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All transfer window long, Chelsea were hunting for a new centre-forward, but were unable to complete a deal for any striker that would improve the options currently available at the club.

Senegal international Nicolas Jackson was the club’s main option at the top end of the pitch last season, scoring 14 Premier League goals – ending the campaign as the club’s second top scorer behind Cole Palmer.

His subsequent form saw him rewarded with a new contract at Stamford Bridge that will run until the summer of 2033, a signal of the trust put in the 23-year-old by new boss Enzo Maresca.

Jackson has already made an excellent start to the 2024/25 campaign, scoring two goals and registering one assist in the first three outings of the new season, but the fanbase will still be devastated that they failed to secure another attacking option.

Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker this summer

For large parts of the transfer window, it looked as though the Blues were destined to secure a new number nine, but after various attempts with numerous different options, the club were unsuccessful.

Alexander Isak was an option earlier on in the transfer window, but after Newcastle United demanded a fee of over £100m for the Sweden international, Maresca’s side moved onto different targets.

On deadline day, Chelsea were presented with two options in Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen, with the Blues facing competition from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli for the pair.

However, while both players agreed a deal with Matthias Jaissle’s side, it was the Englishman who signed on the dotted line in the Middle East, whilst Osimhen eventually joined Turkish side Galatasaray on loan until the end of the season.

Despite the frustration of allowing such targets to move elsewhere, the club also allowed one former player to leave West London and recapture his fine goalscoring form.

Former Chelsea ace has outscored Isak & Toney

Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi joined Chelsea in a £33m deal from French side Marseille back in 2016, with real expectations to provide an added attacking threat in the final third.

However, he only made 77 appearances over a six-year spell, which included various loan spells with the likes of Crystal Palace and Borussia Dortmund, but it wasn’t enough to maintain his place at Stamford Bridge.

He eventually joined Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe on a free transfer in 2022 – a move that would allow the 30-year-old to recapture his goalscoring form that secured him a move to the Premier League.

Batshuayi scored 44 goals in 75 appearances for the club, before joining Galatasaray this summer and continuing his impressive form, registering another three goals in his first six appearances for his new side.

Remarkably, his total of 47 goals since the start of the 2022/23 campaign is higher than both Isak and Toney, who could only manage 36 and 25 respectively.

Batshuayi

81

47

0.58

Isak

71

36

0.51

Toney

52

25

0.48

Given his recent goalscoring exploits away from Stamford Bridge, the club may regret allowing Batshuayi to leave the Blues back in 2022 – potentially providing added quality and goals for Maresca’s side.

After their failure to secure a new striker during the summer window, the London club are still relatively light in the centre-forward position, lacking that presence and quality alongside Jackson in the final third.

Chelsea star was sold by Tuchel in 2021, now he's worth more than Sancho

Chelsea let go of this fantastic star too early.

1 ByConnor Holden Sep 5, 2024

Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly chasing a talented left-back but face competition from Argentine giants River Plate.

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Liverpool & Man Utd eye 19-year-oldLeft-back impressing in Argentinian footballRiver Plate also in race for his signatureFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Soy del Millo, Liverpool, United, and River Plate are 'fighting' for the signature of the Club Atletico Lanus defender. The report adds the Premier League teams are willing to pay around €16.5 million (£13m) for the 19-year-old. Although River Plate may struggle to compete with that price tag, they can reportedly give him 'more playing time'.

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Liverpool have been linked with the Argentine Under-23 international since the summer as they look for younger options than Andrew Robertson, 30, and Konstantinos Tsimiskas, 28. And United are also searching for left-backs due to the injury-prone Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Soler is seen as a big talent, so it is no wonder top teams are enquiring about his availability.

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The 5ft 9in Soler, who was in the final squad for the Argentina U23s at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is on a contract that runs until the end of December 2026. He was born in Paraguay to Paraguayan parents but moved to Argentina at a young age.

