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A ball hasn’t even been in the 2023/24 season and mooted Chelsea transfer target Harry Maguire has been dealt a monumental blow in his faltering career.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has stripped the Englishman ahead of the upcoming campaign. He surprisingly retained the armband last term, despite only making eight Premier League starts, and the decision comes with United willing to listen to offers for the 30-year-old dud.

Maguire tweeted in response to the news and said:

“After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.

“I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful – on and off the field. I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.”

He has handled the affair classily, but it is a damming reflection of what the manager thinks of him, and it begs the question if there is any way back for Maguire at United.

Surely it signals the end of his four-year stay at Old Trafford and the Blues have now been named as a possible suitor.

What’s the latest on Harry Maguire to Chelsea?

According to The Sun, Maguire is 'angry, shocked and upset' at ten Hag’s decision, with the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and West Ham all reportedly waiting in the wings to secure his signature.

The Guardian has revealed that the Irons have made a loan proposal for the defender, with a possible option to buy, but it is unlikely to progress.

This is because Maguire received a healthy salary increase due to the club’s qualification for the Champions League, which has massively complicated the deal.

It is understood that the centre-back will only leave for what he considers the right club, and he still might stay and fight for his place. The Sun also revealed that the Red Devils are demanding around £50m, though it's expected to be whittled down to around £30m.

Should Chelsea sign Harry Maguire?

The alarm bells probably began to ring for ten Hag at the beginning of last season.

The Red Devils were dominated by Graham Potter’s free-flowing Brighton on the opening day of the season before they suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in the next outing against Brentford – two games in which Maguire started.

His lack of pace, composure, technical ability, and confidence have all contributed to a steady decline.

This was noted by former United man Paul Parker, who said:

“Harry Maguire is not able to hold a line. He can’t do that. He wants to defend deep, which is why he ideally should move to a club that is playing with a deep line. Of course, he can't play for a club in the top 10. He might be able to play for one of the teams below that if they are defending deep. He can’t play for a progressive team.”

This indictment serves as perfect reasoning as to why Mauricio Pochettino should refrain from buying Maguire.

Domestically, the £190k-per-week man registered the lowest average rating (6.59) of any United defender and drastically slipped down the pecking order.

It seems that Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are firmly cemented as the first-choice centre-back partnership. When either of those are unavailable or rested, Victor Lindelof is the main backup with ten Hag even opting to deploy Luke Shaw in an unfavoured, central position.

Once described as “woeful” by Lianne Sanderson, the former Leicester City star simply isn’t up to Chelsea's standard. If Poch does launch a move for him, then he may well be making his first transfer blunder at Stamford Bridge, given he evidence above.

يستعد فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ليفربول، بقيادة المدرب يورجن كلوب، لخوض مباراة هامة مساء اليوم في بطولة الدوري الأوروبي ضد أتالانتا.

ويستضيف ليفربول الإنجليزي نظيره أتالانتا الإيطالي، في ذهاب دور الثمانية من بطولة الدوري الأوروبي على ملعب أنفيلد رود.

طالع أيضًا.. موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وأتالانتا اليوم في الدوري الأوروبي.. والمعلق

وتعادل ليفربول في آخر مبارياته في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بهدفين لمثلهما أمام مانشستر يونايتد في الجولة الماضية من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

طالع | تشكيل ليفربول أمام أتالانتا الإيطالي في الدوري الأوروبي.. موقف محمد صلاح تشكيل ليفربول المتوقع أمام أتالانتا في الدوري الأوروبي

حراسة المرمى: كيليهر.

خط الدفاع: جوميز، كوناتي، فان دايك، روبرتسون.

خط الوسط: ماك أليستر، واتارو إندو، سوبوسلاي.

خط الهجوم: محمد صلاح، كودي جاكبو، لويس دياز.

Arsenal are ready to launch a bid for Southampton star Romeo Lavia after completing their Declan Rice deal, according to reports.

Who are Arsenal signing?

After weeks of protracted negotations, the Gunners are now set to sign Rice, just over a week after they initially agreed a fee in principle with West Ham.

Both Arsenal and the Irons compromised on a £105 million total price (£100m + £5m in add-ons), but much of the talks since then have been regarding payment structure.

In the last 24 hours, there has been an agreement for Arsenal to pay the initial £100m over a 24-month period, with Rice now set for a medical this week ahead of signing a long-term contract.

After that huge boost for manager Mikel Arteta, it is believed the north Londoners are also closing in on a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, as transfer chief Edu gets to work on backing Arsenal this summer transfer window.

