West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan is lining up a swoop for a midfielder with Premier League experience to strengthen his engine room, according to reports.

Is Isaac Hayden moving to West Bromwich Albion?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United outcast Isaac Hayden is being lined up by West Brom, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers and Millwall after falling out of favour under Eddie Howe, with those clubs making the midfielder a top target.

Hayden is training with Newcastle United's second string and will be available to leave the North East on a loan basis amid interest from the Sky Bet Championship quartet.

Cited by Pink Un, Howe spoke earlier this year about Hayden and his teammate Jeff Hendrick not having a long-term future at the Magpies in an interview, stating:

"I had those conversations with the players last year about training away from the group, only so I could control the numbers I was working with. I don't anticipate that changing to be honest. They've done very well and been great servants to the football club and we certainly respect them. But sometimes you need a clear break and focus on the players who will play a part in the season."

Despite Hayden garnering attention recently, The Chronicle report that Newcastle United are yet to receive any formal approaches for the 28-year-old as his future continues to paint an unclear picture for all involved.

Southampton have been named as another potential suitor for Hayden as the transfer window draws closer to its final stages of market activity.

Would Isaac Hayden be a good signing for West Bromwich Albion?

Hayden, who shares the same agent as Baggies man Taylor Gardner-Hickman, is an experienced figure that has performed in exemplary fashion over the course of his distinguished career in both the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.

West Brom could do with some leadership and tenacity in the engine room to help steer their campaign in the right direction and continue the momentum built in their victory over Swansea City and draw at Elland Road away to Leeds United.

Last term, Hayden spent time out on loan at the Baggies' divisional rivals Norwich City; however, injuries curtailed his ability to make an impact, resulting in the £22k-a-week ace making just 14 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, the Chelsmford-born midfielder still managed to make his presence felt in his short time on the field at Carrow Road, making 1.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per Sky Bet Championship fixture in 2022/23, as shown on WhoScored.

As per FBRef, Hayden has also excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's next eight leagues below the top five divisions on the continent concerning blocks, averaging 2.21 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days at the time of writing, putting him in the 99th percentile for this metric.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright labelled Hayden as "brilliant" back in 2021, and it is clear that his combative presence in midfield could be put to good use at the Hawthorns, so it looks as if a deal to keep an eye on over the coming days.

The England quick, captain Imad Wasim and Shahid Afridi sliced through Quetta Gladiators’ batting line-up and mitigated Karachi Kings’ collapse of 6 for 13

The Report by Arun Venugopal23-Feb-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details In a nutshell
Karachi Kings’ decision to bat raised eyebrows twice – firstly, when they ambled to 60 for 2 in the first 10 overs, and secondly when they lost their six wickets for 13 runs. But what they did in between eventually proved enough at the end, as their bowling attack – led by captain Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir and Tymal Mills – ensured that a 150 chase was a bridge too far for Quetta Gladiators.Quetta had slumped to 15 for 3 inside the first five overs and never really recovered. There were spurts of spunk from Umar Amin (31) and Mohammad Nawaz, whose 30 off 20 balls kept his side in the hunt. But, with 37 required off 17 balls, Amir induced a faint inside edge to have Nawaz caught behind and quash the possibility of any late uprising. Earlier, with Shahid Afridi also having chipped in with an outstanding catch at the boundary to remove Amin, Quetta, which doesn’t possess the most robust middle order, entered the final phase in an even more depleted positionThat Karachi got to 149 was largely due to Colin Ingram, whose 21-ball 41 injected momentum into what had been a lethargic innings up to that point. Karachi’s troubles were mainly due to Shane Watson’s canny bowling, which saw him pick up three scalps to reach 200 wickets in T20 cricket. Along with Joffra Archer, the flavour of the season, and Anwar Ali, Watson choked the flow of runs. Ingram and Ravi Bopara, though, counterpunched their way through the middle overs with a 48-run stand in 4.3 overs and gave their team the insurance that mitigated their collapse later on.Where the match was won
At the half-way mark, Quetta might have fancied a relatively straightforward chase. Instead, Karachi unleashed their gun bowlers and effectively killed the chase in the Powerplay. Wasim took the new ball and conceded only three runs in the first over. Watson then attempted to run himself out twice in vain in the second over bowled by Amir before eventually succeeding off the penultimate delivery.In the next over, Asad Shafiq, probably torn between guilt for being partially responsible for Watson’s run-out and the need to ramp up the scoring rate, holed out to deep square leg. With Mills joining the party to prise out Kevin Pietersen, who departed after a couple of eye-catching strokes, Quetta found themselves at 26 for 3 in six overs. For good measure, Afridi bowled a tight spell to go for less than six runs an over and sustain the pressure.The men that won it
It can be rightly contended that but for Ingram and Bopara’s strong push Quetta might have struggled further. Further, Wasim’s tight-fisted bowling in the Powerplay cannot be overstated. However, with Quetta needing 43 off 24 balls and a dangerous Nawaz looking for a late twist, it was Amir and Mills that pinned the opposition down for good. They collectively conceded 25 runs from overs 16 to 19 and picked up two wickets during the phase to leave Quetta requiring 28 runs off the last over.Where they stand
Karachi have dislodged Multan Sultans from the top of the points table by virtue of having a better net run-rate, while Quetta are at the bottom. Quetta have an immediate shot at redemption as they take on Lahore Qalandars in the night game on Saturday. Karachi will next play defending champions Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday.