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With the January transfer window just a few days away, it remains to be seen if Soler will still be at Lanus by the time February rolls around.

Babar, Rizwan add 150 for first wicket, before Shaheen Shah Afridi stars with three wickets

Valkerie Baynes16-Jul-2021Liam Livingstone scored England’s fastest T20I century in vain as Pakistan won a thrilling contest by 31 runs to go 1-0 up in their three-match series at Trent Bridge.Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan guided Pakistan to their highest T20I total of 232 for 6 with a 150-run opening partnership, Pakistan’ssecond-highest for any wicket in this format.It meant England had to better their highest T20I score while chasing and Livingstone did his utmost to try and get them there, his 42-ball hundred beating Dawid Malan’s 48-ball century against New Zealand in 2019. But with his dismissal, they fell short, bowled out for 201. Livingstone struck nine sixes and six fours but, after Pakistan had reduced England to 48 for 3, their bowlers continued to take wickets at regular enough intervals to dent the hosts’ run-rate, which had been superior for significant periods. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 30 off 3.2 overs and he was excellent in the field.Pakistan didn’t get off to a blazing start. On the contrary, by the end of the powerplay, they were 49 for 0 and it wasn’t until the 12th over that they struck their first six. They went on to score 12 in all, equalling Pakistan’s record against Bangladesh in 2007.Rizwan was still scoring at a run a ball by the end of the eighth over but the 12th over – when he and Azam each struck sixes off Matt Parkinson in the space of three balls – signalled an acceleration. Pakistan ended up scoring 152 runs of the last 10 overs, their middle order maintaining the momentum even after Azam fell for a 49-ball 85 and Rizwan for 63 from 41.Azam on a rollHis 158 had set Pakistan up to avoid being swept 3-0 in the ODI series before James Vince and Lewis Gregory trumped his effort, and Azam continued his fine form. He struck three consecutive fours off David Willey in the third over of the match, steering him through the covers before advancing down the pitch to send the ball over long-on and then flicking through midwicket with imperious timing. On the last ball of the over, he survived an England appeal for lbw and their subsequent review when he was given not out, replays showing the ball was missing leg stump.Eoin Morgan brought Livingstone on in the ninth over, but it backfired when he conceded 11 runs, including back-to-back fours to Rizwan. The 12th over, bowled by Parkinson, went for 18, Azam cracking a shot over the midwicket boundary and Rizwan going flat and hard in the same direction. Azam went over the fence at long-on twice more, off Parkinson and Gregory, amid a total of eight fours. He finally fell swinging at a wide, full delivery from Willey which Jonny Bairstow took behind the stumps. Initially given not out, England’s review was successful when UltraEdge revealed a clear spike for bat on ball.Sohaib Maqsood contributed 19 runs off seven balls, Fakhar Zaman 26 off just eight – including three sixes off Saqib Mahmood in the 18th over – and Mohammad Hafeez 24 off 10 to keep Pakistan tracking in the right direction.Catches, winning matches and all thatEngland were well ahead of the required run-rate at the end of the powerplay, having scored 20 more runs than Pakistan to that point, but wickets were the problem and some excellent fielding from the visiting side was responsible.Afridi’s gem of a return catch sent Malan packing for just 1, as he dived forward on his follow-through to grab the ball low to the ground. Imad Wasim’s take to dismiss Bairstow, also off Afridi, was straightforward in comparison, but then came Haris Rauf’s miraculous effort at cow corner to remove Moeen Ali. Having skied Mohammad Hasnain in that direction, Moeen could only watch as Rauf – and Maqsood – were lucky not to be injured as they both ran for the ball. Rauf ended up in Maqsood’s lap as he leapt with two hands and both fell to the ground, Rauf crucially holding the ball to leave England wobbling on 48 for 3.Livingstone lights it upJason Roy looked the man most likely to go big for England, racing to 32 off just 13 balls as wickets fell around him. But when Roy was out edging Shadab Khan to Azam at deep point, Livingstone stepped in. Playing just his sixth international T20, Livingstone raced to a half-century off just 17 balls, England’s fastest fifty in T20Is.His striking was immaculate and power immense as he pummelled nine sixes in all. Having seen Hasnain tip his leading edge off Rauf over the rope at third man, he then sent Rauf into the stands over deep square leg. Livingstone punished a couple of Shadab long-hops before punching him down the ground twice more. His drive into the stands at cow corner off Rauf took him to 97 off 41 and within reach of the England record. Livingstone’s almighty drive over long-on off Shadab to bring up his hundred was to be his last. He skied the very next ball in the same direction but picked out Afridi on the boundary’s edge. Needing 44 off the last three overs, the task proved too much for the England tail.With Eoin Morgan having said that England would use this series to assess fringe players ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year, Livingstone showed there is nothing “fringe” about him.

