Tottenham Hotspur are now confident about winning the race for a £25m striker, who could be in line to join alongside West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, according to a report.
Tottenham pushing to sign Kudus
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that Tottenham are in ongoing talks over a deal to sign Kudus, with the Ghanaian winger keen to make the move across the capital.
The interest in Kudus comes amid doubts over Son Heung-min’s future, with widespread reports suggesting the forward wants to remain in north London for one more year, which means Thomas Frank may have to bring in a long-term replacement for his captain.
With Everton and a whole host of other Premier League clubs keen on Richarlison, a new striker may also be required, and Tottenham have now been provided with an update on their pursuit of OGC Nice’s Evann Guessand.
Football Insider sources say that Spurs are confident about winning the race for Guessand this summer, with the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers also in the race for the forward’s signature.
Tottenham targeting £35m swoop to sign goalscoring midfielder with Kudus
The Lilywhites are set to step up their transfer business.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 7, 2025
The French side have set an affordable asking price of £20m – £25m, off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign, with transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke adding: “There’s been talk that Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce would like to sign him as well.
“My sources tell me the player himself is not overly keen on that move, so that will be positive news for his Premier League suitors.
Evann Guessand in action for Nice in Ligue 1.
“Looking at the interested clubs, Brighton, West Ham, Wolves… Tottenham I’m sure would be pretty hopeful that, if they do follow up their interest, that they could win the race for his services.”
"Electric" Guessand could be versatile option for Frank
The 24-year-old is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle, meaning he could be a versatile option for Frank in attack, and the 2024-25 campaign was by far the Nice star’s best season to date.
The Ivory Coast international registered 12 goals and nine assists in 33 Ligue 1 outings, indicating he could be a solid replacement for Richarlison, who missed a whopping 37 games through injury last season.
Having averaged a 7.19 match rating in Ligue 1, the France-born forward was also Nice’s second-best-performing player last term, while outperforming every Tottenham player to make more than six Premier League appearances.
Player
Average rating (Premier League)
Son Heung-min
7.0
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
At just £20m – £25m, Guessand could be a bargain addition to the Tottenham squad, and a move to north London should be a far more attractive proposition than joining Wolves or Brighton.
Leicestershire still in with a shout of the top three after holding their nerve at Grace Road
ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2024Australian international Peter Handscomb rescued Leicestershire from 59 for five with a superb 103 to set up a winning score against previously unbeaten Group B leaders Glamorgan and keep the defending champions in contention for the knock-out stages of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Chasing 272 after seamer Timm van der Gugten had taken 5 for 49, Glamorgan were all out for 262, with Foxes left-arm spinner Liam Trevaskis their star man with the ball, taking 4 for 54 to go with the 47 he made with the bat in a vital 103-run partnership with Handscomb for Leicestershire’s seventh wicket, although ex-Glamorgan man Roman Walker ran him close, taking the last three wickets for figures of 3 for 40 to seal a nine-run victory.Veteran Colin Ingram top-scored for the Welsh side with 68. His dismissal to Trevaskis with 75 still needed from 55 balls looked to have swung the balance heavily towards the home side, but a List A career-best 61 from Dan Douthwaite took the contest into the penultimate over.The result puts Lewis Hill’s side on 10 points, one behind Glamorgan and Warwickshire – who also surrendered their unbeaten record against Yorkshire – and two ahead of Gloucestershire and Yorkshire.Both Glamorgan, who take on Yorkshire in Cardiff in the final round of group matches on Wednesday, and Warwickshire, who face eliminated Nottinghamshire at Rugby School, are already sure of at least a quarter-final place. Leicestershire, who travel to Bristol to meet Gloucestershire, have the potential to finish in any of the top three places – or be knocked out on net run-rate.The one shadow over their celebrations after this victory was an injury to Handscomb suffered while batting, after which he did not field in Glamorgan’s innings and may make him a doubt for Bristol.Needing to score at 5.44 per over, Glamorgan – missing top scorer Eddie Byrom through injury – lost