Both players look highly likely to join Kai Havertz at Arsenal, coming after the Germany international put pen to paper on a £65 million move from Chelsea.

This window's outlay could total well over £200 million, but according to reports in the last 48 hours, they certainly aren't done there.

Indeed, Southampton's Lavia is still firmly on their radar, with Arteta's side readying a bid for the 19-year-old who starred at St. Mary's Stadium last season.

That is according to The Times and journalist Tom Allnutt, who claim they're set to make a move for Lavia.

"Arsenal are ready to make a move for the Southampton midfielder Roméo Lavia once the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United is completed," wrote Allnutt

"Arsenal want to continue their summer spending spree by bidding for Lavia, although they expect to face strong competition from Liverpool for the 19-year-old.

"Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in Lavia, with Southampton wanting £50 million for the Belgium player."

Who is Romeo Lavia?

Boasting the highest pass accuracy percentage of any Southampton regular, Lavia stood out as one of their best-performers per 90 according to WhoScored.

The Belgium international is one of huge potential, as already explained by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who admitted that he has been "very impressed" with Lavia's progress on the south coast.

"I am really impressed with what Roméo has done and is doing,” Guardiola said.

"We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not [get] enough minutes like he has in Southampton.”

Meanwhile, members of the press have called Lavia a "sensational midfielder", with journalist Sam Tighe even believing the teenager is a "shining star" of Southampton's relegated side.

"I watched every game Roméo Lavia played last season and he was absolutely incredible," explained Tighe.

"A shining star despite playing in terrible circumstances most of the time. Arsenal reportedly advancing on a deal…one to be very excited about."

The former City starlet played 29 league games last season, scoring once and picking up nine yellow cards.

Leicester City star James Maddison is “likelier” to join Tottenham Hotspur than Premier League rivals this summer, according to journalist Miguel Delaney of The Independent.

Who will Tottenham sign?

Ange Postecoglou’s arrival from treble-winning Celtic marks the dawn of a new era and attacking football’s return to N17, coming after the more pragmatic eras of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte before him.

The domestic transfer window is officially open for business and it is now the task of chairman Daniel Levy to scour the market for much-needed Spurs upgrades.

A major rebuild is on the cards at Tottenham, with Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks facing uncertain futures (The Telegraph).

There have been suggestions that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be facing the axe as well, meanwhile major doubts surround 2022 summer signing Richarlison.

Of the players who could come in, Postecoglou apparently wants a new centre-back, a goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris, forward additions and Leicester star Maddison.

Going back to the latter player, reliable reporter Delaney of The Independent has shared an update, with Spurs battling Newcastle for the 26-year-old’s signing.

However, despite Eddie Howe enjoying the luxury of Champions League qualification for next season, Maddison is actually “likelier to go to Spurs”.

It is stressed in his report, though, that neither side are that close to agreeing a fee for the midfielder – with Enzo Maresca’s side demanding almost double £45 million.

How many goals has James Maddison scored for Leicester?

Maddison, during his time at the King Power, has racked up an impressive 55 goals and 41 assists in all competitions.

Last season, the former Norwich City star totalled 10 goals and nine assists in the league alone – standing out as Leicester’s best-performing player by average match rating (WhoScored).

Journalist Rob Blanchette also hailed Maddison for his “sensational” form last year he got the England nod over Man United winger Jadon Sancho.

“James Maddison is an easy pick ahead of Sancho,” said Blanchette on Twitter.

“His form for Leicester has been sensational, while Jadon has declined.”

Kevin Pietersen’s punishing fifty and three-wicket hauls from Adam Zampa and Michael Beer headlined Melbourne Stars’ win over the Renegades at Docklands Stadium

