All posts by n8rngtd.top

'High-class player, high-class bloke'

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Somerset captain Chris Rogers bowed out with two hundreds in his final first-class match. His team-mates, current and former, led the way with tributes

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Sep-2016

Starc's chance to make South African mark

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

He has never played red-ball cricket in the country, but after some time off recovering from a heel injury, he is raring to go

Daniel Brettig in Johannesburg26-Feb-2018A remarkable amount of Australia’s most memorable displays of fast bowling – in recent times – have taken place under South African skies. Jason Gillespie emerged as a force here in 1997, Glenn McGrath had his way with the Proteas batsmen in 2002, Stuart Clark did likewise in 2006. Mitchell Johnson achieved the rare distinction of dominating two Test series, in 2009 and 2014, during which Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and a courageous Ryan Harris all had their moments.In between those two trips, came perhaps the most striking performance of them all – certainly the most unexpected. A teenaged Pat Cummins bolted from club cricket to the New South Wales domestic scene to the Test squad and a Johannesburg debut in 2011. His combination of hostility and maturity helped win a see-sawing classic for Australia, even if Cummins’ body was at least another five years away from being able to cope with regular Test match punishment.Absent from this honour roll, however, are Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Neither of them were fit or selected for the past two tours despite already being in the Australian set-up. Both of them were in a Test squad to face South Africa as far back as Ricky Ponting’s final Test, in Perth in 2012, but the Johnson resurgence alongside Siddle and Harris left them surplus to requirements.

I knew I’d be a little bit sore from having two weeks off and having to bowl a fair bit, but it hasn’t hit me that hard yet. The heel’s feeling pretty goodMitchell Starc on his return from injury

So it is with plenty of curiosity as well as enthusiasm that Starc embarks upon this assignment as the most experienced member of what the Australian captain Steven Smith has taken to calling “the big three”, alongside Cummins and Hazlewood. If he joked about Cummins’ choice of late-night viewing material this week, it was with a serious undercurrent about using the recollections of others to compensate for his own lack of experience in South African conditions.”I think he was chasing up some footage from his Test match here as he falls to sleep,” Starc said of Cummins. “We’ve got a good bowling meeting coming up when we get to Durban [on Tuesday]. We’re talking to him through his bit of experience there, Nathan Lyon’s played a bit here as well, and pick a few of the batters’ brains as well as to what a few of the wickets might do, because a few of us haven’t played too much here.”It’s going to be exciting to be a part of and as viewers as well I reckon. We don’t focus too much on them [South Africa], a lot of what we can do and focus on our strengths. A lot of that’s coming from the summer and how we all complement each other a lot. We’ll chat about the batters in detail, maybe a little bit about how they approach their bowling in these conditions, but a lot will be on what we can do to the best of our ability to take 20 wickets each Test.”Beware Josh Hazlewood in fading light•Getty ImagesStarc’s most recent Test appearance was at well below full fitness. Having suffered a bruised heel during the decisive WACA Ashes Test in December, he missed Boxing Day at the MCG but insisted on taking his place in the team for the final match of the series on his SCG home ground. Having rushed back into action, Starc was short of his best early in the match before gradually improving, but the after-effects of it all were evident in some decidedly unthreatening ODI displays.Like numerous other members of the Test side, Starc clearly needed a break, and after two weeks of relaxation and travel to South Africa, he was able to deliver a far more hostile level of speed in the Australians’ only warm-up fixture at Benoni. “I’ve had five days out of the six bowling, so it’s been good for the body, good to get a couple of wickets,” Starc said.”I’m one of the ones who hasn’t played any red-ball cricket here,” he said. “So it was nice to have a good three days hit out. [I feel] probably a hell of a lot better than I was after the bruised heel. The two weeks has been really good for the heel. I knew I’d be a little bit sore from having two weeks off and having to bowl a fair bit, but it hasn’t hit me that hard yet. The heel’s feeling pretty good, so hopefully it’s good signs for the rest of the series.”There was one neat subplot to the final day of the warm-up match, as the tourists got the chance to make the newly selected South Africa batsman Wiaan Mulder feel as unwelcome as possible as the fixture headed towards an Australian victory. Starc was central to this attack, hurling down plenty of bouncers on a pitch offering uneven bounce, with the unashamed intention of giving Mulder something to think about should he be named to play the Kingsmead Test on Thursday.”We thought we’d give him a little bit of a taste of what he might have to face if he gets a game through the series,” Starc said. “I think a few of us said they might have announced their squad a day too early. It was nice to take the handbrake off for a few overs and show him what he might be facing if he gets a crack through the series.”Mulder, of course, did not need to be facing Starc to know that Australia’s pacemen have invariably felt at home in this part of the world. There is all the aforementioned history, captured in a heap of television footage on YouTube and elsewhere, to tell him that.

Premier League referee David Coote SACKED after videos of foul-mouthed Jurgen Klopp rant and snorting white powder

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

David Coote has been sacked after an investigation into videos recently shared online of the former Premier League official.

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  • Coote sacked as Premier League ref
  • Called Klopp a "German c***"
  • 42-year-old also appeared to snort white powder
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Coote was filmed calling former Liverpool boss Klopp a "German c***" in a video that emerged online last month. A few days later, a second scandal hit the former Premier League referee when a video of him appearing to snort a white powder at Euro 2024 surfaced.

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    The 42-year-old has now been sacked following an investigation into his actions.

    "Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote's conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect," a PGMOL statement read.

    "David Coote's actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.

    "Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.

    "David Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment."

  • TELL ME MORE

    Coote is also being investigated by the Football Association over allegations that he discussed giving a yellow card before a game in October 2019. Coote has denied the allegations, which centre on messages before and after he refereed a Championship game between Leeds and West Brom.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    The FA are carrying out a separate investigation into Coote's remarks about Klopp. The Nottinghamshire native, who became a Premier League referee in 2018, could face an aggravated misconduct charge.

Southampton express interest in signing "exceptional" £120,000-p/w UCL ace

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Southampton have reportedly expressed interest in signing a Champions League goalkeeper as they look to replace the injured Gavin Bazunu ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Southampton transfer news

The Saints have already been busy in the summer transfer window, welcoming the return of Adam Lallana and Flynn Downes as well as signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Charlie Taylor, among others. On top of that, Russell Martin has managed to keep hold of star man Adam Armstrong, who penned a new three-year deal at St Mary's.

It's not all good news for the Saints though, who are currently heading into next season with 34-year-old Alex McCarthy to call on following Bazunu's injury back in April. Whilst the veteran shot-stopper has plenty of experience, it remains to be seen whether he can still cut it as a number one every week in the Premier League.

Southampton'sGavinBazunu

It is, of course, a question that the Saints may not have to answer just yet, given that there's still a month left of the transfer window and one particular option could emerge.

According to Football London, Southampton have expressed interest in signing Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal this summer, alongside Newcastle United. The former Bournemouth goalkeeper lost his starting spot to David Raya at the start of last season and may now push for an Arsenal exit in pursuit of more game time. With Bazunu out until 2025 too, Southampton is an ideal option.

Southampton make shock enquiry to sign "remarkable" Premier League gem

Saints have made their first move…

1

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 18, 2024

With that said, it remains to be seen whether Southampton will be willing to splash the cash and match Ramsdale's current reported wage of £120k-a-week with Bazunu eventually on his way back. As the transfer window ticks by, the England international is one to keep an eye on.

"Exceptional" Ramsdale can solve Bazunu problem

Whilst Bazunu isn't expected back until 2025, Southampton can solve their goalkeeper problem and more by signing Ramsdale. A player who has more than enough experience in relegation battles and a player who has played at the other end of the spectrum in the Champions League, Martin could quickly find himself a new number one. Even when Bazunu returns, the competition for the number one shirt would certainly be fearce.

League stats in 2023/24 (via FBref)

Aaron Ramsdale

Gavin Bazunu

Saves per 90

1.50

2.17

Save percentage

64.3%

63.6%

A look at the numbers suggests that Martin would have quite the decision on his hands if Southampton signed Ramsdale. Bazunu would undoubtedly hold his own, but could perhaps be defied by Ramsdale's Premier League experience.

Even as Mikel Arteta's number two, Ramsdale earned the Spaniard's praise last season. The Arsenal boss said via TNT Sports: “He’s been exceptional around the place with the situation. Like everybody. We love him more for sure. We have him every day. We know him, we know his character and we are really happy to have him.

“I don’t think I’m the one to answer the question about Aaron Ramsdale’s quality because I’m the one who signed him when everyone else was questioning that decision. So I don’t think I’m the one to answer that question."

Chelsea leave host of first-team stars including Enzo Fernandez & Pedro Neto behind for Conference League trip to struggling Bundesliga side Heidenheim

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Enzo Maresca has left out several Chelsea first-team stars including Enzo Fernandez & Pedro Neto for the Conference League trip to Heidenheim.

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  • Maresca takes a second-string squad to Germany
  • Several academy graduates have been selected
  • Reece James has also stayed back in Cobham
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Italian manager continues to rest key players in the Conference League as he aims to manage minutes in a bid to tackle an unforgiving schedule. Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Nicolas Jackson, Reece James, Fernandez and Neto are among the players who have been registered but left out of the 21-strong squad that will fly to Germany.

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    Neto, one of the notable absentees, sustained an injury during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Poland. The 24-year-old forward was forced to sit out Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Leicester City last weekend and Maresca is not willing to risk the player midweek.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Maresca has included several academy prospects in the squad for the trip to Germany. Goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom is joined by midfielders Kiano Dyer and Samuel Rak-Sakyi, while winger Tyrique George and teenage striker Shumaira Mheuka add an attacking flair.

    Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Lucas Bergstrom

    Defenders: Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Renato Veiga

    Midfielders: Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Kiano Dyer, Samuel Rak-Sakyi

    Forwards: Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Jadon Sancho, Marc Guiu, Shumaira Mheuka, Christopher Nkunku

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Chelsea has enjoyed a strong start in the UEFA Conference League, winning all three of their previous group-stage matches against Gent, Panathinaikos, and Noah. The manager will hope that the blend of seasoned players and emerging talents can secure another victory to further solidify their lead in the competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo to lose a team-mate? Al-Nassr's Aymeric Laporte makes telling admission about Real Madrid transfer talk

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte has not ruled out joining Real Madrid one day amid links with the Spanish giants.

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  • Laporte swapped Man City for Al-Nassr
  • Contract there runs until 2026
  • Addresses Real Madrid rumours
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The centre-back swapped Manchester City for Al-Nassr in August 2023 for £23.6 million ($30m) and has become a key player for the Saudi Pro League team. His performances earned him a spot in Spain's squad for their triumphant Euro 2024 campaign and that led to links with Los Blancos. Now, the 30-year-old has addressed such speculation amid Madrid's ongoing injury issues.

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    WHAT AYMERIC LAPORTE SAID

    He told El Larguero: "I'm not really up to date, I've read the same thing as you. There's no problem. It sounds good. Obviously, teams like Real Madrid aren't being looked down upon."

    When asked if he intends to return to Europe after his contract expires in 2026, Laporte replied: "My idea of returning is there. I have all my family here in Europe. Obviously, what better than in Spain."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Relevo adds that Madrid will not have an easy time getting him out of Al-Hilal as they have 'no intention' of letting him go while he is under contract. Plus, it seems he is in no rush to leave team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Hilal.

    "I went there (Saudi Arabia) to play football, not to do other things. So far things have not gone badly for me. While there I have won a European Championship, which is the most beautiful thing I have experienced in my career," he added.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    While Madrid look for answers to their defensive troubles, which include injuries to David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal, Laporte could feature for Spain in their Nations League clash away to Denmark on Friday night.

Man City hit gold on amazing star who’s now worth as much as Yamal

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Over the years, Manchester City have had some of the Premier League’s best South American footballers play for them. It has been a region of the world that has given the Cityzens, and the Premier League, some of the most iconic players in history.

Perhaps the most famous South American of them all to play on the blue side of Manchester is Sergio Aguero. The former Argentina striker scored 260 goals for City in 390 games, registering 65 assists along the way. He left the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, as a five-time Premier League winner.

Another of City’s most iconic South American players is defensive midfielder Fernandinho. The Brazil legend, who also won five Premier League titles in the blue of the Cityzens, played 383 times for the club, scoring 26 times and registering 31 assists from the base of midfield.

There are also two notable South American players currently at the club, with one being goalkeeper Ederson. However, the Brazilian could depart the Etihad Stadium this summer, with a move to Saudi Arabia thought to be on the cards.

There's one more and he could leave for mega money in the not-too-distant future. In fact, he's worth more than one of the game's global superstars, Lamine Yamal.

Lamine Yamal’s 2024 performances

It has been an astronomical rise to the top for 17-year-old Barcelona and Spain winger Yamal.

The exciting talent has lit up Euro 2024 and has started all but one of La Roja’s games. He has scored once, a stunner against France in the semi-final, and is the leading assister with three.

Yamal's stats prior to the Euro 2024 final.

The teenager burst onto the scene during the 2023/24 season for Barcelona but made his debut for the Spanish giants at the end of the previous season, a seven-minute cameo off the bench against Real Betis.

Last season, Yamal played 50 games for Barca in all competitions, scoring an impressive ten goals and registering seven assists. He has very quickly become a household name around the footballing world.

Unsurprisingly, the talented youngster has seen his market value shoot up in a very short amount of time.

According to Transfermarkt, the youngster is worth £77m, an incredible rise from October 2023, when Yamal was worth just £21m. His performances for Barcelona and Spain have certainly shown why he is so highly valued.

That said, there are players in global football worth more than him. One of them is Argentine striker Julian Alvarez.

Julian Alvarez’s market value in 2024

The 24-year-old cost the Cityzens just £14m in 2022, but following some superb performances for club and country, he is now worth £77m, just like Barca’s 17-year-old starlet, as per Transfermarkt.

It is fair to say that since making the move to Manchester, Alvarez has had a superb time of things, despite playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland, or out of position to accommodate the Norweigan centre-forward.

In 103 appearances for the eight-time Premier League champions, he has scored 36 goals and registered 18 assists. That includes 11 goals and nine assists in just 36 games in the Premier League last season.

The 24-year-old is certainly the man for the big occasion. Within the past 18 months, Alvarez scored in the 2022/23 Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, grabbed two goals and an assist in the 2022 World Cup semi-final for Argentina and Croatia and most recently in the Copa America semi-final against Canada.

julian-alvarez-manchester-city-tottenham-hotspur-academy-postecoglou-mikey-moore

Those goals have clearly been of some importance, as he boasts a remarkable trophy cabinet despite being just 22 years of age. It would be a collection of trophies most legends of the game do not even boast. Alvarez has some collection.

Alvarez trophy cabinet for England and Argentina

Trophy

Year(s) won

Premier League

2022/23, 2023/24

Champions League

2022/23

FA Cup

2022/23

Club World Cup

2024

Copa America

2020/21

World Cup

2022

Finalissima

2022

Stats from Transfermarkt

At the time, Alvarez’s signing was deemed a wonderful piece of business for City, and that thought continues to be proven right. He was such a cheap signing, but to sign a player of that quality, whose market value has risen so much, is certainly commendable. The signing of the forward was certainly a superb piece of business from City.

What Man City's starting XI could look like after £128m spending spree

They could sign three new players this summer…

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 16, 2024

Imagine him & Kilman: West Ham preparing bid for £25m defender

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

West Ham United will possibly benefit from stepping into the new post-David Moyes era without European football on the cards, having fizzled out last season.

It was quite the ride though, ay. Moyes lifted a relegation-threatened outfit toward sustained conquests on the continent, winning the Conference League in 2022/23.

Max Kilman for Wolves

But now, the squad needs sweeping change, and while Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman is closing on a £40m move to east London to fortify Julen Lopetegui's defence, there is still, it would appear, room for another backliner.

West Ham lining up another defender

The Premier League side could lose both Nayef Aguerd and skipper Kurt Zouma this summer; both were under-par last season and both are attracting attention from the Saudi Pro League.

Kurt Zouma for West Ham

With veteran Angelo Ogbonna's contract having expired last month, it's safe to assume that Kilman is not the only defensive arrival on the cards.

Indeed, according to The Daily Mail, West Ham are mulling over lodging a second attempt to sign OGC Nice centre-half Jean-Clair Todibo, having already failed with a £25m offer.

The French defender had been set to sign for Manchester United in June but the deal was prohibited given Nice and the Red Devils' shared INEOS ownership.

What Jean-Clair Todibo would bring to West Ham

Given that Kilman is left-footed – and Todibo is not – West Ham would be wise to storm ahead and complete deals for both players in what truly could revolutionise the Irons' backline.

Both defenders are progressive and enterprising, with purposeful passing games that would suit Lopetegui's philosophy: maintaining a degree of aggression to feature invariably, whether the Hammers are involved in matches that require more control-based attacking play or counter-attacking football.

Hailed as a "Rolls-Royce" of a defender by journalist Antonio Mango, Todibo is athletically robust and defensively sound, but he also boasts one of Europe's most modern-tailored skill sets.

Jean-Clair Todibo & Max Kilman: Stats per 90

Statistics (per 90)

Todibo

Kilman

Tackles

1.97

1.24

Aerials won

1.29

1.03

Pass completion

89.6%

85.7%

Progressive passes

5.09

3.08

Progressive carries

1.09

0.58

Successful take-ons

0.54

0.26

Ball recoveries

7.19

4.66

Shot-creating actions

1.43

1.03

Stats via FBref (over past 365 days)

While the above-listed metrics lean heavily in Todibo's favour, it's important to note that Kilman has been performing in a more conservative system at Molineux. For example, under Lopetegui the term before, the 27-year-old averaged 0.52 successful take-ons per 90, taking him virtually level with the current rate of the Les Aiglons titan.

The key thing here is that both players would naturally fall into the respective sides of the central defence, and while Todibo has been described as "the complete package" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, his more expansive style could be a real asset to move the play forward, move that defensive line higher up the pitch.

Nice centre-back Jean-Claire Todibo.

This would allow for a more dynamic style of play than has been on offer at the London Stadium in recent years, with Zouma staying deep and failing to progress the play with his passing, averaging just 1.55 progressive passes and 0.20 progressive carries per 90 over the past year.

Ultimately, West Ham will need to work hard to navigate through this transitional period, but with a new style of play, it wouldn't be a bad idea to completely overhaul the rearguard with two talented players that befit a team fighting for a place at the top of the table.

Imagine him & Bowen: West Ham want bargain deal for “world-class” star

This talented forward’s club want to sell him this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 3, 2024

Martin Odegaard 'itching' to make Arsenal comeback against Inter as he returns to full training ahead of blockbuster Champions League clash at San Siro

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Martin Odegaard has returned to full training ahead of Arsenal's crucial matches against Inter and Chelsea this week.

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  • Odegaard back with first-team squad
  • Has been out of action for two months
  • Wants to make comeback against Inter
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Gunners skipper damaged his ankle ligaments while playing for Norway on August 31 and has spent the last two months on the sidelines. He missed several key games, including Arsenal's Premier League draws against Manchester City and Liverpool, however, according to , Odegaard has now returned to full training. The midfielder is said to be 'itching' to make his long-awaited comeback against Inter in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

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    It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta hands Odegaard any minutes against Inter, with Arsenal likely to be cautious over rushing him back into the fold. Odegaard has been left out of the Norway squad for their matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan during the November international break.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The 25-year-old has established himself as a vital member of the current Arsenal squad, with the former Real Madrid man bagging 11 goals and as many assists in the 2023-24 campaign. Having him back could reignite their Premier League title hopes as the Gunners have slipped seven points behind league leaders Liverpool after ten games.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

    Even if the club captain does not feature against Inter on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta could consider bringing him back into the matchday squad in Arsenal's next Premier League encounter against Chelsea on Sunday.

Chelsea bid for centre-back who Man United want as Branthwaite alternative

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Chelsea have now lodged a formal bid to sign a centre-back who Man United are targeting as an alternative to Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite.

Chelsea eyeing another centre-back after Tosin Adarabioyo

It didn't take long for the west Londoners to seal their first piece of business this summer, having put pen to paper on a deal for defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham.

Boehly now prepared to sell £175,000-per-week Chelsea star after Maatsen

The Blues could orchestrate an overhaul this summer.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 20, 2024

The former Man City starlet enjoyed a successful spell at Fulham, but opted to move just across west London to Stamford Bridge upon the expiry of his contract at Craven Cottage. Tosin's arrival will do wonders to fill the void left by fan favourite Thiago Silva, who has left Chelsea to re-join boyhood club Fluminese.

Despite the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a four-year deal, it is believed that Chelsea could sign another centre-back after Tosin, as new manager Enzo Maresca seeks to reinforce his new backline further.

Tosin Adarabioyo's all-time stats for Fulham in all competitions

Total (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

132

Goals

5

Assists

2

Bookings

10

Red cards

1

Minutes played

11,382

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewat and Paul Winstanley are expected to undergo a busy summer of recruitment. In the past week, Chelsea have held talks over signing Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, as well as pushed to seal a deal for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise (Fabrizio Romano).

Amidst all of this activity, as Maresca's side pursue a new forward, there remains a distinct possibility that Chelsea could bring another defender on top of this – with Romano tipping them to potentially bring in multiple central defensive options.

"It will continue to be a busy summer at Chelsea," said the journalist on his Dailybriefing. "It won’t be completely crazy but they will try to make smart things happen, including a new goalkeeper and I expect them to try for at least one new centre-back, but it could be two. I also expect Chelsea to be busy with the striker position."

Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano has been linked with a move to Chelsea as one option, but rather than negotiate with the Bavarians, it is believed they could instead look to pinch a transfer target of Man United's.

Indeed, Ten Hag's side are said to be monitoring Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino as an alternative to Branthwaite – with the Red Devils looking priced out of a move for the Englishman after having a bid rejected, according to widespread reports.

Chelsea make formal bid to sign Aaron Anselmino

According to South American journalist Uriel Lugt, Chelsea have made a "formal" bid to sign Anselmino, and offered the 19-year-old a four-year contract.

The teenager appears very highly-rated in Argentina, despite not making many first team appearances for Boca, and clearly Chelsea's scouting network have been doing their homework on him.

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