Recent allegations will be in the mind of the tourists in Australia, says former Sri Lankan batsman

Andrew McGlashan in Brisbane23-Jan-2019Russel Arnold believes that trust will “take a beating” in the Sri Lankan game following the raft of corruption allegations in recent times, to the extent that even team-mates may not feel able to trust each other.There is currently an ICC amnesty in place for anyone to come forward with further information. This, after charges against three former players, including Sanath Jayasuriya and Nuwan Zoysa, under the anti-corruption code.Arnold, the former Sri Lanka batsman who is part of the commentary team for the upcoming two-Test series against Australia, said that though the current players will do all they can to shut out the distractions, there must be some lingering doubts.”Anything around will certainly worry players, they are all human, even we are feeling a little nervy about what we are hearing, with the allegations we still don’t know exactly where things are,” he said.”But trust does take a beating, you tend to wonder what the hell is going on. I would be surprised if none of this is in the back of their mind, whether they can trust their team-mate, whether they can trust anyone’s instructions or gameplans, it has to worry them.”ALSO READ: Sanath Jayasuriya states his ‘integrity and transparency’ in wake of ACU chargesWhen Dinesh Chandimal, the Sri Lanka Test captain, was asked about the impact of the corruption investigations, he said, “I don’t have any comments on that.”The ICC initially launched investigations in late 2017 following allegations made by former seamer Pramodya Wickramasinghe, which led to current players, including Chandimal and Upul Tharanga, writing a letter to the Sri Lanka board asking for the “baseless allegations” to be addressed.Since then, the most significant charges laid have been those against Jayasuriya for actions during his second stint as chairman of selectors relating to a one-day series against Zimbabwe in 2017.Earlier this week, the head of the ICC’s anti-corruption unit, Alex Marshall, urged more people to come forward if they had information.”I am encouraged by the number of people that have come forward and the new information we’re receiving as a result. This intelligence is assisting our ongoing and wide-ranging investigations in Sri Lanka as well us enabling us to continue to develop a comprehensive picture of the situation there,” he said.”I would urge any more players or participants who have any information concerning corrupt conduct to come forward over the next week and share it with us in the strictest of confidence without any fear of repercussions.”Sri Lanka sports minister Harin Fernando recently met with Marshall, and though he believed the problems stemmed more from the administrators than the players, he acknowledged that the issue was widespread.”Sri Lanka is being ranked one of the top countries for cricket corruption,” Fernando told . “They told me that the problem was not limited to bookies, but even the local game’s links with the underworld.”Fernando also alleged in a recent interview with , that there had been attempts to even bribe him to influence team selection, and that he had promptly reported that information to Marshall and the ACU. An investigation is understood to be under way about that incident as well.(With inputs from Andrew Fidel Fernando)

