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Chelsea are believed to be “very close” to making another major signing this summer, contrary to other reports, with Enzo Maresca’s side on the verge of another statement deal ahead of their potential challenge for a Premier League title.

Fabrizio Romano: Player tells manager he wants to join Chelsea, terms agreed

He really wants to play for Enzo Maresca.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 24, 2025

The Blues are in very high spirits right now after their Club World Cup triumph, which also brought in £87.5 million worth of prize money to the Stamford Bridge coffers – handing them an almighty boost when it comes to navigating the PSR threshold.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea have also brought in an estimated £100 million through player sales, after agreeing deals to let Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic and Mathis Amougou leave west London.

So far, BlueCo have spent £145 million on Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro – so taking into account their cash windfall from departures and winning the CWC – Chelsea are actually making a profit right now.

The money to spend is there, and quite comfortably, even if they’re under pressure from UEFA to sell players and balance out their squad.

According to reliable media sources, Chelsea are putting those funds to good use.

They’re currently in talks to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is determined to join Maresca’s side, and even informed manager John Heitinga of his intentions to leave Amsterdam (Fabrizio Romano).

As well as Hato, Chelsea are in ongoing negotiations over a deal for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, which comes amid the Bundesliga side’s attempts to land midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in a ‘separate’ move.

While Arsenal have also contacted Simons’ representatives (Fabrizio Romano), it is Chelsea who are seriously taking the lead here, as explained by journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack.

Chelsea "very close" to agreeing Xavi Simons deal

According to the reporter, a move for the 22-year-old is actually “further along” than what’s being claimed elsewhere.

Chelsea talks are “advancing fast” for Simons, and there is a sense that this deal is “very close” with just the final details left to be ironed out.

“Simons especially is actually further along than what is being reported,” wrote Phillips.

“Chelsea are likely just covering themselves in case it doesn’t get done. The club do need to sell, but there isn’t a feeling like Christopher Nkunku needs to go first before Chelsea sign Simons, but some advancement on it could help.

“The last our sources heard on Simons to Chelsea was that it was very close but had some final details to sort out.

“I continue to hear ‘deals are advancing fast’ and there is real positivity on both players [Hato and Simons].”

Simons is reported to be Leipzig’s highest-ever paid player on around £192,000-per-week, and for good reason, with the Netherlands international seriously impressing for them since initially joining on loan at the start of 2023/2024.

His tally of 21 goals and 23 assists in all competitions prompted Leipzig to make his move permanent for an initial £43 million in January, but it appears he could already be on the move, specifically to Chelsea.

Aston Villa’s pre-season tour to the United States is set to continue with contests against St Louis and Nashville, before the Premier League season then gets underway.

Their last outing in America saw the Villans tussle with Eintracht Frankfurt in a 2-2 score draw, with both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers getting in on the goalscoring act for Unai Emery’s men in the Louisville heat.

Villa supporters far and wide will hope both Watkins and Rogers stay put at Villa Park for the foreseeable future, past these summer runouts, amid interest in their services popping up from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.

On top of that, fans of the West Midlands outfit will also hope more signings come through the door before the transfer window slams shut, with a new £23m attacker reportedly on their radar.

Villa prepare offer for £23m attacker

It has been a quiet window so far on that front, with Marco Bizot the only real notable addition in between the sticks for Emery’s side.

That’s not to say Villa haven’t been linked with some notable names this summer, with recent developments suggesting that Villa are eyeing up a free transfer move for former Everton marksman Dominic Calvert-Lewin, alongside keeping tabs on another attacker in the form of ex-Arsenal striker Mika Biereth.

However, the most exciting rumour of them all has just surfaced, with reports from Italy – via TuttoJuve – suggesting that Villa, alongside Tottenham Hotspur, are very interested in securing a deal for AS Roma’s Matias Soule.

It’s stated that the English duo are ready to make an offer of around €32m (£27m) for the Argentine midfielder’s services, with Roma ready to sacrifice Soule to raise funds for their own incoming purchases.

Villa will hope they strike gold by snapping up Soule’s services, with the South American potentially going to be another Rogers-style star for Emery if everything clicks.

