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Over the last couple of months, Chelsea have been relentlessly linked with a striker to potentially complete Enzo Maresca’s puzzle in the club’s quest for a return to Premier League glory.

Nicolas Jackson has produced the goods so far this campaign, notching nine goals in the league, but despite his recent form, the hierarchy are still targeting reinforcements at the top end of the pitch.

Victor Osimhen is a name who has once again popped up on their radar, subsequently being touted with a January move after the failed pursuit back in the summer.

The Nigerian may be on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, but it does include an exit clause which could see him permanently move should any side decide to trigger that option.

There’s no denying that he would add the quality needed within the final third, but Maresca should forget about a move for the Napoli man and instead target one player who’s been superb so far in 2024/25.

Chelsea should target move for £67m talisman

Dušan Vlahović is another player who’s reportedly been of interest to Chelsea in recent months, unsurprisingly, given his form for Juventus since the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Serbian striker has scored 12 times in 21 appearances in all competitions, four of which have come in the Champions League, including one against Manchester City at the start of the month.

The 24-year-old was previously named as a target for the Blues alongside the likes of Alexander Isak, providing a more cost-effective alternative to the Swede, with Juve wanting €75m (£67m) to part ways with their talisman.

Given his goal record over the last few months, there’s no doubt that he would be a huge addition for Maresca’s men, potentially handing them added firepower in their unexpected charge for the Premier League title.

His potential addition would be all the more impressive, especially considering his comparisons to a player who has constantly provided a threat to all the other sides in England’s top division.

Why Vlahovic would be just like Erling Haaland for Chelsea

Striker Erling Haaland has been a menace to many backlines since his move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022, helping them claim numerous trophies since his transfer.

The Norwegian has notched 108 goals in 122 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, a truly incredible feat that has already made him one of the best forwards to ever grace England’s top flight.

He currently holds the record for the most goals scored by a player in a 38-game season, scoring 36 times during his debut campaign at the Etihad – a year which saw the Citizen’s claim the treble.

The 24-year-old has failed to score in each of his last three matches but has still registered 13 league goals in 17 appearances, with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scoring more to date.

As a result of Vlahovic’s superb form in Italy, he’s been ranked as a similar player to Haaland by FBref, a huge compliment given his goalscoring ability.

The “phenomenal” Juve star, as dubbed by journalist Ollie Spencer, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists this season, but has managed more progressive passes and carries per 90 – fitting perfectly into Maresca’s possession-based philosophy.

He’s also won more aerials per 90, subsequently achieving a higher success rate, providing that focal point the Blues have been crying out for at the top end of the pitch.

£67m may seem another huge sum that would have to be forked out for a new signing, but when looking at how he compares to one of Europe’s leading goalscorers, a deal should be a no-brainer.

Whilst Osimhen has once again been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, the hierarchy should focus on a move for Vlahovic, with the Serbian having all the tools to provide that added presence in forward areas for Maresca heading into the new year.

European giants want him: Chelsea heading for awful De Bruyne repeat

The Chelsea star might be on his way out of the club

By
Joe Nuttall

Dec 24, 2024

Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier will be dropped to the bench for his team's Championship match against Luton, coach Daniel Farke has confirmed.

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• Meslier punished after Swansea blunders
• Darlow set to start against Luton
• Leeds eye replacements for French goalkeeper

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Frenchman made two crucial errors in his team's 2-2 draw against Swansea last week, despite saving a penalty early on. He dropped the ball after a Swansea corner, allowing Harry Darling to equalise for the Welsh visitors in the second half. Then, after Leeds had restored their lead, a shot deep in injury time slipped under his gloves as they missed out on the chance to go level on points at the top of the Championship alongside Sheffield United.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Meslier's displays for Leeds have resulted in calls for Farke to drop him and the German coach has decided to call on Karl Darlow to start against second-bottom Luton this weekend. The 25-year-old's mistakes could prove detrimental to his Leeds career, too, as the Elland Road team reportedly want to sign Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool or Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea should they earn promotion to the Premier League.

• WHAT FARKE SAID

  Farke said: "I have taken my decision and spoken to the goalkeepers, Karl Darlow will play Saturday. It's been important that we had clarity early in the week, so Karl could concentrate on this."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESLIER?

