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The defender notched a staggering hat-trick of assists as Hansi Flick's side blew Crvena Zvezda away in Serbia on Wednesday evening.

Barcelona were in irresistible form against Crvena Zvezda on Wednesday evening, putting five past their Serbian opponents in a game that turned into a Champions League thrashing.

Zvezda had the ball in the net within three minutes but VAR ruled the goal out for a relatively obvious offside and Barcelona had the lead just over 10 minutes later, as Inigo Martinez headed in Raphinha's superb delivery.

But on 26 minutes, Zvezda equalised in superb fashion. Having been sent beyond Barca's backline, Silas chipped Inaki Pena with a delightful finish.

Just two minutes before half-time, Barca were back ahead. Raphinha's shot hit the post and Robert Lewandowski used his poacher's instinct to finish from close-range.

After the restart, Lewandowski had a chance to put the game to bed as he was found in the area but he amazingly blazed the ball wide. Just seconds later, he atoned, finishing from close-range after Jules Kounde's cross.

Raphinha capped Barca's early second-half blitz with a clever, low finish from the edge of the box, again after Kounde's cross.

On 76 minutes, after his introduction as a substitute, Fermin Lopez finished another excellent Kounde cut-back, his third assist of the game.

Crvena had time to pull a goal back through Felicio Milson, a stunning curled effort from just inside the box.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Red Star Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Inaki Pena (6/10):

  Rushed out too early for Zvezda's equaliser, allowing Silas to lift the ball over him. Not troubled otherwise until Crvena's second goal, a brilliant finish.

  Jules Kounde (9/10):

  Three assists, one a superb delivery for Lewandowski, and two excellent cut-backs from the right. A ridiculous level of creativity for his position.

  Pau Cubarsi (6/10):

  Flat-footed when Zvezda raced away and scored. Strong in the challenge but was kicked in the face in the second half and subbed.

  Inigo Martinez (8/10):

  A beautifully measured header to give Barcelona the lead. Barely gives the ball away and dominant in the air.

  Gerard Martin (6/10):

  Let Silas go as he levelled for Zvezda. Fine defensively otherwise but less adventurous than most of his team-mates.

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  Midfield

  Frenkie de Jong (8/10):

  Put himself about really well defensively, winning duels and sweeping up. Misplaced just one pass during his time on the pitch before being substituted.

  Pedri (7/10):

  Pulled the strings as effectively as he usually does. Takes care of the ball so well. Subbed just before the hour.

  Marc Casado (8/10):

  Got all over the pitch, making tackles, playing excellent passes, and keeping Barca moving. Such an industrious player with real quality to boot.

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  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (7/10):

  Gorgeous through ball for Raphinha but he skied the finish. Kept running at the backline and would regularly shoot, but just couldn't hit the net. Still, some dazzling footwork.

  Robert Lewandowski (7/10):

  Great poacher's finish to give Barca the lead and another to score his side's third. Subbed, as Flick gave him a rest.

  Raphinha (8/10):

  Superb free-kick assist for Martinez's goal. Hit the post directly from a corner and again pripr to Lewandowski's goal. Finished expertly in the second half to put Barca 4-1 up.

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  Subs & Manager

  Dani Olmo (6/10):

  On for the superb Raphinha. Couldn't quite impact the game in the same way.

  Fermin Lopez (7/10):

  Replaced Pedri. Scored a fine goal, finishing Kounde's cut-back. Hit the bar too in an eventful cameo.

  Gavi (6/10):

  On for De Jong. Kept Barca ticking cleverly.

  Sergi Dominguez (6/10):

  Replaced Cubarsi. Had nothing to do with Crvena's strike.

  Pau Victor (N/A):

  On for Lewandowski late on.

  Hansi Flick (8/10):

  He may be slightly concerned with the goals conceded, but Flick got this bang on, and was able to rotate to boot. A supreme Barcelona performance, and the manager will have loved seeing just how fluid and brilliant his attack is at full cry.

Arsenal’s transformation over the past couple of seasons under Mikel Arteta has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Spaniard catapulting the club back into contention for a Premier League title.

The club’s excellent recruitment of players such as William Saliba, Gabriel and Martin Odegaard have cemented the Gunners’ place as consistent challengers to Manchester City, who have claimed four of the last five Premier League titles.

