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With under four months to go for the World Cup in England, Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has said the selectors and team management will look at the upcoming PSL and the ODI series against Australia before finalising a squad of 15 for the global tournament. Pakistan play 10 ODIs before the World Cup – five against Australia in the UAE after the PSL and five in England in May – and Arthur said he and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq had 19 players in mind and would want to have two game plans in place for the conditions in England during the summer.”Inzi and I have been on the same page for a long while here. And I’m going to be honest because I’ve told the boys in the dressing room the same thing the other night,” Arthur said in Lahore after returning from South Africa. “I think we’ve got probably 19 players for 15 positions. PSL always throws up one or two good individual performers, so we are going to have a look at some of our borderline players, the guys that we are not sure about. We have to look at them during the Australian series and then we will make our minds up leading into England, obviously we will be taking 15 there. The key is players get clarity in terms of their roles and role clarity is particularly important.”Pakistan have given opportunities to youngsters with the advent of the PSL in the last couple of years. With the T20 league starting in under a week, players will want to impress the selectors particularly for slots in the middle order and the fast-bowling attack. The current probables for the pace attack comprise Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Usman Shinwari and bowling allrounder Faheem Ashraf. Among the spinners, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim are the likely candidates to make the trip to England.”The other thing that’s important for us is having an option with two game plans,” Arthur said. “I’m saying two game plans because the weather in England at any given time is very unpredictable, so we need an option where we have our spinners, who are able to suffocate through the middle [overs] because the key for us to win one-day games is about taking wickets through that middle period.”Either we do that with two spinners or little bit of reverse-swing if the weather stays dry, or if the weather is wet over that period of time there we have to have an option of a seam-bowling allrounder who can come in and bat at No. 7 for us. So we’re very close, we’ve covered all our bases in terms of our personnel at the moment.”Pakistan fought hard against South Africa in the ODIs, losing the series 3-2, but their form since they won the Champions Trophy in June 2017 hasn’t been impressive. They have won 15 of their 27 completed matches since then, completing series wins only against Sri Lanka, ranked eighth, and Zimbabwe. In this time they were also blanked 5-0 in New Zealand a year ago, won matches only against Hong Kong and Afghanistan in the Asia Cup in September, and drew the three-match series 1-1 against New Zealand in the UAE in November.AFP

Looking back at the South Africa tour, where Pakistan lost the Test series 3-0, ODIs 3-2 and T20Is 2-1, Arthur said he was proud of the way the team showed their “passion” and “intensity”.”I just think it is really important that I reiterate how proud I am of the cricket team,” he said. “We were two months away on the road. Four-and-a-half months away is a hell of a long time and the intensity and the passion that these guys trained with has been fantastic. So, look I am very very proud, players are very proud, of the development of the lot of our young players.”We’ve played the most cricket over the last four-and-a-half months than any other team in the world. That’s not an excuse, I’m not using it as an excuse because that’s the way it is. We’ve got to handle that. India have a large pool of players available to them. We didn’t rotate our players as much because we are in a process, we need to educate them in all conditions so that’s exactly the decision we’ve made.”Our planning is done. We’ve got our schedules, we’ve got everything in place leading upto the World Cup. Myself, Inzamam and Sarfaraz [Ahmed] have been completely united in the process that we are going forward.”Even though Sarfaraz’s own form has been under scrutiny, he recently got the backing of the PCB to lead the team in the World Cup. He has averaged only 26.62 in 12 ODI innings over the last year, scoring only one half-century. But with his replacement Mohammad Rizwan not impressing much with the bat in two ODIs and three T20Is against South Africa, the pressure on Sarfaraz was not mounting and Arthur, too, backed the captain primarily for his wicketkeeping skills and form.”It’s very simple, we need to be very fluid with out game plans,” Arthur said. “Sarfaraz has done exceptional work for us up and down the order. I think the thing that we’ve got to realise is over a long tour, form comes and goes and players start playing well and then they slip off the radar a little bit, and we need to then be able to send our form players at any given minute. In terms of fluidity in our batting order it’s whoever is in form and what that situation demands at that particular time. If you see all the best teams in the world have the ability to be flexible. We’re trying to be as flexible as we can. If we didn’t give the opportunity to players in those positions we wouldn’t know.”Understand that Sarfaraz’s first and foremost thing is captain and wicketkeeper, people forget wicketkeeping is a specialist position. Sarfaraz’s numbers over the last four-and-a-half months are mindblowing, one catch dropped, one stumping missed. I can tell you I did the research on the plane coming last night, he’s dropped eight balls in four-and-a-half months, so he is not out of form in his core job. His core job is to keep wickets and to take the catches and make the stumpings, he’s done a job over four-and-a-half months.”Sarfaraz will be the first one to admit that his batting form has come and gone. We have worked exceptionally hard on Sarfaraz’s batting going forward. When Sarfaraz plays well, he wins games for us. I want to reiterate I am not worried about Sarfaraz’s form. Sarfaraz Ahmed is a very very good cricketer. He and I work incredibly close together, we’ve got very close working relationship, as good as I had with any captain. I just need to put that to bed.”

