Dele Alli has been told that retirement may be an option he has to consider after suffering another injury while bidding to earn a deal at Everton.
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Has been a free agent since the summerTraining with Toffees after surgeryUnable to rebuild full fitnessFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The England international saw his previous contract with the Toffees expire at the end of June. He has been a free agent since then, but has continued to train with Sean Dyche’s squad in a bid to earn fresh terms – with former club Tottenham agreeing to waive funds that they would be owed.
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Dele was working his way back towards full fitness, after undergoing surgery early in 2024, but has seen his body break down once more. Little is known about the setback, but it is preventing him from staking a claim to an extended stay on Merseyside.
WHAT FORMER EVERTON SCOUT SAID
Former Everton scout Bryan King has told of what happens next for Dele: “He’s picking up injuries along the way, which is the last thing he would want. Someone will have to make a decision soon. Is it worth him coming back or should he retire? I think Everton have been very loyal in assisting him try to get his fitness back.
“It is amazing, all that talent and the fees being brandished, it has all been left by the wayside. He needs to play a game, when is he going to play? It has been a long time. If there isn’t movement soon then I think perhaps he will be forced to retire. At the moment, he doesn’t look any closer to playing than he did a year ago.”
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Dele has not made a competitive appearance since turning out for Besiktas in February 2023 during a forgettable Turkish loan spell. He is still just 28 years of age, with 37 caps for the Three Lions to his name, but is struggling to escape his injury nightmare and rekindle a spark that began to fizzle out some time ago.
Antonela Roccuzzo beamed with pride after seeing her husband Lionel Messi score a hat-trick against Bolivia for Argentina.
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Antonela hails Messi as 'greatest of all time'Scored hat-trick in Argentina's win over BoliviaAlso registered two assists in 6-0 rompFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Inter Miami star netted three goals and contributed two assists as the reigning world champions decimated Bolivia 6-0 in a 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday. The 37-year-old has now passed Ali Daei as the second-highest goalscorer in international football history with 112 goals to his name, but he's still 20 behind current leader Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Antonela Roccuzzo was beaming with pride after her husband's incredible performance as she took to Instagram to share a photo of the Argentina captain celebrating and wrote: "The greatest of all time". She also shared a video of their children reacting wildly to one of Messi's goals, as they were heard screaming at the television in happiness.
After the match, Messi emotionally declared that he was into his 'last games' for the national team as he told reporters: "I didn't set any date or deadline about my future. I'm just enjoying all this. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from the people because I know these can be my last games. It's a joy to be present and appreciate this moment. Being surrounded by younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again. I find myself doing silly things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I maintain that feeling and can continue contributing to the team, I plan to be here enjoying [the national team]."
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The Barcelona legend will be back in action with Inter Miami on Saturday as they take on the New England Revolution in a MLS clash at home.
It is fair to say that it has already been a busy summer for Chelsea Football Club. Following the conclusion of last season, they decided to sack Mauricio Pochettino, despite the fact he got the Blues into an FA Cup semi-final, came runners-up in the Carabao Cup and ensured European qualification for his side.
However, the Argentine was removed from his post and was replaced by Leicester City’s Championship-winning manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian signed a five-year deal with the option of a further year at Stamford Bridge. Already, since the appointment, the Blues have been fairly active in the transfer market.
Chelsea have secured two signings already, bringing Tosin Adarabioyo to the club on a free transfer, after his old deal with Fulham expired. They are also set to sign Marc Guiu from Barcelona for just £5m. The young striker has already had a medical in London according to Fabrizio Romano.
Other potential incomings to Stamford Bridge at this moment include Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who could depart Leicester and reunite with Maresca at Chelsea. Not only that, they are also in need of a centre-forward at the club and are thought to be interested in one player who could bolster their front line.
Chelsea target Bundesliga striker
The player in question here is Hoffenheim and Germany striker Maximilian Beier. The 21-year-old has had a very impressive season for the Bundesliga club, and has now been linked with a move away, with clubs including Chelsea thought to be interested in signing him this summer.
According to a report from Christian Falk for CaughtOffisde, the Blues are “interested” in bringing Beier to Stamford Bridge over the summer transfer window. However, Falk confirms that the striker is “not yet convinced” about moving to West London ahead of next season.
Maximilian Beier
Not only that, the Blues will not be the only Premier League side who are vying for the youngster's signature over the summer. Liverpool are thought to be particularly keen on the move, although fellow Merseysiders Everton, as well as relegated Burnley and Chelsea’s fellow London side Brentford are also hopeful of doing a deal this summer.