Tri-series schedule

June 12 Netherlands v Ireland, Rotterdam
June 13 Netherlands v Ireland, Rotterdam
June 16 Ireland v Scotland, Deventer
June 17 Ireland v Scotland, Deventer
June 19 Netherlands v Scotland, Amstelveen
June 20 Netherlands v Scotland, Amstelveen

The Netherlands is set to host a triangular T20 series also involving Ireland and Scotland in Rotterdam, Deventer and Amstelveen, from June 12 to 20.”This tournament will become an annual event between the three strongest European cricket countries,” the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) said in a statement.”I am so excited about the announcement of this annual tri-series T20 event with Ireland and Scotland,” said Ryan Campbell, the Netherlands coach. “I believe the three teams are evenly matched and the opportunity to play against our neighbours more often is something that we’ve been trying to put together for some time now. The matches will be action packed and this will be our first steps in preparation for the 2019 World T20 Qualifiers.”The three countries had contested the World Cup Qualifiers last month but failed to make the cut. While Netherlands did not get past the group stage, Scotland and Ireland qualified for the Super Six stage and finished fourth and fifth respectively.

The National Stadium is set to host its highest-profile game in nearly a decade, with both sides managing to retain most of their best overseas players

The Preview by Umar Farooq in Karachi24-Mar-20184:44

‘I still have 3-4 years of cricket left in me’ – Kamran Akmal

Big PicturePakistanis may be divided on various issues within the country, but one thing transcends region, religion, ethnicity, age and political affiliation. That thing is cricket. It’s the most popular sport in the country, with heroes from the game independently going on to inspire generations. It unites the whole nation, and makes you forget about any political differences. That’s the value of cricket to Pakistan.It’s an Eid of cricket in Karachi, a city of over 20 million cricket-mad people that hasn’t played host to a game of this magnitude for over nine years. Peshawar Zalmi are set to take on Islamabad United in a high-voltage PSL final at National Stadium Karachi – a venue set to host its first high-profile game since the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test in February 2009. The game is billed as a homecoming, what with Pakistan’s biggest city having been deprived of major cricket for almost a decade.The focus of the event has been the extraordinary security in the city, but there’s plenty to focus on as far as the cricket is concerned, too. Both teams have one PSL title to their name, with Peshawar being defending champions, while Islamabad won the inaugural edition in 2016. Both are presently at the top of their game and made their way to the final with some brutal displays with the bat. There seems to be no real weak link in either team, as both are laden with experienced batsmen from top to middle, and boast powerful bowling attacks.The stadium has, over the years, largely been isolated, only hosting domestic cricket, but the infrastructure was put back together a few months before the game. The stadium is still under renovation, but the facility was prepared enough to make sure it was able to get going for the important game.Form GuidePeshawar Zalmi: WWWWL (last five completed games, most recent first)
Islamabad United: WLWWWIn the spotlightThe final is anticipated for its own merits as a contest, of course, but an absorbing mini-contest revolves around the dazzling form of each side’s wicketkeeper-batsman. Kamran Akmal and Luke Ronchi are both 36, have both been opening the batting, and presently sit at No. 1 and No. 3 on the PSL run charts with 424 and 383 runs respectively. Both are major reasons for their respective teams making the final this season. Both have exhibited extraordinary skill in power-hitting, and are brimming with the confidence, and will be at the forefront of their respective opposition bowling attacks leading into the game.Pitch preparations ahead of the PSL final in Karachi•Associated PressTeam newsDespite safety concerns among foreign players overshadowing the games themselves, both teams have managed to retain the services of most of their best overseas players for the marquee game. This was in stark contrast to last year, when all of Quetta Gladiators’ foreign players pulled out while Peshawar Zalmi fielded a full-strength side.Misbah ul Haq missed the Qualifier with a hairline