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A Premier League club have now made contact over signing an “unbelievable” Chelsea player this summer, according to a report.

Chelsea stars attracting attention

Although the Blues’ form has taken a downward turn since the end of 2024, with their title aspirations fading, there have been encouraging signs this season, and they are still in a strong position to return to the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign.

As such, it is little wonder some of Enzo Maresca’s star players are attracting attention ahead of the summer transfer window, and Real Madrid have recently joined the race for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who would be very keen on joining the Spanish side.

There have also been suggestions that Christopher Nkunku could be in line for a move this summer, with Bayern Munich interested in signing the forward, and the west Londoners would not stand in his way if an offer came in.

Chelsea now racing Bayern Munich for "fantastic" £33m GK amid Sanchez woes

The Blues have set their sights on a goalkeeper, who has been a “revelation” since joining his current club.

ByDominic Lund Mar 19, 2025

While Chelsea would be nonplussed by Nkunku’s departure, a new report has revealed they are desperate to keep hold of Levi Colwill – and there is now doubt over the defender’s future at Stamford Bridge amid interest from Liverpool.

The Reds have made contact to discuss the possibility of signing Colwill in the summer transfer window, which could be a concern for Maresca as the centre-back is viewed as a future captain and a key part of the squad.

The Englishman has previously been valued at £40m, but there is no inclination BlueCo would be willing to sanction his departure, given how highly he is rated by many key figures at the club.

Promisingly, the report states the player himself is not interested in a move anytime soon, having re-affirmed his commitment to his boyhood club by signing a new six-year contract in 2023.

"Unbelievable" Colwill now key player for Maresca

The 22-year-old has emerged as a key player for Chelsea this season, making 27 appearances in the Premier League, and he has put in some impressive performances in recent weeks, despite his side’s drop-off in form.

The Cobham academy graduate has also received high praise from BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella, who lauded him as “unbelievable”, while Maresca has praised him for his leadership qualities:

“The one that is doing fantastic in this kind of thing is Levi. Levi probably at the beginning of the season was not a leader but now you can see that he is one of the guys that is always speaking. We need to build that.”

As such, it is clear to see why some key figures at Chelsea view Colwill as a future captain, and they should make sure to knock back any advances from Liverpool this summer.

The Premier League is back, and it’s quite the fixture for Everton supporters to sink their teeth into.

Last month’s Merseyside derby still lies fresh in the memory, James Tarkowski having sent Goodison Park into ecstasy after firing a last-gasp equaliser past Alisson Becker. Moving to Bramley Moore this summer, it was a fitting finale for a historic fixture in English football.

Now, Anfield awaits David Moyes and his Toffees troops. The turnaround under the Scotsman’s wing has been startling, amazing, with Everton currently nine games unbeaten in the top flight.

But this is sure to be a tough one. The title-chasing Reds were knocked out of kilter before the international break, but will be looking to return to form and move closer toward the title.

Everton, of course, will do everything in their power to prevent that.

23/24

Premier League

2-0 loss

22/23

Premier League

2-0 loss

21/22

Premier League

2-0 loss

20/21

Premier League

2-0 win

19/20

FA Cup

1-0 loss

Everton team news

Merseyside’s red patch has not been a happy place for Everton in a long time; barring one euphoric result, Everton have been consigned to defeat with deflating regularity.

However, Moyes’ men outplayed their neighbours for sizeable chunks of February’s 2-2 draw and there’s every chance they capitalise on Liverpool’s injuries and recent loss of form.

The Blues do have issues of their own, though, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still sidelined.

Key attacking outlets Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil have reached the end of their rehabilitation, but this one may come a smidge too soon for them.

Thus, Abdoulaye Doucoure is bound to reprise his industrious role at the attacking point of midfield, while James Garner and Idrissa Gueye should continue their solid partnership in the basal area.

But what of the flanks? Everton need to prepare to absorb waves of artillery but equally must strike when they can. Well, with options slim out wide, Jack Harrison may return to the right, leaving a newly welcomed talent with room to leap forward and take his own starting berth.

Everton's answer to Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai is one of Liverpool’s most important parts, bringing his own brand of football to the number ten spot. With just seven goals and six assists across 40 matches this season, he’s not the most prolific, but his firebrand energy makes for a difficult foe.

He’s a real handful, but Everton could have their answer in Charly Alcaraz, who joined on loan from Flamengo in January and needs to complete five appearances from nine available to settle at Everton as a permanent feature.