There can't be many more enigmatic figures in the Premier League this season than Arsenal's summer signing Kai Havertz.

When Granit Xhaka surprisingly left the Gunners after a career-best season, plenty of questions were asked as to who would be the Swiss midfielder's replacement.

Would it be Declan Rice playing in a more advanced role? Would Martin Odegaard take up a new position or would Oleksandr Zinchenko even be transitioned back into more of a central role?

Well, the answer was no to all of those queries. Mikel Arteta had a different idea. That was to spend £65m on Havertz, a man who had flattered to deceive in a Chelsea shirt.

Those at Stamford Bridge struggled to identify the German's best position and truth be told, his spell in west London was somewhat of a failure, even if he had scored the winning goal in a Champions League final.

For a player who promised so much at Leverkusen, it hasn't truly worked out for him in England, perhaps until now.

Kai Havertz's recent form

The money spent on the Germany international over the summer was an extortionate amount, even if they did then shell out £100m on Rice.

However, this was a player who had only netted 32 goals and registered 15 assists across 139 outings for his previous employers.

It was in stark contrast to his days in Germany, where the now 25-year-old had once netted 20 times in a solitary season for Leverkusen.

Based on that number, you can begin to see why Arteta envisioned Havertz playing in that left-sided number eight role that Xhaka thrived in.

Arsenal could force Havertz into a new role by signing £52m PL star

Kai Havertz could be deployed in attack if Arsenal make this exciting signing.

ByTom Lever Nov 28, 2023

Until last Sunday, his only goal for the club had been from the spot, however. A pitty penalty perhaps, as Odegaard handed him the ball in an away victory over Bournemouth.

However, since the international break, the attacking midfielder has come alive. Reinvigorated by a spell at left-back for Germany – yes you read that right – Julian Nagelsmann looks to have revived Arsenal's mega-money signing.

Havertz was the man who appeared at the back post in the dying embers to win the game against Brentford. heading home from a fine Bukayo Saka cross.

He was then the man to open the scoring in the 6-0 rout of Lens in midweek. In Xhaka-esque fashion, he arrived late into the penalty area, ghosting between the defenders to prod home from Gabriel Jesus' cushioned-headed assist.

It looks as though finally, Havertz has arrived at the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz could make £27m man suffer

Against Brentford last weekend, Arteta tasked Leandro Trossard with playing in the middle of the park.

This wasn't an unsurprising choice as the Belgian actually featured in a deeper role throughout pre-season, notably starring against the MLS All Stars. Hardly the finest of opposition, no doubt, but it was interesting to see him play such a vital role as a number 8.

Possessing the technical elegance and magical abilities of a certain Santi Cazorla, fielding the former Brighton man in that role does make sense. He can ghost past players with ease, has wonderful vision and can find the net.

Sadly against Brentford, it didn't quite go according to plan. As per Sofascore, Trossard lost the ball a worryingly high 19 times. You could potentially excuse this from a wide player attempting plenty of crosses but for a player in central areas, that was concerning.

To put that number into context, no player in Arsenal colours lost possession on more occasions with fellow midfielders, Rice and Odegaard, ceding the ball on nine and eight occasions respectively.

Furthermore, he registered an awful pass success rate of just 68%, the worst return from any outfield starter in Arteta's side. The £27m signing also managed just one key pass throughout his time on the field.

Of course, Trossard's best role is out on the flanks but this was a wasted opportunity to prove he could become a regular in midfield.

The tricky attacker wasn't selected against Lens in the Champions League but it would not be a surprise if he was benched from the Premier League starting lineup when the Gunners face Wolves. Havertz's form has now become too good to ignore. Isn't it funny how quickly things change in football?

After Liverpool's 4-3 victory over Fulham on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp will have berated his triumphant squad and bemoaned the defensive problems that threaten to derail the side's campaign.

