urgency in link-up play, he once again finished the match without either a goal or an assist, extending his frustrating search for a breakthrough in Serie A. 

  Coach Nicola, however, remains optimistic about the English striker, describing Vardy as "a fighter" and expressing hope that a turnaround is near. The Italian manager was quick to praise Vardy for his contribution to the team's only goal against Inter, despite the striker's ongoing personal drought. Nicola emphasised that Vardy's presence and constant pressure in the penalty area were instrumental in creating the space needed for the goal.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Coach Davide Nicola optimistic about Vardy's resurgence

  Cremonese had enjoyed a surprisingly positive start to the season, making the defeat to Inter their only loss so far. In a post-match interview, Nicola reflected on his team's six-game run in the league while reassuring supporters that it's only a matter of time before Vardy returns to his goal-scoring form.

  "I don't need to look at the result of a match to be more or less confident. I analyse it every time I start working with a team and I focus on the final objective. This start is thanks to both the players and the moments in which we met certain teams, as well as the situations we were able to exploit," he said. "I'm certainly not the one discovering Vardy; he's shown he's a fighter, and it's no coincidence that by filling the penalty area more, we managed to score. The break will allow us to further improve our physical condition until we can get everyone up to the same level."

• Vardy chose Serie A adventure after Leicester exit

  Vardy joined the Italian side on a free transfer after his long period at Leicester ended last season. While the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League, Vardy departed as a club legend with 200 goals in 500 matches before being snapped up by the newly-promoted Serie A side. He featured in the third league game of the season, coming off the bench for the last 30 minutes as Cremonese drew 0-0 with Hellas. The 38-year-old missed out on the next two games before his substitute role against Inter.

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  Cremonese's challenging path forward

  Cremonese arrived this season as newly promoted and have shown flashes of resilience, but their defeat to Inter exposed gaps in depth and consistency. Vardy remains a focal point despite his goal drought, and Nicola believes continued trust in him and the squad will pay off over time. With the international break providing time to regroup, Cremonese must stabilise defensively before their next fixture against Udinese on October 20.

Despite securing a much-needed 3-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest before the international break, West Ham United have still reportedly made contact to welcome a replacement for Graham Potter.

Latest on Graham Potter's West Ham future

After conceding eight goals in their first two Premier League games, before they conceded another three in a Carabao Cup defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers, it was easy to fear for West Ham at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest had their own problems to think about, however. The public spat between Nuno Espírito Santo and Evangelos Marinakis looked far from over on the day and that potentially allowed West Ham to swoop in and pick up their first win of the season in convincing fashion.

It was the perfect way to enter the international break and one that may have saved Potter’s job. Whether it was a result that papered over the cracks or this is finally the start of things turning around under Potter is now the big question.

What should concern the manager is that a number of names have already been mooted as potential replacements, including Jose Mourinho. The former Chelsea manager was recently sacked by Fenerbahçe and needs no introduction to fans around the London Stadium.

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It’s hard to argue against the idea that the self-proclaimed Special One would be a major upgrade on Potter. He is a serial winner by any means possible and is certainly capable of taking the Hammers from relegation candidates into a side competing for a place in the top half.

That said, Mourinho is not the only name on the reported shortlist, and it could even be a candidate that he knows incredibly well that replaces Potter in the near future.

West Ham make contact with Frank Lampard

According to Football Insider, West Ham have now made contact with Frank Lampard about replacing Potter. The Coventry City boss is enjoying life in the Championship and is finally back on track following difficult spells at Everton and Chelsea. Now, one way or another, the Premier League is calling.

Frank Lampard

Coventry record

Games

39

Wins

20

Draws

7

Defeats

12

Whilst the Premier League is a different challenge to the Championship, there’s no denying that 20 wins in 39 games is an incredibly impressive record.

The 47-year-old, for all the criticism that he received at Goodison Park, also has a successful relegation battle on his CV. If West Ham are dragged into a relegation scrap, then that experience will be needed more than ever.

Potter’s victory over Forest has at least put West Ham’s immediate search for a replacement on hold, but reported contact with Lampard suggests that he can’t afford another bad run of form after the international break.