Perth Scorchers celebrated stalwart Michael Klinger’s farewell match in style with a throwback performance marked by powerful batting and clutch bowling to inflict a setback in Melbourne Stars’ semi-final hopes.Even though the cellar dwellers had only pride to play for, the match at Perth Stadium was emotion-charged with Klinger having announced his retirement from Scorchers.After being sent in, Scorchers mustered their best score of the season with 3 for 182 through the re-emergence of Ashton Turner who clubbed a belligerent 42-ball 69 after Klinger laid the platform with a run-a-ball 30.A brilliant 106-run partnership between Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis had Stars on track in the chase, but Scorchers rediscovered their prowess in defending totals with well-executed bowling towards the backend to record a comfortable victory.Stars could have sealed a semi-final spot with victory but remain at the fourth position, while Scorchers can still avoid an embarrassing wooden spoon with Adelaide Strikers just two points ahead.One last hurrah for KlingerAll eyes were on Klinger, who was hoping to go out with a bang and provide belated cheer for the home fans after a downtrodden season. The 38-year-old had been granted a farewell match after a hamstring injury ruled Shaun Marsh out of action.Having made just 115 runs from nine matches before being dropped, Klinger looked rusty early on with several ugly swipes but seemed energised by the high-octane batting from Josh Inglis, who smacked five boundaries in his first 14 balls before holing out two balls later.Klinger found his groove with trademark flowing drives to the boundary. He was joined by Turner, the slumping hard-hitter promoted to No. 3. A pulled four off Dwayne Bravo in the eighth over lifted the once-hot Turner into double digits for the first time in five matches.Combating Scorchers’ uncharacteristically strong start, Stars captain Glenn Maxwell persisted with his seam bowlers through the first ten overs before finally introducing Adam Zampa’s legspin.A nudged single by Klinger was his all-important 29th run to pass Chris Lynn as the leading run-scorer in the BBL history. Another single brought up Klinger’s highest score of the season but thoughts of a fairytale finish evaporated when he holed out off Liam Plunkett in the 12th over.Klinger, a dual champion with Scorchers, was acknowledged by several Stars players and received a standing ovation from the crowd.Turner rediscovers his brutal bestOne of the many problems for Scorchers has been an inability to accelerate at the backend, but this time was different. After a relatively sedate middle period, Turner and Cameron Bancroft decided to put the foot down by attacking Zampa with aggressive footwork.In a bid to get out of his slump, Turner started somewhat conservatively scoring 31 off his first 28 balls but needed just five more deliveries to reach fifty as he exploded through power hitting. Turner, who was aided by a bad drop from Maxwell on the boundary when on 41, clubbed Stoinis’ next delivery into the crowd.There was no stopping Turner who toyed with the field and blasted Zampa in the penultimate over for a massive six over long-on. He was unable to repeat the dose on the next ball and was caught by Maxwell at long-on in a major relief for the beleaguered Stars.Dunk falls in controversial fashionOn a ground where there have been several contentious incidents this season, more controversy ensued when Ben Dunk fell in the second over after the third umpire adjudged a forward-diving Nick Hobson had caught cleanly at square leg. Hobson initially indicated that it was a bump ball, but the umpires convened and gave it out on the soft signal.Replays were inconclusive forcing a fuming Dunk to trudge off and Stars’ mood further soured when Peter Handscomb fell shortly after to leave the visitors reeling at 2 for 11 in the fourth over.A miserly Jason Behrendorff frustrated Maxwell and Stoinis, but the runs flowed after his spell ended to leave the contest delicately poised.Maxwell’s heroics fall shortMaxwell took a liking to the bowling of Andrew Tye and Mitchell Marsh mid-innings as he accelerated to revive ghosts of Callum Ferguson’s masterful chase. He spectacularly brought up his half-century with a towering six off young Clint Hinchliffe, while Stoinis was more content to play the supporting role with hard-run singles and twos.Stars were in the driver’s seat until Maxwell was brilliantly caught by Hobson at backward square-leg and the match suddenly swung Scorchers’ way when Stoinis fell two balls after for 49.Apart from some lusty hitting from Nic Maddinson, including a mammoth six into the second tier off Tye, Stars fell away badly to ensure Klinger capped off his glittering Scorchers career in winning fashion.

TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara has showered a Tottenham target with praise and said "we'll take him" after a Spurs transfer boost this week.

Players tipped to potentially join Spurs

Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou has suffered from a real lack of squad depth over this last month, forcing the Australian into some innovative on-field decisions at times.

Related Spurs "set their sights" on "dominant" centre-back after "weekly" talks

The north Londoners are determined to bring in a centre-back.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Dec 12, 2023

Micky van de Ven's hamstring injury and a recent suspension for Cristian Romero prompted Postecoglou to use both Emerson Royal and Ben Davies as makeshift centre-backs for a period, highlighting his real lack of faith in Eric Dier.

Previous fringe players Giovani Lo Celso and Bryan Gil are also seeing more match action amid Spurs' recent shortage of cover, but that is an issue which sporting director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy are reportedly looking to rectify in January.

Tottenham are looking to sign a new centre-half as one major priority (Sky Sports), leading to reported interest in Genoa star Radu Dragusin, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and other defenders linked with Spurs recently. Lange also holds a keen interest in Samuel Iling-Junior (Juventus), as Postecoglou and co allegedly scour the market for new wide options (Sky).

Amid some doubts over the futures of Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, there are some suggestions that Tottenham could reignite a move for Premier League midfielder Conor Gallagher as well.

The Mail reported this week that Spurs still want to sign the 23-year-old, and could well be boosted in their chase as Chelsea consider a "shock" sale of Gallagher to fund their own transfer plans.