both openers in first nine overs to all-rounder Ian Holland, Tom Bevan helping a leg-side delivery into the hands of short fine leg before Will Smale’s attempt to clear the leg-side fence only picked out the man at deep square. They were 43 for 2 from 10.Leicestershire’s attack was depleted by injuries and Hundred call-ups, yet by the halfway stage of their innings at 108 for 4, they seemed not so much to be biding their time as making hard going of what was required.They had lost Sam Northeast to a return catch tamely chipped back to Trevaskis for 31, the same score at which Kiran Carlson, showing signs of frustration, had holed out to deep midwicket off Tom Scriven. The rate needed was up to 6.56.Billy Root was caught behind square on the reverse sweep off Trevaskis, Asa Tribe holing out to deep midwicket, a third wicket for the left-arm spinner. Ingram, who hit two sixes and seven fours, reached his fifty from 48 balls and needed to be there at the end if Glamorgan were to win, so little wonder there were loud celebrations among the home players when Trevaskis had him leg before sweeping.Douthwaite’s four fours and four sixes kept Glamorgan in the hunt but after Walker bowled Van der Gugten and had Andy Gorvin caught at backward point in the space of four deliveries, he was the hero again as Sol Budinger patiently waited for the ball to come down at deep midwicket and Douthwaite’s brave effort came to an end.Glamorgan had won the toss and while a frenetic opening powerplay saw them concede 59 runs after opting to bowl first on use on a green-tinged pitch but take four wickets, with a fifth quickly following in the 11th over. Four of them came from Van der Gugten.The pacy Netherlands international dismissed Ian Holland leg before in his first over. Sent back by the lively Sol Budinger, skipper Hill was run out by Asa Tribe’s direct hit from extra cover before the former edged to first slip, having hit six fours in a 23-ball 28.The departure of the Foxes’ leading run-scorer was quickly followed by that of their undoubted star turn, the Indian Test batter Ajinkya Rahane, who was leg before offering no shot, and Louis Kimber, who returned from The Hundred to be bowled through the gate for a four-ball duck.New man Ben Cox hit six boundaries in his 34 but hooked Douthwaite to deep backward square, leaving the Foxes 105 for 6. The combination of Andy Gorvin and the spin of Carlson and Bevan proved restrictive but Handscomb and Trevaskis stayed patient, adding 103 in 23 overs before the latter was bowled by the returning Van der Gugten.Handscomb pulled Gorvin for his only six and dispatched Van der Gugten for his 10th four before completing his second hundred of this year’s competition, never hurried yet taking only 91 balls. He and Scriven added 47 in five overs before the Australian – limping towards the end of his innings – succumbed to a catch at backward point.
Liverpool are the champions of the Premier League once again. And what’s more, Arne Slot has been backed by FSG this summer as they prepare to do it all over again.
While the bulk of transfer activity has been dealt with already on Merseyside, there’s more to come, with Darwin Nunez the centre of ongoing talks between Liverpool and Napoli after an opening €55m (£48m) bid was rejected.
Many would hope that FSG are gearing up to splash out the cash on Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, but the “world-class” goalscorer, as he has been described by pundit Alan Shearer, will likely prove too expensive.
And anyway, Slot has proven his ability to grow exciting talents into superstars. See the 22-year-old Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.
Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo for Liverpool
Now, the Dutch coach is hoping to sign his next version of the former, whose meteoric rise last season led to him being crowned the Premier League Young Player of the Season.
Liverpool's next top transfer targets
After missing out on Dean Huijsen, who swapped Bournemouth for Real Madrid after his £50m release clause was met, it was clear from the early stages of the transfer window that Liverpool are interested in signing a centre-back.
Marc Guehi is the man at the top of the shopping list, and while developments appear to be minimal at the moment, expect FSG to try their luck before the summer window slams shut.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
Liverpool need a new central defender, to be sure, but Slot knows that the 33-year-old Mohamed Salah will need greater attacking support than he received last term, practically engineering the incredible Premier League success of 2023/24.
And indeed, Nunez’s forthcoming sale will demand that sporting director Richard Hughes signs a successor, one who is fit to serve as Liverpool’s out-and-out frontman over the coming years.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
Well, the Reds have just the player in mind, and their interest is beginning to get stronger and stronger.
