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After previous windows were hamstrung by financial sanctions, it now appears that Nottingham Forest can finally open their chequebook this summer.

Forest finally ready to splash the cash

The latest news out of the City Ground has centred around some of the fresh faces linked with a move to Nuno Espírito Santo's side. Indeed, Kelechi Iheanacho is the latest name who could be making his way to Nottingham, with the former Leicester City striker currently a free agent after failing to agree a new contract at the King Power stadium.

Nottingham Forest now set to seal another 7-figure signing after Anderson

Forest have wasted no time…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 3, 2024

If they are to agree a deal for the Nigerian striker they will have to stave off interest from Champions League side Aston Villa.

The big question for the summer however will be whether Morgan Gibbs-White will remain at the club next season. Whilst rumours of the midfielder's departure have cooled off in recent weeks, there is still every chance that the once linked Tottenham Hotspur could reignite their interest in the player.

With Forest finally ready to spend big on new players this summer, it appears that the club have been linked with a big-money move for a new defender.

Forest ready to spend big to get target

As reported by French football news website Foot01, a report in The Athletic on Monday claimed that Forest are very interested in a deal for Lyon defender Jake O'Brien. The outlet goes on to claim that Forest's interest is so great that the club are willing to spend the £30million figure that Lyon owner John Textor wants for the player.

This figure is seen as a "crazy" fee by the French outlet, who describe it as a massive increase on the rumoured £1million figure that Lyon spent to sign O'Brien from Crystal Palace just one year ago.

This news comes just days after the two clubs agreed a £27million transfer for Forest defender Moussa Niakhate to join Lyon. With the two clubs now in communication with one and another, it feels highly likely that they will be able to strike up another deal.

O'Brien has enjoyed something of a meteoric rise since he joined the French outfit from Crystal Palace last summer. In his maiden campaign for Lyon, the Irish defender featured 32 times in all competitions, cementing himself as an important part of the side that finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season.

The 23-year-old's exploits on the domestic stage earned O'Brien his first caps for the Irish national team in June 2024. Speaking on O'Brien's development, Ireland's interim coach John O'Shea spoke highly of the player. telling the press: “As I think Jake mentioned himself, the growth he’s had in terms of his footballing knowledge over the last year to 18 months has been fantastic.

“He has settled in well into the group. The level he is playing at is really high. But obviously the level of competition we have in that area of the pitch is very good, so just carry on with what he is doing, hopefully."

With Niakhate on his way out of the City Ground, signing O'Brien would be an excellent move from Forest ahead of next season.

Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement may have already signed seven players this summer, but the reality is, a few members of the Ibrox first team will have to be sold in order to fund more arrivals.

Speaking ahead of last weekend's friendly, Clement discussed how his philosophy has changed since taking over at Rangers last year, saying: “If I only looked at the short term I would only bring in experienced players who can do the job directly.

“Mistakes like that have been made too much in the past and at the end you don’t reach your goals. You need a different philosophy and that’s what we are all working towards. This is a massive rebuilding job, it is true.”

With this in mind, should he cash in on one of Michael Beale’s 2023 summer signings in the next few weeks?

The latest on Cyriel Dessers' future

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Rangers are considering selling Cyriel Dessers this summer, with some interest being shown in the Nigerian centre-forward.

Indeed, Greek side PAOK were heavily linked with a move for the player a few weeks ago, while clubs in France and Spain were also said to have registered some interest in luring the 29-year-old away from Ibrox this summer.

The Rangers Review stated that Clement will be looking to recoup around £4.5m should Dessers leave, which is around the fee they paid to sign him from Cremonese last summer.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport Voetbal (via the Scottish Sun), Dessers outlined his desire to stay, however, saying: "I am very happy here, so I would like to stay. "There is some interest, but my intention is to stay and then we will see what happens."

Given he is approaching 30, the forward is a prime candidate to be sold by Clement and there is no shortage of players he could target in order to replace the former Feyenoord hitman…

Dessers' potential replacement at Rangers

Last month, the Daily Record reported that Rangers were showing interest in Bristol City striker Tommy Conway and could make an offer for the player should he run down the final 12 months of his contract.

