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Everton have made a positive start to the Premier League campaign, but they will still rue their missed chances after an out-of-sorts Aston Villa team who came away with a point at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

After successive Jack Grealish-charged victories, David Moyes’ side reverted to a blunter setting against the Villans, dominating for large periods but proving unable to convert.

The Toffees unleashed 20 shots across the affair and amassed an xG (expected goals) total of 2.17, and yet this wasn’t enough to breach Emiliano Martinez’s goalmouth, and with no thanks to the wasteful Beto up top.

Beto wasteful vs Aston Villa

Beto has been resurgent under Moyes’ wing. In Sean Dyche’s Everton system, the Bissau Guinean striker scored only seven goals across 50 matches; since the craggy-faced manager’s dismissal, he has posted nine goals from 24 games.

But he’s not without his blemishes. A striker’s life is defined by peaks and troughs, but the towering Beto will be frustrated with having missed a slew of chances against Unai Emery’s side, notably finding his laces tied together when played through, open and free, by Iliman Ndiaye in the first half.

With Thierno Barry waiting in the wings, Moyes will perhaps consider freshening things up when his outfit meet Liverpool at Anfield next weekend, although the 27-year-old’s experience may see him pull through.

But in any case, it was one to forget for the forward, and he wasn’t alone in flattering to decieve.

Everton "passenger" was worse than Beto

Everton, all in all, will be content with stretching their unbeaten run to three matches in the Premier League, settling in sixth place having played four games.

But Moyes is a determined manager, and he will be frustrated with elements of his side’s performance, with centre-midfielder Tim Iroegbunam among those to have struggled.

Described as a “passenger” by Everton writer Lyndon Lloyd, who also remarked that the hosts were “too open”, Iroegbunam was perhaps generously handed a 6/10 match rating by The Liverpool Echo, who acknowledged that it was a tough afternoon for the 22-year-old, ceding possession in the first half and failing to get involved after the break.

So he was hooked. Merlin Rohl, signed on deadline day, will fancy his chances at Everton this season, nailing down a starting spot in the middle of the park.

Moreover, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall can operate in a deeper position and perhaps that would open up a new expanse of opportunity for Everton from an attacking standpoint, allowing the likes of Tyler Dibling or Dwight McNeil to come in and create and add sparks and flair.

With just 27 touches across over an hour of action, Iroegbunam didn’t do enough. In fact, that statistic actually places him far below Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford, who took 40 touches across the afternoon.

Ultimately, there are worse problems for Moyes to have. Everton aren’t losing at the moment and look dynamic and coherent in their play. But improvements are always possible, and Iroegbunam did little to suggest he should be starting in next weekend’s Merseyside derby.

Everton must regret selling their original Dibling who left "like a rat"

Everton might have hoped to have enjoyed this Premier League star’s qualities for a longer period.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 13, 2025

Graham Potter is reportedly on the verge of making a stunning return to management with the Swedish national team. The former Chelsea and West Ham boss has openly admitted his “feelings” for Sweden and is said to be the frontrunner to replace Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was sacked after a disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign left the Scandinavian side bottom of their group.

• Potter to join Sweden

  As per Swedish outlet, AftonBladet, Potter is closing in on a sensational international move as Sweden’s new manager following the dismissal of Tomasson. The Swedish FA (SvFF) confirmed the head coach’s sacking after a humiliating 1-0 defeat to Kosovo — their fourth consecutive game without a win — left the national team at the bottom of Group B in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

  Chairman Simon Astrom said the decision was driven by the need for “new leadership” to revive hopes of qualification through a potential playoff route in March. Potter, who has been out of work since leaving West Ham last month, is now the leading candidate to take over on a short-term basis. His appointment would reunite him with a country where he previously enjoyed remarkable success during his seven-year tenure at Ostersunds FK. The deal, if finalised, would see Potter tasked with salvaging Sweden’s faltering World Cup campaign and rekindling national pride.

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  Sweden's World Cup qualifying disaster

  Sweden’s World Cup qualifying campaign has spiralled into chaos, prompting the first managerial dismissal in the country’s history. Their shock loss to Kosovo, compounded by a 2-0 home defeat to Switzerland, has left the team’s hopes hanging by a thread. Despite boasting Premier League stars like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Lucas Bergvall, the team has failed to produce results under Tomasson’s leadership.