Alcaraz, 22, has played six times and started thrice in the Premier League since joining, bagging a goal and an assist each on his first game from the opening, during a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.

Technically gifted, versatile and tenacious, the Argentina talent has the trappings of a high-level star in the future, with journalist Antonio Mango hailing him as a “special talent.”

Likely to feature off the left of Doucoure, should he start, Alcaraz has averaged 1.6 key passes and 3.6 successful duels per PL game this season, as per Sofascore, also completing 60% of his dribbles.

It’s a skill set that aligns somewhat with Szoboszlai’s, among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as noted by FBref – more on that below.

Goals scored

0.17

0.18

Assists

0.17

0.18

Shots taken

3.40

2.41

Shot-creating actions

3.06

4.29

Pass completion

84.6%

83.4%

Progressive passes

5.43

5.07

Progressive carries

2.04

2.57

Successful take-ons

1.19

0.91

Ball recoveries

5.09

5.31

Tackles + interceptions

3.06

1.78

Clearances

1.19

0.54

One of Liverpool’s staple attributes is their ability to keep the energy levels up, overwhelming opponents when legs begin to tire. Szoboszlai is fundamental in that regard, his indefatigable running, his drive, his doggedness.

Everton could do with such a player to strike back at Anfield, showing Slot’s squad once again that they are capable of expansive dynamism.

No longer is this a desolate unit lacking the means and confidence to. Avoiding defeat against Liverpool would lead to a ten-match unbeaten streak, and Alcaraz’s performance will be crucial toward achieving this.

Everton will rely on their defensive strengths for sure, but they will also need to meet fire with fire in some phases and Alcaraz’s involvement from the outset could be the perfect way to combat the energy and dynamism Szoboszlai will bring to the table.

Classic Moshiri: Everton rejected global star for £3m, now he's worth £233m

Everton really fumbled the bag with this Champions League superstar.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 1, 2025

Whilst they may have fallen out of the automatic promotion places over the weekend, Leeds United’s attackers have caught the eye throughout 2024/25.

Joel Piroe still sits as the Whites’ top scorer, registering 15 goals in the Championship, playing a key role in Daniel Farke’s ambitions of securing a return to the Premier League.

Daniel James is another talent who’s thrived over the last couple of months, notching 20 combined goals and assists throughout the league campaign – the joint-best season of his professional career.

The pair have contributed to their impressive tally of 79 league goals in their 40 outings, currently boasting the best-attacking record of any side in the division.

Regardless of which division they find themselves in next season, they could be about to land a star who’d add to their already impressive record in attacking areas.

Leeds targeting move for EFL attacking star

According to Alan Nixon, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a move to land West Brom’s forward Grady Diangana ahead of the summer window.

Wolves have also been credited with a keen interest in landing the 26-year-old talent, who’s registered four goals and two assists in the Championship throughout 2024/25.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international joined the Baggies for £18m back in the summer of 2022 but could be available as a free agent this summer with his deal set to expire in June.

The report from Nixon states that the former West Ham youngster is hoping Farke’s side show concrete interest this summer, potentially favouring a move to Elland Road.

Whilst it’s unclear if a deal will be completed this summer, he would be a superb addition – potentially allowing the hierarchy to forget about a permanent move for one player.

Why Diangana would be a superb Solomon alternative

Manor Solomon joined Leeds on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, looking to kickstart his career after a stop-start period with injuries and lack of first-team action.

The Israeli international made an immediate impact in Yorkshire, notching 14 combined goals and assists up until the start of February – including a goal and two assists in the 4-0 win over Oxford United.

However, he’s now gone eight games with a single contribution, leading to doubts among the fanbase over a permanent transfer for the 25-year-old this summer.

Such concerns could see the hierarchy target a move for Diangana as a result, with the West Brom star a safe option given his potential move on a free transfer.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the Championship this campaign, the West Brom winger has managed to match or better Solomon in numerous key areas, highlighting how impressive a deal to land him this summer would be.

Diangana, who’s previously been labelled “unbelievable” by teammate Jed Wallace, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered a higher pass accuracy and completed more through balls – showcasing his talent in attacking areas.

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

6

14

Progressive passes

4.3

3.7

Pass accuracy

80%

79%

Aerials won

0.9

0.3

Fouls won

2.3

1.6

Through balls

0.9

0.2

He’s also won more aerials and been fouled more per 90, highlighting his all-round nature with and without the ball, making him a threat at either end of the pitch if required.