Despite City’s attempts at securing him on a new deal, it looks as though he will be leaving the club sooner rather than later, with pundit Tom Sandy believing that the Championship side should be looking at offers of around £5m in order for any club to prise him away this summer.

Recently, former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has endorsed a move for the youngster, saying: “Aye he’s a good player isn’t he the boy? He’s 21, I don’t know exactly what the fee would be, but he ticks all the boxes in terms of what Rangers [are looking for], how their recruitment is going. Bring them in, younger guys, make them better, then can we sell them on?

“Listen, he’s a talented boy in the Scotland Under-21s and you don’t make the Euros if you’re not a good player so what you can see is there’s a lot to work with there and a lot to improve. I think under our current manager he would do that.”

The youngster may not have made an appearance for Scotland in Germany during Euro 2024, but he did enjoy a stellar campaign in the second tier last term.

Tommy Conway’s season in numbers for Bristol City

In 43 matches last term, Conway scored 12 goals and grabbed one assist, with his performances in the FA Cup enough to get tongues wagging about his talents.

Indeed, not only did he score in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United in the third round, but he managed to net the winner against the Premier League outfit a week later, seeing Bristol City through to the next round.

Among his teammates at City, Conway ranked first for goals and assists (11) in the Championship, while also ranking first for shots on target per game (0.7) and second for penalties won (1) throughout the campaign.

Rangers desperately require some added reinforcements to their attacking department and Conway could be an ideal signing, especially with plenty of opportunities for development.

What Tommy Conway could offer Rangers

Hailed as a “gifted boy” by Steve Evans, Conway could thrive in the physical nature of Scottish football.

The striker won 1.3 ground duels in the Championship last term – a success rate of 45% – but there is no doubt that this could improve as he gets older.

Dessers may have scored 22 goals for the Light Blues, but he missed a staggering 27 big chances in the Premiership alone.

While Conway may not have scored as much as the Nigerian, he was more clinical in front of goal, missing just ten big chances while recording a 19% goal conversion rate, better than the 16% Dessers achieved last term.

Given the fact Conway is eight years younger than the current Light Blues forward, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that he could be a long-term solution for Clement.

Exposure to European football will also accelerate his development, something which could see his transfer value skyrocket in the future.

While a move this summer depends on how much funds the Belgian tactician can raise, perhaps it would be more logical to wait six months and target him on a free transfer ahead of the 2025/26 season, or even submit a low bid to test City’s resolve in January.

Whatever happens, a talent like Conway shouldn’t be allowed to slip through the net. Aside from being young and showing prodigious talent, he is Scottish, which will allow Clement to bolster his homegrown contentment even further.

The move is a no-brainer, but it will likely depend on various other factors going the club’s way in order for it to become a reality.

Clement could sign Kris Boyd 2.0 at Rangers in £5m machine

Rangers could make a move for a player who is representing his country at Euro 2024

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 17, 2024

A Euro 2024 hangover was avoided by the beaten finalists as they ripped off a run of five wins from six games to restore their feel-good factor

The die-hard fans of the England men's national team, with their brass band and Wembley paper aeroplanes, will hardly be telling their grandkids about the great UEFA Nations League B Group 2 promotion of 2024, but this was an important period in the Three Lions' history nonetheless.

The immediate post-Gareth Southgate era could have quite easily turned sour. In the absence of the man who united the nation and revolutionised the national-team setup, there was a world where England simply unravelled at the seams and failed to kick on as so many had hoped.

Yet Lee Carsley managed to steady the ship, despite the odd rocking of the boat and persistent questions over the existential point of his interim spell. Taking 15 points from a possible 18 to top the group ahead of Greece, Finland and Ireland was the minimum requirement, and he cleared the bar of expectation with relative ease.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from England's autumn…

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  WINNER: Lee Carsley

  It was rather telling how quickly England's players – both the established stars and those of the future – moved to thank Carsley and his staff for their contributions during the closing months of 2024. In fact, some even alluded to the interim boss raising spirits around St George's Park after the turbulent ending to Southgate's tenure.