O'Hara thrilled by Gallagher after Spurs transfer update

Following this update, when asked about it live on talkSPORT (via The Boot Room), O'Hara said he'll certainly "take" Gallagher at Spurs.

Praising the "high energy" star, who's now fought his way into becoming a key player for Pochettino, the ex-Tottenham midfielder also concedes that it will be a difficult one to pull off.

“Listen, I really like Conor Gallagher I think he’s got brilliant energy, high energy, he gets around the pitch," said O'Hara. "He lacks a little bit of what [James] Maddison’s got in terms of star quality but he’s got energy and you’ve seen with Ange Postecoglou’s side he likes a bit of fitness, he likes someone with high energy.

“I’d be surprised if Chelsea let him go to be honest, I think he’s been quite a big part of their side this season. In terms of one of their half-decent performers only him, Cole Palmer and [Raheem] Sterling have actually done anything good for them really. I’d be surprised if they let him go but if they want to then yeah we’ll take him.”

The former Crystal Palace star struggled at points last term but is now an important cog in Pochettino's midfield. Previously, his best season came when on loan at Palace, where he managed eight goals and three assists in 34 league appearances in 2021/2022.

Manchester United winger Antony has refused to apologise for his controversial celebrations after his team's FA Cup win over Coventry.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man Utd beat Coventry on penalties at Wembley
• Antony goaded Championship side after win
• Brazilian has been criticised for his actions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The forward has broken his silence on his celebrations after United escaped embarrassment in their FA Cup semi-final against Championship side Coventry at Wembley on Sunday and booked a place in the final of the competition following a 3-3 draw. The Brazilian was spotted cupping his ear at the Coventry players after United had won the shootout and has now attempted to explain his gesture.

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• WHAT ANTONY SAID

  He wrote in a post on X: "Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final. We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved. The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, i've reacted to the provocations in a natural defense of my club!"

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fans were quick to label Antony as "embarrassing" for his behaviour against lower-league opposition, particularly after Manchester United had come within a whisker of being humiliated after throwing away a 3-0 lead. Premier League bad boy Neal Maupay has also taken aim at Antony by brutally mocking the Brazilian's antics. However, Antony has been defended by manager Erik ten Hag who has claimed the winger reacted after being provoked.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Antony has only managed two goals all season for Manchester United. Both came in the FA Cup against Newport and Liverpool.

With the 2019 World Cup being a no-go zone, the focus for Associate countries has shifted to T20 cricket, with an eye on the ultimate aim of qualifying for the T20 World Cup