Cash-strapped Barcelona are reportedly mulling over a move for Son Heung-min as his contract at Tottenham runs down.

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South Korean seeing deal run downHas been at Tottenham since 2015May want Champions League footballFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Catalan giants continue to endure much-publicised financial struggles, with Euro 2024 winner Dani Olmo unable to be officially registered at present. With funds in short supply, Barca will need to get creative with their recruitment.

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According to , South Korea international Son is a player in their sights. The 32-year-old forward will see his deal at Spurs expire in the summer, meaning that he is free to enter into talks with teams outside of England.

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Extension discussions have taken place in north London and the club could trigger a one-year extension clause his contract, but no paperwork has yet been signed. That has led to questions being asked of how much longer Son will remain at Tottenham – having registered 169 goals and 90 assists for them through 431 appearances.

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It is suggested that a move to Barcelona may appeal to Son as they would be able to offer him regular outings on a Champions League stage – something that Spurs are struggling to achieve as they currently sit 12th in the Premier League table.

The Friedkin Group have reportedly held internal talks over the appointment of an “unbelievable” manager to replace Sean Dyche at Everton if they complete their takeover in the coming days and weeks.

Everton manager latest

Last Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Leicester City has done little to quieten the rumours surrounding Dyche’s future, following such a poor start to the season in the Premier League. The Blues have accumulated just one point from five matches, with a fourth relegation battle in a row increasingly looking on the cards.

Unsurprisingly, some names have been thrown into the hat when it comes to possible replacements for the Englishman, with a David Moyes reunion mooted in one report. The Scot spent 11 years at Goodison Park between 2002 and 2013 and could be a popular appointment among a chunk of the fanbase, given his history.

He was most recently in charge of West Ham, departing at the end of last season, and his knowledge of the Blues could make him a strong choice to come in and stave off the threat of relegation, taking the club into a new era at their Bramley Moore Dock stadium.

Moyes isn’t the only figure being linked with the potentially soon-to-be-vacant manager’s role at Everton, however, with ex-Borussia Dortmund boss also Edin Terzic backed to come in. He guided the Bundesliga giants into last season’s Champions League final against Real Madrid, losing 2-0 at Wembley.

Friedkin Group keen on "unbelievable" manager

Now, Give Me Sport report that Everton are interested in making Gareth Southgate their next manager, should they become the club’s new owners and decide to sack Dyche. On X, the reliable Paul Joyce has claimed that an agreement is in place to buy Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in the Blues, and the update on Southgate says Dan Friedkin has spoken internally about hiring Southgate once a deal goes through.

Southgate left his role in charge of the England after Euro 2024, feeling he had taken the team as far as he could, following their 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final. He could be a divisive appointment at Everton, with the 54-year-old gaining plenty of admirers with England but also having a lot of detractors at the same time.

To some, he did a fantastic job in charge of the national team, guiding them to two major finals, but to others, he was a defence-minded manager who didn’t get the best out of the most talented group of English players in years. For that reason, Southgate would be a risk, especially as his only managerial experience at club level came at Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009, during which time he suffered relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.