  SvFF head Kim Kallstrom stated that while the team retains potential, “football is results-based, and we have reached a point where results are not enough.” Potter’s potential appointment represents both a return to familiar territory and a bid for redemption following difficult spells at Chelsea and West Ham.

• Potter's Swedish history

  Potter’s links to Swedish football run deep, and his affection for the nation has been well-documented. Speaking to Fotbollskanalen earlier this week, the 50-year-old said: “I’m open to anything where I feel I can help. The job as manager for the Swedish national team is fantastic. I have feelings for Sweden. I love the country and I love Swedish football. I have a lot to be grateful for towards Swedish football.” It was in Sweden that Potter rose to prominence, famously taking Ostersunds FK from the fourth division to the top flight and into European competition. His innovative methods — blending tactical sophistication with player development and off-field cultural activities — earned him plaudits across Europe.

  After leaving Ostersund in 2018, he managed Swansea and Brighton before high-pressure stints at Chelsea and West Ham. Although his reputation took a hit following a poor run of results in London, his admiration for Sweden and its football culture has remained unwavering, making this potential reunion as much emotional as professional.

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  What comes next?

  Sweden’s immediate priority is to secure a playoff path to the 2026 World Cup, and Potter’s arrival could inject the belief and structure required to make that possible. The national team’s Nations League ranking still offers a glimmer of hope — if six higher-ranked teams qualify automatically, Sweden could gain a second chance to reach the finals.

  For Potter, this opportunity represents a fresh start after a difficult chapter in English football. His brief tenure at West Ham ended in disappointment, winning just six of 25 matches and leaving the Hammers 19th in the Premier League. However, his track record of rebuilding teams and instilling a clear identity could prove invaluable on the international stage.

  If appointed, Potter would inherit a squad with technical quality but fragile confidence — and with figures like Isak, Gyokeres, and Victor Lindelof at his disposal, the foundations are strong. A successful short-term turnaround could not only resurrect Sweden’s World Cup hopes but also rebuild Potter’s managerial reputation.

Newcastle United’s start to the new Premier League campaign has been far from convincing.

Supporters came into the season with high hopes after Eddie Howe achieved silverware last year, but the Magpies are already struggling for rhythm and creativity in the final third.

They began with a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, before losing 3-2 at home to Liverpool in a chaotic contest.

A second goalless draw followed away at Leeds, highlighting their difficulties in carving open stubborn defences.

The first three points of the season finally arrived in a narrow 1-0 home win over Wolves, only to be followed by another frustrating 0-0 against Bournemouth and then a last-gasp 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal.

The numbers tell their own story. Newcastle have generated just 5.2 expected goals (xG) across their opening six matches – only West Ham, Aston Villa, and Burnley have managed fewer.

For a side that had prided itself on intensity and attacking fluidity under Howe, this sharp decline is concerning.

Part of the issue stems from recruitment, but Howe’s tactical tinkering has not helped.

Persisting with variations of a back three has blunted Newcastle’s attacking edge. Too often the side has looked hesitant and reactive, with key attacking players failing to contribute.

While output must improve, much of the frustration among fans has centred on one man.

Anthony Gordon – Synonymous with the malaise

Anthony Gordon entered the season with renewed optimism.

“I’m really refreshed. I’ve got my appetite back for football,” he said before the campaign kicked off.

On paper, he should be central to Newcastle’s attacking success.

Last season, Gordon contributed six goals and six assists across 34 appearances, a solid if unspectacular return.

He has yet to register a single goal or assist in the league this season.

His only strike came as a late consolation against Barcelona in the Champions League.

A red card against Liverpool and subsequent three-match suspension disrupted his rhythm further, and he now looks a shadow of the player who posted 25 goal contributions across all competitions in 2023/24.

For Gordon, the challenge is not just statistical but psychological.

Once a winger who thrived on directness and intensity, he is currently embodying Newcastle’s collective malaise.

Hesitant in possession, predictable in attacking patterns, and lacking the conviction to turn tight games.

His role on the left flank has been underwhelming, leaving fans questioning whether Eddie Howe should look to the club’s younger talent to inject energy and belief into a stuttering attack.

Newcastle's young Gordon replacement

If Gordon represents the current problem, Park Seung-Soo may offer the solution.

The South Korean teenager only joined Newcastle in July from Suwon Bluewings, but he has already generated real excitement within the fanbase.