In terms of price, Beier has a very cheap release clause that makes a deal even more attractive given the quality of the player in conversation here. Interested clubs can activate his £27.5m release clause to sign the striker this summer, a deal which the likes of Chelsea – or rivals Liverpool – would be able to pull off.
Why Beier would be a good signing
Should Chelsea manage to pull off a move for Beier, it would be reminiscent of their move for Kai Havertz in 2020, whom they paid £71m for from Bayer Leverkusen.
It would be a similar switch given Chelsea would be adding the next big thing amongst German centre-forwards to their squad. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig called Beier “the best German striker at the moment” in March 2024.
Chelsea centre-forward Kai Havertz.
Whilst it did not work out for Havertz at Stamford Bridge – aside from his Champions League-winning goal against Manchester City – he put up some very similar numbers in his final season in the Bundesliga to what Beier has racked up in 2023/24, with the pair proving their clinical nature in Germany’s top-flight.
Stat
Beier (2023/24)
Havertz (2019/20)
Games
33
30
Minutes
2439
2463
Goals
16
12
Assists
3
6
Of course, Havertz has now left the Blues, instead plying his trade down the road for Arsenal. He did not prove to be the striker Chelsea were searching for in the long run, but perhaps Beier will be that man, instead.
In terms of Beier’s profile, the 21-year-old is a tall striker, who has impressive hold-up play, will run the channels well and has a real eye for goal. In terms of pure goals, he was outscored by only four players last season; Harry Kane scored 36 times, Serhou Guriassy found the back of the net 28 times, Lois Openda scored 24 goals and Deniz Undav scored 18 times.
The 21-year-old is an excellent ball carrier, using his lanky frame to his advantage. The German likes to pick up the ball from a wide area and drive into the penalty area. As per FBref, he averages 1.34 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 11%. Football scout Antonio Mango called the striker “exceptional”, and it is attributes such as his impressive carrying from wide areas such a well-rounded player.
For just £27.5m, the signing of Beier could be ideal for Chelsea. They would be able to bring in another genuine number nine, who can compete for the starting spot with Nicolas Jackson. Whilst the transfer itself would be similar to that of Havertz, the Blues will no doubt be hoping Beier can have a more successful time of things at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea plot to steal ace who’d be as influential as Palmer for Maresca
The Chelsea target reached double figures for goals and assists last season.
It is likely he would be involved initially in the T20 franchise league USA Cricket is trying to establish
Umar Farooq19-Nov-2020Sami Aslam, one of Pakistan’s leading opening batsmen, is considering quitting Pakistan cricket and moving away to pursue his ambitions. Aslam’s decision is likely to create considerable ripples given that he is not yet 25 and, ordinarily, would still be in contention for a slot in the national side.Aslam played 13 Tests between 2015 and 2017 and came close to establishing himself as a first-choice opener. He has since been prominent on the domestic circuit, among the leading run-getters in last year’s revamped Quaid-e-Azam (QeA) Trophy. But problems with team management for his domestic side Southern Punjab last season have spiralled into such disaffection that he is considering seriously overtures from USA Cricket to move there.Only last season Aslam was captain of the Southern Punjab side and finished as the fourth-highest scorer, averaging over 78, with four hundreds contributing to 864 runs. But he was removed from the captaincy during the season, after a disagreement with the head coach Abdul Rehman over a fourth-innings chase. That came in a game against Northern, when Southern Punjab needed 89 from 11 overs but, 2.3 overs in, Aslam shook hands with the opposition captain and a draw was declared. The state of the pitch, the fading light and the defensive fielding positions set by Northern had apparently led to Aslam concluding they would not be able to make the required runs. But that did not go down well with the coach, who viewed it as a digression from team tactics and leading to the change in captain.Since then Aslam’s career has hit a downturn. He was selected for Balochistan this season, a traditionally weaker team, where he has only one fifty from three rounds of the QeA this year. He was demoted to the Balochistan second XI for the National T20 Cup also, a development that increased his disenchantment. In all this time, Abid Ali and Shan Masood have pushed into the national side and somewhat established themselves as an opening pair, with Imam-ul-Haq as a back-up option. The ultimate snub was not being selected for the 35-player group touring New Zealand, a group that includes Pakistan’s national red-ball and white-ball sides and also the Pakistan Shaheens, a team of emerging or in-contention prospects.It has been a swift falling out of favour. Aslam emerged as a talent during the PCB’s Hunt for Heroes tournament in 2009. He quickly became a standout star on the youth circuit, scoring 1695 Under-19 ODI runs at 45.81 (and the most hundreds, six) and is the second-highest run-scorer in Under-19 ODI history. He is also the third-fastest in the world to get to 2000 List A runs. He was captain of the Pakistan Under-19 side when they toured England in 2013, and made two centuries in the tri-series then, including 110 in the final against England, before catching the eye with another hundred in a victory over India in the 2014 Under-19 Asia Cup.He was elevated into the national side in both Test and ODI squads immediately after the 2015 World Cup and though he was dropped after one series, he returned a year later and with some impact, making 82 and 70 at Edgbaston against England in the 2016 series. He showed his potential several times thereafter, not least in an important 91 in Hamilton against New Zealand in particular, although a failure to convert any of his seven fifties into a hundred weighed against him. Not long after that 91 though, he was being pulled up as an example of the kind of attitude to fitness Mickey Arthur was trying to overhaul.Despite runs on the domestic circuit since then, he hasn’t managed to find a way back. Details aren’t yet clear, if he does go, of his opportunities in the USA, though it is likely he would be involved initially in the T20 franchise league USA Cricket is trying to establish.
