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Chelsea's big-money summer buy Moises Caicedo has been told "to learn" by Claude Makelele as £115m man continues to struggle at Stamford Bridge.

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Caicedo signed for an exorbitant fee from Brighton Yet to find his feet in midfield Makelele urged the club to stand behind Caicedo Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Ecuadorian has been under immense pressure to deliver since his British-record transfer from Brighton (£115 million ($146m) to Chelsea last summer. However, he has failed to emerge as one of the dependable figures in midfield and has instead grabbed headlines for the wrong reasons, more often than not.

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Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist had earlier labelled Caicedo the flop of the season so far and he was vindicated after the former Brighton man put in two stinkering performances against Wolves & Brentford. Although Makelele was not so harsh on him, the Chelsea legend believes that Caicedo has a thing or two to learn to be successful with the Blues.

WHAT MAKELELE SAID

Speaking to The Athletic, Makelele said: "He needs to learn. He’s an amazing player. If Chelsea don’t give him the platform with these details he will struggle and it will be difficult and he won’t play at a higher level than he was before in the Premier League (with Brighton). He needs to learn, to read — it’s very important for people to give him this message.

“It’s not about the physical quality, it’s about the smarts. Understanding about when to make an impact, when not to, learning about where your team-mates are, you have to use this position to read the game. You need to have leadership in this position. You don’t play for yourself, you play for everyone else to be OK in the team. Because the manager can’t do anything anymore, you have to guide the way to play and the way to win.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Caicedo has simply been not good enough and must improve. He is familiar with the English conditions and must prove his worth to the fans and the Chelsea board, sooner than later. It remains to be seen for how long Mauricio Pochettino continues to back him if he keeps on misfiring.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a blistering start to life under Ange Postecoglou, who managed to mastermind yet another emphatic result over the weekend with a late win against Sheffield United.

Despite it being a clash they were largely expected to dominate, the Lilywhites seemed to fall into old habits as the visitors led against the odds.

It seemed set for a classic home loss for the north London outfit who boast an unfortunate history of faltering in key moments, but their newfound energy, attitude and quality under the Australian tactician helped them turn the game on its head.

Richarlison, who had been the subject of huge media interest in the week for outlining his struggles, came from the bench to equalise and then set up the eventual winner. Dejan Kulusevski was the man to score it, sending the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into raptures.

The Swede would even rush to laud his manager, despite being hailed as the match-winner.

However, it has not been completely perfect for Postecoglou, who did suffer one or two blunders in a summer full of successes.

Who left Spurs this summer?

Although incomings were obviously of huge importance to Spurs last window, there were a number of players who were widely recognised as dead wood, having disappointed through numerous regimes now.

The injection of freshness and excitement that the new leadership has promised was evident through the acquisitions of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven among others, but whilst the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg hung around, it felt like a dark cloud remained.

This duo were understood to have little future in north London, with the latter the most surprising addition to the unwanted group given how important the 28-year-old had been since joining in 2020.

Jose Mourinho was keen to make the Denmark international one of his key additions during his first summer in charge, adding the combative midfielder to a squad lacking a strong spine.

Immediately he shone, and although the legendary Portuguese manager would eventually be dismissed, Hojbjerg remained a mainstay under Antonio Conte too.

How good has Hojbjerg been at Spurs?

The peak of the general’s powers arguably came during the 2021/22 term, with his 7.19 average rating boosted by a 90% pass accuracy and four goal contributions alongside 1.3 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 1.4 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Such form was bound to draw praise, with pundit Paul Robinson noting: “He is playing to a level that we have never seen before. He is playing his best football in a Spurs shirt. He is having an amazing season.

“He brings so much offensively and defensively. [Rodrigo] Bentancur is giving him a bit more freedom. I was at the Frankfurt game and he left the pitch to a standing ovation.”

Despite that, the interest that Manchester United held in him during the summer clearly tempted Postecoglou, who was reportedly open to the midfielder’s exit. Despite talks of a £35m move to the English giants, it never materialised, marking a failed opportunity to recoup a sizable fee for a player hugely out of favour and ill-fitting for the new philosophy.

After all, it is not like the former Bayern Munich ace has been completely free of criticism during his tenure, with 90mins Jude Summerfield lamenting one particularly "awful" performance in 2022.