Peter Della Penna12-Feb-2019The T20 World Cup Global Qualifier may be eight months away, but three sides who will be at that event are getting away from the European winter with an eye towards ramping up their preparation in their quest to secure a spot at next year’s main event in Australia.The 2019 World Cup becoming a no-go zone for Associates has resulted in a shift in focus to the T20 World Cup, which at least has kept the door ajar for emerging nations to have a crack at Full Member countries on the widest platform possible.Here’s a primer on each side ahead of the T20I Quadrangular series that begins on Wednesday at the Oman Cricket Academy.Scotland (ICC T20I ranking – 11th)Coming off their victory in the T20I tri-series held in Netherlands last June combined with their status as the highest ranked side in Oman, Scotland are arguably the favourites on paper. However, they also arrive having the longest layoff, with their last official match taking place on June 20 against Netherlands in the tri-series finale. In the interim, they’ve been building up to this series with a one-week winter training camp in La Manga, Spain.George Munsey’s tri-series tally of 204 runs at 51 concluded with 71 off 34 balls in that encounter, the highest T20I score by an Associate player in 2018, in what was also Scotland’s highest ever T20I total of 221 for 4. Calum MacLeod, who scored 140* off 96 balls in an ODI win against England earlier that month, faced exactly one ball in that romp over the Netherlands, highlighting the depth in firepower. Matthew Cross and Richie Berrington also passed 50 in that record score against the Dutch in a bulky batting line-up led by captain Kyle Coetzer.On the bowling side, Safyaan Sharif has made incredible strides over the last three years to arguably become the leader of the attack. Young left-arm spinner Hamza Tahir’s emergence will help lessen the pressure on the left-right spin combo of Mark Watt and Michael Leask in favourable slow-bowling conditions in Oman.Fred Klaassen gets high-fived by captain Pieter Seelaar after taking a key wicket•Peter Della PennaNetherlands (ICC T20I ranking – 13th)The Dutch have a beefed up squad compared to the group that finished second on home soil to Scotland, as Ryan ten Doeschate enters the side fresh off a successful stint in the Bangladesh Premier League with Rajshahi Kings. Yet even without ten Doeschate last home summer, Netherlands managed to beat Ireland twice in the tri-series thanks to superb all-round contributions from captain Pieter Seelaar and some fiery starts by Tobias Visee and Max O’Dowd.Like Scotland, it’s a sign of increased depth giving the selectors a good headache they haven’t had in a long time as Wesley Barresi now has the option of playing as a specialist batsman with Scott Edwards taking over the gloves, while Visee and O’Dowd give options to consider at the top of the order alongside Stephan Myburgh.On the bowling front, left-arm medium pacer Fred Klaassen’s excellent ODI series against Nepal in August means he may be hard to leave out in spite of the established group of fast bowlers led by Paul van Meekeren, Timm van der Gugten and Shane Snater. Roelof van der Merwe and Seelaar form a potent left-arm spinning combo, making it hard to find a weakness in an increasingly strong side.Oman (ICC T20I ranking – 17th)The tournament hosts have played T20Is sparingly since securing status at Malahide during the 2015 T20 World Cup Qualifier. But when they have, they’ve made plenty of noise. It was at that tournament that they beat Afghanistan by 40 runs. They showed it was hardly a fluke when they beat Ireland the following March in front of a global audience during the opening round of the T20 World Cup at Dharamsala.With the exception of an agonising loss to UAE at WCL Division Two in Namibia last February that effectively eliminated them from moving forward to the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, Oman have hardly taken a step back since that seminal win over Ireland. In 50-over cricket, they are coming off an undefeated run on home soil this past November to win WCL Division Three while the country showcased their depth in T20 cricket this past weekend by virtue of two victories by an Omani Development XI over the touring Ireland side.While they don’t have the depth of other teams, Bilal Khan is one of the most menacing pace bowlers on the Associate circuit and can swing it both ways at 140 kph. Along with the awkward bounce posed by 6’5″ Kaleemullah, Oman’s new-ball attack poses enough problems to keep opponents off balance.Ireland (ICC T20I ranking – 18th)Gary Wilson’s medically-mandated absence has thrust Paul Stirling into the role of stand-in captain on tour as Ireland aim to end a five-match winless streak in T20Is including a tie to Scotland and a pair of series losses at home to India and Afghanistan. After years of opening alongside William Porterfield, the team management tried Kevin O’Brien at the top of the order with Stirling in the pair of losses to the Omani Development side. Though the result was disastrous in the first match, the duo produced 100 runs between them in the second match to demonstrate that it’s an experiment worth persisting with.The tour is shaping up as an opportunity, with 22-year-old Lorcan Tucker one of the young talents to emerge. He scored a century and a fifty in five one-day innings during the recent Ireland Wolves tour of Sri Lanka to create competition for the wicketkeeper spot with Stuart Poynter. Wolves captain Harry Tector was the only other Ireland player to score a century in the one-day series and at just 19 is coming along at just the right time in a side that is desperate to fill the runs that have been lost through the retirements of players such as Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien and John Mooney.On the bowling side, Boyd Rankin provides veteran leadership in the pace unit. Joshua Little, the 19-year-old left-arm fast bowler, was one of the few to come out with his reputation enhanced following the pair of warm-up losses to the Omanis by taking three wickets at an excellent economy rate of 4.86. Under spinning conditions in Oman, it would not be surprising to see Ireland field a trio with George Dockrell, Andy McBrine and allrounder Simi Singh, whose performances were a silver lining in the tri-series defeats last summer.

A "tremendous" Rangers player could now leave the club during the January transfer window, according to a significant update regarding his future.

Rangers' January transfer business

The Gers continue to tick along nicely under Philippe Clement, behind rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race, sitting eight points behind them with a game in hand currently. The Frenchman has made a positive impact since replacing Michael Beale in the Ibrox hot seat earlier in the season, with his side winning their last two league games, looking to make it three on the bounce at home to Dundee on Saturday afternoon, in what represents a must-win match.