  Jude Bellingham wrote on Instagram, "Huge thanks to Lee and his staff for their work in these last few camps. Got my smile back in an England shirt, very grateful!" Meanwhile, Jack Grealish similarly said, "What a guy & manager! Absolute legend and thank you for bringing back the enjoyment in England shirt."

  The public demanded England played with more freedom and expression, that the Three Lions be freed from the shackles of football conservatism and unleashed as an attacking force upon international football. Some of Carsley's methods were flawed – notably his gung-ho selection in October's 2-1 defeat at home to Greece – but for the most part he satisfied the demands of supporters.

  The FA have been keen to promote a coaching pathway in a bid to replicate the success of Southgate, and Carsley has proven across three months and six matches that he should be a bona fide candidate for the permanent job in future. If Tuchel's reign amounts to nothing or even crashes and burns, Carsley will be the first person turned to.

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  LOSER: Lee Carsley

  But it is for those reasons that Carsley is also the victim of this whole saga. If the FA were not planning on bringing in a permanent boss until January and he was always going to get these three camps in charge, could they have not waited until the end of 2024 to come to a decision? What was the need of rushing an appointment in October if the successful candidate wasn't going to start immediately? Did they fear Manchester United would swoop in to steal their top target even though the Old Trafford hierarchy spurned Tuchel back in the summer?

  Unless England go all the way at the 2026 World Cup, these are the questions that will hang over the FA and Tuchel's premiership. This decision made what seemed a proactive and savvy move look rather amateurish, the shine coming off a statement signing in the name of diplomacy.

  Then there's the continued uncertainty over the FA's paradoxical and conflicting commitment to promoting English coaching. Sure, Carsley has strengthened his credentials for future vacancies, but if the job were still up for grabs, he would have had more time to build a compelling case for the gig. It appears the FA's minds were already made up, however, and their wishy-washy claim of interviewing at least 10 coaches prior to Tuchel signing the contract was widely disputed, bringing a needless scepticism on their business and thinking.

  Carsley is the victim of that muddied process, and the FA are fortunate he is a man who has handled himself with integrity throughout his time in the Wembley dugout, who didn't stir the pot any further and towed the party line as they pleaded. Perhaps a more careerist manager would have made other, louder noises from behind the Three Lions podium.

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  WINNER: England's next generation

  Carsley's lasting impact coming away from the autumn internationals is how wide the England player pool now is and the empowerment young talent should feel about their future chances of featuring for the Three Lions. His experience and winning record as Under-21s boss gave him the credit in the bank needed to get away with some audacious squad selections, with even the most eyebrow-raising picks paying dividends.

  From the off, Carsley was determined to showcase the overlooked youth he had nurtured, from Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White to out-of-contract Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, from new Liverpool star Curtis Jones to genuine left-back option Lewis Hall. The door has been left ajar for top-flight youngsters to make the jump from the U21s to the senior team.

  Southgate came under fire for, rightly or wrongly, sticking to a rigid core and not acting quickly enough to blood emerging players into his setup. Should Tuchel decide a squad shake-up is needed, there is clearly enough quality about the country for him to enact.

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  LOSER: Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer & Phil Foden

  This is really a story in two parts. There aren't any concerns over Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer's respective performances when donning the white of England, more so how the two can co-exist.

  It was a conundrum that had hoped to have been solved during this Nations League campaign. Alas, a mixture of injury and fitness concerns, plus Carsley's aforementioned Greece experiment which saw Palmer play as a deep-lying midfielder for whatever reason, means that this is still an issue on Tuchel's in-tray.

  That's a luxury problem to have, but Phil Foden's waning influence for the Three Lions is of real bother. Southgate never seemed to know how to get the best out of him, and nor did Carsley. During his disappointing Euros, Foden was urged by pundits to force his way out of the slump himself, but these struggles have only followed him from international to club level with Manchester City, where he is only continuing to flounder and flop.