It's probably not fair to say that the Reds throw Hail Mary at the opponent's goal, but there's an undeniable flimsiness in protecting Alisson – or Caoimhin Keller – between the sticks after being caught in transition that speaks of residual issues from last term.

However, Klopp's side have been sensational in implementing a never-say-die attitude and have reaped the rewards of such daring endeavours, with the late turnaround against the Cottagers underpinning such a mindset.

But daring would turn to foolhardy were the Reds to neglect the strengthening of the backline this January. Second in the Premier League, Liverpool are just two points behind Arsenal but will need to be perfect if they are to leapfrog Mikel Arteta's men and chase down the trophy.

Of course, the small task of swatting away Manchester City also falls onto Klopp's lap; the Treble-winning side have been uncharacteristically leaky at the back this season and have drawn three league games in succession, but Kevin De Bruyne will return from a long-term injury soon and City so often raise the standard after the new year.

Reinforcements would be embraced on Merseyside, with Liverpool reportedly earmarking a prodigious defensive talent…

Liverpool transfer news – Leny Yoro

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are joined by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in pursuing a move for LOSC Lille centre-back Leny Yoro, with the £17m-rated teenager impressing in France and said to be driving scouts wild with his showings.

Aged just 18, Yoro has been a mainstay in Paulo Fonseca's fourth-placed Ligue 1 side and could be the long-term solution to Liverpool's backline that Klopp so dearly craves.

Out of contract in 2025, Lille are in a vulnerable position and might find a tough task in convincing the player to stay on the books, meaning a transfer in 2024 is more than feasible.

Leny Yoro's style of play

Yoro has chalked up 34 senior appearances for Lille already, and that's despite only turning 18 last month; last season, he enjoyed an impressive breakthrough and earned eight starts in Ligue 1.

But since the summer the £4k-per-week titan has come into his own and established himself as one of Lille's most integral parts of the starting team, forging 18 displays across all competitions and scoring three goals – starting the past 12 Ligue 1 fixtures in a row.

Despite his youthful years, he is already nurturing an innate sense of security in the rearguard and has been imperious in the French top-flight, with respected talent scout Jacek Kulig recently remarking that he is "world-class material."

Seemingly holding the blueprint to success as a modern central defender seeking a place in a European-challenging team, Yoro ranks among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 8% for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

Such qualities have seen him likened to his compatriot William Saliba, with the Arsenal defender the venerable centrepiece of Mikel Arteta's pursuit of glory over recent times, belying his 22 years of age with brilliant and unwavering performances.

Arsenal currently perch atop the Premier League table and boast the division's best defensive record after 14 matches, conceding 11 times.

Having yet to miss a minute of league action, Saliba has been crucial, completing 93% of his passes, making 5.4 ball recoveries per game and winning 60% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

With Saliba signing for the Gunners for £27m in 2019, Yoro could emulate his peer by crossing the channel and joining Liverpool in the Premier League, though whether the Reds would wish for him to depart on loan – as Saliba did for several years – remains to be seen.

But there is ample quality to be found in Les Dogues' exciting talent, who is doing the basics with pinpoint accuracy, marrying this with ball-playing ease to glide into the conversation for Europe's most precocious youngsters.

How Yoro compares to Virgil van Dijk

While Virgil van Dijk is ostensibly the best defender in the Premier League – perhaps even the best in Europe based on his level this term – Liverpool will need to draw up plans for an heir, with the bolstering of the backline of great importance for Klopp.

Yoro could assume that role, having been hailed as a "Rolls-Royce" by journalist and scout Antonio Mango, but moves would have to be made swiftly to ward off attention from Premier League rivals.

The France U21 international has truly been magnificent in 2023/24, with Sofascore recording his exemplary performance and highlighting his 91% passing accuracy, 1.5 tackles, 3.9 ball recoveries and 3.5 clearances per game and his success in 67% of his contested duels – eclipsing Saliba in that regard.

Such composure and imperiousness could be the perfect skill and style for Yoro to serve as Van Dijk's heir, with the Liverpool captain at the heart of his side's efforts but, aged 32, in need of a long-term successor.

Van Dijk fell by the wayside last year and was said to have been "nonchalant" by reporter DaveOCKOP for his languid displays, very much at the centre of his outfit's struggles.

The £220k-per-week machine ranks among the top 6% of centre-backs for passes attempted, the top 4% for assists, the top 16% for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for aerial duels won per 90, highlighting the myriad of abilities that have facilitated such staggering success.