Meanwhile, if the chance does come Lampard’s way then he must decide whether to leave Coventry mid-way through the Championship campaign.

The summer transfer window has been dominated by Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new number nine.

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The Magpies began the season without a recognised centre-forward, and while their performance away at Aston Villa showed flashes of quality, the lack of a natural striker proved costly in front of goal.

At the heart of the situation is Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international has made it clear that he has no intention of reintegrating with Eddie Howe’s squad. Despite being under contract, Isak is not training with the first-team and reiterated in a social media post that broken promises had left both sides with no option but to seek change.

His stance has left Newcastle in a difficult position: they will not sanction his dream move to Liverpool until a replacement has been secured.

That urgency is compounded by the fact that several of their targets have already slipped away.

Benjamin Šeško joined Manchester United, while Wolves are refusing to entertain offers for Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains a name of interest, but Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are also interested, further complicating matters.

Newcastle’s recruitment team has been forced to weigh their options carefully.

With four competitions to compete in this season, they cannot afford to gamble on an unproven forward.

Instead, they are searching for a player who can score consistently at Premier League level and immediately shoulder the pressure of leading the line.

England international emerges on Newcastle's radar

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle “really like” Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

The England international has established himself as one of the division’s most reliable strikers, scoring 16 times in 38 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Villa manager Unai Emery is desperate to keep hold of his talisman, placing a £60m valuation on the 29-year-old, but Newcastle see him as an ideal solution to their striker dilemma.

Watkins is not the only forward on their radar.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has pushed for a move, even going as far as to remove references to the Bees from his social media accounts before reluctantly returning to training.

The Congolese forward is fresh off the best season of his career, scoring 19 goals in 35 appearances.

However, Brentford’s asking price of £60m, coupled with the fact that Wissa will turn 29 in September and could miss a portion of the 2026 season due to AFCON, makes him a less attractive prospect for Newcastle.

Strand Larsen, meanwhile, also carries a similar price tag.

Wolves value him at around £60m, which reflects both his strong debut campaign of 14 Premier League goals and his importance following the departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United.

But with Wolves unwilling to sell, Newcastle may be forced to move on quickly rather than get caught in another prolonged negotiation.

When set against these options, Watkins’ appeal becomes clear.

He is also homegrown, experienced at international level, and has a track record of maintaining fitness and availability – a crucial factor given how many fixtures Newcastle may play this season.

Why Newcastle should sign Ollie Watkins

The numbers help illustrate why Newcastle rate Watkins so highly compared to Wissa and Strand Larsen.

Each enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign, but Watkins edges the contest in the areas that matter most to Eddie Howe’s side.

Premier League 2024/25

Ollie Watkins

Yoane Wissa

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Goals

16

19

14

Assists

8

4

4

Shots

82

90

54

Pass Completion Rate

72.4%

76.5%

64.6%

Shot Creating Actions

53

69

42

Source: FBref

According to FBref, Watkins registered 24 goal involvements across 38 appearances – a marginal advantage over Wissa (23 in 35) but a clear lead over Strand Larsen (18 in 35). This demonstrates his ability to finish chances, something Newcastle lacked in their draw at Villa Park.

Looking deeper, Watkins’ game reflects a balance of off-the-ball movement and link-up play.

His progressive carries per 90 (1.90) are just ahead of Wissa (1.85) and far superior to Strand Larsen (0.59), underlining his ability to drive the ball forward and stretch defences.

While he lags behind Wissa in progressive passing distance (33.7 per 90 compared to 49.9), he makes up for it with a more well-rounded contribution in and around the penalty area.

The statistics also highlight Watkins’ reliability in front of goal.

His shot-on-target percentage (43.9%) is competitive with Wissa (45.6%) and Strand Larsen (61.1%), but what stands out is his volume: Watkins averaged 1.25 shots on target per 90, ahead of Larsen’s 1.15.

Given Newcastle’s need for a striker who will consistently test goalkeepers, Watkins’ steady output is a strong selling point.

There are other factors working in his favour.

Unlike Wissa, Watkins does not face the prospect of missing time due to AFCON commitments, and unlike Strand Larsen, he does not represent a gamble on a player with just one season in English football.

