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Philippe Clement will head into his first summer transfer window as Glasgow Rangers manager with the aim of moving out some deadwood while bringing his own targets to the club.

Several players look to be departing upon the expiration of their contracts at the end of the season, which will free up some of the wage bill for Clement to utilise, but he will also need to sell players for transfer fees in order to improve his budget.

There should be no shortage of offers for a few of his first team regulars, although it appears a former Rangers manager has his eyes on not one, but two current players…

Rangers transfer news

According to the Daily Record, Steven Gerrard is eyeing a shock double swoop for James Tavernier and Connor Goldson this summer as he looks to bring the duo to the Middle East.

Both players, of course, worked under the former Liverpool captain during his three and a half year spell as Ibrox boss, helping the club win their first league title in a decade during the 2020/21 season.

Both players are on the wrong side of 30 and have two years left on their current deals, which suggests it could be a tempting proposition for Clement to move them on if he receives a sizeable transfer fee.

Goldson hasn’t quite been in the best of form in recent weeks, whereas Tavernier’s goal contributions have been vital for the Light Blues this season.

James Tavernier’s stats for Rangers this season

Once again, the defender is currently the top scorer in the squad, scoring 24 goals along with registering ten assists in what has been a career-best total for the former Newcastle United gem.

Tavernier notched his 131st goal of his career against Hibs in March, coming via one of his customary penalties which have formed the bulk of his goals. In the process, he became the highest-scoring defender in British football history, a stunning achievement for a right-back.

His goal involvements have been crucial to the club regaining their footing after a poor start under Michael Beale, and it appears as though Clement has placed his full trust in the 32-year-old to lead his team.

Among his teammates this term, Tavernier currently ranks first for overall Sofascore rating (8.08) in the top flight, while also ranking first for goals and assists (25), fifth for shots per game (2.1), first for big chances created (17) and for key passes per game (3.2), showing just how much of a positive influence he has in the current side.

Without his goal contributions, there is no telling where Rangers would be. One day, however, the club will need to find a replacement for him, which could prove to be extremely tough considering how much he offers, especially from an attacking perspective.

Metric

Europa League

Premiership

Goals

0

17

Assists

0

8

Big chances created

0

17

Key passes per game

1.1

3.2

Successful dribbles per game

0.3

1.1

There will be players Clement has his eyes on in terms of potential long-term Tavernier successor, yet there could be someone who is currently out on loan who could forge his way back into the first-team picture next season – Adam Devine.

Adam Devine’s Rangers career so far

The right-back made his first team debut for Rangers during a clash against Dundee United towards the end of the 2021/22 season as Giovanni van Bronckhorst was looking to rest senior players due to their involvement in the run to the Europa League final.

His first start came a week later in the final match of the season against Hearts, and he impressed during a 3-1 win, succeeding with 100% of his dribbles while taking 79 touches, showing his willingness to get on the ball.

The youngster had to wait until December to feature for the first team again, as injuries meant Beale called him into the starting XI for three successive games, playing particularly well against Ross County a few days before Christmas.

Not only did he make four key passes during the tie, but Devine also succeeded with both of his dribbles, won four of his seven ground duels contested along with making two tackles, and it looked as though he had a bright future ahead of him.

In total, Devine played eight times for the senior side throughout the whole of last season, gaining vital experience, and it looked as though he could push on this term. After playing just nine minutes in the League Cup for the Light Blues, Clement sent the defender on loan to Motherwell in order to give him some much-needed game time.

Adam Devine’s statistics for Motherwell

The 21-year-old was hailed by former Partick Thistle manager Ian McCall after the Jags signed him on loan in 2021, describing him as “a highly rated young player” and his current spell at the Steelmen may have given Clement plenty to think about.

So far, he has played nine games for the club since his arrival in January, scoring once and grabbing an assist. Of the eight league matches, Devine has started in six of them, averaging 0.4 key passes per game, succeeding with 100% of his dribble attempts, recovering three balls per game and winning 0.9 ground duels per game – an impressive success rate of 70% – which has proven his ability to perform on a consistent basis in the top flight.

While he may not offer the same sort of attacking qualities as Tavernier, Devine could be a solid option for Clement to call upon next season.