Seung-Soo made history in his homeland in June 2024, becoming the youngest player to feature in the K League at just 17 years and three months.

By the time he left Suwon, he had played 28 games in all competitions, scoring once and providing three assists.

Primarily a left-winger but versatile across the front line, Seung-Soo is right-footed and thrives in one-on-one situations.

John Duerden, the leading Asian football expert, has even suggested his playing style “is similar to Mbappé” – high praise for a player valued at just £150k.

Since arriving in the North-East, he has already shown glimpses of his potential.

His pre-season displays caught Howe’s eye and earned him a spot in the matchday squad for the opener against Aston Villa.

He has since featured three times in Premier League 2 and once in the UEFA Youth League, impressing with his direct running and willingness to take defenders on.

At just 18, Seung-Soo is still raw, but Newcastle’s lack of spark in attack makes a compelling case for his inclusion.

With Nick Woltemade still adapting, Yoane Wissa sidelined, and Gordon out of form, the teenager could provide the injection of pace, unpredictability, and intensity that has been missing from Howe’s attack.

For supporters, the hope is that Howe will be bold enough to make the switch.

Gordon may rediscover his form in time, but at present, Seung-Soo looks ready to tear it up in the Premier League and give Newcastle the lift they so desperately need.

Bayern Munich are preparing for the future beyond Harry Kane and have identified Hoffenheim’s in-form striker Fisnik Asllani as a potential long-term back-up. The 23-year-old Kosovo international, who has also attracted serious interest from Barcelona, has impressed with six goals in nine appearances this season, prompting Bayern to enquire about his release clause ahead of the summer.

• Bayern to rival Barcelona for Asllani’s signature

  According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich have officially added Asllani to their shortlist as a possible back-up to Harry Kane from the 2026/27 season onwards. Sporting directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund are said to be admirers of the young forward’s development and have already gathered information on his supposedly “manageable” release clause. With Asllani expected to leave Hoffenheim after the current campaign, Bayern are positioning themselves among several European clubs monitoring his situation closely.

  The Kosovo international has been one of the Bundesliga’s early success stories this season. He has scored six goals and registered two assists in nine appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as Hoffenheim’s most reliable finisher. His goalscoring form and sharp link-up play have made him one of Germany’s most-watched emerging strikers and Bayern’s interest reflects the club’s intent to plan beyond Kane’s peak years.

  While Kane remains untouchable as Bayern’s main striker, the Bavarians’ recruitment team is keen to ensure depth in the attacking department. Despite the Bundesliga champions being certain to permanently sign Nicolas Jackson next summer, Asllani is viewed as an ideal profile to provide competition and continuity in the years to come.

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  Bayern planning for life after Kane

  Bayern’s interest in Asllani fits a clear strategy of targeting young, Bundesliga-proven talent capable of stepping up to elite levels. Under the joint leadership of Eberl and Freund, the German champions have shifted toward sustainable succession planning, focusing on players who can grow under the system rather than relying solely on big-name signings. Identifying a young and technically gifted forward like Asllani signals a long-term approach, one that mirrors their investment in talents such as Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

  At just 23, Asllani combines pace, movement, and a sharp eye for goal with strong tactical discipline attributes that align with Bayern’s style under Vincent Kompany’s vision. His impressive performances for Hoffenheim have demonstrated not only his finishing quality but also his ability to press and create chances in transition, a skill set that makes him an appealing complement to Kane. Furthermore, his affordable release clause provides Bayern with a low-risk opportunity to secure a forward with considerable upside.

  However, Bayern are not alone in their pursuit. Barcelona have been closely following Asllani’s progress, and the player himself has previously described the Catalan giants as his “dream club.” With the Blaugrana and several other top European sides interested, Bayern will likely face strong competition for his signature, setting up one of next summer’s most intriguing transfer battles.

• Asllani helped by loan moves before Hoffenheim senior call-up

  Asllani’s rapid rise has been built on years of consistent progression through Germany’s football system. Born in Berlin in 2002, he spent his youth career at BFC Dynamo and Union Berlin, where he displayed elite scoring instincts, netting 23 goals in 23 appearances for Union’s U17s and 15 in 16 for their U19s. His prolific youth record earned him a move to Hoffenheim in 2020, where he initially played for the club’s reserve side, scoring 17 goals in 53 appearances in the Regionalliga Sudwest.

