It is believed a "key player" at Chelsea is "now increasingly likely" to leave Mauricio Pochettino after some news this week.

Who will leave Chelsea?

Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have invested significantly since their takeover of the west London club; spending nearly £400 million on new signings in the summer window alone. To balance the books and avoid FFP trouble, they decided to offload a host of players either on loan or permanently.

Indeed, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi all left for £230 million in total (Transfermarkt).

While they got off to a slow start this season, even going from late August to early October without scoring a league goal, their Premier League form has slightly picked up recently with two wins from their last two.

While Pochettino attempts to steer his Chelsea side in the right direction, there are reports that more members of the squad could depart Stamford Bridge sooner rather than later. Left-back Marc Cucurella is one of the rumoured names, alongside defender Trevoh Chalobah, who is said to be attracting real interest from English rivals.

Veteran defender Thiago Silva, whose contract expires at the end of this season, most recently penned an extension back in February and has been an excellent servant to Chelsea since joining on a free transfer from Paris-Saint Germain in 2020. Winning the Champions League and becoming a real fan favourite, it will be painful for supporters to watch the Brazilian depart.

Thiago Silva update

Now, sharing a Thiago Silva transfer update, journalist Pete O'Rourke has some bad news on the matter. Writing for Football Insider, the reporter claims Silva is "now increasingly likely" to leave next year despite being a "key player" for Pochettino. The 39-year-old is approaching his final days in west London, "expected to quit" Chelsea upon the expiry of his deal in 2024. It appears he won't be penning a new deal or extending his stay at the Bridge, meaning Chelsea may well have to consider a replacement for him next year.

The South American has been praised for his contribution in recent seasons, being called a "leader" and "legend" by his teammates.

"First and foremost, it's a real honour to play alongside him," said Benoit Badiashile to talkSPORT this year. "And do you know what? For a young player like me, he's someone that makes things easy. He's a legend, isn't he? He's a real leader, he's very, very experienced of course. Any of the advice that he gives me is always welcome, he's advised me not only when we've been playing – he's spoken to me during the game.

Passing

Concentration

Blocking the ball

"But also before the game and in training as well. So he's someone that you can only learn alongside. And as I say, it's an absolute honour to line up alongside him."

Former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has been left absolutely blown away by one Hammers player, who's dazzled alongside the usual suspects.

How have West Ham played this season?

David Moyes and his Hammers side are starting the new Premier League season off in very solid fashion. Only Man City and Liverpool, who could both be battling for the league title, have managed to beat West Ham with Moyes claiming victory over Chelsea, Brighton, Sheffield United and Luton Town. The east Londoners sit pretty in eighth, while also impressing over their European campaign.

West Ham made it two wins from two in the Europa League group stages with a brilliant 2-1 win over Bundesliga side SC Freiburg on Thursday night, with goals from Lucas Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd sealing an impressive win in Germany. Speaking after the match, Moyes held special praise for his side after they overcame, arguably, their toughest test of Group A.

"17 matches unbeaten in Europe fills me with so much pride," Moyes said on West Ham's website (via ESPN).

"I got told about the record yesterday and I was quite thrilled to even be level with the two managers who were in question, Don Revie and Bill Nicholson, and I have to say I was delighted with getting the win.

"The record is always really good to get, but more important was winning tonight, and getting those three points is so good, particularly when many would consider this the hardest game in the group."

Who are West Ham's star players?

17 matches unbeaten in Europe is certainly an impressive stat, and West Ham's solid Premier League start emphasises just how difficult of a side to beat they are under Moyes. Jarrod Bowen has starred in front of goal, as has summer signing James Ward-Prowse, who is currently standing out as one of the bargain's of the window.

However, McAvennie has suggested to West Ham Zone that Brazil international midfielder Paqueta deserves just as much credit for his West Ham performances. Naming the most impressive players in Moyes' squad, McAvennie explained:

“Bowen is good isn’t he? I like Bowen. If Antonio wasn’t back to his old self, we wouldn’t be the team that we are now. Because the way we play, you need somebody up front working hard, and that’s what Antonio does.

“Danny Ings can’t do that, so if Antonio doesn’t do that we’re in trouble, because he’s doing that and it’s part of the team and it’s working because of the way he runs and fights up front.

I’ve got to be honest I’m getting more and more attached to Paqueta. Some of his touches are just ‘Wow.’ He’s incredible. I’m impressed with him. As a striker, I would have loved to have had a player of that calibre behind me, because he’s got a great touch and great vision.

