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Like every Premier League club, Chelsea found out their fate ahead of the new Premier League season last Tuesday, with the fixtures being announced for the 2024/25 campaign. It is a season in which the Blues will have a new manager, Enzo Maresca, who replaces Mauricio Pochettino after just one year in charge.

The new campaign will begin with an almighty clash for the Blues. They host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge to open the new season, in a game where they could really make a statement. Last season, this fixture turned out to be one of the best games in the Premier League in recent years, ending in a 4-4 draw in chaotic fashion.

Next up, Chelsea travel up to the Midlands, to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, looking to get their first win on the road under Maresca. To round off August, the Blues host London rivals Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

To help get themselves off to a fast start in the league, Chelsea will no doubt need to turn to the transfer window to add to their squad. They have already confirmed two signings; Tosin Adarabayo on a free from Fulham and Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa. This week, they have been linked with one Premier League player who could become the striker they have missed recently.

Chelsea target Premier League striker

The player in question here is Newcastle United and Sweden international striker Alexander Isak. The former Borussia Dortmund man has been linked with a move away from St James’ to help solve financial fair play issues for Newcastle, and Chelsea could pounce.

According to a report from Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, Chelsea “made a tentative enquiry for the Swede earlier this week” and have since followed that up with “further contact” with the Magpies.

Downie explains that Eddie Howe’s side “do not want to sell” Isak, or any other of their big-name players. However, due to the profit and sustainability rules deadline approaching, they may have to part ways with the likes of Isak to raise the funds required of them next week.

Should the Magpies decide to sell Isak to Chelsea, they will need a sizeable sum to help them meet the PSR threshold. According to the report from Downie, Newcastle could charge the Blues anywhere up to £100m, a figure they believe matches his performances in the 2023/24 season, and helps with their financial issues.

Why Isak would be a good signing

Should the Blues get a deal across the line for Isak this summer, they would be adding a genuine goalscorer to their squad. The 24-year-old had a sublime record last season, scoring 21 goals in just 30 Premier League games, as well as registering two assists. With those numbers in mind, it is clear to see why ESPN journalist David Cartlidge called Isak “unstoppable”.

He is similar in many ways to Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson – as has been noted by FBref. Both are excellent runners in behind, who can hold the ball up effectively and are threatening when running at defenders. In fact, according to FBref, Isak averages 2.71 progressive carries per 90 minutes and 1.51 carries into the penalty box, with Jackson posting similar numbers, 2.25 progressive carries and 1.03 carries into the penalty area.

Another potential Chelsea incoming who Isak could link up with well is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. According to The Standard, the Blues have made a bid for the Leicester City midfielder, who could soon reunite with former manager Maresca.

Last season, Dewsbury-Hall had a phenomenal impact for the Foxes as they won the Championship. His 26 combined goals and assists were bettered by only four players, all of whom are wingers or strikers.

The uncapped Englishman is a player who Maresca clearly rates highly. He explained last November that Dewsbury-Hall “has the quality to score or assist from anywhere”, before praising the fact that he is “always giving the pass, getting assists”.

Considering this, a partnership between Isak and Dewsbury-Hall is not impossible to imagine. With the Sweden international such a clinical force in front of goal, and the Leicester midfielder a superb creative outlet, we could see the pair develop an understanding at Stamford Bridge which makes them a force to be reckoned with.

It could well be the case that the Leicester midfielder makes box-crashing runs, as Isak drops deeper to vacate space. Their combination play in the final third would also be deadly, given Dewsbury-Hall’s impressive assist record and Isak’s ability to finish from tight angles.

The rumoured fee of £100m is a lot for Isak, especially given he is on £120k-per-week, as per Capology. However, if they sign Dewsbury-Hall to go along with him, perhaps it is a deal for Chelsea to consider.

They could have a partnership to rival that of Hazard and Costa or Drogba and Lampard from years gone by, and it could be a duo that is the catalyst for success returning to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea plot to steal ace who’d be as influential as Palmer for Maresca

The Chelsea target reached double figures for goals and assists last season.