  After limited senior opportunities early on, Asllani’s breakthrough came through loan spells designed to accelerate his development. A short stint at Austria Wien in 2023 was followed by a standout season at SV Elversberg in the 2. Bundesliga, where he has now translated his potential into top-flight productivity.

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  Barcelona the ‘dream’ destination for Asllani

  Bayern Munich’s decision to track Asllani underscores their commitment to securing long-term stability in the No.9 position. While Kane remains central to the team’s ambitions, the club recognises the importance of preparing a capable successor or partner capable of easing the transition in future seasons.

  Barcelona’s involvement could complicate matters, given Asllani’s admiration for the Spanish club and their ongoing search for a young striker to potentially take over from Robert Lewandowski, who has been linked with an exit when his contract expires in the summer. The Catalans’ financial constraints, however, might give Bayern an advantage if they act decisively and match Hoffenheim’s release clause conditions. Asllani’s preference for a Champions League-level project aligns with both clubs’ profiles, leaving the decision likely to hinge on sporting guarantees and playing time.

Newcastle United fans will be clinging onto Nick Woltemade’s electric start in England as one major positive so far this season.

Indeed, despite the Magpies only picking up two Premier League wins to date, the lofty and instinctive German has already powered home four goals in the demanding league from just five outings.

Still, while the ex-Stuttgart striker has already proven why he cost a significant £69m to bring to Tyneside this summer, Anthony Elanga, on the other hand, is in danger of looking like a major waste of money so soon into his Toon career.

Elanga's poor start at Newcastle

Woltemade ultimately stole the limelight right at the death of the transfer window when leaving Germany behind for that bumper amount.

However, there was equal excitement in the air when Elanga put pen to paper on a £55m switch to leave the Tricky Trees behind for St James’ Park, having been branded a “frightening” talent in the past by the Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell.

With six goals and 12 assists under his belt for Forest last season, too, it did seem as if this was going to be a sublime bit of business from the get-go. Unfortunately, his time so far under Howe’s wing hasn’t gone to the pre-planned script.

From eight Premier League games to date this campaign, the Swedish attacker has zero goals or assists to shout about, touching the ball just 24.4 times per game across those largely forgettable league showings in black and white.

Long gone now are the days when the “electric” winger – as he was once labelled by statistician Statman Dave – was bursting forward with pace and scaring the lives out of Premier League defenders, with just 20 touches of the ball and one feeble attempted dribble against Brighton, leaving Howe with no choice but to hook Elanga at the half-time interval.

He won’t be completely written off, with the 23-year-old perhaps just needing more time to gel and acclimatise, before finding his mojo again.

But, Howe could now be looking for some left-field options on the right wing to add some depth – away from solely relying on the trusty back-up option of Jacob Murphy.

Howe's surprise Elanga replacement

Howe hasn’t shied away from gifting rising youngsters chances to impress in his senior side since taking on the Newcastle reins in 2021, with Lewis Miley only 17 years of age when he was chucked into the Premier League deep-end on his debut.

William Osula has also been handed the odd chance here and there in attack, with U21s superstar Alfie Harrison no doubt eager to leave a lasting impression too when a first-team opportunity heads his way, having once been branded a “star in the making” by football writer Thomas Hammond when first signing for the Magpies.

Coincidentally, Harrison – much like Elanga – opted to walk away from Manchester to try and kickstart his career, with the 23-year-old also well aware of how tricky it is to make that step-up from youth football to the demands of the men’s game.

Still, with 14 goals and eight assists under his belt for the Man City U18s, it was clear that the Toon had bagged themselves a gem going after Harrison when they did.

The goals have somewhat dried up in the U21 frame at Newcastle, with zero goals in Premier League 2 action for the teenager this season to date.

But, it’s clear when assessing his numbers above that he has a laser focus on picking up assists after bursting forward with pace from down the right wing, or in a more central spot on the pitch, which are two trademark parts of Elanga’s game when he’s at the peak of his powers.

Woltemade will surely already be dreaming of lining up next to such an assist-heavy presence, with the German very rarely needing a second bite of the cherry to score.

Further lauded as an “electric” talent this summer by Magpie Media, it only feels like a matter of time before Harrison is making waves in the senior scene, with Howe perhaps ready to test him out imminently if Elanga continues to falter.