  Foden's Euros form saw calls for Anthony Gordon to start in his place and bring a runner into a frontline which largely favoured having the ball to feet. The Newcastle winger was one of several new-gen England attackers who excelled under Carsley's tutelage and has credit in the bank moving forward, while Foden is now facing an uphill battle to be a key part of the team's future plans.

Enzo Maresca recalled hilarious incident where jubilant Leicester players gatecrashed him at 2am after winning the Championship last season.

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• Leicester players gatecrashed Maresca's house
• Helped the Foxes return to the Premier League
• Chelsea take on Leicester on Saturday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Current Chelsea boss Maresca helped Leicester City return to the Premier League by guiding them to a Championship title win in the 2023-24 campaign. The Foxes sealed the title on the penultimate matchday after Leeds United suffered a 4-0 loss to QPR. Recalling the night of their title win, the Italian coach narrated a hilarious story where he suddenly found out that his players had gatecrashed his home in the early hours of the morning in search of a party.

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• WHAT ENZO MARESCA SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the Blues boss said, "I was at home watching the (QPR versus Leeds) game, then when it finished, all the staff arrived. We were having a normal celebration, with family, kids, the staff, Willy (Caballero), Danny (Walker), Robby (Vitiello). Then later – very late – the players arrived. The first face I saw was Hamza (Choudhury) but they didn't even knock at the door – they were in the garden and then at my window.

  "When I drew the curtains, it was his face there. It was probably the best present I got last season. It showed how the team was close, and the connection with the players, that they could go for parties at different places yet they all arrived at my home. I will always be thankful to them. When I was a player I was lucky to win things but I never thought to go to the manager's house."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite winning the trophy, Maresca left the Foxes on a bitter note for Stamford Bridge, as during his time of departure, the club had taken a dig at the 44-year-old in their official statement confirming the move. When asked about facing Leicester fans this weekend, the Chelsea coach added, "I have no idea. But I know how I am going to be with them. I will be thankful to the club, the players and the fans. Because it was a fantastic season. I cannot control how they are going to receive me. But I can control how I receive them."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The West London side, who are currently third on the points table, will face the Foxes in an away fixture on Saturday afternoon.

If there is one area that Manchester United heavily tipped to recruit in during the 2024 summer transfer window, it is at centre-back. Injury issues hampered the Red Devils at times last season, and the centre of defence was one area that was hit particularly badly throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

Two United defenders have left this summer. Raphael Varane departed the club upon the expiration of his contract, which was confirmed before the end of last season. Academy graduate Willy Kambwala also left Old Trafford on a permanent deal, joining Spanish side Villarreal in a deal worth £9.6m, although United do have a buy-back clause.

To replace those two departed defenders, United signed one of Europe’s most highly-rated young defenders, Leny Yoro, from Lille. The 18-year-old Frenchman cost the Red Devils £52m with £6.73m in add-ons and joined on a five-year deal. United beat off competition from Real Madrid to secure his signature.

Aside from Yoro, the Red Devils have been linked with other centre-back signings, most notably Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite. However, there have recently been reports of another defender who Erik ten Hag’s side are targeting to bolster his options at the back.

Man Utd target Premier League defender

The player in question here is Chelsea academy graduate centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. The 25-year-old is not currently in favour at Stamford Bridge, under new manager Enzo Maresca, and could depart the club this summer as a result.

According to a report from Pete O'Rourke, transfer correspondent for Football Insider, the Red Devils have 'joined multiple Premier League clubs in the race' to sign the Englishman this summer, with O’Rourke confirming that the defender will definitely leave Stamford Bridge this summer. This comes after he was left out of their squad to tour the USA this preseason.

O’Rourke’s report does not name any other Premier League clubs who want to sign Chalobah this summer. However, he did state that there are 'clubs across the Premier League' who are considering signing the defender, although it could be a risk given his injury issues in the past.

