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In an ideal, and somewhat fairer cricketing world, series like this would take place more often. An established Full Member would play a more recently anointed one every few years, not just before a World Cup and not only to fill in a gap between series and it’d be a standalone, big-deal event. Almost like the tour South Africa had of Ireland last year, where they played three ODIs as part of the World Cup Super League and three T20Is, close but not quite as close as this one, to the T20I World Cup. But that doesn’t happen very often and Ireland won’t be complaining about an opportunity to get in more games against big names in what has finally been a busy season.They’ve hosted India and New Zealand so far but have yet to win a T20I series under new coach Heinrich Malan, who will be familiar to the South Africans. Malan played some provincial cricket at Northerns before relocating to New Zealand where he coached for almost a decade and then moved to Ireland and while his team have pushed their opponents to their limits, victory has still been elusive.Ireland ticked a major box when they qualified for the T20 World Cup in February but have lost six matches since then, some of them in heartbreaking fashion. They ran India close in the second game of their two-match series, and posted a decent total against New Zealand in the third match of that rubber but in between had a blow-out when they were bowled out for 91. Luckily for them, this series is not their last opportunity to fine-tune ahead of the T20 World Cup. They will host Afghanistan for five T20Is starting next week, which presents another opportunity to get things right ahead of a major tournament.South Africa, on the other hand, don’t have much time to tinker. They will play India in three T20Is just before the T20 World Cup and will likely go in with their World Cup squad. That leaves only these two matches to finalise what is becoming an increasingly complicated selection conundrum but, as stand-in captain David Miller said, rather a problem of too many options than too few.Most of the squad is in good form but Quinton de Kock will want to get some runs in the shortest format, where he hasn’t had a half-century in nine innings, and some of the reserves will be itching for an opportunity. Wayne Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius and Rassie van der Dussen were on the bench for the England series and will hope to get a chance as the white-ball section of South Africa’s UK tour comes to an end.Quinton de Kock will want to get in some big runs this series•AFP/Getty Images

Form guide

Ireland LLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa WWLLL

In the spotlight

There’s some talk of Harry Tector being among those under consideration for CSA’s new T20 league and if the rumours are true, he will give South African fans a taste of what he can do. Known for striking the ball cleanly, Tector flexed his muscles with an unbeaten 64 off 33 balls against India earlier in the season and has gone on to enjoy the summer of his career. He has scored 384 in 14 ODIs at 76.80, including two hundreds in three matches against New Zealand and three successive fifties against West Indies; and 249 runs in nine T20Is at 35.57. Tector also has deals with teams in the 6ixty and the CPL and is well on his way to becoming Ireland’s most sought after franchise player.These matches are likely to be the last opportunity for Reeza Hendricks and Rilee Rossouw to secure their spots at the T20 World Cup. As South Africa’s most in-form top-order batters, it may seem unfair to make them prove themselves again but with de Kock a certain starter, Temba Bavuma likely to return from injury and options including Pretorius as a pinch-hitter at No. 3, the selectors could find themselves forced to pick between these two players. Better them than us. Hendricks has reeled off three half-centuries in a row, Rossouw struck a fearless 96* to allow South Africa to draw level in the series against England and are seeing and hitting the ball as well as ever.

Team news

Craig Young was ruled out of the series with a groin injury which could give former South African under-19 player Graham Hume the opportunity for a T20I debut.Ireland (possible): 1 Paul Stirling, 2 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 3 Lorcan Tucker, 4 Harry Tector, 5 Gareth Delany, 6 George Dockrell, 7 Curtis Campher, 8 Mark Adair, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Graham Hume, 11 Josh LittleWith Kagiso Rabada injured, and three Tests against England looming, South Africa could have pace bowler rotation on their minds. That could mean a debut for Gerald Coetzee while Marco Jansen and allrounders Parnell and Pretorius being given a run. The batting line-up is likely to be unchanged, which will probably mean no room for van der Dussen.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 Rilee Rossouw, 4 Aiden Markram 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 David Miller (capt), 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Anrich Nortje/Marco Jansen, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Tabraiz ShamsiIreland have lost all five of their most recent T20Is•Sportsfile via Getty Images

