Dejan Lovren was strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool during the summer transfer window.
And he did not actually make his first Premier League appearance of the season until the clash with Leicester City at the start of October.
Joel Matip’s injury has opened the door for the Croatia international, though, and the centre-back has now started and finished Liverpool’s last four league matches.
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All four of those appearances have ended in wins – Liverpool dispatching Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Crystal Palace.
It has been some turnaround for a player who looked destined to leave Anfield over the summer, and many of the Merseyside club’s supporters have been keen to pay tribute to the 2018 World Cup finalist for his recent form.
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It remains to be seen what happens when Matip returns to fitness, but Lovren’s performances in recent weeks have impressed the Liverpool supporters.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Chelsea have promised an alternative striker to Nicolas Jackson that they will try to strike a deal for him, despite the Senegal international’s fine start to 2024/2025.
Nicolas Jackson goal tally at Chelsea this season
Despite doubts surrounding the 23-year-old and his ability to lead the line under Enzo Maresca, Jackson has silenced his critics with an array of excellent displays so far this campaign.
"Generational" £89m Chelsea ace may have no choice but to leave in January
It would be a real shame.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 26, 2024
The former Villarreal starlet most recently bagged a brace and an assist in Chelsea’s 3-0 demolition of West Ham at the London Stadium last weekend, with goals also coming against both Wolves and Crystal Palace beforehand.
“We are 100% happy with Nicolas,” said Maresca, speaking to BBC Sport after full-time against West Ham.
Brighton (home)
September 28
Nottingham Forest (home)
October 6
Liverpool (away)
October 20
Newcastle (home)
October 27
Man United (away)
November 3
“Since I arrived here, he’s been very good on the ball in terms of goals and assists, but he also did a fantastic job off the ball. We are very happy.”
This comes after Chelsea failed to bring in a new prolific scorer in the summer, and regardless of Jackson’s form, not to mention the presence of Christopher Nkunku, it remains the case that Maresca’s side could still sign one next year.
Nicolas Jackson scores for Chelsea
Chelsea chiefs are pushing Victor Boniface’s name behind-the-scenes, according to some reports, with the Nigerian starting this season at Bayer Leverkusen in great scoring form.
Meanwhile, the west Londoners are also still being linked with Boniface’s international teammate – Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea made a late bid to sign Osimhen during the summer, but couldn’t get an eleventh-hour deal over the line in time, as the 25-year-old instead settled for a loan move to Galatasaray.
His deal with the Turkish Süper Lig champions includes a rumoured break clause, which would allow interested clubs to strike a deal for him mid-season. Chelsea could have a free run over signing Osimhen in January, with BlueCo already making contact ahead of a potential move (TEAMtalk).
Chelsea promise Osimhen they will try to sign him next year
TEAMtalk have another update on the situation this week, and they write that Chelsea have promised Osimhen they will try to sign him in 2025, even if other names are on their shortlist as well.
The African superstar’s new release clause is set at £63 million, which is a mark-down from his original one in the summer, so the incentive for Chelsea to make a move is there – even if Jackson will feel pretty hard done by.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen
Called “unmarkable” and a “force of nature” by the Italian press, Osimhen was one of Serie A’s most prolific stars before he joined Galtasaray to escape Antonio Conte’s Napoli.
“I’ve told him how good the club is and what a fantastic place it is to improve. He’s interested which is encouraging. He wants to come to the club,” said ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel in August.
“Chelsea is a massive club and he would like to follow in the footsteps of other Nigerians to play for Chelsea. I think it’s 60/40 in favour that Osimhen comes, I think so, he wants to come. I think there should be a straight swap because Napoli want [Romelu] Lukaku.”
Newcastle United could reportedly decide to get rid of a high-profile 43-year-old figure at the club, according to an intriguing new claim.
Tensions on show at Newcastle
The Magpies may have had the chance to go top of the Premier League table on Saturday afternoon, but that’s not to say that everything is going swimmingly at St James’ Park currently.
In the end, Newcastle blew that opportunity, losing 3-1 away to Fulham after an underwhelming performance at Craven Cottage, and there are thought to be ongoing issues surrounding those high up at the club, in terms of how they are getting along.
The relationship between Eddie Howe and new sporting director Paul Mitchell is said to be strained currently, with the pair struggling to see eye to eye after an underwhelming summer in the transfer market.