There’s no two ways about it; Chelsea’s Cole Palmer certainly won the honour of being the best signing of the 2023/24 season.
The versatile attacker only arrived at Stamford Bridge for £40m from Manchester City, and today, he’s one of the most talented forwards in England.
Cole Palmer celebrates for Chelsea
Over just 29 Premier League starts, the England international scored an insane 22 goals and provided 11 assists, which earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
Under new boss Enzo Maresca, his progress is only set to continue, but there’s one Blues target who could prove to be just as influential as the number 20 next season.
Chelsea want to bolster the midfield
According to a report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are keen on signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The midfielder had looked to have completed a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in a swap deal for Jakub Moder, with Romano revealing that a medical had already been booked for the duo, having agreed terms on the swap deal recently.
Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
However, Chelsea have seemingly undertaken a last-ditch attempt to steal him away from the Seagulls, having lodged an enquiry of their own – with a further update from Romano revealing that the deal involving Brighton and Moder is now set to collapse.
Dewsbury-Hall could be as influential as Palmer
When Maresca joined Leicester City ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, he was tasked with the difficult job of reviving a squad and returning them to the top flight.
Not only did he achieve both of those goals, but he exceeded all expectations, and one player that he turned into a monster was the "superb" Dewsbury-Hall, as dubbed by journalist Ben Jacobs.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Chelsea target
The Foxes’ midfielder became the most important player in the Italian’s system, operating as a left-centre midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation across 44 Championship matches.
However, it was the freedom to attack that really saw the 25-year-old’s game go to the next level, as he scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists.
Goals
0.76
0.30
Assists
0.38
0.35
Shots
3.44
2.15
Key passes
2.48
2.70
Progressive passes
6.77
6.73
Shot-creating actions
5.57
5.00
Progressive carries
4.02
3.91
There’s no doubt about it; that record for a midfielder is simply sensational, and it gives similar vibes to that of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, who scored 211 goals for the Blues.
It’s expected that at Chelsea, Maresca will utilise the exact same approach that brought him success at Leicester, and therefore, the signature of Dewsbury-Hall is a must.
Just like Palmer, the England international was the catalyst for the majority of the attacking situations at the Foxes, as shown by his creative stats earlier on, and for that reason alone, he could prove to be just as influential as Palmer.
Another reason why he could have a similar impact is that he would operate on the left, and with Palmer playing on the opposite side, Chelsea would have a brilliantly balanced attacking setup, in turn making them far less predictable.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer
Overall, the signing of Dewsbury-Hall wouldn’t be one to get the Blues faithful out of their seats, but that was also the case when Palmer arrived last summer.
No Jackson, ÂŁ226m trio sign: Enzo Maresca's dream lineup at Chelsea
Chelsea are set for a busy summer with plenty of signings expected.
Wrexham may have completed the signing of Manchester United academy graduate Matty James, who has been spotted in the club's training gear.
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Wrexham closing in on free agentJames seen in training kitPlayed in United's academyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Per multiple accounts on social media, James has been spotted wearing Wrexham's training kit. James is a free agent after leaving Bristol City at the end of the 2023-24 season, but could now have found a new home in Wales.