The Red Devils are 'keeping tabs' on the Chelsea defender with his versatility at the back being seen as a 'valuable asset' by the Old Trafford recruitment team, as the report states. A price for Chalobah has seemingly been set at around around £30m, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Why Chalobah would be a good signing

Sadly, the Blues defender suffered from injury issues last term that kept him out for a whopping 32 games. His main problem was a thigh issue, through which he missed 26 games and 162 games in total.

With that in mind, Chalobah played only 17 times in all competitions, which included just 13 games in the Premier League. Towards the back end of the season under former Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino, he became a key player. The 25-year-old started ten games in the top flight once he returned from injury.

Should the Red Devils sign Chalobah this summer, he could prove to be a perfect player to play next to Yoro at the heart of United’s defence. He is a very versatile player and could slot in at right-back, tucking inside when United have the ball and playing at right centre-back, with Yoro to his left.

The Chelsea number 14 could also play left centre-back next to Yoro, which would allow Lisandro Martinez to rest and reduce the risk of an injury to the Argentine. He is an incredibly versatile player, and could also slot in at the base of United’s midfield, as he has done in the past for Chelsea.

One of the benefits of signing Chalobah this summer is the fact he would likely not be on much money each week. According to Capology, the 25-year-old currently earns just £50k per week. Whilst United may well give him a pay rise, he would not demand the hefty wages United have given out to some players in recent seasons,

United could be adding a William Saliba-like player if they bring the Chelsea defender to Old Trafford this summer. According to FBref, the pair are similar players, which is certainly reflected in some of their stats.

Defensively, several of Chalobah’s numbers actually exceed those of the Arsenal defender. He averaged 2.26 combined tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, compared to Saliba’s 1.84. The Chelsea man also averaged more clearances with 4.81 compared to the Frenchman’s 2.13. However, the Arsenal centre-back does have a better aerial duel win rate, with 59.5% compared to Chalobah’s 46.3%, and more ball recoveries with 5.61 compared to Chalobah’s 4.34.

In terms of when his side are in possession of the ball, the 25-year-old is very comfortable on the ball, and averages more progressive carries each game than Saliba. Chalobah averages 0.47 progressive carries, with the Frenchman slightly fewer at 0.42. However, Saliba does average more carries, with 52.4 compared to the Chelsea defender’s 44.8 per 90 minutes.

Where Saliba does trump Chalobah is in his progressive passing. The Frenchman averages an impressive 4.13 progressive passes per 90, and 4.61 passes into the final third. In comparison, the Chelsea academy graduate averages almost half of that. In each game, he plays 2.92 progressive passes and 2.83 final third passes.

Chalobah could well be a smart piece of business for the Red Devils this summer. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “monster”, and that is certainly reflected in his FBref stats from last season.

Whilst it could well be a risk to add someone with a poor injury record to their squad, United would be adding a versatile player who could thrive next to Yoro and allow tactical flexibility for Ten Hag.

Man Utd want £88m "superstar" who's a bigger talent than Yoro

INEOS are ‘convinced’ that they can get the deal done.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 26, 2024

Enzo Maresca is currently hard at work during pre-season, implementing a new style of play at Chelsea, which involves inverting one of the full-backs, playing with two advanced eights in the half spaces, and having high and wide touchline wingers to stretch play.

This system relies heavily on creating 1v1 opportunities for the wide men to create chances from beating their man and delivering crosses or cutbacks into the box, where the striker and number eights can attack.

Pre-season has shown the chance creation responsibility that is on the wingers, but so far, especially on that left side with Raheem Sterling and Mykhalio Mudryk, it has left a lot to be desired, with many Chelsea fans crying out for a left wing addition this summer.

Chelsea transfer news

According to reports earlier this week from Italy, Roma are leading the charge to sign winger Federico Chiesa from Juventus. They are ahead of the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Napoli and Inter in the pursuit.

Chiesa can play on both wings but fits the mould of a right-footed winger, which was briefed to be on Chelsea's wishlist earlier in the window.

Once proclaimed as a "world-class forward" by Jerry Mancini, the 26-year-old has struggled to re-capture his top form since a cruciate ligament tear, which kept him out for a total of 269 days back in 2022.