That being said, his record for England does speak for itself – only Sir Alf Ramsey had got them into a major final in the country’s history before him, but he did it twice – while Jude Bellingham has said of him: “It was a privilege being lead by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being.”

Everton takeover "very close" and they're eyeing a "fantastic" new manager

He won at Goodison Park last season.

ByHenry Jackson Sep 23, 2024

Southgate has arguably done enough at international level to show that he deserves another crack at the Premier League, so despite the risk element, Friedkin should be trusted to go with his gut if his takeover goes through.

Newcastle United are reportedly tracking an interesting Marc Guehi alternative, having held talks for both players during the summer transfer window.

Newcastle fail with Guehi pursuit

The Magpies spent most of the summer looking to snap up Guehi from Crystal Palace, with the 24-year-old’s reputation only growing after an impressive Euro 2024 campaign with England. Despite it looking likely that the centre-back would complete a big-money move to St James’ Park at some point in the window, a move failed to materialise as he remained at Selhurst Park, acting as a huge frustration for Eddie Howe, amid an injury crisis with the likes of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles missing for long periods of time.

The situation has played a part in a rumoured sour relationship between manager Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell, with the latter having a dig at the club’s business this summer: “We didn’t have the sales window we thought we would have – and we have to look at that strategy as well, was that right, it was all aligned with the head coach. We have a lot to look at.

Meanwhile, Howe responded to those comments, failing to put out the fire: “I’m not going go in to every week in terms of our contact. But collaboration, as I said last week, is what we’re looking to do to take the club forward.”

It is an issue that needs to be addressed at Newcastle, in terms of the club running smoothly, and now a fresh transfer update has emerged regarding another failed target alongside Guehi from earlier this year.

Newcastle want to sign "exceptional" Joe Gomez

According to a new report from Football Insider, Newcastle remain interested in signing Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez, having failed to bring him in during the summer. The Magpies are said to be “keeping tabs” on the 27-year-old, who has struggled to be an important player since Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Gomez always stood out as a strong alternative to Guehi in the summer, especially as his versatility allows him to thrive in both full-back roles, too, even though he is arguably at his happiest as a centre-back. As mentioned, the England international has been a fringe player this season, with Wednesday’s EFL Cup third round clash at home to West Ham likely to see him make his first start of the campaign.

For that reason, a move to Newcastle could appeal in January or next summer, and the Magpies would be getting a top-quality player who Klopp always admired during his time in charge of Liverpool.

“Joey deserves it, absolutely, what a season he played so far, he is absolutely exceptional. I said a lot of times, without the kids we are not where we are – and without Joey we would be definitely not where we are in the moment.”

Newcastle could now possibly axe 43 y/o who has tension with Eddie Howe

There has been tension with Eddie Howe.

1 ByHenry Jackson Sep 22, 2024

At 27, Gomez is still very much in his peak years, and it could be argued that he is wasting them being on the bench at Liverpool, meaning Newcastle could be a match made in heaven for all parties.

Australia will wait to assess the fitness of Aaron Finch but Alex Carey made a good start as stand-in

