Chelsea are reportedly considering a summer move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams.
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Chelsea consider Nico Williams moveAthletic Club star may cost £43mQuestion marks over Sterling & Mudryk futuresGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
According to The Telegraph, the 21-year-old has a release clause of approximately £43 million ($54.6m) but it is believed the winger earns upwards of £100,000-a-week after tax in Spain – which would make him one of the Blues' top earners.
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While Chelsea arguably need an out-and-out striker, with Napoli's Victor Osimhen and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko among their top targets, Williams has impressed the west London outfit following his six goals and 11 assists this season. However, if he did sign for the Blues, this could place question marks around the futures of fellow widemen Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk. Moreover, with profit and sustainability rules, Chelsea may have to sell before they can buy this summer.
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Williams – who has a contract with Athletic Club until 2027 – has made 11 appearances for Spain, scoring two goals in the process. Arsenal are reportedly among the list of admirers for the youngster, who has been at Bilbao since 2013.
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WHAT NEXT?
On the pitch, Chelsea next face Newcastle United on March 11 in the Premier League and off the pitch, the Blues reportedly need to raise at least £100 million by June 30 to comply with financial fair play rules – something the Stamford Bridge club dispute.
He also went on to liken England’s top order to Australia’s all-conquering top three of Hayden, Gilchrist and Ponting
Melinda Farrell at Trent Bridge20-Jun-20181:37
Australia’s new ODI low
Justin Langer described Australia’s record loss to England as “brutal” and “a shock” and said his players could not have had a worse day as they slumped to a third straight loss, handing the five-match ODI series to England.A year out from the World Cup, Australia are ranked sixth, their lowest ranking since 1984, and the 242-run thumping at Trent Bridge was a harsh reality check for the reigning champions.”It’s a shock,” said Langer after the game at Trent Bridge. “That is literally England at its best. It’s no fluke that they are No.1 in the world.”I’ve never seen nothing like that today. I was in Johannesburg when Australia got 400 [434 for 4] and South Africa then got it, but that was just brutal. Hopefully our young guys can learn from it. It doesn’t get harder than that.”None of Australia’s bowlers – and Tim Paine used eight in total – escaped the caning handed out by England’s top order, although Ashton Agar conceded a comparably ‘frugal’ seven runs per over. Andrew Tye suffered the worst punishment, his nine wicketless overs going for 100 runs.”He’s probably one of the best people I have ever met in the game of cricket,” said Langer. “He’ll stay up but what I’ve said to him, like our batters, he’s got to learn how to bowl at the first 10 overs, the second 10 overs, and at the death.”After a match where England scored 481, smashing the previous highest total by 37 runs, Langer compared England’s batting line-up to the Australian side that won the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, led by Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting.”I’ve got massive respect for England and the way they are playing their cricket,” said Langer. “Their top three are brutal. The way they are playing is reminiscent of how we used to play in our day with Gilly, Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting at the top.”They have the England Test captain Joe Root batting at four and Eoin Morgan, England’s highest ever one-day scorer coming in at five, Jos Buttler who is as dynamic as anyone at the moment and Moeen Ali who is beating us with the bat and the ball – well maybe not so much the ball, but he gives them some depth. It’s a pretty sad dressing room there because you expect to win.”In his first series as national coach, a job handed to him in the wake of an enormous upheaval that has shaken Australia on and off the field, Langer says his first job is to help the team rebuild.”I’ve known what the task is before this game, it’s to build a team and to get better,” said Langer. “One thing I will say is that I have been impressed by their camaraderie and preparation. I mean they are young and we recognise that.”What I do know is that you can work hard to gain at confidence. It’s a bit like working hard to gain respect. To do that we are going to have to go through some tough days like this.”With the series lost, the remaining two games give Australia the chance to experiment further. Langer indicated he may look to bring Nathan Lyon into the side and consider playing Alex Carey as a specialist batsman. Australia have yet to bat out their 50 overs in the series so far, and while they will regain significant strike power with the return of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, their top six looks far from settled, in terms of personnel and batting order.”We’ve got to bat against the top and against spin,” said Langer. “We need to have more rounded players. In 20-overs cricket you can get away with it as it’s more condensed, but in 50 overs you have a lot more time in the game than you think.”For us to get bowled out in the 37th over on the best batting track in the world – there were huge missed opportunities there for some of our batters.”Can’t have had a worse day.”But for Langer, the immediate challenge is to take a group of young men, clearly hurting and low on confidence after such a massive defeat, pick them up, dust them off and send them out again at Chester-le-Street for the fourth ODI.”I have to look after them all,” said Langer. “These are the days when you are like a dad, not a headmaster. We’ll look after them. It was a tough day but we’ll keep chipping away at it tomorrow.”