Joining Liverpool from Southampton for £75m in December 2017, the Dutchman has now completed 235 appearances and has been integral in the sweep of silverware won under Klopp's wing.

Virgil van Dijk: Key Characteristics

Strengths

Weaknesses

Passing

Reluctant to tackle

Aerial duels

*Sourced via WhoScored

This term, his metrics have frankly been astounding; across 12 Premier League appearances, he has completed 91% of his passes, averaged 0.5 key passes, 4.9 ball recoveries and 4.8 clearances per game and won a staggering 76% of his total duels.

Yoro has already demonstrated his sharpness in his defensive duties and could absorb the Liverpool colossus' best attributes with a move to Merseyside, and Klopp must make sure that it happens.

Tottenham Hotspur loanee Eric Dier pointed out the key difference between Ange Postecoglou and Antonio Conte.

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Dier opens up on differences between Postecoglou and ConteLeft Spurs on loan in January for BayernWill face Arsenal on Tuesday in Champions LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?

Dier started regularly at Spurs during Antonio Conte's stint between November 2021 and March 2023 but lost his place in the team after Ange Postecoglou took charge of the club ahead of the 2023-24 season. After appearing in just four Premier League games under Postecoglou, the English defender left for Bayern Munich on loan in the January transfer window.

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Now the Bayern star has opened up about the key differences between Conte's and Postecoglou's style of management as he pointed out that the Italian coach focused more on the tactical part of the game during training sessions, unlike the current head coach who concentrates solely on implementing his style of football.

WHAT ERIC DIER SAID

Speaking to , the 30-year-old said, "No, interestingly [Postecoglou] really doesn’t do any tactical work, what he does is, every single training drill from Monday to Friday is drawn up to represent the way that he wants to play.

"Conte, I could do it blind, but that was a lot of tactical work Monday to Friday, a lot of ten versus zero, walkthroughs – you were so well drilled, it would be ingrained in you."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ERIC DIER?

The England international will next be seen in action for the Bundesliga giants on Tuesday against his former north London rivals Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

The U.S. is navigating a controversy right as the race for Olympic spots is beginning to heat up

The U.S. women's national team is navigating a crisis in real-time. No one headed into this camp for the SheBelieves Cup expecting something like this to take over the news cycle. It was supposed to be about Olympic preparation, the fight for roster spots, tactical tweaks and triumphant returns. Instead, the focus is entirely on Korbin Albert, her social media statements and a level of trust that may just be impossible to earn back.

This is a disaster, to say the least, and fixing it won't be easy.

Prior to her anti-LGBTQ social media comments last week, Albert looked like a lock for the Olympic roster. Now, her status is totally unclear. Her place on the USWNT on, and more importantly off the field, will require a whole lot of hard work on her end to secure.

As the USWNT heads into Saturday's meeting with Japan, all eyes are on Albert, whether she plays or not. She's still in the squad, but when you have the likes of Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan and Becky Sauerbrunn condemning your actions, you're going to be on the outside looking in.

Throughout its history, the USWNT has become famous for taking stands: for themselves, for the game, for millions of people all over the world. Albert's comments were in direct opposition of that. Now, all involved need to find a way forward, if there is one.

• Getty
  

  The initial posts

  Thursday, March 28 should have been one of the best days of Alebrt's young career. She had just scored a huge Champions League goal for Paris Saint-Germain to book their place in the semi-finals, a moment worth celebrating, no doubt.

  Her life soon went into a tailspin, though. Her social media activity had begun to go viral, and it wasn't good. A series of posts popped up stemming from Albert's TikTok account. One showed a sermon taking aim at the LGBTQ+ community, saying that being gay and "feeling transgender" is wrong. Another showed Albert's family saying that "their pronouns are USA".

  In addition to targeting the LGBTQ+ community at large, Albert's social media history also showed a liked post aimed at Megan Rapinoe. In it, the original poster said: “God taking time off performing miracles to make sure Megan Rapinoe sprains her ankle in her final ever game.”

  It didn't take long for the USWNT community to condemn Albert, with Rapinoe herself immediately firing back at the midfielder.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  Rapinoe responds

  Rapinoe's response ended with a very obvious subliminal message. Everything that came before it was clear in its meaning, but Rapinoe signed off with a parting shot. Albert had been handed the USWNT's No.15 shirt, the one that Rapinoe had made famous. And, after seeing her successor bash her in more ways than one, Rapinoe wasn't going to let it slide.