Andrew McGlashan22-Jul-2021Big PictureAustralia continue to look much more at home in the 50-over format than the T20 game, which has pretty much been the way over the last year. Their strength on this tour lies in the bowling department and it showed in the way Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood cut through West Indies’ top order.The batting display was far from dynamic, but it was one that suited a tricky surface reasonably well and given the experimental nature of the line-up they kept their composure after being 114 for 4. Captain Alex Carey was key to that with a well-constructed half-century that built on the hundred he made against England last year and Ashton Turner played an important hand.West Indies were very poor with the bat. On a surface that made stroke-making a challenge – only Kieron Pollard scored freely and he had nothing to lose – they missed Shai Hope at the top of the order to offer a measured anchor for the chase. The shots of Darren Bravo and Jason Holder were disappointing for senior players.However, Hayden Walsh Jr continued to spin a web around the Australia batting taking his five wickets in 16 balls. He would likely enjoy a scenario defending a decent target where there is run-rate pressure on the batters.Form guide (last five completed matches)
West Indies LWWWL
Australia WLWWWLIn the spotlightSince the 2019 World Cup, ODI cricket has not been a good format for Jason Holder. In 15 matches he averages 13.28 with the bat and 69.60 with the ball. In the opening match he was the most expensive of West Indies’ pace bowlers then followed it with a duck. At his best, as a batter capable of being in the top six and a new-ball bowler, he is the ideal player to balance the XI but his team could do with an uptick in returns.Ashton Turner made a promising return for just the seventh ODI of his career and the first outside of India. It was his spectacular unbeaten 84 off 43 balls in Mohali in 2019, as Australia chased 359, that put his name up in lights but also left him a tough act to follow. While a host of big names are missing this series there could yet be a middle-order spot for Turner in the future if he can build on his good start.Team newsWest Indies’ original squad has been hit by injuries to Shai Hope (ankle), Fabian Allen (side) and Roston Chase (thigh).West Indies (possible) 1 Evin Lewis, 2 Shimron Hetmyer, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Jason Mohammed, 5 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6 Kieron Pollard (capt), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Alzarri Joseph, 9 Akeal Hosein, 10 Hayden Walsh Jr, 11 Sheldon CottrellWhether Australia make any changes may depend on the fitness of Aaron Finch otherwise the team deserves another run out. The only consideration might be if there is a need for another spinner.Australia (possible) 1 Ben McDermott, 2 Josh Philippe, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Moises Henriques, 5 Alex Carey (wk), 6 Ashton Turner, 7 Matthew Wade, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Wes Agar, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodPitch and conditionsIt was a two-paced surface with the ball gripping for seamers and spinners which suggests Australia’s 250 might be a good total throughout. The expectation is that the next pitch will be similar. The forecast says there could be some showers during the match.Stats and trivia Mitchell Starc now has eight five-wicket hauls in ODIs which puts him one behind Brett Lee as the most for Australia Hayden Walsh Jr now has his best bowling figures in ODIs and T20Is against AustraliaQuotes”There were a couple of soft dismissals and we knew Australia are very dangerous with the new ball, especially Mitchell Starc in the first two or three overs and we weren’t able to negotiate that.”
The ball has been coming out pretty well, T20 is sometimes hard to judge yourself on but yesterday was really good fun. That’s probably one of the best starts we’ve had so pretty happy

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim gave his take on Joshua Zirkzee's decision-making after Harry Maguire's shocking late miss against Liverpool.

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Manchester United draw 2-2 at LiverpoolZirkzee passes to Maguire instead of shootingAmorim delivers verdict on striker's decision-makingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

In the dying moments of United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, substitute Zirkzee squared the ball to team-mate Maguire – instead of shooting – but the defender could only fire the ball over the bar from inside the box with the goal at his mercy. Sky Sports pundit Daniel Sturridge accused the Dutchman of "bobbling" the ball to Maguire but head coach Amorim defended the striker's actions.

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When asked whether Zirkzee should have shot himself, Amorim told reporters: "For me, I think it was the perfect decision because he can shoot but he put the ball more in the centre. The ball was really slow for Harry to score but sometimes you cannot do it. But Josh made a good decision in my opinion."

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Zirkzee has been an easy target for criticism this season after recording just four goals and two assists in 28 appearances since his £36 million (€42.5m/$46m) move from Bologna last summer. But Amorim and United captain Bruno Fernandes are defending the big forward in a bid to get the best out of him.

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Amorim's United side, who are 13th in the Premier League, are next in action on January 12 away to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.