fracture in his wrist. The 43-year-old has been struggling for fitness, and will miss the final. Islamabad are likely to stick to their combination from the Dubai game where they beat Karachi Kings by eight wickets with 45 balls to spare. One enforced change will be the absence of Alex Hales, who pulled out due to security concerns.Islamabad United (likely): 1 Luke Ronchi (wk), 2 Sahibzada Farhan, 3 JP Duminy (capt), 4 Hussain Talat, 5 Samit Patel, 6 Asif Ali, 7 Chadwick Walton/Samuel Badree, 8 Shadab Khan, 9 Faheem Ashraf, 10 Mohammad Sami, 11 Amad ButtKamran Akmal has been playing despite a stiff neck and a hamstring niggle but with three days of rest before the game should have had enough time to regain his fitness. Peshawar are likely to retain their winning combination.Peshawar Zalmi (likely): 1 Kamran Akmal (wk), 2 Andre Fletcher, 3 Mohammad Hafeez, 4 Saad Nasim, 5 Liam Dawson, 6 Darren Sammy (capt), 7 Chris Jordan, 8 Hasan Ali, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Umaid Asif, 11 Sameen GulStats and trivia Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi have the two best PSL win-loss ratios across three years. Islamabad have won 18 matches and lost 12, while Peshawar have won 19 and lost 13. Islamabad’s Faheem Ashraf is the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, with 17 wickets at a strike rate of 12.7 and an economy rate of 7.72. Peshawar’s Wahab Riaz is breathing down his neck with 16 wickets at an economy rate of 6.86 and a strike rate of 17.2.Quotes”Its good to see the logistical work done behind the scenes and we’ve been brought here safely .. I am very grateful for hard work being done behind the scenes and we are excited about tomorrow final.”

While Newcastle United appear to be done and dusted during the 2023 transfer window, Eddie Howe is still mulling over fresh faces to bolster his thriving outfit in the future.

Having qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-placed Premier League finish last term, the Magpies have worked diligently on the transfer front this summer to ensure that the squad is ready for European football and a challenge to emulate last year's feats.

Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have all been added to the first team, and while the spending is ostensibly complete, one exciting star remains of a vested interest.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

According to i news, Newcastle are plotting their next move and have identified Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, with the 21-year-old 'under consideration' for a swoop when Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations permit.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

Believed to hold a £42m release clause in his contract, Williams is now in the final year of his contract, and Howe could soon land his man on a cut-price deal.

How good is Nico Williams?

Although Williams is only young, he has already captured the awe of the masses in Basque Country and has been praised for his "daring" approach on the pitch by former manager Marcelinho.

Last season, the eight-cap Spain star scored nine goals and supplied six assists from 43 matches across all competitions as he dazzled in his wide attacking role, receiving praise for his ability in 1v1 situations, pace, and progressive nature.

This is showcased through his ranking among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, and, as such, Howe could have his hands on the next version of Allan Saint-Maximin by securing the winger's signature.

Saint-Maximin departed St. James' Park for £23m in July after forging 124 appearances for the Magpies, posting just 13 goals and 21 assists.

The 26-year-old ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for assists, and the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, and has also been dubbed a "wizard" by journalist Graeme Bailey for his brilliant, fleet-footed displays on the pitch.

Alas, the 26-year-old never quite ignited the kind of cutting edge that Howe covets, which is evidenced through his Tyneside exit and the subsequent £39m signing of Harvey Barnes, who scored 13 Premier League goals last term and ranks among the top 5% of positional peers for goals per 90.

However, given Williams' youthful age and inexperience, Howe will likely feel he can craft a refined version of the Magpie fan favourite by nurturing the whiz to the fore, maintaining his blistering pace and dribbling skills while adding goals and assists with regularity.