However, each season under Arteta’s guidance, his side are closing the gap, making this summer’s business crucial if they are to finally triumph over Pep Guardiola’s side at the third time of asking.

His side have been widely reported to be targeting players such as Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori and Bilbao winger Nico Williams with the former's potential arrival, in particular, bolstering Arsenal’s defence further despite the impressive displays of Saliba and Gabriel last season.

Despite the incomings, the Gunners will also have to focus on moving numerous players on, including one talent who desperately needs a move away from the club to fulfil his potential.

Arsenal could let go of £50m talent this summer

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah could depart the Emirates this summer in the hope of gaining more regular first-team minutes next season.

The 25-year-old Arsenal academy graduate scored five Premier League goals last season, including a hat-trick against Sheffield United, but it might not be enough to secure his long-term future in North London.

The report goes on to state that he could depart Arteta’s side this window, potentially generating the club a fee in the region of up to £50m.

West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Fulham are all said to be interested in a move for the attacker, with Arsenal needing to cash in on Nketiah in order to maximise their profits.

Where Arsenal could use Nketiah's £50m fee

As previously mentioned, Calafiori and Williams have both been strongly linked with moves to the Emirates in an attempt to close the gap to Manchester City.

However, despite the duo’s recent form at Euro 2024 – where Williams found the net against Georgia – Nketiah boasts a higher asking price than the pair’s respective price tags – further adding to the need to cash in on the 25-year-old.

Nketiah’s valuation of £50m would represent excellent business by the Gunners, potentially funding a move for either of the two players linked to join Arteta’s side.

Italian defender Calafiori is valued at £42.3m according to reports, whilst Spanish forward Williams has a release clause of around the same amount – a bargain given his record of five goals and 11 assists in La Liga last season.

Both would undoubtedly improve the Arsenal squad ahead of next season, with the club on red alert over a potential move for the pair amid interest from London rivals Chelsea.

Whilst Nketiah has demonstrated his quality in flashes within the Arsenal first-team, he’s been unable to showcase his ability on a consistent basis, unfortunately not having the quality to make a big enough impact to lead the Gunners to the title next season.

The mega fee touted for his potential departure would be superb business by Arteta and Co, allowing the club to invest in any one of Calafiori and Williams – with the latter undoubtedly a huge upgrade on the Arsenal academy graduate in attack.

Arsenal hit gold on "world-class" ace who's worth way more than Calafiori

The incredible talent has become one of the best defenders in England.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 2, 2024

Glasgow Rangers kick off the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign next month as they travel away from Ibrox on the opening day.

Philippe Clement's side have already started their pre-season preparations for the new season and were beaten 2-1 by Ajax on Saturday, with Tom Lawrence scoring an impressive free-kick for Rangers.

Whilst the Light Blues have friendlies to prepare for and play over the next few weeks ahead of the first league game, head of recruitment Nils Koppen will be focused on his work off the pitch.

The Belgian chief has already been busy throughout the summer transfer window so far in an attempt to build a squad that can win the Premiership title next term.

Jefte, Hamza Igamane, Connor Barron, Clinton Nsiala, Liam Kelly, and Mohammed Diomande have all been brought in on permanent deals, whilst Oscar Cortes has signed on loan with an obligation for the move to become permanent next year.

Koppen and Clement may not be done there, though, as they are reportedly eyeing up a move for a new midfielder to bolster the squad this month.

Rangers make approach for title-winning star

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, the Scottish giants have made contact with BSC Young Boys central midfielder Chiekh Niasse.

The reporter claims that the Light Blues have approached the Swiss Super League outfit to gather information on the defensive ace as they pursue a swoop for his services.

This shows that the Gers have a good level of interest in the midfield battler as they have decided to act upon it by making contact with the Switzerland-based side.

However, Longari does not reveal whether or not Young Boys are willing to cash in on their star midfielder ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, as they may want to keep hold of him throughout the summer window, or how much he would potentially cost.

It, therefore, remains to be seen whether a deal for Niasse is possible or likely for the Light Blues as they plot further additions to their midfield after the signings of Barron and Diomande.

Koppen had already secured a permanent deal for Diomande after his loan spell at Ibrox during the second half of last season, whilst Barron was snapped up from Aberdeen after his contract with the Premiership side expired at the end of May.