By
Tom Lever

Jun 28, 2024

The former Manchester United star has collaborated with the sportswear giant on the adidas x David Beckham Predator 24 collection

If you close your eyes and think about football's relationship with fashion, one man moves to the front of your mind: David Beckham. Way ahead of his time, Beckham has always stood at that intersection, and despite his playing career ending more than a decade ago, it feels as though his influence is as significant as ever.

The England and Manchester United icon has stayed relevant as a style reference point throughout more than 30 years in the searing spotlight of the public eye. Oozing class, his look is always talked about and evolving as he adapts seamlessly to the zeitgeist.

It's no surprise, then, that adidas – one of the first entries in the extensive portfolio of brand partnerships that he boasts – handed Beckham the reins to co-design his own collection, incorporating his two great loves in the form and function of a football boot, and the chicness of a streetwear collection.

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  Always fashion-forward

  While the currents of football and fashion have never run closer than they do today, Beckham has always been there, ahead of the curve.

  His willingness to be bold and experiment with his personal style in the late 90s and early noughties mean we have him to thank in large part for the alignment of two cultural phenomena – sport and fashion – that, on paper, seem wildly different.

  'Blokecore', the rise to prominence of vintage football shirts, French national team, NBA and NFL players getting incredibly expensively-assembled fits off for the cameras. Beckham helped to forge the path that led to those trends.

  You remember the sarong at the 1998 World Cup, 'Posh and Becks'' full-leather look from 1999, wearing a durag to meet Prince Charles in 2000 and that famous (or infamous) mohawk hairstyle in 2001; he was widely ridiculed as the tabloids had a field day at the time, but now it's clear Becks was on to something.

  “My style? It’s from another planet,” he told in 2002.

  As Beckham matured, so did his dress sense, as experimentation became consistency. Today, he is known for seamlessly blending modern trends with timeless elegance, staying relevant and cultivating an image of class and sophistication despite the lazy stereotypes attached to footballers – especially those from a working-class background.

  The influence of his wife and designer Victoria, of course, cannot be underestimated. The former Spice Girl is now equally synonymous with the fashion world as she is with the Britpop girl group.

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• Getty Images Entertainment
  

  Early roots

  But Beckham's obsession with fashion long pre-dates his relationship with Victoria. "I always liked fashion," he told former team-mate Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel.

  "Even when I was a page boy for my mum's best friend when I was a kid. I was given the opportunity as a kid when I was 12 or 11 years old and I was page boy for one of my mum's friends – she gave me the opportunity to either wear a suit or knickerbockers.

  "Knickerbockers with white silk socks and a pair of ballet shoes and I wore that. There was always something in me that liked dressing different."

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  Mr. adidas

  Obviously Beckham's good looks and footballing ability were the backbone of his success, but his emergence as one of the first fashion-forward athletes means he has been able to build up a substantial portfolio of extremely lucrative commercial partnerships, working across a spectrum of brands from Aston Martin to Pepsi.

  Inevitably, he has always been coveted in the fashion world, famously posing in Armani underwear and shooting with Hugo Boss, as well as high street brands like H&M.

  However, there is one brand in particular with which Beckham is synonymous: adidas.

  The Englishman has been the face of the German sportswear behemoth for what feels like an eternity, having worn their iconic Predator boot throughout his storied career. He became an ambassador when he signed a lifetime deal with the Three Stripes way back in 2003, reportedly worth £115 million ($149m today).

  In the years since, Beckham has fronted countless campaigns, worn various signature designs and appeared at innumerable promotional events. It is a relationship that has continued to thrive long beyond the footballer's retirement in 2013, as Beckham still stars in TV adverts and has his face emblazoned on billboards across the globe.

  In what feels like the culmination of that rock-solid partnership, the ex-footballer was given the responsibility of co-designing his very own collection. Two years in the making, the capsule has now dropped and does not disappoint.