Solomon could still be a viable option for the club this summer regardless of promotion, but after his recent lack of form, it’s understandable that there are doubts over his future.

As for transfer target Diangana, he’s proved that he’s an impressive talent, with any deal to land him this summer incredible business, especially considering the fee paid for his signature a couple of years ago.

Meslier included: Leeds must axe £150k-p/w quartet if they go up

Daniel Farke will tempted by a slight clear-out at Leeds United if Premier League football returns to Elland Road.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 8, 2025

Manchester United are now open to selling a first-team star, in order to fund a move for a “world-class” striker this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd set for summer rebuild

Man United are on course for their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League, currently sitting in 13th place after the 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last time out, which indicates Ruben Amorim may have to oversee a major rebuild in the summer.

The Red Devils have looked particularly toothless in attack this season, with summer signing Joshua Zirkzee bagging just three goals in the Premier League, while Rasmus Hojlund has also failed to deliver.

As such, a new striker is being pursued, with talks being held over a deal for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who was on the scoresheet in his side’s 2-1 victory at AFC Bournemouth this week, while United are also in the race for Hugo Ekitike and Lorenzo Lucca.

Man Utd battling to sign "magnificent" 19y/o after scouts sent rave reviews

He’s a future star.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 2, 2025

However, given the scale of the financial issues at Old Trafford, as outlined by Sir Jim Ratcliffe last month, INEOS may have to sell before they can buy, and that could mean cashing in on an academy graduate.

That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states Man United are now open to selling Alejandro Garnacho this summer, in order to fund a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Red Devils are expected to step up their interest in Osimhen, and the Nigerian could arrive in a swap deal involving Garnacho, with Napoli interested in signing the winger.

If Amorim’s side fail to qualify for the Champions League, they may be in a difficult financial position, so a big sale could be needed if they are to bring in a top striker.

Amorim defends Garnacho after Forest horror show

It was a difficult night for United at the City Ground, with Garnacho’s performance being described as a horror show, although Amorim was quick to defend the Argentine, saying: “The most important thing for me is when he needs to run back, he’s running back.

“Of course we want a player who gets into one vs one situations. Sometimes he’s trying too much to make a movement but I think he wants to help the team and he’s doing his best.”

In an ideal world, the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League via a Europa League triumph, but that seems unlikely, given the level of their performances this season, so it could make sense to cash-in on Garnacho this summer.

Osimhen is set to be available for £62m, and there is every indication the “world-class” striker could be the antidote to United’s attacking problems, given his goal record on loan at Galatasaray this season.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Turkish Süper Lig

23

20

Europa League

7

6

Turkish Cup

2

2

It would be a shame to see Garnacho exit Old Trafford, given his progression through the youth system, but if the 20-year-old’s departure is the only way to seal a deal for Osimhen, it may be a necessary evil.

Chelsea chiefs have decided that they will sell a player who manager Enzo Maresca loves for just £30 million this summer, with the Blues expected to orchestrate a major clearout ahead of next season.

Players likely to leave Chelsea this summer

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi are just some of the names facing uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge.

Kompany "pushing" Bayern to sign £50m star after Chelsea talks with him

The Bavarians are now attempting to compete with Enzo Maresca’s side.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 15, 2025

All the aforementioned men were allowed to depart west London on loan deals this season, and it is unlikely any of them have a long-term future under Maresca, as BlueCo also look to trim Chelsea’s wage bill and balance the books.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

Trevoh Chalobah is also expected to leave Chelsea after being initially allowed to join Crystal Palace on a temporary deal for the first half of 2024/2025, before Maresca’s side triggered the re-call clause in his contract to instigate an early return in January.

Félix was shipped out on loan to AC Milan in January as well, and while the Portuguese made a promising start to life at the San Siro, his form has since plummeted and Milan have already decided not to try and sign him permanently (Fabrizio Romano).

Interestingly, The Telegraph even shared news this week that Al-Nassr have developed a strong interest in Moises Caicedo, but Maresca’s key star will command a price tag north of £100 million, and it is unlikely Chelsea would even entertain selling.

However, the same cannot be said of versatile defender Renato Veiga.

Chelsea ready to sell Renato Veiga for £30m

Veiga was very keen to leave Chelsea in January, as he held a burning desire to play at centre-back when Maresca was utilising him far more in the left-back area.