  The French shot stopper was linked with a move to Manchester United as recently as December last year and will hope to prove he has the quality of reaching such heights by bouncing back from the upset of losing his spot.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is personally driving a move for a “magical” forward this month, according to a report.

Tottenham set to pursue a forward

Tottenham are eager to get a striker through the doors this month, with Postecoglou keen to bring in competition for Dominic Solanke, and they have now had contact over a potential move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.

Juventus attacking midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has also been offered to the Lilywhites, with the Italian’s agents trying to find him a new club, but the deal is yet to get the seal of approval from Postecoglou, which is stalling things.

A new winger could also make his way to N17 this winter, and Spurs are said to have made an offer of around €45m (£37m) for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Facundo Buonanotte, who is currently out on loan at Leicester City.

Tottenham open talks over move for "excellent" £25m defender this month

Ange Postecoglou is keen to bolster his backline.

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 1, 2025

It is clear that Postecoglou feels he needs to bring in additional options in attacking areas this month, and it has now been revealed that the Aussie is looking to raid one of his former clubs.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Tottenham are one of a number of clubs considering a move for Celtic forward Nicolas Kuhn this month, having been impressed by his performances so far this season.

The Hoops are hoping to keep hold of Kuhn this January, with several Premier League clubs now circling, including Brentford, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, who are all looking at him closely.

However, the Scottish champions would find it difficult to turn down a big offer, meaning the 24-year-old could be on the move this month if any potential suitor is willing to stump up a considerable fee.

Kuhn flourishing at Celtic Park

The German is said to be attracting the interest of the manager of his national side, and for good reason, having established himself as one of Celtic’s most important players so far this season.

The winger, who is also capable of playing up front, has picked up 25 goal contributions in as many games in all competitions this term, with his league goal tally already the highest he’s achieved in his professional career.

As such, there are clear signs that the Celtic star is now entering his prime, which could make him an attractive option for Spurs, but Brendan Rodgers will undoubtedly want to keep hold of him, having lauded him for his performance against Manchester City in pre-season.

“The moves for the goals were outstanding to play through City’s press and he was away. He finished his two goals really well and and his pass for the third goal was magical. He was very good.”

Given Celtic’s desire to keep him at Parkhead, it may be difficult to sign Kuhn this January, but he is showing all the signs that he is ready to make the step up to a big Premier League club.

Roy Keane has aimed a cheeky dig at fellow pundit Alan Shearer after being reminded of a clash with the former Newcastle striker.

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• Pair butted heads during their playing days
• Man Utd legend sent off after clash
• Makes tongue-in-cheek jibe

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of Manchester United's 4-1 loss to Newcastle on Sunday, pundit Keane was played clips of his sending off at St. James' Park in 2001, when he threw the ball at Shearer, and appeared to hit out at the striker. United lost the game 4-3, with Wes Brown scoring a late own goal.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Keane justified the clash by claiming "people annoy me", and he reserved a tongue-in-cheek jibe for his fellow pundit. Of course, the pair are both Premier League legends, and are each former champions.

• WHAT KEANE SAID

  Keane said on Sky: "People annoy me! Do you know what, I think I got fined two weeks wages for that. I'm still annoyed with Wes for that OG at the end. The referee didn't help."

  Asked about whether St. James' Park was a particularly febrile atmosphere, he replied: "People used to annoy me."

  Ex-Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand chimed in, claiming that "there's just one person" who must have annoyed Keane, referring to Shearer, and the Irishman retorted with a laugh: "One in particular, yeah, and he still annoys me."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United play Lyon on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final. The tie is poised at 2-2. Newcastle, by comparison, play Crystal Palace on Wednesday in the Premier League.

A Bayer Leverkusen star has confirmed he will leave the club this summer amid links with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

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• Leverkusen star confirms impending exit
• Linked with Barcelona and Liverpool
• Set to become a free agent in summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah has made it clear that this season will be hist last with the German side. The 29-year-old, who has also been linked with Real Madrid, is a free agent at the end of this season and now he will decide where to head to next.