Pitch and conditions

With short straight boundaries, and fairly short square ones, Bristol is a ground where bowlers, and spinners in particular are put under pressure. England racked up their second-highest T20I score there last week and more than 400 runs were scored in their match against South Africa. Tabraiz Shamsi and Moeen Ali were the specialist bowlers who conceded most of the runs and it will be interesting to see how Shamsi, who finished the England series as the leading wicket-taker, comes back at this venue. For the big-hitters, this is a place to show their power and the likes of Tristan Stubbs and Paul Stirling will be looking to make big statements. There’s some drizzle on Wednesday morning but the forecast is dry for both matches.

Stats and trivia

• Ireland and South Africa have only played three T20Is against each other, all of them last year. South Africa won the series 3-0.
• South Africa have only played one T20I match in Bristol, which they lost to England. Ireland have never played at the venue.

Quotes

“We’ve shown that when we stand up to these teams, we are capable of going blow-for-blow with them, and it feels that way within the group. The belief is there that we can beat these big teams, and not get nervous about any team we play. We go out there and want to win, we expect to win, and I guess that’s where it has been a bit disappointing this summer as we have got so close so many times. The flip side of that is that we know we’re not that far away, and we know we have better cricket in us as well, which is what is so exciting.”
“It will definitely be a new, exciting challenge for us. We played them quite recently in Ireland and we saw exactly what they could do. They are improving series by series, we saw them against India, and they are a team you can’t take for granted.”

Liverpool are believed to have made contact with a Premier League club over the availability of an “outstanding” player in January, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds continue to be linked with new signings, whether that be this month or the summer transfer window, and Napoli stars Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have both been mentioned as options. The Nigerian is on loan at Galatasaray currently, but a permanent move away from the Serie A giants is on the cards for both players if they cannot find a way to extend their contracts.

Another report has claimed that Liverpool have submitted an offer for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, having been backed to sign him in 2022, prior to him opting to join the La Liga giants instead.

The Reds are thought to be plotting a move for Bayern Munich ace Joshua Kimmich, too, with the German now into the final six months of his contract there. He is able to sign a pre-contract agreement elsewhere this month, but could seal a move away in the coming weeks, in order for his club to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

There are also players who could leave Liverpool in the near future, one of whom is youngster Ben Doak, with the winger out on loan at Middlesbrough this season. The club need to weigh up if they see him as a big part of their future or want to cash in on him.

Liverpool make contact with club over "outstanding" midfielder

According to Galetti on X, Liverpool have “asked” for fresh information on Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, as have a number of other Premier League clubs.

The Reds may be well-stocked in midfield currently, but signing a true defence-minded option in that role could be ideal, giving the squad even more balance moving forward and offering an alternative to the smoothness of Ryan Gravenberch.

In the £30,000-a-month Gomes, Liverpool could have the perfect option there, with Danny Murphy lauding him and Mario Lemina’s relationship in the middle of the park last year: “The defensive work in central midfield is something that goes unnoticed sometimes, but you can’t win matches in the Premier League unless your midfielders do the hard yards and the dirty bits and they did it brilliantly. The pair of them, outstanding.”

At 23, Gomes is also a young player who should only continue to develop as he gets older, becoming even more mature and polished sitting in front of the defence.

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This season, the Brazilian has started 19 Premier League games for Wolves, averaging 3.2 tackles per game in the competition, which is more than any Liverpool player, with Alexis Mac Allister (3.0) leading the way.

Aston Villa lost their third Premier League game in their last six, losing 2-1 to Nottingham Forest despite taking a one-goal lead in the 63rd minute through Jhon Duran.

Unai Emery’s side held 50% of the ball, taking just eight shots in the game, and only generating 0.43 xG, compared to the 1.78 xG of Forest.