Instead, he offers Newcastle a forward who has proven he can sustain a high level of performance in one of the league’s most tactically demanding systems under Emery.

Of course, Watkins is not flawless.

His take-on success rate (24.4%) lags behind both Wissa (30.6%) and Strand Larsen (40.0%), suggesting he is less effective when asked to beat defenders one-on-one.

But Newcastle’s system under Howe rarely relies on individual dribbling in advanced positions. Instead, it values runs in behind, pressing from the front, and efficient finishing – all of which Watkins excels at.

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Ultimately, the comparison makes the logic behind Newcastle’s interest clear. At £60m, he is an expensive option, yet for a club determined to make a home for themselves in Europe, it may prove the most reliable investment.

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Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed huge success in the transfer window over recent seasons, with their work massively contributing to their Europa League triumph last campaign.

Brennan Johnson scored the winner in the final against Manchester United back in May, topping off what was a fine individual season for the Welsh international.

He netted 18 goals in his 51 appearances for the Lilywhites throughout 2024/25, with his £47.5m transfer from Nottingham Forest now somewhat of a bargain given his success in the side.

However, whilst boss Thomas Frank has already completed multiple shrewd pieces of business by landing Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel – the new boss undoubtedly wants further additions to bolster his squad.

Numerous players have been touted with moves to North London throughout the ongoing transfer window, but one saga has been a huge talking point in recent days.

Spurs’ failed saga to land Eberechi Eze this summer

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been a huge target for Spurs over the last couple of months, with constant talks being held between the two sides over a £60m transfer.

At one stage, it appeared as though a deal would be completed without any fuss, even leading to the player himself being keen on a move to join Frank’s side for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

However, after talks which lasted around a fortnight, no deal was completed – subsequently handing North London rivals Arsenal an open-goal opportunity to land the 27-year-old’s signature.

Mikel Arteta’s men gratefully accepted, strolling into negotiations, and reaching a total agreement with the player and the Eagles – leading to a £60m up-front transfer fee being accepted.

It’s been reported by numerous sources that Eze is expected to complete his medical and be announced as an Arsenal player in the coming days – rubbing salt into the wounds of all associated with the Lilywhites.

Other targets will now have to be drawn up to avoid a complete disaster this summer, but the club do already have a hugely talented player on the books – one who’s valued more than Eze at present.

The Spurs player who’s worth more than Eze

As previously mentioned, Spurs have conducted some excellent business over the last few seasons – with not all of the work completed by the hierarchy negative in recent times.

Alongside Johnson, talents such as Pape Sarr have also showcased that they’ve been worthwhile investments, massively exceeding the expectations placed upon him after his move to North London.

The Senegalese star joined the Lilywhites from French side Metz back in the summer of 2022 after spending an additional year on loan at the side he started his professional career with.

However, in the last couple of years, he’s become an influential part of the first-team, racking up over 100 appearances for the Lilywhites – scoring nine times, including in the season opener against Burnley.

He’s not the only first-team member who’s endured somewhat of a rise in recent months, with Archie Gray another player on the books who possesses a whole heap of potential.

Eyebrows were raised last summer when owner Daniel Levy forked out £40m for the 19-year-old’s signature – especially after he had just ended his only previous year as a professional with Leeds United the season prior.

Given his tender age, he found consistent minutes hard to come by, racking up 46 appearances across all competitions – many of which were in unfamiliar roles such as right-back and central defence.

Archie Gray’s stats for Spurs in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

46

Minutes played

3243

Pass accuracy

89%

Dribbles completed

58%

Tackles won

50%

Aerials won

50%

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

3.6

Stats via FotMob

However, Gray, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by teammate Kevin Danso, was rewarded with a start in his natural central midfield position against Burnley last week, highlighting the trust new boss Frank has in the youngster.

Whilst he’s been limited as to how much he can showcase his talents in recent months, he’s still seen his market value soar since his arrival, now being valued at £61.5m by FootballTransfers.

Such a figure is higher than that of Eze, with the Palace star expected to cost £60m before his subsequent transfer to join Frank’s side fell apart in recent days.