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• adidas
  

  'It was only right we handed over the reins'

  The adidas X David Beckham Predator 24 collection has now been unveiled, to mark the 30th anniversary of the boot that is intrinsically linked to the former England and Man Utd superstar. It features a signature boot and a streetwear collection, all designed in collaboration with Beckham himself.

  "We’re always looking at how we can break new ground in the world of football, and what better way to do so than with one of our longest serving and most iconic partners?" Sam Handy, senior vice-president of product and design at adidas, said.

  "A name so synonymous with Predator, it was only right we handed over the creative reins to David to enable him to bring his vision to life through an adidas lens. This boot is a true reflection of on-pitch performance combined with luxury lifestyle, elevated to a level never seen before with a Predator boot."

Newcastle United could now kickstart their summer business after reportedly being offered the chance to finally sign a long-term target and an upgrade on Miguel Almiron.

Newcastle transfer news

It's been a slow summer at St James' Park, with Lloyd Kelly, John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos the only new names through the door and Elliot Anderson, alongside Yankuba Minteh, the only standout names to head for the exit door as Newcastle attempted to comply with PSR rules.

Newcastle planning to sign international striker to help Alexander Isak

The Swedish striker could be about to get a new partner.

By
Tom Coates

Jul 17, 2024

Now, with just one month left until the beginning of the new Premier League campaign, the Magpies need to ensure that the next few weeks are busier than ever if they want to improve on last season's seventh place finish. Just who arrives in that regard remains to be seen, however. It could be argued that Newcastle could do with another centre-back following Sven Botman's ACL injury as well as an upgrade on Almiron, who struggled last season.

The 30-year-old's Newcastle future has once again been questioned this summer and given his form last season, the Magpies could do with an alternative option with or without his exit, which may finally see a long-term target arrive.

According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Raphinha from Barcelona after the winger told his agents that he wants a Premier League return in the next month.

Newcastle, of course, have been linked with a move for the Brazilian in the past, before ultimately failing to secure his signature. This summer could finally be different, however, if they match Barcelona's reported £50m price tag, with his agents reaching out to the Magpies, Arsenal and Chelsea, as they believe English clubs are the most likely to shell out his fee and wages.

Following the sensational rise of Lamine Yamal and the potential arrival of his fellow Spaniard Nico Williams this summer, Raphinha has reportedly become resigned to leaving the Nou Camp in search of guaranteed game time this summer, allowing Newcastle to strike.

"Extraordinary" Raphinha is better than Almiron

If Newcastle want to become a Champions League club on a more permanent basis, then swapping an inconsistent winger in Almiron for a player who knows all about playing on the biggest stage in Raphinha is a move they should complete this summer. As Yamal and potentially Williams leave the Brazilian with little choice but to move on, the Magpies should aim to take advantage and land a deal.

Whilst Almiron's take-on success is better than the Brazilian's, what he did following those take-ons last season often wasted his initial good work. By contrast, Raphinha was far more dangerous on the ball, having a hand in 15 goals where Almiron only managed four goal involvements in the entire Premier League campaign.

The winger earned the praise of former manager Xavi throughout his time at Barcelona, with the legendary midfielder saying via Fabrizio Romano: "I’m the one who has trusted him the most. He’s the player with the most assists of the team. He scores, in the 1v1 he’s daring more… he’s extraordinary. When there was criticism, I had no doubt that Raphinha was going to succeed here."

Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered another hint that retirement remains some way off for him, with the Portuguese GOAT still having “a lot to conquer”.

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• Winner of five Ballons d'Or
• Collected honours around the world
• Records shattered but remains fiercely competitive

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The legendary forward could be considered to have already reached the summit of every possible professional mountain, with records sent tumbling on a regular basis down the years as the history books have been rewritten.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo could be forgiven for wanting to start slowing down, as consideration is given to the hanging up of iconic boots, but he remains as competitive and driven as ever at 39 years of age. He is still a prolific presence at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, while a stunning tally of international caps stands at 216 and counting.