Why Soule can be Emery's next Rogers

Of course, nobody would be anticipating that Soule would hit the ground running immediately in England, with even Rogers himself needing a season to get up to speed with the demands of the Premier League.

Indeed, Rogers’ first half season in claret and blue only saw him collect three strikes, before then going on to amass a ridiculous haul of 14 goals and 15 assists in all competitions when at the peak of his powers during his stunning second campaign.

The same will hopefully be expected of the £23m attacker, with Soule just fresh off a breakout season at the Stadio Olimpico, having had to cut his teeth away from Juventus on loan at lowly Frosinone, before then coming into his own in Rome.

Rogers also had those same hurdles to overcome, with the former Manchester City youth product marooned in League One just five years ago when shoved out to Lincoln City, only to now be seen as an “unstoppable” force – as he’s been labelled by Jamie Carragher – that is Champions League established and fearless at the very pinnacle of the English game.

Games played

36

27

Goals scored

11

5

Assists

3

5

Touches*

62.6

50.8

Accurate passes*

31.7 (81%)

26.9 (87%)

Key passes*

2.3

1.9

Big chances missed

6

4

Big chances created

8

9

Across his last two campaigns in Serie A for Frosinone and Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, Soule has displayed similarities to Rogers’ blistering Villa performances, with an eye for goal very much on display by the 23-year-old when lining up for his loan employers during the 2023/24 season, culminating in 11 strikes being powered home.

Yet, his efforts in Rome last campaign also displayed a strength to create chances for teammates around him, with five assists tallied up. He also created nine big chances, suggesting he could reach even loftier heights surrounded by Villa attackers such as Watkins, which also isn’t too far removed from Rogers’ total of 16.

Lauded as being an “unpredictable” talent by football analyst Ben Mattinson, the hope will be on Villa’s end that they unearth another diamond in a similar vein to Rogers.

Capable of also playing down the channels, away from solely lining up as a number ten, there’s even a possibility that the pair can cause havoc together next season, as Villa aim to break into the Champions League positions again.

Aston Villa join race to sign "top" free agent who held talks with Man Utd

Aston Villa have joined United and Celtic in the race…

ByBrett Worthington Jul 28, 2025

Nottinghamshire wicketkeeper strikes his highest professional score in rain-affected match

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Aug-2025Tom Moores smashed a career-best 148 from 93 balls as Notts Outlaws launched their Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign with a comfortable victory over Essex.It is the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter’s highest score in senior cricket, eclipsing his first-class best of 106. He hit five sixes and 18 fours, sharing a 137-run sixth-wicket partnership with Daniel Sams (45 off 42) as the Outlaws recovered to 283 for 9, having been 41 for four inside the first hour thanks to Essex seamer Jamie Porter taking a List A career-best 4 for 29.Robin Das (46) and skipper Tom Westley (43) gave the Essex a solid start as they chased a revised target of 286 after squally showers had limited the home side to 46 overs in their innings, but from 101 for one they collapsed to 156 for 6, former Lincolnshire left-arm spinner Joe Pocklington taking 3 for 53 on his Outlaws debut, and despite an excellent unbeaten 46 from 41 balls (two sixes) from wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes, still fell for 234, seamer Rob Lord finishing with 3 for 30.After Westley won the toss and asked the home side to bat first in typical outground conditions at the John Fretwell Sports Complex, just outside Mansfield, Porter bowled his 10-over allocation in one spell to have Notts struggling.Having picked up a gift wicket when Outlaws skipper Haseeb Hameed chipped to mid-off, he found movement with the new ball to bowl Ben Slater and the 18-year-old debutant Sam Seecharan before Jack Haynes was caught behind off a thin edge.The hosts stumbled further to 74 for 5 as Lyndon James cut straight to cover, but with Porter bowled out, an Essex attack lacking Simon Harmer (on paternity leave) looked much less menacing.Moores was dropped at deep backward square on 21 off Noah Thain but responded by launching the same bowler over the same boundary for the first of his sixes in an innings that showcased his strengths square of the wicket. His first fifty came off 35 balls, his hundred from 69. His previous List A best had been 76 against Leicestershire in 2018, although this was only his 30th match in the format.Sams – available for Notts until he begins a Caribbean Premier League stint later this month – cleared the rope three times before top-edging to midwicket. Essex’s 19-year-old seamer Charlie Bennett, on his List A debut, recovered from a wobbly start to pick up the wickets of both Sams and Moores, who was eventually held at long-on.After losing Matt Critchley early, Essex looked well placed at 101 for 1 in the 16th over but after Das, who made a match-winning century for his county at Trent Bridge last summer, had miscued Lord to mid-on, Essex were never able to regain full momentum.Westley was well taken at short midwicket as Lord struck again, before 24-year-old Pocklington – handed a contract only this week after call-ups to The Hundred and Matt Montgomery’s move to Derbyshire left Notts with effectively no spinners – marked a memorable debut by bowling Luc Benkenstein, snaring Charlie Allison with a return catch and having Nick Browne caught behind off a botched reverse sweep.Lyndon James had Noah Thain and Bennett both caught at midwicket and Shane Snater caught behind as Essex – who have won just seven of 25 One-Day Cup fixtures since they reached the semi-finals in 2021 – were bowled out for 234.

Adam Wharton revealed that Prince William spoke with the England squad immediately after the Denmark draw at Euro 2024.

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England dropped points in Group CPut in poor performance against DanesPrince William came to lift squad post-matchWHAT HAPPENED?

Wharton was on media duties for England ahead of their final group game at Euro 2024 and said Prince William made a surprise visit following the 1-1 draw against Denmark. The Crystal Palace midfielder said he delivered a positive pep talk and reminded the players that the dropped points do not matter too much.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT ADAM WHARTON SAID

During the pre-match press conference, Wharton said of Prince William's words to the squad: "He was just trying to keep us all positive. He was saying it's not the end of the world. We were thinking 'We're still top of the group, we didn't lose, we got a draw, we've just got to reflect on the game, see how we can get better and look forward to the next game.' That's all you can do in tournament football."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Prince William also made an appearance at St. George's Park before the England squad flew out to Germany. He has been a prominent motivational figure amongst the squad as the Three Lions look to go one step further than their Euro 2020 final appearance.

Getty WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

England will round their group stage campaign off on Tuesday evening against Slovenia. Gareth Southgate's men have fate in their own hands and know a win will see them top the pile ahead of the knockout stages.

Russell Domingo first to be interviewed but Mike Hesson being seen as a frontrunner

Mohammad Isam in Dhaka08-Aug-2019The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has cranked up its search for the senior team coach, with the side’s next assignment – a one-off Test against Afghanistan – less than a month away. The board’s shortlist included Mike Hesson, Grant Flower, Paul Farbrace, Russell Domingo and Chandika Hathurusingha, after Andy Flower declined the board’s offer a second time. The BCB may be in a race with other subcontinent boards, with India, Pakistan and Afghanistan also looking for a head coach, and ongoing issues between Hathurusingha and Sri Lanka Cricket.Farbrace, it is understood, is out of the running after he declined the BCB’s offer to take things further.* It is the second time the former England assistant coach has done so; he was among those being discussed for the role even though he had declined the board’s offer in March last year. The BCB eventually appointed Steve Rhodes then, with whom it parted ways immediately after the World Cup.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Hesson, the former New Zealand coach, is a frontrunner, with BCB president Nazmul Hassan and some directors expressing interest. However, Domingo, who coached South Africa from 2013 to 2016, was the first coach to be interviewed as the board began its process in Dhaka on Thursday. Grant Flower, who was Pakistan’s batting coach, and Hathurusingha remain on the periphery of the board’s interest.Hathurusingha, who coached Bangladesh from 2014 to 2017, is known to be a favourite of the BCB president and a few directors, even though he quit to take up the Sri Lanka job in October 2017. However, ESPNcricinfo understands that Hathurusingha’s ongoing struggle with Sri Lanka Cricket, which resulted in his suspension this week, has resulted in a difference of opinion between the Bangladesh board directors over his prospects. Still, the BCB will reportedly conduct a telephone interview with Hathurusingha, which doesn’t rule him out of contention.The, BCB, meanwhile, was impressed with Domingo’s presentation during the interview.”We have started working with our shortlisted coaches,” the BCB’s media committee chairman, Jalal Yunus, said. “We have just conducted an interview with Russell Domingo, the former South Africa coach. He is a real professional. He is well qualified. He gave us a presentation about what he thinks about Bangladesh cricket. It was satisfying for the BCB.”We will interview the rest of the coaches on our shortlist. We have two more to interview in the next few days, and then we will choose between these coaches.”*

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has explained how he deals with opposition players "b*tching and fighting" with him during Major League Soccer games.