It’s easy for the fanbase to lose faith in the ownership, understandably so, given the recent failure to land new talent and back the new manager.

However, it’s evident that the deals they have completed in recent years have been a success, with faith needed to put in the owner to find another top talent before the window slams shut.

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Aymeric Laporte has lifted the lid on his difficult exit from Al-Nassr, revealing the Saudi club's financial demands almost scuppered his dream return to Athletic Club. The Spain international admitted he felt "in the middle of nowhere" during protracted negotiations but insisted that coming back to Bilbao was always his primary objective.

Laporte blames Al-Nassr for 'complicated' transfer delay

Laporte has revealed the full extent of his transfer saga with Al-Nassr, blaming the Saudi club for delaying his return to Athletic Club. Speaking to the media for the first time since re-joining the Basque side, the defender explained that Al-Nassr's focus on financial gain almost blocked the move, despite him making his intentions clear from the start. "When we started talking with Al-Nassr, I expressed my intention to return to Athletic Club; that was my only objective," Laporte stated, admitting there were moments he doubted the transfer would happen. "I found myself in the middle of nowhere. When you don't want to negotiate, you can't do anything. It's complicated, but by talking things through, we were able to resolve the issue."

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Returning to Athletic was not a question of money'

The Spain international confirmed that Al-Nassr received more lucrative offers from other "important clubs willing to pay large sums," which caused the hesitation from the Saudi Pro League side. However, Laporte was adamant that his heart was set on a return to San Mames and made a significant financial sacrifice to make it happen. "Returning to Athletic was a decision and it wasn't a question of money," he insisted. "For more or less, I was going to come back." Laporte described his return as an emotional experience, saying he got "goosebumps" hearing the club anthem again and rediscovered the "scent of my childhood" at the Lezama training ground.

Laporte declares himself physically fit after FIFA's U-turn secured the move

The defender's return was almost scuppered entirely by an administrative error after the move collapsed following the September 1 deadline. Al-Nassr failed to submit the necessary documentation in time, forcing Athletic to appeal to FIFA. While world football's governing body was initially expected to block the transfer, it granted the club's request, authorising the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to obtain the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and finally pave the way for Laporte to sign a three-year contract at San Mames.

Despite not having played a competitive match since April, Laporte is confident in his physical condition and is eager to make his second debut for the club. "I feel very good physically," he said. "I've continued training on my own and have gotten in shape as much as I can." 

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Laporte targets Spain recall and World Cup spot

A key motivation behind the move was to boost his chances of returning to the Spanish national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Laporte confirmed he has been in regular contact with La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente throughout the transfer process. 

"He was informed of everything that's been happening and has always reassured me," Laporte said. "Returning here is also an important decision for me in terms of being fit at the end of the season and being able to play in the World Cup."

Interim head coach says it’s up to the new faces to find the right tempo for 50-over cricket