Chiesa made 37 appearances in all competitions for Juventus last season, scoring ten goals, providing three assists, and totalling 2,512 minutes played.

Chiesa vs Nico Williams comparison

Now, of course, when comparing Chiesa to a player like Nico Williams – another Chelsea target – the context of form is needed. As mentioned with Chiesa struggling to re-capture his best form since his injury, Williams has been on fire this past year, oozing class and confidence.

The 22-year-old made 37 appearances in all competitions for Atletic Bilbao last season, scoring eight goals, and providing a whopping 19 assists in 2,729 minutes played. This was his best campaign in terms of output at senior level, bettering his prior season by 12 G/A.

Chiesa brings a creative spark to his play, creating for himself and others. His 0.25 xAG (expected assists) per 90 paired with his 0.07 assists show he is creating more chances than are being converted, and this is a good sign for a club acquiring the player if they believe in their forwards/midfielders to finish those chances being created.

His shooting volume is higher than Williams and Sterling, showing his willingness to cut inside from the left on that right foot and get shots away, adding variation to his play.

But the ability to create for others is what would make Chiesa such a great fit for Chelsea's new striker Samu Omorodion, averaging 2.21 key passes per 90 and 4.80 shot-creating actions per 90. If Chiesa can continuously find Omorodion in the box, they are bound to form a deadly partnership and connect for many goals throughout the season.

Chiesa also ranks in the top 1% for crosses into the penalty area among wingers in the top five leagues, averaging 0.74 per 90, again the perfect recipe for their new striker's success due to his 2.75 aerials won per 90.

Since the signing of Omorodion, Chelsea will be looking to add extra crossing quality to the side, in order to get the best out of him, and the Juve outcast could offer just that.

Dream Chalobah replacement: Chelsea could launch move for £60m PL defender

Chelsea could turn their attentions to defence in recruitment

By
Connor Holden

Aug 8, 2024

Two Lionesses took centre stage at different ends of the pitch as the Blues beat the Seagulls in a chaotic clash on Sunday

Just five days after making her first Lionesses start, Aggie Beever-Jones' great week continued on Sunday as she scored in Chelsea's 4-2 win over Brighton. It was by no means as straight-forward as that scoreline might suggest, with the Seagulls creating plenty of big chances to put the reigning Women's Super League champions under pressure, but some big saves from Hannah Hampton helped the hosts to a victory that keeps them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, even if the goalkeeper sometimes created her own problems.

It was an error-strewn game for both sides, with some loose possession from Chelsea midfielder Sjoeke Nusken presenting Nikita Parris and then Jelena Cankovic with huge opportunities early on, albeit ones neither could take. That set the tone for the entire afternoon, with three of the six goals at Kingsmeadow coming from mistakes on the ball. The first allowed Nusken herself to give the hosts the lead, as Cankovic, a former Blue, was guilty of a loose touch in a dangerous area, while Beever-Jones was able to tackle Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley in her own six-yard box to double that advantage.

It never looked like things would be smooth sailing for Chelsea though. Their opponents continued to create and finally got the better of Hampton just before the break, after Parris teed up Cankovic. When the Blues re-established that two-goal cushion shortly after half time, Lucy Bronze's saved shot bouncing in off the unknowing Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Brighton hit back again, with Kiko Seike, denied brilliantly in the first half, punishing Hampton for a sloppy pass.

It was all set up for a dramatic finish then, and when Michelle Agyemang put Seike through late on, it looked like that finish would involve a Brighton equaliser and the end of Sonia Bompastor's 100 per cent start to life as Chelsea boss. However, a combination of cool composure from Hampton and quite the opposite from the Japan star kept the Blues ahead, while Nusken managed to direct Catarina Macario's stoppage time corner into the back of the net to make sure they maintained their unbeaten record.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Hannah Hampton (6/10):

  Made some terrific saves, especially the one to deny Seike in the first half. Did present two of those big chances to Brighton with poor passes though, including the one Seike took.