While Newcastle’s results this season have been largely good up until Saturday’s woeful outing, there is an ongoing feeling of unrest at the club, and now a big update has emerged regarding potential sackings in the near future.
Newcastle could now axe 43-year-old
According to a fresh report from Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Newcastle could choose to axe Mitchell before Howe, should their relationship continue to be problematic, with tensions growing in recent times between the two.
The update states that “there are no other managers being lined up” to replace the current Magpies manager, who is believed to be “pretty safe” in his job. It goes on to add that “there has been talk at the club that Mitchell would be the first casualty rather than Howe if there was going to be a significant change.”
To see Mitchell lose his job this early in his time at St James’ would not be a good look for anyone involved, considering he arrived at the club with a huge reputation in the summer, having excelled during his time at Ligue 1 side Monaco.
If the relationship between manager and sporting director is suffering, though, eventually push has to come to shove and somebody may need to be relieved of their duties. Howe hasn’t exactly dispelled the rumour about there being an issue, playing down the claims earlier this week but not openly praising his colleague:
“I don’t think it’s right for me to make individual comments in reply to Paul’s press conference. I don’t think that will help our current situation. It’s best for me to focus on the future. I’ve had no contact from Paul (since the interview) but I don’t think that’s unusual. We’ve got different jobs to do. I’m focusing on the football and the team, and he’s obviously focusing on his role.”
The hope is that the situation blows over in the coming weeks and months, allowing both Howe and Mitchell to enjoy a strong working relationship, which can only be beneficial to Newcastle.
16x possession lost: 4/10 Newcastle man was worse than Trippier vs Fulham
Eddie Howe’s men suffered their first league defeat of the season
ByRoss Kilvington Sep 21, 2024
That being said, more bad results like the one at Fulham could only see tensions rise further, at which point a decision may have to be made by those high up at the club.
Nottingham Forest are back in Premier League action this weekend as they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, but Nuno Espirito Santo has suffered an injury blow to his squad leading up to the game.
It has been a decent start to the new season for the Reds, as they are unbeaten in their opening three league games, but a trip to face Liverpool will be a strong test for the club.
Nottingham Forest struck gold on star who's worth more than Elanga & CHO
He was wanted by a PL rival this summer
ByJoe Nuttall Sep 9, 2024 Nottingham Forest news
Forest brought in 11 new players during the summer, as Espirito Santo and the board looked to put together a squad that can avoid being in another relegation battle and push towards a mid-table finish.
Elliot Anderson
Newcastle
Morato
Benfica
Nikola Milenkovic
Fiorentina
Ramon Sosa
CA Talleres
David Carmo
FC Porto
Jota Silva
Vit. Guimaraes
Marko Stamenic
Red Star
Calos Miguel
Corinthians
Eric da Silva Moreira
FC St. Pauli
James Ward-Prowse
West Ham
Alex Moreno
Aston Villa
The transfer window is now firmly shut until January, but the club’s best bit of business may still come. It has been reported that Forest are hoping to progress in contract talks with Morgan Gibbs-White this season. The Premier League side is hoping to tie down the midfielder to a new deal that would see him at the top of the club’s pay scale after Newcastle United and Aston Villa made “tentative” enquiries during the summer.
Nottingham Forest player Morgan Gibbs-White
As well as looking to tie Gibbs-White down to a new contract, Nottingham Forest are also keeping an eye on Dylan Watret of Ayr United. They were believed to be among the Premier League clubs watching the right-back in his recent outing against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Challenge Cup.
Forest were joined by fellow Premier League side Arsenal in watching Watret, while there were also representatives from clubs in the Scottish Premiership. But the focus now will be on the upcoming league game, and ahead of it, Forest have suffered an injury blow.
Nottingham Forest player suffers injury on international duty
As relayed by Sport Witness, Cote D’Ivoire manager Emerse Fae revealed ahead of their game against Chad in the African Cup of Nations qualifier that Nottingham Forest defender Willy Boly was to miss the match through injury.
Boly, who has been described as a “unit” by his former teammate Pacal Estrada, has been capped 23 times for the Ivory Coast and was called up to represent his nation once again in this international break. The £40,000-a-week defender didn’t feature in the country’s game against Zambia as he was left out of the squad, and this report goes on to state that tests were carried out and Boly has suffered a calf injury in training.
Fae told reporters ahead of Ivory Coast’s game: “Regarding the absence of Willy Boly, I will simply explain to you: he was unfortunately injured in training just before our match against Chad.