The January window is now edging closer all the time, allowing Rangers the chance to make their squad even more formidable between now and the end of the season. Numerous links have emerged regarding the club's potential business, with no signings something that would come as a surprise.

Leicester City centre-back Harry Soutar is one player who has been linked with a move to the Gers, as Clement looks to make his back-line more impressive. Meanwhile, another report has suggested that Rangers will make a couple of additions next month. There could also be some individuals who move away from Ibrox midway through the season, however, and an update has emerged regarding one such figure.

Leon King could leave Rangers

According to an important new transfer update from The Daily Record, Rangers defender Leon King could be loaned out by the club in January, with Clement giving an exit the green light.

"Rangers boss Philippe Clement is ready to sanction a January loan for Leon King. The 19-year-old has been left out of the Light Blues squad in recent weeks. Clement knows King is highly-rated but at this stage of his career, he can’t guarantee him regular first-team action. The Rangers boss is now prepared to look at suitable options for the centre-back in the January window."

Kieran Dowell and Ridvan Yilmaz are two other players who get a mention, with the pair "struggling for game time" and also looking at "potential January moves".

Sending King out on loan next month feels like a shrewd decision by Rangers, allowing him to continue maturing as a footballer, rather than struggling for game time under Clement.

The 19-year-old hasn't featured at all in any competitions for the Scottish giants this season, and it is hard to see that changing much as the campaign progresses, with matches likely to become increasingly important and pressurised.

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ByDan Emery Dec 5, 2023

Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish has hailed King as "tremendous" in the past, following an impressive performance away to Anfield in the Champions League, and he is someone who could benefit from time away for a temporary period.

King has shown his worth for the Gers in the past, already making 31 appearances despite his tender years, and he could return a more rounded player next summer after growing away from Ibrox between January and May.

سقط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر يونايتد في فخ الهزيمة أمام مضيفه برايتون باللحظات الأخيرة بنتيجة 2-1 في الجولة الثانية من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وحل مانشستر يونايتد ضيفًا على ملعب “أميكس” أمام برايتون في حضور جماهيري كبير تخطى 30 ألف متفرج بقيادة الحكم، كريج باوسون.

وانتهى الشوط الأول بين مانشستر يونايتد وبرايتون بتقدم أصحاب الأرض بهدف نظيف أحرزه، داني ويلبيك، في الدقيقة 32.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رومانو: لاعب مانشستر يونايتد يخوض مباراته الأخيرة اليوم ضد برايتون

جاء الهدف بعد عرضية عالية من جواو بيدرو من الجانب الأيمن وفشل دفاع مانشستر يونايتد في إخراجها لتصل إلى كاورو ميتوما الذي مررها عرضية وتابعها ويلبيك داخل الشباك بسهولة.

في الشوط الثاني، نجح مانشستر يونايتد في إدراك التعادل عن طريق أماد ديالو بعد توغل داخل منطقة الجزاء وتسديدته تحولت من خلال مدافعي برايتون لداخل الشباك في الدقيقة 60.

ولكن في اللحظات القاتلة، استطاع جواو بيدرو تسجيل هدف برايتون الثاني بالدقيقة الخامسة من الوقت بدل الضائع ليمنح فريقه 3 نقاط ثمينة.

بهذه النتيجة، يرتفع رصيد برايتون إلى 6 نقاط ويحافظ على صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بينما يتجرع مانشستر يونايتد الخسارة الأولى له هذا الموسم. شاهد أهداف مانشستر يونايتد وبرايتون في الدوري الإنجليزي

As Tottenham Hotspur look to gain some consistency in the Premier League, adding some squad depth through the January transfer window could be vital for Ange Postecoglou. The Lilywhites have already been hit with injuries this season, forcing them to form makeshift defensive pairings and suffering on the pitch as a result. It is the type of recruitment failure that Spurs will hope to have learned from ahead of the winter window.

With that said, reports suggest that they are not wasting any time before solving their problems, with talks underway and a verbal bid being prepared to sign one particular Serie A star for Postecoglou.

Tottenham transfer news

Whilst the likes of Micky van de Ven, James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario quickly proved to be big hits in North London, injuries to Maddison and Van de Ven quickly exposed Spurs' depth problem in a disastrous 4-1 defeat against Chelsea. And since then, the Lilywhites have struggled to replicate the form that saw them mentioned as early candidates for the Premier League title.

Trevoh Chalobah

20th December

Jean-Clair Todibo

20th December

Morato

19th December

Radu Dragusin

30th December

Sebastian Caceres

14th December

Jarrad Branthwaite

13th December

Given that Cristian Romero's injury is set to sideline him for four to five weeks, Spurs' need for a central defender has only grown and that could see one target arrive.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are preparing to send their first verbal offer to sign Genoa defender Radu Dragusin, who has already said "yes" to the move. The Premier League side have reportedly already opened talks with Genoa over a potential deal, as they look to land a swift reinforcement ahead of the opening of the January transfer window. Whilst it remains to be seen whether Spurs will successfully negotiate with Genoa, they may hope to get a quick answer in pursuit of a solution to Postecoglou's biggest problem in North London this season.

"Amazing" Dragusin could solve Spurs' problem

At 21 years old, Dragusin is already making significant strides in Serie A to attract the interest of Spurs. The central defender should only get better, given his age, which could see the Lilywhites land a long-term solution to their centre-back crisis. With Romero still only 25 and Van de Ven only 22, Spurs could have a solid core of defensive options for several years. Dragusin is a player who has earned plenty of praise and that includes from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who posted on X:

Dragusin's stats, meanwhile, show that he isn't far off the level set by both Romero and Van de Ven this season and could even steal a starting place under Postecoglou.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Blocks

Interceptions

Radu Dragusin

6

29

14

18

Cristian Romero

16

84

20

17

Micky van de Ven

9

34

7

4

As the January transfer window opens, the Genoa defender is certainly one to keep an eye on, with Spurs seemingly getting closer and closer to landing his signature.

It's been reported this week that an unnamed high-profile Chelsea figure is very keen to back Mauricio Pochettino by signing a £113,000-per-week star.

Chelsea's form this season

The Blues' form this season has been far too inconsistent for a top European side, and especially one which spent nearly £400 million on new signings in the summer transfer window. Just when you thought they were starting to turn a corner with impressive results against the likes of Man City, Spurs and Arsenal since mid-October, those results have been dampened by humbling defeats to Brentford, Man United and especially Newcastle.

Chelsea chiefs considering bringing "exciting" colossus to Stamford Bridge

The Blues could look to add even more youth to their squad.

By
Chloe Chadwick

Dec 6, 2023

Sitting mid-table with two wins from their last five, Pochettino is focusing more on the long-term project, admitting as much after Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Man United on Wednesday.

"Football is about to perform and show the reality on the pitch," said Pochettino on Man United to the media.

"We are a project and we are not going to change what we were saying from the beginning of the season. It is difficult. Even with all of the players fit, we knew it would be difficult but when you have half of the squad out and they cannot help to increase the level, it is difficult also. It is difficult to talk because it is unfair.

"That is the reality and we need to improve the player, like we were talking, improve the player that arrive with massive pressure to perform, it is about time. A few days ago we were talking about a fantastic performance, all going well and today because we don't get what we wanted here, we will not change our speech now. We need to be calm, keep going working and for sure try to help the team to improve and be more competitive and consistent when the players we have outside can be with us and be part of the squad."

Chelsea next take on Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, and it's a game which will be hard to predict going by the Blues' recent form.

One saving grace for Chelsea could be the looming January transfer market, with reports suggesting chairman Todd Boehly wishes to bring in a striker. One player who's been repeatedly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Chelsea chief really wants Osimhen

According to reliable Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, writing via his substack (as shared by Chelsea Chronicle), a high-ranking board member is personally desperate to sign Osimhen. The official is apparently adamant they need to sign a striker and thinks Napoli's star marksman is the perfect fit, but if they were to move, it's been reported that the Serie A side could demand as much as £120 million.

Price is seemingly by far the biggest issue here, as his wages of £113,000-per-week probably wouldn't be an issue (Salary Sport). Interestingly likened to Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku by Football Transfers, Osimhen has also been called "phenomenal" by Walter Mazzarri.

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