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One candidate for the vacant Chelsea manager role has been encouraged after recent talks with the club.

Chelsea's managerial search

Mauricio Pochettino departed Chelsea earlier this week after just one season at the club. The Argentine had a rough start to life back in the Premier League, with the Blues languishing in mid-table for much of the first half of 2023/24.

The west Londoners went on to end the campaign by losing just one of their last 14 outings, earning them a 6th-place finish and Conference League football. However, this was apparently not enough for Todd Boehly and co, as the South American has left and the search for his replacement has begun.

Chelsea have seen a number of names linked with Pochettino's old role. Last month, it was claimed that Chelsea were "monitoring" the status of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim "should things not progress further with Pochettino in [the] summer". Elsewhere, Chelsea are said to have identified former Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi as a candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge.

The potential appointment of Hansi Flick has also been “discussed internally” by those within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, though he now looks set to take up a position at FC Barcelona following Xavi's sacking.

Next Chelsea manager: Who could replace Mauricio Pochettino?

Pochettino has sensationally left Chelsea, but who could be in the running for the job?

By
Robbie Walls

May 27, 2024

£8.5m boss encouraged after Chelsea talks

In recent days, meanwhile, a trio of fresh names have been linked to the Stamford Bridge dugout. According to The Sun, Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is "one of three leading candidates for the role, alongside Ipswich's Kieran McKenna and Brentford's Thomas Frank".

Maresca has impressed during his time in England so far, leading the Foxes to the Championship title this past season. Speaking back in February, Leicester midfielder Harry Winks backed Maresca to go to the very top of the game.

“He’s incredible in every way,” said Winks. “He’s a manager who I think will certainly go to the very top. His understanding of football is something I’ve never witnessed before. I think his approachability and man-management is exceptional. I’ve really enjoyed working for him so much already and I’m still learning so much every day.

“When you go out on the pitch, you know exactly what to do and how the opposition are going to operate and what you can do to affect that. To do it so simply is the most important thing. That’s a thing a lot of managers probably struggle with – getting the message across, but the gaffer does it so well here.”

But unfortunately for Leicester, Maresca's ascent to the top may come sooner than they had hoped. This comes with The Sun reporting that while "there is no clear favourite" at this stage, Maresca has held talks with Chelsea and is thought to have been left "encouraged".

Regarding details of getting the Italian away from the Midlands outfit, he has a reported €10m (£8.5m) release clause in his Leicester contract, while it is thought he could get a longer deal than what was given to Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

With Pochettino handed a two-year contract with a year's option, it appears the Blues hierarchy are set to put their faith in their new man, whoever it turns out to be.

Ranking Chelsea's worst Premier League managers by win percentage

Mauricio Pochettino’s late-season revival was too little, too late for Chelsea…

By
Alex Roberts

May 21, 2024

Newcastle United have enjoyed another successful campaign in front of goal, with the club scoring the fourth-most goals in the Premier League so far this season.

However, it hasn't been enough to propel the Magpies back into the Champions League places for a second successive season, with injuries preventing the club from welcoming any of Europe's biggest clubs to St James' Park next term.

The defensive department has taken a battering during 2023/24, with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles all missing large parts of the season, which has often resulted in a makeshift backline for Eddie Howe's side.

Newcastle's forward line has undoubtedly saved the Magpies from a disastrous campaign, with striker Alexander Isak single-handedly keeping the club within arm's length of a European spot.

The Swedish international has scored 20 times in 27 Premier League outings over the course of the season – a tally that has attracted interest from multiple sides across England's top division, namely Arsenal.

Howe certainly won't want to lose his talisman this summer, but if the club are forced to part ways with the 24-year-old, then PIF may well turn their attention to another Premier League forward, with the Magpies already keen on the attacker.

Newcastle enquire about 18-goal Premier League striker

According to GiveMeSport, the Magpies have already enquired about the availability of Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke ahead of the summer transfer window, after making contact with their fellow top-flight outfit.

The 26-year-old has bagged 18 goals in the Premier League this season, in an unexpected season for Andoni Iraola's side, which sees them occupy a place in the top half of the division.