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James is a vastly experienced Football League campaigner who has played for the likes of Preston North End, Leicester City, Barnsley and Coventry, along with Bristol City. He came through the ranks at United, but he never made a first-team appearance for the club.
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Both George Evans and Jordan Davies are injured and are not available for selection by Phil Parkinson. As a result, Wrexham have been left light in midfield, and a solution could well come in the form of James.
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Wrexham play Charlton Athletic this weekend in League One but it is unclear if James will be signed in time to feature.
With David Warner injured, Pucovski has firmed to open the batting for Australia in Adelaide
Andrew McGlashan04-Dec-2020A likely Test debut. Filling the shoes of David Warner. Forming a new opening partnership with Joe Burns. Tackling the pink ball. Facing Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and the rest of the India attack. While that may read like a daunting list, Will Pucovski is keeping it all perspective ahead of a fortnight that, barring some unlikely events, will see him open the batting for Australia at Adelaide Oval.”It’s still just another ball coming down at you,” was a common refrain from Pucovski as he spoke two days out from the Australia A match against the Indians at Drummoyne Oval.Until Warner injured his groin in the second ODI at the SCG last week, it was looking unlikely that Pucovski would debut at the start of the Test series despite back-to-back double hundreds in the Sheffield Shield. A host of names including the national selection Trevor Hohns, coach Justin Langer, captain Tim Paine and Warner himself had vouched for the incumbent Burns despite his lean start to the season.ALSO READ: Joe Burns rediscovers the fundamentals of opening ahead of David Warner’s absenceNow, however, with Warner seemingly scrubbed from at least the opening Test of the series with what is expected to be a four-week recovery, Pucovski is set to walk out alongside Burns to open Australia’s innings.Pucovski had not been paying any attention to talk of a “bat-off” between him and Burns in the Australia A match – instead, he is training at Junction Oval in Melbourne and enjoying some trips down the coast after the Shield hub finished – and the fact a Test debut is now far more realistic is not changing much.”Selection, injury and stuff like that is out of my control,” he said. “Obviously, you never want anyone to be injured, especially such a good player and as a group, we would love to be available for the first Test. If I play in Adelaide, I play; if Dave gets up and I don’t play, it’s just one of those things. Hope he gets better as fast as possible.””If you are in the 17-man [Test] squad you know you are pretty close either way. It’s not a huge difference, to be honest.”One of the reasons Pucovski was appearing unlikely to debut before Warner’s injury was the successful opening stand formed between the latter and Burns in which they have an average partnership of 50.55 across 27 innings.”Joe and I get along really well, which is obviously a good start,” Pucovski said. “We haven’t batted together heaps, but that’s cricket, you end up batting with people you don’t bat with very often – so long as you know how to bounce off each other, get each other going or know what each other requires that’s all that matters. We’ve had a few conversations, just about little things, to help each other through.”Depending on how the opening Test plays out, there is a chance that Australia’s openers will have to combat the most challenging period of a day-night Test during dusk as the lights take hold into the final session. Pucovski has played two day-night first-class matches, against England in 2017-18 and Pakistan last season, with scores of 4, 5 and 1 but is currently a player riding a wave of form and confidence.”It can be a bit different, but it’s pretty cool and pretty fun especially once it gets into that dusk evening time,” Pucovski said. “It’s one of those things growing up you never really thought would happen but that’s part of Test cricket now and it’s an unbelievable atmosphere.”I haven’t been playing in a Test with a crowd and the pink ball, but just watching, when Australia played New Zealand at Adelaide two or three years ago, I just happened to be in Adelaide and we went down for an hour or two and it was an incredible atmosphere.”Neither is Pucovski overthinking the step up in class when he faces the Indian attack. “Obviously they are very good bowlers, but I’ve faced a lot of very good bowling in first-class cricket. At the end of the day, I look at it as it’s just a ball coming down and you and I just have to do my best to react in the best way possible.”Overall, there was excitement in Pucovski’s voice about what lies ahead. “It’s pretty cool, you watch these blokes on TV dominating around the world and never think that could be me facing them one day,” he said. “But it could become a reality.”