• WHAT RONALDO SAID

  CR7 has been presented with a special award that recognises his contribution to Portugal’s cause down the years, but he is not ready to walk away just yet. The evergreen frontman has posted on social media after collecting the Platinum Quinas trophy: “It is an honour to receive this award for my National Team career. There is still a lot to conquer! Thank you.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Ronaldo has won league titles in England, Spain and Italy, collecting five Champions League crowns along the way. He is the only man to have won Golden Boots in four different countries and sits second behind eternal rival Lionel Messi on the Ballon d’Or honours list with five Golden Balls to his name.

Everton are preparing for an emotional year ahead, with the 2024/25 season set to be the club's last at Goodison Park. Sean Dyche has enforced solid improvements since taking the helm, comfortably avoiding danger last term – and that's despite an eight-point deduction in the Premier League.

While the Toffees' seemingly never-ending ownership issues are fraught with peril, PSR was successfully swerved as financial accord has been strengthened further through the pending £50m sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa.

Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye have both been signed to the cause already, but Everton are decidedly light on the flanks and need an exciting new addition – or two.

Everton transfer news

As per Football Insider, Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto is one of Everton's top targets this summer, with the Merseysiders' long-term interest likely to come to a head in the coming weeks.

Gnonto, 20, has been the subject of discussions between the applicable outfits and has been regarded for his athletic quality and versatility across the frontline.

Everton are locked in negotiations to discuss a deal, which could see a breakthrough swiftly given that Dyche's side started their pre-season schedule last weekend.

Leeds stood firm on a £30m valuation last summer but would be willing to consider offers of £25m now, and with Newcastle United also sniffing around, Everton better get the deal done quickly.

The endless pursuit of Wilfried Gnonto

Interminable would probably be the right word to describe Everton's efforts to sign Gnonto from Leeds. Following the Whites' relegation from the Premier League in 2022/23, the up-and-coming Gnonto was expected to be one of the most likely sales, for he was a teenage Italy international with piles of talent and many suitors besides.

Everton were right at the front. And despite throwing three bids Elland Road's way last August – the third of which tabled at £26m on deadline day 11 months ago – he remained with Leeds as readied for life in the second tier.

Links have not faded away. In January, reports stated that Everton still had the Italian on their radar and were working on a deal. It didn't come to fruition.

Fast and furious, the winger has been described as an "absolute nightmare for defenders" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with his fleet-footed style and stocky power making him a formidable adversary.

He started the 2023/24 campaign slowly, with Daniel Farke relegating him to a subsidiary standing on the wings following his transfer request last summer, seeking to force a path down the M62 to Liverpool.

But he grew as the term went on and won his manager's favour, making marked improvements that earned him a vital place on the (predominantly) right flank.

His bursts of pace can wrongfoot many a defender, running widdershins around his opponents as he surges inwards from the right. This snap-jerk style earned him ample goalscoring success across the second half of the campaign as Leeds recorded 90 points but still finished third and lost to Southampton in the play-off final.

His infrequent starting action and prolific renaissance have led to Gnonto actually sealing himself as one of the Championship's best statistical finishers. As per FBref, Gnonto ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the division last season for non-penalty goals scored (and only the top 21% for shots taken, speaking of high-level shooting), the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 15% for clearances per 90.

While he was below Premier League level last season, the 13-cap Italy international has everything he needs to bloom into a player of significant quality in Dyche's Everton squad. He must be the priority target.

How Wilfried Gnonto compares to Jesper Lindstrom

Gnonto's former coach Michael Skubala has hailed his protege as a "special player", with a raw ability on the field that is being shaped into something tangibly brilliant.

His tactical fluidity, further to the point, has arrested Everton's attention for some time. With 47 career appearances playing off the striker, 29 on the left and 44 out on right wing aged just 20, Dyche has the pieces to build a lasting shape tailored to his style.