Niasse could now be brought in as a dream partner for the Scottish midfielder in the middle of the park for the 2024/25 campaign and beyond.

Connor Barron's Premiership form last season

The energetic gem arrives at Ibrox with a proven track record in the Premiership thanks to his experiences with Aberdeen at first-team level last season.

He showcased his ability to perform at a high level in the division, despite his inexperience and age, and could now hit the ground running with the Light Blues as a result of that.

The 21-year-old dynamo played in 29 of their 38 league matches during the 2023/24 campaign, after featuring in 17 games the previous term, and caught the eye with his hard-working performances.

As you can see in the table above, his displays for the Dons were outstanding, from a defensive perspective, in comparison to former Rangers midfielder Lundstram.

These statistics suggest that Barron could come in as a fantastic replacement for the English dud, who has since signed for Trabzonspor on a free transfer, due to his fantastic qualities out of possession.

The Scotland U21 international is a combative and tenacious midfielder who, as shown in the stats above, has the physicality and positioning to dominate opposition players in duels on the floor and in the air.

He was also dribbled past fewer times than Lundstram despite making more tackles and interceptions per game, which shows that the new Gers signing is much harder for opposition players to get past in midfield.

Of course, though, it is now down to the Scottish prospect to prove that he can carry that form over to his time at Ibrox and hit the ground running in Glasgow over the coming months.

Why Chiekh Niasse would be a dream partner for Connor Barron

The 24-year-old brute could be a fantastic signing to partner Barron at the base of the Rangers midfield due to his towering presence and imperious defensive attributes.

Standing at 6 foot 2, Niasse is an imposing figure in the middle of the park and could provide the Gers with a boost from set-pieces, defensively and offensively, by using his frame and physicality to make first contact from balls into either box.

His form for Young Boys over the last two seasons in the Swiss Super League also suggests that he has the defensive and physical qualities to be a monstrous player alongside the Scotland youth international.

As you can see in the table above, Niasse won the majority of his duels, on the deck and in the air, in midfield last season as he dominated opposition players from a physical perspective.

The impressive ace also made seven tackles, interceptions, and recoveries per game on average, which illustrates how often he won possession back for his team.

In the 2022/23 league campaign, the £9.4k-per-week midfield bruiser made 3.6 tackles and interceptions combined per game and won 59% of his duels across 26 appearances for Young Boys.

His statistics over the last two seasons for the Swiss side suggest that he has the defensive quality to consistently break up attacks at an efficient rate.

This is why Niasse could be a dream partner for Barron as they both have the physical and defensive attributes to form a monstrous pairing for Rangers next season, as they could combine to dominate the midfield and provide the attackers with a solid platform to build from.

McCausland 2.0: Rangers in the race to sign "flamboyant" star

The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a swoop to sign the direct wide player.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 10, 2024

England and Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has heaped praise on Curtis Jones following his stellar performance against Greece.

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• Jones impressed on England debut
• Scored cheeky back-heel to round off win
• Earned praise from team-mate Grealish

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Following praise from Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, Jack Grealish was next to hail Curtis Jones for his performance against Greece on Thursday. The 23-year-old delivered a spectacular back-heel finish to seal a 3-0 win and surely cement his place in midfield for Lee Carsley's final game in charge on Sunday.

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• WHAT GREALISH SAID

  On Instagram, Grealish said: "Well done boys!! Top performance and especially @curtisjr what a player!"

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Grealish was not involved in Athens but got to sit back and watch some of the nation's best young talent perform. Jones linked up well with Conor Gallagher and Jude Bellingham in midfield, and is proving for club and country that he deserves to play a starring role.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JONES?

  Jones is surely in line to start when England host the Republic of Ireland on Sunday. A win will ensure their promotion to League A of the Nations League.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has expressed his views on Kylian Mbappe's ongoing lean patch and believes the Frenchman lacks confidence.

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• Guti feels Mbappe is low on confidence
• French forward has failed to impress this season
• Missed a crucial penalty against Liverpool

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Legendary Real Madrid midfielder Guti feels Kylian Mbappe looks a pale version of his former self in the wake of his most recent outing for Los Blancos, which came in the Champions League at Anfield against Liverpool earlier this week. Madrid lost the game 2-0, with Mbappe once again failing to stamp his authority on the game.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe has had an underwhelming start to his Real Madrid career, finding the back of the net just nine times in 18 games across all competitions, out of which four came from the penalty spot. His poor form continued during the visit at Anfield, in which Mbappe failed to convert from the spot in the second half with the score at 1-0 in the Reds' favour.