Liverpool with growing interest in new striker
As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool’s interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is indeed getting more intense as Nunez edges closer to a transfer to Napoli.
The Premier League champions have been among the frontrunners for the 23-year-old in recent months, with Chelsea and Manchester United also keen on bagging his signature.
However, the sticking point is that Frankfurt are happy to play hardball, seemingly unwilling to budge on their €100m (£85m) valuation.
What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool
In 2022, Paris Saint-Germain signed a teenage Ekitike from Ligue 1 rivals Reims for a fee in the region of £30m. Newcastle had come close to a deal but failed to close it.
The Frenchman might not have brought it all together for PSG, only scoring four times across 33 senior matches, but he’s certainly built himself back up in Germany, with analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as “one of the best strikers out there” after his 2024/25 term with Frankfurt.
Notching 36 goal involvements across all competitions for Frankfurt last season, Ekitike is clearly a “special talent”, as has been noted by journalist Bence Bocsak.
But it’s his dynamism and fluency that makes him such an attractive option for a club like Liverpool, finishing the 2024/25 season ranked among the top 6% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.
The fact that he’s more complete than Gravenberch was when he joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in August 2023 bodes well for his potential at the highest level of the European game.
As you will see in the table below, Gravenberch bloomed into a midfielder of remarkable quality and confidence last term, sitting deep in the centre of the park in spite of early career criticisms that he lacked the temperament and composure for such a role.
Looking at the Dutchman’s gains under Slot’s wing last season, as opposed to his less defined role when a part of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, it’s very easy to see that Slot’s tactical grasp brought out the best in his young compatriot.
Matches (starts)
26 (12)
37 (37)
Goals
1
0
Assists
0
4
Touches*
28.8
66.5
Pass completion
83%
89%
Key passes*
0.6
0.9
Dribbles*
0.9
1.0
Ball recoveries*
2.8
5.2
Tackles + interceptions*
1.5
3.5
Total duels (won)*
2.8 (47%)
5.0 (57%)
The same could be said for Gakpo, of course, but given that Ekitike is an exciting young player from the Bundesliga who has previously struggled to bring it together after a big-money move to a European superpower, he could emulate the silky holding midfielder.
And without a doubt, Ekitike has the technical ability to become the kind of all-encompassing centre-forward that Slot wants to connect his frontline.
Given the high regard Ekitike is held in already, it’s frightening to consider what Slot might manage to achieve in elevating the weaker points of his game and polishing any blemishes which a rising talent is naturally going to bear.
Gravenberch, certainly, has improved, having been branded a “passenger out of possession” by journalist Danny Corcoran during his maiden term in English football.
He’s now a player of smooth ability, one of the finest in Europe. Slot has earned his flowers, all right, and he’ll receive a whole bouquet if allowed to tinker away at Ekitike’s mechanics, shaping him into a world-beater.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the Die Adler star “could reach world-class striker levels” after his excellent campaign, and if he moves to Liverpool, his chances of this happening will increase tenfold.
Slot's new Diaz: Hughes plotting Liverpool bid to sign £100m "nightmare"
Liverpool may have to sell their versatile Colombian forward this summer.
WA were 133 for 3 chasing 167 but lost 7 for 31 with McAndrew taking a career-best 5 for 40. Earlier, Bryce Jackson took the best-ever 50-over figures for WA of 6 for 31
AAP24-Sep-2024Western Australia have suffered an almighty collapse of 7 for 31 against South Australia, sparked by Nathan McAndrew’s five-wicket haul, to eventually lose by two runs and remain winless in the One-Day Cup after two games.Two days after being upset by New South Wales, Western Australia looked set for victory at 133 for 3 in pursuit of South Australia’s 166 at Sydney’s Cricket Central.But the three-time defending champions fell apart miserably, with McAndrew claiming career-best List A figures of 5 for 40 as Western Australia were all out for 164 in the 38th over.The loss leaves Western Australia with their worst start to a season since 2015, and the first time they have suffered back-to-back 50-over defeats in nine years.The defeat came despite the best efforts of quick Bryce Jackson, who claimed 6 for 31 and the best figures for Western Australia in the competition’s history.Jackson has long been touted as a potential talent in Western Australia, but a series of major back injuries denied him a debut until age 24 last summer.In just his second List A match, Bryce Jackson walked back with figures of 6 for 31•Getty ImagesThe right-arm quick took 3 for 67 in his maiden match against Tasmania in February, before taking his chance on Tuesday with Jhye Richardson rested.He had Henry Hunt caught behind with a ball that swung away in his first over, before getting Mackenzie Harvey and Daniel Drew in his next over.And after Liam Scott (46) and Daniel Drew (49) steadied the ship for South Australia, Jackson returned to get rid of both of them before beating McAndrew for pace on the hook shot.While Western Australia wobbled early in their chase, the competition heavyweights appeared to have the match under their control.With Ashton Turner going after Henry Thornton by cutting him for six and taking 16 off another over, a bonus-point win looked the most likely scenario.But the match swung viciously after Sam Whiteman pulled Wes Agar down the throat of Thomas Kelly at deep square leg on 48.Ashton Agar and Baxter Holt followed in similar fashion to McAndrew as the West Australians lost all control of the match.And when McAndrew had Matthew Kelly caught behind and clean bowled AJ Tye for a duck in his next over, Western Australia still required 10 for victory.Ben Manenti then landed the killer blow when he nicked off Turner on 53, leaving Lance Morris and Jackson six runs to get for the final wicket.Jackson was ultimately stumped trying to drive Manenti, denying him a dream day and handing South Australia their first win over Western Australia since 2017.
Everton are “interested” in completing the signing of a player with five England caps to his name, according to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.
Everton eyeing new signing as well as Fofana
The Blues have been linked with a summer move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, with the 20-year-old seen as a strong option to bring in out wide.
The Belgian is capable of excelling on either flank, and scored a combined 11 goals in Ligue 1 and the Europa League last season, but it looks as though Everton’s wide business won’t be done there if they do sign him.
A new claim has suggested that David Moyes wants to bring in two wingers during the summer transfer window, although the second player in question isn’t specified.
A host of possible options have been mentioned, including Jack Harrison returning to Everton on a permanent basis, or Takefusa Kubo making a move from Real Sociedad. Now, a versatile player who can shine all over the pitch has been mentioned as a target for the Merseysiders.
Everton "interested" in signing Maitland-Niles
According to McAdam on X, Everton are “interested” in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon, with the former Arsenal man a new target for the Blues.
Maitland-Niles may almost have become a forgotten man to some Premier League fans, considering he has been plying his trade at Lyon since 2023, but he could be a strong addition to Moyes’ squad.
The £36,000-a-week ace has five caps to his name for England, and he has been lauded by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in the past.
“First of all, I see a different player in terms of his urgency, his commitment, the clarity in his play, his purpose. Since we made the decision, it was clear what I was seeing that I wanted him to stay, because he was going to be useful. He has a huge talent because he’s versatile enough to adapt to almost any position on the pitch. Today we made use of him to do what he had to do in the game, which was really important.”
Everton now want to seal another key signing alongside Fofana this summer
This will be music to the ears of David Moyes.
ByHenry Jackson Jul 28, 2025
Maitland-Niles’ aforementioned versatility makes him a shrewd option for Everton, with the Englishman capable of doing a job in as many as 10 different positions, whether it be right-back, left-back or central midfield.
Matthew Waite stars with bat and ball as opponents’ survival hopes dwindle
ECB Reporters Network28-Sep-2024Lancashire’s relegation from Division One of the Vitality County Championship was confirmed on the third day of their final match of the 2024 campaign against Worcestershire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.After bowling out the home side for 180, Lancashire were themselves then dismissed for 177 in 55.1 overs.Their fate was sealed as relegation rivals Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire picked up sufficient points from their meeting at Trent Bridge to both guarantee their own safety.Lancashire’s fall from grace has been rapid after finishing runners-up in 2022, when they came so close to winning the title, and then fourth 12 months ago.The make-up of their side has altered from two years ago with players leaving, call-ups to franchise cricket and injuries.The Red Rose county have suffered four innings defeats in a season for the first time in their history, including three in succession.It was their fourth relegation from the top flight since last winning the title in 2011 – in 2012, 2014, 2018 and now 2024.Worcestershire had already guaranteed their own safety with a game to spare and now have their sights on trying to secure a top six finish.They resumed on 119 for 7 and Matthew Waite completed an excellent half-century off just 37 balls with four sixes and two fours.He was given staunch support by Logan van Beek during a free-flowing partnership of 84 from 15 overs.Waite (60) eventually fell to Anderson Phillip when he went for a pull through midwicket but gloved the ball to Keaton Jennings at second slip.Joe Leach, in his final match before retiring, received a standing ovation from supporters on his way to the wicket but made only two before he was bowled off the inside edge to give Phillip his fifth wicket.Van Beek and Jack Home added 26 useful runs for the final wicket before the former on 48 from 70 balls chopped on to George BaldersonPhillip finished with figures of 13-2-65-5 and Tom Bailey 15-5-22-3.Lancashire were left 35 minutes batting before lunch and they suffered an early setback.Skipper Jennings drove at a widish delivery from Waite and the ball flew to Rob Jones who held onto a head high chance at second slip.Josh Bohannon had an escape in the same over before he had scored when Waite failed to hold onto a sharp one-handed return catch away to his rightBut there was another breakthrough when Harry Singh pushed forward to Leach and was caught behind.The wickets continued to tumble after lunch when Bohannon attempted to work Leach to leg and was lbw.It became 30 for 4 when Rocky Flintoff attempted a straight drive and was also leg before.Keeper Matty Hurst and George Bell tried to repair the damage and added 43.But Hurst gave his wicket away when he tamely clipped Waite to Home at mid wicket.Home came into the attack and accounted for Luke Wells (38) who lost his middle stump working to leg.Waite picked up a third scalp when George Bell missed a straight ball and was lbw.Ethan Brookes added to Lancashire’s woes in his first over after tea as Bailey became another lbw victim to a delivery which cut back.Determined resistance came from Phillip and Balderson who added 56 for the ninth wicket.But the innings was wrapped up with Balderson (38) caught low down by Waite at mid-on off Brookes and then Phillip (30) was collected at cover by Brookes off van Beek.Bad light halted play at 5.10pm after one over of Worcestershire’s second innings.
Given Tottenham Hotspur’s lowly Premier League finish of 15th place last season, investment is massively needed from the hierarchy during the off-season.
Thomas Frank has been appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss this summer and has been tasked with the job of transforming their fortunes within England’s top-flight.
Owner Daniel Levy has previously stated his desire to build the club into title contenders, but if he is to see the club at the top of the table, he will need to put his hand in his pocket.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Whilst Mohammed Kudus has already made the move to North London, further additions are to be expected with various areas of the pitch needing investment.
Numerous players have been on their radar in recent weeks, leaving the recruitment team to make the right choice as to who would be the right fit for Frank’s side.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Morgan Gibbs-White is a player who looked set on a move to join Spurs after they triggered the £60m release clause within his contract at Nottingham Forest.
However, the Reds have blocked any move, subsequently claiming that the Lilywhites have made an illegal approach for the England international’s signature.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts
He’s not the only player who’s been in their sights over recent days, with Bayern Munich talent Joao Palhinha a player of interest, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Sports journalist claimed that Frank’s side have been showing interest in the 30-year-old star, but no concrete offer has yet been made for his services.
He also states that his agent is aware of the interest in his signature, looking almost certain to depart the Bundesliga side after making just six starts last season after joining in a £47m deal from Fulham.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Rice
Declan Rice has been one of the Premier League’s leading midfield talents over recent years, but unfortunately for Spurs fans, he’s been plying his trade for North London rivals Arsenal.
The 26-year-old cost a staggering £105m back in the summer of 2023, a figure that to this day remains the highest fee paid for an Englishman in the history of football.
He’s proved his worth despite the mammoth transfer fee, registering 35 combined goals and assists for the Gunners in the last two seasons – a simply staggering feat for a deep-lying midfielder.
Spurs fans must wish they had their own version of the England international, but they could be about to land just that with a move for Palhinha during the current window.
The Bayern star has been labelled as a similar player to Rice by FBref, showcasing how highly rated his, despite his lack of action in Germany in recent months.
Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha in action against Bayer Leverksen.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Portuguese international has managed to outperform him in key areas, potentially making him the missing piece in Frank’s midfield puzzle.
Palhinha, who’s been labelled “sensational” by former footballer Steve Sidwell, completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst finding more of his teammates in the final third – having the tools to add further creativity to the side.
Games played
17
35
Pass accuracy
92%
83%
Passes into final third
6.3
4.3
Tackles won
1.9
0.8
Tackles success rate
69%
41%
Blocks made
1.7
0.8
Take-on success
50%
48%
Aerials won
65%
59%
His dominance without the ball is just as impressive, winning more tackles and making more blocks, adding the needed defensive presence needed within the Lilywhites’ midfield.
The former Fulham star has been just as dominant in the air as he has on the ground, winning more of the aerial battles he’s entered, potentially adding an added threat in the opposition’s penalty area.
It’s unclear if a deal for Palhinha would be a temporary or permanent addition, but it’s evident that his addition to the side would be a sensational piece of business.
Should he move and match the levels produced by Rice in England’s top-flight, it would be one of the signings of the window, helping Frank in his quest for success in North London.
Big Sarr upgrade: Spurs make approach to sign £33m Gibbs-White alternative
Tottenham Hotspur appear to have turned their attention to another player instead of Morgan Gibbs-White.
Barcelona are weighing up a sensational move for Harry Kane in 2026, with reports in Spain suggesting the Bayern Munich striker could be available for as little as €40 million (£35m). Deco considers the England captain an “ideal option” to replace Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires that summer, making the low-cost swoop a realistic possibility.
Barcelona eye €40-50m Kane transfer in 2026Seen as Lewandowski’s ideal long-term replacementPremier League sides could challenge for strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Lewandowski’s deal runs out in June 2026, and Barcelona are already preparing for his exit. Kane, who will turn 33 that summer, is seen as the perfect successor thanks to his proven pedigree. As per Catalan outlet El Nacional, the most attractive factor, however, is the expectation that Bayern will lower their demands to around €40-50m (£35-43m/$47-59m).
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Barcelona reportedly want to repeat the strategy used when they signed Lewandowski in 2022 — securing a world-class striker at a bargain price. Kane’s market value is expected to fall due to age and his contract with Bayern Munich ending in 2027, making him affordable for the Blaugrana despite their financial limitations. For a club still balancing the books, such a deal is seen as a rare opportunity.
DID YOU KNOW?
Kane has scored freely at Bayern, reinforcing his reputation as one of Europe’s best forwards. Barcelona believe his leadership and experience would provide instant impact in an attack being reshaped around Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
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Barcelona will keep close tabs on Kane’s situation over the next 18 months. Premier League clubs may also enter the race, but the Catalans hope their sporting project and the chance to play at Camp Nou will swing the deal. The summer of 2026 is being viewed as the decisive moment in their hunt for Kane.
Chelsea are set for a very busy final month of the transfer window, as BlueCo set their sights on both strengthening the squad and shipping off a plethora of unwanted players.
Chelsea to bid for £192k-a-week star who Bayern have phoned "several" times
BlueCo remain busy in the market.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 29, 2025
While the Blues are in no danger financially, having made millions through player sales, Champions League qualification and winning the Club World Cup in recent months, there is a looming threat from UEFA.
Chelsea have effectively been ordered to balance out their squad through departures, or risk not being able to register new signings for the Champions League next season (Kaveh Solhekol), coming after they were fined for breaching FFP rules.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
João Félix comes as the latest in a long line of Chelsea casualties after he agreed an initial £26 million move to Al-Nassr, with the Portugal international officially joining Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic and Mathis Amougou out of the door.
Felix could soon be followed by many more, with Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Tosin Adarabioyo, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Alfie Gilchrist and Nicolas Jackson all tipped to potentially leave Chelsea as well.
However, one exit reportedly advancing is that of Raheem Sterling and his potential switch to west London rivals Fulham.
PSV's Walter Benitez saves Raheem Sterling's effort for Arsenal.
The 30-year-old spent 2024/2025 on loan at Arsenal after being frozen out by Enzo Maresca last summer, and according to a new report by TEAMtalk this afternoon, talks over a transfer to Fulham are seriously progressing.
Raheem Sterling close to agreeing Fulham move as Chelsea eye Alejandro Garnacho
As per the news outlet, Sterling is close to agreeing personal terms with Fulham as talks advance, and Chelsea are keen to get the England international’s sky-high £325,000-per-week wages off their books.
Maresca’s side are even prepared to shake hands on an outright sale worth £20 million – a price which Fulham see as a bargain – with Chelsea poised to take a £30m loss on the £50m they paid Man City for Sterling over three years ago.
What’s more, despite Chelsea’s advanced talks for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, the club are planning to replace Sterling with Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho – following previous reports that they could also bid for the Red Devils ace amid their shortage of left-wingers.
The Argentine, called “unplayable” at times by new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, would be an instant upgrade on Sterling, and it appears that Chelsea are maintaining their pursuit of Garnacho after considering a deal for him in January.
There were some tension that boiled over during the fourth innings between Cartwright and Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald
Tristan Lavalette23-Oct-2024By the time Hilton Cartwright fronted the media post match, he looked understandably exhausted after a whirlwind few days capped by guiding Western Australia to victory over Tasmania in a tempestuous Sheffield Shield clash.Cartwright had expected to get through the match with his wife Tameka only 37 weeks pregnant. But just as he arrived at the WACA ground before day two, Tameka called him and said she would need to be induced due to complications.They worked out a plan and agreed that she would be induced at around 3.30pm, so that Cartwright could dash from the ground at the tea break. He gave the heads up to WA coach Adam Voges, who was “extremely supportive”.Related
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Bancroft fails again but Western Australia survive scare to take victory
'A right-handed version of Warner': Josh Inglis launched into opening debate
“I was going to be leaving at tea, regardless of whether I was in, out or we were still bowling,” Cartwright told reporters after the match.As it turned out, No. 3 Cartwright was at the crease and in sublime touch having helped lift WA out of trouble in their first innings before retiring on 52 not out at tea.”My mind was probably a bit elsewhere,” he said. “The only thing I was really thinking about was getting through to tea to give myself an opportunity and the team an opportunity for me to bat later, or for someone to bat later after me.”After Tameka gave birth to their second child early on Tuesday, Cartwright managed just one hour of sleep before fronting up for day three of the match. He was able to resume his innings at the fall of a wicket after Tasmania had agreed as per the rules.Cartwright gave the thumbs up to Tasmania skipper Jordan Silk on his way to the crease, but was understandably scratchy and managed only a further 13 runs before holing out.Having mostly survived the day through adrenaline and caffeine, Cartwright finally crashed later at the hospital and had some desperately needed sleep.There appeared to be some tense scenes between Hilton Cartwright and Tasmania•Getty ImagesWith a little bit more energy, Cartwright played a starring role on the final day and scored a vital 39 not out from 50 balls to combine with Josh Inglis as WA overcame a top-order collapse to run down the 83-run target with six wickets in hand.But tensions boiled over on-field with Cartwright and Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald engaged in a war of words. They had a long exchange while shaking hands just after the match.”It was just clearing some air that I think might have got a bit misjudged while we were out there and we were able to clear what happened over the last couple of days,” Cartwright said.Tasmania quick Kieran Elliott said “that’s the game, we made our call”.”Without being entirely across what was discussed, if he was out, great result for us. He is obviously a class player,” he said. “For him to come back and get a few more away before we eventually got him in that first innings was important for them.”WA skipper Sam Whiteman believed the laws over retiring batters should be re-evaluated.”It’s a pretty unique situation and I think probably the laws of the game need to change a little bit to take the decision off the captains,” he said.”That will be discussed in the post-match, but at the end of the day the right decision was made and credit to Tassie for letting Hilts come back out and bat. That’s the right decision for the game of cricket.”