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Messi been a revelation for Inter MiamiOpposition players try to wind him upArgentine explains how he deals with thatWHAT HAPPENED?

Since Messi joined Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, there has been a target on the Argentinian legend's back. Opponents want to be the player that got under the 36-year-old's skin or got the better of him on the pitch. That has led to some confrontations but the former Barcelona star has now spoken about how he tries to keep calm in the heat of battle.

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesWHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

The Argentine said, via InfoBae: "There are moments when you obviously get hot and react in the way you can. There are moments that you don't control. The heart rate is so high. We all want to win and we try to do our best for that, so you react as best you can But being hotter or less hot has no influence on the game. I think it doesn't change what I do. But hey, I always say that everything that happens on the field stays there. Anything can happen, b*tching at you, fighting with you, it has to stop there and end and it can happen."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi has been outstanding for Inter Miami, but also the MLS as well. He led the Herons to their first-ever trophy with the Leagues Cup triumph and now they sit top of the Eastern Conference, whereas a year ago they were languishing at the bottom of the table. Attendances, revenues, and eyeballs are up in MLS off the back of his arrival and it seems he is still a force to be reckoned with.

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Messi has now joined up with the Argentina squad ahead of Copa America. The legendary forward will be looking to lead his side to continental glory, though he will be missing a string of MLS fixtures over the coming weeks.

Robinson presses England Lions claims with 6 for 63 but hosts lose early wickets and trail by 266 runs

ECB Reporters Network30-Jun-2019It is little wonder that Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson has been hoping for a call-up for the England Lions this summer. While the sensational Jofra Archer, his Sussex team-mate, has been capturing headlines, Robinson has been slowly building a reputation as one of the most consistent opening bowlers on the county circuit.When he took his fifth wicket on Sunday, on the opening day of the County Championship Division Two match against Northants, he had reached 200 first-class wickets in only his 50th match. He has now taken 110 Championship wickets since the beginning of last season. Last year he took 74 wickets at 18.66, and this summer he already has 36 at 18.77 as he spearheads his side’s bid for promotion.Robinson was not fully fit for last week’s disappointing defeat at home to Durham. But against Northants at Hove he was back to his best, achieving nasty bounce and away movement.He finished with figures of 6 for 63 as Northants were bowled out for 273 in 87 overs. But the away side were still happy with their score after winning the toss and sliding to 96 for 4 at lunch, and then 205 for 9.Northants have replaced Durham at the foot of the table and are still looking for their first Championship win of the season. Their hopes of making an impact were encouraged by the number of Sussex absentees. They were already without Archer and the injured Mir Hamza, and before this match all-rounder Chris Jordan pulled out with tonsillitis, along with Stiaan van Zyl, who has tennis elbow.Sussex were more in need of Robinson than ever before, and he didn’t disappoint. He broke through with the last ball of the opening over, when he had Ricardo Vasconcelos lbw for two. It was 29 for 2 when Rob Newton edged Robinson to keeper Ben Brown.Temba Bavuma got an inside edge to Brown, then Alex Wakely, on 36, was beaten by David Wiese and Laurie Evans took the catch at second slip.There didn’t look much chance of a recovery when Rob Keogh was lbw to Robinson with just one run added to the lunch score. And, in Robinson’s next over, Luke Procter edged and Luke Wells took an outstanding catch at third slip, moving his long arms very quickly to his left to take the chance two-handed.With Northants 99 for 6, captain Adam Rossington and Saif Zaib put on 51 for the seventh wicket and there was a last-wicket stand of 68 between Nathan Buck and Ben Sanderson before Robinson and Abi Sakande finished off the innings.Northants soon made an impact with the ball. Varun Chopra, signed on loan from Essex to stiffen their top-order batting, made just five and the returning Phil Salt a single.

Lucas Paqueta reportedly wanted to "sit out" the game for West Ham where he got booked.

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Wanted to sit out the match vs BournemouthCharged with getting deliberately bookedCould get a ten-year ban if convictedWHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazilian international stands accused by the Football Association (FA) of deliberately getting booked in four Premier League matches. This scandal first came to light following West Ham's season opener against Bournemouth, where Paqueta was booked in the 93rd minute, raising suspicions and triggering an FA investigation.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to Paqueta asked West Ham manager David Moyes to leave him out of the game to avoid any potential injury that could jeopardise his transfer to Manchester City. Despite his request, he eventually agreed to play after discussions with Moyes and other senior figures at the club. During the game, Paqueta was visibly anxious, frequently glancing towards the touchline from the 70th minute onwards, seemingly looking to be substituted.

Moyes had reportedly planned to substitute Paqueta in the second half to minimise the risk of injury. However, Paqueta remained on the pitch until deep into added time, when he received the controversial booking for handball, a moment that has become the cornerstone of the FA's investigation.

DID YOU KNOW?

Paqueta’s legal team is preparing a robust defence, aiming to challenge the FA's claims. They argue that the timing of Paqueta’s yellow card in added time is inconsistent with a deliberate attempt to manipulate betting outcomes. Furthermore, Paqueta’s initial reluctance to play in the match is being highlighted as evidence of his lack of intent to participate in any betting scheme. If found guilty, Paqueta could face a ban of up to ten years, a punishment that would effectively end his professional football career.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA?

It is understood that Paqueta’s case will be heard by a three-person independent commission later this summer. The outcome of this hearing will determine not only his future in football but also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the sport. Despite the allegations, Paqueta remains steadfast in his defence, hoping that the truth will ultimately exonerate him.

Chelsea continue to hold their interest in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran despite Mauricio Pochettino's departure.

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Chelsea still keen on Duran Wanted to sign him in January Villa open to negotiations WHAT HAPPENED?

The 20-year-old Colombian forward has been a subject of speculation for several months, with Chelsea's interest showing no signs of waning despite the recent managerial change at Stamford Bridge. The Blues wanted to bring him on loan in January but had to pull out of the race as Duran suffered an injury while playing against Everton during the same month.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT DURAN'S AGENT SAID

Jonathan Herrera, who represents Duran, stated in an interview with El VBar Caracol that Chelsea's interest in the young striker is long-term and genuine.

"The interest has always existed," he stated. "The fact that Pochettino continues or leaves the club (should not affect), the one who wants him in the end is the club. He is a player who, whether they change coaches or not, is something we will see what happens, but there has always been an interest. Let's see how we can handle it and make sure Aston Villa is ready."

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Chelsea are well aware that luring away Duran from Villa will not be an easy task. He was signed from MLS outfit Chicago Fire in a deal reportedly worth up to £18 million ($22m) in January 2023 and has a contract with the club until 2028. Hence, Villa would make sure they earn a hefty profit from the deal, especially after his heroics against Liverpool where he scored a brace to hold the Reds to a 3-3 draw.

"He is a player who has a contract with Aston Villa," Herrera said. "He ended up doing things very well and the coach is counting on him. It is a club that has gotten into the Champions League. It is a great opportunity, but we know that he wants to play, he wants to go out and play, let's see. Now the market is opening, the club is looking at some options and so are we.”

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR DURAN?

One of Duran's primary motivations is his desire for more playing time. Last season, he started only three Premier League matches for Villa, often finding himself on the bench. This limited role has been a source of frustration for the young striker, who is eager to prove himself on a bigger stage. If Chelsea can promise him minutes then the player should have no qualms about moving to Stamford Bridge – provided the Blues agree on a transfer fee with Villa.

ESPNcricinfo’s Live Report for Australia’s game against Pakistan in Taunton

Danyal Rasool12-Jun-2019