Cameron Ponsonby01-Nov-2024Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick has defended his young ODI squad after their crushing eight-wicket defeat to the West Indies, saying the result is not reflective of English white-ball cricket.England’s loss to the West Indies was a twelfth ODI defeat in 18 matches since the start of the 2023 World Cup and gave a brutal reality check to a new-look eleven that included four debutants.On a tacky surface, England were bowled out for 209, before putting on an encouraging, but ultimately fruitless display with the ball as Windies opener Evin Lewis let loose for 94 off 69 balls.”I think it’s certainly not where England cricket is at,” Trescothick said after the game. “Because for a long period of time now you’ve not had our main team in white-ball games. You don’t really know where white-ball cricket is.”I think with the system that we’ve had and the volume of cricket that we’ve been trying to play and still look after the players, I think you could put a team together tomorrow for a World Cup, and it would probably look different to what you had this series and some of the series that we played against Australia.”So I don’t think you can judge it to say, look where white-ball cricket is at the moment. It’s been a tough period of time, there’s no doubt about it, but that’s been challenges from numerous different things.”The current series is missing several players due to the tour being sandwiched by England’s Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. But the squad picked for the Australia series was close to full strength, with Joe Root and Gus Atkinson rested but other absences such as Jos Buttler and Mark Wood missing through injury. The same could be said of the previous group to tour the Caribbean last year, when the squad picked was meant to signal a new age, while the World Cup squad was certainly first string. All this alongside uncertainty over Ben Stokes’ white-ball future.The nature of the defeat has called into question England’s absolute policy on prioritising youth, with Jordan Cox, in just his fifth List A match, walking out on debut for England at No.3, with the 21-year-old Jacob Bethell at No.4. Of the top six, only Phil Salt and Will Jacks had batted in those positions for England more than once in their careersJohn Turner, Jordan Cox, Dan Mousley and Jamie Overton made their ODI debuts in Antigua•Getty Images”It’s probably a better question for the selectors more than anything else. It’s not my decision who comes in,” Trescothick said.”But I think you can see from the plan of the England team in the last year, probably, and maybe a little bit further back, how much we want to invest in the next generation.”Playing people who have played before would probably be going against the mantra of what we’re trying to do at the moment.”England’s innings saw five of the top six caught in the 30-yard-circle, as the balance between defence and attack eluded them to be bowled out in 45.1 overs.”We’ve got to try and bat 50 overs first and foremost,” said Trescothick. “The real skill in white-ball cricket in particular is the tempo and the balance between aggression and batting for long periods of time.”We will always be a team that is going to try and be aggressive, the pitch made it quite tricky to do that.”This is Trescothick’s last tour at the helm of the white-ball team before Brendon McCullum takes over the job in January. Placed in charge of an exceptionally inexperienced group, one of the biggest challenges, according to Trescothick, has been finding the balance between emphasising the opportunity is a ‘free hit’ to England’s youngsters, while also instilling a win-first mentality.”I am trying to get the priority right at the moment. I want to win every game and we dictate that in the dressing room. But we also want to see a few players in the environment before the structure changes and Brendon takes over. So, why not give them the opportunity to thrive in this environment?”That’s very much how we’re framing it. The opportunities are there for the guys to come in. We’ve seen four debutants in this match, we’ve got a couple other young guys in the squad who may make their debut across the next two weeks. [With the opportunity] you’re going to be further up the ladder than you were six days ago. So go out there and show what you can do.”Trescothick’s own role in the white-ball set up beyond January is undecided.”I don’t know just yet,” he said. “We’ve got a bit of a plan behind the scenes, but nothing has been confirmed as such.”I am not going to say which way it’s all going to sit, because it would probably give it away too much, but obviously Brendon’s going to come in and take control of the full show and then he will dictate what and where we are going to be and how that’s going to look.”

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who has dominated the news around Manchester United over the last couple of weeks, with the attacker firmly on the lips of all supporters.

The Brentford star has become one of the Premier League’s leading talismen, after registering 20 goals under Thomas Frank in the capital throughout last season.

As a result of his goalscoring form, the Red Devils have been firmly in the race to land the 25-year-old, even making two separate bids for his signature this window.

The latest offer of around £62.5m, including add-ons, was rejected, with Keith Andrews’ side holding out for £70m to part ways with the Cameroonian during the off-season.

He’s also stated his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer, potentially linking up with a new striker should he make the move to join Ruben Amorim’s side ahead of 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Victor Osimhen has once again reemerged on United’s shortlist this summer, with the Nigerian a player who’s been subject to interest after scoring 37 goals on loan at Galatasaray last season.

He’s not the only striker who’s been in their sights, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres still a player they want to sign, despite the Swede stating his desire to join Arsenal.

However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Ivan Toney a player on their radar, according to Football Insider’s latest update.

They claim that the English forward appears to be keen on a return to the Premier League, moving back to his homeland after joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli less than 12 months ago.

The report also states that the Red Devils hierarchy have been watching the 29-year-old in recent weeks and that Toney ‘wants’ to join the club after scoring 30 goals in his 44 appearances in the Saudi League.

Why United’s latest target would be the perfect ST for Mbeumo

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo has been a player who has caught the eye of many supporters across the country, with his talents leading to United’s keen interest in his signature.

However, he’s often starred in a right-wing role, a position that he will have to switch from if he moves to Old Trafford, likely operating in a number ten role behind the striker.