Juventus eventually granted the 21-year-old his wish, signing him on loan for the rest of this campaign. Maresca is still said to be “crazy” about Veiga as a player, according to reports in Italy, but that hasn’t stopped Chelsea from making him available for a reasonable fee.

As per The Mail and journalist Simon Jones, Chelsea will allow Veiga to leave for just £30 million this summer, with the defender set to be joined by Disasi, Chilwell and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as players almost certain to be up for grabs.

The Portuguese cost Chelsea just £12 million to sign from FC Basel last summer, so Todd Boehly and co will still be in line for a major profit if they find a buyer for over double his original price.

Since joining Juve, Veiga has started seven out of the Old Lady’s last 10 Serie A games as a centre-half, missing two matches due to injury and spending one on the bench.

Premier League rivals Man City and Liverpool are now believed to be targeting a Chelsea “superstar” this summer, with an approach already made for him ahead of the first window which opens on June 1st.

Chelsea's main transfer plans for this summer

As per reliable journalist Simon Phillips, sharing a fresh update on Enzo Maresca and BlueCo’s transfer plans, there are three main positions which they’d like to strengthen before next season.

Chelsea hold internal talks over re-signing star who Mourinho sold for £17m

The ‘special one’ elected to part company.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2025

Chelsea are thought to be after a new centre-back, winger and striker as their three main priorities, and could even look to reinforce a host of other areas throughout the squad as well, but this will depend on many factors – like Champions League qualification and player sales.

“Chelsea’s priority is a new striker, centre back, and a winger,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“But not just that. After those three, Chelsea are also discussing signing a new left back (or a defender who can play left back), a second centre back to arrive as well as the priority one (could be a hybrid CB/LB), a new goalkeeper, and a versatile attacker.

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

“However, some of the latter will be Champions League-dependent as well as player sales-dependent.”

Their Club World Cup campaign may also be a crucial factor, as Maresca’s side are thought to be taking it very seriously with £100 million worth of prize money potentially on the line.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will most likely be looking to offload a host of players when the summer window opens, including the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi and João Félix – who are all away from Stamford Bridge on loan and don’t appear to have a long-term future.

Trevoh Chalobah is also likely to leave Chelsea, after initially being allowed to join Crystal Palace on a temporary deal before Maresca and co activated his recall clause, and a few more current squad members could well join him as BlueCo look to raise funds.

Man City and Liverpool eyeing move for Chelsea star Cole Palmer

However, one player who Maresca won’t want to ship out the door is Chelsea forward Cole Palmer.

The England sensation was by some distance their Player of the Season last term, and despite a slight dip in performance level this campaign, Palmer remains one of their most crucial assets and a truly unstoppable force on his day.

His £42.5 million signing from City in 2023 was an absolute snip, but according to Phillips, Pep Guardiola’s side are actually eyeing a move to re-sign their former academy star.

As per the reporter, both Liverpool and City are targeting Palmer from Chelsea, with the latter even making an enquiry recently, even if it is unlikely that the Blues would even entertain letting him go.

The “superstar” forward, according to reports in Spain last year, could even cost as much as £165 million – so it appears Chelsea could price their man out of the market.

Newcastle United failed to make it back-to-back victories in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon with a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Gaining all three points would have seen Eddie Howe’s Magpies really lay down a marker when it comes to their top five aspirations, but this draw means the tussle between themselves, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest will only intensify more ahead of a thrilling May to follow.

On another day, however, the Tyneside outfit could have returned back home empty-handed, with more heroics from Alexander Isak thankfully bailing the visitors out.

Isak's heroics on the South Coast

It’s hardly a surprise now when Isak’s name flashes up as a goalscorer for the Toon, with the unerringly accurate Newcastle number 14 now up to 27 goals in all competitions after firing home a last-gasp penalty on the South Coast.

The spot-kick beating Bart Verbruggen also means Isak is now on a hefty 23 Premier League strikes, with this total being the most lethal tally a Newcastle player has managed in league action since Alan Shearer’s 22-goal haul during the 2003/04 campaign.

Amazingly, Howe’s men had actually had two penalties overturned via VAR before Isak’s was given, meaning it was crucial that the lethal Swede fired home with confidence, and he did just that to send the away masses into momentary delirium.

Away from his effort from the spot wrongfooting the Seagulls goalkeeper, it was somewhat of a quiet day at the office from Isak in open play, seen in the 25-year-old only registering two efforts on goal and 20 accurate passes, away from his last-gasp moment of quality.