The Report by Will Macpherson at Docklands Stadium07-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsKevin Pietersen switched the Melbourne derby Stars’ way with his fourth T20 fifty in his last six innings•Getty ImagesA majestic innings from Kevin Pietersen and attacking legspin bowling from Adam Zampa saw Melbourne Stars thrash the Renegades by 46 runs in the season’s second Melbourne derby.Pietersen elegantly swept his first ball for six and did not look back, driving strongly over cover and pulling handsomely through the legside.The 200 he set up never looked likely to be chased by the Renegades, and they crumbled in a heap, but limped through their 20 overs. The emphatic result lifted Stars to four points, level with the Renegades; both teams are in the frame for finals with four games each remaining.The Quiney question
A few weeks ago, Rob Quiney did not seem likely to play much of a role for Stars. He made 23 runs in three innings last year, barely got a game in the Matador Cup, and hasn’t played for Victoria in the Shield this season. He had grade cricket as preparation.But he made an excellent 75 in their opening win against Hobart Hurricanes, before missing two games – both defeats – with a hamstring injury. In his absence, Stars’ batting looked horribly top-heavy. His return – a brilliant display of ball-striking, particularly through the legside – set Stars off to a flyer, providing Pietersen with a platform and returning Glenn Maxwell to his more natural position at No. 4. After Quiney skied a Trent Lawford legcutter to square leg, Pietersen and Maxwell shared a sprightly 65.Despite ending strongly, there was still confusion about Stars’ line-up. Maxwell was replaced by Sam Harper – perhaps because of his ability against spin – rather than David Hussey or James “the finisher” Faulkner, despite there being six overs left in the innings. When Pietersen – slapping to cover – and Harper fell in consecutive balls, out came that pair, with Hussey playing a brilliant cameo (with 27 from 11 balls) before both were run-out in the final over, which was bowled by Lawford and cost just seven.James Pattinson consistently hit speeds north of 140kph and claimed three wickets on return•Getty ImagesPattinson’s return
James Pattinson – still one of the world’s most alluring quicks, whatever the format – made another injury comeback, and it was never dull. His first over, the second of the innings, snared Luke Wright, caught at mid-on, and cost just two runs plus a leg bye. His second was more eventful; at 146ph Quiney was hit excruciatingly amidships but dusted himself off to nail a four down the ground and a six over square leg.Pattinson returned for the 14th and was clattered through cover and down the ground by Pietersen, the former bringing up his 50, before the key partnership was broken with Maxwell caught well in the deep. His last, the 18th, saw Harper dismissed first ball, but Hussey raid 19, including fours down the ground, cut through point and inside out over cover, and six over cow corner.The Jumbotron
The what? In a world first for cricket, the Docklands Stadium had a pair of 93 square-metre screens hanging from it’s roof. They weighed 13 tons apiece and, were pretty excellent. The ball never went close (they hung 22m above the pitch) and provided a behind-the-arm perspective for those side-on, as well as extra screen-space for the BBL’s classic array of gimmicks. Renegades’ highest-ever home crowd – 44,189 – packed in to view it.Adam Zampa strangled Melbourne Renegades’ chase of 201•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesStars’ squeeze
Having 200 on the board is a luxury. So when Sunil Narine – again employed as a pinch-hitter – and Aaron Finch got Renegades’ chase off to a fine start, there was no cause for alarm. In the fourth over, Scott Boland dismissed both of them – Narine caught at cover, and Finch going slogging, capping a bad day for the captain, who was dropped by Australia – and Stars applied the squeeze.Just 26 came in the following five overs, bowled by Faulkner, Boland and Zampa – who was excellent, finishing with career best figures of 3 for 19. Trent Lawford was promoted to accelerate, but only Cameron White looked likely to take the game deep. When Zampa dismissed him, caught at deep-midwicket, in his final over (the 14th), the game was up. In the following over Michael Beer (who also ended with three) dismissed Callum Ferguson and Peter Nevill, while the tail wagged to delay the inevitable.The question now for the Stars is how best to replace Zampa, Faulkner and Maxwell – and sustain a charge for finals – as they join up with Australia’s ODI squad. One bonus is the return of Peter Handscomb, but their depth will be tested.

New Zealand’s chances in the Test series against India suffered a major blow with offspinner Mark Craig being ruled out of the rest of the series

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-20160:51

Quick facts – Jeetan Patel

New Zealand’s chances in the Test series against India suffered a major blow with offspinner Mark Craig being ruled out of the remaining two matches. He will be replaced by Jeetan Patel, who last played for New Zealand in January 2013. Craig, who suffered a side strain, was New Zealand’s best spinner, and the most accurate, in the Kanpur Test even though that didn’t show in his match figures of two wickets for 139 runs. Craig had made a comeback to the side in Kanpur after missing all four Tests on the recent tour of Africa.”We’re really disappointed for Mark, knowing the work he’s put in to prepare for this series,” New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said. “He started well with the ball in the first innings, before developing the side strain.”Patel, who averages 48.46 in Test cricket, was the leading wicket-taker in the 2016 English County Championship with 69 wickets for Warwickshire and was on Monday named the Most Valuable Player in the Professional Cricketers’ Association rankings for the season. “Jeetan is up to speed from a bowling load perspective having recently completed a successful county season – so he will be ready for the rigours of Test cricket,” Hesson said. “He’ll also add invaluable experience to our young spin group.”Craig is expected to take four weeks to recover from his injury. This was the third injury blow for the tourists. Tim Southee was ruled out of the Test series with an ankle injury but could come back for the ODIs. Allrounder Jimmy Neesham missed the first Test after being struck on the rib in the nets in Delhi, but has been bowling in the nets in Kanpur.Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, admitted Patel had not been on the selectors’ radar before the start of the tour. “He wasn’t initially,” he said. “Obviously, having three frontline spinners over here, we didn’t expect to need too many more spin options. In saying that, having played three in the first one, certainly we had to sit down and think about it, given the number of overs they may bowl and the possible chance of injury, which unfortunately has happened to Mark Craig.”For Jeetan to come into the squad after a period of time away from the team is a great opportunity for him. The guys are all looking forward to having him and his experience in this side. He’s been a quality performer for a long period of time, and it is that like-for-like swap as well.”It might not be unfair to say that Patel and New Zealand had almost given up on each other. “Jeets loves the game of cricket and loves playing for his country,” Williamson said. “It [the recall] was perhaps unexpected. He has played a lot in England lately and almost considers himself a local in that part of the world, but we know he’s not and we are looking forward to having him back in the side. There is a number of other players from Wellington in the side who have spent a lot of time with Jeets, and they’re all very excited about it. He is looking forward to coming back and making an impact.”

