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Chelsea are set for a bidding war with Premier League rivals Liverpool over AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, according to a recent report from The Daily Star.

Which midfielders could Chelsea sign this summer?

Chelsea are one of a number of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Fulham's Joao Palhinha this summer, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also said to be interested in the central midfielder.

The need to bring in some new options in the engine room has been increased amid the uncertainty around Mason Mount's future, and the Blues could also look at signing Sporting CP's Manuel Ugarte, who are they in a good position to win the race for.

Manager-elect Mauricio Pochettino has set his sights on signing Barcelona starlet Gavi, although the youngster does not want to leave the La Liga club, which means it will not be easy for Todd Boehly to orchestrate a deal.

According to a report from The Daily Star, Chelsea are now set to battle Liverpool for the signature of Fofana, and he could be available for a bargain fee, with the report detailing Monaco would be willing to sanction his departure for £25m.

Both clubs see the Monaco star as a low-cost alternative to Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, who could cost around £100m in the summer, although his price could be driven up if a bidding war breaks out.

The Blues are also searching for a long-term replacement for N'Golo Kante, as they have grown concerned about the amount of injuries the Frenchman picks up, and want to bring in a similar type of midfielder.

Should Chelsea sign Fofana?

Given that Rice has expressed his desire to play in the Champions League, Chelsea are unlikely to win the race for the West Ham captain, and Fofana could be a quality alternative.

Hailed as "magnificent" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the 24-year-old has been absolutely vital for Monaco this season, making a total of 32 appearances in Ligue 1.

During that time, the Paris-born midfielder has averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, the third-highest combined figure in the squad.

Although Fofana is not on the same level as Rice, ranking lower than the Englishman on a number of key defensive metrics per 90 over the past year, he is also a fraction of the price, and could be an excellent addition to the Chelsea midfield.

Arsenal transfer target Declan Rice is just 'waiting' for the Gunners to make an offer for him, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest on Rice to Arsenal?

The West Ham United star is a player of real interest to Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu, according to recent reports, with claims suggesting they're the current favourites.

Rice is also thought to be on his way out of east London this summer and is set to leave David Moyes – previously making no secret of his desire to play at the top level.

"Growing up as a kid I’ve seen all these top players win the trophies, win the Premier League, the Champions League," said Rice in an interview last year.

“Me as a football fan and a player I want to win the best stuff, I want to win the Premier League, I want to lift that trophy, I want to win the Champions League, I want to win the FA Cups, League Cups, even with England, I want to win it all."

As such, Arsenal are looking to take advantage of his situation in an attempt to shore up their midfield – with the 24-year-old standing out as one of their primary transfer targets.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Jones has claimed that the England international is simply 'waiting' for Arsenal to come in for him when asked about Newcastle's chances of signing the player.

He explained:

"If they make the top four, obviously, it becomes more possible and they can join the conversation, but it still depends on the level of funding on such a deal.

"It will involve how the player himself views the project. It's obviously an intriguing one, but from Declan Rice's point of view, at the moment, all the focus is waiting for Arsenal to make an offer. That's his preference."

Should Arsenal sign Rice?

The homegrown ace is West Ham's star player and general in centre-midfield – averaging their highest rate of interceptions per 90 whilst also standing out as their best-performer overall (WhoScored).

He's also been called 'underrated' by members of the media for what he does, and what's more, reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic has indicated he could leave West Ham for around £75 million this summer.

Rice's stance on a move to north London will only strengthen the case for Arsenal to make a move and we believe he could strengthen Arteta's ranks to no end.

أصدرت اللجنة المشكلة لإدارة الاتحاد المصري للفروسية، بياناً اليوم الأحد برئاسة إسماعيل شاكر بشأن إنهاء كافة إجراءات التسليم والتسلم من المجلس السابق.

وكانت وزارة الرياضة قد أعلنت عن إيقاف مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصرى للفروسية والمدير التنفيذي والمدير المالي للاتحاد، لحين انتهاء التحقيقات التي تجريها النيابة العامة.

وأوضحت الوزارة في تلك البيان أنه فى ضوء القرار الخاص بتشكيل لجنة لإدارة شئون الاتحاد المصرى للفروسية، فقد تم اليوم الأحد الموافق 31 ديسمبر الانتهاء من كافة الإجراءات الخاصة بأعمال التسليم والتسلم من المجلس السابق للاتحاد.

طالع أيضاً.. مستند | اتحاد الفروسية يرفض قرار وزارة الرياضة بإيقاف مجلس الإدارة

كما تم تغيير كافة الأختام الخاصة بالاتحاد وأيضاً التوقيعات البنكية وكافة متطلبات عملية الاستلام الكامل لشون الاتحاد المصرى للفروسية.

وقد اجتمعت اللجنة الخاصة بإدارة شئون الاتحاد عقب انتهاء كافة الإجراءات وتم الاتفاق على البدء في مناقشة خطة العمل الفترة المقبلة.

وفي نفس السياق تم البدء في تيسير الإجراءات والضوابط الإدارية والفنية لبدء خطة التطوير الشامل للاتحاد وتيسير شئونه خاصة في ضوء الارتباطات المحلية والدولية .

وتؤكد اللجنة أنه لن يؤخذ بأية مراسلات أو أخبار أو بيانات تتعلق بالاتحاد سوى ما يصدر فقط من خلال اللجنة المشكلة لإدارة شئون الاتحاد المصرى للفروسية.

Tottenham Hotspur teenager Romaine Mundle has been promoted to the first-team squad, according to club expert John Wenham.

What’s the latest on Spurs and Mundle?

Mundle has been progressing through Spurs’ academy in recent years and has even made the first team matchday squad on two occasions during the current campaign. The 19-year-old was on the bench against Portsmouth in the FA Cup at the beginning of the year and more recently against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

The right-winger failed to make his debut in either fixture, but it looks as if he has been catching the eye at the club’s Hotspur Way Training Ground and in the U21s with nine goal contributions in 29 appearances.

Spurs expert Wenham took to Twitter, via his Lilywhites Rose account, in the last 48 hours to share what he’s heard on Mundle. He said that the teenager has ‘been fully promoted’ to a first team player, with the club delighted by his development for the U21s. Wenham also addressed the youngster’s contract situation, with talks held over new terms.

‘Understand Romaine Mundle has been fully promoted to a first team player. Club delighted with his development this season with a string of standout performances for the U21’s. Contract set to expire on 30 June but talks have taken place regarding a new deal.’

Could we see Mundle make his Tottenham debut soon?

Mundle has been mooted as a possible future Heung-min Son with some increased playing time in north London, so this update is an exciting one. Alasdair Gold has previously described the attacker as "bright", whereas fellow journalist Josh Holland has also praised him for causing a young Foxes side "many problems" at the beginning of the season.

He is clearly highly thought of by Spurs officials following this claim, and with Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason taking temporary charge of the side until the end of the season, there could be a chance for Mundle to make his senior debut.

Spurs are in a fierce battle to finish in the top four heading into the run-in, but should he continue to impress, the winger could find himself in the matchday squad on a regular basis and possibly end up making a cameo display, so Mundle appears to be a name to keep an eye on.

Manchester United really want to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: 23 goals…

Osimhen, labelled as a ‘beast’ by members of the media, has been in fine goalscoring form this season. The Nigeria international, as of Sunday morning, had scored 23 times in 28 games, four of which have come in this season’s Champions League.

United have been heavily linked with a move for the player who reportedly heads their striker shortlist, with Didi Hamman waxing lyrical over the ‘complete striker’.

“He has everything a good striker needs.

“He heads the goals, is lightning fast, has a great finish, is clever, has good dribbling – he’s the complete striker. Currently the best striker in Europe.”

Hamman isn’t the only one to be impressed by Osimhen, with legendary striker David Trezeguet also describing the forward as ‘unique’.

“He’s a unique player, a prototype of the new player, fast, and he moves a lot. I think he has become a striker with an important profile. He knows how to move and manage himself in the match.”

The Latest: Plettenberg’s comments

Plettenberg was talking about Osimhen to Sky Sports Germany in a story shared in the last 48 hours. He said that the forward ‘wants to take the next step’ in his career, with United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain all linked.

The reporter believes a transfer for the striker would be a ‘huge package’ and said on United that they rate him higher than Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.

‘Manchester United really want him. We’re hearing that he’s also ranked higher than Kolo Muani internally.’

The Verdict: Get it done

Erik ten Hag has made a new forward one of his transfer priorities this summer, so Osimhen could be the missing piece in the Old Trafford jigsaw.

The Red Devils could sell Anthony Martial this summer, while loanee Wout Weghorst will return to his parent club, which may leave Ten Hag with no senior strikers on the books.

Therefore, bringing in Osimhen, who appears to be at the peak of his powers, could help take United to the next level and back to challenging for league titles.

The club may need to pay big for his services, however, they could well be under new ownership by the summer, so those who may take over from the Glazers could look to win the fans over immediately by securing a marquee transfer for Osimhen.

Glasgow Rangers face a tricky away tie in the Premiership this afternoon as Michael Beale looks to maintain his unbeaten record in charge of the Ibrox side.

Their visit to Almondvale is their last fixture before the Viaplay Cup final in just eight days’ time, and with that presenting a chance for his first piece of managerial silverware, the Englishman may tinker slightly with his starting XI for today.

Indeed, with John Lundstram “touch and go” ahead of this afternoon’s clash at Livingston, and Nicolas Raskin and Ryan Jack both being assessed, it could give Glen Kamara the opportunity to come back into the starting line-up in Premiership action, having been brought on as a substitute for Rangers’ last top-flight match against Ross County.

Will Glen Kamara start against Livingston?

Considering the uncertainty surrounding three of his central midfielders, unleashing Kamara makes absolutely perfect sense for Beale, especially given some of the 27-year-old’s performances under him recently.

Against St Johnstone at the end of January, the Finland international put in arguably his finest display of the season so far.

His Sofascore rating of 7.8/10 ranked him second behind James Tavernier out of the Light Blues’ starting XI that day as he scored once, made three key passes, created a big chance, took 98 touches and made two tackles, looking revigorated under the 42-year-old following his struggles earlier in the season.

Just four days later against Hearts, the 27-year-old “monster” – as dubbed by Steven Gerrard upon Kamara’s arrival at Rangers in 2019 – put in yet another wonderful display.

Against the Jam Tarts, the Finnish colossus once again made two key passes and had a 92% pass success rate, which was crucial for the Gers to generate scoring chances, and he worked well alongside Lundstram in the Light Blues’ midfield engine room.

Despite his slender frame, the midfielder made four tackles and won 80% of his duels at Tynecastle, making good use of his physical presence. With Rangers likely to see plenty of the ball against Livingston, starting Kamara would make perfect sense.

The £21k-per-week gem was described as “perfect” by former Ibrox hero Neil McCann, and he could come in the starting XI with ease as Beale looks to rotate his squad. There is no doubt that the Finland dynamo could dominate Livingston and control the tempo of the game to suit Beale’s style of play.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Toney

It was reported earlier this season that Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici was eyeing a swoop for the 26-year-old ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window, but Spurs instead chose to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Right-back Pedro Porro was brought in on a £5m loan deal with a £39m obligation to buy, while winger Arnaut Danjuma arrived on loan, with Antonio Conte choosing to wait until the summer before signing an out-and-out striker.

The Latest: Spurs keeping close tabs on Toney

As per Football Insider, Tottenham are keeping close tabs on Toney, who is currently holding talks with Brentford about a new contract.

The implication is that if these discussions do not go to plan, Spurs could swoop in for the 26-year-old, considering Richarlison and Heung-min Son are said to be struggling for form, with the duo managing only 10 goals in 48 appearances combined this season.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Given that Tottenham have Harry Kane at their disposal, who recently broke Jimmy Greaves’ record as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, it may be difficult to attract Toney, as he knows that he will almost certainly be playing second fiddle to the England captain in N17.

That said, if they are able to tempt the ‘sensational’ 26-year-old (as dubbed by presenter Ste Howson) into a move to north London, he would be a fantastic signing. That much is indicated by his superb scoring record in the Premier League this season, netting 13 times in 19 outings and also weighing in with three assists.

His prolific goal return for Brentford – 61 goals in 110 appearances – begs the question as to just how prolific he could be in a team of Tottenham’s calibre, and Paratici should continue to monitor the progress of contract talks at the Gtech Community Stadium over the coming weeks.

Manchester United have been in sparkling form as of late, winning all but two of their matches across all competitions since the domestic campaign resumed following the World Cup, and Erik ten Hag’s rejuvenation of the Red Devils is well underway.

Indeed, the Dutchman could lead the Old Trafford club to their first trophy in six years, having secured a place in the Carabao Cup final. That could well be the catalyst for more glory, akin to when Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the 1990 FA Cup and begun a two-decade dominance of the English game.

It isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, however, with news that Christian Eriksen will be out until April at the earliest due to suffering an ankle injury following a tackle by Reading’s Andy Carroll in their recent FA Cup tie.

Losing the influential Dane is a big blow for United, with the 30-year-old being their leading creator with seven Premier League assists already this term, and nine in all competitions.

Ten Hag managed to bring in some cover in the shape of Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who arrived on a six-month loan deal. However, the Dutchman could still have filled the Eriksen void by unleashing a player who is already at United, namely Zidane Iqbal.

The 19-year-old made his first-team debut against Young Boys in December 2021, and although he has been in the matchday squad a few times this season, he has yet to play competitively under Ten Hag.

The youngster has previously shown glimpses of his extraordinary talent, none more so than on United’s pre-season tour last summer, impressing in a 4-0 victory over Liverpool and the subsequent win over Melbourne Victory.

Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy was clearly impressed by the young prodigy as she lavished praise upon Iqbal, saying: “Zidane Iqbal has heaps of technical quality, skill and intelligence – importantly with the personality to match it. He demands the ball, moves, scans, never hides and is not scared of making a mistake in trying to execute what he feels is the right decision.”

It’s evident that he now needs some first-team action if he is to carry on his remarkable progress, and with the injury to Eriksen, there could well be an opportunity for the Iraq international even despite the presence of Sabitzer.

With matches coming thick and fast over the coming months, the teenage sensation will surely get his chance sooner rather than later.

Manchester City are being linked with re-signing Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon this month, and the Spaniard could be an ideal heir to Kyle Walker in Pep Guardiola’s side.

According to reports from Spain, the Premier League champions are considering activating their buyback clause for the young defender amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.

While both clubs would be forced to pay Porro’s €45m (£39.8m) release clause if they want to prise him away from Ruben Amorim’s side this month, City have the option to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium for a measly €17m (£15m).

The now 23-year-old joined City from Girona in 2019 but failed to make a single appearance under Guardiola in Manchester, joining Sporting on a permanent deal last summer after an impressive loan spell in Portugal.

In 96 appearances for Amorim’s side, the right-back has contributed an impressive 12 goals and 20 assists, which emphasises his ability going forward.

This season has seen Porro contribute two goals and six assists in 14 games in the Portuguese top flight, with WhoScored awarding him a superb 7.19 rating for his performances, so it is easy to see why City might be keen on bringing him back this month.

Kyle Walker looks to be approaching the end of his career at City, as he will turn 33 this year. Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo has also struggled for consistent form recently, with Sofascore ratings of 6.9 or lower in every game since the season resumed a month ago, which has duly seen Guardiola promote teenager Rico Lewis to the starting XI.

While the 18-year-old has certainly caught the eye with his seamless transition from academy football to a Premier League starter, he has averaged a far less impressive 6.40 rating from WhoScored for his displays in the top flight this season, with just one goal contribution to his name in all competitions.

If Guardiola wants a marauding right-back to take over from Walker at the Etihad, then Porro could be an ideal option, with Zach Lowy emphasising his ability earlier this season.

The journalist tweeted: “Pedro Porro is a special talent. Sporting found themselves trailing going into HT — they come away with a 3-1 win thanks to some brilliant work from Porro in setting up their first two goals. Best right back in Portugal for me.”

Therefore, considering that this could be City’s last chance to sign the Spaniard given Tottenham’s interest, Txiki Begiristain should definitely consider bringing Porro back to the Etihad this month.

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Pape Matar Sarr has seriously impressed Antonio Conte since his return from the World Cup late last year.

What’s the latest?

Spurs have suffered a major blow in their midfield recently with their Uruguayan central midfielder, Rodrigo Bentancur, missing through an injury he picked up in the World Cup.

It was initially thought the 25-year-old would only miss a few weeks and would likely return for the game on New Year’s Day against Aston Willa, however, this has not been the case.

This has offered a number of players with an opportunity to impress Conte but it is apparent the likes of Yves Bissouma and Oliver Skipp have perhaps fluffed their shot in the starting XI.

But speaking on Chris Cowlin’s YouTube channel, journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed the young Senegalese midfielder has seriously been impressing Conte of late:

(29:15) “But I would also say, I think I mentioned it earlier in this video call, but the emergence of Bryan Gil and Pape Matar Sarr in recent weeks has been such a huge positive for Spurs.

“Because Conte’s really seen something that he can work with. I know Sarr returned early from the World Cup when he was expected. And the time he spent on the training field has really left an impression on Conte.”

Time to shine

Since returning from the World Cup, Sarr has made his debut for the Lilywhites with appearances from the bench in their last two league games against Villa and Crystal Palace.

And then the 20-year-old was handed his first start as a Spurs player in their FA Cup game against Portsmouth on the weekend where he played the full 90 minutes in N17.

This all comes after months of sitting on the bench and, at times, not even being included in Conte’s matchday squad after spending last season out on loan with Metz.

But following the World Cup, the midfielder pretty much returned straight to London to get back to work under the Italian manager and it seems as if this has gained the 53-year-old’s trust.

Amid the January transfer window, there have been some reports suggesting the player could leave on loan for the remainder of the campaign with the Serie A side, Salernitana, showing an interest.

However, it seems as if the youngster may finally be getting his opportunity at Spurs having impressed massively in the games against Palace and Portsmouth.

And it sounds as if he is doing the right things behind the scenes, too, with Taylor claiming the Italian boss is taking a real shine to the young midfielder.

There is a tough run of games ahead for Spurs in the coming weeks, so it will be interesting to see what role Sarr may play in these games and how Bentancur’s potential return could affect his game time.