  Lucy Bronze (6/10):

  There was much more emphasis on her defending and she stuck to her task well, making a number of important interventions. A chance to get forward early in the second half should've probably seen her get on the scoresheet, but her effort led to the third goal at least.

  Millie Bright (6/10):

  Had her work cut out at times as the conditions made things tricky, but did well overall.

  Nathalie Bjorn (6/10):

  A couple of sloppy moments on the ball early on, then grew into the game and improved.

  Ashley Lawrence (5/10):

  A little too loose in possession as she struggled to make her usually consistent impact on the game. Replaced at half time.

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• Midfield

  Erin Cuthbert (5/10):

  Some surprisingly poor moments for a player who usually does little wrong.

  Wieke Kaptein (4/10):

  Lost the ball too often and was taken off at half time.

  Sjoeke Nusken (5/10):

  A really error-strewn game from the midfielder, who at least made up for some of those mistakes with a goal.

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  Attack

  Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (5/10):

  Missed a huge first half chance one-on-one, having done everything right to get in behind, but then was in the right place at the right time to benefit from a huge slice of luck in the second half.

  Aggie Beever-Jones (7/10):

  Had some nice moments, including a smart pass that put Rytting Kaneryd through, and was rewarded for her hard work with a goal.

  Guro Reiten (6/10):

  A quieter game from a player in such great form, though her set pieces still caused problems and created chances.

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  Subs & Manager

  Niamh Charles (6/10):

  Made her return from injury as a half time sub and added more to Chelsea's attack down the left.

  Catarina Macario (7/10):

  Another introduction at the break, she made an immediate impact, with her fantastic cross creating Chelsea's third goal.

  Mayra Ramirez (6/10):

  Added plenty of energy in attack and was so close to a goal only a few minutes after coming on, when her header hit the post.

  Oriane Jean-Francois (N/A):

  On in stoppage time.

  Sonia Bompastor (7/10):

  Was little she could do from the dugout about the errors her team were making, though perhaps a little more pragmatism could be taken. Stuck to her guns, though, made impactful substitutions and ensured Chelsea emerged with all three points.

Barcelona are keen to add the talents of the young Cardoso Varela to their club's youth ranks and are apparently closing in on a transfer.

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• Barca close to signing Portuguese talent Varela
• Plays primarily as a left winger
• Is a product of the Porto youth academy

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona are closing in on the transfer of talented Portuguese winger Cardoso Varela, according to a report from Sport. Varela is a product of the famed Porto academy and has already accumulated 22 caps for the Portugal U17 national team, scoring three goals. If the signing goes through, Varela will join one of the youth teams of Barcelona, possibly the reserve side Barca Atletic.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sport reports that Deco, the sporting director of Barcelona, met with Varela's agents on Monday afternoon, along with the player himself. Varela toured the facilities at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper after the conversation. According to the source, Barcelona have been discreetly pursuing the signing for a while, and the close ties between Varela's agent, Andy Bara – who also represents Dani Olmo and Mikayil Faye – and the club's higher-ups have been instrumental in easing the discussions.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The then 15-year-old winger had previously played for Porto's U17 team, as well as the U19s, featuring in the UEFA Youth League, when he remarkably vanished from the Porto youth team.

  The club suspected his agents of foul play and lodged a complaint with both FIFA and the Croatian Football Federation when Varela reappeared with Dinamo Odranski Obrez in Croatia's fourth level, joined by agent Faustino Gomes and lawyer Wilson Sardinha. A

  ccording to reports from O Jogo, they had demanded €3 million from Porto to stay with them, with the intention of waiting until he turned 16 in October this year to sign a professional contract.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Having earned just five points in their previous six LaLiga fixtures, Hansi Flick and Co. await perhaps their toughest test of the season yet as they are set to take on Atletico Madrid (tied on points with Barca with a game in hand) at Montjuic on Saturday, December 21.

After already reinforcing their backline with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, Manchester United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign a Premier League winner who'd complete a new-look defence.