“He can see a pass and he takes a chance, I like that. And if he makes a mistake he makes a mistake, who cares? That’s the way it should be. You have to give the defenders credit too, they have been great.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Duelo que no primeiro turno marcava a briga dos dois primeiros colocados, dessa vez Chapecoense e Cuiabá duelam pela Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro estando em situações diferentes.

Enquanto o time catarinense nesse meio tempo assumiu a liderança e chegou a acumular uma boa margem de pontos antes das duas derrotas consecutivas na competição (Cruzeiro e Guarani), os mato-grossenses enfrentam uma queda de rendimento acentuada desde a eliminação na Copa do Brasil para o Grêmio bem como coincidindo também com a saída do técnico Marcelo Chamusca, atualmente no Fortaleza.

Com isso, a equipe que chegou a ser ponteira com alguma folga na Série B hoje está na quinta posição com 40 pontos ganhos e se recuperou de uma sequência de sete jogos sem vencer apenas na última rodada ao bater por 2 a 1 o Avaí na Arena Pantanal.

Em um fim de semana marcado por homenagens do lado da Chape as vítimas do acidente aéreo na Colômbia em 2016, a trajetória das duas equipes que se enfrentam na próxima terça-feira (1) se ligou, pela primeira vez, justamente naquela edição da Copa Sul-Americana.

Isso porque, bem antes de almejar chegar a final continental, a Chape passou ainda na primeira eliminatória do torneio justamente pelo Cuiabá. Enquanto na ida o Dourado venceu por 1 a 0, na volta o Verdão do Oeste reverteu o quadro ao ganhar por 3 a 1.

RelacionadasFora de CampoJakson Follmann relembra tragédia da Chape e homenageia amigos que morreram: ‘Grato e de pé, por eles’Fora de Campo29/11/2020ChapecoenseCadeiras da Arena Condá ganham homenagem da Chapecoense a vítimas de acidente aéreoChapecoense29/11/2020Futebol NacionalCuiabá faz gol no último minuto e vence o Avaí na Série BFutebol Nacional27/11/2020

Manchester City are in pole position to sign a new defensive midfielder in January, but a reliable journalist has confirmed that they aren’t the only club looking to bring him to the Premier League.

Who have Man City bought in 2023?

Over the summer, Pep Guardiola’s side secured the services of Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic, whilst sanctioning the permanent exits of Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte, Ilkay Gundogan, Benjamin Mendy, Nahuel Bustos and Yangel Herrera.

The Sky Blues also gave the green light for Joao Cancelo, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, James McAtee, Maximo Perrone, Issa Kabore, Tommy Doyle, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Slobodan Tedic to go out on loan for the remainder of the season in order to increase their game time.

Therefore, having made space in the squad for even more new signings in January, Guardiola is already assessing his options in the market and appears to have identified Benfica’s Joao Neves as a player he’d like to bring to the Etihad Stadium.

The Portugal international still has another five years remaining on his deal with Roger Schmidt’s side (Benfica contracts), but with the 19-year-old having majorly impressed since getting promoted from the academy to his club’s first team, he’s caught the eye.

Joao Neves transfer update…

Taking to X, Graeme Bailey revealed in a Joao Neves transfer update that Man City are the current frontrunners to sign the central talisman at Benfica, but admitted that they aren't alone in their pursuit. He wrote:

“Man City lead chase for Benfica's Joao Neves. Man United, PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus have both also been watching the midfielder.”

Expanding in his column for 90min, the reporter claimed that the teenager has impressed scouts when they have been in attendance to watch their target and City chiefs believe that he "would be ready" to complete a switch to England.

How good is Joao Neves?

According to talent scout Jacek Kulig, Neves is a “warrior” for the way he dictates play in the centre of the park, where he currently ranks in the 98th percentile for blocks by midfielders (FBRef – Neves statistics), and is extremely calm and composed on the ball, recording a 91.6% pass success rate.

Joao Neves' Strengths	Joao Neves' Weaknesses
Aerial duels	Player has no significant weaknesses
Passing	(Data via WhoScored)
Tackling
Blocking the ball

The Tavira native, who pockets £3k-per-week (Benfica salaries), is a versatile operator having been deployed in seven different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the midfield, one role in defence and the other in the final third (Transfermarkt – Neves positions), so he would be a wonderful option to have in the building.

In addition, Neves shares the same representative, Gestifute, as Ederson, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes (Man City agents), so this existing connection that his management already has to the club could give the board a small advantage should they try to get a deal over the line in January.