  In the absence of Vinicius Jr., who was out due to a hamstring injury, Mbappe had his preferred left flank all to himself and seemingly had the perfect opportunity to turn the corner. However, according to Guti, Mbappe felt the pressure, but believes that he will improve.

• WHAT GUTI SAID

  "I think Mbappe has not been up to par, obviously. That's the reality," Guti said on El Chiringuito (h/t Mundo Deportivo). "We would all like to know what is happening to Mbappe. He looks lacking in confidence, shy. Moments before taking the penalty he looked scared. In that sense he is certainly not happy with his performance and wants something more.

  "To that you add the fact that Real Madrid fans were eagerly awaiting him and that he has left his PSG bubble a little bit, where he had everything under control.

  "Mbappe has now joined another team where he will surely have to compete with great players to be the best, and all that costs. And the Real Madrid shirt costs, and that is normal. It is difficult to think that a player can adapt so quickly and so soon to a club like Real Madrid, where it is very difficult to play.

  "Taking him off would be the worst remedy, but he does have to be protected. And that's why he's at the best club. Florentino Perez, the club and [Carlo] Ancelotti are going to protect him because we all believe in him. I believe in him. The easy thing is to criticise and say that he's not worth it, but Mbappe is one of the best players in the world."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?

  Mbappe was one of the three Madrid players along with Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz who underwent tests in Madrid on Thursday. However, journalist Edu Aguirre has confirmed that the trio have not suffered any injuries. Mbappe should be fit to start against local opponents Getafe on Sunday, December 1.

Daniel Farke looks to have made signing central midfielders his main priority this summer transfer window far and he will be pleased to have Joe Rothwell already in through the door in the middle of the park.

The new Leeds United loanee has sparkled in pre-season so far for Farke's men, playing a key role in Mateo Joseph adding yet another strike to his pre-season back catalogue against Schalke, but the German boss is clearly wanting even more reinforcements, owing to the fact Glen Kamara is no longer on the books.

Dejan Ljubicic is the main name floating about from FC Koln at the moment, but the Championship promotion candidates could now be sizing up a move for this cheaper alternative instead, who the West Yorkshire outfit have been keen on in the past.

Leeds could work out cut-price deal for new midfield star

As per German outlet Rheinische Post, as relayed by Leeds United News, Leeds could now be in the running again to snap up previous transfer target Ao Tanaka this summer, with his price-tag at his current employers Fortuna Dusseldorf slashed.

The Japanese midfield star could now be available for as cheap as £2m, having previously been touted to be available for a higher £3m amount.

This could see the Whites land a new gem to play in the centre of the park for far cheaper than Ljubicic, with Koln already rejecting a bid in the region of £3.3m for the Austrian target, and so capturing Tanaka would enable Leeds to not break the bank as much.

Signing the Japanese international could also result in an exciting partnership forming in the midfield ranks at Elland Road, as both Tanaka and Rothwell have an eye for a goal in their respective games, away from allowing their sides to tick with calm and measured passing displays.

What Tanaka can offer Leeds

Tanaka is the definition of a well-rounded player for his nation and his current German employers, having lined up for Japan and Dusseldorf in a whole range of spots, with the 25-year-old comfortable in a holding role as much as he is venturing forward as an option helping out with the main attackers in the team.

It was from a more attack-focused position last season where he truly shone for Dusseldorf, with seven goals and four assists tallied up from 30 Bundesliga 2 clashes.

As can be seen glancing at the table above, the new loan addition of Rothwell and permanent buy Tanaka combining could cause the Championship some havoc, with the ex-Blackburn Rovers man a notorious goalscorer and creator of chances from deep wherever he's been up and down the EFL.

But, both would be able to offer a combative presence for Farke's men in challenging times to come in the Championship too, with the current Dusseldorf man winning his fair share of duels last season in the second German division, with 3.8 duels won on average per game.

Likewise, the new Leeds recruit has proven himself to be a tough battler in the second tier before, with three duels won on average per 90 minutes during the 2021/22 season, when he was still pulling on a Blackburn strip.