His most impressive display undoubtedly came in the 3-2 win away at Nottingham Forest in December, with the former Liverpool youngster grabbing his first career hat-trick.

He's also managed to find the back of the net on three occasions against Howe's side during the current campaign, including a double in the meeting at the Vitality Stadium back in November.

Solanke is currently enjoying the best Premier League campaign of his career, with the striker expected to cost any potential buyer a pretty penny in the summer.

Football Insider have reported that the Cherries are set to slap a £50m price tag on the forward's head, with Solanke the perfect replacement for Isak should he leave Tyneside in the coming months.

Why Solanke would be the perfect Isak replacement

Whilst no Newcastle fan would want to lose Isak this summer, they would be in safe hands should they replace him with Solanke during the off-season.

The pair have both excelled in the league, despite being utilised in slightly different ways by their respective managers.

The Magpies forward has been given a free role to create carnage in attacking areas, whilst the Cherries attacker has been more of an out-and-out striker who's scored most of his goals within the 18-yard box.

They both average a similar number of shots per 90, with the pair only separated by 0.1. They've also been nuisances in the opposition penalty area, with Solanke averaging 5.7 touches, compared to Isak's 5.4.

However, the Englishman has dominated in the air in comparison to the Swede, winning 2.6 per 90 – a tally that is over two more than the current Newcastle striker who could only muster 0.3.

Whilst they operate in different ways, Solanke could potentially be the perfect alternative with his poaching instincts seeing him operate in and around the box rather than roaming freely like Isak.

With Anthony Gordon contributing with 11 assists this season, he could take the 26-year-old to the next level with his creativity in the final third playing into the hands of the striker should he move to Tyneside.

Having already plucked Callum Wilson from the Cherries in 2020, the Magpies could be set to raid the Vitality Stadium once again under PIF's watch.

Newcastle eyeing "prolific" £17m striker who's outscored Isak this season

This could be a welcome boost for Howe…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 17, 2024

Tom Brady's Birmingham City have been told they will have to "work much harder" than Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham to balance the books.

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• Birmingham City beat Wrexham 3-1
• Blues must 'work harder' to balance books
• Reynolds & McElhnenney having huge impact at Wrexham

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite Birmingham beating Wrexham 3-1 in League One on Monday, a football finance expert believes the Red Dragons are in a better spot stability wise – and much of that is down to Hollywood owners Reynolds and McElhenney. He pointed to their links with broadcasters, the Welcome to Wrexham TV show, shirt sponsors and more; and while minority Blues owner Brady will generate more interest – the West Midlands team need to do more to be financially stable.

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  WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Dr Rob Wilson, an expert in the economics and governance of professional team sports, told Grosvenor Sport: "The big difference between Tom Brady at Birmingham City and Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham is that they have huge links into Hollywood, into TV broadcasting and into media operations. That's how they've been able to leverage the Wrexham story through the docu-series, but also through new partnership arrangements and new front of shirt sponsors.

  "Look at some of the activations they did in particular last summer whilst touring the United States. They had that game against Manchester United which brought in record revenues for an overseas tour for a club the size of Wrexham. Whilst Tom Brady will generate an additional following and he might be able to open new doors for Birmingham in terms of commercial and sponsorship opportunities, he certainly doesn't have the access to those kinds of media rights organisations in the same way that Ryan and Rob have at Wrexham.

  "So I don't think the story will be similar and that will mean that Birmingham have got to arguably work much, much harder in order to generate a sufficient amount of revenue to balance their books. When you spend the sort of money they have done this summer, there is naturally going to be a really, really big hole in their books as a consequence of those transfers in that they'll either need to plug in this year or they will fall foul of the wage cost controls that they have in the Championship."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wrexham are riding a wave right now after back-to-back promotions, whereas Birmingham were relegated from the Championship in the first season US-based Shelby Companies Limited took control of the club. They have spent heavily to get out of League One at the first time of asking and while they are on track to do that, the club's owners may need to think outside the box to bring in much-needed revenue to counteract their losses.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Wrexham, who saw their unbeaten run this season come to an end this week, next host Crawley Town in League One on Saturday, whereas Birmingham travel to Rotherham United on the same date.