Described as a "sensation" by journalist Shina Oludare, Howe is wise to get in on the action, and while this is a transfer that likely will not occur over the next week, the winter transfer market could prove to be a tantalising time indeed as the burgeoning Premier League side assess their next move.

Everton are keen to strike a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion's Steven Alzate, but a reliable journalist has confirmed that they aren’t the only club in the race to secure his services before tonight’s deadline.

Who is Steven Alzate?

Alzate is primarily a central midfielder who has plied his trade at The Amex since 2017 having initially joined the club’s youth setup before getting promoted to the first team back in 2019 where he’s since gone on to make a total of 51 senior appearances.

However, Colombia’s international has previously been sent out on two loan spells, the first to League Two’s Swindon Town and the second to Standard Liege in the Belgian Pro League, so it’s obvious that with the time spent on the road, he’s never really been able to nail down a regular place in the starting line-up for the Seagulls.

Therefore, as a result of the 24-year-old’s contract expiring in less than a year, now would be the perfect opportunity for Roberto De Zerbi to cash in on his prized asset should he not want to risk losing him for free, and it sounds like an exit is exactly what the manager is thinking about.

According to the BBC’s Simon Stone, Sean Dyche’s target will be allowed to leave before this evening’s transfer deadline thanks to the new arrival of Carlos Baleba on the south coast, and should he depart, he won’t be short of a potential suitor with several teams waiting to snap him up.

Are Everton signing Steven Alzate?

Taking to X, Pipe Sierra named Everton as one of the clubs looking to sign Alzate before 11pm, with Brighton’s ace currently in the process of assessing the options available to him both in the Premier League and overseas. He wrote:

“The departure of Steven Alzate (24) from #Brighton is imminent. The Colombian midfielder analyzes several options on the table with the recent interest of #Everton and #Wolves. Since last week there are also dialogues with #Sevilla and #Fiorentina. Nothing decided.”

How much does Steven Alzate earn?

At Brighton, Alzate currently pockets £15k-per-week so he would be an extremely affordable option for Everton, and considering the “creative” spark he could bring to the final third, as per journalist Josh Bunting, this is a no-brainer of a deal for the hierarchy to pursue on Merseyside.

The London-born talent posted eight contributions (five assists and three goals) in 29 appearances for Liege last season, showing how prolific he can be in the opposition’s penalty area, but he’s also an ideal target man having averaged 1.2 aerial wins per league game.

Read The Latest Everton Transfer News HERE…

De Zerbi’s youth product is additionally a versatile operator having been deployed in an outstanding eight different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the centre, alongside roles in both defence and attack, which will no doubt be yet another attractive attribute to Dyche.

The Toffees are also reportedly in ongoing talks regarding a loan deal for West Ham United’s Maxwel Cornet, but if the above update is to be believed, Alzate could be soon following in the former’s footsteps by walking through the doors at Goodison Park.

Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing a move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson as a long-term Harry Kane replacement, and a new report has revealed how much they may have to pay for him…

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

The search for a new striker has continued into the final week of the summer transfer window, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano detailing that Lille's Jonathan David is of interest, although the Canada international could cost as much as €60m (£51.5m).

However, having raised £100m by selling Kane to Bayern Munich, Spurs are ready to spend big on a new striker, with a "huge" sum being set aside, meaning a move for David could be a real possibility, but they still have a number of other options in mind.

The Lilywhites are also still in the hunt for FC Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, who could be a low-cost alternative to David, given that he may be available for as little as €25m (£21.4m), but they could face competition from AC Milan, with the Italian club already having one bid knocked back.

However, Taremi is 31 years of age, and therefore unlikely to fill the void left by Kane for too long, but a new report from talkSPORT has indicated that Ferguson is viewed as a long-term replacement for the England captain, even though he will not come cheap.

Brighton could hold out for more than £115m for the striker, as they value him even more highly than Moises Caicedo, who they recently sold to Chelsea, and he is contracted for the long-term future, having put pen to paper on a five-year deal back in April of this year.

Ange Postecoglou is said to be a big admirer of the Irishman, but Tottenham are yet to make a concrete move, as they know that Brighton are determined to keep hold of him, given the promising start he has made to life in the Premier League.

Read The Latest Tottenham Transfer News HERE

How good is Evan Ferguson?