But, any negatives from his overall game were quickly brushed under the carpet after the penalty trickled in.

Whereas, one of Isak’s attacking teammates might well find his starting spot is up for grabs after an entirely unmemorable performance against Fabian Hurzeler’s hosts.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The 5/10 Newcastle star who could now be dropped

It’s clear when reading over the match numbers that there were a whole host of underperformers from Newcastle’s perspective.

Indeed, having posted two assists last weekend, Kieran Trippier was nowhere near his rampaging best down the right flank when squandering possession 15 times, whilst Joe Willock struggled too in an attacking capacity when making just 17 accurate passes, also booked for diving.

But, Jacob Murphy would be the biggest letdown for Howe, considering the usually electric number 23 has eight goals and 11 assists next to his name across 32 Premier League outings this season, but offered virtually nothing when bombing forward against the Seagulls.

This would result in Howe putting Murphy out of his misery on the 56th minute mark, with the Magpies boss clearly fed up by the fact the 30-year-old had registered just one effort on Verbruggen’s goal when still on the pitch, among other lacklustre numbers.

Minutes played

56

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

30

Accurate passes

17/22 (77%)

Accurate crosses

0/2

Accurate long balls

0/1

Shots

1

Successful dribbles

1/2

Total duels won

1/4

Frustratingly, Murphy would also tally up no accurate crosses, no accurate long balls and just one successful dribble when attempting to create an opening for the visitors, on top of also failing to be aggressive when needed when winning just one duel from four attempted.

Arguably, the 30-year-old’s replacement in Anthony Gordon offered more from his limited minutes on the Brighton turf, with one of the overturned penalties on the day coming about from the ex-Everton man’s burst of pace, alongside the lively attacker winning four of his own duels.

Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson would hand out a low 5/10 rating to the former Norwich City winger subsequently stating that his afternoon was defined by a number of promising crossing opportunities being ‘wasted.’

It could well be time for Howe to axe Murphy from his starting lineup to freshen up proceedings, therefore, with the Magpies boss hopeful that both Gordon and Harvey Barnes next to Isak can cause Chelsea all sorts of bother in a huge Premier League clash up next.

In-demand player would rather join Newcastle despite offer from Barcelona

The Magpies could land his signature…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 4, 2025

Celtic appear set to conclude yet another very successful season in style.

On Wednesday night, despite the fact Brendan Rodgers made wholesale changes, the Hoops won 5-1 at Pittodrie, thanks to goals from Maik Nawrocki, Yang Hyun-jun, Luke McCowan, young striker Johnny Kenny and then Adam Idah.

Idah’s goal was his 20th of the campaign across all competitions and, given that Nicolas Kühn and Daizen Maeda had already reached this milestone, this is the first time since 1969/70 Celtic have had a trio of players register 20+ goals.

The Hoops will be presented with a record-equalling 55th Premiership trophy on Saturday, before seeking to complete a sixth treble in just nine seasons when they meet Aberdeen again in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden a week later.

However, Rodgers is never satisfied, so he is targeting a new winger, in a deal reminiscent of, arguably, the best player he’s ever had across his two stints as Celtic manager.

Scott Sinclair's Celtic career in numbers

When Scott Sinclair arrived at Celtic from Aston Villa for a reported fee of £3m in the summer of 2016, his career was at a bit of a crossroads, looking to rediscover his best form, joining to link up with Rodgers, who’d previously been his manager at Swansea.

Well, few could’ve forecast how good the Englishman would prove to be, scoring 25 goals during his first season in Glasgow, named Celtic Player of the Year, both the Players’ and Supporters’ awards, PFA Players’ Player of the Year as well as SFWA Footballer of the Year, a clean-sweep of all the individual accolades.

In total, Sinclair scored 62 times in 167 appearances for Celtic, averaging a goal every 185 minutes, and he remains the highest-scoring player at the club under Rodgers across both his tenures as boss.

Scott Sinclair

148

60

Moussa Dembélé

94

51

James Forrest

207

45

Daizen Maeda

85

43

Callum McGregor

246

37

Leigh Griffiths

87

37

Kyōgo Furuhashi

82

31

Adam Idah

70

29

Odsonne Édouard

68

27

As the table outlines, Sinclair is still clear by quite some distance at the top of this ranking although, if Maeda continues to score at this season’s rate next time round, who knows, he could overtake the Englishman by Christmas.