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  WHAT TAH SAID

  He told that he will "definitely" be leaving this summer, adding: "I don't have a timeframe but the club knows about it. And, as I have always done, I've communicated everything very openly. Everything was said from the beginning. There was a point when I made the decision not to extend my contract and not to stay here, and that's how it's going now."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tah has developed a reputation as one of Germany's best defenders and a top player on the European stage. He will not be short of suitors, it just remains to be seen if he will stay in Germany, move to La Liga, or head to the Premier League this summer.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Before Tah does leave, he will try and secure Leverkusen a second straight Bundesliga title but they are eight points behind leaders Bayern with just four games remaining.

From landing Daizen Maeda, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate in 2022, to Alistair Johnston in 2023 and to Nicolas Kuhn in 2024, the January window has proven a fruitful one for Scottish champions Celtic in recent years.

While most clubs may view the winter market as a tricky one to do business in, the Hoops capitalise on the chance to strengthen their hand heading into the second half of the campaign, with reinforcements set to be particularly vital this time around, should they qualify for the next round of the Champions League.

According to Sky Sports, that potential progression to the knockout stage could see an early reunion with former Parkhead hero, Kieran Tierney, with the potential there for the 27-year-old to sign on loan until the end of the season, ahead of returning permanently in the summer on a free transfer.

Whether the Scotland star does return over the coming weeks, or at the end of the campaign, it would prove a real coup for Brendan Rodgers’ side, with the rampaging left-back having dazzled in his previous spell in Glasgow, after chalking up 45 goals and assists in 170 first-team games, while winning a plethora of domestic honours.

Injuries have not been kind to the left-back since his 2019 exit from Celtic Park, but few would turn their nose up at a 2025 homecoming, with the Arsenal man likely to represent the perfect upgrade on that left flank.

There could actually be a completely ‘new look’ left-hand side in a sense if another deal is to get over the line, with the potential for Rodgers to acquire his next Scott Sinclair, to slot in ahead of Tierney.

Scott Sinclair's record at Celtic

All the talk of late has rightly been centred on Celtic’s wing wizard, Kuhn, with the German sensation – who boasts 27 goals and assists this season – having taken over the attacking mantle from Jota, emerging as the new talisman in green and white.

Transfer Focus

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

Dazzling wingers have been a common theme for the Old Firm side in their illustrious history, with one of the more modern success stories having been that of Sinclair, following his arrival back in 2016.

Plucked from Aston Villa after enduring a difficult stint at Manchester City – where he featured just 19 times – the Englishman was an instant hit under Rodgers in that first season, scoring 25 goals in all competitions as Celtic romped to the treble.

That form saw Sinclair – who had played under Rodgers previously for Swansea City – claim the PFA Player of the Year award, while the man behind him, Tierney, took home the Young Player of the Year award gong.

Over the next two seasons, the experienced winger would go on to maintain that rampant record, racking up 103 goal involvements in just 167 games. In all, across his two spells under Rodgers, the now-veteran has netted more goals for the Northern Irishman than any other player, having scored 95 times in 238 appearances.

The current Bristol Rovers star certainly delivered, and then some, after arriving in Glasgow, with the potential there for a similar scenario to occur if Rodgers is to land another Villa man this month.

Celtic targeting the next Scott Sinclair

As was notably reported earlier this week, Celtic are said to have lodged an enquiry to sign rising star, Louie Barry, from Villa Park, with the 21-year-old earning admiring glances from a raft of clubs amid his rampant recent form in the EFL for Stockport County.

Once on the books at Barcelona, the dynamic forward – who can operate through the middle or on the left flank – has long been touted for stardom, although it hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride since then.

In a similar mould to Sinclair, who endured numerous loan stints away from Premier League giants Chelsea in his youth, Barry has yet to be handed a proper chance at his parent club, while having previously struggled to make an impact across various temporary moves.

Loan stints at Ipswich Town, Swindon Town, MK Dons and Salford City yielded only nine goals, although the last 18 months have been particularly eye-catching, with the youngster ripping it up at Stockport in League One and League Two, with 25 goals and seven assists in just 46 appearances.

Lauded for his “unbelievable” quality by Sky Sports pundit Michael Dawson, Barry boasts that delightful combination of relentless pace and a telling end product, much like what Sinclair was able to showcase at Parkhead.

While there would be the small matter of having to oust Maeda on that left flank, it would be a truly exciting combination if the former England youth international was to join alongside Tierney, with Barry’s desire to cut inside set to be aided by the overlapping prowess of the Celtic academy graduate.