Emery’s side now sit sixth in the Premier League, winning seven, drawing four and losing five of their opening 16 games. The Villans have accrued 25 points, leaving them now three points off the Champions League qualification spots.

Despite the heroics of Emiliano Martínez, Villa failed to hold on, with Forest scoring two goals late on to steal all three points, winning 2-1. Two performers in particular disappointed on the day, one of whom has been in excellent form so far this campaign.

Morgan Rogers' performance vs Nottingham Forest

Morgan Rogers has been one of Emery’s best performers this season, offering considerable creation and threat in central zones. The 22-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four goals, providing three assists, and totalling 1,832 minutes played.

However, against Forest, the English attacker couldn’t quite get things going. Despite having a strong penalty claim, Rogers lost possession 16 times, only completed two of his six dribble attempts, had his only shot of the game blocked, all while losing ten of his 16 ground duels.

Yet the 22-year-old wasn’t Villa’s worst player. In fact, one of their more experienced stars let the side down, making a huge mistake towards the back end of the game, his error leading to a goal, and overall putting in a performance which wasn’t of the standard required.

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Matty Cash's performance in numbers vs Nottingham Forest

Former Forest man Matty Cash was awarded a 5/10 match rating by Express and Star, with his part in the hosts’ second goal being heavily criticised. The 27-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Villans in all competitions this season, scoring one goal, contributing to two clean sheets and totalling 904 minutes.

The Poland international was deployed as a right-winger against Forest, with the dual responsibility of holding width further forwards, but also tracking back to support Ezri Konsa at right-back, and double up on Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left wing for Forest.

Alongside the error leading to a goal, Cash also lost possession 14 times in the game, did not complete a successful cross despite finding himself in some good wide areas to deliver, completed just one of his three dribble attempts and had a 70% pass completion.

Of course, being a natural right-back, Cash does bring extra defensive stability when doubling up in those wide zones. However, his mistakes in possession can cost the side, giving up extra possessions to the opposition, and putting Emery’s side under pressure.

The manager will have to change things when Villa face Manchester City next week, and someone like Cash after his error-prone performance could be dropped in order to stabilise things against last season’s Premier League champions.

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The EFL Cup has always been the first major piece of silverware on offer during the English football campaign, and although it may play second fiddle to the FA Cup, it is still a competition teams are eager to win.

In recent years, the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool have dominated, but who has won the competition the most? We’ve taken a look at the clubs who have won the League Cup more than once since its inception in 1961.

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Teams who have won the League Cup more than once

Club

Titles won

Liverpool

10

Manchester City

8

Manchester United

6

Chelsea

5

Aston Villa

5

Tottenham Hotspur

4

Nottingham Forest

4

Leicester City

3

Birmingham City

2

Arsenal

2

Norwich City

2

Wolves

2

12 Wolves 2 titles

Starting the countdown is Wolverhampton Wanderers, who won both League Cup finals they have played in. The first came in 1974 against Manchester City, defeating them 2-1 after a late winner from John Richards.

Six years later in 1980, the Old Gold were once again Wembley winners, this time against European champions Nottingham Forest, with Andy Gray scoring the winner against Brian Clough’s side.

11 Norwich City 2 titles

Norwich City have also won two League Cup titles, the first of which came in 1962 when the finals were played across two legs. The Canaries faced Rochdale and won 4-0 on aggregate.

Defeats in the 1973 and 1975 finals followed before winning their second League Cup in 1985, beating Sunderland 1-0 at Wembley thanks to a goal from Gordon Chisholm.

10 Arsenal 2 titles

Many may have expected Arsenal to have more than two League Cup titles to their name, and they could have if not for the six final defeats they have suffered in the competition.

Their two triumphs came in 1987 and 1993, both of which were 2-1 wins at Wembley over Liverpool and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. They last reached the final in 2018, losing 3-0 to Man City.