Last season was all about hope for Arsenal. They came so close to winning the Premier League, only to be pipped to the post by Manchester City.
There may well have been a feeling of regret, but the overwhelming sense within the Emirates Stadium was still one of positivity.
Unfortunately, negativity is starting to seep in this season, although the Gunners have won seven points from nine.
Their toughest test awaits on Sunday, with a clash against old rivals Manchester United facing Mikel Arteta and his men.
Ahead of the match, the Londoners have been dealt with a painful injury blow to Thomas Partey.
Is Thomas Partey injured?
Rumours surrounding the Ghanaian have been rife over the last 24 hours.
Partey had been training ahead of the game but the Ghana FA have suggested that the midfielder could miss the next three months of action with a hamstring problem.
Arsenal have refused to comment on the situation, with the severity of the problem unconfirmed by the club.
The injury comes at a bad time for the Gunners, who have already lost new summer signing Jurrien Timber to a lengthy knee issue.
Who could replace Thomas Partey?
The former Atletico Madrid man has been playing as a makeshift right-back this season as Arteta plots something different with his team.
The role has seen the 30-year-old playing in an inverted position, as Oleksandr Zinchenko performed so well last season from the opposite side, but it hasn't worked too well.
Indeed, Arsenal haven't looked convincing at any moment this season, keeping just one clean sheet and failing to win by a margin of more than two goals.
This injury, however, could well be the blessing in disguise that welcomes Gabriel Magalhaes back into the team.
Ben White has been playing at centre-back this term but will likely slide across onto the right-hand side against United, leaving a vacant space in the middle.
This is where Gabriel comes back into the fray. Strangely, the Brazilian is yet to start in the league this season but that must surely change now.
The £32m-rated defender was one of the best players in the division throughout 2022/23, ranking in the top 15% of centre-backs for pass completion rate and the top 12% for carries into the final third.
A robust defender, it is the Brazil international's pedigree as a progressive outlet that makes him so valuable to Arsenal, not to mention the fact that his left-footedness helps considerably in terms of their build-up play from the back.
Heralded as a "beast" by ex-FOX reporter Robert Lusetich for his performances in the 2021/22 campaign, Gabriel has only been going from strength to strength since joining Arsenal.
His solidity and indeed reliability last term should have made him a shoo-in to start most games this season. The fact he hasn't yet in 2023/24 is worrying.
That, however, is likely to change against United, barring another mysterious tactical tweak by Arteta and his coaching staff that catches everyone completely off guard.
Everton dropped more points in the Premier League, drawing 2-2 with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in what was an entertaining match.
The Toffees took the lead through Abdoulaye Doucoure after just 14 minutes, but two goals involving the hosts' new signing Cameron Archer turned the match around as the sides went into the halftime break.
Summer signing Arnaut Danjuma subsequently netted the equaliser for the Merseyside club soon after the interval, and although the Toffees pushed for a winner, the match ended with a share of the spoils.
Sean Dyche now surely finds himself under severe pressure following their fourth successive league match without a win, and he will be hoping to regroup during the international break.
There were a few bright sparks for the club today, most notably summer arrivals Danjuma and Beto, who both played well despite the final outcome of the match.
How good was Arnaut Danjuma vs Sheffield United?
The winger joined from Villarreal on a season long loan deal, and it looked as though it was a smart move by Dyche, especially as he has prior Premier League experience.
The one-time Bournemouth ace played for Tottenham Hotspur during the second half of the 2022/23 season, netting twice in all competitions, and he really showcased his abilities this afternoon.
The Dutchman not only scored his second competitive goal for the Toffees, but he also made one key pass during the tie alongside having five shots in total and succeeding with his only dribble attempt, displaying his attacking qualities to good effect.
The 26-year-old wasn’t afraid to contribute defensively either, winning five out of his seven duels and making one tackle, and it was clear he wanted to get involved during the game. This goal could be the catalyst for some more over the coming months, while Dyche will also be particularly pleased with Beto’s contributions during the game.
Did Beto score vs Sheffield United?
The 25-year-old was making his first start for the club following a debut goal against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup during midweek.
Beto
The Portuguese forward certainly carried on where he left off as he held the ball up well and was even praised by journalist Patrick Boyland, who said: “Beto's hold up play has been fantastic in the main so far. His name is the one being sung by the away fans. Been sending defenders sprawling to the turf.”
The £26m man managed the full 90 minutes and during that time, the striker took 45 touches and demonstrated his attacking prowess by taking four shots during the match, although he did fail to score his second Everton goal.
Beto also showcased his ability to ghost past defenders as he succeeded with seven of his ten attempted dribbles while making one key pass and creating a big chance in what was an impressive performance, especially since it was his first taste of Premier League football.
Everton look like they have signed a gem in the former Udinese forward and Dyche will be hoping that after the international break, he is ready to really hit the ground running and lift the club out of the precarious situation they’re in.
While it may have been Danjuma who got on the scoresheet for the Toffees today, it was arguably Beto who was the real hero in the front line due to his all-round performance.
أعلن الجهاز الفني لفريق الكرة الأول بنادي اتحاد جدة الذي يضم بين صفوفه الدولي المصري أحمد حجازي عن تشكيل لاعبيه لمباراة الخليج ضمن منافسات الدوري السعودي “روشن”.
ويلتقي اتحاد جدة منافسه الخليج في اللقاء المقرر إقامته على ملعب استاد محمد بن فهد ضمن منافسات الجولة 32 من عمر المسابقة السعودية.
ويشهد التشكيل غياب اللاعب المصري أحمد حجازي، كما يغيب عن مقاعد البدلاء بسبب إصابته بإلتواء في المفصل الداخلي للركبة والتي أبعدته عن مباراة الاتفاق الماضية.
ويتواجد فريق اتحاد جدة السعودي في المركز الخامس بجدول ترتيب البطولة المحلية برصيد 50 نقطة حصدها من 31 مباراة.
واستطاع فريق الاتحاد تحقيق الفوز في 15 مباراة وتعادل في 5 مواجهات فيما نال 11 هزيمة، بعد أن سجل 56 هدفًا واستقبلت شباكه 48.
ويطمح فريق الاتحاد للمضي قدمًا نحو تحقيق الانتصارات من أجل اللحاق بالمربع الذهبي، من أجل المشاركة في دوري أبطال آسيا الموسم المقبل.
طالع | الخليج: حصيلة محمد شريف في الدوري السعودي جيدة.. ويعاني من نفس مشكلة بنزيما وفيرمينيو
أما الخليج فيحتل المركز الحادي عشر في جدول ترتيب بطولة الدوري برصيد 36 نقطة، بعد أن فاز بـ9 مباريات وخسر 9 فيما تعادل في 13 لقاء. تشكيل الاتحاد لمباراة الخليج في الدوري السعودي
حراسة المرمى: محمد المحاسنة.
خط الدفاع: سعد ال موسى- حسن كادش- فواز الصقور- مهند الشنقيطي.
خط الوسط: عوض الناشري- نجولو كانتي- صالح العمري.
خط الهجوم: جوتا- مروان الصحفي- رومارينهو.
📋| قائمة الفريق الكروي لمواجهة #الاتحاد_الخليج ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/h7SvF67AKW
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe wants to make one more signing for his outfit this summer and looks to have identified a rising Premier League star as a candidate.
Who could Newcastle sign this summer?
According to the Daily Mail's Craig Hope, Chelsea starlet Lewis Hall is being considered by the Magpies as they explore defensive options this summer, with Marc Cucurella and Kieran Tierney also on the list.
The reporter stated in full: "Understand NUFC are exploring move for Chelsea’s Lewis Hall but are at limit of spend & must be “creative”. Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney & Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella others discussed at LB but nothing close. Joachim Andersen & Antonio Silva high on list at CB but v unlikely re cost."
The 18-year-old impressed upon breaking into the Blues' first team last season and could now make the move to Tyneside as Newcastle search for 'creative' ways to complete their summer spending while aligning with Financial Fair Play.
Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…
Hall has been widely expected to complete a loan move to Crystal Palace this summer but Howe's side may well be in the driving seat to now hijack the deal.
How good is Lewis Hall?
It's not quite clear if Newcastle would entertain a loan move, but if that is a viable option for the club, then it could work out tremendously.
The Magpies have signed Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Yankuba Minteh for approximately £132m this summer, and are approaching their limitations, though the lion's share of what Howe and technical director Dan Ashworth would have wanted has been achieved.
Chelsea defender Lewis Hall.
Hall would complete the jigsaw, and while he is young, the Englishman has been heralded by Pat Nevin for his 'incredibly impressive' start to life on the major stage after winning Chelsea's Academy Player of the Season award in 2021/22.
Last season, he recorded an average rating of 7.01 across his nine Premier League outings, making 1.7 key passes per game and completing 84% of his passes. Clearly, this is a player that loves to be on the front foot.
He would also provide cover and competition for Dan Burn on the left flank of the Toon backline, with the towering 6 foot 6 ace impressing in his makeshift role over the past year, naturally a central defender.
However, now that Newcastle have entered continental competition and could realistically compete for silverware across four different competitions, signing Hall would be a prudent move, especially following Jamal Lewis' loan departure – with the option to buy – to Watford.
Burn joined United from Brighton & Hove Albion for £13m in January 2022 and has been instrumental in the club's remarkable rise under Howe's management, playing every match in the English top-flight last year as Newcastle finished fourth, boasting the joint-best defence in the division (alongside champions Manchester City).
The £55k-per-week titan is not the most mobile of defenders, something Hall on the flip side can indeed consider himself to be, and while Burn does rank among the top 5% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for clearances and the top 2% for aerials won per 90, as per FBref, he ranks among the bottom 7% for shot-creating actions, the bottom 4% for progressive carries and the bottom 13% for successful take-ons per 90.
The 31-year-old also only earned an average Sofascore rating of 6.78 last term, completing 0.4 key passes and 79% of his total passes despite being less ambitious than Hall in his ball-playing.
The divergence in style that Hall would bring to St. James' Park would add a whole new dimension to Howe's burgeoning system, with the teenage talent ranking among the top 5% for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for successful take-ons and the top 6% for touches in the attacking box per 90.
The youngster is also a solid and tenacious defensive option, sitting among the top 5% for tackles and the top 9% for interceptions per 90 – it is this age-belying roundedness to his craft that has left Newcastle so interested in stealing him from under Crystal Palace's nose.
Once dubbed "amazing" by Chelsea teammate Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hall boasts the creativity and the progressive presence to improve Newcastle's team, and he could be the low-risk signing to finish off the emphatic transfer activity this summer with aplomb.
Aston Villa have had a transfer window to remember this summer, with Unai Emery and Monchi teaming up to work their magic in the Midlands.
The Spanish duo have announced the blockbuster signings of Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby, as well as the capture of free-agent Youri Tielemans from Leicester City to add to the midfield.
Despite strengthening significantly already, the spending isn’t expected to stop just yet, as the club continues to be linked to a number of stars.
What’s the latest on Marcos Leonardo to Aston Villa?
One of the names mentioned as a potential arrival at Villa Park is that of Santos striker Marcos Leonardo, who at just 20-years-old has gained a lot of interest from Europe.
The Brazilian could be available for a fee in the region of just €15m (£13m), however despite the links, the starlet looks set to join Serie A giants AS Roma, as relayed by Roma Press.
While it’s a reported target missed for the Villans, Emery could save the club millions by seeking alternative strike options from areas already inside the club.
How good is Cameron Archer?
Bodymoor Heath academy starlet Cameron Archer spent half of last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship, where he developed his talents at senior level before returning to Villa Park earlier this summer.
The 21-year-old gem has been at the club since U9 level, working his way up the academy and endeavouring on three loan spells at Solihull Moors, Preston North End and most recently Boro.
Now, the striker could take Villa’s miss on Leonardo to fully exert his talent around the first team, with Emery insisting that he would prefer the youngster to remain at the club for the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, rather than go on loan.
Speaking on both Archer and fellow promising forward Jhon Duran, the Spaniard admitted Villa “will need” the duo, insisting that the club “have to give them chances to help”, via Birmingham Live.
In the Englishman, the former Arsenal boss could turn his market attention away from the strike department, by considering a player hailed as “incredibly prolific” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Joining the club in January, the 21-year-old made an instant impact, contributing to 17 goals in 20 appearances for Boro, netting 11 and assisting six in the Championship, playing an integral part in the Reds’ chase for promotion.
Coming off the back of a strong individual campaign, paired with the highs of winning the U21 European Championships with England, now could be the perfect time for Emery to integrate the academy graduate into the first team.
With 13 senior appearances and four goals already under his belt for his boyhood club, the 21-year-old could be handed his time to shine in a season that is set to be an exciting one for the Villans, with European involvement weaved into their schedule.
In Archer, Emery could have a reliable goalscorer, hungry to succeed and fuelled with confidence following last campaign’s heroics in the final third.
Monchi could save the club millions and continue his search for reinforcements in other positions in placing trust in the youngster, who as highlighted, doesn’t need a huge window to showcase his prolific nature in front of goal.
West Ham United could 'make the first bid' for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse as David Moyes looks to add midfield steel this window, according to journalist Paul Brown.
Are West Ham United keen on James Ward-Prowse this summer?
According to The Daily Mail, West Ham United are set to bid £20 million to try and land Ward-Prowse this summer despite the Saints holding out for around £40 million for the England international.
The report states that Hammers boss Moyes wants Ward-Prowse and a more physical midfielder to come into the London Stadium, such as Juventus man Denis Zakaria or Leeds United enforcer Tyler Adams.
Football Insider claim along similar lines that West Ham United have a 'concrete interest' in Ward-Prowse and detail the free-kick specialist desires a return to the Premier League following Southampton's relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
With Declan Rice extremely close to a move to Arsenal, West Ham United are set to intensify their efforts to sign Ward-Prowse in the 'coming days' at the London Stadium.
Southampton have reacted to the prospect of losing Ward-Prowse by seeking reinforcements of their own in the engine room and Manchester City starlet Shea Charles is close to joining the Saints for a fee of £15 million, as per The Athletic.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that West Ham United will 'make the first bid' for Ward-Prowse in an effort to snap him up this summer.
Brown told FFC: "I think it all comes down really to what Ward-Prowse wants to do. Everyone knows West Ham are interested in him, he's got several other clubs interested in him too. It's kind of a waiting game because I think Ward-Prowse hasn't really made his mind up yet on where he might prefer to go and until anyone starts the ball rolling with a firm bid, it's difficult for him really to make a decision too. It wouldn't surprise me if West Ham start things off and make the first bid here, but we'll see."
Would James Ward-Prowse be a good signing for West Ham United?
Ward-Prowse, who has been hailed as a "wizard", has the ability to control the flow of the game in the middle of the park alongside a unique capacity to deliver wonderful moments from dead ball situations, making him a very appealing potential addition for Moyes and company.
Last term, the Southampton star was in terrific form despite his side's eventual relegation. As per Transfermarkt, Ward-Prowse registered 11 goals and five assists in 49 appearances for the Saints across all competitions.
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
Being a creative influence in the engine room, Ward-Prowse managed to lay on 1.9 key passes for his teammates over the course of 2022/23, as shown on WhoScored.
Of course, the 28-year-old is something of a cult hero in the English top flight due to his ability to score from free-kick scenarios and has netted 17 during his time in the division, putting him just one goal off equalling David Beckham's all-time record of 18 set-piece goals, according to The Sporting News.
West Ham United will be left with a big hole left to fill in midfield if Rice completes his £105 million move to Arsenal and Ward-Prowse may be the ideal man to pass the mantle to at the London Stadium.
Deby County harbour genuine 'interest' in Blackburn Rovers youngster Jack Vale who is set to go out on loan this season in a bid for regular playing time, according to reports.
Who are Derby County signing?
It was a season of what could've been for the Rams last year, as the side fell agonisingly close to booking a place in the play-offs by a single point, and potentially reasserting themselves as a Championship side at the first time of asking.
Derby County manager Paul Warne.
What's more impressive is that the club almost achieved it, having not paid for a single player since September 2020, after the EFL placed them under a transfer embargo in the summer of 2021 due to financial 'issues', per the BBC.
That embargo was lifted in May of this year, with the East Midlands club placed under 'financial monitoring restrictions' until August 2024 instead.
Even with the embargo lifted, the Paul Warne's have yet to pay a transfer fee for a player and have been revamping their squad with free signings, welcoming Josh Vickers, Joe Ward, Callum Elder, and Curtis Nelson to Pride Park this summer.
Soccer Football – Championship – Cardiff City v West Bromwich Albion – Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain – September 28, 2021 Cardiff City's Curtis Nelson reacts after scoring an own goal and West Bromich Albion?s second goal Action Images/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/le
With more work to do, Derby have turned their attention to the loan market and have identified Blackburn striker Jack Vale as a potential target as the Lancashire club opts to send him out on loan, per Football Insider.
The East Midlanders better act quickly, though, as fellow League One side Blackpool are also interested in Vale's services.
Would Jack Vale be a good signing for Derby County?
One of County's biggest problems last season was scoring goals. Despite missing out on a play-off place by a single point, they scored just 67 goals, eight fewer than Peterborough United above them, with the only side in the top six scoring less being Bolton on 62.
That is something Vale could help the club work on. He was prolific during his time with Rovers' under-21 set up in Premier League 2. In just 14 appearances in the 2021/22 season, he scored 13 goals and assisted a further three.
That form earnt him his debut for the senior side, for which he has now played 24 times across the Championship, EFL Cup and FA Cup, scoring twice and providing one assist.
Whilst the step up to Championship football seems slightly too much for him at the moment, he has spoken about the benefits the game time has given him:
"It's a big step from Under-21s football. You have to deal with that, and I think with me now, I've learned a lot, so I have to keep improving and getting better every day.
"I've got the experience now and want to play more to get more experience but what I have done this season I think will help me for next season."
Despite struggling to find the back of the net at senior level, he is still thought of highly at the club and was offered a new long-term deal at Ewood Park last October set to keep him in Lancashire until June 2025 with an option of a further 12 months.
Whilst signing Vale on loan would still be a gamble on the part of Derby, it would be a minor one, whereas the potential upside of his arrival could be huge and be exactly what is needed for the side to get those few extra goals to drag them over the line next year.
If County can secure the services of the "incredible" Vale, they absolutely should.