If the 19-year-old continues his current trajectory, there is a real possibility he could be a suitable replacement for Kane, having made a flying start to his Premier League career, scoring six goals in 19 top-flight games last season, while also amassing four in cup competitions.

The Ireland international is already off the mark this season, and he has also scored two goals in six appearances for his country, who will be very excited by the prospect of having a youngster of his calibre coming through the ranks.

Such is the starlet's potential, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as being "one of the best young 9s in world football", while also dubbing him "incredibly prolific", which likens him to Kane, who scored a spectacular 30 league goals last season.

Given that Brighton have no reason to sell Ferguson in the immediate future, and they are holding out for over £115m, it does not seem likely that Spurs won't pursue a move anytime soon, but they should undoubtedly keep him on the shortlist for the future.

Inter Miami have been handed a possible boost by the news that Sergio Busquets may not be out of action for a long period despite suffering an injury.

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• Busquets sustained injury in friendly
• Will miss Inter Miami's next match
• Could be back for opening MLS clash

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The veteran midfielder was the victim of a horrific tackle from Yuya Okaka during his team's friendly clash against Vissel Kobe, forcing him out of the game. According to , the 35-year-old will miss this week's friendly clash against Newell's Old Boys, but he could be fit for the opening game of the new MLS campaign.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Busquets joined the Florida club in July last year and went on to make 20 appearances alongside fellow ex-Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba. The Herons missed out on the MLS playoffs despite the arrivals of such big names, but will hope to have Busquets fit and ready to help fire them to a successful 2024.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Busquets helped Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy last season, having featured in seven Leagues Cup matches as they went on to beat Nashville on penalties in the final. Messi was pivotal in that success, scoring 10 goals in his seven appearances.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

  After the friendly against Messi's boyhood club Newell's Old Boys, Inter Miami will hope to get the new MLS season off to a strong start when they host Real Salt Lake in their first game on February 22, followed by a visit to LA Galaxy four days later.

Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk has challenged a fan to take him on in a one-v-one game after being trolled on social media, with £10,000 on the line.

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Mudryk struggling for formReceives provocative DM on InstagramChallenges fan to game for £10kWHAT HAPPENED?

Mudryk, who has been out of sorts of late, was goaded into a response on Instagram in the wake of the 4-1 defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday after receiving a message asking 'what the f*ck is going on' with his poor form, and whether he had 'forgotten how to play football'. He was then advised to do more one-on-one sessions because "something needs to change".

AdvertisementWHAT MUDRYK SAID

The winger did not take kindly to the criticism, calling the supporter out and challenging him to a lucrative one-v-one game of football. He wrote: "Come play 1-1 (one-v-one). For £10,000."

However, the troll quipped back: "Bro at this point I will personally give you money every time you score."

@FedorSneaks InstagramTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Along with his team as a whole, Mudryk's form has dipped alarmingly in recent games. Chelsea are winless in their last three matches and have suffered damaging, back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Wolves in the league – conceding eight goals in the process.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

The Blues, Mudryk and struggling head coach Mauricio Pochettino are in dire need of a change in their fortunes. The Ukrainian did get an assist in the defeat to Wolves, and he will hope to feature again in the FA Cup fourth-round replay against Aston Villa on Wednesday, with the manager's job potentially on the line.

The attacker is one of the most productive forwards in the Premier League this season but did not have the patience to make it with City

Manchester City must have thought they were quids in when they sold Cole Palmer to Chelsea for £42.5 million ($53m) given they had barely used him in the first team. Palmer was the star export among a flurry of academy players to leave City last summer, banking the club £156m ($196m) within the last two years.

But as they have watched Palmer flourish in an otherwise malfunctioning Chelsea team, City might now be thinking they were short-changed when they let him leave. Palmer has racked up 12 goals and nine assists for his new club and came back to haunt his boyhood club when he starred in Chelsea's thrilling 4-4 draw with City in November.

The winger will be Chelsea's main threat again when City host the Blues on Saturday, knowing that Arsenal and Liverpool will be waiting to pounce on any mistake from Guardiola's side.

Getty Always on the fringes

Palmer left City with 41 senior appearances but the truth is he was always on the fringes of the side. He made just two Premier League starts last season, both after the title had been sewn up, and only one the year before, while he never played a minute of Champions League football.

His starts were mostly confined to the domestic cups and he routinely delivered, scoring his first senior goal in a Carabao Cup thrashing of Wycombe Wanders before making a stunning appearance in the 4-1 win at Swindon Town in the the FA Cup in January 2022.