The alert is for a section of the Great Southern Stand on December 27 and it has led to further measures for the Sydney Test
Daniel Brettig06-Jan-2021Victorian health officials have called for an entire zone of spectators in the MCG’s Great Southern Stand come forward for testing and quarantine amid fears that a mystery case of Covid-19 may have acquired the virus on the second day of the Boxing Day Test.The case, a man in his 30s who also shopped at Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs on Boxing Day, was seated in Zone 5 of the MCG under its covid-safe protocols – likely entering the ground through gates five or six – between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on December 27, before developing Covid-19 symptoms on January 5.As a result of this case, the New South Wales government has made the wearing of masks mandatory at all times for the crowd at the SCG Test except when eating and drinking although the game will continue with a crowd at 25% capacity. Anyone who attended the MCG at the date and time of the alert is banned from attending the Sydney Test. There had already been a ban on people attending from certain suburbs of Sydney based on the outbreaks in the city.”Based on the information available from the case, the man in his 30s, was not infectious while at the sites, but there is potential he acquired the virus while there,” the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. “The man developed symptoms on 30 December and the department was notified of his positive test on 5 January. Given he has not visited any high-risk Victorian exposure sites or travelled to New South Wales, a number of acquisition sources are being investigated.”The man was present at the MCG on 27 December, the second day of the Boxing Day test and is currently isolating. He was not infectious when he attended and is not linked to any other case or to the Black Rock Restaurant Outbreak. The MCG is being investigated as a potential source for the infection.Health authorities asked for anyone who had been present in the affected zone of the MCG to get tested. “We’re encouraging anyone who was in The Great Southern Stand, zone 5 of the MCG between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on 27 December, to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.”A Covid-safe event plan was in place for the match and the ticketing allocation system in place has enabled effective contact tracing. The venue also utilised the Victorian Government’s QR code system in an additional measure to support contact tracing.”The department is working with Melbourne Cricket Club to contact ticket holders in the relevant area directly and to ensure that all relevant public health actions have been undertaken.”Announcing the updated masks requirement for the SCG, NSW health minister Brad Hazzard said: “From the moment effectively you get into the transport to get there, and get into the queue at the front door of the SCG, and go to your seat, and sit in the your seat, you must wear a mask.”The only exception to that [is] if you’re eating or drinking. Obviously, Dr Chant and the public health team want people to enjoy a day at the cricket, but it’s a Covid day at the cricket and that means mask on, not mask off, unless you’re eating or drinking, in which case you can have your mask off.”Australia captain Tim Paine was asked whether he believed continuing the Sydney Test with even a reduced crowd was safe as cases of community transmission continued to be recorded in New South Wales, but he deferred to those with more knowledge of the situation.”It’s not really an area I can control or worry too much about. People who are in control of making these decisions [are] at government level,” Paine said. “There’s health experts, high level people at Cricket Australia and they’re all working as hard as they possibly can to do the best thing.”Obviously we want to get people in the gates, give people a chance to come in and watch international cricket and if they’re saying the safe number is 10,000 then I certainly can’t question that. Don’t have a medical background so we trust that the people who are in those positions are making the right decisions by us and the communities. We’ll go with whatever we’re told at this stage.”
Football FanCast brings you the latest Aston Villa transfer round-up.
The Villans' 2023/24 Premier League campaign saw the club reach heights not scaled since the early 1990s, with Unai Emery guiding his team to the Champions League for the first time thanks to a fourth-place finish.
Following their run to the Europa Conference League semis last season, the Spaniard will now have a better idea of what will be required to compete – making this summer's transfer market a critical period to get right as far as 2024/25's aspirations are concerned.
Here is a round-up of the latest transfer rumours regarding Aston Villa, including a list of their exciting business so far this summer.
Latest Aston Villa transfer rumours Transfers in
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa for Napoli.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa: Reports in recent days have claimed that Aston Villa have had a bid rejected for Napoli midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The former Fulham ace is believed to be someone Antonio Conte wants to keep at the club as he enters his first season in charge, with the Cameroonian not for sale. Having sold Douglas Luiz earlier this summer, it is no surprise Unai Emery is after a top-class replacement.
Ivan Toney: Aston Villa could be in the race to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford – but only if they make room among their striking options at Villa Park. The England striker is currently being quoted at £40m, while Jhon Duran has been mentioned as the player who could make way for another attacking option.
Baris Alper Yilmaz: Villa are among the Premier League sides interested in signing Turkey ace Baris Alper Yilmaz this summer. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have previously been named as other potential suitors, though it is thought that Villa's Champions League status could yet become a deciding factor. However, Villa's progress with regard to a deal for Yilmaz has only gone as registering their interest in the Euro 2024 star.
Joao Felix: Spanish reports have claimed that Unai Emery and president of football operations Monchi have identified former Chelsea loanee Joao Felix as a perfect transfer target. While the move seems ambitious, the race for the attacker – now back at Atletico Madrid – has been joined by Aston Villa, though their financial power in this deal remains to be seen given the recent PSR concerns.
Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville
Crysencio Summerville: Aston Villa are also mulling over a move for Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville. The Dutchman scored 20 goals in the Championship last season and has perhaps shown he deserves to perform at a higher level.
However, Emery's side are not alone in their interest, with at least four other teams mentioned in the past week as admirers of the Whites ace – including Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Maximiliano Araujo: Villa are reportedly going head-to-head with Barcelona for the services of Uruguay international Maximiliano Araujo. The La Liga giants are unsurprisingly favourites to secure a deal, though contact has been made between club and player.
Dean Huijsen: The Villans' summer business with Juventus may not be over, as they have been linked with a swoop for defender Dean Huijsen. PSG have since emerged as strong favourites for his signature, though Villa will be hoping they can barge their way into discussions.
Brajan Gruda: Reports last week suggested that Villa lead the race for Mainz star Brajan Gruda. The German has been linked with a move away all summer, and several Premier League clubs have been mentioned as potential suitors. Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are also thought to be in the mix, and although there has not been any concrete progress since, it seems Villa stand a decent chance of landing the £43m-rated man.
Transfers out
Jacob Ramsey for Aston Villa
Jacob Ramsey: Spurs are reportedly eyeing a deal to bring in Jacob Ramsey – while nabbing another Villa starlet in the process. This mystery player was not named in reports, though Villa wouldn't end up empty-handed from this deal, as Giovani Lo Celso – who has previously excelled under Unai Emery at Villarreal – would be thrown in as a sweetener.
Moussa Diaby: Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad reportedly have a "strong" interest in Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman joined Villa last summer for a club-record €60m (£51.9m) after Unai Emery saw off another Saudi side, Al-Nassr, to bring the ex-Leverkusen ace to Villa Park.
Jhon Duran: Several clubs have been linked with Colombian striker Jhon Duran recently, and West Ham are the latest team to throw their hat into the ring. As per Sky Sports, the Hammers are expected to begin negotiations with Villa soon. Meanwhile, it appears that Chelsea's interest in the forward has cooled for now.
Latest Aston Villa transfers 2024/25
Villa have been one of the busier Premier League sides in terms of transfers this side of the European Championship. Ian Maatsen is the marquee arrival thus far, with Juventus duo Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea set to give the Villans a fresh look in the new season.
That will also be affected by Douglas Luiz's departure to Turin, with Unai Emery's side making a chunky profit in the process. In fact, they have received nearly £75m in player sales – a welcome boost given the PSR concerns hanging over the club despite their qualification for the Champions League.
It doesn't appear as though their business is over by any stretch.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had a bit of advice for Cole Palmer to become one of the "best players in the world".
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Palmer continues to fire on all cylindersPlayed crucial role in Chelsea's 2-1 win over NewcastleMaresca wants him to keep his composure when man-markedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Palmer has been urged to embrace new challenges if he is to ascend to the elites of world football. Since his transfer from Manchester City, Palmer has taken Chelsea by storm. His debut season exceeded expectations, culminating in prestigious recognitions as both the Men’s PFA Young Player of the Year and the Premier League Young Player of the Season were taken home.
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Palmer is showing that he was not a one-season wonder as he continues to deliver the goods for the Blues in the current campaign. He already has seven goals and five assists to his name across nine Premier League appearances. His recent contributions include a critical goal that sealed Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge and the 22-year-old will hope to replicate his heroics against the Red Devils on Sunday evening.
WHAT MARESCA SAID
In their last encounter with United at Stamford Bridge in April, Palmer lit up the game with a hat-trick, leading Chelsea to a thrilling 4-3 win. However, this time the challenge would be even tougher as defenders are paying more attention to Palmer and Maresca insisted that the young Englishman must adapt his game to this new level of scrutiny.
"The next step for Cole is not to get frustrated when teams mark him man to man because all of the best players in the world are marked man to man," Maresca said.
"After last season, for him it was the first season in terms of arriving at Chelsea, probably it was the opposite – they weren’t too worried about marking Cole. This year, they are now worried because of last year so he has to get used to it. The next step is going to be more difficult but he can do it."
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?
As the clash with United looms, the spotlight will inevitably fall on Palmer, who has already shown he can thrive in high-stakes encounters. With guidance from Maresca and support from his team-mates, Palmer’s journey to becoming one of the world’s best players is well underway.