Pep Guardiola appeared to flip out at goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in a bizarre embrace after Manchester City suffered a late collapse at Brentford.

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Man City blow two-goal leadDraw 2-2 with BrentfordGuardiola fumes at keeper OrtegaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Phil Foden's brace for City was cancelled out by late goals from Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard as Brentford earned a 2-2 Premier League draw on Tuesday night. After the full-time whistle, manager Guardiola appeared to rage at stopper Ortega, who perhaps could have done better to keep out Norgaard's header. The Spaniard cut a frustrated figure but kept embracing his keeper in eye-opening scenes.

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City's chances of defending their Premier League title seem over, something Guardiola has already conceded. But their brief renaissance, after three-straight wins in all competitions, was dealt a blow as they dropped points at Brentford. And it seems City's struggles are really getting to Guardiola, going by these sorts of reactions.

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Guardiola will hope City, who are sixth in the table, can return to winning ways when they travel to lowly Ipswich Town on Sunday in their next Premier League encounter.

A £175,000-per-week Chelsea mainstay is no longer part of the club’s long-term plans, despite him starting every single Premier League game under new head coach Enzo Maresca so far.

Players who could leave Chelsea in January or next summer

Maresca has already shown that he’s not afraid to be ruthless in axing players he’s deemed surplus to requirements, no matter their profile.

January bid possible as Chelsea eye "new" striker target in ex-Man City man

Stamford Bridge directors are impressed.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 2, 2024

Maresca was up front to the press about England international duo Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell over the summer transfer window, admitting at the time that they may be forced to find a new club, as their game-time would be limited under him.

“Brutal? I don’t think so. I try to be honest,” said Maresca on Sterling and Chilwell’s futures at Chelsea in August.

“I can repeat again if it’s not clear: I spoke with Raheem before the City game. I said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason why he is out of the squad. With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle because of his position. He is going to struggle. If you define this as brutal, it’s up to you to decide. For me, it’s not brutal, it’s just honest.”

Nottingham Forest (home)

October 6

Liverpool (away)

October 20

Newcastle (home)

October 27

Man United (away)

November 3

Arsenal (home)

November 10

Since then, Sterling has sealed a season-long loan move to Arsenal, with Chilwell still at Chelsea but likely to leave in January. Elsewhere in the squad, a trio of other players have been linked with the Stamford Bridge exit door in 2025.

Chelsea are ready to sell Benoit Badiashile, who is yet to make a single appearance this season, with fellow Frenchman Axel Disasi also not part of Maresca’s plans.

Mykhailo Mudryk could be forced to quit Chelsea in the winter too, as uncertainty surrounds the Ukraine star’s future and BlueCo weigh up potential replacements like Veliz Sarsfield winger Thiago Fernandez.

These names don’t come as much of a surprise given their lack of inclusion so far this season, but Chelsea have since adopted a head-turning stance on one of their mainstay players.

Marc Cucurella no longer part of Chelsea's long-term plans

According to a report in The Boot Room this week, £175,000-per-week defender Marc Cucurella could be shown the door as well.

Indeed, it is believed Cucurella is no longer part of Chelsea’s long-term plans, with the indication being he could eventually be sold alongside the likes of Chilwell and Badiashile as Maresca’s side eye up a move for AC Milan star Theo Hernandez.

The Spain international, who impressed at Euro 2024 for the eventual champions, has started every single Premier League match so far and put in some solid displays at full-back in place of Chilwell.

This report therefore comes as quite a shock when factoring in just how often he’s been utilised by Maresca so far, not to mention how the Italian has praised his left-back as a key asset.

“Marc [Cucurella] is very important,” said Maresca on Cucurella very recently.

“Marc has something that you sometimes struggle to find in players. He is good and he is making the players around him good because he is a guy who is always talking, always demanding. If you can have five, six or seven players like Marc in your team, who are always talking about improving the rest, it’s very important. So I’m very happy with Marc.”