Ivan Toney was in generous mood ahead of his move to Saudi Arabia, with the England international telling friends and family “the flights are on me”.

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• Striker has severed ties with Brentford
• Embracing new challenge in the Middle East
• Has committed to a lucrative deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 28-year-old striker has secured a £40 million ($53m) transfer from Premier League side Brentford to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli. He had been heavily linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea during the summer window, but is now embracing a new challenge in the Middle East.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Toney will be handsomely rewarded financially when linking up with Al-Ahli, as he has reportedly agreed a £400,000-a-week contract. That will leave him with plenty of spare change to invite his nearest and dearest out to experience his latest professional adventure.

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  WHAT TONEY SAID

  Toney told revellers at his farewell party: “It's a simple one, obviously love for coming. You know the love. You all got invited for your own reasons we've had some good memories everyone, more memories on our back I'm sure. Might be a bit older, but still get down with it, you know, like that. But, yeah, you're all welcome to come pull up anytime. Flights are on me. Don't worry I've got you. We will enjoy.”

Newcastle United have reportedly reignited their interest in signing a "wonderful" Premier League player this summer, with a £60m move potentially on the cards.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies continue to be linked with moves for various players ahead of the summer, with Boca Juniors midfielder Kevin Zenon reportedly an option to come in. They are considering making a bid for the 22-year-old, who has a £13m release clause in his current contract.

Amadou Onana is perhaps the pricier alternative to Zenon, and a fresh update has now claimed that the Magpies are one of the favourites to sign the Everton man. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also very much in the mix, though.

Eddie Howe is likely to want to sign at least one new centre-back, considering Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are long-term injury victims and Fabian Schar is ageing, and it looks like Fulham ace Tosin Adarabioyo is the top target there, with his contract in London expiring this summer.

One ambitious target is Real Madrid teenager Arda Guler, with the 19-year-old arriving from Fenerbahce last summer and having a relatively low-key first season at his new club. He has only made seven appearances in La Liga in 2023/24 to date, but it would be a surprise if Madrid were willing to part company so soon, given his long-term potential.

Newcastle want "wonderful" Premier League ace

According to an update from The Daily Mail, Newcastle are interested in signing Michael Olise this summer, with the Crystal Palace star a wanted man – one who could be available for £60m because of a release clause in his contract.

The report adds that "Manchester United, City, Arsenal and Liverpool all rate Olise and key for him in his choice of next club will be regular game time to continue his upward career path".

Olise showcased his brilliance on Monday night, scoring two superbly-taken goals in Palace's 4-0 win at home to Manchester United, only further enhancing his reputation. It's now nine goals in 17 Premier League outings this season, only 12 of which have been starts, and his wand-like left foot could be such an asset for Newcastle.

The London-born France youth international backs up his talent with substance, which can't always be said of Miguel Almiron, for example, who has scored 30 goals in 206 appearances for the Magpies, which isn't a relentless return for an attacker player. Olise could, therefore, be an upgrade on him this summer, and Roy Hodgson's praise sums up his potential.

Newcastle struck gold selling flop who earned 20x more than Miley does

He only departed St James’ Park earlier this season.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 2, 2024

The £100,000-a-week winger is still only 22 years of age, which is mouthwatering for whoever does manage to snap him up, and while Newcastle have huge competition for his signature from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and United, they have to back themselves to get a deal over the line.

Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update regarding the future of out of favour Manchester United forward Anthony Martial. 

The lowdown: Flattered to deceive

Signed for £36million from AS Monaco in 2015 (BBC), Martial arrived at Old Trafford with a burgeoning reputation as being one of the brightest talents in European football.

Despite lighting up a 3-1 victory with a superb solo goal on debut against arch-rivals Liverpool, the move has ultimately proven to be a disappointing one as the Frenchman struggled for consistent form in Manchester aside from a 17-goal 2019/20 Premier League campaign.

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Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla, the future of the 26-year-old remains in the balance and one informed onlooker has now suggested United would still be willing to sanction another move this summer.

The latest: ‘Open to discuss’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer insider Romano has claimed that the Old Trafford hierarchy remains ‘open’ to the 30-cap France international leaving during the transfer window.