Newcastle man who was "tough to watch" is now on borrowed time under Howe

Newcastle United’s defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion has highlighted some issues for Eddie Howe.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 19, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to hand Micky van de Ven a lucrative new contract following his stunning goal against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. The Dutch defender, already one of Spurs’ most influential players, has earned plaudits for his rapid rise since joining from Wolfsburg, and Spurs are keen to reward him with improved terms that reflect his status.

• Tottenham want to hand Van de Ven a new deal

  Tottenham are ready to hand Van de Ven a new deal that will significantly improve his wages and extend his stay at the club beyond 2029. The 24-year-old has become one of Spurs’ standout players since joining from Wolfsburg in 2023 and continues to impress both defensively and offensively. His spectacular solo strike in Tuesday’s 4-0 Champions League win over Copenhagen, where he picked up the ball deep inside his own half, surged past four defenders, and finished calmly, was the latest reminder of his immense quality.

  The goal, described by fans as “Son-esque,” was his sixth of the season, making him Tottenham’s top scorer across all competitions. Despite still having more than three years left on his current deal, the Lilywhites' hierarchy want to secure his long-term future with a wage that reflects his growing influence and importance. The club already consider him and Cristian Romero as the Premier League’s best centre-back partnership and see both as the foundation for Thomas Frank’s rebuild.

  Talks are expected to take place later this season, though there is no immediate rush given his contract security. Tottenham are aware of interest from abroad, particularly from Real Madrid, but remain confident they can keep Van de Ven at the club by making him one of their highest earners. His leadership, consistency, and newfound attacking threat have made him indispensable, with insiders describing him as “the modern defender Spurs have always needed," according to The Telegraph.

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  Van de Ven and Romero critical to Spurs' future development

  Spurs’ decision to hand him a new contract despite still having three more years left reflects how central he is to the Lilywhites' long-term strategy. He was made vice-captain in the summer following the departures of Heung-min Son, highlighting his growing leadership role within a youthful, developing squad. Behind the scenes, Tottenham believe Van de Ven represents not just a world-class defender but also a cultural leader capable of embodying the club’s values on and off the pitch.

  His performances this season have attracted admiring glances from top European sides, including Real Madrid. However, Spurs’ stance remains firm: Van de Ven is not for sale. Having already tied down Romero on improved terms earlier this year, Tottenham are determined to replicate that model with the Dutchman and build their defensive core around the pair for years to come.

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  Spurs told to pay Van de Ven 'whatever he wants'

  Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has urged the club to do everything possible to keep hold of Van de Ven, describing him as “the next Gareth Bale” and a potential £100 million player. Speaking on Sky Sports, O’Hara said: “I genuinely think he could be Gareth Bale. I’ve played with Bale when he was a left-back and you could see his athleticism, his pace — what he became in the end was unbelievable. Van de Ven has that same ability. He’s almost wasted as a centre half when you have that type of power and drive.”

  O’Hara continued: “He can finish, he’s good in the air, and he’s fearless on the ball. I genuinely believe that in the future, you might look at him and say, could he play somewhere else? Could he be a 6ft 4 left winger who gets to the byline and whips crosses in? No one can keep up with him. He’s got the potential to be that sort of player.”

  The former Spurs man also insisted that the club must reward him financially to fend off any transfer interest. “I’d love to keep hold of Van de Ven and we should do everything we can, pay him whatever he wants. He’s worth £200,000 a week, easily. He’s someone that will end up at Real Madrid if we’re not careful. Tottenham have to make him the face of the club’s future — he’s that good.”

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• Tottenham relaxed about Van de Ven's future

  Tottenham’s immediate priority is to maintain their strong start to the season, but internally, discussions over Van de Ven’s new deal are expected to accelerate before the end of the campaign. The Dutchman’s contract extension is viewed as a key statement of intent as Spurs aim to consolidate their Champions League position and challenge for domestic silverware. Tottenham sources insist that Van de Ven’s loyalty and contentment in London give them the upper hand in negotiations.

Miles Robinson addressed the altercation that erupted at the end of the United States men’s national team’s 2-1 win over Paraguay during the November 2025 friendlies, offering clarity on how a late throw-in dispute escalated into a bench-clearing confrontation. However, both Robinson and Gio Reyna said the scuffle ultimately reflected the team’s character and commitment to one another.

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  'That’s what got us the W'

  Robinson said the altercation began with a U.S. throw-in after teammate Alex Freeman pursued the ball aggressively. According to Robinson, the sequence led to “one or two cheap shots” from Paraguay, escalating tensions until players from both benches became involved in a brief confrontation.

  Robinson added that the moment reflected the team’s togetherness.

  “It’s our throw-in, Alex [Freeman] takes the ball and then you know, one or two cheap shots,” Robinson said in his post-match interview with . “But it is what it is, we came out and we played with a lot of heart tonight, and I think that’s what got us the W.”

  Reyna, who did not see the initial incident, echoed Robinson’s comments about the team’s competitiveness.

  “Honestly, I have no idea [how it started]. I was kind of looking off to the side, and then Alex and someone from their team seemed like they weren't very happy with each other. Yeah, it's a friendly game, but it's a competitive environment. We wanted to win this game," Reyna said to "Obviously, we've played friendlies pretty much all last year. So yeah, it's important to get that competitive energy in this group and take it with us. I think it's great for Alex coming into another tough match on Tuesday against Uruguay.”

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  Team unity underpin USMNT’s approach

  Despite the confrontation, Robinson stressed that the USMNT operates as one cohesive family that refuses to tolerate disrespect or intimidation. He highlighted the team’s collective mindset of fighting for one another and maintaining focus on the ultimate goal of winning. 

  “Yeah, I mean, I think we’re one big family, we’re playing at home, so we’re not going to take anything,” Robinson said. “We came out, we’re trying to fight for each other, we’re trying to fight for our country, and obviously we came out, we got the W, and that’s what means the most to us.”

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  Defensive focus

  Reflecting on the team’s overall performance, Robinson praised the defenders for their hard work and dedication in training, particularly their emphasis on defensive organization. While acknowledging the significance of the win, he expressed belief that there is still considerable room for improvement in the team’s defensive execution.

  “Yeah, I think we’ve been training really hard overall,” Robinson said. “I think we focused a lot defensively. The thing about tonight is we got the W, I think there’s a lot we can improve on. So that’s something we can definitely take back with us and learn from, and hopefully we can use this as a stepping stone for the future.”

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• What comes next for Robinson and the USMNT

  The USMNT will face Uruguay in its final match of the 2025 calendar year on Nov. 18.

Chelsea are a force to be reckoned with in the transfer market and could now be set to launch an ambitious bid to land Vinicius Jr at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have endured an intriguing start to the campaign, where their Premier League form has been a little inconsistent, albeit a confidence-boosting EFL Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek will serve to benefit Enzo Maresca.

Ill-discipline is a factor that will need to be rectified. Despite his return from injury, Liam Delap was dismissed for two cheap bookings against the Old Gold, leaving his side in the lurch as they narrowly saw it through to claim a place in the quarter-finals.

Bereft of attacking options at times this season, Maresca has needed to turn to the likes of Marc Guiu and Tyrique George to step into the breach. While both have shown potential, there is a need for more experience in the final third to convert chances.

Undoubtedly, BlueCo’s signing model has been based on identifying stars with potential to become world-class. Estevao is a prime example of Todd Boehly’s operation in action, though you get the feeling there is room for another exciting reinforcement to arrive.

With that in mind, the Blues have identified a world-leading star they believe could now become a central part of their plans at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea "ready to bid" for Vinicius Jr amid tensions with Xabi Alonso

According to reports in Spain, Chelsea are set to launch a January bid for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, who is set to find himself out of contract in the Spanish capital in 2027 and is at odds with manager Xabi Alonso.

BlueCo see him as a “market opportunity, a high-impact signing” and believe he could be the focal point of their project.

After a return of five goals and four assists in 13 appearances this term, the Brazil international has attracted interest from the Blues, Manchester City and Manchester United. He is seen as someone who could become central to the Stamford Bridge project.

Dubbed the best player in the world by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Champions League winner is expected to have a high release clause value and also earns around £350,000 per week, placing challenging obstacles in the way of a deal being completed.

Risk is involved in any transfer, and Chelsea will know that he won’t come cheap. However, his situation is said to be the most uncertain of his career, proving that his seemingly untouchable status at the Santiago Bernabeu may be at risk.

Vinicius Jr is in the top 10 of 2026 Ballon d'Or power rankings

Incredibly, Fotmob calculate the 25-year-old has already created 23 chances and perfected 24 dribbles in La Liga this term, and he appears to be at the top of his game before Brazil head to the 2026 World Cup intent on securing glory.

Chelsea are wise to these developments and feel the right time to make an offer will be when the transfer window opens, making this one to keep an eye on over the next few months.

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado could still be traded after he blocked a potential trade to the Houston Astros in December. However, his options have seemed to dwindle and there's really only one team out there who could possibly make a deal for Arenado: the Boston Red Sox, according to 's Katie Woo.

It's not an easy situation to get Arenado to Boston, though. First of all, the Red Sox are still in the running for Astros third baseman Alex Bregman, who is arguably one of the hottest potential trade pieces this offseason. If the Red Sox don't land Bregman, then their focus could shift to Arenado.

Additionally, the Red Sox would have to figure out what to do positionally, as they already have Rafael Devers at third base. Arenado has said he would change positions, Woo reported, but it's unclear who the Red Sox would select for third base. One of the two players would likely move to first base, meaning a Triston Casas trade is possible.

It's important to note the Red Sox haven't expressed whether this is a situation they are willing to consider.

If a trade isn't figured out, Arenado could likely start out the 2025 season with the Cardinals while St. Louis re-evaluates trading the third baseman ahead of the mid-season trade deadline. A lot is still up in the air.

Manchester United are on a better run of form than ever before under Ruben Amorim. They have now gone unbeaten in their last five games, a momentum that they will be looking to keep up ahead of what is set to be another busy festive period.

They will lose some players next month, though, with AFCON set to start just before Christmas. Bryan Mbeumo, who has been one of Amorim’s best players, will be representing Cameroon, and Noussair Mazraoui will be playing for Morocco, who host the competition.

However, perhaps the biggest loss for United will be Ivory Coast international Amad.

Why Amad will be the biggest loss during AFCON

It has not been easy for every member of United’s squad to find a place they fit into Amorim’s infamous 3-4-2-1 system. Yet, for Amad, that has been at right wing-back, a role in which he has gelled nicely.

The former Atalanta academy star has become a pivotal player on that right flank for Amorim. His electric ability going forward has been important, and his hard-working nature defensively is something which seemingly makes him a real favourite of the United manager on the right.

This term, the 23-year-old has made all but three of his ten Premier League appearances at right wing-back. Amad has grabbed two assists and a goal whilst playing that role, with the pick of the bunch surely the pass which set Mbeumo up to give the Red Devils an early lead at Anfield last month.

As to why Amad might be viewed as the biggest loss during AFCON, well, United don’t really have anyone else who can play that role like him.

If you take the Ivorian out of the equation, Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui, both full-backs, are the only viable options. The latter, of course, will be away on international duty himself.

So, Amorim may be forced to turn to the academy to help solve this particular issue.

United’s in-house Amad replacement

The academy has so often been the answer to United’s problems. Think back to Marcus Rashford’s debut for the club, when the then 18-year-old was drafted into the Europa League side at the last minute.

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He scored twice on debut, did the same again against Arsenal a few days later, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Well, the person who could step into Amad’s shoes when he is on national team duty is Shea Lacey. The youngster is also a right-winger by trade, a position in which he has shone for their academy this season.

In nine games across all competitions for the Red Devils’ youth sides, Lacey has scored three times and assisted a further two. He averages a goal involvement every 101 minutes, mainly operating as a right-winger.

The Liverpool-born forward has always been a highly-rated player. He has shone for several years in a United shirt, notably “beating Lamine Yamal” to the player of the competition award in a junior tournament, as per GOAL’s Richard Martin.

One reason why the youngster could excel as a right wing-back is his crossing ability. Look at this pass he played for Gabriele Biancheri a few weeks back.

Operating from wide on the right, he’s able to move inside and loft a perfect cross into the path of the Wales youth striker, who scored a lovely goal.

Lacey has impressed against senior sides in the EFL Trophy this term, too. The 18-year-old has put up some impressive numbers, averaging one key pass and completing 1.7 dribbles per 90 minutes.

Losing Amad will be a blow to United, especially if this upturn in form continues. However, in Lacey, they might have a ready-made wing-back replacement, who, like Amad, will offer plenty going forward.

It could be seen as a risk to play the teenager in a new role, but if Amorim wants to keep in line with the DNA of the club, it might be something he is willing to do.

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