  “To the people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs’," Rapinoe began on Instagram, "I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone?… Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up! Yours Truly, #15.”

  The ex-USWNT star publicly came out in July 2012 and, in the 12 years since, has been a major activist for LGBTQ+ causes. She has been an advocate for transgender women throughout that time, and has always been at the forefront when it came to discussing LGBTQ issues.

  Rapinoe's response was quickly backed by several USWNT stars. Long-time USWNT captain Sauerbrunn reposted Rapinoe's story, adding a "Well said". Sam Mewis, Kristie Mewis and Lynn Williams also reposted Rapinoe's response.

• The apology

  Just a few hours after the news broke, Albert made her own statement on social media. The midfielder posted on Instagram, offering an apology for everything that had gone down.

  “I’m really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended,” she wrote. “I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize. It’s an honor and a privilege to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better.”

  Instagram

  Just a few days prior, Albert had been called up for the SheBelieves Cup, and the USWNT chose not to remove her from the roster. It set up an awkward situation, but not one that's unfamiliar for the U.S. program.

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  Prior controversy

  Back in 2015, the USWNT found themselves facing a similar controversy, one that lasted several years. On June 26 of that year, same-sex marriage was established in all 50 states. Then USWNT-defender Jaelene Hinkle took to social media to air her frustration, citing her religion as her reason for opposing same-sex marriage altogether.

  "This world is falling farther and farther away from God," she tweeted. "All that can be done by believers is to continue to pray."

  In 2017, Hinkle was called into the national team, but withdrew due to "personal reasons". In an interview with one year later, she revealed that her decision to step away from the team was due to the fact that she did not want to wear U.S. Soccer's rainbow jerseys honoring Pride Month.

  "I just felt so convicted in my spirit that it wasn't my job to wear this jersey," Hinkle said. "I gave myself three days to just seek and pray and determine what he was asking me to do in this situation… I knew in my spirit I was doing the right thing. I knew I was being obedient." Hinkle has not featured for the national team since.

  Speaking alongside Sam Mewis on the podcast, USWNT attacker Williams reflected on that controversy, saying that this version of the national team will not accept intolerance, no matter what.

  “Back then, we didn’t know how to approach the situation and we put soccer first,” she said. “I feel like if I’ve learned anything, it’s that there are some things that are just bigger than soccer. And one of them is human rights, and making sure that people feel safe in their body and just safe in this world. So I think it is a moment for us to say you know what, this topic is bigger than soccer.

  “At the same time, women’s soccer has been a safe space for the LGBT community. And I think that it does affect the locker room a little bit. But again, I think this is bigger than the locker room.”

  Mewis added: “Zooming out, making an apology is a solid first step. And I think you and I in many cases want to leave room for there to be growth and a change in behavior. But first and foremost, I don’t accept intolerance or the exclusion of people on a human level.”

West Ham United host Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday as they aim to reach the quarter-finals for only the second time in six seasons.

With David Moyes' side currently faltering in the Premier League – winning just one of their last four matches – a mouth-watering cup tie is what the Scotsman needs to inject some positivity around the London stadium.

The Hammers fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Everton last time out, which won't fill supporters with hope that an upset is possible against the Gunners, but the magic of the cup has the capacity to serve up shock results, as seen with Newcastle United's 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the third round.

West Ham team news vs Arsenal

Despite the calibre of opponent, West Ham should make several changes to the side that tasted defeat on Sunday, with Moyes expected to throw two ex-Gunners, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Lukasz Fabianski into the defensive fold.

Meanwhile, Lucas Paqueta and Edson Alvarez both face Premier League suspensions after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season, but the pair are available in the Carabao Cup and will serve their bans this weekend against Brentford.

Moyes' major issue is in the striking department. While Michail Antonio's form has tailed off and Danny Ings is flattering to deceive – the pair scoring just two goals between them this season – the Hammers were also hit with the news that talented academy striker Divin Mubama has reportedly turned down a contract extension at the club.

The 19-year-old is entering the final year of his deal in east London and is clearly unhappy with Moyes' reluctance to give him opportunities to impress in the first-team, despite scoring 54 goals in 86 appearances for the Hammers underage groups.

Whilst losing Mubama would be a devastating blow, West Ham have another sensational young striker lined up to replace him, should he depart, in the shape of Callum Marshall.

