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N’Golo Kante’s sudden departure from Stamford Bridge means Chelsea now have to act.

The World Cup winner had been close to an agreement to extend his stay in the English capital, but a €100m (£86m) a season deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad suddenly looks set to end his fruitful career in Europe.

His last year at the Blues was ravaged by injury, and he only made nine appearances in all competitions – this prolonged absence was one of the reasons for Chelsea’s spectacular decline into the bottom half of the table.

The 32-year-old must be replaced and Moises Caicedo is a player who can adopt a similar role.

What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?

Having missed out on the signature of CP Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte, the West Londoners are expected to accelerate their efforts to tempt Caicedo to join.

Whilst it seemed that Chelsea were prioritising a deal for the Uruguayan, it’s been revealed that the 2021 Champions League winners have been equally interested in the Brighton star for around £80m.

This has been reaffirmed by reputable journalist Dean Jones, who told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think it’s even a case of getting back of the Caicedo trail, they’ve already been on it. The whole time the Ugarte thing has been going on, Caicedo is still the one I’ve been hearing more about. I’ve always expected that Chelsea would go for Caicedo.”

Can Caicedo replicate Kante’s exploits at Chelsea?

Across seven years at Chelsea, the former Leicester City star notched 269 appearances, 29 goal involvements, and six different trophies, winning everything available aside from the Carabao Cup.

The 53-cap international is renowned for his energetic and insufferable ability to break up opposition attacks and protect his backline.

Due to his unbelievable consistency, Cesc Fabregas has labelled Kante as “world-class”, a sentiment that was echoed by Ally McCoist, who described the player as “absolutely magic.”

The beautiful chapter of Kante’s tremendous story at Chelsea has rightfully ended, forging the pathway for Caicedo to possibly repeat the heroics of his positional peer.

Within his age bracket, the youngster has brilliantly excelled as the £60k-per-week star has won possession in the midfield third the most times (142) of any U21 player this season.

Across the continent, the 30-cap international has also emerged as a formidable asset, ranking within the top 26% in Europe’s top five leagues among other midfielders for progressive passes, as well as the highest 11% for interceptions per 90, according to FBref.

So far in his short, but equally dazzling career, Caicedo has demonstrated himself to be a phenomenal pivot with an uncoachable quality to read the game and sniff out danger.

South American Football expert Tim Vickery has described the Ecuadorian as “terrific” and whilst it would be foolish to suggest he can instantly fill Kante’s void if he continues on his currently frightening trajectory, he could be unstoppable.

The BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said that the board will provide security to players’ family members, journalists and fans travelling from the UK for the series

Andrew McGlashan and Mohammad Isam26-Aug-20163:10

Dobell: It’s a bold move for England

The BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said that the board will provide security to players’ family members, journalists and fans travelling from the UK for the series, although the ECB has encouraged any supporters wishing to travel to consult the Foreign Office advice.The Barmy Army, which reportedly contacted the BCB showing interest in coming to Bangladesh, will also have their Bangladesh visas fast-tracked, according to Hassan.”We will make sure that not just the players but their family members, fans and the reporters will get security in the stadium and hotel,” he said. “They have to inform us where they are staying and contact us. We believe that there won’t be any problem with regards to this England tour.”The Barmy Army had contacted us and we immediately told the Bangladesh high commission to ensure that their visas aren’t delayed. We also asked for a list of those who are coming so that we can help them out.”While the England team will get unprecedented protection when they arrive for the tour, that courtesy will not extend to supporters. It is understood that consideration for the safety of those outside of what will be a team bubble of VVIP-level security was given but the ECB’s responsibilities stop with the team and management.”Our decision to press ahead is based on the security plan for the players and management. That’s all we can control,” Strauss said. “Any supporters going out there, it’s worth stressing they should be making their own assessments and referring to the Foreign Office advice.”The current FCO advice reads: “There is a heightened threat of further terrorist attacks and foreigners, in particular westerners, may be directly targeted; crowded areas where westerners are known to gather may be at higher risk of attack; you should minimise your exposure to these areas and consider your movements carefully.”

West Ham United have been handed a boost in their bid to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja…

What’s the word?

As per talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, the Hammers are not set to be joined in the race for the 20-year-old’s signature by fellow Premier League outfit Southampton, despite the Albania international having impressed on loan at St Mary’s last season.

Writing on Twitter about the forward’s future, the transfer insider revealed that the potential financial package has put the Saints off, meaning the Irons are now in pole to secure his signature: “Understand #SaintsFC are not competing with #WHUFC for Armando Broja. They view wages and transfer fee as too high. Don’t think his form in the second half of the season helped either.”