Fast-forward to the present day, with Jota sidelined for up to nine months, Celtic are in the market for a new wide attacker this summer, so they could go into the market to land a replacement

Celtic could sign their new Sinclair

According to a report by Stephen McGowan of the Herald, Celtic are ‘monitoring’ winger Tyrhys Dolan, who is expected to leave EFL Championship club Blackburn Rovers following the expiration of his contract, thereby becoming available for a ‘minimal compensation fee’.

Blackburn manager Valérien Ismaël was desperate to keep the 23-year-old at Ewood Park, labelling him an “important player”, adding that “he’s at a really good age… but [has] a lot of experience already”, however, Rovers were unable to convince Dolan to sign a new contract.

Elliott Jackson of the Lancashire Telegraph believes Dolan is “absolutely terrific”, while writer Kai Watson describes him as “quick” and a “direct… goal threat”, assertions that are supported by the table below.

Minutes

3,175

86th

Goals

7

42nd

Assists

6

18th

Shots

50

61st

Shots on target %

44%

20th

Shot-creating actions

99

41st

Goal-creating actions

17

7th

Attempted take-ons

152

7th

Progressive carries

94

27th

Carries into the final third

72

15th

As the table outlines, Dolan’s primary strength is his dribbling, with only six players registering more attempted take-ons, despite the fact he only featured in 77% of Blackburn’s total minutes.

Just like Sinclair, Dolan has shown plenty of promise at Championship level.

Before joining Celtic, Sinclair’s most productive campaign came during Swansea’s promotion season under Rodgers of 2010/11, scoring 27 times across all competitions, including a hat-trick in the play-off final victory over Reading at Wembley.

The duo share many of the same attributes: explosive pace, high-quality dribbling skills and an eye for goal.

Thus, if Celtic are able to get this deal over the line, especially considering Dolan is set to become a free agent on 1 July, they’d get their hands on a fantastic new wide attacker.

​​​​​​​

Not just Nawrocki: Exciting Celtic star just made himself unsellable

Maik Nawrocki was not the only rarely seen Celtic star who caught the eye against Aberdeen.

ByDan Emery May 15, 2025

With Ibrahima Konate attracting interest from Real Madrid and Virgil van Dijk certainly no spring chicken anymore, it was hardly a surprise to see Liverpool throw their hat in the ring for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.

The young centre-back has shown himself to be one of the most exciting defenders in Europe and as such, attracted the interest of many a suitor on the continent.

Possessing a £50m release clause that could be paid in three instalments, this move felt like a no-brainer for the top clubs in Europe, yet Liverpool have now sadly missed out on his signature.

Indeed, it was announced on Saturday that Madrid had agreed a deal to bring the 20-year-old to the Bernabeu this summer.

So, who could the Reds target instead?

Liverpool could sign amazing Huijsen alternative

There appear to be several defenders on Liverpool’s radar at the moment, with Arne Slot not just keen on strengthening in the centre of defence but also at full-back.

Transfer Focus

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

Jeremie Frimpong looks poised to sign as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, while there are a few contenders to replace Andy Robertson at left-back with the likes of Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait-Nouri two names touted.

As far as their options at centre-back are concerned, they could get over their Huijsen setback by launching a move for Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, via GIVEMESPORT, who claims that Hato is “one of the players appreciated at Liverpool” but “let’s see also what Arsenal decide to do,” with the Gunners interested.

Liverpool may have to pay a similar price to Huijsen with Ajax reportedly valuing the 19-year-old at around £42m.

How Hato compares to Huijsen

In the words of scout Jacek Kulig, the teenager is “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.” Fine praise indeed, but what makes him so special?

Well, as data analyst Ben Mattinson notes, the Dutchman is an “exceptional athlete” who can “carry through the lines”, much in the same way Huijsen can.

They’re pretty similar profiles, but Hato comes with one additional plus point, he can play at left-back, as well as in the middle.

A left-footed player, it’s no surprise to see he’s in such high demand. Not only could he replace Robertson, but he’s a mighty fine long-term replacement for Van Dijk too.

Pass success %

89%

83.5%

Key passes

0.65

0.54

Progressive passes

4.24

4.96

Progressive carries

1.37

1.55

Successful take-ons

0.25

0.08

Tackles won

1.29

1.01

Ball recoveries

4.53

3.91

Aerial duels won

1.83

2.56

While Huijsen trumps the young Netherlands international for progressive passing and carries, there are some key wins for Hato here.