How much did Tottenham pay for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

As Mourinho sought to build upon a solid first six months in north London, he was unsurprisingly keen to use his transfer war chest smartly whilst entering the unprecedented season during the pandemic.

Hojbjerg was one acquisition set to underpin their new-look midfield, as the steely metronome to dictate play, retain possession and thwart opposition attacks.

There were few better options on the market to fulfil all three of these attributes, so for just £15m, the 6 foot 2 enforcer marked a major coup.

How much was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg worth at Southampton?

What makes this deal a particularly shrewd one is just how meteoric the midfielder’s rise has been, from Brondby IF to Bayern Munich, before shining on the south coast and earning a move to the apex of the top flight.

When he was first welcomed into English football, his value sat at just €15m (£12.9m) as per Football Transfers. This would take a small dip, but as performances increased and interest grew, so too would his value.

Four successful years with the Saints even saw him named captain for a period too, as if to emphasise both his leadership as well as his technical superiority.

What is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s market value now?

However, that aforementioned figure is one that has been truly blown out of the water now, which admittedly should come as no surprise.

After all, Hojbjerg has now made 150 appearances for the Lilywhites, actually accumulating 222 in the Premier League and now ten in the Champions League.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg Premier League years

Expected value (via Football Transfers)

Percentage Change

2023

€49.1m (£42.3m)

21% decrease

2022

€62.8m (£54.1m)

10% increase

2021

€56.9m (£49m)

298% increase

2020

€14.3m (£12.3m)

24% increase

2019

€11.6m (£9.9m)

N/A

As such, the €49.1m (£42.3m) value that is currently attached to his name is one merited. At his peak though, it did reach an astronomical €63.5m (£54.7m) in early 2023. The former figure marks a 182% increase on the initial transfer fee paid to secure his services three years ago now.

Why is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg worth that much?

All of the aforementioned praise serves to explain why Hojbjerg has amassed such a huge valuation, with his work on the international stage also meriting praise.

After all, the experienced veteran has not only shone within the English top flight, having mustered an impressive 69 caps with Denmark. His former manager at that level, Age Hareide, has been effusive in his praise for the combative star in the past.

The 69-year-old claimed: “Pierre plays with a big heart and immense passion.

“I think he has also developed his personality very significantly. I am particularly pleased to see how much Pierre is concerned that we must constantly improve in all possible areas.”

With glowing recommendations wherever Hojbjerg has gone, despite his dwindling influence at Tottenham, his contribution throughout the three years spent in north London cannot be faulted. However, that does not mean that Postecoglou did not make a huge error by not pushing harder to see his sale confirmed.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a goleada sofrida em Quito por 5 a 0 – a pior da história do clube na Libertadores -, o Flamengo deu a resposta nesta quarta no Maracanã: vitória por 4 a 0 com atuação de gala dos garotos do Ninho e das estrelas do elenco. Se não devolveu placar tão elástico, o Rubro-Negro, com 12 pontos, pôde celebrar a classificação antecipada para as oitavas de final da Libertadores.

Isso porque no outro jogo do Grupo A, nesta noite na Colômbia, o Junior Barranquilla (COL) foi superado pelo Barcelona (EQU) e estacionou nos seis pontos, enquanto o time de Guayaquil conquistou os primeiros pontos. O Del Valle, com nove, recebe o Barcelona na rodada final, enquanto o Fla recebe o Junior.

RelacionadasFlamengoGabigol torce o tornozelo e deixa o jogo irritado com o gramado do MaracanãFlamengo30/09/2020

FLAMENGO SEGURO NA DEFESA; LETAL NO ATAQUE

A opção de Jordi Guerrero, auxiliar que substituiu Dome Torrent pelo segundo jogo consecutivo, foi por manter a base do time que empatou com o Palmeiras no domingo. Assim, seis dos sete jogadores recuperados da Covid-19 no banco. A exceção foi Matheuzinho, formando p setor defensivo ao lado de mais quatro garotos do Ninho: o goleiro Hugo, os zagueiros Noga e Natan e o lateral Ramon.