It’s a position that he could thrive in under Amorim, especially if the Red Devils can secure a deal for the Cameroonian international along with former teammate Toney.

The 25-year-old previously starred alongside the English striker in London, with the pair operating alongside each other for four seasons, helping the Bees win promotion from the Championship and subsequently securing their top-flight status.

In the 2020/21 campaign, the pair registered 59 combined goals and assists between them, with Toney scoring 31 times and Mbeumo providing 10 assists – with both tallies being the highest at the club.

2023/24

42

13

10

2022/23

71

29

12

2021/22

68

16

12

2020/21

95

38

20

Total:

276

96

54

The pair topped both of the respective categories in three of the four years they spent together at Brentford, with the only exception coming in 2023/24 after the striker was banned for betting offences.

Despite not starring together anymore in the present day, Toney, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Simon Stone, has still managed to score 30 times in 2024/25, ten more than Mbeumo’s tally.

However, the pair’s respective goalscoring tallies combined from last season are higher than the Red Devils managed as a whole squad, showcasing the added threat the pair would bring to Old Trafford.

With the former Bees striker seemingly wanting to join Amorim’s side this summer, it is a deal worth exploring, with the Englishman having the experience of finding the back of the net in England’s top flight.

If Mbeumo also makes the move, the pair could replicate the form they produced in the capital, potentially playing a massive role together again and helping United push for a place in Europe next season.

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انفجر نجم منتخب النرويج وفريق مانشستر سيتي، إيرلينج هالاند، في مباراة مساء يوم الثلاثاء ضد نظيره منتخب مولدوفا، في إطار التصفيات المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم نسخة 2026.

وواجه منتخب النرويج خصمه مولدوفا، في إطار الجولة السادسة من تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى النسخة المقبلة من كأس العالم، التي ستنطلق الصيف القادم في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، كندا والمكسيك.

وتمكن منتخب النرويج من إذلال مولدوفا بنتيجة 11-1، في مباراة شهدت انفجارًا من جانب إيرلينج هالاند، الذي سجل ميجا هاتريك، 5 أهداف، وصنع هدفين (لمطالعة التفاصيل كاملة من هنا).

ونشر إيرلينج هالاند، عبر حسابه الشخصي بتطبيق سناب شات، صورته بعد المباراة، حيث كتب: “ليس سيئًا”.

ويستعد مانشستر سيتي لخوض مباراة مهمة يوم الأحد المقبل، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ضد خصمه مانشستر يونايتد في الجولة الرابعة على ملعب “الاتحاد”.

ويسعى مانشستر سيتي إلى تصحيح مساره في الدوري الإنجليزي، ذلك الموسم، بعدما تعرض لهزيمتين متتاليتين في الجولة الثانية والثالثة على يد توتنهام وبرايتون، بنتيجة 2/0 و2/1.

The last few seasons have seen Chelsea completely overhaul their squad.

While there have been a few mistakes along the way, it would be fair to say the club look like they now have a team full of incredibly talented players.

Arguably, the most exhilarating of the lot has been Cole Palmer, who, since his arrival from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, has been nothing short of world-class for the Blues.

So, fans should be tremendously excited about recent reports linking the West Londoners to another talent who has won comparisons to the game-changing Englishman.

Chelsea target Premier League signings

Chelsea have already made a few signings from outside England this summer, but, if reports are to be believed, the club are also looking at several stars from the Premier League, such as Joao Pedro and Murillo.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former could reportedly cost up to £60m, and while that is a significant amount of money, he was fairly effective in limited minutes this season, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2,136 minutes.

Murillo, on the other hand, could cost the Blues up to £80m, but given his incredible performances at the back for Nottingham Forest this year, that once again may well be a fee worth paying.

However, as transformational as these two players could be for Maresca’s side, neither one can really be compared to Palmer, unlike Harvey Elliott.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in the Liverpool gem this summer.

Alongside the Blues, the report claims that Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Borussia Dortmund are all keen on the 22-year-old talent.

However, alongside the intense competition for his services, the West Londoners will have to pay a substantial sum of money to secure their man, with the report claiming that the Reds want at least £50m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Elliott’s ability and potential, it’s one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Palmer.