Callum Marshall's season in numbers

Ings is perhaps nailed on start against Arsenal but that news has left supporters disgruntled about Moyes' reluctance to provide youngsters a chance to shine in the cup, with 18-year-old Marshall staking his claim for an opportunity in the senior team.

The teenage prodigy is currently the most sought-after striker in Premier League 2 having plundered an eye-watering 11 goals in seven appearances, including hat-tricks against Leeds United U21's and Middlesbrough U21's.

Described by Antonio Mango as "insane" for his electricity and ruthlessness in front of goal, Marshall has made the seamless transition into the U21's this term after producing incredible numbers last season, scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances across the U18's Premier League and the FA Youth Cup.

A menace on the shoulder of the last defender with his lightning pace and composed when sent through on goal, the youngster has been dubbed as 'electric' by West Ham's official website, underlying how truly brilliant he's been.

8 games / 11 goals

35 games / 21 goals

20 games / 10 goals

While the plaudits have streamed in for the youngster, so have the accolades. He was awarded the September Player of the Month award in PL2 after netting four goals in three appearances and was also named in the Northern Ireland squad earlier this month for their EURO 2024 qualifiers against San Marino and Slovenia.

He made his senior international debut in the 1-0 defeat away to Denmark in June and looked to have scored a dramatic late equaliser before VAR ruled it out.

Michael O'Neill gave the youngster the opportunity to shine on the international stage and he delivered. If Moyes unleashes him into the first-team fold at West Ham, he could do similar and set the London stadium alight.

While the Gunners offer a stern test this evening, perhaps young Marshall can be something of a secret weapon, ahead of the likes of Mubama, Ings and co.

Chelsea chiefs could be "very tempted" to sign a big club's "spectacular" star with his "big-money" exit possible, according to a report this week.

Chelsea transfer targets for 2024

Mauricio Pochettino's side are steadily beginning to pick up form after a torrid start to the new Premier League season, even if they did squander a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Arsenal last weekend. On paper, Chelsea can now boast an unbeaten run of four in all competitions – last losing to Aston Villa around a month ago. In that time, the Blues have sealed wins against Fulham, Brighton and Burnley; results which will undoubtedly please Pochettino.

However, as the January transfer window slowly approaches, it is reported that Chelsea want to sign a new striker and bolster their forward line. Summer signing Nicolas Jackson has largely struggled, forcing Pochettino to play the likes of Armando Broja instead lately. Pundit Michael Owen urged Chelsea to sign a world-class number nine all the way back in April, slamming their very poor record last term.

“The most incredible thing is that you can spend £500-something million or whatever they've spent in recent times and the most important position on the pitch they've not even touched,” Owen said.

“That they can get all these great players and spend a fortune and the one position really that you to be investing the most money in and making sure is an absolute perfect fit is a centre forward. I think they've scored 29 goals in 29 games this season. It's unbelievably poor."

According to recent reports, Chelsea transfer chiefs Todd Boehly, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley aim to fix that Pochettino's striker problem in the new year. Indeed, Brentford striker Ivan Toney, Napoli star Victor Osimhen and Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic have all been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge in the last few weeks alone.

However, the forward area isn't the only position which may be reinforced at Chelsea, as explained by a new report concerning Barcelona star Gavi.

Gavi transfer update

According to TEAMtalk, amid Barca's current financial woes and legalities with La Liga, they may be forced to offload more quality players and avaid sanctions next year. As a result, the Spaniard, who's played all 10 of their league matches this season, could be at the centre of a potential "big-money" exit in 2024.

This has seemingly alerted Boehly, and Chelsea could be "very tempted" to sign Gavi if Xavi's side are in fact forced to part ways. The teenage midfielder, who stands out as one of Europe's rising stars, has already been called "spectacular" by Xavi in recent years.

“What’s surprising is his age, he’s 17 and look how he competes. Today he made the difference with a goal and an assist,” said Barca's manager to the Spanish press after a 3-2 win over Elche in 2021.

“More than anything his work is spectacular. We’re happy to have him and I don’t want to compare him to anyone. There’s no ceiling for him.”

West Ham United and manager David Moyes are "braced to lose" one player who's been called a "superstar" in January, according to reports.

Who could leave West Ham?

A plethora of Hammers squad members are currently out of contract at the end of this season, a long list which includes Tomas Soucek, Pablo Fornals, Ben Johnson, Vladimir Coufal, Michail Antonio, Conor Coventry, Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and veteran defender Angelo Ogbonna. While the likes of Coufal, Antonio and Soucek have options to extend by one-year, it is believed talks with the latter have stalled over this last year, with Football Insider reporting the Czech Republic ace could well be sold in January as a result.