This follows reports that GSB are set to make a £30m offer to the Blues for their academy product, albeit with possible involvement in Thomas Tuchel’s first-team squad next term at Stamford Bridge having also been mooted.

Payet 2.0

David Moyes and co have seemingly identified the highly-rated prospect as the man to solve their centre-forward woes, with the £19.8m-rated ace having caught the eye during that spell on the south coast, netting nine times in all competitions in what was his first full, Premier League campaign.

Prior to that, Broja had spent a year on loan with Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem during the 2020/21 season – netting solitary first-team appearance at his parent club, with that coming under Frank Lampard over two years ago.

That relative lack of experience may be a concern, although his eyecatching form under Ralph Hasenhuttl has illustrated just what a talent he is, with the £8.5k-per-week brute having been dubbed “devastating” by his national team assistant coach, Sergio Porrini.

The powerful, 6 foot 3 “machine” – as described by Simon Peach – proved himself a real handful up against top-flight defences last term, notably netting a stunning solo goal in his side’s 3-1 win over the east London outfit in the FA Cup back in March.

That lethal impact in the final third could see the Slough-born marksman blossom into something of a talisman for the Irons over the coming years, with that role having previously been assumed by French playmaker, Dimitri Payet.

Although it may be somewhat hard to compare the physical, young striker with the 35-year-old, creative genius, the pair are in fact noted as similar players, according to Football Transfers, with such likeness likely to set pulses racing at the London Stadium.

While his time in English football may have been brief, Payet certainly left his mark both on the Hammers fanbase and the league as a whole, serving up multiple moments of jaw-dropping quality, be it that outrageous rabona assist for Michail Antonio, or the gravity-defying, looping free-kick at Upton Park against Crystal Palace in April 2016.

In a class of his own, the 38-cap “magician” – as he has been dubbed by Carl Anka- was a truly joyous player to watch in his pomp, with the only sour note having been the nature of his swift departure in January 2017, just 18 months after joining the club.

The hope will be that young Broja can make a similar, yet longer-lasting impact in a claret and blues jersey, with the Payet case proving that West Ham can be a platform for top-class talent to truly shine.

IN other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

Fabrizio Romano has now shared a major transfer update involving West Ham United manager David Moyes and long-time target Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyes move…

After his phenomenal 2020/2021 second-half loan spell at the London Stadium, where he bagged a brilliant nine goals and four assists over 16 Premier League appearances, Moyes has been attempting to bring Lingard back on a permanent deal.

As the Englishman is confirmed to be leaving Man United, West Ham perhaps now have their best chance to seal an agreement with no rival club standing in GSB’s way.

Personal terms are the only issue with Romano now sharing a big update on the Hammers’ plans for Lingard this summer.

The Latest: Romano shares Lingard update…

According to the transfer journalist, writing in an article for The Guardian, Moyes is personally ‘ready to step up his interest’ in Lingard and is ‘pushing to bring him back’.

The Scotsman is apparently ‘satisfied’ that the 29-year-old hasn’t lost ‘any motivation’ after spending the whole of 2021/2022 on the United periphery.

The Verdict: Next big move?

We believe West Ham and Lingard are still a match made in heaven, arguably even more so now that he is available on a free transfer.

The attacker’s obvious quality has been wasted at Old Trafford over this past year and Moyes is right to be determined to grant him a new lease of life at the London Stadium.

Nigel Winterburn summed up Lingard’s past contribution for the Irons best, raving over his ‘sensational’ 20/21 form for the east Londoners, and there is no reason to believe he couldn’t repeat those heroics next season.

In other news: West Ham officials dispatched as GSB eye ‘superstar’ signing for Moyes! Find out more here.

Leeds United may have to pay up to £15m for Huddersfield Town star Lewis O’Brien this summer.

The Lowdown: O’Brien links

The Whites have had O’Brien on their radar for some time now and still have an interest in the central midfielder heading into Jesse Marsch’s first full season as head coach.

The 23-year-old, labelled an “exceptional” player by his manager Carlos Corberan, suffered playoff heartbreak with The Terriers last weekend but may still be plying his trade in the Premier League next season.

Leeds are thought to be one of five top-flight clubs chasing a move for the midfielder, however, recent reports that suggested a £12m release clause may be wide of the mark.

The Latest: £15m?

MOT Leeds News relayed an update regarding O’Brien from Friday’s print edition of The Huddersfield Examiner.

They cited a £15m figure when it came to the midfielder last summer and said that his stock has risen over the past 12 months, and with no mention of a release clause in the report, £15m could be the minimum Leeds may have to pay this time around.

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The Verdict: Midfielder needed

Leeds need to add to their central midfield ranks this summer after they wrap up a move for RB Salzburg right-back Rasmus Kristensen, even if Kalvin Phillips remains at the club.