He still has plenty of time to develop as a player, while being homegrown will be advantageous with regard to European games, as the squad has to have a certain number of homegrown players present.

Hopefully, Tavernier still has a year or two left at Ibrox before he moves on to pastures new, but that’s not to say Devine should be intimidated by his presence.

Gaining minutes in certain matches next season could allow him to continue his rapid development while demonstrating his talents to Clement in the process, as the manager could save millions in the transfer market by trusting the youngster.

Rangers sold a "fantastic" gem who'd be worth more than Tavernier in 2024

Rangers sold a player in 2001 who is worth more than Tav in 2024 money

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2024

As Southampton eye instant promotion back to the Premier League, reinforcements to ensure that they both secure their place in the top flight and then keep it will be more important than ever. The last thing that the Saints will want is to drop back straight back down to the Championship if all of their hard work takes them to Wembley glory under Russell Martin in the current campaign.

With that said, reports suggest that Southampton are set to rival Premier League sides and play-off rivals in a race to sign a 17-year-old gem who looks destined to become a future star, wherever he ends up.

Southampton transfer news

More often than not, Southampton have been a club blessed with young talent, either through their own academy or the transfer market. Just last season, they had Anderlecht and Manchester City academy graduate Romeo Lavia at their disposal, before selling him on for big money to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, one of their most famous academy graduates and captain, James Ward-Prowse, also moved back into the Premier League and has starred ever since at West Ham United. Their departures have paved the way for new arrivals, however, and now the Saints could use January to welcome fresh talent.

Southampton readying offer to sign "superb" gem from European giants

The Saints could get a major boost in pursuit of promotion…

ByTom Cunningham Dec 20, 2023

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Southampton are eyeing a move to sign Larne youngster Jack Hastings. The Championship side have reportedly already sent scouts to watch the Northern Irishman and have joined the race to secure the forward's signature alongside play-off rivals Leeds United.

The two second-tier sides may well struggle to compete for Hastings' signature, however, amid reported interest from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in a busy race for his potential arrival. Given the amount of interest that Hastings is reportedly receiving, Southampton will have to act fast if they want to land the youngster, making January all the more interesting.

20-goal Hastings is one for the future

Still just 17-years-old, Hastings has already made significant strides to attract such high interest within English football. The forward has impressed at youth level, finding the back of the net an incredible 20 times already this season, and now looks on the brink of earning a permanent place in the Larne first team after making his first appearance in the Irish Cup in the last campaign.

Only likely to get better, Southampton may need to act soon if they want to secure the best deal possible for the future star. When it comes to the Saints' current attacking options, the main man for Hastings to eventually take over is Che Adams. The 27-year-old could be the perfect tutor for the young forward if he decides to make the move to St Mary's over other options.

When the winter window swings open, Hastings looks likely to have the biggest decision of his career and one that could see him reach his ever-growing potential. Having seen talents like Ward-Prowse, Kevin Phillips and Theo Walcott all emerge and turn into stars from their academy over the years, Southampton may well find their next academy star in the form of Hastings.

Former England opener Sam Robson has finally found form, but it’s too little too late to join the list of potential Test openers in Sri Lanka