Farke will hope a cut-price move for the 25-year-old works out, therefore, who has even been described as one of the most "underrated" midfield talents in the game today by football journalist Bence Bocsak, with Leeds benefitting from shopping in their manager's native land before, as Ilia Gruev proved in being a shrewd pick-up.

Yet, Tanaka could go on to be even more of a revelation, with the Japanese gem's ability to advance forward to help the likes of Georginio Rutter promising, whilst Farke will also love the fact he is also more than adept at helping his side shut up shop.

A new-look Leeds team is beginning to take shape, therefore, ahead of an entertaining Championship campaign to come.

Farke could land the next Raphinha in Leeds swoop for "magical" gem

Leeds United will look to sign their next Raphinha with this midfield gem joining.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 29, 2024

Gareth Southgate has suggested that he may look for a new career outside of football after resigning from the England job after Euro 2024.

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• Southgate may find new job outside of football
• Left after England lost Euro 2024 final to Spain
• Has been linked with various potential vacancies

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Southgate left the England job after the Three Lions lost to Spain in the final of Euro 2024. Since that decision, he has been linked with a number of potential openings, including Manchester United before they appointed Ruben Amorim, but he has now suggested, in a post on LinkedIn, that he is considering a career change.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Southgate spent a total of eight years in the role as England manager, having been promoted to the role in 2016, having worked with the Under-21s between 2013 and 2016. He had worked as Middlesbrough manager between 2006 and 2009 prior to that, but that may well end up being his only club job if he does leave football altogether.

• WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID

  In a lengthy post on LinkedIn, Southgate wrote: "This higher purpose kept me on track, gave me structure, made my life more fulfilling and is going to be extremely difficult to replicate.

  "It's why I'm not limiting my future options to remaining as a football coach. After eight years serving in one of the highest-profile roles in world football, I'm consciously taking time to reflect on what I lived through and thinking deeply about what comes next.

  "I'm comfortable with this period of 'exploration' and not having all the answers. I'm following the advice I would give to any young person, without a clear career vision.

  "Keep learning, build or explore your network, seek different life experiences and when you decide what's next, there will be no right or wrong, just one path or another."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  It remains to be seen. Southgate has clearly not made his decision but the England team is moving on after his exit, with Thomas Tuchel set to take charge in 2025.

Rangers are believed to be "readying a new move" to sign an attacking player this summer and have registered their interest, according to a fresh claim from journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Rangers transfer news

The summer transfer window has already been a busy one at Ibrox, with numerous players brought in, from Jefte at left-back to Mohamed Diomande in midfield, who has joined on a permanent basis after being on loan last season. More business is expected, however, both in terms of incomings and outgoings.

The future of Rangers legend James Tavernier has been a big talking point of late, and it does feel increasingly as though he could seal a summer move away from the club where he has provided so much quality down the years. A move to Trabzonspor has been mooted, as well as a reunion with Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

Meanwhile, Philippe Clement is thought to be ready to reignite his interest in striker Tyrese Campbell this summer, with the 24-year-old now a free agent after departing Stoke City at the end of last season.

It could be that Diomande isn't the only former loanee who joins Rangers permanently in the coming weeks, with work still being done to try and bring in Abdallah Sima, too. The 23-year-old scored 11 goals in just 17 starts in the Scottish Premiership in 2023/24, and his current club Brighton could be willing to sell him for good.

Rangers prepare "new move" for 23 y/o forward

According to O'Rourke on X, Rangers are "readying a new move" for Plymouth Argyle striker Morgan Whittaker, having shown plenty of interest in him last year.

In his story for Football Insider, O'Rourke claims that Rangers have appeared to make contact by registering their interest in a deal this summer.

Whittaker could be such an eye-catching addition to Clement's squad ahead of next season, as the Rangers boss looks to add more firepower to his attack. The 23-year-old Englishman could certainly bring that with him, considering his tally of 19 goals for Plymouth in the Championship last term was more than any Gers player managed in the league, with Tavernier topping the charts with 17.

The £7,500-week ace has also been lauded by Plymouth's director football, Neil Dewsnip, who heaped praise on the excellent campaign he recently enjoyed, saying: "Well done Morgan Whittaker. He has excited us here throughout the season. He has scored some amazing goals and to get selected in that team with the quality that exits in this league is a major achievement. He should be really proud of himself."