He said: “For Martial, at the moment, the situation is still the same.

“He’s waiting to speak with ten Hag, but Manchester United are open to discuss in case they will receive some proposals in the coming days.”

The verdict: Time to go

Ultimately, despite an occasional talismanic display and his undoubted quality, Martial has simply failed to produce the regularity of performance that is required if the Red Devils are going to compete once again under Erik ten Hag.

Last season, the versatile attacker – who was once dubbed a ‘Ferrari’ by former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves  –  scored just twice and registered one assist in 23 outings across all competitions for United and Sevilla, the kind of form that only acts to highlight a need for a fresh start for both club and player.

Valued at £14.4million and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the club will almost certainly suffer a loss on Martial but with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga as well as the emergence of academy winger Alejandro Garnacho all making the attacker surplus to requirements, a move away seems the best option for all parties.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their attempts to bring a new striker to Ibrox in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

BBC Scotland reporter Fraser Fletcher has confirmed that Ross Wilson has made contact with Erik Botheim’s agents and are now in talks to beat other clubs to his signature.

He tweeted: “Rangers have approached Erik Botheim representatives to try and bring him to Ibrox. Many offers on table for him but Rangers in a tough fight for his signature and are very keen I understand. He will announce his decision soon.”

The centre-forward is currently a free agent after terminating his contract with Russian outfit FC Krasnodar, with “many clubs” said to be keeping tabs on him.

Football Scotland’s Mark Hendry has also claimed that the Light Blues are watching the striker as the Gers eye recruits ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He’s Haaland 2.0

By securing a deal to sign Botheim, Rangers could land their own version of Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland.

Interestingly, the pair are good friends off the pitch and make up 66.6% of the rap group Flow Kingz. Along with sharing a love for music, both players share a nationality and a knack for sticking the ball in the net.

Botheim has scored 15 goals for Norway across various youth levels and registered 22 goals in 46 matches for Bodo/Glimt at senior level before joining Krasnodar.

Since moving up to first-team football, he has recorded 45 goals and assists for his clubs – scoring 31 times and providing 14 assists, showing that he can be a lethal force in the final third.

Meanwhile, Haaland scored 86 goals in 88 matches for Borussia Dortmund and 29 goals in 27 games for Red Bull Salzburg prior to his move to England.

Whilst Botheim’s career has not quite taken off as much as his compatriot’s, the 22-year-old’s form in Europe last season suggests that he has the potential to be a major force up front for Rangers – just as Haaland will probably be for Man City.

Football scout Jacek Kulig once dubbed Botheim a “complete forward” and he showcased that in the 2021/22 Europa Conference League, with four goals and four assists in just six appearances. He averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.57 in the competition as he offered a glimpse of the quality that he could bring to the Premiership.

Therefore, he could be Van Bronckhorst’s own version of Haaland, as he is a talented young Norweigan striker with a keen eye for goals, who can also set up his teammates to score plenty themselves.

Wilson, get it done!

AND in other news, Bye-bye Morelos: Wilson must now seal Rangers swoop for “outstanding” 26-goal monster…

Reliable journalist Paul Brown has now dropped some exciting transfer news from Everton involving Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Levi Colwill.

The Lowdown: Chelsea trio eyed by Lampard

Gallagher, Broja and Colwill have all been linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer, as Frank Lampard looks to utilise his contacts at his former club Chelsea to get deals over the line.

The trio all impressed in loan spells at Crystal Palace, Southampton and Huddersfield Town respectively last season, so they could be set for further loan spells away from Stamford Bridge, or indeed permanent exits if the price is right.

The Latest: Brown’s transfer update

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown has said that all three players are ‘100% on the radar’ for Everton, although Gallagher would be more difficult to sign than the other two.

The reporter outlined: “All three are 100% on the radar, but Gallagher might be out of reach because I’m pretty sure he’s going to get a chance at Chelsea next season.”

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The Verdict: Exciting

The fact that Everton could potentially sign all three players is exciting for the club and their supporters.

Gallagher and Broja showed what they can do in the Premier League last term, where they managed a combined 14 goals and three assists between them (FBRef).