England are considering leaving James Anderson and Stuart Broad out of the squad that will tour Sri Lanka later in the year.Although there is little doubt that Anderson, in particular, remains England’s best bowler, it is understood the England management are aware of the need for succession planning and may use the three-Test series in Sri Lanka to explore their options. Anderson and Broad have taken the new ball together for more than a decade and are the two highest wicket-takers in England’s Test history.While nothing is confirmed – ESPNcricinfo understands the idea is just being discussed at this stage and it could be that the pair are rotated at different times – it would seem the likes of Jamie Porter, Sam Curran and, if fit, Jamie Overton may have an opportunity to stake a claim in Sri Lanka alongside the more experienced Chris Woakes.The first Test begins in Galle on November 6 followed by matches in Pallekele and Colombo.England’s record away from home may also be a factor. They have won only one overseas series since they defeated India in 2012-13 (beating South Africa in 2015-16) and, in losing their last three, have been punished for a lack of potency when not in home conditions and armed with a Duke’s ball.Since the start of the India tour in November 2016, they have spent an average of 150 overs in the field in their opponents’ first innings. They have won none of those 12 Tests and lost nine. While Anderson bowled admirably in Australia – he claimed 17 wickets at an average of 27.82 – the disparity in pace between the attacks was a clear point of difference between the sides.The pair are no longer part of England’s one-day team, but the management might also be mindful of managing the workload of their older seamers. Anderson has been nursing a shoulder problem for a couple of years now and Broad has a long-standing issue with one of his feet, although on the eve of the third Test against India Broad spoke to ESPNcricinfo about how fresh he was feeling.With an Ashes series coming up in 2019, there may be a thought of saving them for that rather than asking them to bowl on pitches offering them little in Sri Lanka. England also have a three-Test tour of the Caribbean at the start of 2019.

Durham’s surge to the top of North Group is the season’s heartwarming story – as for Northants, they are now consigned to bottom spot

ECB Reporters Network10-Aug-2018

Durham have rediscovered the winning feeling•Getty Images

ScorecardDurham went top of the North Group of the Vitality Blast, and qualified for the quarter-finals in the process, with a 12-run win at Northamptonshire as their Twenty20 season continued to bring pleasure where for most of the financially-stricken past two years there has been only pain.Having set 174 for 7 after being sent in, Durham chipped away in the second innings and just as Northants reduced the equation to 34 needed from 20 balls with five wickets in hand, the visitors took three wickets in four balls to end the contest.A tenth defeat consigns Northants to last place in the North Group and they were behind in this game from the first over that cost 17.Tom Latham pulled Nathan Buck for his first boundary and pulled another that drifted away on the breeze for the night’s first six over deep square leg before cutting Brett Hutton for four more and pulling Ben Sanderson for a third boundary as the Poweplay yielded 59 for the loss of Graham Clark for 16. But trying to pull Seekkuge Prasanna, Latham dragged the leg-spinner into his stumps to fall for 26.Latham and Paul Collingwood moved Durham to 74 for 1 after seven overs buts after Latham fell, Collingwood went four balls later for 26 as the visitors reached halfway 82 for 3.Collingwood skipped down the pitch to lift Buck over mid-off for four and pulled Hutton backward of square for six. Outside the Powerplay he stepped out to slap Rory Kleinveldt wide of long-on for four but trying to run Ben Sanderson to third man, got a thin edge to Ben Duckett stood up to the stumps.Ryan Pringle heaved Sanderson wide of long-on and reverse-swept Prasanna for four but was trapped lbw by the leg-spinner for 13. Stuart Poynter slog-swept over deep square for six and pulled Buck for a boundary but having reached 31, top-edged a cut stroke and was very well caught by Ben Curran running back from point.Ryan Davies pulled Sanderson for a flat six in front of deep square before slapping two boundaries past extra-cover in a useful 21 from 13 balls before Mark Wood pulled and then cut boundaries to end the innings with a 17 from 9 balls.In reply, the Northants’ Poweprlay was of stark contrast. Ben Duckett was missed on 5 by Nathan Rimmington who simply lost a skied pull shot in the floodlights. Duckett then pulled Rimmington for four but it was a struggle in the first six overs where only 37 were scored.Josh Cobb flicked Rushworth over midwicket for six and cleared his front leg to heave Wood over mid-on for four but trying to hit over the off side, edged Wood into his off stump to fall for 14, after Ricardo Vasconcelos slapped Rushworth straight to point for 1 in the opening over of the chase.Outside the Powerplay, Charlie Thurston cut Paul Collingwood to deep cover but Duckett hit Ben Whitehead’s leg-spin either side of long-on for boundaries and swept Collingwood past midwicket for four more.104 were needed from 10 overs and Alex Wakely edged a boundary just out of the reach of the wicketkeeper and Duckett reverse-swept narrowly over short-third man’s head. But Wakely edged Collingwood behind for 16 and Duckett was lbw for 40.Seekkuge Prasanna was promoted to No. 6 and, with 82 needed from 42 balls, hammered two boundaries past extra-cover and lifted a six over long leg. 60 were needed from 30 balls and the Sri Lankan hit Collingwood for six, went down on one leg to lift Rimmington over deep square but holed out next ball and the chase collapsed.