And it's for this reason that he must be signed over Jesper Lindstrom, Napoli winger and – as Football Insider's above-mentioned report states – one of the Goodison Park side's chief targets this summer.

Everton are believed to be considering paying £25m for the attacking midfielder this summer, with Lindstrom seeking a route out of Italy after a disappointing season with Napoli in Serie A.

Lindstrom wasn't really afforded a chance, playing 29 times and failing to register a single goal contribution but only starting three matches across all competitions. To collate Gnonto and the 24-year-old's data, let's look at Lindstrom's metrics during the 2022/23 season, with Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

The players in question aren't actually that dissimilar, with both adept dribblers but refraining from dribbling with regularity. Gnonto, however, is far more technically sound in regard to his crispness, with a superior pass success rate and a more creative approach.

Given that Lindstrom has just completed a pretty dismal campaign in Italy, as well as the extensive scouting put toward signing Gnonto, Everton must surely prioritise the Leeds man.

He's in the fledgling phase of a career of great promise, and efforts must be exhausted in bringing him to Merseyside to boost Dyche's hopes of rising up the Premier League table.

Perfect for Lindstrom: Everton in talks to sign £17m Onana successor

The Toffees are battling with another Premier League side for his signature.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 20, 2024

Ruben Amorim admitted it was a "very tough but necessary" decision to join Manchester United, as he believes he is at the "right club".

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• Amorim has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal
• Was brought in to replace Erik ten Hag
• Preparing for his first match against Ipswich

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 39-year-old Portuguese manager was officially unveiled as United's new head coach shortly after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal by Ineos. Amorim steps into a challenging situation as United currently sit 13th in the Premier League standings, far from their historical dominance. However, after spending four years at Sporting, the manager admitted that it was tough for him to leave the club midway through the season, even though the opportunity to manage the Red Devils was a tempting one.

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• WHAT AMORIM SAID

  In a candid conversation with former United captain and pundit Gary Neville, Amorim said: "I had already had conversations with clubs so it was quite normal but what I felt at the time is that this is my place. I think it was the right club at the right moment for me. It was very tough to leave Sporting because, in the middle of the season, you can say at the moment that everything is Manchester United and they are the club that I want but you are leaving your guys in the middle of the season."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amorim has been working with the United squad for close to two weeks but got the entire squad at his disposal a couple of days back after the international break concluded. Expressing his excitement for the opportunity, he added: "It’s really hard but I had to do it and I was so happy, you can see it in every interview I have, but I also felt that in the first moment, it is a little bit overwhelming. After five minutes though, you start thinking about the club, the team, the players and how to play so it was quite fun."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AMORIM?

  Amorim will make his bow at the United dugout during Sunday’s trip to Suffolk, where Ipswich Town await. The clash serves as the first opportunity for him to demonstrate his vision for the team and steer them toward better results. The pressure to deliver is immense, with a relentless series of fixtures ahead. After the Ipswich game, United will host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday and then face Everton and a high-flying Arsenal.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been tipped to join Harry Kane at Bayern Munich if his contract stand-off at Anfield continues.

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• Salah out of contract in summer
• Still waiting for Liverpool offer
• Egyptian tipped to head to Bayern

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Salah is into the final year of his existing contract at Liverpool and his future remains unclear. The Egypt international has said he's "more out than in" at Liverpool and is able to talk to overseas clubs from January 1st. Liverpool's lack of a contract offer is said to have left Salah "exasperated" at the situation, and he is doubtful the club are willing to offer him what he wants in terms of salary and contract length.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Salah turned 32 in June but remains one of the most devastating players in world football and has played a key role in Liverpool's rise to the top of the table this season under new manager Arne Slot. The forward would have no shortage of suitors should he decide to call time on his Anfield career, and former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann feels Bayern Munich could be a good option.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  He told Genting Casino: "It’s bizarre if the club hasn't spoken to him, but I do think he will be offered a new two-year contract. He will want a four year deal but things can change so quickly when you are in your 30s. Clubs always have to be so wary over that and I have no doubt he has two more years at the top level, but if he wants a longer deal then it could be an issue. I’m not sure Mohamed Salah can be replaced when it comes to scoring big goals in big games, you can always count on him. There are other talented players out there but not like Salah.