According to club insider Claret & Hugh recently, Fornals, Johnson and Coventry appear set to leave upon the end of their current deals in 2024. While West Ham did manage to tie down star winger Jarrod Bowen with a new deal till 2030, it appears that a mass London Stadium exodus could well occur next year. Indeed, there is also some doubt surrounding the futures of defensive duo Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma.

Nayef Aguerd transfer update

The former, who was reportedly targeted by Man City not so long ago, is attracting "big-money interest" from the Middle East as clubs from Saudi Arabia take interest. That is according to Football Insider, who shared the latest Aguerd transfer update this week. The outlet and journalist Pete O'Rourke say that Moyes and co are "braced to lose" the Morocco international. They're apparently prepared for offers to sign Aguerd, and his teammate Zouma, as Saudi clubs linger.

It's added that, if Moyes were to lose either of the pair, that the Scotsman would be "desperate" to sign a replacement. One of the candidates could be Man United defender Harry Maguire, who West Ham are reportedly in pole position to sign if the Englishman does decide to leave Old Trafford mid-season (Football Insider).

Aguerd, called an international "superstar" by Moroccan journalist Mohamed A Salad, has also been called one of Europe's best defenders by former teammate Achraf Sidki.

"West Ham have signed one of the best defenders in Europe. I’m so proud that one of my former teammates will be playing in the Premier League. I’m surprised he didn’t move to England sooner. When we were younger we both had big dreams of becoming professional footballers. Nayef has done well and I’m confident he will be a great signing for West Ham.

“There were so many times he saved the team when we played together. That’s when I realised he was very good. I remember one occasion we played against a team called Tetouan.

“We needed to win and it was probably Nayef’s best game for the club. He was man of the match and after the game, I told him, ‘One day you will make it to the Premier League. You don’t know how good you are’."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has enjoyed a number of huge successes in the transfer market over the years throughout his time at Anfield.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Alisson were all signed by the German head coach and went on to become influential players for the club, with some of them remaining key figures to date.

Who are Klopp's most expensive Liverpool signings?

Klopp has not been afraid to splash the cash when provided the chance to do so by FSG and has struck gold a number of times since his move to the club in 2015.

Klopp's most expensive Liverpool signings

Fee paid (via Transfermarkt)

Virgil van Dijk

£73.8m

Darwin Nunez

£69.7m

Dominik Szoboszlai

£61m

Alisson

£54.5m

Naby Keita

£52.3m

Whilst it is easy to focus on the big-money signings who caught the eye and became stars for the club, Klopp also played a blinder with the bargain signing and then sale of winger Xherdan Shaqiri.

He was a solid and reliable performer for the Reds during his spell at Anfield and the German boss went on to sell him at the perfect time before his market value plummeted.

How much did Liverpool pay for Shaqiri?

The Reds reportedly splashed out a fee of £13.5m to sign the Switzerland international from Stoke City in the summer of 2018 after they activated a relegation clause in his contract with the Potters, who dropped down to the Championship that year.

Klopp described it as a "perfect" move and a no-brainer for the club as the talented forward had already proven his quality at Premier League level. Coincidentally, he'd also proven himself to be a little like one former Red. After scoring at Euro 2018, just a month before his move, one football writer Andrew Beasley said: "That Shaqiri goal reeks of Suárez against Everton at the Kop end in 2014."

The Swiss joined Stoke from Italian giants Inter in the summer of 2015 and enjoyed an impressive few years at the club with 15 goals and 15 assists in 92 appearances in all competitions.

His most productive season in a Potters shirt came during the 2017/18 campaign as he contributed with eight goals and seven assists in 36 Premier League starts.

The Switzerland forward averaged a phenomenal Sofascore rating of 7.24 which happened to be the highest score within the squad, ahead of second-placed Kurt Zouma's 7.07.

Shaqiri was unfortunate to end the season with only seven assists as the left-footed winger created a whopping 14 'big chances' for his teammates and provided 2.1 key passes per game, as per Sofascore, 1.2 more per match than any other Stoke player with more than one league appearance.

That sublime form came after the ex-Bayern Munich prospect produced four goals and two assists in 21 Premier League starts during the 2016/17 campaign. In that time, he created five 'big chances' and delivered two key passes per outing.