Man Utd transfer news

It's been a summer full of positives at Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first summer at the club featuring a refreshing transfer policy which has seen a mix of young players and stars at the top of their game arrive. De Ligt is arguably the standout among the arrivals, with the Dutchman arriving from Bayern Munich in an attempt to finally solve Erik ten Hag's defensive leak.

De Ligt was quick to express his delight over joining up with Ten Hag for the second time in his career, following an excellent spell together at Ajax, telling Manchester United's official website: “Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”

With two centre-backs and a right-back signed, all that the Red Devils are missing on their list of incomings is a left-back. Given concerns over Luke Shaw's ability to stay fit, however, it may not be long before United have a new-look defence altogether.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, INEOS have now been offered the chance to sign Marcos Alonso, who would reportedly love a move to Manchester United after becoming a free agent at the end of his Barcelona contract earlier this summer.

Romano told GiveMeSport: “Marcos Alonso would love to go to Manchester United. He has been offered to Manchester United in recent weeks, but there is nothing really concrete or advanced into it so far.

“I think Manchester United will take some time before deciding who the player they really want to cover that position is, and will save their budget, save their money, and put their effort into a deal for the midfield. They need a new midfielder, and the idea is to make it happen as the next step in the summer transfer window.”

"Extraordinary" Alonso is worth the risk

Now 33 years old, Alonso may go against United's new transfer policy, but Dan Ashworth should make an exception for the Premier League winner, especially with Ferdi Kadioglu reportedly on his way to Brighton & Hove Albion over Old Trafford.

Described as an "extraordinary signing" by former Barcelona boss Xavi when he arrived in Spain, Alonso would bring a wealth of experience to the current Manchester United side, providing an ideal backup option for the injury-prone Shaw.

Given that he's currently a free agent too, the Red Devils wouldn't be left splashing the cash. Instead, they'd be getting themselves a bargain deal to solve a growing problem at left-back.

Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes says it was 'the right time' to leave the Blues as she opens up on Sonia Bompastor's perfect start

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Hayes opens up on Chelsea departure
• Discusses Bompastor's perfect start
• Says she trusts coach to lead the Blues

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hayes called time on her 12-year stint as Chelsea head coach at the end of last season as she stepped down from the mantle and joined the United States women's national team. The 48-year-old has now opened up on her departure from the London side and expressed how tough it was to leave the side with whom she won seven Women's Super League titles and five Women's FA Cups.

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  WHAT HAYES SAID

  Speaking to , Hayes said: "I didn't realise how difficult it would be when I made the decision to move to the U.S at the end of the season.

  "It was challenging to manage everything. The expectations, the press… it took a toll on me. To get over the line with the backdrop of all those things, I felt I could leave with my head held high."

  Hayes also opened up on her farewell at Old Trafford in front of Sir Alex Ferguson, she added: "Mixed is the right emotion.

  "To do it in front of the fans, my heart was so full. To be with them, to do it at Old Trafford, at Sir Alex's old stomping ground, it's etched into my heart."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hayes also discussed Chelsea perfect start under her successor Bompastor and said: "I'm so happy with their start to the season, so happy with Sonia's start with a group of players and people I know are tremendous. That to me, that's what it's all about.

  "Because I'm happy with where I'm at and I know I couldn't have given any more, it's only right for the players to have a different direction. I'm the middle child of three, jealousy and envy don't enter my mind, I'm not that person.

  "I know the changing room Sonia's got and I'm happy for her, that she gets to enjoy the fruits of many people's labour of a long period of time and put her own stamp on it.

  "If Chelsea go onto bigger and better things… oh, that's my perfect story. All those players in the locker room know that about me. They have a growth mindset, Chelsea look fantastic this season and I'm delighted for them."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR HAYES?

  The former Chelsea manager is enjoying her time with the USWNT and also talked about her new job. Hayes said: "I have moments when I reflect on my time there. Every time I come back to the same thing; I'm grateful for the opportunity, grateful to be in the job for so long. It was the right time for everyone to move on.

  "Now I'm on the other side of it I've created a situation I can enjoy it as a fan. I know I'm a national team coach for USA but I'll always love Chelsea."