How Elliott compares to Palmer

In this instance, the primary comparison to Palmer originates from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and came to the conclusion that the Chelsea gem has been the eighth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Elliott over the last 365 days.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.69

0.68

Goals per Shot

0.06

0.09

Goals per Shot on Target

0.25

0.25

Key Passes

2.44

2.45

Interceptions

0.24

0.31

Successful Take-On %

44.4%

45.1%

Carries into the Penalty Area

1.22

1.15

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked incredibly closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot and shot on target, interceptions, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

However, the similarities extend beyond the statistics, as the young Liverpool gem, like the Blues star, has demonstrated an ability to play in multiple positions, with attacking midfield and right-wing his most played.

Moreover, should this transfer go through, then it would be another example of the West Londoners bringing in a younger talent from one of their rivals who’s just not getting the game time he deserves at the moment.

On top of that, even though he’s had to play a bit-part role at Anfield this season, the 22-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by journalist Sam McGuire, has still got some seriously impressive underlying numbers, which suggests that were he given more regular game time, he could seriously explode.

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for progressive passes and passes attempted, the top 8% for non-penalty expected goals, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, there would undoubtedly be some risk in signing Elliott this summer, but there was also plenty of risk in signing an unproven Palmer in 2023, and thanks to their similarities, this feels like a risk Chelsea should take.

Chelsea ready to offer six-year deal to £45m player, talks "now advancing"

The west Londoners could make their next signing soon.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

After missing out on Championship promotion, Sheffield United are now reportedly expected to attempt a summer move to sign a bargain defender for Chris Wilder and his side.

Sheffield United suffer Wembley heartbreak

When Tyrese Campbell rounded off an excellent Sheffield United counterattack, much thanks to the work of Gustavo Hamer, it looked as though the Blades were destined for the Premier League – as had been the case for much of the campaign. Wilder’s side were then left in the ultimate dreamland when Harrison Burrows’ effort raced beyond Anthony Patterson before the break.

Burrows’ effort is where things truly began to go wrong, however, with VAR intervening to chalk Sheffield United’s second goal when Vinicius Souza was adjudged to have blocked Patterson’s view in an offside position. In that moment, Sunderland fans were left relieved and Regis Le Bris’ side were awoken.

"Awesome" Sheffield United star could leave with Hamer after playoff defeat

This would be a huge blow for Chris Wilder.

ByHenry Jackson May 25, 2025

Adding salt to the Sheffield United wounds, it took until the 76th minute for Eliezer Mayenda to equalise before Tommy Watson came from the bench to score a heartbreaking Sunderland winner.

Wilder, like many, was left in disbelief at just how his side missed out on promotion. He told reporters: “Congratulations to Sunderland, the manager and the players for the achievements this season and going into the Premier League.

“It’s a tough one to take from our point of view. Defining moments in the game I get. We never really felt in danger even sort of second half. Of course they’ve got to open up and try and get back into the game we just needed to be better on that turnover.”

The Blades must now turn their focus towards the summer transfer window and next season, in which they will hope that 90 points is enough to secure their place back in the Premier League.

Sheffield United expected to make Dunne move

Whilst turning their focus towards the summer, new arrivals will of course be on the agenda for those at Bramall Lane. And that could yet include an experienced Championship defender. According to The Star, Sheffield United are expected to make an attempt to sign Jimmy Dunne this summer, who is set to leave Queens Park Rangers as a free agent next month.

The Blades attempted to sign the defender in January, but ultimately failed in their pursuit. Now, six months later, Wilder could finally get the defensive reinforcement that he has been craving.

It was in the January transfer window that former QPR manager Marti Cifuentes reiterated the importance of Dunne in his side, telling reporters: “I don’t have anything from the club perspective about it.

“Jimmy for me, is a very important player. I know that he loves to be at QPR and loves the club, and we love him. We’ll see what happens, but he is a very important player for us.”

Now, it’s Sheffield United who could get the chance to see the defender’s importance in action as they go in pursuit of a bargain deal to commence their summer transfer window.