These statistics show that Liverpool were bringing in a player who had already proven himself to be an effective forward in the top-flight of English football for a relatively low fee.

How many goals did Shaqiri score for Liverpool?

The Switzerland star racked up eight goals in 63 appearances in all competitions for the Reds in three seasons with the club before his exit in 2021.

Shaqiri, who joined as a back-up to the likes of Mane and Salah, caught the eye when called upon by the ex-Dortmund head coach throughout his first season on Merseyside.

The talented attacker scored six goals and provided three assists in 11 Premier League starts for the Reds, which worked out as an average of one goal contribution every 1.2 starts. Evidently, he was a reliable option for Liverpool to bring in when one of the frontline options needed a rest or missed a game through injury or suspension.

Only Roberto Firmino, Mane, and Salah scored more league goals for Liverpool than Shaqiri during the 2018/18 campaign, illustrating how impactful he was in spite of his limited game time on the pitch.

He also provided two assists in two Champions League starts for the club that season as Klopp's side went on to win the competition with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the final.

However, Shaqiri then struggled even more for minutes on the pitch over the next two years as he managed seven Premier League starts in his final two campaigns at Anfield, in which time he chipped in with one goal and two assists.

Where is Xherdan Shaqiri now?

Liverpool ended up playing a blinder with the Swiss gem as they opted to sell him to Lyon in the summer of 2021 after his lack of game time. Since then, his value has plummeted, suggesting a sale was made at precisely the right time.

Football Transfers rated his Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at €11.2m (£9.8m) in December of 2021, shortly after his move to France.

Shaqiri only played 16 matches for the Ligue 1 outfit and contributed with two goals and three assists before a move to MLS side Chicago Fire in 2022.

He has racked up 12 goals and 11 assists in 59 appearances for the American team to date and has scored three goals and produced three assists in 26 MLS outings in 2023 so far.

At the time of writing (25/09/2023), FootballTransfers has his xTV at €2.9m (£2.5m), meaning that his market value has dropped by a staggering 74% in just two years since his move from Liverpool.

Klopp clearly made a terrific decision to cash in on Shaqiri when he did as the 31-year-old has struggled to get back to his best and currently finds himself playing outside of Europe's major leagues with a decreasing market value.

Liverpool picked him up for a fairly cheap price and enjoyed his talents throughout the 2018/19 season and, although they may be disappointed with how the next two years went, have now been able to watch on as he has struggled since moving on from Anfield.

Lahiru Gamage claimed a second five-wicket haul in as many four-day matches, as the rain-affected second round of the Super Fours Provincial Tournament produced two further draws

Andrew Fidel Fernando12-Apr-2018Lahiru Gamage claimed a second five-wicket haul in as many four-day matches, as the rain-affected second round of the Super Fours Provincial Tournament produced two further draws. The matches at Hambantota and Dambullla were played under lights with the pink ball – SLC’s attempt to prepare the Test players for their forthcoming day-night Test in Barbados, in June. Although the rain ate up too much time for a result to be possible, the bowlers nevertheless returned good figures in this round, with Kandy seamers Kasun Rajitha and Isuru Udana taking four wickets apiece in the first innings against Colombo, and legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga claiming 4 for 40 for Colombo, in the same match.It was Gamage’s figures of 5 for 78 against Galle, however, that stood out from the round, and that his good form will put the national selectors at ease. With Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep and Shehan Madushanka all in doubt for the Tests against West Indies in June, Gamage will likely feature in Sri Lanka’s seam attack there. This performance – during which he took the wickets of Roshen Silva and Galle captain Dasun Shanaka – followed his 5 for 71 against Kandy last week. Led by Gamage, the seamers have continued to outperform the spinners in this tournament – a welcome trend in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket, which is often overwhelmingly dominated by spinners.On the batting front, the Dambulla team’s Sachithra Serasinghe was the only one to make triple figures in this round, hitting 112 from 208 balls to help set Galle 315 to win. Elsewhere in that match, Kusal Mendis made 89, Chaturanga de Silva hit 54 and Ashan Priyanjan followed his century from the first round with a 95 in the second, putting on a 141-run stand with Serasinghe in the process.In the other match, former Under-19 captain Charith Asalanka, and Priyamal Perera hit half-centuries for Kandy. And, although, thanks to Rajitha and Udana’s four-wicket hauls, they reduced the Colombo side to 138 for 9 dec (in response to their own 270), the extended rain delays had long made a result impossible.