9 Birmingham City 2 titles

Almost 50 years passed between Birmingham City’s two League Cup wins, with the first coming in 1963 against rivals Aston Villa. The Blues ran out 3-1 winners across two legs, with the damage done in the first leg at St Andrew’s.

In 2011, Birmingham famously beat Arsenal after a dramatic late goal from substitute Obafemi Martins, who pounced on a mix-up between Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and defender Laurent Koscielny to steal the cup for the Blues.

8 Leicester City 3 titles

Leicester City are currently the only side to have three League Cup titles on their honours board, the first of which was won in 1964 against Stoke City.

In 1997, a replay was required for the Foxes to get the better of Middlesbrough at Hillsborough, with Steve Claridge netting an extra-time winner. Three years later in 2000, Leicester lifted the trophy again in what was the last final at the old Wembley, beating First Division side Tranmere Rovers 2-1 after a double from captain Matt Elliott.

7 Nottingham Forest 4 titles

Nottingham Forest have won four League Cups, with the Reds winning back-to-back titles on two separate occasions under Brian Clough.

The first League Cup double came in 1978 and 1979 around the time of their European glory, beating Liverpool 1-0 after a replay and Southampton 3-2. They repeated the trick in 1989 and 1990, defeating Luton Town and Oldham Athletic in Wembley finals.

6 Tottenham Hotspur 4 titles

Tottenham Hotspur have also lifted the League Cup on four occasions, beating Aston Villa 2-0 in 1971 and Norwich City 1-0 in 1973. More than 25 years passed before their next triumph in 1999 and their most recent major honour came back in 2008.

Since that win, Spurs have tasted League Cup final defeat on three occasions – to Manchester United in 2009, Chelsea in 2015 and Manchester City in 2021.

5 Aston Villa 5 titles

Aston Villa were the first-ever winners of the League Cup, overcoming a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the 1961 final against Rotherham United to prevail 3-2 aggregate winners.

The Villans then defeated Norwich City 1-0 in 1975 and required two replays in 1977 to get the better of Everton. After no wins in the 1980s, Villa won two more League Cups in 1994 and 1996, defeating Manchester United and Leeds United at Wembley.

Villa have twice had the chance to secure a sixth title but lost in the 2010 and 2020 finals to Manchester United and Manchester City.

4 Chelsea 5 titles

The second team on five League Cup triumphs are Chelsea, who have suffered Wembley heartbreak on three occasions since 2019, two of which were penalty shootout defeats.

The Blues first ran out as winners of the competition back in 1965 against Leicester City and won it again in 1998 with a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.

Since the turn of the millennium, Stamford Bridge has added three more League Cups to their trophy cabinet, defeating Liverpool in 2005 and Arsenal in 2007 at the Millennium Stadium before winning at Wembley again in 2015 against Spurs.

3 Manchester United 6 titles

Five of Manchester United’s six League Cup wins have come in the last 20 years, with their only triumph before then coming back in 1992 under Sir Alex Ferguson after a Brian McClair goal was the difference against Nottingham Forest.

The Red Devils and Ferguson then added three more League Cup titles between 2006 and 2010, defeating Wigan Athletic, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Jose Mourinho won Man Utd’s fifth League Cup in 2017 before Erik ten Hag claimed the club’s sixth in 2023 against Newcastle United.

Following a frustrating yet resilient draw against Fulham, Liverpool are reportedly in contact over a potential deal to sign an in-form La Liga winger who could replace Mohamed Salah in the summer.

Liverpool transfer news

Down to 10 for the majority of the game against Fulham following Andrew Robertson’s misplaced touch and then misplaced challenge on former Liverpool man Harry Wilson, the Reds did well to climb from behind twice to earn a point against the impressive Cottagers. Most notably, it was Diogo Jota who made his return from injury to do what the likes of Darwin Nunez haven’t been doing by clinically equalising deep into the second-half.

Whilst their title charge continues to rumble on in front of the Anfield crowd, however, concerns are still growing over the futures of Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

As things stand, all three are set to depart as free agents at the end of the season and whilst reports have been positive regarding Van Dijk and Salah in recent weeks, both stars are yet to put pen to paper on extensions. Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, is seemingly holding his cards close to his chest.

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Losing any of the three stars would be a disaster for those at Anfield, but they’re at least preparing for the worst. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Liverpool are in contact with intermediaries over a potential move to sign Barcelona star Raphinha. The Brazilian has been in the form of his career this season and has attracted the interest of the Reds alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

At this point, Barcelona have reportedly dismissed any idea of selling their star even among their consistent financial difficulties, but whether Liverpool change their minds if Salah leaves in the summer remains to be seen.

"Amazing" Raphinha one of few who could replace Salah

One of the best Premier League players of all time, replacing Salah will be mission impossible for Liverpool whether it’s this summer or in a couple of years. The Egyptian can do it all at what is a rare consistent rate. To find another player capable of leading the goalscoring charts and assist charts whilst avoiding injury issues seems merely a fantasy for Michael Edwards and Liverpool. But Raphinha, recently valued at £52m, certainly ticks a few boxes on that front.

The former Leeds United star is enjoying the season of his career, scoring 17 goals and assisting a further 10 in just 23 games in all competitions. Any notion that Barcelona should sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams to replace him is almost laughable these days. Instead, the ball is in Raphinha’s court and if Liverpool come calling, it will be interesting to see whether he shoots for the stars.

Dubbed “amazing” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Raphinha’s recent rise has been coming since his Elland Road days and the Premier League could yet get the chance to see his best form up close and in-person.

Arsenal were a day late and a dollar short in the Premier League title race last season, and the one before. Of course, this is only because Mikel Arteta has been pitted against the Manchester City winning machine, operated by his mentor Pep Guardiola.

This term, several parts have malfunctioned at the Etihad Stadium, but the Gunners are currently failing to reach the same almighty levels of synergy that they held across recent years. There is, of course, a long road still to walk.

But Arsenal probably need to make a signing or two this winter. Arteta’s squad is one of an elite level, but it’s not without its drawbacks.

It might be difficult to sign a first-class number nine before next summer, but there are alternative means of finding potent players capable of making their mark.

Arsenal eyeing winter reinforcements

Arsenal will be scouring the market for players who can help spark creativity within Arteta’s squad. Martin Odegaard is one of the finest playmakers on the continent but his absence was keenly felt over the past few months.

There’s also a need for goalscorers, and that’s why the Emirates side are interested in raiding Celta Vigo for their up-and-coming talent Williot Swedberg.

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have sent scouts to Spain to observe Swedberg, 20, in action, with the attacking midfielder starting to make real headway in La Liga.

A host of further high-profile suitors are believed to be aware of the Swedish star’s development, but given that Arsenal have had representatives in attendance, along with Newcastle United, they are currently in the driving seat.

Radio presenter Miguel Quintana has remarked that Swedberg will be “worth millions” as he goes from strength to strength in Spain. He could be the perfect squad member to give Arsenal that extra oomph.

Why Arsenal want Williot Swedberg

Swedberg garnered quite the reputation for himself when breaking onto the scene with Hammersby. Known for his vision and technique, the 20-year-old is beginning to find a level of potency that could prompt Arsenal to accelerate their interest.

In fine fettle this season, Swedberg has posted two goals and three assists in the Spanish first division already, though he’s also won 61% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore, highlighting a roundedness and steel about him that could see him impress in the Premier League.

The Swedish talent is indeed showcasing an impressive range of qualities, ranking among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and the top 1% for blocks made per 90, as per FBref.

It would appear that his style of play lends itself to Arteta’s system too, for the underlying data suggests that the young Swede is something of a hybrid of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

1.

Brennan Johnson

Tottenham

2.

Anthony Elanga

Nott’m Forest

3.

Justin Kluivert

Bournemouth

4.

Leandro Trossard

Arsenal

5.

Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal

There’s no question that Martinelli and Trossard each have exciting qualities that are fitting for a team of Arsenal’s stature, fighting to win silverware on the biggest stages.

But neither have enjoyed their finest football this term, both coming under flak for wasted opportunities and anonymous showings for an Arsenal side not quite toiling but certainly not at their zenith.

Martinelli scored during Arsenal’s recent draw against Chelsea and is showing signs of that one-time life that led former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to describe him as “a talent of the century.” His pace and movements down the left wing make for a deadly combination indeed.

Meanwhile, Trossard ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, with an innate goalscoring instinct that Swedberg appears eager to adopt.

For all the grumbling about Arsenal’s creativity (or the lack of purchase in that regard), Arteta’s outfit have created 31 big chances in the Premier League this season, with Liverpool (33) and Aston Villa (32) the only clubs to have created more.

All that without Odegaard in the fold for a sizeable chunk. Now that he’s back, the Gunners architect will only be too happy to pull strings and enhance Arsenal’s fluid attacking sequences, ranking among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe for progressive passes played per 90.

Why is this pertinent to Swedberg’s case? Well, for a mobile attacking midfielder still within the confines of footballing immaturity, being supplemented by such a high-powered playmaker would only serve to elevate him toward prominence in Arsenal’s squad.

His pace and footwork have earned attention, and so too has his ability to serve as a conduit for the central striker when fed surgical deliveries from those operating deeper. Those like Odegaard.

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His goal threat looks like it’s only going to get better as time passes too, and thus Arsenal must take a punt on this rising star and furnish their frontline with a young and hungry dynamo.

He’s playing on the left wing more frequently this season, only strengthening the above-mentioned likeness to Trossard and Martinelli. Right-footed, his technical ability allows him to arc inward with ease and find space to shoot on goal.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig commented this term that Swedberg is “finally beginning to show his true potential” on the senior stage, and could now hone his craft and then some at a top outfit like Arsenal.

With Trossard and Martinelli struggling for form, chances to impress would be sure to fall his way. He’s the type of player that Arteta enjoys – after all, he carries some of the best properties of the aforementioned Gunners. Just imagine them melded into one.

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Manchester United are eyeing a January move for another Chelsea player, amid their interest in wantaway star Christopher Nkunku, with many other Premier League sides also on red alert over a possible Stamford Bridge exodus winter.

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Nkunku has been prolific when given the opportunity by manager Enzo Maresca, scoring 10 goals in all competitions and making 17 appearances in total, but the Frenchman still isn’t a mainstay in the first team.

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He’s only got one Premier League start under his belt so far this season, with the rest of his 10 top flight outings coming off the bench, which has resulted in him playing just 155 minutes in the competition.

The 26-year-old would’ve hardly envisaged this when making the £52 million move from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, resulting in Nkunku’s widely reported discontent at being a bit-part player for Maresca.

Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures

Date

Leicester City (home)

November 23

Aston Villa (home)

December 1

Southampton (away)

December 4

Tottenham (home)

December 8

Brentford (home)

December 15

The £195,000-per-week forward has scored in every single Conference League match this campaign, including their qualifiers against Servette, and bagged a hat-trick in their 5-1 demolition of EFL minnows Barrow in the Carabao Cup.

Nkunku also bagged a dramatic late winner away to Bournemouth in the league, with Maresca praising his contribution when called upon.

“Christo, every time he plays, he scores, and he does well,” said Maresca on Nkunku.

“Also, he was probably our best player in pre-season, no doubt. He was playing then as an attacking midfielder, and now we are using him as a nine, which we all know isn’t his position – he’s more of a second striker or between the lines.”

Nkunku is apparently “unhappy” at Chelsea right now, due to his reduced playing time. This is backed by reliable media sources like The Telegraph, who state that Nkunku is considering his future at Stamford Bridge.

Man United are reportedly keen on signing Nkunku amid the uncertainty surrounding his status at Chelsea, with the international also attracted by this possibility of joining Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Man United eyeing January move for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Now, as per a report by CaughtOffside’s Mark Brus in Fabrizio Romano’s Dailybriefing, it is believed United are also considering a January move for Chelsea summer signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The £30 million arrival was a key player for Maresca at Leicester, but he’s been reduced to just 43 top flight minutes this season and wasn’t named in their last three matchday squads.

It is believed Man United could attempt to sign Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea in January, with the most likely possibility being a loan. However, Amorim’s side are not his only suitors, with Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Fulham, Brighton and Brentford all in the mix as well.

Called a “revelation” and “wonderful” at Leicester by Brendan Rodgers, the 26-year-old is in a difficult situation right now and contracted until 2029, so perhaps a move away for more game time could be what is needed for him.

Jesse Lingard has admitted he was "crying on the way home" after deciding not to accept sitting on the bench "for money" at Manchester United.

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• Product of the Red Devils' academy
• Left Old Trafford as a free agent in 2022
• Now plying his trade in South Korea

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England international is a product of the Red Devils’ fabled academy system. He took in 232 appearances for the Premier League heavyweights, scoring 35 goals, but opted to walk away as a free agent in the summer of 2022.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lingard made no top-flight appearances for United in 2020-21, leading to him enjoying a productive loan spell at West Ham, and his situation barely improved after being welcomed back into the Old Trafford fold by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

• WHAT JESSE LINGARD SAID

  Lingard has told of why he severed ties with his boyhood club: “Being in the same environment for a long time… it kind of stifles you. In football, you’ve always got ups and downs. You’ve got to be mentally strong. And, you know, sometimes at United, I wasn’t. Things happen off the pitch that you can’t really control… it affects you on the pitch.

  “I spoke to Ole and a couple of staff members and they understood, because they’re human as well. It comes to a certain point where, when you’re not playing regularly, you’re not just going to sit there for the money.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Lingard added on the realisation that he was no longer a Manchester United player: “I was really dialled in and locked in at that time. The way I played, when you come back to your home club, you’re expecting to play. Obviously, that didn’t happen. You get frustrated.

  “My application in training each day was always 100 per cent, you know… But, you come to a certain time where you need to leave. The last day, I was crying on the way home… to leave was obviously emotional but it was what I needed to do.”

Leeds United could be set to wave goodbye to one of their highest earners in 2025 after it emerged that he was growing frustrated under Daniel Farke.

Leeds see mass exodus over the summer

After missing out on promotion to the Premier League thanks to a 1-0 loss to Southampton in the Championship play-off final, Leeds saw plenty of key players depart the club ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Crysencio Summerville headlined their departures list, with the Championship Player of the Season joining West Ham, while his exit was swiftly followed by fellow attacker Georginio Rutter, who completed a move to Brighton.

Elsewhere, prodigious teen talent Archie Gray was sold to Tottenham in a bid to balance the books at Elland Road, while Glen Kamara completed a move to Rennes after a season in Yorkshire.

There were also exits for plenty of players who had spent the 2023-24 season on loan, including Robin Koch and Marc Roca, and Rasmus Kristensen and Jack Harrison both headed out on loan for another season.

Such an exodus had been expected had Leeds failed to return to the top flight, but there was one player who stayed put despite significant speculation. Now though, he himself could be ready to call time on his Elland Road career.

Bamford wants out of Leeds

That comes in the shape of former first-choice striker Patrick Bamford, who is reportedly keen to leave Leeds in 2025.

The striker, who is one of the most experienced players in Farke’s squad, still has two years left to run on his £70,000 a week deal in Yorkshire.

Major new update shared out of Leeds on Kouyate deal as 49ers pull U-turn

He was linked with an imminent move to Elland Road.

By
Ben Browning

Oct 14, 2024

He came close to leaving the club following their 2023 relegation, telling the media that he “wanted a fresh start” before adding that “in the end, I said I didn’t want to take the easy option and the easy way out.”

In the year since, he has fallen down the pecking order at Elland Road, making just three substitute appearances in the Championship so far as Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe have been preferred to the 31-year-old.

And according to Football Insider, this has left Bamford “frustrated” with Farke, and there is “a growing possibility that he will look to leave in the summer of 2025.”

The title says that Bamford wants to quit and add that “a split is growing more likely” and that “there is a feeling that Leeds could look to cash in at the end of this season”, rather than lose him for nothing 12 months later.

The report also claims that “an agreement could be reached between the striker and the hierarchy at Leeds that they will consider offers for his signature should they arrive at the end of the season”, with Bamford clearly no longer a key man at Elland Road.

One of the club’s highest earners but still struggling with injury and game time, a split may be the best outcome for all parties.

After quitting Chelsea in the summer, one player has discovered a new lease of life for himself away from Stamford Bridge, with the man himself recently expressing his relief that he decided to leave.

Players who could leave Chelsea in 2025

Chairman Todd Boehly and BlueCo orchestrated a host of exits from west London over the summer window, with Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, Lewis Hall, Romelu Lukaku, Omari Hutchinson, Angelo Gabriel, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Tino Anjorin, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Djordje Petrovic, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Datro Fofana, Aflie Gilchrist and Basir Humphreys all parting company on permanent or loan deals.

Related Maresca has decided to sell £100k-per-week Chelsea star alongside Chilwell

They’re both “firmly” not in his plans.

Posts 8 ByEmilio Galantini Oct 9, 2024

Chelsea’s bloated squad was seriously trimmed, but head coach Enzo Maresca and co may move to ship out more players who have been deemed surplus to requirements at the turn of the year.

Left-back Ben Chilwell is most likely to leave Chelsea in January, according to various reports recently, but the Blues are also ready to offload a few of his teammates. Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is attracting interest from AC Milan and Saudi clubs, and it is believed that Maresca is prepared to part company with the £100,000-per-week ace despite club legend Marcel Desailly being a real fan of his.

“I like Carney Chukwuemeka because he is like an artist who comes onto the stage,” said Desailly (via Chelsea News).

“He has got the ball. Now is my moment. Shine. You see the dribbling. He is sure about what he is going to do and he is clinical. I love it.”

Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures

Date

Liverpool (away)

October 20

Newcastle (home)

October 27

Man United (away)

November 3

Arsenal (home)

November 10

Leicester City (home)

November 23

Meanwhile, winger Mykhailo Mudryk could also leave in January, with the Ukraine international forward failing to impress on a consistent enough basis to justify his £89 million price tag (including add-ons).

Defenders Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are on the Chelsea transfer list as well, with the latter not even making a single Premier League appearance so far this campaign.

There have even been some reports that mainstay left-back Marc Cucurella doesn’t have a long-term future at Chelsea, but we believe this would be quite a surprise considering he’s clearly Maresca’s favoured option in that position.

Diego Moreira absolutely flying since Chelsea exit

Big-name departures could be on the horizon, one way or another, but one player who’s been absolutely flying since his own Chelsea exit is Brazilian winger Diego Moreira.

The 20-year-old started just once during his time at the Blues, an EFL Cup game against AFC Wimbledon, but his debut went on to be his only appearance for the club before he joined Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg on a permanent basis.

So far this season, Moreira has scored one goal and assisted another in seven Ligue 1 appearances. The Boot Room highlights that Moreira is making quite an impression in France after quitting Chelsea, with the player himself also recently admitting that he’s delighted.

“I see myself staying here. Since I got here, it’s been a relief. I rediscovered this joy of playing football, of having fun. Everything is great: the coach, the club, the infrastructure, the quality of life, the city,” said the South American to La Derniere Heure.

“It’s true that the level of academy football is not comparable to professional football: you have the impression that you are stagnating, that you are not learning anything. Yes, we still learn something every day, but at that time I needed to gain experience. It’s not what I was looking for.”