Rangers struck gold on Beale signing who's now worth more than Tavernier

The Ibrox side have a player in their squad who could make them a serious profit

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 21, 2024

Having a relentless goalscorer next season could go a long way towards helping Rangers go one better in the league and further close the gap on Celtic, and Whittaker could be that man, coming in as a star player from the off, but also representing the long-term future.

A £16.8 million player has agreed to join Chelsea, and they've struck a deal with his club, with Todd Boehly now closing in on a tenth summer signing.

Chelsea undergo busy transfer window and squad overhaul

Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Renato Veiga (FC Basel), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City), Marc Guiu (Barcelona), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United) and Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal) have been announced as new Chelsea arrivals this summer, with Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian also set to join in 2025.

Chelsea close to agreeing deal for ace who BlueCo liken to Real Madrid star

The west Londoners think he could replicate a Galactico.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 31, 2024

Aaron Anselmino will complete a move to Chelsea from Boca Juniors as well, after completing his medical at Stamford Bridge this week, making it nine signings in total for new manager Enzo Maresca ahead of his first Premier League season in charge.

However, a lot of the aforementioned players are young and could be deemed as ones for the future, rather than immediate upgrades to Maresca's first team. Only Tosin, Dewsbury-Hall and Jorgensen look likely to go straight into the senior team, so there could still be work to do for co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.

Most notably, Chelsea appear to be making serious moves for a new forward. The west Londoners are in ongoing talks with Napoli over striker Victor Osimhen, and Romelu Lukaku could be used as a makeweight, with the Belgian already agreeing a three-year contract and pay-cut to work under Antonio Conte again (Ben Jacobs).

Meanwhile, Chelsea have also submitted a concrete bid for Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, who could be an alternative to Osimhen if a deal cannot be done for the Nigerian.

There is also the possibility of adding yet more talent to Chelsea's ever-growing pool of young players with real potential. KRC Genk shot-stopper Mike Penders, who made his Jupiler Pro League debut last weekend in a 0-0 draw with Standard Liege, is the latest gem on their radar.

Reports earlier this week claimed Chelsea were closing in on a deal for Penders, who BlueCo believe could be the next Thibaut Courtois. The 19-year-old, who stands at a lofty 6 foot 7, now appears even closer to a Stamford Bridge move.

Penders agrees to join Chelsea as deal reached with Genk

According to HITC, Penders has agreed to join Chelsea and they've reached a deal with Genk. Indeed, the Blues will pay around £16.8 million to get him over the line, and he'll remain on loan at Genk for the 2024/2025 season to aid his development.

With both personal terms and an agreement struck between the clubs, it appears Chelsea are closing in on their tenth capture of the window, with the teenage talent appearing highly-rated by those within the club after the Courtois comparison.

In future seasons, he could well be competing with Jorgensen for the number one spot.

Rob McElhenney has explained why he and Ryan Reynolds are not on a “cash grab” at Wrexham and want to help grow soccer in the United States.

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• Takeover completed in 2021
• Enjoyed success on the field
• Continue to invest off the pitch

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The two Hollywood superstars embraced a surprising sporting venture at SToK Racecourse when completing a stunning takeover in 2021. They have overseen a meteoric rise for Wrexham, which has been aided by an award-winning documentary series.

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  THE GOSSIP

  While considerable success has been enjoyed on the field, McElhenney and Reynolds have branched out into the wider Wrexham community. Funding has been pumped into the local area, as fans from all over the world descend on North Wales, while a takeover of the 142-year-old Wrexham Lager brewery forms part of one of their latest projects.

• WHAT MCELHENNEY SAID

  They are now looking to promote that brand Stateside, but McElhenney insists that the Red Dragons will never be used as a money-making machine. The ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ actor has told the : “We like the idea of a flywheel where each investment is something we really support and enjoy, and it’s not just a cash grab. Anytime we look at a new investment or new opportunity, it’s only because we believe in it.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Wrexham Lager was flowing when McElhenney joined fans to watch Phil Parkinson’s side in action against Barnsley on the giant immersive screen at Cosm LA. That occasion further highlights how far the Red Dragons have come, with the plan being to help America fully embrace soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup.