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The Blues have become one of England's most successful clubs thanks primarily to the many stars bought after Roman Abramovich's takeover in 2003

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  GK: Petr Cech

  A bargain buy from Rennes at just £7 million ($9m), Cech achieved immortal status among Chelsea fans by playing a pivotal role in the club's greatest ever triumph: the 2012 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.

  After saving one penalty from Arjen Robben in extra-time, the goalkeeper stopped another two spot-kicks in the shootout.

  Alongside that historic success at the Allianz Arena, Cech won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and the Europa League during his spell at Stamford Bridge.

  Cech finished his career at Arsenal but, such is his high standing at Chelsea, he returned to the club after retiring to become the Blues' technical and performance advisor.

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  RB: Branislav Ivanovic

  Branislav Ivanovic endured a slow start to his Chelsea career after arriving from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008, but once he got his chance, he never looked back.

  The right-back would go onto win three Premier League titles and FA Cups, one League Cup and both the Champions League and Europa League.

  After John Terry, Ivanovic is Chelsea's highest-scoring defender and was the match-winner in the 2013 Europa League final against Benfica.

  Across 377 appearances, he went from outsider to a pivotal figure in the most successful era in Chelsea's history, as underlined by the fact that he still has a close relationship with Roman Abramovich.

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  CB: John Terry

  As far as Chelsea fans are concerned, three words sum up John Terry: captain, leader, legend.

  Arguably the club's greatest ever player, the central defender was lauded for both the quality of his play and his will to win.

  A graduate of the club's academy, Terry was known as 'Mr. Chelsea' at Stamford Bridge as he was a constant in the starting line-up during the club's golden era.

  He made 717 appearances after breaking through as a teenager and went on to lift five Premier League titles as captain, as well as a Champions League, five FA Cups, three League Cups and the Europa League.

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  CB: Ricardo Carvalho

  Ricardo Carvalho was part of the Roman revolution, arriving at Chelsea from Porto alongside Jose Mourinho, with the pair having just won a Champions League together.

  The Portuguese central defender became John Terry's perfect partner, creating perhaps the meanest defensive duo in Premier League history.

  Terry's commitment and leadership was wonderfully complemented by Carvalho's speed and mastery of the 'dark arts' of defending.

  Carvalho won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups in his six years at the club and he helped the club claim a seat at the top table of European football. 

Wednesday's all-London final was finally won by Chelsea, but both Premier League sides contributed players to the competition's best XI

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  1Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Arsenal

  Arsenal's Gabon international failed to make much of an impact in the final as Arsenal were squeezed out by their London rivals, but nevertheless smashed eight goals overall to help his side to Azerbaijan.

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  2Luka Jovic | Frankfurt

  The Serbia sensation smashed 10 goals over a wonderful Europa League campaign, including one in each semi-final leg as Frankfurt lost out narrowly to Chelsea. 

  That brilliant form, as well as a similarly impressive season in the Bundesliga, has seen 21-year-old Jovic become one of this summer's hottest properties as the transfer market resumes.

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  3Olivier Giroud | Chelsea

  So often the forgotten man, the French forward came into his own in a sparkling Europa League run that included a goal in the final. 

  Giroud netted 11 in the competition to take the top scorer award, proving that he can still play a part in Chelsea's plans.

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  4Giovani Lo Celso | Betis

  Lo Celso had a lot to prove this season after being released on loan by Paris Saint-Germain, and he rediscovered his best form starring for Quique Setien's enterprising yet inconsistent Betis side. 

  It was in the Europa League where the Argentine most impressed, scoring five goals in seven appearances and adding an assist as Betis made it to the last 32 before going down to Rennes.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to an apparent leaked photo of the Reds’ 2021/22 kit, with many not keen on it.

When it comes to kits, football supporters can often find themselves fascinated by them.

The sight of your team wearing a brand-new strip often brings fresh hope and optimism, as we dream of our heroes lifting silverware in their new attire.

Liverpool have had some glorious outfits down the years, from the glory days of the 1970s and 1980s right the way through to the present period.

[freshpress-quiz id=“313155″]

The Reds are coming towards the end of their first season in a Nike kit, having switched from New Balance last summer, with their new manufacturer not exactly bringing a huge amount of luck in 2020/21.

A photo shared by LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) on Twitter seemingly shows what Liverpool’s strip next season will look like, with both the home and away jerseys on show.

Liverpool fans react to leaked kit

It’s fair to say that the image hasn’t been met with resounding positivity, with these Reds supporters taking to Twitter to provide their honest thoughts on it.

“Dreadful”

Credit: @praneeth1012

“How are people who are paid legal tender by Nike worse at designing kits than people on Twitter who do it as a hobby?”

Credit: @NotoriousJOS

“That’s a hard pass for me this year. Didn’t even get to wear this season’s kit to the pub that much, so will stick with it.”

Credit: @BartGlilly

“OK let’s go back to NB”

Credit: @GharteyTimothy

“Terrible, hate Nike’s designs”

Credit: @ceklfc

“They’re boring. The stripes add no value. Would actually rather plain red and plain white”

Credit: @michaelbargache

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to a fresh Reds transfer link. Read about it here.

The pair delivered doubles for their respective sides and were instrumental in securing hard-fought wins

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  1Danny Welbeck | Arsenal

  Welbeck scored twice and assisted the other goal in Arsenal's 3-2 victory against Southampton.

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  2Ayoze Perez | Newcastle United

  The Spaniard was directly involved in both of Newcastle's goals against Leicester, assisting one and scoring the second.

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  3Christian Eriksen | Tottenham Hotspur

  Eriksen netted both goals and also made two key passes in Spurs' 2-1 win against Stoke, which moved them level on points with third-placed Liverpool. 

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  4Paul Pogba | Manchester United

  Pogba netted twice in Manchester United's comeback win at the Etihad over their local rivals, with just 97 seconds between his two finishes. 

Celtic’s search for a new manager has turned into somewhat of a circus. Rumours are flying all over the shop but we could be about to finally find out who is hired the Bhoys’ new head coach.

Eddie Howe has emerged as the favourite in recent days as the Hoops have moved away from Roy Keane.

What’s the word?

Howe is reportedly in advanced talks with the Celtic hierarchy to become their new manager. He has held discussions with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and performed due diligence on behind-the-scenes matters.

According to the Daily Mail, he is already working on his backroom team. However, in a surprising turn of events, he wants to bring his own technical director with him in Richard Hughes.

Nick Hammond left his role as Head of Football Operations this week, a position which was reportedly being changed to a Director of Football. That role was set to be filled by Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin.

A deal was 90% done but news that Howe wants to bring Hughes with him instead puts a cloud of doubt over Harkin’s future.

Sportsmail reported that Howe is happy to stick with John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan, but wants Hughes to oversee a restructuring of the football operations. It is also claimed that former Celtic man Mark Burchill – now a scout at Bournemouth – is also in line for a job.

Bad news for Celtic

Hughes is currently technical director at Bournemouth but news that Celtic could now move away from Harkin shouldn’t be welcomed by supporters.

The latter has developed a reputation as a transfer guru during his time with Manchester City and has been in charge of their loan system.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

That has allowed Harkin to help the development of young players, streamlining the transition from youth team to senior football.

He has worked with the likes of ex-Hoops Patrick Roberts and Olivier Ntcham, while he played a large role in the progress of City first teamer Oleksandr Zinchenko.

For a club like Celtic who have neglected some of their younger players this season, this would have been a great appointment.

Instead, they’re looking at a director who has arguably spent poorly on the south coast of England. Although he built a squad which ultimately got promoted to the Premier League, some of his signings after Bournemouth came up were abject.

He spent £19m on Dominic Solanke, a player who has scored just 15 times in 81 outings for the Cherries. Hughes also played a role in bringing Jordon Ibe to Bournemouth in a deal worth £15m. The 25-year-old was released last summer after netting only five goals in 92 matches.

Considering some of the deals Hammond concluded at Parkhead – namely Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas – this wouldn’t necessarily be an upgrade.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Edouard: Celtic must sign 16-goal gem who plays “in the style of Robben”…

Many Aston Villa fans are reacting to the latest comments from Dean Smith on injured star and attacking midfielder Jack Grealish.

Grealish’s return date is unconfirmed at the moment, but the Villa manager tried to shed as much light as possible as he said: “I saw him before the game and he said to me if he gets on the grass he’s playing (vs Newcastle). But I said to him, ‘I’ve got to pick you first!’ which he laughed at…”

The Villans are definitely missing an attacking threat without the talisman as they drew 0-0 against rivals Wolves on Saturday night. With the English international picking up six goals and ten assists this season (WhoScored), he could have been the difference between a draw and a win.

The only worrying thing about this latest update on the player is that he is still not back on the grass, and this may be a cause of concern for many fans of the club.

Hopefully the fact that they are mentioning the Newcastle game as a possibility means that he will be back, but for now it seems “touch-and-go”, in the words of Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece.

Here is how Villa fans reacted to the comments from Smith:

“I don’t get it. Surely if he’s pain free and the players wants to play, no-one knows better than the player? Our medical staff are OTT.”

Credit: @AvfcSims

“That sounds hopeful that he will be back for Newcastle. Thought that midfield in first half was excellent, jack in the team and Traore other side or another winger and that is a real strong team”

Credit: @NashNash194

“We need Jack even if he is limping!”

Credit: @techvesting1

“Shouldn’t be needing to rush Jack against the likes of Newcastle, on the bench would still be a boost.”

Credit: @CS_UTV

“Don’t rush him back half fit we’re not in a relegation battle now.”

Credit: @jamsey55

“Judging by the second half display today, he will need to pick Jack even if he is half of his usual self”

Credit: @Berdan08914685

In other Villa news, some fans have been piling praise on one star at the club following his latest comments. Have a read who it is here!

Celtic would be taking a huge ‘gamble’ if they appoint Enzo Maresca as their new manager, according to Kevin Phillips.

The Hoops are weighing up the candidates for Neil Lennon’s permanent replacement after the Northern Irishman resigned in February.

Maresca has been one name mentioned as a potential successor, with Italian journalist Nicolo Schira even claiming he was Celtic’s ‘first target’ for the job.

Phillips explains why Maresca may not fit the bill

However, Phillips – the English Premier League’s Golden Boot winner in 1999/2000 – has issued a warning.

He pointed out that there is a requirement for immediate success at Parkhead and that swiftly dethroning Rangers may be too big an ask for Maresca, currently in charge of Manchester City’s under-23s.

“It would be a risk because Celtic need to be challenging next year at the very minimum. They really need to win the league,” Phillips told Football Insider.

“To take a young manager, who has no experience of Scottish football or managing a first team is a big ask.

“Rangers are flying so I think Maresca would be a big risk. If it was a long-term rebuild and they hadn’t won the title in years then maybe. It would be like when Rangers appointed Gerrard.

“But next season Celtic need to be challenging for the league at the very least. Maresca would be a gamble.”

Enzo Maresca’s credentials

As Phillips mentioned, Maresca has not taken charge of a team at senior level before, but he has been an assistant coach at Sevilla and West Ham (Transfermarkt). He worked under Premier League-winning manager Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium during the 2018/19 season.

The 41-year-old Italian is doing an excellent job with Man City’s youth side. They are two points clear at the top of Premier League 2 with a game in hand and their goal difference of +30 dwarfs that of the teams below them.

The big question, of course, is whether he can make the step-up to senior football management.

Transfer Tavern verdict

As much as Rangers’ celebrations are a galling sight for Celtic fans after watching their side win nine consecutive titles, perhaps they could actually afford to exercise some patience.

The Gers will take some catching regardless – they’re 20 points ahead with six games remaining and they haven’t lost a league game all season.

Perhaps the Hoops should be willing to accept a little more short-term pain for long-term gain. After all, their Glasgow rivals have bought into a project with a previously unproven coach in the form of Steven Gerrard, and the signs are very promising for him. Maybe Celtic could have similar success if they take a punt on Maresca.

In other news, this former Celtic player is reportedly interested in the job.

According to a report by the Daily Star, West Ham are set to push for Celtic star Odsonne Edouard before the end of January – with GSB now potentially about to join the race for a striker also currently linked with a move to Leicester City (talkSPORT).

Edouard, who has debatably been one of Celtic’s only positive points this season, still managing to net seven goals in 12 SPFL starts despite the Hoops currently being some way off arch-rivals Rangers, is now attracting even more interest – this time from West Ham.

West Ham set to join Edouard race

As per the Daily Star, David Moyes is ‘desperate’ to sign a forward this month, with the club now turning to Edouard as a solution and they are expected to push for him in a late January move.

However, while this report claims that the 23-year-old is yearning for a Premier League switch and ‘fancies’ a move to London in particular, it doesn’t appear to be for a transfer ti the Irons.

Indeed, Edouard is apparently more keen on English capital rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, but that is only his ideal scenario – with a move to West Ham seemingly not ruled out.

Given the fact Celtic are ‘ready’ to ‘cash in now’ for the correct bid, and that both north London clubs won’t be able to move until summer, West Ham could hold a slender hope in potentially signing him.

As a result, GSB are reportedly set to attempt a swoop before the closure of this transfer window, with Moyes reportedly having him watched north of the border on several occasions.

Transfer Tavern take

Recently described by Hoops boss Neil Lennon as ‘magnificent’ after a 3-0 win over Hamilton in December (Glasgow Live), it’s little wonder why Moyes is keen – especially taking into account his excellent goal tally over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

However, a late swoop may prove difficult – with it being hard to imagine GSB forking out his £35 million price tag.

In other news: West Ham have been ‘offered’ this striker, Di Canio is a huge fan…find out more here.

Southampton have had some quality players come through their academy in recent times, with the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Jack Stephens both establishing themselves as first-team regulars under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Now, the Saints look to have another youngster on the brink of breaking into the Austrian’s first-team squad, in the shape of Swiss U19 international Alexandre Jankewitz.

The midfielder joined the Southampton academy from Swiss side Servette in 2018 and has been impressing with David Horseman’s B team in his time with the South Coast club.

After progressing through the U18 set-up, Jankewitz has now made 28 appearances for the B team, in which he has contributed one assist.

The 19-year-old was rewarded with a three-year contract in 2019 meaning he is set to stay with the Saints until 2022, at least.

The Swiss midfielder made his first appearance on the bench for the Saints in their 3-1 win at Watford last season, which led Hasenhuttl to suggest that:

“I think he’s the next young guy for us.”

The Southampton writer for The Athletic Dan Sheldon recently picked Jankewitz as his Saints youngster to keep an eye on in 2021.

He also suggested that during the summer transfer window, the midfielder was attracting interest from Serie A side Parma and La Liga giants Barcelona, which is testament to the youngster’s obvious potential.

Sheldon describes the 19-year-old as someone who is capable of playing as both a box-to-box midfielder and a holding-midfielder, who is technically very good, with his long-range passing amongst his best attributes.

Therefore, he could definitely be compared with current Saints captain Ward-Prowse, who has gone on to make 296 appearances for the first-team at Southampton, and perhaps we will see him break into Hasenhuttl’s first-team at some point this year.

And, in other news… Exclusive: Palmer claims Southampton target would “feel loved again” working under Hasenhuttl

Ross Wilson dodged a massive bullet by not signing Manuel Benson in the summer after it emerged that Glasgow Rangers were reportedly eyeing up a move for the Royal Antwerp winger.

According to a report at the time from The Daily Record, Rangers were ‘exploring’ a swoop for the Belgian as Steven Gerrard tried to stop Celtic winning ten titles in a row.

Wilson sought to bolster Gerrard’s firepower last year by plotting a double raid on the Belgian top-flight as it seems the Gers were also considering a bid for former Stoke City and West Brom striker Saido Berahino at the same time.

However, they soon cooled their interest after the arrivals of Ianis Hagi and Kemar Roofe.

It would have been a challenge for Rangers to acquire the services of Benson, anyway, as his boss Ivan Leko was reluctant to sell his prized asset.  Yet it appears they have dodged a bullet in doing so given his struggles this season thus far.

Benson, who is a former teammate of Hagi, has previously been praised by his national coach Johan Walem for being part of a “talented” group of Belgian youngsters before the U21 European Championships last year.

However, it’s fair to say that he has struggled to hit the ground running this season, as goals have been hard to come by during an injury-disrupted campaign. Benson spent a brief spell on the sidelines and has yet to score since the 3-1 win at home to Ludogorets in the Europa League.

The 23-year-old has provided two goals and two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions for Antwerp, via Transfermarkt.

Leko has recently taken to benching the former Belgium U21 international in an attempt to trigger a reaction, with Benson being left on the bench as an unused substitute on seven occasions in the Belgian top-flight so far.

He has even suffered the ignominy of being dropped from the matchday squads as he was left out of the sides to face Waasland-Beveren and RSC Charleroi before the turn of the year, so the Gers can count themselves lucky they decided against signing the misfiring £1.5m-rated ace.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers dealt huge injury blow after Old Firm clash with Celtic…