Of course, competition for Barry’s signature will unsurprisingly be fierce, but if Rodgers could fashion a new Tierney and Sinclair-style partnership down the left flank, then Celtic could well be on to a winner.

Celtic lead the race to sign a "terrific talent" who's the next Adam Idah

The League of Ireland’s most highly-rated teenagers visited Glasgow last week, as Celtic lead the chase for his signature, with Spurs also in pursuit.

By
Ben Gray

Jan 15, 2025

Whilst Newcastle United are yet to act on the incomings front, they have now reportedly reached an agreement to sell one of Eddie Howe’s players who has been moving closer and closer to the exit door for quite some time.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have once again felt the full frustration of profit and sustainability rules this month. With the richest owners in the Premier League, it’s easy to assume that Newcastle’s spending power would be far greater than those around them, but that is not the case. Those at St James’ Park, like others, must sell before they can buy.

Newcastle now stepping up interest in £98k-p/w "monster" instead of Bade

Eddie Howe is keen to bring in a defender before the deadline.

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 25, 2025

That PSR struggle has resulted in several exit rumours, from the likes of Alexander Isak all the way to Anthony Gordon – two sales which would instantly grant Newcastle some much-needed spending power. Both would be quite the sacrifice, however, and not ones that Newcastle should be quick to make either this month or in the summer transfer window.

Instead, those at St James’ Park have seemingly set their attention on finally showing an out-of-favour forward the door in what should at least give them some breathing room in the market.

According to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Newcastle have now reached an agreement to sell Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United this month with the one remaining hurdle being the winger’s personal terms with the MLS club. Whilst those talks are ongoing, however, they are expected to reach a conclusion.

It’s a sale which has looked on the cards for some time and now one that Newcastle are finally closer than ever to completing.

Newcastle needed to show Almiron the door

Almiron’s departure is one that Newcastle simply need to get over the line. If they are to put themselves in a position to spend their riches, then keeping hold of players who remain on the fringes of Howe’s strongest side is something that the Tyneside club should avoid every chance they get.

The £60,000-a-week winger’s departure shouldn’t discredit the hard yards that he put in during his time at Newcastle though. Whilst there were times when he seemed destined to fall into a case of what might have been, Almiron more than redeemed himself during an excellent 2022/23 campaign when his goals helped fire the Magpies towards Champions League qualification.

The 30-year-old is also someone who has been at the centre of Howe’s praise up to the very end of his Newcastle career, with the manager telling reporters as relayed by NUFC Feed earlier this week: “I think Miggy’s head has been very, very solidly here. He’s been brilliant in training this week and I’ve seen not one moment where I thought ‘oh, I need to address this or speak to him or have a deeper conversation’.”

Lionesses and Paris Saint-Germain star Mary Earps dropped in to watch England Rugby team win Women’s Six Nations grand slam.

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• Earps saw England win the Women's Six Nations
• Joked about ditching football to try out Rugby
• Goalkeeper will face Paris FC in PSG's next match

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  England held off a late France fightback to clinch the game 43-42 and win their seventh consecutive Women’s Six Nations grand slam title at Allianz Stadium at Twickenham on Saturday. Lionesses goalkeeper, Earps, was in attendance as she witnessed the Rugby emerge triumphant.

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  WHAT MARY EARPS SAID

  At half-time, when the hosts were leading 31-21, caught up with the 32-year-old custodian who said: "This is my first real rugby game. It's been a great game for England and I am loving the atmosphere. I would like to give rugby a go and like to take someone out, for sure!"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The two-time winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Earps is currently preparing for England's European Championship title defence in Switzerland this summer. The experienced PSG star is expected to face fierce competition from Hannah Hampton, who had a stellar outing with Chelsea in the Women's Super League.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR EARPS?

  The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper will be next seen in action for the French giants on May 3 as they take on Paris FC in the final of Copa de France Feminine.

Sheffield Wednesday would have been delighted with the latest development involving loan hero Shea Charles earlier in the window, with the Southampton loanee now staying put until the end of the Championship season.

After all, he had become an instant fan favourite at Hillsborough with his full-blooded showings from the middle of the park, but Wednesday supporters will still be craving some more movement in through the door before Monday’s deadline.