“Examinations revealed a calf injury, and he is therefore unavailable. He returned to the club to recover.”
The uncertainty remains as to how long the defender is going to be out for, as the 33-year-old has featured in two of the club’s opening three league games, starting against Bournemouth and then coming on for the final minute against Southampton before he failed to appear against Wolverhampton Wanderers, his former club.
New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has remained coy about the possibility of signing Harry Kane, but did claim he has an "amazing" relationship with the striker.
What did Mauricio Pochettino say about Harry Kane?
The Argentine has just arrived at Stamford Bridge and has the rest of the summer to shape his team before Premier League football kicks off again.
After the club's poor efforts last campaign, the expectation will be for Pochettino to quickly have the club heading back in the right direction.
One way he could achieve this is with an exciting new goalscorer leading the line, hence their links with some big names such as Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen over the past few months.
However, with ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss Pochettino now calling the shots, it's no surprise that he's been asked about the possibility of signing one of his former players.
Indeed, he spoke about the England captain recently during a press conference – as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
However, the new Chelsea boss seemed fairly coy about the club's chances of signing Kane, even though he did outline just how much he respects the striker.
He said: “I don’t like to talk about players in another club, but you are talking about one of the greatest strikers in the world."
Pochettino also added: “It’s not fair to talk, it’s not fair to say nothing. My relationship with Harry has always been amazing”.
How many goals did Kane score for Pochettino?
Now 29 years old, Kane spent some of his peak years under Pochettino with Tottenham, even if they weren't able to ever turn that into any major silverware.
The Englishman played 242 games for the Argentine – which is the most he's played for any manager in his career. In that time, he scored 169 goals and proved 30 assists.
With stats like that, it's not hard to see why Chelsea and Pochettino could be keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
What's more, the 51-year-old even admitted in the same press conference that the club were trying to improve Chelsea's situation in front of goal.
Indeed, he explained (via football.london: "We are working on that and still we have to time to work. I think for sure we are going to add players that can score and then we are going to try to find the best way to play to score not only with the offensive players – if not midfielders and players in different positions.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
"We’ll see. It depends on the situation and the circumstances. We are working. Football is really dynamic. What we have today maybe disappears tomorrow. We need to be ready to …. [if] we need more or not. Or maybe we go to the pre-season and we realise that maybe we need to improve in different positions or to add more players that can score. Or we have enough. It’s really dynamic and we are going to assess every day the situation."
All in all, with Kane's future "up in the air" this summer, perhaps he could be tempted to work with his former manager if a big enough offer was to arrive.
West Ham United have “enquired” about a deal to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
Is Callum Hudson-Odoi leaving Chelsea?
The Blues academy graduate was sent out on a season-long loan to Bayer Leverkusen last term in the hope of finding him some regular game time, but having only started seven games out of 34 in the Bundesliga, the left-sided winger had an underwhelming spell on the road.
With the Premier League starlet’s contract at his parent club expiring at the end of the next campaign, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to hold crunch talks with the 22-year-old this week regarding his future in SW6, and should he depart, he seemingly won’t be short of potential suitors.
Back in August 2022, 90min credited the Irons with an interest in signing England’s former international before he made the temporary move to Germany, and despite a deal failing to materialise at the time, David Moyes is looking to take a second bite of the cherry.
Are West Ham signing Hudson-Odoi?
Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs name-checked West Ham as potential suitors for Hudson-Odoi but admitted that the Chelsea attacker is yet to make a full decision as to where his next destination will be. He said:
“As has been reported, a move to Saudi Arabia is certainly an option for Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. But nothing has been decided just yet. Hudson-Odoi is assessing his future and may prefer to stay in Europe. Despite a relatively underwhelming loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, there is no shortage of interest in the 22-year-old.
“Keep an eye on Brentford and Fulham. Crystal Palace and West Ham have also enquired. Newcastle are a historic suitor, but not currently considering a move. There is also some initial interest from Atalanta.”
Bayer Leverkusen forward Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Should Moyes take a chance on Hudson-Odoi?
West Ham will know that Hudson-Odoi wasn’t handed as many minutes as he would have hoped at Bayer Leverkusen hence why he only recorded one goal and assist during his time there, but he still has the potential to pose a threat in the final third.