  "If Liverpool don't offer him a contract, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mohamed Salah end up at Bayern Munich. At the moment, they've got wingers who haven’t really set the world alight on the pitch. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to bring him in. They won’t be the only club either, he wants to play at the highest level and if that’s not with Liverpool it will be at another huge club. Liverpool have always done their business differently to other teams. Mohamed Salah has been their best player for eight years, he still averages 25 goals, but he is 32 now."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SALAH

  Salah has five goals and four assists in his last six outings for Liverpool in all competitions and has another opportunity to remind the Liverpool hierarchy of his enduring quality on Wednesday when Slot's side take on Newcastle in the Premier League.

Newcastle United have submitted their first offer to Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi, and reliable journalist Mark Douglas has delivered an exciting hint on what happens next.

Newcastle eyeing new centre-back

Toulouse centre-back Logan Costa was the latest player to be linked with a summer move to St James' Park this week, with the 23-year-old also believed to be wanted by fellow Premier League side West Ham. He started 29 matches in Ligue 1 last season, impressing for his current club and averaging 2.1 aerial duel wins per game in the competition.

Meanwhile, Guehi continues to be mentioned as a leading option at the heart of Eddie Howe's defence, too, as they look to make significant additions in that area of the pitch but face competition from Liverpool. The 24-year-old's performances for England at Euro 2024 have seen his stock rise, and he looks to be a primary option for several top flight sides.

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has also been mentioned as a target for the Magpies, with the 27-year-old having to settle for a squad role at Anfield in recent times, often in a full-back role. While the thought of regular playing time centrally may appeal to him, it looks as though he is happy to prove himself under Arne Slot, though, meaning Newcastle will have to look elsewhere. Now, a fresh update has dropped regarding their search for a centre-back, with a significant development taking place.

Newcastle not stopping after Guehi bid

Taking to X on Monday evening, the reliable David Ornstein claimed that Newcastle have now submitted an opening bid for the services of Crystal Palace star Guehi. That bid is thought to have been rejected, but talks are continuing and there is confidence a deal can be agreed despite one not being close yet, according to Sky Sports' Keith Downie.

This is a major step in the right direction for Newcastle, confirming the strength of their interest in Guehi, who could be such an exciting signing for the Magpies, but the good news doesn't stop there, as Douglas hints the Magpies could have even more planned before the season kicks off next weekend.

The Tyneside outfit have been strongly linked with signing a new right-sided attacker due to the possible departure – or simply lack of form – of Miguel Almiron, who despite being a fan favourite has not provided enough end product in the last 12 months to cement his spot.

Guehi meanwhile was so impressive for the Euros, coming in for the injured Harry Maguire and arguably proving to be the Three Lions' standout performer in Germany, as his statistics below highlight.

Michael Beale knew Guehi well during his youth team days, coaching him at Chelsea, and he has waxed lyrical over him recently, saying: "He shows a huge amount of confidence to play on the left side and his technical upbringing from Chelsea means he can use his left foot, albeit he is dominant on his right foot. When you see the teams line up, he's not the biggest centre-back but he has a huge leap. Quietly people are realising we have an absolute gem in him."

It is now a case of seeing PIF and Paul Mitchell can get a deal done for the £50,000-a-week defender – if they do, the Magpies could have a fantastic signing on their hands, and it sounds like they will be straight onto the chase for their next signing

One Crystal Palace player is ready to pack his bags and leave south London this summer after telling the club of his desire to leave, it has been reported.