New signing Brenden Aaronson is expected to be used as an inverted winger, so O’Brien could be a perfect partner for Phillips in either a 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2 system.

Marsch has limited options in the middle of the park and just one holding midfielder in Phillips, so O’Brien, who is extremely versatile after playing in seven positions last season, could be a shrewd signing, despite a fee potentially going up.

In other news: Reporter says Leeds and Orta may now hijack rivals’ move for ‘outstanding’ star. 

Leeds United have already made an enquiry for Nottingham Forest loanee James Garner, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Garner excels at Forest

Garner, who was labelled ‘superb’ by Midlands journalists earlier this year, is under contract at Manchester United until 2024, but he starred on loan at the City Ground during the 2021/22 campaign.

The 21-year-old was a regular in the Championship, playing in three different midfield roles and contributing to 14 goals, which saw his Transfermarkt valuation rocket from £3.6m to £6.3m.

Garner has been heavily praised for his set pieces under Steve Cooper and he helped Forest back into the Premier League last weekend with a play-off final triumph over Huddersfield Town at Wembley.

The Latest: Leeds enquiry for Garner

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Tuesday morning regarding Leeds’ transfer plans following a move for Brenden Aaronson.

The reliable reporter revealed that the club have their eyes on midfield targets and name-checked Garner as a possible signing, claiming that the Whites – and by association their director of football Victor Orta – made enquiries to Manchester United during the second half of the season.

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The Verdict: O’Brien a more realistic signing?

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag plans to watch Garner in action before making a call on the 21-year-old’s future.

Should Ten Hag green-light an exit for the midfielder, Leeds may well try their luck judging by Hay’s recent claim, although you’d expect that he may be more open to a permanent move to Forest following his impressive loan spell with the newly-promoted side.

Therefore, looking to sign Lewis O’Brien from Huddersfield instead could be a wiser and more realistic move, with reports at the weekend hinting that Leeds could trigger his £10m release clause.

In other news: Leeds and Orta now eyeing ‘unbelievable’ Adidas-sponsored Dutch midfielder after O’Brien

A crushing Rangers transfer claim has emerged over Ibrox gem Calvin Bassey heading into the summer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Rangers appear set to sell the central defender ahead of 2022/23 because of the timing of his impressive displays, although it remains to be seen how much the club will demand for his services.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s so difficult for them with Calvin Bassey, it seems like it’ll probably be impossible to keep him.

“He’s burst through at a moment when the transfer window is about to open, and he has played the game of his life in the last game of the season pretty much.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be deflated

After ending the 2021/22 campaign on a high by lifting the Scottish Cup, the Gers head coach will now be deflated by the prospect of losing Bassey.

The Nigeria international is a crucial player for the manager and would leave a huge hole in the squad that would be difficult to fill in the upcoming window. He has showcased both his quality and versatility throughout the campaign as he fought his way into becoming a go-to option for van Bronckhorst.

Bassey has shown that he can play at both left-back and centre-back for the Gers. He played in the heart of the defence for the Europa League final and then lined up at full-back for the Scottish Cup final later that week, which not only illustrates his versatility but also how much faith the manager has in him to do an excellent job wherever he is required.

In the Premiership, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.97 as he won 63% of his individual duels and helped the team to keep 11 clean sheets. He also caught the eye in Europe as he averaged a score of 6.90 across 14 appearances, winning 60% of his battles and making 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game.

These statistics prove that he has the quality to impress domestically and on the continental stage, which is why losing him would be a major blow.

At the age of 22, he also has the scope to keep on improving as a player. This is another reason why van Bronckhorst will be gutted by his possible exit as he will not be able to help the youngster to reach his full potential in the years to come.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Weston: Rangers can form deadly future duo in deal for highly-rated teen…

BBC journalist Tom English has insisted that Rangers will be without Connor Goldson and Allan McGregor next season as a number of big changes are expected at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Busy season

The Glasgow outfit have been extraordinarily busy this season, having made it all the way to the UEFA Europa League final, in addition to winning the Scottish Cup.

With the Gers missing out on the Scottish Premiership title to Celtic by a meagre four points, van Bronckhorst will be assessing his squad ahead of next season, weighing up any departures after the players enjoy a well-earned rest.

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The Latest: Major exodus

Writing in his BBC Sport column, English has made a number of assumptions about the Rangers squad ahead of next season.

Firstly, the journalist said he expects 40-year-old Allan McGregor will retire in the coming months.

English also claims that Connor Goldson is looking certain to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

With a number of stellar names now in the final year of their deals, it wouldn’t be unlikely to see some big players being sold ahead of next season.

As a result, it is expected that there will be numerous incomings and outgoings this summer.