A apresentação foi segura: firmeza no combate e tranquilidade na saída de bola. Debaixo das traves, Neneca fez, ao menos, três ótimas intervenções e garantiu o placar zerado por parte do Del Valle. Méritos que devem ser divididos com toda equipe. Diferentemente do que aconteceu em Quito, o Flamengo ajustou a marcação. Ao não pressionar a saída rival desde o goleiro, o time de Guerrero protegeu melhor o meio de campo e a entrada da área.

A estratégia também se mostrou efetiva na parte ofensiva. Quando o Del Valle adiantou os zagueiros, o Flamengo forçou os passes longos, aproveitando os velozes atletas, para agredir a área de Jorge Pinos. Matheuzinho foi acionado por Pedro, arrancou pela direita e cruzou na medida para Lincoln – que tinha criado outros lances de perigo na partida – abrir o placar no Maracanã: 1 a 0.

Seis minutos depois, aos 30, foi a vez de Thiago Maia encontrar ótimo passe para Gabriel Barbosa. Partindo de antes do meio de campo, o camisa 9 deixou para trás da zaga e, já cara a cara com o goleiro, só rolou para Pedro: 2 a 0. A única má notícia para o Flamengo veio ainda antes do intervalo, com Gabigol deixando o gramado irritado após torcer o tornozelo direito em lance isolado.

BRUNO HENRIQUE CARIMBA CLASSIFICAÇÃO ÀS OITAVAS!

Ao sair, Gabigol deu lugar a Bruno Henrique. Qualidade mantida e coube ao Rei da América garantir a goleada do Rubro-Negro, dando o troco no Del Valle. Aos cinco minutos, a jogada foi de Ramon pela esquerda, Arrascaeta finalizou e, no rebote de Pinos, o camisa 27 (que não marcava desde julho) só conferiu: 3 a 0.

Aos poucos, o time do Flamengo diminuiu o ritmo – muito pelo desgaste da sequência de jogos e viagens em setembro. O volume do Del Valle cresceu, porém os equatorianos voltaram a esbarrar nas intervenções de Hugo Souza.

Aos 26, no momento mais difícil para a jovem defesa do Flamengo, apareceram os “vovôs” Arrascaeta e Bruno Henrique – mais uma vez. Uma linda assistência uruguaia para o atacante, que transformou a vitória em goleada: 4 a 0. Até cabia mais: o Flamengo não conseguiu chegar ao quinto, mas garantiu a vaga.

FLAMENGO 4X0 INDEPENDIENTE DEL VALLE
FICHA TÉCNICA

Estádio: Maracanã, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Data: 30 de setembro de 2020, às 21h30
​Árbitro: Fernando Rapallini (ARG)
Assistentes: Juan Belatti (ARG) e Pablo Gonzalez (ARG)

Gols: Lincoln (24’/1ºT), Pedro (30’/1ºT), Bruno Henrique (5’/2ºT e 26’/2ºT)

Cartões amarelos: Gabriel Noga (FLA); Alvarado,Gabriel Torres e Guerrero (IDV)
Cartão vermelho: Não houve.

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Jordi Guerrero)

Hugo; Matheuzinho (Isla, 25’/2ºT), Gabriel Noga, Natan e Ramon; Thiago Maia (Diego, 31’/2°T), Gerson e De Arrascaeta; Gabriel Barbosa (Bruno Henrique, 45’/1ºT), Lincoln (Guilherme Bala, 25’/2ºT) e Pedro (Michael, 31’/2ºT).

INDEPENDIENTE DEL VALLE (Técnico: Miguel Àngel Ramírez)

Jorge Pinos; Landazuri, Schunke, Segovia e Angelo Preciado; Pellerano (Montaño, 13’/2ºT), Moisés Caicedo e Lorenzo Faravelli; Fernando Guerrero (Alvarado, 39’/2ºT), Cristhian Ortiz (Jhon Sánchez, 18’/2ºT) e Gabriel Torres (Chávez, 37’/2ºT).

With Che Adams seemingly on the verge of leaving Southampton, the St Mary's outfit needs to promptly pinpoint a worthy replacement.

The Scottish international has netted in the first three games of the season but looks to destined to make a quick return straight to Premier League, with a £15m move to Everton all but confirmed.

However, there is no need for Saints fans to panic if they secure the signing of one of Aston Villa’s brightest prospects…

What’s the latest Southampton transfer news?

According to reports, the south coast side are interested in Cameron Archer, but face stiff competition from second-flight rivals Leeds United.

It is understood that Villa will demand a fee in the region of £20m to sanction the 21-year-old’s exit.

Would Cameron Archer be a good signing for Southampton?

Despite netting 17 goals in 36 appearances for the Villa U21 side, the striker has failed to forge a notable breakthrough into the first team.

As a result, Archer has enjoyed two separate Championship loans, where he has flourished into a useful and productive frontman. The first of these came in January 2022 with Preston North End, where the Englishman registered eight goal contributions in 18 starts.

During this time, manager Ryan Lowe applauded his glimmering potential and said:

“Cameron has got an abundance of talent. His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too.”

Archer followed up this impressive initiation into the Championship, with an even more fruitful stint at Middlesbrough. In 23 matches, he recorded 17 goal involvements.

After beating Sheffield United in February 2023, head coach Michael Carrick showered the 5 foot 11 phenom in praise and said:

"Credit to him, he’s a terrific lad who’s settled really quickly and loves it here. He’s a big part of the group and I thought his performance in terms of his movement and finishing was excellent.

"He’s smart and he’s clever. His link-up play and all-round game, for being a little bit smaller, he uses his body really well.”

Nevertheless, this consistency has failed to make a lasting impression on the Villa hierarchy or management, as he’s only mustered two starts in all competitions for the club since making his senior debut in 2019.

This could open the door to Southampton, who would hugely benefit from Archer’s influence. Over the past 365 days, outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers, the attacker ranks in the best 11% for non-penalty goals per 90, assists per 90, progressive carries per 90, and successful take-ons per 90.

Coupled with his prolific goal-scoring, Archer is also an unselfish, agile, and technically gifted asset, and could make Southampton fans quickly forget about Adams’ impending departure.

Similarly to Archer, Adams has quickly proven he is a phenomenally efficient force in Championship football.

Renowned pundit and commentator Ally McCoist has hailed the former Birmingham City livewire’s play style, describing him as a “clever player”, who possesses a “bit of pace” and “can finish.”

These are traits that Archer also embodies, and having featured for just five minutes in Villa’s opening two games of the season, Saint Marys could be the perfect destination for all parties.

Kylian Mbappe, the prodigious French football sensation, embarked on his remarkable journey to stardom at a remarkably young age.

Born in Bondy, France, on December 20, 1998, he quickly captured the attention of football enthusiasts with his exceptional talents.

Mbappe's rise to prominence began with AS Monaco's youth academy, where his lightening speed, technical prowess and innate footballing intelligence caught the eye of scouts. In December 2015, he became the youngest first-team player for Monaco, making his debut at just 16-years-old. His breakthrough season came in 2016-2017, during which he spearheaded Monaco's charge to the Ligue 1 title and reached the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.

His rapid acceleration and clinical finishing led to his inclusion in the French national team, and he played an instrumental role in France's 2018 World Cup triumph, becoming only the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final.

Mbappe's early career statistics and records are nothing short of impressive. He set a slew of records, becoming the youngest player to score for Monaco and the youngest French player to score in the Champions League. His prolific goal-scoring ability, coupled with his versatility to play across the frontline, made him a sought-after asset.

With a slew of accolades, including multiple Ligue 1 titles, domestic cups and individual awards, Mbappe's early career accomplishments have solidified his status as one of football's most promising talents.

Kylian Mbappe at Monaco

Kylian Mbappe's formative years in football were marked by his exceptional stint at AS Monaco. Arriving at the club's youth academy, he swiftly showcased a footballing maturity beyond his years and rapidly climbed through the ranks to the first-team.

Making his professional debut in December 2015 at the tender age of 16, Mbappé's breakthrough season came during 2016-2017. He became a linchpin in Monaco's dynamic attacking unit, contributing significantly to their Ligue 1 triumph in the same season. His partnership with Radamel Falcao and his ability to combine electrifying speed with clinical finishing earned him rave reviews across the continent.

But the 2016-2017 campaign saw Mbappe not only guide Monaco to the domestic league title but also propel them to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Statistically, Mbappe's time at Monaco showcased his incredible promise. He amassed 26 goals across all competitions in the 2016-2017 season, demonstrating his potency in front of goal. His lethal combination of pace and precision led to him being recognized as one of Europe's most exciting young talents.

Mbappe's records and milestones during his Monaco days are truly extraordinary. He became the youngest player to score for the club, and his performances earned him the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award. Additionally, he became the youngest French player to score in the Champions League, marking his growing influence on the international stage.

His success with Monaco culminated in a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, where he continued to flourish and solidify his status as a global footballing superstar.

Mbappe's time at Monaco remains a pivotal chapter in his career, showcasing the early signs of his unbelievable talent and foreshadowing the meteoric rise that was to come.

Mbappe's Honours at Monaco

Ligue 1 (1)

2016/2017

Kylian Mbappe at PSG

Joining the club in 2017, initially on loan before making it permanent a year later, he quickly cemented his status as one of the world's most prodigious talents, propelling PSG to both domestic and international success.

Mbappe's €180m arrival at PSG was a record-breaking transfer, underscoring the immense potential the club saw in him. He was part of a formidable attacking trio alongside Neymar and Edinson Cavani, forming a trio that came to be known as "MCN."

During his time at PSG, Mbappe's statistics and records have been nothing short of extraordinary. He has consistently registered impressive goal-scoring figures in Ligue 1, contributing significantly to the club's multiple domestic title wins. His searing pace, technical flair and ability to score from various positions on the field made him a nightmare for defenders.

Mbappe's records include becoming the youngest player in PSG's history to score a hat-trick in Ligue 1 and being the youngest player to reach 50 league goals for the club. His exploits also extended to the Champions League, where he showcased his prowess on the grandest stage. He became the youngest player to score 25 goals in the Champions League, surpassing the previous record set by none other than Lionel Messi.

Milestones have abounded throughout Mbappe's PSG career. He has secured numerous individual accolades, including multiple Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards, further cementing his position as one of the league's dominant forces. His role in PSG's 2019-2020 run to the Champions League final also highlighted his capability to perform at the highest echelons of the sport.

Mbappe's tenure at PSG has not only been marked by his on-field exploits but also by his growing stature as a global football icon. He is renowned for his philanthropic endeavours and his charismatic personality off the pitch.

To date, the France international's PSG record stands at 212 goals in 260 first-team appearances, but over the last 12 months there has been a level of controversy surrounding his future in France.

In June 2023, Mbappe announced his intentions not to renew his contract in the French capital, which runs until June 2024. It was widely reported that he was eyeing up a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2023. Mbappe refuted those claims, saying publically that he was happy at PSG in response, but the club's president Nasser Al-Khelaifi's stance was that he would not play for PSG again if he refused to sign a new deal.

The stand-off led to Mbappe being excluded from PSG's pre-season tour to Japan, but it was announced in August 2023 that he would be reintegrated back into Luis Enrique's first team plans following productive discussions being the player and the French giants.

Mbappe's Honours at PSG

Ligue 1 (5)

2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

Coupe de France (3)

2017/2018, 2019/2020, 2020/2021

Coupe de Ligue (2)

2017/2018, 2019/2020

Trophee des Champions (2)

2019, 2020

Kylian Mbappe with France

Kylian Mbappe's international career with the French national team has mirrored his remarkable success at the club level. Bursting onto the scene as a prodigious talent, he quickly became a vital component of the national setup.

His journey with Les Bleus reached a pinnacle during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Playing a pivotal role, he showcased his electrifying pace, exceptional dribbling and clinical finishing. Mbappe's standout performance in the tournament earned him the prestigious FIFA World Cup Young Player Award. His crowning moment came in the final when he scored to become only the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup final, after the legendary Pelé.

His statistics and records for France are equally impressive. He has consistently been one of the team's top goalscorers, contributing vital goals in crucial matches. Mbappe's versatility and ability to thrive in different attacking roles have made him an indispensable asset for the national team.

In March 2023, France manager Didier Deschamps named Mbappe the new captain of France following the international retirement of long-standing captain Hugo Lloris.

To-date, Mbappe's record for France stands at 70 caps and 40 goals, with his most recent goal coming in a 1-0 victory over Greece in a UEFA European Championships qualifier, in June 2023.

Mbappe's Honours with France

FIFA World Cup (1)

2018

UEFA Nations League

2020/2021

Kylian Mbappe's Personal Accolades & Records

Kylian Mbappe's burgeoning career has been punctuated by an array of personal records and prestigious awards.

His rapid ascent began with AS Monaco, where he became the youngest player to debut for the club in December 2015. Then, his breakthrough season in 2016-2017 yielded the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award and his position as the youngest French player to score in the Champions League.

However, it was on the global stage that Mbappe truly made history. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he became the second teenager ever to score in a World Cup final, helping France secure their second world title. His electrifying performances earned him the FIFA World Cup Young Player Award.

At PSG, Mbappe has maintained his record-breaking momentum. He became the youngest player to reach 50 Ligue 1 goals for the club and the youngest to score a hat-trick in the league.

Accolades such as multiple Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards and his remarkable feats in domestic and international competitions underscore Mbappe's status as a generational talent and an individual who continues to rewrite the record books while amassing a trove of footballing honours.

It surely is only a matter of time before he collects his first Ballon d'Or.

Mbappe's Personal Honours

Ligue 1 Player of the Year (4)

2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year (3)

2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019

Ligue 1 Team of the Year (6)

2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (4)

2016/2017, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022

FIFA FIFPRO World XI (3)

2018, 2019, 2022

Golden Boy (1)

2017

FIFA World Cup Golden Boot (1)

2022

FIFA World Cup Silver Ball (1)

2022

FIFA World Cup Young Player Award (1)

2018

Kopa Trophy (1)

2018

French Player of the Year (3)

2018, 2019, 2022

UEFA Team of the Year (1)

2018

Ligue 1 Top Scorer (5)

2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

Ligue 1 Top Assist Provider (1)

2021/2022

UEFA Nations League Finals Golden Boot (1)

2021

Manchester United are set to 'accelerate' their efforts to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer due to rival interest from Paris Saint-Germain, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Is Rasmus Hojlund joining Manchester United?

According to transfer expert Romano in his column for The Guardian, Manchester United have submitted a verbal offer worth €60 million (£51.4 million) to try and entice Hojlund to Old Trafford this window.

The report states that Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on Hojlund; however, they are yet to agree personal terms with the 20-year-old. Atalanta want to hold out for a fee in the region of £70 million to recognise his potential despite his lack of elite-level experience as a young star.

Last term, Hojlund registered 17 goals and six assists from 42 appearances in all competitions combined across his spells at Sturm Graz and Atalanta, as per Transfermarkt.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain have also submitted a bid for Hojlund, though would be willing to walk away from negotiations if they are rebuffed in their attempts to land Hojlund, stating on Twitter X and also crediting journalist Loic Tanzi: "PSG make offer to Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund. Bid for 20yo worth €50m. PSG think Atalanta valuation unrealistic + ready to walk away if bid not accepted. Positive talks on personal terms. Man Utd pursuit ongoing @TheAthleticFC after @Tanziloic."

In a separate Guardian article, it is believed that Manchester United may also cool their interest in Hojlund if Atalanta insist on demanding a fee of more that £60 million for Denmark international Hojlund.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano has laid out some further information involving Hojlund and indicated that Manchester United could be set to 'accelerate' their advances to land Hojlund due to rival competition for his signature.

Romano stated: "Manchester United want to accelerate this week, because they know that Paris Saint-Germain are speaking to the players' camp and so it's kind of a dangerous situation when a club like PSG is also around for the same player.

"But yes, the expectation is for this week to be important. Let's see if they will be able to reach the agreement, but in any case, it's going to be an important week to accelerate or see what happens on the striker situation."

Who else is on Erik Ten Hag's radar at Manchester United and who could leave?

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via The Daily Mail, Manchester United are closing in on a £22 million swoop for Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as Erik Ten Hag aims to strengthen his midfield arsenal.

Player sales will also be important for the Red Devils to raise money to invest in the market. West Ham United are believed to have held early discussions with Manchester United over deals for Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, according to Sky Sports.

Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur has flown into the United Kingdom to try and trash out a deal to take Brazilian midfielder Fred off the hands of Manchester United, according to The Evening Standard.

Nottingham Forest are closing in on an initial loan deal with an option to buy that would see Dean Henderson return to the City Ground, as per Sky Sports Transfer Centre.

Fulham have now agreed personal terms with Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has given them the green light to complete a move this summer, according to a report from The Evening Standard.

Is Callum Hudson-Odoi leaving Chelsea?

There are a number of clubs vying for Hudson-Odoi's signature this summer, with the winger deemed likely to leave the Blues, including AC Milan and Nottingham Forest, who have both registered their interest.

Forest were initially confident about being able to complete a deal for the Chelsea ace, but they have now dropped out of the race for his signature, due to concerns over the asking price.

That is according to a report from The Evening Standard, which also credits Crystal Palace with an interest in the 22-year-old, however the Eagles have also been priced out of the race.

The three-time England international's huge wages have been causing complications in talks with several of the interested parties.

Chelsea have also been trying to drive up the price for the £120k-per-week earner, having invited Lazio into the race to provide competition, and the Italian side are currently weighing up a loan deal, which would include an obligation to buy.

Despite having their opening bid for the Cobham academy graduate rejected last week, Fulham still retain an interest, and they have now made some progress on the player's side of things, having reached an agreement on personal terms.

The Englishman has given the green light for the Cottagers to complete a move this summer, as he is keen to leave Chelsea as soon as possible, having been stuck training with the Under-21s for the past three weeks.

The last barrier for Marco Silva's side to overcome is the transfer fee, and they appear to be at the most advanced stage of the interested parties.

How good is Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Despite being lauded as "amazingly talented" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the starlet has never been able to establish himself as a key player for Chelsea, being sent out on loan to Bayer Leverkusen during the 2022-23 campaign.

In truth, the London-born forward also struggled in the Bundesliga, recording just one goal in 21 appearances in all competitions, however he still has time on his side, and he could be able to fulfill his lofty potential if he picks his next move wisely.

A switch to Fulham, where he would be likely to receive more game time, could be ideal for the want-away Chelsea winger, who former teammate Olivier Giroud believes can go on to become a "top player".

Cesc Fabregas has also been full of praise for the youngster in the past, saying: "He is a boy who is full of confidence. I remember his first training session and his finishing was superb. I thought "I have never seen this kid before but actually he has something about him." It was very early but you could see that he had a lot of potential."

Fulham should not be held to ransom by Chelsea, as his performances over the past couple of seasons do not justify a huge outlay, but Hudson-Odoi could be a quality addition to Silva's squad.

Michael Beale has already made six summer signings for Glasgow Rangers during the transfer window and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down as the Ibrox side have been linked with a move for Burnley defender Bobby Thomas.

Could Rangers sign Bobby Thomas?

Writing via his Patreon account, The Sun journalist Alan Nixon claimed the Gers are in the hunt for the centre-back alongside Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City as they look to add some depth to their defensive options.

Nixon doesn’t state whether any potential move will be on a permanent basis or if the Light Blues are looking at securing a loan deal, yet it appears they face some competition with regard to a move.

Among his six signings so far, Beale has added just one defender, Dujon Sterling and with the rigours of another Champions League campaign alongside a hectic domestic schedule, luring another one or two defenders to the club would be a wise idea.

Who is Bobby Thomas?

The 22-year-old centre-back plays for Burnley, but he has only made one first team appearance for the side, spending the embryonic stages of his career on loan in League One and League Two during spells with Barrow, Barnsley and Bristol Rovers.

Thomas has played just 73 senior matches over the previous three seasons, yet Beale could perhaps see the player as a long term heir for Connor Goldson, who much to the dismay of the Ibrox faithful, won't be around forever to marshal the defence.

The 30-year-old has been a rock at the heart of the defence since arriving in the summer of 2018, going on to make 261 appearances and with his contract not expiring until 2026, Beale will be hoping he can stay at the top of his game over the next three years.

Thomas is a far cry away from the standard Goldson has set across his five years in Glasgow, yet that isn’t to say he won't improve vastly should be make the move North of the border, learning under the former Brighton and Hove Albion defender in the process.

The 6 foot 1 gem could offer Beale something different from the back as across 51 games during his spell in the English third tier, he registered ten goal contributions – seven goals and three assists – with only defender James Tavernier scoring more last term, suggesting he could be a useful option to have in the squad.

Journalist Sam Frost claimed Thomas “has the makings of a good defender” back in January following his exit from Bristol Rovers and across his spell in League One last term, he averaged 1.3 tackles per game, which was just fewer than Goldson’s 1.5 tackles per game and the youngster also displayed his strength in the air by winning four aerials duels per game, which was more than the 2.6 won by Goldson during last season, indicating that he could be an ideal heir for the Rangers stalwart.

Thomas may not be an automatic first choice for the Ibrox side if he moved to Scotland, yet there is plenty of talent there, and he could develop into a solid centre-back over the coming years.

Chelsea are set to “discuss internally” the possibility of a deal to sign Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Gabri Veiga leaving Celta Vigo?

The Spaniard has become a regular feature of Rafael Benitez’s new side since graduating from their academy last summer as he clocked up 55 senior appearances during his debut season. Having impressed on the big stage, his performances have alerted Mauricio Pochettino in the Premier League.

The La Liga starlet emerged as his side’s second best-performing offensive player and the third overall with a WhoScored match rating of 6.82 last term, and despite his contract still having another three years to run, it does have a €40m (£34m) release clause included.

Earlier in June, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed that the 21-year-old is “ready for the next step” and “will leave” his boyhood club this window, where he name-checked the Blues as one of several suitors to have held initial “talks”, and the board must have liked what they discovered as they are now weighing up an official approach.

Are Chelsea signing Veiga?

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Chelsea have indeed been in discussions for Veiga and are set to hold in-house conversations as to whether they want to make a move for him. He wrote:

“Liverpool are informed on Gabri Veiga but they have submitted NO bid — and it’s not something imminent, again. Veiga remains in Chelsea list, they had direct contacts and will discuss internally [and] think about it.”

Should Todd Boehly go for Veiga?

Chelsea are reportedly set to submit a second bid for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, and whilst he’s naturally a defensive midfielder, he's also played in central midfield several times. With Veiga being available for just £34m, the Blues could totally transform their central ranks for years to come with a double swoop this summer.

The Spain U21s international is stronger in the offensive aspect of his game having registered 15 goal contributions (11 goals and four assists) in 36 La Liga outings last season which saw him hailed “dangerous” by journalist Zach Lowy, and he’s even a threat when the ball doesn’t hit the back of the net.

Veiga ranked in the 98th percentile for number of shots by midfielders, 62 to be precise, which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef.

With his versatility to operate in five different roles across the pitch, he would be a hugely exciting recruit for Todd Boehly and Pochettino.

Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to an agreement for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and are working on the “last steps”, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Who could join Spurs this summer?

The Spaniard is one of a number of players being targeted by Spurs as new manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to strengthen his ranks and sign a replacement for Hugo Lloris.

Having served as Spurs number one for the last decade, the Frenchman could bid a farewell to supporters this summer, with Lloris candidly admitting as much to Nice-Matin recently.

“We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me. It’s the end of an era,” said Lloris.

“I have desires for other things, I will ask myself quietly to study what will be possible. But I don’t forget that I still have a year of contract with Tottenham and that in football it is always difficult to predict what will happen.”

As the 36-year-old confirms he is looking for new opportunities, and could well make a move to the Middle East, it is imperative for Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy to sign a capable replacement.

There have been a fair few names mentioned by the press in this regard, with AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Croatia number one Dominik Livakovic all linked in recent weeks.

Raya, who is believed to a top target for Spurs, has perhaps been the most regularly mentioned – with reports even suggesting that personal terms are already agreed.

Galetti shared news recently that an agreement between Brentford and Tottenham is close, but the Italian journalist has just dropped another update on the situation.

Taking to Twitter, he claims Spurs are edging nearer and nearer to a deal, with the “last steps” being taken – though there is still work to be done.

What’s been said about David Raya?

As well as drawing admiration from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who claimed he could wear the number 10 shirt, Raya has also been praised by esteemed members of the press.

The Athletic’s Jay Harris, for instance, even claimed he is “one of the best” in Premier League football.

“David Raya has shown he is one of the best goalkeepers in the PL,” said Harris.

“He might have a year left on his deal, but I can’t see Brentford accepting anything less than a club-record sale.”

Standing out as one of Thomas Frank’s best-performers last season, signing him for around £21m plus add-ons would be quite the bargain, even with just over 12 months left on his current deal.