He’s notably crisper in possession, making more take-ons and completing a higher percentage of his passes. Hato is also a natural shuttler, completing more ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Let us not forget that this is a player who has captained Ajax too, even at his young age. It’s remarkable really that the Dutch side have placed so much faith in him.

If Liverpool are hunting for their future Van Dijk replacement, considering Hato boasts natural leadership skills, he ticks all the boxes here for Slot and Co.

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Chelsea can end the 2024/25 campaign in the perfect way on Wednesday night. They face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final at the Stadion Wroclaw in Wroclaw, Poland, and have the opportunity to finish Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge with a trophy.

The Blues have been the dominant side in the competition this term. According to Sofascore, they have scored more goals than any other side, finding the back of the net 38 times, which is 16 more than their opponents. Their nine goals conceded were only bettered by two other sides, too.

The Blues surely go into this game as favourites, given their form in the competition so far. Indeed, Maresca seems to have much of his first-choice squad available for their final game of the campaign.

Chelsea’s team news vs. Betis

Luckily for the Blues, their final Premier League game of 2024/25 last Sunday saw them avoid any inquiries. That means star players, including Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, will be available for the final this evening.

Further inclusions and absences have been noted, with there two first-team players who will certainly not make the squad this week. They are Wesley Fofana, who is still out with an injury, and Romeo Lavia, who is not registered in the squad.

On a more positive note, Nicolas Jackson will come back into the squad for the finale, given his Premier League suspension is not in effect in European competition. Another player who could return is Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman was not involved against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but his record in the Conference League is excellent. He has five goals and three assists in nine games in the competition, so he could make a real difference.

With that in mind, it will be fascinating to see who Maresca lines up with on Wednesday. Given the importance of the game, it seems the likes of Palmer, Caicedo and club captain Reece James will start, in what will surely be a strong lineup.

Robert Sanchez

Goalkeeper

Marc Cucurella

Left-back

Levi Colwill

Centre back

Trevoh Chalobah

Centre back

Reece James

Right-back

Moises Caicedo

Central midfield

Enzo Fernandez

Central midfield

Noni Madueke

Right wing

Cole Palmer

Attacking midfield

Jadon Sancho

Left wing

Nicolas Jackson

Centre-forward

Another player who could be in line to start the game is defender Trevoh Chalobah.

Why Chalobah could start vs. Betis

It has been a curious season for Chalobah in 2024/25. After spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, he was recalled to Stamford Bridge and has since been an important player under Maresca.

Since returning from his loan spell, the “outstanding” defender, as Statman Dave once called him, has featured 18 times across all competitions, with four of those games coming in the Conference League.

The 25-year-old has helped to keep two clean sheets in that time, playing a total of 245 minutes in the competition. Now, perhaps he will be in line to start the final. He is a player experienced in European finals, having helped Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup back in 2021, a game which he started and played 120 minutes.

The defensive “monster”, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been called up to former boss Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, although he did not start at the weekend. However, if he does come into the team for the final, potentially for Tosin, he will have the job of keeping Antony quiet.

The Manchester United loanee has been a standout player during his loan spell at Betis. In 25 games, he has nine goals and five assists. Half of those goal involvements have come in the Conference League, so he really does his best work there.

In fact, the Brazilian is similar to Palmer on FBref for this competition. For example, he averages 0.47xGA and 5.02 shot-creating actions each game. In comparison, Chelsea’s number 20 averages 0.48xGA and 4.11 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.

It will be a tough task for Chalobah to keep Antony quiet, but it will surely be crucial for Chelsea’s success. He has proven in the past few months that he has the potential to hurt opponents when given time and space, so Chalobah’s excellent reading of the game will be crucial to preventing that.

Although the winger does operate on the right-hand side, he tends to drift inside a lot and look to cut in on his left foot to get a shot off. Thus, Chalobah may well have to come up against him directly.

However, that is a battle the Chelsea defender should be comfortable handling. His defensive stats for the Blues this season, via Sofascore, are impressive. For example, he averages 1.8 combined tackles and interceptions and wins 1.9 aerial duels per game. On top of that, he has been dribbled past just once in that famous Blue shirt this term.

If he does get the nod from the start, the boyhood Chelsea star has the chance to become a key player for the Blues as they look to win more European silverware. They could become the first side in history to win the three current European trophies. Chalobah has a huge role to play.

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