Crystal Palace facing interest in stars

It has been an anxious summer for Crystal Palace and Oliver Glasner following their strong end to the 2023-24 Premier League season, with speculation surrounding several of their stars ahead of the new campaign.

Talismanic figure Michael Olise has already left, joining Bayern Munich in a deal worth £60m after turning down the chance to join Chelsea for the second summer in a row. But interest remains in more of Palace's talents, with Eberechi Eze having been linked with Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal amid claims that £60m could be enough to secure his signature.

Meanwhile, Marc Guehi is subject of interest from Newcastle United, who have opened negotiations over signing the Palace skipper this summer, while Liverpool are also thought to have joined the race for the EURO 2024 standout's signature.

Down to the final two years of his contract at Selhurst Park, Palace would be willing to reluctantly cash in on him this summer to avoid losing him for free in the years to come, but are set to demand around £60m to do so.

He's Haaland-esque: Crystal Palace can land dream £59m Mateta replacement

Crystal Palace eye interesting Mateta replacement

By
Connor Holden

Aug 4, 2024

Their own business has been reasonable, with Daichi Kamada arriving on a free transfer and Real Betis defender Chadi Riad signed for £10m. They have also signed former Watford winger Ismaila Sarr to fill the void left by OIise and were either Guehi or Eze to leave they could likely move to replace them.

But now, they may have to replace another squad player.

England man wants to leave Crystal Palace

That comes as England international Sam Johnstone has reportedly told the club that he wants to leave in search of first-team football.

The shot-stopper was set to be part of England's squad for EURO 2024 only for a shoulder injury to keep him sidelined for the tournament, meaning that he couldn't add to his four caps for the Three Lions.

The 31-year-old signed for Crystal Palace on a free transfer in 2022, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal worth £40,000-a-week. However, he made just nine appearances in his first campaign and a further 20 in the 2023/24 season, which saw him briefly dropped in favour of Dean Henderson before getting injured.

When he did play, he put in some strong performances, with Roy Hodgson singling him out for praise after one outing against Leeds United in the 2022-23 campaign.

“Sam deserves an awful lot of credit, especially having had to battle through injuries, watching Vicente Guaita play in front of him,” he said. “This was a great opportunity to show what a good quality goalkeeper he is — and he took that. We know he’s good, we see him in training and know his character. Today, he produced the saves you want your goalkeeper to produce.”

But HITC report that the 31-year-old is looking to leave the club after making it "clear" to Palace that "he does not want to spend the season on the bench in South London".

He is thought to be in demand too, with Nottingham Forest among those chasing his signature. No price is mentioned in the report, but any fee would see Palace profit on the goalkeeper were he to move on, though they would have to find a replacement for the England man who was four senior caps for the Three Lions.

USMNT superstar Christian Pulisic has been compared to Roberto Donadoni and Alexandre Pato after playing a starring role for AC Milan this season.

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• Pulisic shining in Milan
• Compared to former AC Milan stars
• Has surprised former club chief

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pulisic has been a standout player for Milan this season, scoring eight goals and bagging five assists already for the Rossoneri in 19 appearances in all competitions. The winger's form has drawn plenty of praise, with ex-United States star Alexi Lalas labelling him "world-class". Pulisic has also been called "the best player in Serie A" by former USMNT midfielder Sacha Kljestan.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  More praise has now come Pulisic's way courtesy of former Milan director Ariedo Braida. The 78-year-old, who brought the likes of George Weah and Andriy Shevchenko to San Siro during his tenure at the club, has likened Pulisic to two former Milan players in particular.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Braida told reporters: "I must admit that he has surprised me. When he faces the opponent for a one-on-one, I see something of Pato, and when he flutters, he’s similar to Donadoni, but today’s football is different, so I won’t make comparisons.”

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC

  Milan will once again look to Pulisic for inspiration on Friday when they return to action in Serie A against second-placed Atalanta. The Rossoneri will be full of confidence after a thumping 6-1 win over Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia.