Boehly must finally axe Chelsea flop who Winstanley was "excited" to sign

Chelsea returned to fourth in the Premier League for the time being, after beating Southampton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, with goals coming from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella.

They also kept their first clean sheet in the Premier League since December 22nd, when they drew 0-0 with Everton at Goodison Park. The Blues have conceded 36 goals in 27 games so far this season.

Despite only facing seven shots against the Saints, they did create two “big chances” with their two shots on target, generating 0.72 xG and forcing Chelsea’s new shot-stopper into action.

Chelsea's rising star

Filip Jorgensen was signed in the summer by Chelsea, joining from Villarreal for a fee of around £20.7m.

First Impressions

Since arriving, the 22-year-old has been the number two keeper, making 17 appearances so far for the Blues, most of which have come in cup competitions, conceding 18 goals in total and keeping six clean sheets.

However, in recent weeks, thanks to the poor form of Robert Sanchez, Jorgensen has been made Chelsea number one according to Enzo Maresca, which has seen him start the previous four Premier League fixtures against West Ham, Brighton, Aston Villa and Southampton.

Whilst Jorgensen did make a big mistake of his own against Villa, he has clearly done enough to earn the trust of Maresca for the time being, both on the ball and making important saves, which will allow the Italian to fully axe one of their worst performers this campaign.

Chelsea can now finally sell £60k-p/w flop

Since Sanchez joined Chelsea back in 2023 for a fee of around £25m, the 27-year-old has made 43 appearances for the Blues, conceding 59 goals in total and only keeping nine clean sheets, totalling 3,864 minutes played.

When the £60k-per-week flop was first signed, sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart were “excited” by his arrival:

That said, things haven’t turned out quite as planned….

Stats (per 90 mins)

Sanchez

Jorgensen

Goals Against

1.38

1.07

Shots on Target Against

4.58

4.40

Saves

3.20

3.33

Save %

74.8%

77.3%

Clean Sheets

0.18

0.33

Passes Attempted

40.8

31.5

Pass Completion %

73.3%

83.6%

Crosses Stopped

1.38

0.33

When comparing both Sanchez and Jorgensen’s underlying numbers so far this season, the 22-year-old shot-stopper comes out on top, making more saves despite having fewer shots taken against him, conceding fewer goals and even having a higher pass completion.

Having the ability to play short-circuit passes around the back to attract the opposition press is very important to Maresca’s system, and the fact Jorgensen is doing it without making the same mistakes as Sanchez – or at least to a much lesser degree – is another positive sign for the Blues.

With Jorgensen now Chelsea’s number one, it is in his hands to make that position his own, keeping Sanchez out of the fray and finally allowing Maresca to settle on one goalkeeper, with Sanchez’s future potentially now lying elsewhere.

With the former Brighton man having made five errors leading to a goal in the Premier League in 2024/25 alone, Winstanley and Co’s initial excitement has undoubtedly disappeared.

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Chelsea ended their dismal recent run with a 4-0 win over Southampton last night.

1 ByEthan Lamb Feb 26, 2025

Archer ruled out of West Indies tour due to setback in rehab from elbow injury

He experienced pain while training at the World Cup as England’s only travelling reserve

Matt Roller12-Nov-2023

Jofra Archer at a training session•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Jofra Archer experienced elbow pain while training with England at the World Cup in Mumbai, a setback in his rehabilitation from a stress fracture which has ruled him out of their white-ball tour of the Caribbean next month.Archer has not played competitively since the IPL, where he suffered a recurrence of an elbow stress fracture while representing Mumbai Indians. After 18 months out of the game with elbow and back injuries, he made his comeback in January and featured in four ODIs and three T20Is across England’s tours to South Africa and Bangladesh.England initially hoped to include Archer in their World Cup squad in the expectation that he would be fit enough to play in the second half of the group stage. But when it came to selecting a provisional squad in mid-August, the ECB’s medical reports suggested that the “best-case scenario” was for him to travel as a reserve.Related

No IPL 2024 for Archer as ECB looks to manage his workload

No World Cup SOS for Jofra Archer, as Reece Topley faces cruel exit with broken finger

Uncapped Pope, Turner and Tongue in England white-ball squads for Caribbean tour

In mid-September, he bowled in the nets at The Oval before England’s ODIs against New Zealand, and continued his rehabilitation at Hove. He linked up with the World Cup squad in Mumbai: “He’s coming in as a reserve… he’s continuing to build up and rehab,” Jos Buttler said.But after two light training sessions at the Wankhede Stadium, Archer was on a plane home. It led to a bizarre scenario where Reece Topley fractured a finger and was ruled out of the competition, but England called up Brydon Carse rather than adding their travelling reserve to the squad.”Originally, the thought was that he was going to be alright for the back end of the competition,” Rob Key, England’s managing director, said on Sunday, after England’s league-stage elimination was confirmed. “It was a risk worth taking. He had his scans, and they all came up clear.”He flies over here, comes out to Mumbai, bowls, and actually then he felt pain in his elbow. So then, the view was, ‘right, this is going to be a risk too far’. Because of the upside, that’s what lures you in. You start looking at things like the Ashes in two years, the T20 World Cup… Jofra adds so much to that.”You don’t want to risk rushing something to see that kibosh the rest of his career. So we then said, ‘right, fine, this isn’t the right way to go. Rather than just keep him hanging around and not really doing anything, let’s send him back home and get in Brydon Carse who had been preparing.'”Archer’s absence from both the ODI and T20I squads named to face West Indies in December represents another setback. “Rather than pick him in the squads, we’re just going to play it by ear and when he’s fit and ready to come back in, he’ll come back in,” Key said.While Archer could train with the squad in the Caribbean, Key emphasised that England are reluctant to rush his comeback: “Until he’s ready and fit, he won’t be in the squad – and even then, he’s going to take a period of building up. It’s not going to be straightforward, and we’ve got to be so careful.”He has only played seven games for England since March 2021, but recently signed a two-year central contract, turning down a third year. “We’re desperate for Jofra,” Key said. “We take that bet with him that we want him back fit and able to play for England, because of the upside.”

Mitchell Starc planning an IPL return in 2024

Mitchell Starc will put himself up for a return to the IPL next year, viewing it as ideal preparation for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA in June.If picked up by a franchise, it would be Starc’s first appearance in the tournament since 2015 – overall he has made 27 appearances in two seasons for Royal Challengers Bangalore.In 2018, he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders before withdrawing through injury and on other occasions has considered a return before opting to prioritise time at home amid a hectic multi-format schedule for Australia.Related

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  • Abbott earns World Cup berth, Australia confident over fitness concerns

However, next year is comparatively light for Australia with only the T20 World Cup scheduled between a tour of New Zealand in March and white-ball series against Afghanistan, Ireland and England from late August.”Look it’s been eight years. I’m definitely going back in [next] year,” Starc told the about his IPL ambitions. “Amongst other things, it’s a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup.”So a good opportunity to see if anyone’s interested in the IPL, then lead into the T20 World Cup. And it’s somewhat of a quiet winter next year…in comparison to this winter, so I think a perfect opportunity to put my name in.”One of the major reasons Starc has previously sidelined the IPL is his desire to ensure he is fully available for Test cricket. While not putting a timeline on how long his career will go, he would like to reach a century of appearances in the format. Glenn McGrath is the only fast bowler to achieve that milestone for Australia.Starc currently sits on 82 Tests and if he features in all of Australia’s upcoming fixtures on the Future Tours Programme, his 100th game would come up during the 2025-26 Ashes.”Not just get to 100, I’d like to be good enough to be picked for 100 Tests,” he said. “And then the big one obviously in a couple of weeks is the World Cup, which in India just goes to another level.”And then you look at the one-day format, it’s sort of four years in between World Cups, so where do I see myself in that mix? But I’ve got to get to the end of this World Cup first.”But we’ve got some superstars coming through. You’ve got your Jhye Richardsons, your Sean Abbotts, your Spencer Johnsons. You’ve got plenty of young guys coming through. [Lance] Morris is going to be a gun.”I try not to look too far ahead with anything. Obviously, we want to do well in the World Cup. Then we’ve got five Test matches here in Australia and then I haven’t actually played a Test in New Zealand, so hopefully I’m on that tour and look forward to that challenge as well.”

'They still believe' – Marcus Rashford remains wanted by Barcelona after Man Utd forward impresses during Aston Villa loan spell

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is eyeing a move to Barcelona and the Catalan side are reportedly open to signing the England international.

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  • Rashford wants to make move to Barcelona
  • Barcelona said to still be interested in winger
  • Forward certain that he wants to leave United
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Rashford decided to part ways with his boyhood club, Manchester United, in January after falling down the order under Ruben Amorim, with Barcelona having been said to be interested. However, after being unable to secure a move to Catalonia, he moved to Aston Villa on a short loan deal without an option to buy in the summer for the Midlands club.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Rashford is said to still be keen on leaving United in the summer after having impressed on his loan stint with Aston Villa, and is hoping that a move to Barcelona can come to fruition. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that the Catalan side are still open to a move for the England winger as they are keen on signing a left-winger this summer.

  • WHAT ROMANO SAID

    Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano said: “Let me tell you that, internally at Barcelona, they still believe that Marcus Rashford could be an option for the summer transfer window.

    “They believe at Barcelona that Rashford might be available on the market. They believe at Barcelona that Rashford could be a good solution because he can play as number nine, he can play on the wing, so he can help in several positions and he’s a player appreciated by those at Barcelona.

    “Barca already wanted Rashford in January. It didn’t happen because Ansu Fati didn’t leave, and so in terms of Financial Fair Play it was not possible to balance the deal, but Marcus Rashford remains on the list of Barcelona.

    “If Rashford is not staying at Aston Villa, we will see what happens as he is one of the options under consideration at Barcelona.”

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

    The 27-year-old has already taken a major step to try and sign with Barcelona as he is working with super agent Pini Zahavi, who is said to be very close to the Catalan club's top management, including president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.

11 Arsenal sporting director candidates to replace Edu

After losing Edu Gaspar at the end of 2024, Arsenal are still on the search for a new full-time sporting director at the Emirates Stadium.

The Brazilian resigned from his Gunners role to take up a position alongside Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who also owns Olympiacos and Rio Ave.

The man tasked to fill in for Edu on an interim basis is Jason Ayto, who first joined Arsenal back in 2014 as a scout. But who could the Gunners bring in on a full-time basis as their new sporting director to work closely with manager Mikel Arteta?

Recent reports have claimed that Arsenal are starting to whittle down their options, with a March appointment thought to be likely:

Here, we’ve looked at a number of names the Gunners could target.

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ByRoss Kilvington Nov 5, 2024 1 Roberto Olabe Real Sociedad

There were claims late in 2024 that Arsenal were in advanced talks to bring Roberto Olabe to north London.

The Real Sociedad sporting director is on course to leave the club at the end of the current season after joining back in 2018. During that time, he played a part in signing Alexander Isak, who is now starring at Newcastle United, and Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, who was on loan at Sociedad from Real Madrid.

2 Tomas Rosicky Sparta Prague

Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has also been linked with a return to north London to fill the gap left by Edu. Currently at Sparta Prague, Rosicky is thought to be a leading candidate after working with the side following his retirement in 2017.

He has overseen Adam Hlozek’s move to Bayer Leverkusen and Tomas Cvancara’s transfer to Borussia Monchengladbach – two big-money exits for Sparta Prague, who have gradually been improving in Europe in recent years.

3 Luis Campos PSG

Arteta has reportedly asked Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos to move to Arsenal, with the 60-year-old seemingly open to leaving the French giants.

Formerly on the books of Real Madrid as a scout and Monaco as a sporting director, Campos helped secure deals for Bernardo Silva, Fabinho, Anthony Martial and James Rodriguez as young players, all of whom went on to enjoy successful careers.

4 Andrea Berta Unattached

Rumours have begun to swirl around the potential appointment of Andrea Berta, who was at Atletico Madrid until January. As per Football.london, Spanish sources had claimed that an agreement was close between the two parties.

Berta worked his way from the scouting department to the sporting director role in Madrid, during which time Los Colchoneros reached two Champions League finals, with Atleti winning the Europa League following Berta’s promotion to sporting director.

5 Thiago Scuro Monaco

Thiago Scuro emerged as one of the early candidates to come in for Edu, with the Monaco man moving to the Ligue 1 side as their sporting director in 2023 from RB Leipzig.

Since then, Scuro has helped Monaco make some shrewd moves in the transfer market, bringing in Folarin Balogun from Arsenal, as well as adding the likes of Denis Zakaria, Wilfried Singo and Thilo Kehrer to the French side.

6 Simon Rolfes Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal were reportedly offered Simon Rolfes’ services following Edu’s departure, with the former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder doing a solid job behind the scenes since 2022.

The German assisted Xabi Alonso in building the history-making squad that finished the 2023/24 campaign unbeaten domestically, with Leverkusen winning their first Bundesliga title.

7 Monchi Aston Villa

Someone who has already rejected Arsenal’s sporting director role in the past is Monchi. Now at Aston Villa, Monchi snubbed the Gunners back in 2019 in order to return to Sevilla, and he has struck up a great partnership with Unai Emery, firstly in Spain and now at Villa Park.

Arsenal may have recently contacted Monchi after attempting to sign Ollie Watkins, and who knows, the 56-year-old director could be on their radar again.

8 Jason Ayto Arsenal

Ayto, the current interim sporting director, is another candidate for the full-time sporting director role at the Emirates Stadium. That’s according to recent claims from football.london, with Ayto working behind the scenes on targets which include Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

However, Ayto and Arsenal’s failure to sign a new striker in January may not have done him many favours.

9 Per Mertesacker Arsenal

Another potential option who is already on the payroll at Arsenal is Per Mertesacker.

The former towering Gunners defender is currently overseeing the club’s academy and reports after Edu’s departure claimed that Mertesacker is “highly appreciated” by Arsenal. A former teammate of Arteta, Mertesacker could slot in well, albeit in a largely different role to his current position.

10 Dan Ashworth Warwickshire County Cricket Club

Dan Ashworth speaking with Steve Cooper.

Dan Ashworth’s time at Man Utd was short and not so sweet, departing after just five months at Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Red Devils spending more time chasing him than having the former FA man on the books.

However, after successful stints with Brighton and Newcastle, Arsenal could look at offering him another role in football, as he is now currently advising Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Brighton plotting summer swoop for "unbelievable" £20m Watson alternative

After missing out on Tommy Watson on deadline day, Brighton & Hove Albion are now reportedly plotting a summer move to sign an alternative attacking option for Fabian Hurzeler this summer.

Brighton transfer news

For the first time in a long time, a Brighton manager suddenly finds himself under pressure and facing criticism at The Amex following his side’s humiliating thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest. Having initially made a sensational start, Hurzeler has struggled to maintain his side’s form since November and last weekend’s defeat summed up his side’s struggles in one miserable afternoon.

The Seagulls rarely act irrationally, however, and the 31-year-old still seems likely to remain in the technical area with a harsh and early lesson learned against Forest last time out.

Brighton submit £13m bid to sign "exciting forward", they've had a response

The Seagulls are looking to bolster their squad before the transfer deadline.

By
Dominic Lund

Feb 3, 2025

What far from made Brighton’s week any better, meanwhile, was their failure to sign Watson. After reportedly submitting a bid worth £13m to sign the Sunderland teenager, there may have been plenty of hope that they’d get their man. The Black Cats remained stubborn, however, and those in Sussex were left feeling frustrated.

Whether the Seagulls try their luck once again this summer remains to be seen. Instead, reports suggest that they may turn their attention towards another Championship talent.

According to TeamTalk, Brighton are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Tom Fellows from West Bromwich Albion ahead of Premier League rivals Everton in a deal which could be worth as much as £20m.

As ever, promotion to the Premier League could be key to deciding any potential deal. If West Brom earn promotion, then any sale would be far less tempting as they look to navigate instant survival. Failure to earn such an achievement in the current campaign, meanwhile, would arguably leave the door ajar for Brighton or Everton to come calling.

"Unbelievable" Fellows is Premier League-ready

In pursuit of Watson, Brighton were eyeing a future star rather than a player likely to make an instant impact at 18 years old. Fellows, now 21 years old and often stepping up for West Brom, is the opposite of that. The right-midfielder is ready for the Premier League with or without the Baggies and could be handed the perfect summer route by the Seagulls.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Tom Fellows

Kaoru Mitoma

Starts

26

21

Goals

2

5

Assists

10

3

Key Passes

40

32

Compared to a player who reportedly attracted £50m+ interest from Saudi Arabia towards the end of the transfer window, Fellows has proven exactly where he belongs and could soon join Mitoma at The Amex as a result.

The young winger has earned impressive praise throughout the current campaign, including from West Brom forward Karlan Grant who told BBC Sport in August: “He’s an unbelievable young player. As soon as he does that step-over, I know the ball’s going to be arriving at the back stick and there’s going to be chances.”

Fellows’ 10 assists this season have, of course, proved Grant right since his August prediction with chances arriving time and time again courtesy of the talented winger destined for the Premier League.

SA20 2024 starts on January 10, will clash with Test series in NZ

Top South African players will play the league, meaning Test squad will be without several key players

Firdose Moonda15-Aug-2023The second edition of the SA20 will run from January 10 to February 10, 2024 and will clash with South Africa’s two-Test series in New Zealand which starts with a warm-up match on January 29.Since the SA20 is owned in the majority by Cricket South Africa, players are obliged to fulfil their SA20 franchise contracts ahead of national duty. Therefore, players who are participating in the tournament will not be available for the New Zealand tour.That means South Africa will be without Test captain Temba Bavuma, opening batter Aiden Markram, middle-order players Ryan Rickelton, Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen, allrounder Wiaan Mulder, and their entire frontline attack: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer.All those players have SA20 deals and more could follow after the auction on September 27, leaving South Africa to choose a weakened Test team for the World Test Championship fixtures in New Zealand.Related

SA20 2024 mini-auction to take place in Johannesburg on September 27

SA20 teams given R39.1 million salary purse to build their squads

“Protea players in the SA20 will not be going to New Zealand and that is a directive from CSA,” Pholetsi Moseki, the CSA CEO, told ESPNcricinfo. “But our plans are on track. The auction will be the next milestone and Shukri [Conrad, the Test coach] will then determine player availability for the tour.”Contacted for comment, Conrad said he will “have to put my thinking cap on” as he selects the Test squad while Moseki saw it as “an opportunity to see if the pipeline is pumping.” SA league commissioner Graeme Smith described the clash as “not ideal”, but said the league had been “very clear from the start, in terms of how things were created and structured” and is “focused on making sure we deliver the best four weeks of competition”.To that end, the SA20 follows a more balanced schedule than last season, when it had to vacate Newlands, Boland Park and St George’s Park after two weeks for the Women’s T20 World Cup and then take a 10-day break for an ODI series against England. This season, which begins when defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape taking on Joburg Super Kings in Gqeberha, every franchise will host a home match in the first week. The six franchises each play each other home and away before the knockouts.As ESPNcricinfo had reported earlier, the tournament moves from away from semi-finals in 2024, to three playoffs (an eliminator and two qualifiers) in a knockout structure that mirrors the IPL.The uncluttered fixture list also means that weekday matches will be played as standalone matches and double-headers will take place on Saturdays only. Sunday matches will start at 3pm local time, in order for fans to enjoy a late afternoon’s entertainment before the work week.The SA20 will start three days after India’s all-format tour of South Africa, which ends with the New Year’s Test, and will be played in the prime summer January window for the foreseeable future. It was initially planned that there would be no international fixture clashes with the SA20 but the last edition had to make room for a Covid-19 postponed World Cup Super League series against England.This time around, CSA approached New Zealand about moving the Tests, which were announced in the most recent Future Tours Programme, but have been told there is no room for negotiation.

جوارديولا يفتح الباب لرحيل لاعب مانشستر سيتي.. ويوفنتوس يتواصل لضمه

اتخذ بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي قرارًا بالتخلص من أحد لاعبي فريقه في سوق الانتقالات الصيفي الجاري، بحسب ما ورد في تقارير صحفية.

وافتتح مانشستر سيتي موسمه، بفوز عريض أمام ولفرهامبتون برباعية دون رد، ثم تلقى هزيمة أمام توتنهام بهدفين دون مقابل، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

في الجولة الأولى، شارك إيلكاي جوندوجان كبديل مع مانشستر سيتي، وبالجولة الثانية تواجد اللاعب على مقاعد البدلاء.

جوندوجان البالغ من العمر 34 عامًا، غادر نادي برشلونة قبل موسم وعاد إلى مانشستر سيتي، وكان من المنتظر أن يستعيد أفضل مستوياته تحت قيادة جوارديولا، لكن ذلك لم يتحقق بالصورة المتوقعة.

وذكرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، نقلاً عن “توتو سبورت” الإيطالية، أنه من الواضح أن بيب جوارديولا فتح لجوندوجان الباب للرحيل، وهو يبحث عن وجهة قبل نهاية فترة الانتقالات الحالية.

اقرأ أيضًا | ماركا تكشف آخر تطورات مستقبل رودريجو مع ريال مدريد

ويشير التقرير إلى أن هناك ناديًا إيطاليًا كبيرًا يسعى للتعاقد مع جوندوجان قبل غلق نافذة الانتقالات الصيفية الحالية، وذكرت أن يوفنتوس تواصل بالفعل مع وكلاء اللاعب.

وأفادت الصحيفة أن العائق الرئيسي يكمن في راتب جوندوجان المرتفع، لكنه مستعد لتوقيع عقد لمدة عامين لضمان إتمام الصفقة، حيث يرغب في تقديم أفضل ما لديه، من أجل المشاركة في كأس العالم 2026.

في موسم 2024-2025، شارك جوندوجان في 54 مباراة في جميع المسابقات مع مانشستر سيتي، وأحرز 5 أهداف وساهم بـ 6 تمريرات حاسمة.

Luka Modric open to Rangers move! Real Madrid legend could follow Davide Ancelotti to Ibrox if Scottish giants appoint Carlo's son as new manager

Luka Modric could move to Rangers if his former Real Madrid assistant boss Davide Ancelotti takes charge at Ibrox.

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Ancelotti has held talks with RangersKeen to move to IbroxModric could follow him to ScotlandFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to the ,Rangers' search for a new manager has taken a significant step forward with Davide Ancelotti emerging as the clear frontrunner. The 35-year-old, who worked as assistant to his father Carlo at Real Madrid, held a key meeting in London with club officials last week. It’s understood that Ancelotti expressed a strong interest in taking the Ibrox job and provided detailed insight into his footballing vision.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

While speculation continues about who will take over the managerial reins at Rangers, the potential appointment of Ancelotti has sparked rumours of an audacious transfer involving Modric. The Croatian maestro, who is set to leave Real Madrid this summer at the age of 39, has not yet made a decision on his next destination. Though no move is confirmed, sources close to the dressing room have indicated that Modric did not rule out a switch to Glasgow when asked about the possibility.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite the momentum building around Ancelotti's potential appointment, Rangers’ internal dynamics have added complexity to the situation. A pending ownership change has slowed the pace of decision-making, with both current and incoming figures involved in shaping the club’s future direction.

Current CEO Patrick Stewart is spearheading the managerial search, but he’s working alongside the expected new ownership group led by American businessman Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group. Kevin Thelwell, the new sporting director, is also believed to be playing a role in the process.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR RANGERS?

Time is becoming a crucial factor. Sources suggest that if a final agreement isn’t reached by the end of this week – or no later than the first week of June – Rangers risk losing Ancelotti altogether. The Italian coach is reportedly considering multiple offers, with at least three other clubs expressing firm interest in acquiring his services.

Leeds dud who's been "abysmal" out on loan must never wear the shirt again

da bwin: It’s safe to say that numerous Leeds United talents have thrived this season, massively helping Daniel Farke in his quest to secure Championship promotion.

da betway: The German has led the Whites to top spot, winning 22 games out of their 35 outings, the second most of any side in the division to date – aiding their title challenge.

The forward line has massively impressed, registering 72 goals in the league to date, an average of 2.1 per game – by far and away the best tally in the division.

Leeds United manager DanielFarkeapplauds fans

Joel Piroe has contributed with the most finishes, scoring 15 times – the highest of any player in the second tier – already outscoring his tally from last campaign, subsequently taking his career to the next level under Farke.

The Whites’ star quality in the final third has been made all the more impressive, especially after losing two of their key forwards from last season over the summer window.

Rutter & Summerville’s stats for Leeds in 2023/24

Despite losing the play-off final against Southampton, winger Crysencio Summerville starred throughout the campaign – registering 20 goals and nine assists in his 46 outings.

The Dutchman produced countless moments of magic, finishing as the Whites’ top scorer and would subsequently depart in a £25m deal to join West Ham United after failing to secure promotion.

Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville

Georginio Rutter also starred in the final third during 2023/24, scoring seven goals and 15 assists, with the Frenchman and Summerville contributing with a combined 51 goals – with their tally equating to 63% of the team’s total.

The 22-year-old also departed in a £40m deal to join Brighton, leaving a huge hole in the side, which Farke has done tremendously to fill, given their form in recent weeks.

However, he’s not been able to rely on one player who’s spent the last couple of years out on loan, with the hierarchy needing to cash in on him this summer after his lack of impact elsewhere.

The Leeds dud of his been “abysmal” out on loan

After relegation back to England’s second tier, it was to be expected that numerous players would depart the club to once again play at a higher level.

max-wober-leeds-united-academy-transfer-loan-james-debayo-farke

The likes of Rasmus Kristensen and Max Wober would both depart to join Roma and Borussia Mönchengladbach on loan, respectively, aiming to further their careers after relegation.

However, Jack Harrison also followed in the same footsteps, joining Premier League outfit Everton on loan for the 2023/24 season – looking to play a key role in the Toffees’ survival bid.

The 28-year-old featured 29 times in the league last campaign but only managed to score three times and notch three assists, failing to match the expectations he joined the Merseyside outfit with.

Despite his lack of form, now sacked Everton boss Sean Dyche would re-sign the Englishman for the ongoing season, once again moving to Goodison Park temporarily.

Jack Harrison for Everton

However, this time around, he’s come under serious criticism for his lack of impact in the final third, failing to register a single goal or assist in any of his 27 appearances to date – leading to writer Ell Bretland dubbing him as “abysmal”.

In recent days, Harrison has been linked with a return to the MLS after his previous stint with New York City FC, with Farke and the hierarchy needing to cash in on his signature amid the recent interest in his services.

Jack Harrison’s stats for Everton in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

23

Goals & assists

0

Shots on target per game

0.34

Pass accuracy

75%

Cross success

21%

Dribble success

36%

Possession lost per game

2.2

Stats via FotMob

With his contract not running out until 2028, the Whites will still demand a fee for his services despite his lack of impact at Goodison, but it could have an impact on how much they will receive should they decide to sell him.

Regardless of the fee they’d receive, they desperately need to cash in on his services this summer to avoid losing more money on him down the line.

Should the Whites complete the job and secure promotion in the coming weeks, it’s pivotal they equip themselves with the tools to compete in the top flight – with Harrison no longer at the level required after his form during his loan spell this campaign.

Leeds may regret selling a "goal machine" who's now outperforming Gnonto

The former Leeds United talent has starred with regular game time away from Elland Road.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 5, 2025

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