Rangers could be looking for new signings to aid their Scottish Premiership title push, and one player has hinted at a move to Ibrox when 2024 arrives.

Rangers-Celtic title race

The Gers have already made improvements since Philippe Clement replaced Michael Beale in the Ibrox hot seat, with results and performances already better than they were previously. It is still clear that Clement's side have a huge amount of work to do in order to chase down rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race, even though the Hoops' 0-0 draw away to Hibernian on Saturday has given them more hope of wrestling the trophy away from them next year.

For that to happen, it could be that new faces are required when the January transfer window rolls around, in order to give the manager more options all over the pitch. It looks as though one intriguing move could potentially happen in 2024, following a key update regarding one player who is well-known to Gers supporters.

Helander's Rangers return

Speaking to The Daily Record, Filip Helander hinted that he could return to Rangers on a free transfer in 2024, having previously represented the club for four years:

"I’m not aware of the injury I had at all, which is great. And I think I can still achieve a lot in the game. That’s something I have in my mind. I try to set goals in terms of what I want to do.

"I’m only 30 so hopefully I have a good few years left in me. Because I was out for a long time it’s almost like I feel MORE healthy now. It’s about making up for lost time. That’s how I’m trying to look at it. I hope to have a good season here in Denmark and see what happens after that.

“I’ve only signed a one-year deal at Odense. They weren’t certain whether I’d be fit or not. So it was a good place to hopefully get game time. Could I come back to Rangers for free next summer? You never know."

Helander was an impressive performer for Rangers between 2019 and earlier this year, when he departed to join Danish side OB, proving to be a consistent performer at centre-back. A dominant figure, Helander's stats in a Gers shirt highlight the influence that he enjoyed for the Scottish giants, racking up 60 appearances in that time and also winning 21 caps for Sweden at international level, with injuries arguably preventing him from having higher tallies.

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is someone who always appreciated the 30-year-old, once hailing the "great leadership" that he possesses in his game, and the fact that he would be available on a free transfer at the end of the season would make it less of a risk – Helander's contract expires next summer – in terms of the Gers bringing him back to the club.

At 30, he still has plenty to offer, as Helander himself alludes to in his comments, and having another good option at the heart of the defence can only increase Clement's side going from strength to strength, possibly making this one to watch.

Dele Alli’s “complicated scenario” at Everton has been explained, with it unlikely that he will play another game for the Toffees.

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• Ex-England international recovering from surgery
• Set to hit free agency in the summer
• In need of a fresh start

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The latest injury update from Sean Dyche hinted at “progress” on the fitness front for Dele, who is working his way back from surgery on a persistent groin problem. Some considered that to be a nod towards the 27-year-old potentially figuring in match day plans before the 2023-24 campaign comes to a close.

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  Dele has, however, not played a competitive game of any kind since February 2023 – during a frustrating loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas – and is expected to hit free agency this summer without adding to his tally of 13 appearances for Everton.

• WHAT DOCTOR SAID ABOUT DELE

  Dr Rajpal Brar, a specialist in physical therapy and sports science, has told of the problems Dele faces when it comes to getting back onto the pitch: “Based on what Dyche said and recent reports, progress here could simply be that he’s responding well to physio, however low or high intensity that might be. Considering how long he’s been out and how conservative the club have been for him, I would be very, very surprised if he returns this season. It is a complicated scenario and his lack of match fitness has not been ideal either.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DELE?

  Dele is approaching another important career crossroads in 2024. After enduring issues on and off the field of late, the former England international faces a big call on what he does next – with it suggested that he may have to drop down a division or two in order to rekindle a spark and recover lost form.