Their thirst could soon be quenched if the ongoing rumour mill is anything to go by, as the Owls remain keen on landing this experienced midfield talent to further bolster options centrally.

Wednesday interested in signing former EFL star

Wednesday fans would have been waiting with bated breath over developments surrounding midfield target Stuart Armstrong, with reports from Canada suggesting that the Scotsman was going to choose the Blades over the Owls.

Transfer Focus

Those claims have since been rubbished by Sheffield Star journalist Danny Hall who suggests any imminent move involving the 32-year-old linking up with Chris Wilder’s side are ‘wide of the mark’.

Fellow Sheffield Star journalist Alex Miller has stated that Danny Rohl is keen to land the ex-Southampton man having worked beside him at St. Mary’s, amidst interest now being ‘intensified’.

Everyone connected to Hillsborough will hope this move can get over the line before the fast-approaching deadline, with Armstrong perhaps going on to be Wednesday’s next version of Barry Bannan as the current Vancouver Whitecaps man has proved himself to be a stylish operator in the Championship previously.

Wednesday's next Barry Bannan

After all, the £39k-per-week star’s efforts last season donning Southampton red and white helped then-boss Russell Martin achieve playoff glory, with goals and assists plenty coming from the experienced head.

Indeed, Armstrong would finish the successful campaign with an impressive five goals and seven assists next to his name from 42 league outings, with Martin even labelling his former number 17 as a “smooth” player to watch when at the peak of his powers.

Looking at the table above, there are many similarities between both Armstrong and Bannan in the ways they operate centrally, with both players in question adept at getting involved in attacks, as the modern-day Wednesday great already has seven goal contributions next to his name this season compared to Armstrong’s output of 12.

But, Bannan could well still get the nod to start over Armstrong if the ex-Saints star was to relocate back to England owing to his strengths in recovering the ball and winning duels, alongside his obvious quality to fire home a crucial strike for Rohl’s men or deliver a killer through ball.

After all, the 32-year-old target thrived as a background figure when on the books of Southampton, with only 33 starts coming his way from 42 Championship appearances last season.

Therefore, bringing in Armstrong could give Rohl some healthy selection headaches, with Charles also unlikely to be displaced after his blistering start to life in South Yorkshire has seen him win an incredible 6.5 duels on average as a more attritional body.

Yet, much like Wednesday have become accustomed to with Bannan over the years, Armstrong could be chucked into any contest at a moment’s notice and still be able to muster up a piece of magic.

Rohl will no doubt feel strong squad depth could be key in his side still being able to sneak into those playoff positions as a dark horse, with one or two incomings potentially on the agenda now between now and Monday’s deadline.

2025 winter transfer window: Every done deal from the Championship

Every winter transfer from the second tier can be found here.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Feb 3, 2025

Harry Kane is considered to have succeeded at Bayern Munich where Cristiano Ronaldo failed at Real Madrid, with love and respect being earned.

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• CR7 smashed records at the Bernabeu
• England star shining in German football
• Set to break his career-long trophy duck

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The exploits of Portuguese superstar Ronaldo at Santiago Bernabeu mean that he will forever be lauded as a Blancos legend – with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner becoming Madrid's all-time leading scorer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It is, however, being suggested that he was never truly taken to the hearts of Madridistas. In contrast, England captain Kane won over supporters in Germany from the moment that he arrived at the Allianz Arena from Tottenham in 2023.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kane has registered 80 goals and 24 assists for Bayern through 89 appearances. He is closing in on back-to-back Golden Boots and the Bundesliga title – which will bring his much–publicised trophy drought to a close.

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  WHAT EUROPEAN FOOTBALL JOURNALIST SAID

  European football journalist Andy Brassell has told of Kane’s exploits in Bavaria: “We've talked about this before, haven't we? In terms of Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, someone who was respected more than he was loved even though he [recorded] a goal a game for nine seasons. And obviously [Robert] Lewandowski's goal record is enviable, uncatchable, unmatchable – all of those things.

  “This is the guy who in 2021 broke Gerd Muller's [39-year record for scoring 40 in a season] that no one was ever going to break. [The record] funnily enough was what Kane threatened to break in his first season before he picked up a little injury. But that's a different story."