It was then that Palmer exhibited his Mancunian swagger, saying of the getting his first goal in the oldest Cup competition in football: "Yeah delighted, Prem soon come." His confidence, bordering on arrogance and sounding a bit like Liam Gallagher, brought a smile to many City fans' faces.

But his cocky demeanour probably did not chime well with Guardiola, who wants to foster a culture of humility in his squad and insists that academy graduates have to truly earn their place in the first team. Palmer played no more games that season for the senior side even though he was frequently named as a substitute.

AdvertisementGetty Super Cup glory then exit talks

He made further inroads into the team last season but again it was mostly in the lesser competitions and even then he started just one game in the FA Cup, only coming off the bench in the semi-final against Sheffield United when Guardiola had made wholesale changes to his line-up.

That must have been deeply frustrating for Palmer after first getting called into Guardiola's squad in July 2020. Almost three years on, he was enjoying just a smattering of appearances, watching his fellow squad members storm to the treble.

"Prem" did not soon come and when the new Premier League season started at Burnley, Palmer was again on the bench, despite starring and scoring in the Community Shield against Arsenal.

Palmer was again decisive in the UEFA Super Cup, grabbing the equaliser to send the match with Sevilla to penalties, where his side prevailed. But after the game it was becoming clear that Palmer would not be staying at City for long.

"The opinion I had is he wanted to leave, but now I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Guardiola said in Athens, just moments after hoisting another trophy. "He’s going to stay or leave, but I think a loan is not going to happen. I understand he wants to be more active than the previous season. But Riyad [Mahrez] has gone, so we have one more place there."

Even on the night in which Palmer had stepped up and proved his worth, Guardiola seemed to be questioning his true commitment to the club.

GettyAt odds with Guardiola

Palmer, though, had reasons to also doubt whether or not he would get a consistent run in the team. Riyad Mahrez had left, but two days before the Super Cup reports emerged that City were in talks to sign Jeremy Doku, putting another obstacle between Palmer and regular first team football.

Palmer had also just helped lead England's under-21 side to the European Championship. He backed himself to succeed in the Premier League but could not guarantee he would do so at City. Who can blame him for not entertaining the prospect of yet another season on the bench?

Guardiola again seemed to question Palmer's commitment to City ahead of their last match in November. He said: "Cole arrived and accepted some processes and then after one or two years said: ‘No, I don’t want to play here, I am not going to play.’ But I said: ‘Riyad [Mahrez] is leaving, you are going to get a chance here,’ and he said: ‘No, I am not going to play here, I want to leave,’ so I said: ‘OK, leave.' He got what he wanted. It is good for him."

Palmer saw it differently and has since claimed he was in favour of a loan move instead. He preferred to return to City with a year of regular football under his belt and be better equipped to fight for his place in Guardiola's star-studded team.

"My thing was to never leave City. That was not my intention. I wanted to go on loan for a year, come back and be ready for the first team. But they said I couldn't go on loan, either stay or you get sold," Palmer told in January. "So then, Chelsea rang me. I said I wanted to go to Chelsea and I'm really happy to be here. I'm very glad I made the decision to come here."

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Getty Images'Cold Palmer'

Palmer has been a revelation at Chelsea and within his second month at the club had made more league starts than he had in three years with City. He also got that goal he craved in the Premier League, breaking his duck with a penalty at Burnley. He has since scored nine more, earning the nickname 'Cold Palmer' from his team-mate Noni Madueke. His goals have put him among the top 10 scorers in the league this season. If you add his six assists, he is among the top six players for goal contributions.

His goal tally dwarfs every City player aside from Erling Haaland while only Phil Foden has set up more goals. The Chelsea winger has admitted he has exceeded his own expectations, even if they were pretty high in the first place. "I cant deny that. I wanted to get into the team, play and show what I can do. But to get in the team straight away and hit the ground running has surprised me to be fair," he added in his interview.

Guardiola has not been surprised either, insisting he knew that Palmer would thrive once given regular football. "I didn't have any doubts about his quality," the City coach told a press conference before Palmer's return to the Etihad Stadium. "The way he's playing is a star player. He wanted the minutes, it was a question of time to show his immense quality. Cole Palmer is an exceptional player and a lovely lad and of course I wish him well at Chelsea."