Meanwhile, Colwill was a mainstay in a Huddersfield side which almost gained promotion to the top flight, losing in the Championship play-off final to Nottingham Forest.

Even if Lampard could only sign one or two of these players, then he is sure to be a happy man going into the new campaign.

In other news, find out who Everton have now made contact over signing here!

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has shared a behind-the-scenes claim regarding Celtic’s reported interest in signing Hammarby left-back Mohanad Jeahze.

What’s the talk?

Back in April, it was reported that the Hoops were looking to secure a £2m deal for the full-back.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Joseph had the following to say on the matter.

“They’ve already approached Mohanad Jeahze at Hammarby, and talks progressed to an advanced stage is what I was told.

“They haven’t gone any further yet, that doesn’t mean the deal is off the cards, it just means nothing has progressed any further.”

Worrying news for Postecoglou

Having spent his entire career in Sweden, the defender joined Hammarby back in August 2020 after leaving Mjallby AIF.

Since then, the 25-year-old has made 63 appearances for his current side across all competitions, scoring three goals and delivering 13 assists along the way.

With nine league games to his name this season, Jeahze currently has more crosses (46) and interceptions (19) under his belt than any other player at Hammarby, as well as the third-highest number of tackles won (13), demonstrating how good he is at both ends of the pitch.

It demonstrates why the Bhoys have taken an interest in the player and why they have been in talks with the Swedish club to take him off their hands.

It’s also why a lack of progression in talks to land the player is worrying news for those of a Celtic persuasion.

While there is still plenty of time left before the summer transfer window closes, it’s safe to assume that the Hoops manager would want to see any deal they aim to complete done as soon as possible.

With a previous report from The Athletic suggesting the Hoops are looking to get current left-back Boli Bolingoli off their books on a permanent basis this summer, if they manage to do that, this would only make their need to bring a new full-back in greater and potentially ramp up the pressure to secure Jeahze’s signature.

If the club are eager to bring the Hammarby star to Parkhead, then they should be doing all they can to get the deal finalised so they can then move on to other areas of the squad they may want to sign players for.

In other news: Celtic closing in on deal to sign “dangerous” 21 y/o sensation, Ange will be thrilled

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison is open to a move away from Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Dean Jones, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, despite the fact that Leeds secured their Premier League status on the final day of the season, the 25-year-old is still hoping to depart LS11 in the coming months – with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United both reported to be interested in the forward.

Concerning the future of the former England U21 international, Jones said: “Jack Harrison is willing to consider his options at the moment, which I don’t think people thought would happen if Leeds stayed up.”

Orta must axe Harrison

While it is true that Harrison has provided the Whites with a number of memorable moments over his four-year stay at Elland Road – such as his hat-trick in a 3-2 win over West Ham United back in January and the winner that all but secured the Whites’ top-flight survival in the 2-1 victory over Brentford on the final day of the season – should the winger wish to move onto pastures new this summer, Victor Orta must surprisingly cut the 25-year-old loose.

Indeed, despite the £17m-rated forward hitting the back of the net eight times over his 35 Premier League fixtures in 2021/22, in truth, these goals somewhat papered over the cracks of the former Manchester City starlet’s largely poor performances.

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Aside from his strikes, the £60k-per-week attacker offered Jesse Marsch’s side very little going forwards, with FBref ranking Harrison in the bottom 15% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty xG per 90, as well as the bottom 15% for shots, the bottom 5% for assists, the bottom 6% for xA, the bottom 9% for npxG+xA and the bottom 25% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

As such, it is clear to see that the Whites’ £11m signing who Patrick Vieria dubbed a “special talent” very much underperformed this season – despite the fact that Raphinha was the only Leeds player to outscore the former New York City FC forward across all competitions in 21/22.

Furthermore, with Marsch looking set to deploy his favoured 4-2-2-2 formation next term, there may also not be a guaranteed spot for Harrison in the American’s starting XI, leading us to believe that a parting of ways between the 25-year-old and the Whites may well be desirable for both parties this summer.

AND in other news: Huge Leeds United summer transfer twist emerges, Jesse Marsch will be devastated