The Verdict: Clubs will be interested

With such an impressive campaign showcased on the European stage, a whole host of clubs will be sniffing around the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, who all excelled in the Europa League this year.

Whilst it may be the time to offload some of the deadwood, it is imperative that Rangers hold on to their best players – especially if they are to replicate their stunning European run.

Therefore, this will be a big transfer window for the Gers, and fans may be particularly concerned over the future of Bassey after his incredible display in Seville.

In other news: Rangers: Jonny McFarlane stunned by Cinch news

Wolves have joined West Midlands and Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the race to sign former Leicester City and current Rangers left-back Calvin Bassey this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to the Daily Record, who claim that as well as Villa, Fulham and Brentford are all keen on acquiring the 22-year-old this summer.

The Nigerian has been a revelation for Rangers since making the move to Ibrox in 2020, playing 65 times for the Glaswegian outfit, including last Wednesday night’s Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt and Saturday’s Scottish Cup victory against Hearts.

Now it is believed that Wolves are amongst the frontrunners to sign the defender who may well cost around the £20m mark this summer according to Kenny Miller.

Wolves must sign Bassey

Having earned his stripes with Rangers after failing to make the breakthrough at Leicester, it appears as though Bassey is now ready to play in the Premier League.

The Nigerian never made a senior appearance for Leicester despite playing just shy of 100 games for the Foxes’ youth sides and City’s loss could be their Midlands rivals’ gain.

With Marcal confirmed to depart this summer upon the expiration of his contract, Bruno Lage will certainly be looking to add a left-back to his squad with Jonny currently his only senior option.

In the Europa League this season, Bassey has been a colossal contributor to his side’s run to the final which saw the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Braga and RB Leipzig toppled before a cruel defeat on penalties in the final.

Claimed to be “like van Dijk” as well as being “superb” by Jamie O’Hara on TalkSPORT, the left-back averaged 37.4 passes a match at an 83% accuracy whilst making 61.1 touches.

Defensively, the £6.4k-per-week earner also produced 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.6 clearances as well as winning 60% of his duels.

As for Jonny in the Premier League, the Spaniard has averaged slightly fewer touches at 60.3 as well as fewer passes with 32.6 with an 83% accuracy too.

Defensively though, Bassey has recorded the more impressive statistics with the Wolves wing-back providing 0.8 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 0.4 clearances a match.

Lage will be keen to see his side improve on this season and push for a European spot with the West Midlands outfit’s poor run at the end of the season costing them a place in Europe for next season.

Therefore, adding a player of Bassey’s quality will certainly be a must this summer.

AND in other news: Great news: Huge Wolves transfer development emerges; supporters will be ecstatic

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a bid for RB Leipzig’s versatile defender Nordi Mukiele.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Foot Mercato, via The Mirror, who claimed that the Red Devils have been tracking the 24-year-old for years and could finally lodge a bid for him in this summer’s transfer window.

The France international is out of contract next year and could duly be available for as little as £8.5m.

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The signing would prove sensible, as United are reportedly open to letting Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave in what appears to be a big clearout this summer at Old Trafford.

Given his Red Bull links, Ralf Rangnick is reported to be a fan of Mukiele, so a move for the 24-year-old is entirely possible.

Imagine him and Varane

The signing of Mukiele – who has been hailed as an “unsung hero” – would be a major coup for United; and at a price of around £8.5m, it could see the club turn a corner with their strategy in the transfer market. It could also form the potential for what could be a fearsome partnership between the 24-year-old and Raphael Varane.

Mukiele’s versatility is a handy attribute and represents an asset that United have not had since Daley Blind was at the club, with the Frenchman also able to operate as a centre-back and a right midfielder.

Mukiele has played the majority of his games as a right midfielder or wing-back for Leipzig in Domenico Tedesco’s 3-4-2-1 system this season. Although he has a decent return of one goal and three assists in 28 appearances, the 24-year-old has been spared in Leipzig’s big games as of recent, which bodes well for United as they look to swoop in for a cut-price deal.

That defensive acumen bodes well for a team manager by Erik ten Hag side. Madueke has a match average of 5.28 pressures per 90, with 6.32 of these coming in the middle third of the pitch, a positive sign of his willingness to win back possession for his team.

His averages of 2.43 interceptions and 2.73 clearances per 90 also illustrate his competency at the back and suggest that he would function well in an asymmetrical system which would see him perform as a makeshift centre-back in possession, giving the left-back licence to attack.

He has also shown his competency in attack in Leipzig’s recent game against Augsburg, in which he registered two assists.

Given such impressive performances across a variety of aspects, it’s not just because of the Red Bull connection that Rangnick would love to have Madueke at Old Trafford.

In other news: Man United now plot bid for £63m-rated “monster”, imagine him and Ten Hag