Celtic secured the domestic treble on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Inverness at Hampden in the Scottish FA Cup final but their joy has been short-lived as manager Ange Postecoglou is now on the verge of leaving the club.

The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that the Australian coach is set to finalise a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the coming days.

This means that the Scottish giants are set to be in the market for a new boss to replace the 57-year-old, who is seemingly set to depart after winning five trophies in two seasons at the helm.

Who could replace Ange Postecoglou?

Celtic's head of recruitment Mark Lawwell could pull off a potential masterclass by using his contacts to replace Postecoglou with Manchester City assistant coach Enzo Maresca.

Last month, Football Insider reported that the Hoops were keeping tabs on the Spaniard with a view to him being on their shortlist of possible targets for the job, should it become available.

It appears as though the role is now about to be vacant, if the current boss' move to Spurs goes ahead as reported, and Maresca, who journalist Dean Jones claimed would be an "interesting" option, could come in and take it.

Lawwell worked at The Etihad prior to arriving at Parkhead last year and he could use his connections with the Premier League giants to strike a deal for the 43-year-old coach, who is said to be 'well-regarded'.

He does not have a wealth of experience as a manager but did showcase his potential whilst in charge of Manchester City's U23 side.

The tactician won 17 of his 24 matches at the helm of the academy side and won 2.33 points per game on average, which shows that he does know what it takes to make a winning side, albeit that has only been proven at youth level.

Maresca has worked as an assistant at Sevilla with Vincenzo Montella, West Ham with Manuel Pellegrini, and has been Pep Guardiola's assistant for 60 matches – winning the Premier League and the FA Cup so far.

It would be a gamble for Celtic to sign the Spanish coach due to not having a proven track record as a manager but appointing him at this point in his career could be a masterclass as they could bring him in before he becomes hot property.

Mikel Arteta had never managed a senior match prior to leaving Guardiola as his assistant to join Arsenal as their boss and has since led them to an FA Cup trophy and, this season, a second-place finish in the Premier League.

Therefore, Celtic could take a lead out of the Gunners' book to make Maresca their head coach before he moves elsewhere and forges a reputation that could put him beyond the club's reach in the future.

This is why this swoop could be a stroke of genius by Lawwell and one that could be an exciting step for the Hoops after Postecoglou's reported departure.

Liverpool are monitoring Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Hayden Hackney?

Hackney is an academy graduate at the Riverside Stadium having worked his way up through the various youth ranks, including going out on a season-long loan to Scunthorpe United, before returning to make his breakthrough into the first team last summer, as per Transfermarkt, registering 41 senior appearances during his debut campaign.

The Scotland U21 international still has another three years remaining on his contract in the north-east, but with Michael Carrick’s side having failed to achieve promotion to the top-flight, they could be forced to cash in on some of their prized assets should any sizeable offers arrive during the upcoming window.

The Reds have already confirmed the imminent departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, alongside Arthur Melo more recently, so central reinforcements will be needed, and being his side’s second-best performer in midfielder, the 20-year-old has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Are Liverpool signing Hackney?

According to 90min, Liverpool, alongside top-flight rivals Arsenal, have both “checked” on Hackney, whilst Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City have also “taken an interest” in securing his services. The Boro starlet could yet still be “rewarded” for his impressive performances with a new contract, but his boyhood club are aware that a “large offer” could be enough to sanction his sale as they are not in a financial position to turn down “reasonable” bids.

Liverpool will know that Hackney is set to be a much cheaper central midfield alternative as a result of him being a less high-profile name compared to the likes of Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Mason Mount, and as a player that can positively impact the game at both ends of the pitch, FSG should definitely consider testing the waters this summer.

The Redcar-born talent, who earns £4k per week, has recorded a total of 67 tackles since the start of the term, which is higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBref, but going forward, he’s posted seven goal contributions (four assists and three goals) in 34 Championship appearances this season.

Middlesbrough’s “quality” academy product, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, would also provide Klopp with wonderful versatility having operated in six different positions since bursting onto the scene, including everywhere across the centre and even out wide on the left wing, so he would be a great acquisition for the long-term future on Merseyside.

Glasgow Rangers have struggled this season, there is absolutely no doubt about it.

The Ibrox outfit should have come into the season riding the wave of momentum gathered last year by winning the Scottish Cup and reaching the Europa League final, but things soon turned sour between the club and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, with the Dutch coach sacked in November.

Poor business in the transfer market didn’t exactly help either, with Van Bronckhorst splashing out on players such as Ben Davies, Ridvan Yilmaz and Antonio Colak, with the jury out on the former two as we approach the end of the campaign.

Shipping out striker Cedric Itten for £1.5m last summer seemed like a sensible option, especially considering he had scored only eight goals during his time at the Gers.

Yet with his current form in Switzerland for BSC Young Boys, might the Dutchman have pulled the trigger too soon?

How much is Cedric Itten worth now?

Much was made of his arrival in the summer of 2020, with ex-manager Steven Gerrard looking for the Swiss international to compliment his other forwards in the squad, and to add some more competition.

Six goals during his debut season ended with the Light Blues lifting the Premiership trophy, yet he was sent out on loan to Bundesliga side Greuther Fürth for the 2021/22 season.

Despite scoring against Bayern Munich, Van Bronckhorst recalled him in January 2022, stating that he had “different qualities” to that of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe, however the decision didn’t work out, with Itten netting just twice during the second half of the season.

A move away was inevitable and recouping £1.5m was seen as decent business.

However, the striker has since enjoyed a resurgence after joining Young Boys, where he has scored 22 goals and registered 12 assists across all competitions as they have steamrolled everyone in the Super League to win the title, whilst they are also in the final of the Swiss Cup.

It looks as though perhaps Van Bronckhorst got rid of the player too soon looking at his performances and goal return this term while FootballTransfers now value the 26-year-old at €6.2m (£5.5m) and this could still rise depending on how he performs in the Champions League qualifiers next season.

It has been a remarkable transformation for the striker and although nothing was guaranteed had he remained at Rangers this season, yet he could have enjoyed a more productive spell under Michael Beale and the club have endured a nightmare on the 9-cap dynamo.

Chelsea are one of numerous Premier League clubs interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, according to a new transfer report.

How good has Palhinha been this season?

The 27-year-old has arguably been one of the standout midfielders in the league so far this season, catching the eye with his off-the-ball ability. In fact, no player in the entire division has won more tackles than him in 2022/23 to date, with a tally of 129 coming his way.

Palhinha has been a big reason for Fulham's success, with relegation never looking likely despite pre-season prediction suggesting otherwise, and the west Londoners will be desperate to keep hold of him at the end of the season. His current deal expires in the summer of 2027, so it is likely that only a sizeable fee will be able to prise him away once the summer window arrives.

Midfield is an area of the pitch that Chelsea will be only looking for reinforcements in moving forward, and it looks as though the £50,000-a-week Portuguese is a potential option to come in.

Are Chelsea in the mix to sign Palhinha?

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are one of many teams who are "interested" in signing Palhinha this summer, although it clearly won't be easy for them to get their man. Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also reportedly in the mix, while Aston Villa are also confident of being able to compete financially with those clubs.

It is stated that Fulham are "resigned to losing" the Portugal international once this season reaches its conclusion, "given the mass amount of interest in his signature".

Palhinha could be exactly what Chelsea are looking for in the middle of the park moving forward, possessing the ability to cover ground, bite into tackles and generally help them dominate games. With N'Golo Kante's future up in the air and Mateo Kovacic turning 29 earlier this week, bringing in fresh blood is essential, and the Fulham man could be an ideal partner for Enzo Fernandez, possessing more physicality than the Argentina World Cup winner.

There are very few things working against the move, although the Blues' lack of European football next season could certainly be an issue, with others reportedly keen on him being able to promise him Champions League next season, which can often be a massive lure for players.

Palhinha has been lauded by Jamie Redknapp for having a "real presence about him" and for being a "fantastic" signing by the Cottagers, and Chelsea signing him could be a masterstroke.