Cole Palmer and a host of Chelsea players came to Raheem Sterling's defence after his disastrous show in the FA Cup.

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Chelsea players came to Sterling's defenceApologised to fans on InstagramMissed a penalty in Chelsea's win over LeicesterWHAT HAPPENED?

It was a night to forget for the former Manchester City and Liverpool winger as he displayed a disastrous show in the club's FA Cup quarter-final clash against Leicester City on Sunday. Sterling missed a penalty in the first half that could have doubled the Blues' lead over the Foxes and then blasted a free-kick well off target towards the end of the second half.

Although the west London side eventually emerged victorious, Sterling was jeered by the fans at Stamford Bridge and the player later took to Instagram to apologise for a dismal show.

AdvertisementWHAT CHELSEA SAID

On the English winger's apologetic post on Instagram, a host of Chelsea players including Palmer, Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez showed their solidarity with the player by leaving a reply in his comment section.

Palmer commented, "My brother. Shit happens no need to apologise gg", Gusto wrote, "Big bro no need to apologise", while Fernandez replied, "Come on Raz".

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After the match, manager Mauricio Pochettino also came to the experienced player's defence as he urged the fans not to jeer at Sterling after just one unfortunate performance on the pitch.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

The Blues will meet reigning champions Manchester City in the semi-final of the FA Cup. Their next outing will be after the international break in the Premier League on March 30 as they take on Burnley.

Jack Brooks’ 9 for 113 in a Roses match awash with relegation fears was a bittersweet gift for a Yorkshire side he will leave at the end of the season

Paul Edwards13-Sep-2018
ScorecardThere were no interventions, either human or divine, to save Lancashire from their fate on the final day of the Roses match. Water stayed stubbornly aqueous, Lazarus remained stiff and the five thousand were last seen forming an orderly queue outside Subway. Liam Livingstone’s team needed a miracle to win this game and now they need another one if they are to avoid relegation. By contrast, all Yorkshire now require is a maximum of 18 points from two matches to achieve the same objective. Happy days are here again at Headingley; they have not been frequent visitors this seasonAt least matters were dealt with quickly. Unlike supporters of the home side at Worcester, Lancashire onlookers were not tortured by their hopes. Play had been in progress for just 40 minutes when Josh Bohannon drove Ben Coad to short midwicket where Tim Bresnan first parried the ball then took the catch which ended the match and started celebrations which were tinged as much by relief as joy.Earlier in the morning Jack Brooks had knocked out Keshav Maharaj’s leg stump and Graham Onions’ off stump to finish the match with figures of nine for 113. His leaving present to his soon-to-be former team was well-chosen but the Yorkshire coach, Andrew Gale chose to focus on his team’s powers of recovery as he reflected on their first Roses double since 2001.”There was a lot of pressure on us coming into the game and the first day didn’t go as planned,” he said. “I thought we showed a lot of character, togetherness, team spirit and belief to fight back in the fashion we did and to win by 90-odd runs in the end was a fantastic effort.”We’ve now got a bit of confidence that hasn’t always been there this year and we’ve got to jump on the back of that and finish the season real strong. If we do, the results will look after themselves. But we’re not counting our chickens yet.”Jack Brooks bestowed gifts upon Yorkshire•Getty ImagesLancashire, by contrast, have few chickens to count and no chicken-house to put them in. They have not won a Roses match since 2011 and will almost certainly not have a chance to put that right until 2020. After Essex’s defeat of Nottinghamshire they cannot be relegated next week when both themselves and Notts are without a fixture but their chances of avoiding that fate in around a fortnight’s time are gossamer thin. They would need to beat Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl in the final round of matches and hope that other results go their way “big style”, as they say in Bolton. wrote Lucretius. “Happy the man who knows the causes (origins) of things.” Glen Chapple is surely aware of the causes of Lancashire’s plight this season but one doubts the knowledge brings him much happiness. Their campaign has been cursed by batting collapses and they have failed to earn a batting bonus point in six of their 13 games. When they have played well, as in the home games against Surrey and Somerset, they have failed to force a win. When they have had a bad session, they have invariably lost.”We’ve got ourselves into a position in the table that was precarious through losing close games,” said Chapple. “This one is disappointing because we had such a good first day and played so well. Not to hammer that advantage home is frustrating. Yorkshire are used to the conditions here. They came back well and outplayed us on the second and third days. “The work ethic has been there and we’ve got good players. But too many have had poor seasons.”