Last season, the Adidas-sponsored gem, who pockets £120k-per-week, ranked in the 87th percentile for progressive carries so loves to take on his marker and push his team up the pitch, but he also recorded 3.86 shot-creating actions per league game which was the third-highest total throughout Xabi Alonso’s squad, via FBRef.
Chelsea’s “monster of a talent”, as dubbed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, would further add excellent versatility to the manager’s ranks with his ability to operate all across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so with the game time that he’d receive in E20, it’s well worth bringing him to the London Stadium.
Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign West Bromwich Albion midfielder Rico Richards, according to a recent report from Football Insider.
What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?
Despite having already completed the signing of Youri Tielemans, Villa are keen to bolster their midfield even further, and they have emerged as potential suitors for Villarreal's Alex Baena, who is said to be valued at €50m (£43m).
Leeds United's Tyler Adams is another option for the Villans following the Whites' relegation from the Premier League, however, the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton and Nottingham Forest have also enquired about his availability.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reportedly "expects" to make the switch to Villa Park this summer after leaving Liverpool, and Unai Emery has now been presented with another opportunity to snap up a midfielder on a free transfer.
According to a report from Football Insider, Villa are in advanced talks to sign Richards, who will be available for free upon the expiration of his contract with West Brom at the end of this month.
Talks have progressed well and Emery's recruitment team are confident of securing a full agreement with the 19-year-old, who primarily plays in advanced midfield, but can also play on either wing and up front.
To begin with, the youngster could join the likes of Louie Barry and Aaron Ramsey in the under-21 setup at Villa Park.
Who is Rico Richards?
The starlet has come through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion, making a total of 52 appearances in the Premier League 2, during which time he has registered a respectable six goals and eight assists.
After impressing at youth level, the Englishman was handed one appearance in the Championship last season, though that ten-minute cameo is the only experience he has of first-team football.
As such, the midfielder is likely to be some way off competing for a starting place at Villa Park, but he has certainly caught the eye in the youth setup, being hailed as "splendid" by journalist Joe Chapman after a quality display against Arsenal.
Villa are now in the privileged position of being able to attract top-quality young players, and there is every indication the West Brom youngster is in that bracket, recording nine goal contributions in 19 Premier League 2 games last season.
Given that Richards is available on a free transfer, it is a very low-risk signing, and it is exciting news that a deal is edging closer to completion.
Fulham are interested in making a move for Manchester United midfielder Fred this summer, who has been valued at £20m, according to Jason Burt of The Telegraph.
Fulham transfer news – will they sign Fred?
With just one year left on his current deal at Manchester United, if Fred is to leave the Red Devils, it would make sense for them to cash in this summer.
With Fulham interested, too, a move to the London club may well happen before the start of the forthcoming Premier League season.
Marco Silva could see the Brazilian as a replacement for Joao Palhinha, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United, as they seek to replace the departing Declan Rice.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are set to make their first approach for the midfielder.
Would Fred be an upgrade on Harrison Reed?
Man United's Fred
After Fulham shocked the Premier League to finish in the top half in their first season back in the top flight, not many upgrades are needed in Silva's side.
If they are to keep their place in the top half, however, then welcoming a player of Fred's experience wouldn't be a bad start this summer.
As solid as Harrison Reed has been for the Cottagers, the Brazilian would simply be a significant upgrade, as backed up by the stats.
Silva's side broke into the top half through their free-flowing football, and adding Fred would only enhance that style of play and hand the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic more service and, therefore, more goals.
As per FBref, when compared to Reed last season, the United man made more progressive passes per 90 and had a better pass completion rate, too.
Meanwhile, defensively speaking, the "magnificent" Fred – as lauded by his manager Erik ten Hag – also lost fewer challenges than the current Fulham midfielder and made more blocks per 90. So, with that said, the London club would be getting themselves a player capable of bettering Reed offensively and defensively.
Not to mention the trophies he has picked up at Old Trafford either.
Speaking about the Brazilian machine back in 2019, Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp said, via Manchester Evening News:
"The stick he received was remarkable. From 'useless' to 'waste of money', he was called it all. Maybe he is not the answer for Manchester United in the long term. Maybe he won't be their midfield lynchpin for years to come.
"But he has dug deep and refused to let the critics win. He was superb against City. In the same way everyone was quick to criticise, let's give him the credit he deserves, too."
After playing just 1231 minutes in the Premier League for Manchester United – the same as just over 13 games – Fred may feel as though now is the right time to move on from Old Trafford.
A side on the up such as Fulham would certainly make for an interesting project, too. We saw his former teammate Andreas Pereira make the same move last summer, before going on to enjoy a far better season at Craven Cottage than any that he experienced on an individual level for the Red Devils.
It is a transfer that would see Fulham upgrade on Reed, and Fred receive far more game time.
Newcastle United are 'progressing well' in their attempts to bring Leicester City playmaker James Maddison to St James' Park this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.
What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are said to be 'frontrunners' in the race to sign Maddison this summer amid stiff competition from other Premier League sides.
The report states that Newcastle United are ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in their pursuit of the £110k-a-week ace, who is set for an exit from Leicester City in the next few months due to their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
Sky Sports also broadly state along the same lines that Newcastle United are in pole position to bring in Maddison; however, the outlet detail that Spurs could 'formalise' a bid now that they have appointed a new manager in the form of Ange Postecoglou.
Maddison caught the eye of the Magpies in January, though Leicester City were unwilling to do business mid-season, which is a stance that they look to have changed and it is now believed that they are open to offers for the Coventry-born playmaker.
As per The Guardian, Maddison's teammate Harvey Barnes is also a target for Newcastle United as they plot a double raid of the Foxes' best talents ahead of 2023/24.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Galetti has revealed that talks between Maddison and Newcastle United over a summer transfer are going well.
Galetti said: "The talks between Newcastle and Leicester over James Maddison are progressing well, even if not at a great pace. I’m told Newcastle want to strengthen every role of their squad after the qualification for next season’s Champions League and they are working on multiple deals."
Would James Maddison be a good signing for Newcastle United?
Maddison would be a brilliant addition for Newcastle United who would add some extra flair to their talented midfield at St James' Park looking forward to next term.
In 2022/23, the England international made 32 appearances in all competitions for Leicester City, registering ten goals and nine assists, as per Transfermarkt.
James Maddison Chelsea target
Proving to be an inventive presence in the Foxes' midfield, Maddison also successfully performed 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League, as tallied by FBRef.
Possessing a keen goal threat, Maddison hit an average of 2.8 shots per game in the English top-flight, demonstrating his penchant to make things happen despite the faltering nature of the team around him this term, as per WhoScored.
Newcastle United are preparing for Champions League football under Eddie Howe and bringing Maddison to Tyneside could help to take the Magpies to the next level.
Aston Villa will know about their chances of bringing Sevilla sporting director Monchi to the club by Monday, according to a fresh update.
Are Villa keen on Monchi?
The Villans are flying as a club at the moment, with everyone seemingly pulling in the right direction and a great period in the club's history potentially on the horizon.
They enjoyed a brilliant 2022/23 season – one that ended in a seventh-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League – but the hope is that this is only the start under Unai Emery.
It could be that a new sporting director is looked at in the summer, in order to aid Emery in the transfer market, and Monchi has been linked with a move to Villa. The 54-year-old is a hugely influential figure in his field, having enjoyed a playing career in the past, and he been in his current role on-and-off since 2000.
As Villa look to make what could feel like a major appointment, a key update has emerged to make the current situation a little clearer.
Soccer Football – Serie A – AS Roma vs Inter Milan – Milan, Italy – August 26, 2017 AS Roma sporting director Monchi (L) with Inter Milan director of football Walter Sabatini (R) before the match REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi
When will Monchi decision be made?
According to ABC Sevilla [via Sport Witness], Sevilla have put a "48-hour deadline" on Monchi when it comes to making a decision over his future, with the La Liga club not wanting matters to "extend beyond Monday."
He has made it clear that he wants a fresh challenge this summer, having helped Sevilla win the Europa League yet again, with the current situation described as "tense", with an "absolute divorce" the most likely outcome in the near future.
Villa's offer to bring in the Spaniard is described as "very strong financially", as they look to clinch what could be a significant piece of business.
Monchi really could be a superb addition at Villa Park, given his vast experience and success as a sporting director, overseeing two different Europa League triumphs at Sevilla. Emery himself has hailed him as "good person and a good professional" in the past, also saying that they had a strong working relationship, suggesting the pair could again thrive alongside one another at Villa.
It is far from a done deal, but if NSWE can get a move over the line, it could well prove to be the latest major positive in an increasingly promising period at the club, potentially enticing top players to Villa Park this summer in the process.