ECB Reporters Network20-Sep-20181:38

Worcestershire relegated after Essex hammering

ScorecardMatt Critchley became Derbyshire’s youngest ever centurion at Lord’s – but his side will face an arduous challenge to overcome Middlesex on the final day of their County Championship clash.The 22-year-old all-rounder top-scored for the visitors with 105 before picking up four wickets as Middlesex ended day three with a healthy advantage of 327 runs.Critchley’s ton made him the youngest Derbyshire player to achieve three figures at Lord’s – Stan Worthington was eight months his senior when he scored 101 on the ground 90 years earlier.Despite Critchley’s efforts with both bat and ball, Middlesex hold the upper hand after Sam Robson’s knock of 73 enabled them to reach 199 for 7 in their second innings.After a morning downpour had delayed the start by an hour and a half, Critchley immediately set about knocking off the 52 runs still required for Derbyshire to avoid the follow-on.Resuming on 87, he drove James Fuller for successive leg-side boundaries and then cut another four past gully to bring up his century.But James Harris (4 for 83) regained the initiative for Middlesex, persuading Critchley to attempt a hook shot that somehow sailed into the hands of second slip, and then removing Anuj Dal and Tony Palladino in quick succession.However, Hardus Viljoen, with an unbeaten 31 from 25 deliveries, and Lockie Ferguson threw the bat as they put together a crucial last-wicket partnership of 43.Ferguson smote Tim Murtagh back over his head for six to save the follow-on before the Middlesex bowler took revenge, uprooting his off stump as Derbyshire were dismissed for 295.Boosted by his first innings century, Robson looked in good nick again as Middlesex began the task of extending their lead of 128 as swiftly as possible.Robson went for his shots on both sides of the wicket, displaying sound timing and dominating an opening stand of 58 with Nick Gubbins, ended in bizarre fashion when the left-hander dislodged his bails while attempting to leg-glance Ferguson.Critchley then regained centre stage with his leg-spin, bamboozling Stevie Eskinazi for a leg-side stumping and having Dawid Malan caught after his sweep struck close-range fielder Gary Wilson and ballooned up to backward square.And Critchley also accounted for Robson on the stroke of the tea interval, running the opener out from mid-off after he had been sent back by Max Holden to end his hopes of completing a second ton in the match.Holden was one of two further victims to fall to the leg-spinner in a truncated final session, but Martin Andersson accumulated an undefeated 23 from as many balls, increasing Middlesex’s lead beyond 300 before bad light brought play to a premature close.

TNT Sports pundit and Man United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that he's completely changed his mind on one transformed Arsenal player.

Latest Arsenal news

It was a night to forget for the Gunners on Tuesday with Ligue 1 side RC Lens overcoming them Mikel Arteta's side on matchday two of the Champions League group stage. Goals from Adrien Thomassson and last summer's in-demand striker Elye Wahi cancelled out an early opener from Gabriel Jesus; bringing the north Londoners right back down to Earth after their 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth last weekend.

The Premier League title hopefuls arguably failed to seize proper control of the match and allowed Lens to fight their way back into the contest, with Arteta praising the home side but also criticising Arsenal's poor finishing on a night to take lessons from.

"They are a really good side, exceptional opponent," said Arteta.

"We took the lead and then in one action they managed to score. We had a big chance straight after the break. In many occasions we attacked the space – but it was [decided] in the boxes. We missed some big chances and didn't defend well enough for their goals. Mistakes happen in football and they will continue to be there somehow but the difference was made in both boxes. You have to put the ball in the back of the net and defend well. It was a big night for us. We weren't able to take the result we wanted but we were able to learn."

It's now back to the drawing board for Arsenal and Arteta, who must bounce back quickly this weekend as they gear up for a highly-anticipated clash against title rivals Man City on Sunday.

Arsenal's star players

While Tuesday evening was one to forget for supporters, they're still in good stead domestically – remaining unbeaten over their opening seven top flight matches despite, at times, not playing at their imperious attacking best. Arsenal's latest league win over Bournemouth, though, showcased some of the club's undoubted attacking flair as goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, summer signing Kai Havertz and Ben White capped off a 4-0 hammering.

There is clearly potential for Arsenal to go and challenge yet again for the domestic crown this season after spending north of £200 million on fresh faces in the summer transfer window. TNT Sport's Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel this week, reserved special praise for one man who has seemingly transformed thus far.

Odegaard, who has scored three goals and bagged an assist over seven league matches, has "got bigger" in an Arsenal jersey after being handed the captain's armband, according to Ferdinand.

“I love him. I like the way he plays. He’s an artist the way he plays off the left foot as well. Left footers always just look a bit different,” he explained.

“There’s pressure in that as well, being the captain. That’s why I questioned Odegaard. Has he got the personality? Will he be able to deal with all of the pressure that comes with being the captain of a big club like Arsenal? So young as well. But you have to say, since the armband went on him, I think he’s got bigger.”

A career best 73 for Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman set Pakistan up for a convincing win over Australia in Harare

The Report by Daniel Brettig05-Jul-2018
Pakistan gained a mental advantage over Australia by dominating Aaron Finch’s team in a match that served as a dress rehearsal for Sunday’s Twenty20 triangular tournament final at the Harare Sports Club.Having beaten Pakistan comfortably in their first meeting, the Australians put in an unfocused performance, dropping far too short with the new ball after Finch sent Sarfraz Ahmed’s side in to bat to allow Fakhar Zaman to fire off a succession of pull shots on his way to the highest score of the match. They then lost a series of early wickets to the late moving ball in the hands of Faheem Ashraf and the 18-year-old left-armer Shaheen Afridi.Having slid as low as 75 for 5, Australia never looked likely to get close to their target, though the wicketkeeper and vice-captain Alex Carey played another intelligent innings down the order. Pakistan’s victory also served the purpose of preventing Australia from taking their place at the top of the ICC’s T20 international rankings.Both sides had already qualified for Sunday’s tournament final, making this game chiefly a chance to gain information and psychological high ground. Australia kept the same side that delivered comfortable wins over Pakistan and Zimbabwe to be the first team to reach the decider. Pakistan included the youthful Afridi for his second T20I in place of Hasan Ali, while Usman Khan came in for Mohammad Nawaz.4:18

‘Steven Smith is the toughest batsman to bowl to’

On a cold morning in Harare, Billy Stanlake failed to induce the sort of early collapse he had been responsible for in Monday’s match. While Jhye Richardson enjoyed the good fortune of having Haris Sohail clip his first delivery straight to square leg to depart for a golden duck, the Pakistan top order were able to feast on a generous helping of short stuff.Fakhar was the major beneficiary, flashing nine boundaries and a trio of sixes on the way to the highest score of his T20I career thus far – he is Pakistan’s leading run-maker in this tournament by a distance, and will require far more careful planning by Australia’s pacemen and coaches ahead of the decider.They reached 80 inside nine overs before Hussain Talat was cramped for room by Glenn Maxwell’s off-breaks and bowled, and from there a series of nifty partnerships ensured that Finch’s side was unable to restrict the run rate. A particularly heavy toll was taken from the bowling of Ashton Agar, while 18 runs from the final over rather disfigured Aaron Tye’s previously excellent figures.Needing a rapid start given the task they were facing, Finch and D’Arcy Short were instead confounded by Pakistan’s fast men pitching the ball much further up to the bat and finding movement both in the air and off the seam. Finch was cornered by an Afridi delivery bending back at him and was caught behind off the inside edge, then Travis Head’s minimal footwork was exposed when Faheem Ashraf seamed one back to pluck out middle stump.Maxwell managed a pair of boundaries before he played around a late inswinger from Afridi that pinned him in front of middle stump, and the innings of Nic Maddinson – who made the squad despite being cut from the New South Wales contract list – lasted only eight balls before he misread a well-pitched wrong’un from Shadab Khan and was comfortably stumped.Short had persevered without timing the ball with anything like the power of which he is capable, but was well and truly beaten by the yorker Afridi served up on his return to the bowling crease. From there it was largely a matter of damage limitation for the Australians, as Carey knocked the ball around with the sort of resourcefulness that is quickly becoming his trademark without ever looking likely to threaten a distant target.Pakistan will now go into the final with plenty of confidence, while the Australians must face Zimbabwe before reconsidering their approach to Fakhar, Afridi and the rest of Sarfraz’s team.

After winning three MVP awards in the past four seasons, the fact that Shohei Ohtani is a tough hitter to face on the mound is not a shocker.

But hearing from one of the players stuck going up against him, the challenge of taking on Ohtani becomes a whole lot clearer, and much more fascinating.

San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King spoke with Rob Friedman (known as @PitchingNinja across baseball social media) and broke down in detail how hard it is to get an out from Ohtani.

“You have to be able to command all four quadrants. You can’t sit on a certain area, even if you’re throwing multiple pitches in that area, he’s going to get you,” King said. “The scouting report that I had on him was that we had to get in on him. I threw a first pitch four-seamer, up and in, dotted up and in, and he ripped it 110 MPH down the right field line.”

King also praised Ohtani’s ability to make adjustments mid-game, citing a battle between him and Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. After Skenes got the better of Ohtani in their first matchup, Ohtani made him pay.

While taking on Ohtani is one of the toughest assignments King gets as a pitcher, it’s one he faces with pride.

“It’s a good challenge. I’d much rather face the best of the best and hopefully dominate the best of the best,” King said. “It’s a blessing and a curse to be able to face guys like that, because they’re definitely going to get you, and they definitely got me last year. But it’s a really fun kind of cat and mouse game, and it’s my favorite part of pitching.”

Intent aplenty from England’s bowlers, but four catches go astray to derail their efforts

Alan Gardner10-Jun-2022In the 44th over of the first day’s play at Trent Bridge, James Anderson sent down a slightly overpitched delivery in the channel outside off stump. After a morning session in which England’s bowlers had striven largely in vain to find lateral movement, despite some encouraging cloud cover and a grassy pitch, the ball started to do something for them mid-afternoon. Anderson gave this one every opportunity to swing, but it was a touch too full and Tom Blundell crashed it through point for four.In times gone by, this shot would have trundled out to the fielder in the deep, and Blundell would have got off the mark with a single rather than a boundary. The strategy of “bowling dry”, of keeping things tight and waiting for the opposition batters to make a mistake, underpinned England’s rise to No. 1 in the rankings back in 2010-11. But that is not the way they roll, not anymore.Anderson, at the time, was bowling to a 5-4 field – with four of the five men on the off side positioned either in the slips or at gully. The only time his captain, Ben Stokes, considered posting a cover sweeper was when the spinners were bowling during late afternoon, as Blundell and Daryl Mitchell settled into a significant stand together for the second Friday running.Under the guidance of new head coach Brendon McCullum, this England Test team is all about packing the cordon, putting men back on the hook, and bringing in a leg gully (extra points if you can do all three at once). As Stuart Broad put it before the first Test of the series: “The mindset is how we get the batter to make a mistake quicker: how do we apply pressure quicker? If we can bowl a team out in 85 overs going at 3.3 an over, compared to 120 at 2.5 … that’s a better option as it speeds the game up for our batters.”The potential drawback, of course, is that speeding up the game can invite a loss of control. Tearing around the supermarket trying to chuck all of your shopping in the trolley at once, in order to maximise time spent drinking piña coladas by the barbecue afterwards, might sound like a good idea but will probably lead to a call over the tannoy for a clean-up on aisle five.Cleaning up is what England were hoping to do after Stokes won the toss and asked New Zealand – a team shorn of their captain and best batter, Kane Williamson – to bat first. Instead, their plans were left in something of a mess as New Zealand marched past 300 for the loss of just four wickets.Stuart Broad had a frustrating day in what might be his final Trent Bridge Test•PA Photos/Getty ImagesJon Lewis, England’s bowling coach, summed up the thinking afterwards: “I think the most important thing about the toss was that it was the aggressive play. We were coming out to try and bowl New Zealand out, put them into bat and make the aggressive play after last week.”Attack, never mind the neat aphorism, is not usually the best form of defence. But attack is the best form of attack, and that is what McCullum’s England are into. Their first day of Test cricket under the new regime had brought 17 wickets at Lord’s – and darn tootin’, the carnage might just as well continue here, on a ground that has a reputation as one of England’s most swing-friendly.But then… the Dukes barely budged off the straight for the first couple of hours, and New Zealand rattled along at around four an over for much of the day. The opening partnership was worth 84, and England had barely created a chance, before Stokes brought himself on and finally produced the breakthrough. Anderson struck next ball, although the embarrassed grin told you plenty about the half-tracker Tom Latham had just swatted to midwicket.Perhaps it is wrong to focus on England’s intent, when in reality it was simply their execution that was off. Broad seemed to realise this when starting up a new spell from the Radcliffe Road End after lunch. New Zealand had scored 20 boundaries during the morning session, and Devon Conway stroked a couple more through the covers as Broad floated up the drive ball.Playing on his home ground, potentially for the last time in an England shirt (there is no Test scheduled for Trent Bridge next year), Broad realised a more disciplined approach was in order. The gap at cover point was plugged and he settled into hammering away on a length outside off, deliberately geeing up the crowd once again and setting the tone for England’s best spell with the ball.Unfortunately, England’s best spell with the ball was accompanied by their first blemishes in the field – at Lord’s, remember, they didn’t put a chance down. Broad should have been rewarded with the wicket of Henry Nicholls, but Zak Crawley threw himself across Joe Root and palmed away what would have been a straightforward catch for first slip. Nicholls also got away with gloving a Matthew Potts short ball in front of leg gully, Stokes the man who wasn’t quite able to get to the chance.Related

• No let-up in prospect as England, New Zealand lock horns again at Trent Bridge

• Ben Stokes expects feelgood factor to continue after uplifting Lord's win

• Kane Williamson to miss second Test after testing positive for Covid

• Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell lead New Zealand recovery

But Stokes once again brought himself on to good effect, as England’s aggressive harrying briefly looked like tipping the contest back their way. Nicholls and Conway fells to catches behind the wicket, and Stokes was able to bowl to Mitchell with five slips in the cordon. Had Root held on to a regulation outside edge when Mitchell had made just 3, with the debutant Michael Bracewell and a fairly long tail to come, England might well have carried the day.”We’re choosing at the moment to take the aggressive option, and be courageous with what we do,” Lewis said. “At times in games, you’ll see with bat and ball, we might come up against a period of time when it doesn’t go quite our way. But what I did like about today was the areas the guys bowled, especially after lunch, I thought we looked a real threat in that middle session. As the day went on, I thought we worked incredibly hard to get the wickets we deserved, and we could easily have bowled them out for 250.”Shortly after tea, Potts pitched the ball up outside off and Blundell again went for the drive: this time a thick outside-edge flew through the vacant third slip for four. Stokes reinforced the cordon two balls later, but the chance had gone. Later, Blundell edged Broad neatly between the unmoving Crawley and Jonny Bairstow at second and third slip, to the bowler’s evident displeasure. England’s positive talk is laudable, but backing it up with action will be key to the McCullum blueprint’s success.

أسدل قبل قليل الستار على مباريات الدور الـ8 لبطولة كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين، ليحسم أربعة فرق صعودهم إلى نصف نهائي البطولة.

افتتحت مواجهات المرحلة بفوز الرائد على الجبلين بركلات الترجيح بنتيجة 4-3، بعد انتهاء اللقاء بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق.

وفي ثاني المباريات تأهل الشباب على حساب الفيحاء بفوز بهدفين مقابل هدف، ثم فاز القادسية على التعاون بثلاثية دون رد.

واختتمت المواجهات بمباراة ماراثونية بين الهلال (حامل لقب البطولة) والاتحاد التي حسمها الأخير بركلات الترجيح بعد انتهاء الوقت الأصلي والإضافي بنتيجة 2-2.

تشكيل مباراة الهلال والاتحاد في ربع نهائي كأس خادم الحرمين

وكان فريقا النصر والأهلي قد ودعا البطولة، إذ خسر العالمي على يد التعاون في دور الـ16 بهدف دون رد، لاحقًا بالفريق الجداوي الذي خسر أمام الجندل في دور الـ32.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراتا الدور نصف النهائي لبطولة كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين يومي 1 و2 أبريل المقبل، على أن تقام قرعة المواجهات خلال الساعات المقبلة. المتأهلون إلى نصف نهائي كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين

الرائد

الشباب

القادسية

الاتحاد

Chelsea will be disappointed as to how their season is unfolding again, staring at a mid-table spot in the Premier League on Christmas Day to the dismay of everyone connected with the Blues.

An inconsistent December to date has seen wins usually followed up by losses, unable to string together a positive sequence of results in order to propel them up the division and compete with the likes of fellow London clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the top-end of the table.

Chelsea have given a number of their young talents a go this campaign in one positive, out with the old and in with the new very much the overriding mantra at Stamford Bridge now with the likes of Malo Gusto and Cole Palmer benefitting from this change of approach.

Chelsea could look to sign a promising young left-back to further delve into the market of promising gems if rumours are correct, the player in question a major upgrade on an ageing Ben Chilwell.

Chelsea transfers latest – Chilwell upgrade

Past rumours have suggested that Chelsea are keen on signing Barcelona hot-shot Alejandro Balde this January, with a report in one Spanish publication last month stating that the Blues and Manchester United are both actively pursuing the 19-year-old talent to persuade him to come to England.

This has further been backed up by FootballTransfers, who state that the rich west London outfit could play on Barcelona's current financial instability to land the Spanish prospect next month.

It's a position Chelsea do need to strengthen in soon, lacking numbers in the left-back spot with both Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella sidelined with injury.

Even if both options were available, Balde would walk into the side on his arrival to west London as a fresh and exciting defender more in-keeping with the forward-thinking Blues side still being constructed.

Alejandro Balde's style of play

Balde is the definition of a modern-day full-back, adept at venturing forward with blistering pace to burn and weaving runs as much as he is competent in tracking back and showing defensive grit.

The statistics are overwhelmingly in his favour on FBRef, which showcases his prowess in attack, receiving a staggering 9.56 progressive passes per 90 minutes over the last year at the Camp Nou.

In stark contrast, when Chilwell has been fit and selected by Chelsea over the same time period, the 27-year-old falls short of Balde's ridiculous total with 7.41.

In other comparisons, Balde continues to blow the ex-Leicester City man out of the water.

The teenage Barca sensation has averaged 4.69 progressive carries to Chilwell's inferior 2.74, further adding insult to injury by trumping him again with 2.09 successful take-ons to his Chelsea counterpart's weak 0.70.

Balde's exuberant performances this year have seen his current La Liga club slap an extortionate £865m (€1bn) release clause above his head, in an attempt to detract a suitor coming in and stealing a player that could be a future icon at the club.

Referred to as a "gem" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – who has further showered the 19-year-old with outlandish labels such as Balde being "one of the best left backs in Europe" in the past – Chelsea should go all in on signing the hot property in January.

Not quite the finished article by any means – falling short of Chilwell in tackles just with 1.43 compared to 1.46 – Balde will hope he can learn and grow at Stamford Bridge alongside his rough around-the-edges team to then go on and achieve greatness together.

Newcastle United are reportedly battling two Premier League rivals for the signing of a "very interesting" player who has been dubbed a "great" in his position.

Newcastle suffer Nick Pope injury blow

The Magpies look like a team on their last legs at the moment, with so many tired performances on show, especially in Sunday's 4-1 defeat away to Tottenham. Eddie Howe has been dealt some terrible luck in the injury department since August, with so many key players unavailable throughout the campaign, making it hard to rotate and keep everyone fresh across various competitions.

Perhaps the most damaging injury setback of the season to date has been the one suffered by Nick Pope, with a serious shoulder issue expected to keep him out of action for many months. The Englishman has been a huge influence since arriving from Burnley, proving to be such a reliable figure between the sticks, and Martin Dubravka's uninspiring performance against Spurs arguably highlighted the need to bring in a new 'keeper during the January transfer window.

Former Manchester United stopper David De Gea has been linked as a target for Newcastle, with the Spaniard currently a free agent, while Crystal Palace's Sam Johnstone is also considered an option for the Magpies. Now, another name has been thrown into the mix, with an exciting young 'keeper believed to be on Howe's radar ahead of the January transfer window.

Newcastle want Giorgi Mamardashvili

According to a fresh transfer update from Spain, Newcastle are interested in completing the signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The Magpies are not the only Premier League club who are keen on snapping up the 23-year-old, though, with Manchester United and Tottenham also believed to be admirers of his. Mamardashvili could be precisely what Newcastle are looking for to make up for the costly absence of Pope, with the Georgian a highly-rated player with most of his career still ahead of him at 23 years of age.

This season, the Magpies transfer target has started 16 matches in La Liga, winning one Man of the Match award from WhoScored in the process, and he is also a 14-time capped Georgia international, showing that he is an important player at international level, too. Legendary former Spain and Valencia 'keeper Santiago Canizares has heaped praise on him in the past, saying:

"He’s a great goalkeeper, he’s a very high-level player. And then in addition to that he’s very young. Goalkeepers improve year on year, so I couldn’t tell you what level he could reach. If he keeps improving at the current rate, it’s impossible to say how good he could get. He could be a very interesting target for any European club. And then the position that his club are in mean that it’s natural that he’d be on the transfer market."

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The lure of the Premier League could be great for Mamardashvili, and Newcastle could appeal the most, considering he would be almost certain to go straight into the side without Pope around, with Dubravka a step down in quality.